Style Provocateur - Parfume

Design by Mikko Mäkelä

Inspired by the iconic Nokia "Lipstick phone," Mikko Mäkelä set out to create a design handset that not only had a similar appearance but also improved upon the user-friendliness of its predecessor. The result is a secondary cellphone that pushes the boundaries of design and functionality.

One of the standout features of the Style Provocateur - Parfume is its water and dirt resistance. Mäkelä even went so far as to develop submarine-capable models during the project. This makes the handset not only stylish but also durable and practical for everyday use.

Another key aspect of the design is its attractive form and smart topology. Mäkelä introduced a new opening and closing mechanism that is reminiscent of a stiletto knife. This not only adds a touch of elegance to the handset but also provides added protection for the main display screen.

The realization of the Style Provocateur - Parfume involved a combination of traditional sketching and modern 3D software designing. Mäkelä used NURBS surface models to quickly iterate and refine the form before creating water-tight solids for CAD drawings. The final design was rendered in Autodesk Fusion 360 and post-processed using image manipulation software.

During the development process, Mäkelä also experimented with various materials to find the best solution for the prototypes. Three different prototypes were eventually produced by third parties to bring the design to life.

When it comes to technical specifications, the Style Provocateur - Parfume measures 93.6x3 when closed and 154x3 when opened. The main display slides open from the cover, allowing it to be seen from both end parts.

Operating the Style Provocateur - Parfume is intuitive and user-friendly. The main screen can be pushed back to shelter or automatically retracted with the push of a button. The handset utilizes induction charging technology, making it easy to charge and carry along.

In addition to its primary functions, the Style Provocateur - Parfume also boasts a self-defense feature. It is capable of producing significantly loud sound for the user's protection, adding an extra layer of security to the design.

The project to create the Style Provocateur - Parfume began in 2005 in Finland and was completed in 2008. It was later reopened in March 2016 in Estonia. Throughout the design process, Mäkelä conducted extensive research to address common issues with cellphones, such as water damage and lack of personalization.

Despite facing challenges in terms of the cylinder form and mass production, the Style Provocateur - Parfume proved to be a successful and innovative design. Its unique opening and closing mechanism, combined with its attractive aesthetics and practical features, set it apart from other cellphones on the market.

The Style Provocateur - Parfume was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2017 for its well-designed, practical, and innovative qualities. It meets professional and industrial requirements while also providing fulfillment and positive feelings to its users.