The IT-Life #4: Headphones

Well, times have really changed. Unlike in the past, headphones and earphones do no longer have as its sole purpose the delivery of quality music to the ears of their wearers anymore. Instead, headphones and earphones are now fashion and status symbols. The vogue importance of headphones and earpiece first started with Apple’s signature white and sleek design. But now, it’s no longer that cool to plug in the Apple signature white ear-piece. So, what is cool then? Well, you got to know Beats by Dr. Dre.

Beats by Dr. Dre (original pieces)

Red Heartbeats headphones for Aids Awareness (A Dr. Dre-Lady Gaga collaboration)

Another Dr. Dre and Lady Gaga Collaboration: Heartbeats by Lady Gaga

Beats Spin: The ultimate DJ headphone

These are available on http://www.beatsbydre.com. Beats by Dr. Dre has taken Hollywood and many other entertainment scenes (such as the Korean entertainment industry) by storm with celebrities and the hippest bands donning the headphones in their music videos and the likes. For example, beats by Dr. Dre has appeared in Lady Gaga’s music videos such as Love Game, Paparazzi and Beautiful, Dirty, Rich. Black Eyed Peas also wore his signature headphones in Boom Boom Pow. Other notable celebrities endorsing his headphones include Snoop Dogg and Eminem. However, these new fashion symbols come at a high cost. The headphones each average USD 350.

Beats by Dr. Dre (custom pieces) - yes, you are also allowed to customize your pieces though I would suppose it will cost more.

The members of one of Korea's popular band, 2NE1, in custom Dr. Dre headphones

Other custom headphones

Well, I saved the best for the last. I am not so sure about the brand of this final headphone but it's the best I have seen and when you see it, you will concur.

This is Taiwanese Pop artiste Elva Hsiao's USD$9000 (SGD $13,000) encrusted headphone

If I were rich, I would custom a headphone similar to Elva Hsiao's. It's an absolute beauty! Wouldn't you agree?

Gem