Actually, in recent months we've dug up a fair few fancy Dan fashion phones from leading fashion designers like Luis Vuitton and Chanel. Even Pierre Cardin got a look-in with a branded tablet PC. So an Armani phone was surely only a matter of time, even though this particular Armani phone is not content to simply clone existing Armani designs already out there in the wild, opting instead for a fairly original retro-styled design.

Some quick details; first off, it's Shenzhen street price is 800 RMB or less than 120 USD so don't be expecting any gold trim. It has a 2.8" (240 × 320) screen from which you can manipulate the MediaTek OS. It plays mp3s, videos of 3GP and MP4 format, includes dual SIM card support, bluetooth with additional storage added through T-Flash memory. It's GSM ready with a 2 megapixel camera and it weighs a reasonably hefty 125 grams.

The clam shell design is minimalistic, with the hinged cover only covering a discrete number pad., leaving the screen exposed. This might sound a bit crappy, but I beg to differ, arguing that the look and feel of it is an honest attempt at retro styling that just about comes off. Even the choice of colors, champagne and black are well chosen to this end, although the fake diamonds are probably a bridge too far into corn country for my liking.

A more original touch is the accelerometer which appears to be installed on the back of the device. Perhaps it's thumb activated, or maybe it's just there for show. It has me scratching mt head, so maybe that's its only purpose. I also like the buttons on the front of the cover, so you can answer calls etc without having to access the pad beneath.

Western Opportunity Analysis:

A branded fashion phone like this is tailor made for the China market. Cosmo sales in China are huge. Classic western brands are still symbols of affluence. Even though many of the markets are now being patrolled by local law enforcement, trying to nip clone phones in the bud, this Armani phone should survive that cull, seeing as it's not an actually copy of an existing design. Would it fly in the West? Alas, only if customs were asleep at the wheel.

Here are some more legitimate Armani phone products for you to peruse.