Luxury - Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com Modern Industrial Design News Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:47:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 Isaac Monté transforms Lady Dior bags into crystallized artifacts https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/21/isaac-monte-transforms-lady-dior-bags-into-crystallized-artifacts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=isaac-monte-transforms-lady-dior-bags-into-crystallized-artifacts Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:50:12 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=547182

Isaac Monté transforms Lady Dior bags into crystallized artifacts

The iconic Lady Dior handbag, a symbol of timeless elegance, has been given a radical and mesmerizing transformation by Belgian designer Isaac Monté. In a...
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The iconic Lady Dior handbag, a symbol of timeless elegance, has been given a radical and mesmerizing transformation by Belgian designer Isaac Monté. In a project commissioned by Dior for their new Vienna flagship, Monté has applied his signature crystallization process to these coveted accessories, turning them into unique, glimmering artifacts. This collaboration, showcased by Spazio Nobile gallery, highlights the fascinating intersection of high fashion and material experimentation.

Designer: Isaac Monté

Monté’s “Crystallized” series is an ongoing exploration that began with vases and has now extended to the windows of Dior boutiques and the Lady Dior itself. The inspiration behind this series lies in the natural beauty of stalagmites and other mineral formations. Monté views time as a crucial element in his sculptural process, allowing each piece to develop organically based on the chemical reactions within its environment. The process of crystallizing the Lady Dior handbags is described as painstaking, involving the meticulous layering of minerals and oxides. This technique, honed by Monté over a decade, allows him to create faceted surfaces that are both bold and delicate. The resulting texture and sheen shift with the light, giving the handbags the appearance of being adorned with natural gemstones.

A key aspect of Monté’s work is the embrace of natural intervention. Unlike traditional manufacturing processes that rely on molds or machines, each crystallized Lady Dior grows uniquely. This means that no two handbags are alike in terms of color, structure, or surface finish. This inherent unpredictability and singularity are central to the philosophical underpinnings of Monté’s art. “It’s about patience,” the artist explains. “About letting nature intervene in the act of making.” This philosophy stands in stark contrast to the fast-paced world of fashion, where replication and standardization are often the norm. Monté’s work with Dior invites a slower, more contemplative appreciation of the objects, emphasizing the beauty of natural processes and the passage of time.

By treating the Lady Dior as a piece of “living architecture,” Monté has elevated the handbag beyond its functional purpose. The crystallized surfaces evoke a sense of history and geological wonder, transforming a fashion icon into a unique work of art. This collaboration between Isaac Monté and Dior, facilitated by Spazio Nobile, demonstrates how material experimentation and an appreciation for natural processes can lead to breathtakingly beautiful and thought-provoking results. The crystallized Lady Dior handbags are not merely display objects; they are visceral testaments to the alchemical power of time and nature’s artistry.

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This Limited-Edition Museum-Worthy Chess Set Represents The Symbolic Battle Of Light & Darkness https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/17/this-limited-edition-museum-worthy-chess-set-represents-the-symbolic-battle-of-light-darkness/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-limited-edition-museum-worthy-chess-set-represents-the-symbolic-battle-of-light-darkness Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:20:09 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=546546

This Limited-Edition Museum-Worthy Chess Set Represents The Symbolic Battle Of Light & Darkness

Bangkok-based artist Taras Yoom presents “Another Kingdom: Dichotomy,” a limited-edition chess set exploring the eternal battle between light and darkness within the human soul and...
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Bangkok-based artist Taras Yoom presents “Another Kingdom: Dichotomy,” a limited-edition chess set exploring the eternal battle between light and darkness within the human soul and the world. Unveiled at PAD Paris from April 2–6, this piece seamlessly merges art and design with a blend of innovative and artisanal methods.

Part of the Yoomoota universe’s ongoing chess series, it symbolizes an allegorical conflict between opposing kingdoms. Each of the 21 handcrafted sets is a masterpiece, utilizing techniques like detailed 3D printing, molding, sculpting, and acrylic paint detailing. Embedded with NFC chips, these sets ensure authenticity and traceability, crafted from materials like acrylic, metals, and silicone.

