Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Pouches go mobile

Colourful pouches for cell phones lend a touch of glamour to the utility device, says HARJEET KAUR ALLAGH

PHOTO: RAJU. V

TREND-SETTING DEVICES Cell phone pouches are the in thing now

There were times when only the affluent sections represented gizmo freaks. But the `mobile' lifestyle is within the reach of the common man today.

Mobile phones are carried all the time and since the instrument is small and easily breakable, it needs to be encased. In the past, cases made of plastic, neoprene, silicone and crystal flooded the market.

But the fashion conscious were anything but impressed by their mere banal and functional nature. Over a period of time, the displeasure paved way for creation of designer cell phone pouches resulting in a plethora of designs and materials filling the market.

They are everywhere and available in varieties, from an ordinary one made with cloth, available at flea markets for Rs. 10 or Rs. 20, to the swarowski encrusted, heavily embroidered ones adorning stores and sold for astronomical prices.

For a macho image

The GenX has redefined a mobile phone and its utilities. For the younger lot, mere owning a mobile phone is not enough. The model and its features are more important. The bikers and fast moving guys prefer leather pouches, for they can be clipped on to their belts. Sunil Rajak, a young administrative officer says: "My mobile phone is my prized possession and I like to keep it safe in a Harley Davidson leather pouch. It lends a macho image while I am whizzing past on my bike!"

Peer pressure works overtime and youngsters don't mind going any length to discover something exclusive. "Mobiles look trendy while they are being used. But the steel and leather pouch does the talking even when they are not in use," says Mahesh, a management student.

Men don't have a wide choice in selection of the pouches but the fairer sex has a mind-boggling range to choose from.

A mesmerising array of pouches awaits them including the beaded, crocheted, zardozi-embroidered, stone-encrusted and the sequined ones. Dasmita, a young collegian says: "I am very particular about my accessories. So, my cell phone pouch must match with my outfit and I have them in every possible colour to suit every occasion." Sapna, a socialite endorses her views: "It is chic to co-ordinate the dress with other accessories like jewellery, purse, shoes, belts and now cell pouches."

Utility factor

Varalakshmi, a housewife, is bowled over by the utility factor. " I can wear it round my neck when I go for a morning walk or hook it to my sari while I am working."

When elders find ways to add a touch of glamour to the otherwise plain device, why should children be far behind? "I just love my mobile and its cover has my favourite super hero Superman on it," chirps young Sanjay. Little Poojita twitters: "I love Barbie and I pestered my mom to buy me a Barbie pouch for my cell."

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail