Did you know that chimpanzees have been found to stick grass in their own ears as a sort of fashion trend? It was most recently documented in a zoo in Zambia this July, reported by the BBC as the latest “fad” amongst monkeys.
Humans are not so different. It’s in our nature to accessorise. As a species, we have been wearing accessories since the Palaeolithic era, though back then they tended to be made of bones, shells, and stones — things you could acquire for free.
Cut to 2025, where we’re obsessing over a £220 sock that holds our mobile phone. After being programmed to carry around a tiny square that contains all the information in the entire world, we as a species have decided we also need a sling for it to look pretty in.
Apple
This is the case with the Issey Miyake iPhone Pocket, a collaboration between the Japanese fashion brand and technology giant Apple, set for release tomorrow (November 14), just in time for Christmas.
The pocket is said to be inspired by the concept of “a piece of cloth” (if this can be a concept). It has a singular 3D-knitted construction, designed to fit any iPhone, as well as other pocketable items (keys, wallet, bunch of grass, etc).
Issey Miyake’s iPhone Pocket comes in two lengths, with one resembling a sort of sock bag (£139.95) and the other forming a crossbody sling (£219.95). There are also eight colour options available: lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon, and black.
Apple
“The design of iPhone Pocket speaks to the bond between iPhone and its user, while keeping in mind that an Apple product is designed to be universal in aesthetic and versatile in use,” said Yoshiyuki Miyamae, design director of MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO. “iPhone Pocket explores the concept of ‘the joy of wearing iPhone in your own way.’ The simplicity of its design echoes what we practice at ISSEY MIYAKE — the idea of leaving things less defined to allow for possibilities and personal interpretation.”
Molly Anderson, Apple’s vice president of Industrial Design, adds: “Apple and ISSEY MIYAKE share a design approach that celebrates craftsmanship, simplicity, and delight.
“This clever extra pocket exemplifies those ideas and is a natural accompaniment to our products. The colour palette of iPhone Pocket was intentionally designed to mix and match with all our iPhone models and colours — allowing users to create their own personalised combination. Its recognizable silhouette offers a beautiful new way to carry your iPhone, AirPods, and favourite everyday items.”
The Issey Miyake iPhone Pocket will be available in select stores, including London’s Regent Street, and online from November 14.
Three other cult iPhone accessories to buy now:
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Rhode
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Bottega Veneta
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PopSocket
