OUR resident style writer, Simon Donohue casts his eye over the tricky world of fashion each week. Working his way through the alphabet of manly trends, this week, he tackles the iPod and how to wear it.

I is for iPod

IT'S hard to believe that the first Apple iPod only fell from the tree of electronic delights in October 2001.
Since then the world's architecture has seemingly been redesigned in tribute to the iconic music player's gleaming white and minimalist chic.

Almost six years on, a constant process of evolution has meant that the iPod still counts as one of the key attractions in the world of the consumer.

Just as people looked back on the 80s as the age of the Sony Walkman and Rubik's cube, people will no doubt remember the early noughties as the age of the iPod.

An iPod is a all-singing, all-dancing extension of the individual – a cool symbol of just how fashionable you are.

Options

But did you know that you can buy a cute pair of pink socks for your iPod? Or a leather thong.

I've scoured the worldwide web for a few wonderful additions to your iPod's wardrobe.

Luminous and colourful iPod socks are about as far removed as you'll get from the music-playing machine's ubercool designer ethos.

They are available in pink, green, orange and will cost you just a couple of quid. But while they look silly, they're actually quite practical and will keep your iPOD's delicate surfaces from getting scratched.

If dayglo pink socks aren't kitsch enough for you, then why not take a look at the iPod thong.

Freaky chic

The black leather undergarment wouldn't look out of place at a hedonism event and is available for anyone who'd like their iPod look like it's into S & M.

The Nano-sized thong comes with an adjustable strap and a protective pouch to keep it clean when it's no longer in use.

For the ladies – always assuming that iPods come in more than one sex – Nicole Miller produces a corset-like case for it which can also be used for the Blackberry or a mobile phone.

The case is made of silk taffeta with a lace corset.

For around 300 smackers, Italian company Mac@Work will reportedly supply you with a set of diamond encrusted headphones. Perfect for listening to Shine On You Crazy Diamond, you'd imagine.

Integrated

And even big business has got in on the iPod accessorising act.

Levi Strauss's RedWire DLX Jeans come with have an iPod remote control and docking station fitted in its pockets, and comes complete with attached headphones.

If running is your thang – and I blame my first iPod's demise on using it while pounding the streets – then the Nike iPod Sport Kit costing in the region of £20 might be of interest.

It uses a sensor tucked inside a training shoe to tell the wearer – via their iPod headphones – how many calories are being burnt.

Interestingly, some of the latest iPods are even suggested as fashion accessories. The latest iPod shuffle is available in five colours – perfect for people looking for a novel alternative to the tie pin.

Got a fashion dilemma or a wardrobe whinge? Get in touch: simon.donohue@men-news.co.uk

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