I always believe in the serotonin-boosting power of trinkets and tchotchkes, but especially when they’re functional. That’s what I’m so enamored by the influx of personality-forward, food-themed phone cases in recent years; for one, you take your phone with you everywhere, so your happy emotional returns on the case are seemingly never-ending. I also can’t think of an iPhone that wouldn’t be improved by transforming into buttered toast:
Smartphone embellishments are nothing new; for as long as cell phones have existed, they have been dripping in charms and custom cases (see: this subreddit dedicated to Paris Hilton’s past cell phones). But we have come a long way from basic 2010s Popsocketry, and steered into trompe l’oeil territory with food-themed smartphone cases. The influx of tinned fish and baguette cases is partially a trickle-down effect from high fashion brands such as Loewe and Puppets & Puppets, which have been serving up elaborate, seemingly edible fashions as the virality of food and restaurant culture has become increasingly lucrative. Admittedly, what’s not to love about the way the Chicken Shop Date smartphone case can nestle a single chicken nugget?
Below, I have selected some of the most appetite-whetting, food-themed smartphone cases and accessories, from the kitsch and kawaii to the hyper-realistic. Just don’t be surprised if someone tries to bite into one at brunch.
