2007 Prada x LG ‘KE850’ 1.0 Capacitative Touch Screen Phone

First debuting in the Fall of 2006, Prada’s venture into the tech world would be a revolutionary collaboration with LG. Preceding the iPhone by 6 months, the inaugural KE850 model would become the first capacitative touch screen phone, announced as part of the iF Design Award. Retailing for $299 USD, the original design would sell 1 million units within the first 18 months, officially available for purchase in the May of 2007. A year later, we’d see the LG Prada II release (2008), and another rendition, the LG Prada 3.0 in 2012. Following the announcement of the iPhone, the head of LG’s Mobile Handset Centre was quoted stating he “believed Apple had stolen the idea from the KE850”, yet took no further action for obvious reasons. While incredibly obscure, the collaborative effort was meticulous in craft and product, said best Patrizio Bertelli, “we are not branding an existing product; rather, Miuccia and I have been working with LG to give this new phone a very strong character and unique style”. In all, the debut was ultimately a success, much like other luxury brands who dabbled in the tech-realm, such as Armani x Samsung, Versace and Baby Phat x Motorola, yet did not stand the test of time against the renowned iPhone.

 

Debuting in the spring of 2007, these four LG Prada ‘KE850’ devices demonstrate Miuccia’s hyper-obsessive commitment to quality, and understanding of practical design. With a sleek, full glass face, notches stand at the upper and lower screen, among home, camera and power buttons. With a front and back facing camera, a metallic Prada logo sits on either side, in pair with a headphone jack and plastic backing. The device also features 8 GB of storage and an expandable micro USB slot. In good condition throughout, operation is confirmed.