The "Calvin Klein" of cellphones, Frank Nuovo, is ceding to Alastair Curtis as Nokia's head designer. Curtis currently heads the emerging markets handset design team for Nokia.

Nuovo created Nokia's original designs, including many models with interchangable face plates and hidden antennas. Analysts believe that the move was spurred by increased competition from Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and Motorola in the cellphone space and the importance of design in current models. He has been working with Nokia for over 16 years.

Nuovo will act as designer for Vertu, Nokia's line of luxury phones.

Frank Nuovo to leave as Nokia's head of design [Reuters]

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