LG x Prada

Many of us recall the announcement of Apple’s very first iPhone in 2007. It was a stunning new piece of technology that gave people a glimmer of optimism before the economy promptly collapsed.

But because Apple often eclipses its rivals, you might not be aware that LG and Prada announced a touchscreen phone even earlier than Apple did. That’s right: The iPhone wasn’t the first capacitive touchscreen phone on the market.

Though the LG Prada was announced only a month before the iPhone, the brands had been openly discussing their design process since 2006, when the phone was presented at Germany’s prestigious iF Design Awards — and won. Naturally, leaders at LG accused Apple of stealing their design.

The LG Prada was quickly superseded by the iPhone, despite it being a potential copycat. Regardless, the phone is still impressive. Its sleek black touchscreen was novel for its time, just like Prada’s black nylon accessories. 

In contrast to Apple’s iPhone, which had a bright, colorful touchscreen, the LG x Prada phone embraced a dark, minimalist style that was meant to mirror the luxurious experience of shopping at Prada. 

Cultivating this elegant aesthetic was strategic for LG, a South Korean technology company that was once considered “low-quality.” Partnering with luxury brands like Prada allowed them to flip their brand on its head — LG is now known for their smart technology that is used across the globe.

This collaboration was also a good move for Prada. Like other designer brands, Prada was desperate to get in on the luxury cell phone scene. At the time, cell phones were becoming a symbol of status and style, an accessory to match your luxury bag that essentially surpassed it in importance.

The LG Prada is an excellent example of the creativity that results from collaboration. This partnership provided a glimpse into the future. Nowadays, almost every cell phone is entirely touchscreen, including the iPhone. Plus, luxury fashion brands are embracing technology more than ever before. Given the expansion of wearable tech in both the physical and digital worlds, this trend isn’t going away any time soon.