Designer: Taras Yoom

The set is designed in the classic yet serene black and white tones, referencing traditional chess while offering a deep conceptual reinterpretation rooted in the Yoomoota universe. This artistic choice reflects the timeless duality inherent in the game. According to the artist, an imagined cosmic event—a powerful eclipse caused by the wandering Star of Dichotomy—has drained all color from the world.

This dramatic transformation divides the realm into stark binaries – light and dark, certainty and doubt, order and chaos. This narrative enriches the visual experience and also invites players and observers to contemplate the deeper philosophical themes of balance and opposition that are central to both the game and life itself.

The previous set in the series, “Another Kingdom: Light Stage,” now a part of the Red Dot Design Museum, embodied a serene moment of harmony and mutual exchange between two kingdoms. It showcased a peaceful coexistence and a delicate balance, capturing the essence of unity amidst diversity. In stark contrast, the latest set, “Dichotomy,” portrays a world ensnared in opposition, where the forces of light and darkness are always at odds.

This set illustrates a landscape where struggle is unending, and resolution remains elusive, reflecting the perpetual conflict and tension that defines its universe. Through its intricate design and symbolic elements, “Dichotomy” invites viewers to ponder the complexities of a world where harmony is a distant memory and the clash between opposing forces is an ever-present reality.

In “Another Kingdom: Dichotomy,” chess set, Taras Yoom masterfully captures the eternal conflict of light and darkness. It features an intricate design and symbolic elements, which allow the players to reflect on life’s dualities, providing a unique artistic and philosophical experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of the game.

“Here, the game is not merely a matter of strategy but a complex ethical conflict. There is no room for hesitation or shades of gray—only pure opposition. Chess invites players to confront the ethical dilemmas inherent in their choices. Every move, every decision, every turn is now dictated by an immutable law: light or darkness—nothing in between,” Taras Yoom explains.

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Ceiling-Mounted Orb Speaker Brings A Stylish Fusion of Light and Sound https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/14/ceiling-mounted-orb-speaker-brings-a-stylish-fusion-of-light-and-sound/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ceiling-mounted-orb-speaker-brings-a-stylish-fusion-of-light-and-sound Mon, 14 Apr 2025 08:45:50 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=545840

Ceiling-Mounted Orb Speaker Brings A Stylish Fusion of Light and Sound

The world of audio equipment has long been dominated by rectangular boxes and utilitarian designs, primarily due to technological constraints rather than aesthetic considerations. As...
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The world of audio equipment has long been dominated by rectangular boxes and utilitarian designs, primarily due to technological constraints rather than aesthetic considerations. As technology advances, we’re witnessing a fascinating evolution in speaker design, with forms that seamlessly integrate into our living spaces while delivering exceptional sound quality. This shift represents a welcome departure from traditional speaker aesthetics, allowing these devices to become statement pieces rather than eyesores.

Among the most intriguing recent developments is a spherical speaker concept that reimagines how audio devices can exist within our homes. This hanging orb speaker, inspired by the luxury audio tradition of brands like Bang & Olufsen, combines sound and light in an elegant suspended form. The concept challenges our expectations of where speakers belong and how they function, offering a fresh perspective on the integration of technology into interior design.

Designer: André Terchanian

The spherical design immediately suggests omnidirectional sound, with audio emanating from all sides rather than projecting in a single direction. Four stylish drivers are thoughtfully positioned around the orb, each covered not with typical mesh but with warm wooden panels. Sound waves travel through the circular gaps between the spherical body and these raised wooden elements, ensuring that audio reaches every corner of the room without dead spots or directional limitations.

Unlike conventional speakers designed to rest on flat surfaces, this orb concept is meant to hang from the ceiling, occupying a prominent yet unobtrusive position in your space. This suspended installation serves dual purposes: optimal sound distribution and strategic lighting placement. The combination transforms what would typically be two separate fixtures into a single, sophisticated element that enhances both the acoustic and visual atmosphere of any room.

The lighting function is particularly clever, with the orb serving as both an audio device and an illumination source. This multifunctionality means you won’t need to choose between quality sound and proper lighting since the concept delivers both in one striking package. This combination demonstrates how modern design can solve multiple needs without compromise, creating harmony between form and function.

