Nokia’s line of 7000 series are targeted towards the fashion-conscious consumer, favoring style with just a handful of extras. Stand-out design, lots of fashion details like a a cloth Nokia tag, phone jewelry, matching carrying case and box are all typical 7000 series characteristics. Just take a look at the L’Amour Collection that consisted of the 7360, 7373 and 7390. 

The same can be said about their earlier Art Deco Red and White 7260, 7270 and 7280 phones

and even the Prism series with the diamond-cut design of the  7070, 7500 and 7900 phones stayed true to this theme. Afterwards it all went downhill. Nokia’s latest entry in the fashion device market is the rather colorful but bland design of the Super Nova series. What is considered stylish or beautiful is pretty subjective, but in terms of design, the Super Nova series do not stand out, a tradition typical to the 7000 series. Take for example 7610 Super Nova. It could very well be a your typical Nokia with some crazy colors and mirror effects. What happened to Nokia’s 7000 series?Today Nokia released the 7230. Judging by the series and press release, it’s clear that style is plays an important role. Taken from the press release: “Share in style”, or “Being connected has never looked so good” and even “colorful looks”. Now let’s have a look at the 7230:

Does this look like a fashion device to you? If this is a fashion device, than Nokia can just quit here and now. After the solid Prism, L’Amour Collection  and Art Deco, is this what we get in 2009? Is this the best Nokia can make in a series that made devices like the legendary 7610?

High-end specs aren’t really what makes or breaks a fashion device. In some cases it can even help it (Like the N97 mini), but at least it should stand out or have a stylish design.

Do you agree?