Having been inexplicably mesmerized by the company’s Medusa logomark since I was young, Versace’s unique brand aesthetic has always been one of my favorite examples of meaningful, iconic design practices.
At once my most recent and unusual work, my designs for Versace allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and into the strange world of designer fashion. What started as an exercise in product design ended with the successful submission of unsolicited designs to the world’s greatest icon of elegance and excess.
The decision to create a set of iPhone accessories arose from my dissatisfaction in Versace’s present offering — a silicone case that obscures the craftsmanship of the phone and features an oversized 3D Medusa motif that is wider than the phone itself.
Bold and loud? Sure. But I knew the Versace treatment could be better than this.
I immediately knew my design would have to feature leather rather than silicone. Sure, it’s more expensive, but we’re talking about an accessory from a company that charges $2,000 for a bathrobe made for a company that charges $1,000 for a phone.
I also wanted the product to compliment the overall design of the iPhone, rather than cover it up. I was striving for a look that was decidedly Versace while still showcasing the iPhone’s craftsmanship.
ORO NERO
BLUSH GOLD ON
BLACK ALLIGATOR LEATHER
NERO ASSOLUTO
OBSIDIAN ON
PATENT ALLIGATOR LEATHER
ARGENTO BIANCO
SILVER ON
WHITE ALLIGATOR LEATHER
The iCon name is meant to further honor Versace’s connection to Ancient Greece (icon being derived from the Greek word for image, eikōn), with the lower case ‘i’ contributing the requisite Apple flair.
Featuring a swatch of alligator leather and a metal Medusa emblem that is color-matched with the current iPhone palette, the iCon Skin mixes the extravagance of Versace harmoniously with Apple’s meticulous craftsmanship.
© TRAVIS SPENCER DESIGNS, 2021