Materials play a crucial role in the concept’s premium aesthetic, with aluminum, glass, and oak combining to create a sense of refined luxury. The smooth curves of the spherical shape offer a pleasing visual counterpoint to the typical angular lines found in most interior spaces. This attention to material quality and thoughtful design creates an object that doesn’t merely blend into its surroundings but actively enhances them with its presence.

The concept represents a forward-thinking approach to home audio that targets both performance and aesthetics without compromising on one or the other. By reimagining the speaker as a suspended, multifunctional object, it creates new possibilities for integrating sound systems into architectural spaces. The design speaks to a growing desire among homeowners and interior designers for technology that complements rather than competes with carefully curated interiors.

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Nike After Dark Tour 2025 Medal Is Functional Jewelry That Literally Shines https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/11/nike-after-dark-tour-2025-medal-is-functional-jewelry-that-literally-shines/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nike-after-dark-tour-2025-medal-is-functional-jewelry-that-literally-shines Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:45:21 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=545372

Nike After Dark Tour 2025 Medal Is Functional Jewelry That Literally Shines

Running medals typically end up stashed away in drawers or displayed on lonely medal racks, rarely seeing the light of day after race celebrations fade....
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Running medals typically end up stashed away in drawers or displayed on lonely medal racks, rarely seeing the light of day after race celebrations fade. Nike has brilliantly reimagined this tradition with their 2025 After Dark Tour medal, transforming the standard race memento into a stunning piece of wearable jewelry that celebrates your achievement long after crossing the finish line. It’s an innovative pendant necklace that merges athletic accomplishment with everyday style, allowing runners to carry their triumph wherever they go.

Gone are the days when your hard-earned race medal gathered dust in a forgotten corner of your home. The Nike team has crafted something you’ll actually want to wear: a sweat-resistant, reflective necklace that transitions seamlessly from your nighttime race to brunch with friends the next morning. Designed specifically for women who refuse to compromise between their athletic identity and personal style, this functional jewelry piece represents a fresh approach to how we commemorate our running milestones.

Designer: Nike

The pendant’s surface tells your unique running story through its textured design, which cleverly incorporates actual elevation data from the six After Dark Tour race courses. These topographical details aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but also serve a practical purpose by enhancing the pendant’s reflectivity, catching light from multiple angles during those early morning or evening training sessions. The retroreflective coating adds another layer of safety for nighttime runners, making you visible to others while showcasing your accomplishment.

Every element of this medal-turned-necklace pays homage to running culture. The shoelace-inspired chain creates an immediate connection to Nike’s running roots, while engraved aglets (those little metal tips on your shoelaces) commemorate your participation in the After Dark Tour. The magnetic closure adds both practicality and personalization, allowing for quick changes between workout and daily wear while ensuring a comfortable fit for every athlete’s preference.

What truly sets this medal apart is how it was created by a nearly all-women team of Nike designers, engineers, and developers who understood exactly what female runners want. They’ve combined advanced design techniques and extraordinary materials to create something both beautiful and durable. The result speaks directly to women who take their running seriously but don’t want to sacrifice style for performance, proving that athletic achievements can be celebrated with both function and fashion.

Available exclusively to After Dark Tour finishers, this medal represents Nike’s commitment to creating products that honor women’s multifaceted lives. Unlike traditional race medals that announce your achievement only when deliberately displayed, this pendant becomes part of your daily expression: a constant reminder of your strength, endurance, and connection to the global community of women runners. The Nike After Dark Tour does more than just commemorate a single race day; it celebrates the ongoing journey of female athletes everywhere.

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Meet the Clock That Breathes Air Instead of Using Batteries https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/10/meet-the-clock-that-breathes-air-instead-of-using-batteries/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=meet-the-clock-that-breathes-air-instead-of-using-batteries Thu, 10 Apr 2025 22:30:40 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=545430

Meet the Clock That Breathes Air Instead of Using Batteries

Imagine a clock that thrives on the ambient whispers of temperature fluctuations. The Atmos Infinite ‘Halo’ operates on this principle, drawing energy from minuscule changes...
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Imagine a clock that thrives on the ambient whispers of temperature fluctuations. The Atmos Infinite ‘Halo’ operates on this principle, drawing energy from minuscule changes in air temperature. A mere one-degree Celsius variation fuels the clock for an astonishing 48 hours. This ingenious mechanism centers around a hermetically sealed, gas-filled capsule linked to the mainspring; as temperatures shift, the gas expands or contracts, perpetually winding the movement.

