To read last week’s fashion article click here.

It’s sleek, slimmer than the pop-tart you had for breakfast, with more ‘bling’ than Nelly’s Grill, and it is personalized to blast tunes that remind you of each of your friends. Did I mention it can also be used to make phone calls from time to time?

Indeed, it’s one of the hottest picks for cell phones out right now and it is what starving student and Apparel Marketing & Design senior, Heather Twomey maxed out her credit card for- the new Motorola Razor.

When asked about the functional aspects of her coveted purchase, Twomey replied with only a twinge of guilt, “Okay, it’s probably not the best in terms of function, but it’s just so me!”

So encompassing is the very spirit and fuel that drives the cell phone fashion craze that is among us.

Cell phone fashion is a relatively new concept but it seems to be growing boundlessly. Within the past 15 years we’ve watched its progression from the bulky “gray brick” fad in the 80’s, through the never ending race for the smallest and most lightweight phone in the 90’s.

With today’s extensive market for ring tones, faceplates, flashy ornaments, and incentives such as built-in internet access and camera capabilities, cell phones are now marketed as customized accents of one’s individuality. And well, quite frankly, for most cell phone seekers in their college-age prime, function is taking a back seat.

Yuki Noguchi, a Financial Reporter for the Washington Post pointed out that according to sales, “these days, cell phones are more of a fashion statement, or an accessory.”

Because cell seekers are on the hunt for a phone that says as much about them as does their wardrobe or hair, people are more inclined to spend beyond their means a bit to get the image they want.

In a statement addressing the shopping habits of young people, Bryan Biniak, senior vice president for marketing at American Greetings Interactive comments, “It’s a statement about who you are and it’s reasonably affordable. You can’t necessarily afford a $100,000 Bentley, but you can have the hottest phone.”

Nicholas Nappi, a Telecommunications Junior, agrees that he is caught up a bit in the craze and says, “aesthetic appeal is definitely what made me cash out an extra $75 on my phone. You just kind of picture yourself whipping it out in different settings like on a date or in a business meeting and then the price jump just seems worthwhile.”

Designers are always looking for ways to expand their market and now big brand names like Louie Vuitton and Juicy Couture are reaching a broader consumer base by investing in cell phone fashion. “People will spend $200 more for a cell phone or sidekick just because of the Juicy Couture brand design,” says T-Mobile Retail Sales Associate Christine Doromao.

Established brands aren’t the only ones in the business sector looking to cash in on the cell style fad. An Atlanta based company called Carry Cell has concocted a line of clothing for what they described in a recent USA News press release as, “the poor cell phone- alone, naked, cold and unclothed”.

As extremely random as it sounds to put a sexy black dress on a cell phone, I’m sure 15 years ago it would have seemed similarly odd to carry around a phone with a decal of Pamela Anderson’s cleavage on it and having “I’m in Love With a Stripper” as its ring tone.

Who would have thought technology and fashion would collide as a reflection of culture in this way? Another column, another day I suppose.

Never underestimate the progression of fashion.

For some ideas on how to add a touch of your personality to update your cell phone, click here.

Elaine can be reached at [email protected].