Local designer showcases avant-garde collection completely inspired by Nokia 7900 Prism, at Dubai International Fashion week

Dubai, UAE 17 October 2007 - In a unique example of a mobile device inspiring fashion, Nokia announced today the launch of a high end Pret-a-porte collection by local designer Aiisha, made up of over 40 dresses, each completely inspired by Nokia's latest fashion handset - the Nokia 7900 Prism. The dresses will be showcased at Dubai's International Fashion Week, in the One&Only Royal Mirage hotel next October 23rd, 8.00 pm.

The collection from UAE-based designer Aiisha is based 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 iconic design of the Nokia Prism, 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.

"Aiisha is an exceptional local designer, and Dubai Fashion Week is the ideal occasion for her to showcase her incomparable talent and unique collection that 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 young woman 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," he added.

The designer of the collection, Aiisha Ramadan commented; "I am thrilled to have this opportunity, especially to present my collection at an exciting forum like Dubai Fashion Week. The sheer inventiveness of Nokia's Prism; the design, the colours, the texture and the patterns were such an inspiration that fitted with my personal taste and preference of modern and individualist styles. Factors like the geometric lines and contrasting materials on the Prism gave a lot of scope for designing pieces that were modern - almost futuristic, yet elegant."

The role of fashion in the mobility industry is increasingly growing, with consumers requiring mobile devices to match an even greater range of needs. Consumers today look to personalized mobile experiences that add value and pleasure to their daily lives and look at their devices as an expression of identity.

"Developing this innovative collection, where a mobile phone has inspired such a creative fashion collection, demonstrates the originality in the design of our products," said Pineda, Nokia. "The fact that a designer has been so inspired by a fashionable device that it dictates the style of an entire fashion collection is a precedent, and is the complete reversal of fashion inspiring a device. We expect this will be an emerging trend in both the fashion and mobility industries," she added.

Aiisha's dresses, inspired by the Nokia 7900 Prism, will be showcased at the Dubai International Fashion Week in the Royal Mirage Hotel, on October 23rd at 8.00 pm.

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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, Graduated from the American University in Dubai with a degree in Fashion Design and Marketing in 2002. 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-breaded 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-Porte 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