Unveiled at Milan Design Week 2025, this limited-edition masterpiece redefines the art of timekeeping by harnessing the subtle nuances of the environment.

Designer: Jaeger-LeCoultre

Encased within a seamless glass dome reminiscent of early Atmos models, the ‘Halo’ offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of its inner workings. The clock’s components appear to float, supported by nearly invisible glass structures that enhance its ethereal presence.

The dial is a study in meticulous craftsmanship. Achieving its pristine white lacquer finish requires ten successive coats, each layer painstakingly applied and dried under stringent conditions. This immaculate surface is adorned with polished baton-shaped indexes and rhodium-plated hands, exuding a minimalist elegance that speaks volumes. Minutes are marked by subtle indentations on a metal outer ring, a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s attention to detail.

Powering this timepiece is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 570, a movement dedicated solely to displaying hours and minutes. Eschewing superfluous complications, it embraces simplicity, allowing the annular balance to oscillate with a mesmerizing grace. The movement’s openworked construction showcases fine watchmaking finishes, including brushed surfaces, polished edges, and Côtes de Genève stripes, creating an interplay of light and shadow that captivates the observer.

Milan Design Week provided the perfect backdrop for the ‘Halo’s’ debut. Returning to Villa Mozart after a 17-year hiatus, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s exhibition, aptly titled ‘Living on Air,’ invited visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of perpetual motion. The setting underscored the maison’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation, offering a space where design aficionados could appreciate the seamless fusion of form and function.

Limited to just 100 pieces, the Atmos Infinite ‘Halo’ stands as a beacon of horological artistry. It challenges our perceptions of timekeeping, transforming a functional object into a living sculpture that breathes with its environment. In an era where digital precision often overshadows mechanical beauty, the ‘Halo’ serves as a poignant reminder of the elegance inherent in simplicity and the timeless allure of thoughtful design.

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LEGO-inspired Block Bag Transforms Childhood Joy Into Luxury Craftsmanship https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/08/lego-inspired-block-bag-transforms-childhood-joy-into-luxury-craftsmanship/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lego-inspired-block-bag-transforms-childhood-joy-into-luxury-craftsmanship Tue, 08 Apr 2025 17:20:49 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=545003

LEGO-inspired Block Bag Transforms Childhood Joy Into Luxury Craftsmanship

Remember those colorful plastic bricks that sparked your imagination as a child? Someone has brilliantly transformed that nostalgic LEGO aesthetic into a stunning leather handbag...
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Remember those colorful plastic bricks that sparked your imagination as a child? Someone has brilliantly transformed that nostalgic LEGO aesthetic into a stunning leather handbag that would make any fashion-forward collector swoon. More than just another novelty accessory, it’s a meticulously handcrafted work of art that captures the playful essence of LEGO while elevating it through luxurious materials and exceptional leatherworking techniques. The result? A conversation-starting bag that bridges the gap between childhood nostalgia and sophisticated adult style.

What makes this creation truly special is how it honors the iconic LEGO shape while completely reimagining its execution. Rather than simply replicating the plastic brick in a different material, the creator has embraced the essence of fine leatherworking to transform the familiar form into something unexpectedly luxurious. The vibrant cowhide leather wraps around a precisely constructed wooden frame, creating that unmistakable blocky silhouette that instantly triggers happy memories while simultaneously standing as a testament to artisanal craftsmanship.

Designer: Han Ji-soo (Hahns Atelier)

The attention to detail throughout this project is absolutely mind-blowing. While 3D printing might have been the easy route, the creator instead opted for laser-cut wooden panels to form the perfect geometric structure beneath the leather exterior. These wooden pieces connect through traditional box joints reinforced with carefully placed nails at each corner.

