The Vans iPhone case is one of a kind. The iconic shoe company recently put out a promotional design inspired by the unique waffle-like pattern on the soles of its classic shoes. In fact, if one were to look just at this pattern, they could be forgiven for thinking it was actually a shoe.
The side of the casing even mirrors that which is found on Vans shoes. The clean white trim encases the phone, contrasting surprisingly well with the brown, waffle-like pattern on the broad sides to produce a retro 70s aesthetic that yet maintains modern sensibilities -- it is an iPhone case, after all.
Originally, the case was to be simply a one-off promotional design. Then a few bloggers got wind of it and lobbied the skater clothing and accessories giant to make more.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Waffle-like Phone Cases
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating phone cases with unique and branded designs, inspired by popular shoe patterns, to cater to the fashion-forward tech consumers.
Where This Applies
- Fashion Accessories
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with fashion brands to create stylish and unique phone cases that reflect their brand identity and resonate with their target audience.
- Consumer Electronics
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating fashion and technology by designing phone cases inspired by popular shoe designs, offering consumers a way to showcase their personal style through their devices.
- Skateboarding and Lifestyle Brands
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expanding into the tech accessories market by creating phone cases that capture the essence and aesthetic of the skateboarding and lifestyle brand, attracting a wider consumer base.
