UAE-based designer Aiisha unveiled unique collection completely inspired by Nokia 7900 Prism to acclaim from fashion houses and industry leaders

Dubai, UAE 25 October 2007 - In an unprecedented case of a mobile device inspiring fashion, local designer Aiisha last night unveiled her prêt-a-Porter collection of 35 dresses, each completely inspired by Nokia's latest handset - the Nokia 7900 Prism. The dresses were showcased on the catwalk at Dubai's International Fashion Week - to a rapturous reception from the assembled audience, made up of local fashion houses and international industry leaders.

The UAE-based and Lebanese born designer Aiisha based her innovative collection on the cutting-edge colours, bold geometric patterns, materials and graphics which have gone into the unique design of Nokia's 7900 Prism. Her collection, like the Prism's iconic design, focuses on juxtapositions where matt meets shine and clear meets opaque, set within futuristic architecture-inspired plays of dark, steel and black materials with sharp lines, bevelled edges, asymmetry and geometry.

"Dubai Fashion Week was the perfect occasion for Aiisha to showcase her unique collection, created from her incomparable talent, which has been inspired by one of Nokia's most fashionable handsets," said Yolande Pineda, Communications Director, Nokia Middle East and Africa. "We chose to support this exceptionally talented young woman at a forum like DIFW because she has an incredible flair for fashion, and will be a role model for other aspiring young, talented artists in the region. Our commitment to the region is not only in terms of promoting mobility, but in nurturing, inspiring and enabling people to explore their talents and their creativity," added Pineda.

Aiisha commented; "This was an incredible opportunity to showcase my Prism line, especially to such a receptive and supportive audience. The sheer inventiveness of Nokia's Prism; the design, the colours, the texture and the patterns were an incredible inspiration that fitted with my personal taste and preference of modern and individualist styles that fit with a woman's unique fashion taste. Factors like the geometric lines and contrasting materials on the Prism gave a lot of scope for designing pieces that were modern - almost futuristic, but still elegant."

Fashion is playing an increasing role within the mobility industry, as consumers require mobile devices that fit into an even greater number of lifestyle needs. Consumers today look to personalized mobile experiences that add value and pleasure to their daily lives, while viewing their devices as an expression of identity.

"The fact a mobile phone has inspired such an incredibly creative fashion collection, highlights the originality in the design of our Nokia devices," continued Pineda. "The idea that a designer has been so inspired by a fashionable device that it dictates the style of an entire fashion collection is a precedent. It is exciting that there is an exchange of creativity between the two industries; fashion inspires devices, and devices now inspire fashion. We expect this will be an emerging trend in both the fashion and mobility industries in the future," Pineda concluded.

Aiisha's dresses can be viewed online on her website www.aiisha.com.

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About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. Nokia makes a wide range of mobile devices and provides people with experiences in music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games and business mobility through these devices. Nokia also provides equipment, solutions and services for communications networks.

About Aiisha:
Born in Lebanon and residing in Dubai since 1983, Aiisha graduated from the American University in Dubai with a degree in Fashion Design and Marketing in 2002. She was the winner of the 'Young Designer of the Year' award in the 'Bride 2000' by Swarovski. A Haute Couture designer, specializing in wedding gowns and evening wear, using the best French and Italian imported and exclusively produced silks and lace and Swarovski crystals, Aiisha's keen eye for everything lavish opened the doors for her designs of limited editions of the most wanted hand-beaded leather bags and shoes, Calonge. Aiisha's designs integrate sumptuous originality with a dash of panache. Launched under the eponymous 'Aiisha' label, her first fashion show was produced in 2006. That was just the beginning as her first high end Prêt-a-Porter line was elected to be part of the Dubai International Fashion Week, April 2007. In September 2007, Aiisha launched her workshop, Corset, the new fashion house hosting AHC designs.

For more information please contact:
Francesca Montini
Manning, Selvage & Lee
Tel: +971 4 367 6172
Fax: +971 4 367 2615
Email: pressoffice@dubai.mslpr.com

© Press Release 2007