The leatherwork itself showcases extraordinary skill, with each panel meticulously hand-stitched along the edges. The precision required here cannot be overstated, maintaining perfectly straight lines while working with thick leather demands patience and expertise that only comes from dedicated practice. The result is a seamless covering that transforms the rigid wooden structure into something that feels simultaneously structured and soft, geometric and organic, a perfect physical representation of how childhood toys can evolve alongside our adult sensibilities.

Perhaps the most delightful touch is the accompanying card holder that magnetically attaches to the top of the bag, mimicking the way actual LEGO bricks connect. It’s a clever detail that both adds functionality as well as completes the conceptual throughline of the piece, reinforcing the playful building-block heritage while adding a practical touch that elevates it beyond mere novelty. The magnetic connection is strong enough to be secure yet allows for easy removal, demonstrating the thoughtful engineering behind every aspect of this creation.

Don’t be fooled by how effortless the finished product appears in photos or videos; creating this bag required painstaking hours of precise measurement, cutting, gluing, stitching, and finishing. Each step demanded absolute attention to detail, from ensuring perfectly square corners to maintaining even tension in every hand-sewn stitch. The result speaks volumes about the creator’s dedication to their craft and their deep appreciation for both the playful spirit of LEGO and the refined elegance of luxury leatherwork. For those who’ve carried their childhood love of building blocks into adulthood, this bag represents the perfect fusion of nostalgia and sophistication.

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HAUTLENCE RETROVISION ’85: When The Watch On Your Wrist Transforms Into a Nostalgic Robot https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/08/hautlence-retrovision-85-when-the-watch-on-your-wrist-transforms-into-a-nostalgic-robot/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hautlence-retrovision-85-when-the-watch-on-your-wrist-transforms-into-a-nostalgic-robot Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:20:51 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=544943

HAUTLENCE RETROVISION ’85: When The Watch On Your Wrist Transforms Into a Nostalgic Robot

Remember those Saturday mornings spent watching robot cartoons with a bowl of sugary cereal? HAUTLENCE certainly does, and they’ve bottled that pure ’80s nostalgia in...
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Remember those Saturday mornings spent watching robot cartoons with a bowl of sugary cereal? HAUTLENCE certainly does, and they’ve bottled that pure ’80s nostalgia in their jaw-dropping RETROVISION ’85 timepiece. Far from being just another luxury watch, it’s a time machine strapped to your wrist that transforms from a sophisticated horological marvel into an actual robot figure! Inspired by the iconic Takara Kronoform toys that captivated kids (and adults) in the 1980s, this limited edition masterpiece perfectly captures the era when pixelated graphics ruled and imagination knew no bounds.

The moment you lay eyes on the RETROVISION ’85, you’re transported back to the golden age of skateboarding, arcade games, and robot toys that promised to protect the universe. Its distinctive silhouette immediately triggers that dopamine rush of childhood wonder, yet it’s executed with the precision and craftsmanship that only a high-end Swiss watchmaker could deliver. The titanium base with a frosted finish provides the perfect canvas for the eye-catching blue and purple PVD accents that scream ’80s futurism while maintaining a sophisticated edge that belongs on a collector’s wrist.

Designer: HAUTLENCE

What makes this timepiece truly extraordinary is the beating heart inside: HAUTLENCE’s celebrated Vagabonde Tourbillon movement. This mechanical wonder features a hypnotic “wandering” time display system where discs rotate independently, creating a mesmerizing dance across the dial. The sapphire minute disc at the center, equipped with applied numerals and Globolight rings that glow in the dark, ensures you can tell the time while still appreciating the artistic brilliance of the design. It’s technical wizardry wrapped in nostalgic packaging!

The RETROVISION ’85 doesn’t just look the part: it actually transforms! Following the spirit of the Takara Kronoform that inspired it, this watch can be removed from your wrist and reconfigured into a standing robot figure. It’s a playful functionality that makes it unlike anything else in the luxury watch market, bridging the gap between serious horology and the pure joy of collectible toys. Imagine the expressions when you casually transform your six-figure timepiece into a robot during a board meeting!

