VERTU recently unveiled its collaboration with renowned artist Wissam Shawkat who has created exclusive designs available as a part of the brand's bespoke offering. VERTU customers will have the opportunity to purchase a New Signature Touch handset featuring one of Wissam's iconic Arabic calligraphy designs honoring the theme of ‘love'. This unique collaboration between VERTU and the UAE-based calligraphy artist Wissam Shawkat reinforces the importance of the Middle East to the luxury handmade mobile phone brand, and offers customers an opportunity to own a piece of art that reflects their individuality. Wissam's style of calligraphy is recognized for its high level of craftsmanship combined with a contemporary interpretation of the art form. This ethos fits perfectly with VERTU's belief in extraordinary craftsmanship combined with innovative technology and services. Wissam Shawkat said "I'm honored to be working with VERTU. The brand has changed the definition of what a mobile phone can be – from something very practical to an innovative, extremely personal object. Each phone combines hand craftsmanship with leading edge technology, resulting in a sensorial experience in both design and function. Similarly, I aim to elevate the art of Arabic calligraphy, while maintaining the heritage of the traditional Arabic art form. I aim to advance the aesthetic to something contemporary and modern." VERTU's Head of Design Hutch Hutchison added: "This collaboration with Wissam is the ultimate expression of our Bespoke offering, whereby customers can own more than just a unique VERTU, but truly a work of art. This exemplifies how VERTU is innovating with new and previously unheard of levels of personalization on the mobile phone." The special designs by Wissam Shawkat will be available to purchase in selected VERTU boutiques in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Lebanon in conjunction with a special traveling exhibition of limited edition prints by Wissam. To further cater to the tastes of regional clientele who are on the continuous search for the ultimate luxury and exclusive experience, customers will also be able to commission the artist to create a bespoke handset in-store at selected boutiques across the region. VERTU's collaboration with Wissam Shawkat during Ramadan is a part of their larger global art program which includes their collaboration with English/Lebanese artist Hania Farrell that was launched at Beirut Art Week last year, their ongoing installations with artists and designers as part of the Salone de Mobile in Milan, and their support of the world premiere of Peter Greenway's project ‘Golden Age of Russian Avant-Garde', which was a key part of the UK-Russia Year of Culture. The brand's continuing connection with arts and culture also extends to their handsets, where customers are able to adorn their handsets with high definition wallpapers created from 10 of the National Gallery's most famous masterpieces. Participating VERTU boutiques: The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates (Dubai), Kingdom Mall (Riyadh), Stars Avenue (Jeddah), Salhiya Mall (Kuwait), Villaggio Mall (Doha), Souk Beirut (Beirut). It will start tomorrow (June 1).
