Gucci Launches New Web Portal

(NEW YORK) Gucci has a new way of distinguishing itself from designers like Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Giorgio Armani who have recently developed cell phones. Earlier this week, the fashion house launched its first-ever mobile phone Web site exclusively in Japan, where cell phones trump computers as the preferred mode to surf the Internet and email. On guccijoy.jp, users take a picture of the high-tech code, designed to look like a Gucci Joy handbag, which then links the user directly to the URL.

The QR codes, similar to the bar codes used in supermarkets, can be found either on the Gucci Joy ising pages of Japanese magazines or on Gucci Joy outdoor ising. When the picture has been taken and sent, the user is then directed to the Web site, where, once registered, the user can download customized Gucci icons that can be used as mobile phone wallpaper or to customize the phone function icons.

The site also showcases the spring Gucci Joy Collection of handbags and accessories, along with a price list and store locations.