Limited to just eight pieces worldwide, the RETROVISION ’85 represents the ultimate fusion of childhood dreams and adult success. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, with the rhodium-plated brass intermediate dial requiring countless hours of skilled artisanship to achieve its retro-futuristic appearance. The contrast between the mechanical precision of the movement and the whimsical robot design creates a tension that perfectly captures the transition from childhood imagination to grown-up appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

For those who spent their youth dreaming of space exploration and robot guardians, this watch offers something beyond timekeeping: a tangible connection to those formative years. Yet it simultaneously appeals to serious collectors who understand that exceptional watchmaking transcends utility to become art. The RETROVISION ’85 stands as a bridge between past and present, between childhood wonder and adult sophistication, all while maintaining HAUTLENCE’s reputation for horological innovation and boundary-pushing design. Wearing it goes beyond just a statement of style. It’s a declaration that you’ve carried your sense of wonder and playfulness into adulthood.

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Longchamp Glides into Luxury Furniture with Pierre Renart Collaboration https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/08/longchamp-glides-into-luxury-furniture-with-pierre-renart-collaboration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=longchamp-glides-into-luxury-furniture-with-pierre-renart-collaboration Tue, 08 Apr 2025 10:25:41 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=544918

Longchamp Glides into Luxury Furniture with Pierre Renart Collaboration

French fashion house Longchamp has taken a graceful leap from handbags to home decor, unveiling its first-ever furniture collection in partnership with acclaimed designer Pierre...
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French fashion house Longchamp has taken a graceful leap from handbags to home decor, unveiling its first-ever furniture collection in partnership with acclaimed designer Pierre Renart. The collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for the brand that began its journey crafting leather-covered pipes before evolving into the beloved purveyor of luxury bags we know today. This venture into furniture feels like a natural progression, bringing Longchamp’s signature leather craftsmanship into a completely fresh dimension.

The collection beautifully marries Longchamp’s heritage in leather goods with Renart’s masterful woodworking techniques, creating pieces that seem to capture movement in static form. Each item showcases an extraordinary fluidity that challenges our perception of wood as a rigid material, instead presenting furnishings that appear to ripple and flow like fabric caught in a gentle breeze. The result is stunning visual poetry that speaks to both brands’ commitment to pushing creative boundaries while honoring traditional craftsmanship.

Designers: Longchamp x Pierre Renart

At the heart of the collection stands the Wave bench, a showstopping centerpiece upholstered in rich cashew-colored leather that seems to float above its wooden base. Renart’s innovative technique of layering thin wood sheets creates the illusion of constant motion, with curves that invite both admiration and interaction. The bench exemplifies how functional furniture can transcend its utilitarian purpose to become a sculptural statement that transforms any space it occupies.

Complementing the bench are the Ruban chairs, perhaps the most vivid expression of this creative partnership. Each chair features leather in eight different shades, including Longchamp’s iconic Heritage green and luminous Lumière green tones. The interplay of colors adds depth to the already dynamic form, creating a visual rhythm that echoes the physical movement suggested by the wooden structure. Despite their substantial construction, these chairs project an almost impossible lightness, as if they might take flight at any moment.

The collaboration draws strength from both partners’ complementary expertise. While Longchamp provided the design direction and leather mastery, Renart contributed his exceptional woodworking skills, developed in his state-of-the-art French workshop. His commitment to sourcing wood from local French sawmills adds an element of sustainability to the collection, ensuring these pieces tell a story of responsible luxury that resonates with contemporary collectors and design enthusiasts alike.

For Longchamp devotees, this furniture collection offers a thrilling opportunity to bring the brand’s aesthetic into their homes beyond the usual accessories. The flowing forms and supple leather finishes create an immediate visual connection to Longchamp’s handbag designs, particularly their softer, more organic silhouettes. Yet these pieces stand firmly on their own merits as collectible design objects, likely to attract furniture connoisseurs who appreciate the technical virtuosity required to create such seemingly effortless beauty.

