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December 1, 2015
The Allure of Leather Smartphones: A Connoisseur's Perspective | isai vivid
isai vivid
The Choice of a Leather-Clad Smartphone: isai vivid
A Man of True Taste on the New Value of Smartphones (1)
Rihito, active as a fashion model, also curates sophisticated wardrobes as a director and producer for fashion brands. His discerning eye, honed through encounters with quality and people, identifies the genuine and cultivates the new. How does the genuine leather model of the "isai vivid," reborn as an unprecedentedly refined smartphone, strike Rihito, a man who knows the real thing?
Photographs by YAMADA RikiStyling by IKEDA Naoki
Make-up by HIROKI (wtokyo)Text by TSUCHIYA Motohiro (OPENERS)
A Smartphone Clad in Refined Genuine Leather
The au smartphone "isai vivid" boasts high-level camera functions and a vibrant, detailed display. The addition of genuine leather-clad models, "Leather Brown" and "Leather Black," featuring premium leather on the back, marked their in-store release on Friday, November 20th.
The lineup includes "Leather Brown," which directly preserves the character of calf leather, and "Leather Black," whose richly textured grain exudes elegance. The bold finish of encasing a digital device in genuine leather breathes the craftsmanship found in leather bags and small accessories.
Treatments to counteract leather's susceptibility to heat and coatings to prevent slackening threads are reportedly applied by hand, much like finishing handcrafted leather items.
How does the overwhelming sense of luxury and beauty imparted by this genuine leather resonate with a man who understands true quality? We asked Rihito to try this smartphone early and experience life with the genuine leather model of the "isai vivid."
Page02.I Want to Enjoy Its Aging Over Time
isai vivid
The Choice of a Leather-Clad Smartphone: isai vivid
A Man of True Taste on the New Value of Smartphones (2)
I Want to Enjoy Its Aging Over Time
—Do you like leather items?
I usually favor items like wallets, cardholders, belts, and bags. Depending on the item, I'm drawn to those that seem like they'll develop a nice patina with use. I choose with the perspective of 'How will this leather age?' However, some items, like denim, I prefer to keep in their raw state. The things I come to like tend to fall into these two categories.
—What was your first impression of the "isai vivid Leather Brown / Leather Black"?
Honestly, I thought, 'That's cool.' I felt this smartphone might allow me to enjoy the leather's transformation with use. Above all, I think the commitment to making it enjoyable for long-term use is remarkable.
Many people replace their smartphones with each new model release. I tend to break mine by dropping them, so I've never really used one for an extended period.
But there are people who use the same device for a long time, and they clearly have a certain attachment to it. Until now, the roots of that attachment for smartphones seemed to be tied to 'digital product' aspects like app data and interfaces.
However, this smartphone fosters attachment through the new element of leather. As the leather ages, the affection deepens, making it an item you can truly connect with over time. That's the kind of anticipation it inspires.
—There are two design variations; which do you prefer?
The "sense of occasion" comes from the Brown, which invites you to enjoy its aging process and makes you want to use it vigorously. It also has an immediate stylishness at first glance, so I lean towards that one. It's my preference, generally speaking.
However, when incorporating leather into an outfit, even items that appear similar can convey a vastly different impression depending on the leather's nuances. For instance, when pairing a belt with jeans, even if they have the same width and color, the impression changes based on the leather's grain. Some leathers suit denim or corduroy, while others pair well with suit fabrics.
With the "isai vivid" in Leather Brown, I get the impression it would pair well with denim, but if you choose a tweed jacket, it would also be excellent for business attire. For a sharp, elegant suit, perhaps the Black would be more suitable. It really makes you think (laughs).
Page03.A Smartphone You'll Want to Place Face Down
isai vivid
The Choice of a Leather-Clad Smartphone: isai vivid
A Man of True Taste on the New Value of Smartphones (3)
A Smartphone You'll Want to Place Face Down
—What was your experience using it?
I've been using smartphones since around the time Android was first released in Japan. The capabilities and things I want to do with my smartphone have expanded so much that it's now truly indispensable. Most of what I used to do on my computer has shifted to my smartphone.
For work too, except when writing long texts, I use my smartphone almost exclusively. I no longer carry a planner or travel guide when I go out, which used to be essential.
When I use the "isai vivid" as I normally would, it operates so smoothly that I almost feel like I'm becoming addicted to my smartphone (laughs). The screen is easy to view, which was great for reading books and magazines. But I found the camera to be the most appealing feature.
—Do you often use your smartphone's camera?
I use the camera very frequently. Especially when I'm with my children, I'm always looking for photo opportunities.
I also take pictures of colleagues on set, use it as a memo for work, or capture events and scenery. I find myself taking photos whenever the opportunity arises.
When shooting with the "isai vivid," photos come out beautifully even indoors, and the manual shooting options allow anyone, not just camera enthusiasts, to want to take many great pictures.
Although I didn't have the chance to use them this time, the ability to shoot in RAW and record 4K video made me feel like I could get deeply involved in photography.
Photos taken with the "isai vivid"
Photographs by RIHITO
—Would you recommend choosing a smartphone with genuine leather?
One thing I realized after using this smartphone is that since it's something you carry with you all the time, it's best to have something with a level of quality that makes you want to show it off.
For example, at a business meeting, if there's a well-aged leather cardholder on the table, or if someone is wearing well-maintained shoes, the character of the leather speaks volumes about the person's taste and personality. I believe this "isai vivid" possesses that same kind of charm unique to leather.
Because it operates so smoothly, I initially found myself wanting to explore all its functions and constantly looking at the screen. But then, friends who saw this smartphone would comment, 'That's a nice cover for your phone,' or 'It's not a cover? Genuine leather, that's amazing!' As I use it in daily life, I find myself wanting to display the leather surface, and I even feel inclined to place it face down on the table.
In both business and private settings, it not only fits seamlessly into sophisticated environments but also speaks to one's good taste. If your always-present smartphone can become such an item, isn't that simply the best?
RIHITO
Began working as a fashion model in 1995, debuting on the runway the following year. He left a significant mark on the collection scene, walking for brands like Chanel and Jil Sander. He later took a break from modeling to pursue other ventures, including launching his own fashion brand. Currently, in addition to his modeling career, he directs exclusive collections for "SHIPS JET BLUE" and "CICATA SHIPS JET BLUE," and produces for "PARMENTIER."