Samsung has launched an exclusive collection of pimped Swarovski covers for its flagship Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone and crystal charm sliders for its latest fitness smartband Gear Fit.
The "Swarovski for Samsung" line of accessories is the result of Samsung's partnership with Swarovski, a Wattens, Austria-based maker of luxury cut crystals, after the two companies worked together to create an exclusive backstage lounge for VIP attendees at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February.
The blinged up covers are made using a Swarovski-patented process that integrates the crystals into the covers. They come in Mystic Black and Vibrant Blue. The charms, which can be slid into the strap of the Gear Fit, provide more choices, allowing users to mix and match various bar and dangle designs. Bar colors come in Brown, Crystal and Golden Shadow, while dangle styles include Light Rose Heart, Slam Heart, Anthracyte Skull, Crystal Skull, Blue Star and Golden Shadow Lips.
The latest Samsung accessories are available for sale in Korea and the United Kingdom via the Samsung online store. The company is also pre-selling its crystal-encrusted covers and charms in China. On May 22, select Samsung retail stores will start selling the accessories, although Samsung did not specify if the new covers will be available in the United States.
Samsung has been eager to merge technology with fashion, since Apple partnered with another high-end fashion brand Burberry last year to use the iPhone 5S to film and photograph the Burberry Show at the London Fashion Week.
"With technology and fashion so deeply intertwined, Samsung is more dedicated than ever to supporting self-expression through technological innovation and meaningful partnerships," says Younghee Lee, Samsung executive vice president of global, IT and mobile.
Back in February, Samsung launched $300 Swarovski-embedded covers for the Galaxy Note 3 after making available a Samsung Galaxy S4 Crystal Edition in select Asian countries in December. Jeweler Dana Lorenz also created a series of gold-studded and gold-fringed carrying cases for the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear in September at her first Fallon show during the New York Fashion Week.
Earlier this year, news of the "Swarovski for Samsung" collection leaked out when Samsung Mobile Korea shared a YouTube video saying the new accessories line will launch in May.
