More KDDI phones: Ross McBride of Tokyo design studio Normal has sent us images of Vols, a prototype handset designed as part of the Japanese brand's Au Design Project.

Vols is inspired by a hip flask and named after the act that enshrined prohibition laws in the USA during the 1920s.

McBride sent us this statement about the design of the Vols cell phone:

"The Volstead Act was a law in effect in the United States from 1919 to 1933, making the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages illegal.

"This period of prohibition was responsible for the overwhelming popularity of the hip flask, and in turn, the hip flask became a symbol of the "Roaring 20's".

"During this time, the hip flask transcended being a mere fashion accessory, to become a politically charged statement in opposition to the Volstead Act.

"The slender form, and curved silhouette of the hip flask meant that men could discretely hide it in their jacket pockets, and women could slip it into their garter belts, to be revealed only when in good company.

"The Vols Cell Phone, like the hip flask, is ergonomically designed to fit the body. The keypad is flush with the curved surface of the polished stainless steel casing as if it were engraved into the metal.

"The sub screen is positioned on the top surface, enabling easy visual access when kept in a pocket, or purse.

"Running along both sides of the phone are silicon grips containing several functions including the strap connector, and the camera's shutter and zoom buttons.

"The lower sections of the grips fold out to expose the memory card, and video out ports. Pressing the two circular pads on both grips simultaneously releases the spring-activated screen.

"Once the screen is extended, the high-performance camera lens and light become exposed."

>> more stories on AU Design Project phones here and here