'Walkie Talkies' is a clever title for the upcycling project, which involves creating fully functional phones using recycled handsets and vintage shoes. With this in mind, Walkie Talkies take on a whole new meaning. Commissioned by communication company O2 for its O2 Recycle campaign that exchanges money for used handsets, the playful project highlights exactly what can be done with them if they don't end up in the local landfill.
Created in collaboration with designer Sean Miles, the Walkie Talkies project involves four designs: a Christian Louboutin heel, classic men’s brogue, Nike Air trainer and a Hunter Wellington boot. Embedded with old Nokia and LG handsets, people can hold conversations through the Walkie Talkies' shoe soles.
The Walkie Talkies project is the first of many projects to be released for the O2 Recycle Collection.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Upcycling Technology
- Explore the opportunities of recycling used technology into new and innovative products like upcycled cellphone shoes.
- Functional Fashion
- The concept of embedding technology in fashion items offers potential for creating wearable and functional fashion pieces.
- Green Product Design
- The trend of creating sustainable and environmentally friendly products like upcycled cellphone shoes showcases the potential of green product design.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion and Apparel
- The fashion industry should explore incorporating technology like upcycled cellphones into their designs for a unique selling point.
- Electronics
- The electronics industry could benefit by partnering with fashion brands and designers across to explore innovative ways to recycle used handsets and other electronic devices into new products.
- Sustainability
- Industries with an emphasis on sustainability have the opportunity to explore new ways of creating products showcasing their commitment to sustainability such as upcycled cellphone shoes.
