John Laposky On Oct 1 2012 - 12:00am

Case-Mate iPhone 5 Line Includes Wood, Recycled Cases

ATLANTA — Case-Mate released a portfolio of iPhone 5 cases heavily influenced by the growing hyperculture trend, which incorporates prints that integrate distinct styles from different cultures around the world, the company said.

The Artistry Collection is a line that juxtaposes natural materials — woods, shells and leathers — with forged metallics. An interior patterned-inlay adds greater protection. Artistry Woods, the first line of cases in the Artistry Collection, are available in blackened ashwood, rosewood and zebrawood and accented by a brushed-aluminum inlay. Artistry Woods will be for sale exclusively in the United States at Best Buy. They will retail for $50.

Case-Mate has joined with musical artist Will.i.am and the Coca-Cola Company for its new Ekocycle Collection, a line of smartphone cases made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate soda bottles. The Ekocycle line, “in collaboration with other iconic brands” to be announced, is meant to inspire a movement to educate consumers about everyday recycling. Available in clear and platinum, the Ekocycle collection will be for sale exclusively in the U.S. at Best Buy and on Case-Mate.com. They retail for $35.

The company also is bringing to market a line of active-wear-inspired cases for the iPhone 5. The Tough Xtreme is a three-layered military-grade sleeve with a front snap-on screen protector. It is available in black/charcoal gray, Lipstick Pink/ Flame Red, emerald green/chartreuse green, Marine Blue/Winter Aqua, and Military Green/orange. It retails for $50.

Also new from Case-Mate, new Designer Prints from current designer partners Jessica Swift, Iomoi and Clairebella, including paisley, tweed and check, chevron and diamonds, conversational prints, gentleman geometrics and crafted plaid designs. They range for $35 to $50.

Case-Mate has also extended it popular Creatures line for the iPhone 5. The textured silicone cases are available in such designs as Peacock, Bubbles the monkey, Xing the panda, Waddler the penguin, Pinky the flamingo, Grizzly the bear, Tigris the tiger, Ellie the elephant and Leafy the giraffe.

In addition, Case-Mate’s online case-customization tool has been updated to enable users to design cases for the iPhone 5 using personal photos, logos, mascots and other imagery.

Case-Mate also recently launched its “Right Case. Right Occasion.” advertising campaign featuring celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Common and Fergie.