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Beosound Balance Natura Speaker Stands on a Stunning Stone Pedestal https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/07/beosound-balance-natura-speaker-stands-on-a-stunning-stone-pedestal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beosound-balance-natura-speaker-stands-on-a-stunning-stone-pedestal Mon, 07 Apr 2025 10:07:33 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=544704

Beosound Balance Natura Speaker Stands on a Stunning Stone Pedestal

When audio engineering meets natural stone artistry, something magical happens. Bang & Olufsen has partnered with Italian stone specialists Antolini to create the Beosound Balance...
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When audio engineering meets natural stone artistry, something magical happens. Bang & Olufsen has partnered with Italian stone specialists Antolini to create the Beosound Balance Natura speaker, a breathtaking fusion of acoustic excellence and natural materials at Milan Design Week. This collaboration brings together two masters of their craft, combining B&O’s renowned sound expertise with Antolini’s exceptional stonework in a limited-edition offering that transforms the listening experience into something truly extraordinary.

The Beosound Balance Natura stands apart with its innovative pedestal design, where the speaker appears to float above a base crafted from some of nature’s most remarkable materials. Available in select varieties from Antolini’s Exclusive Collection and Precioustone Collection, each speaker showcases either luminous quartz or 160-million-year-old petrified wood, materials that tell a geological story while supporting cutting-edge audio technology. The result is not merely a speaker but a sculptural centerpiece that commands attention even when silent.

Designer: Bang & Olufsen, Antolini

What truly distinguishes this collaboration is the meticulous attention to transitional elements. An anodized aluminum ring creates a visual bridge between the stone pedestal and the speaker body, with precise color matching that harmonizes the natural and engineered components. This seemingly simple detail has a deep meaning that exemplifies the design philosophy behind the partnership: finding beauty in the conversation between contrasting materials while maintaining a cohesive visual language that speaks to discerning collectors.

The material selection process reveals the depth of this collaboration. Options include the crystalline transparency of Cristallo Iceberg, the dramatic patterning of Cristallo Vitrum ‘Wow,’ and the warm tones of Cristallo Rosa ‘Wow’ quartz. For those drawn to organic history, the petrified wood options of Retro Grey, Retro Brown, and Retro Fancyblack showcase nature’s patient artistry, with distinctive patterns formed through mineralization processes spanning millions of years.

Beyond its visual impact, the pedestal design serves a crucial acoustic function by positioning the speaker at its optimal height for sound distribution. This marriage of form and function typifies Bang & Olufsen’s approach to product development, where aesthetic considerations never compromise audio performance. The stone base provides stability and natural dampening properties while creating a striking visual foundation that complements contemporary interior design sensibilities.

As part of Bang & Olufsen’s Atelier Bespoke program, the Beosound Balance Natura represents a new frontier in personalized luxury audio. Each speaker becomes a unique creation, with the natural variations in stone ensuring that no two pieces are identical. It adds an element of exclusivity that will appeal to collectors who value both technological sophistication and natural beauty, positioning these speakers as heirloom pieces that will retain their visual and acoustic appeal for generations.

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TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 revealed at Watches and Wonders 2025 https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/01/tag-heuer-monaco-split-seconds-chronograph-f1-revealed-at-watches-and-wonders-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tag-heuer-monaco-split-seconds-chronograph-f1-revealed-at-watches-and-wonders-2025 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:30:05 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=543678

TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 revealed at Watches and Wonders 2025

TAG Heuer has made a comeback to Formula-1 as the official timekeeper of the pinnacle of motorsports. The acclaimed watchmaker wants to mark its presence...
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TAG Heuer has made a comeback to Formula-1 as the official timekeeper of the pinnacle of motorsports. The acclaimed watchmaker wants to mark its presence felt not only on the 2025 F1 calendar but also outside the sport. To celebrate its return to the circuit, the Maison has introduced a chronograph at Watches and Wonders 2025, that’s fit for Raceday.

The exclusive creation dubbed the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 reintroduces the iconic Rattrapante complication that was the beating heart of the 1916 Mikrosplit stopwatch. The timepiece is highlighted by its cool white and red hot contrasting dial that makes a statement even from a distance. TAG Heuer’s latest piece ushers in the new era of the brand’s direction, and how it celebrates its most valued partnerships.

Designer: TAG Heuer

Refreshing Formula-1 Influence

Racing inspired details of the chronograph are honed by the intricately crafted calibre that has hand-finished bevels, black mirror-polished screws, and TAG Heuer’s oscillating weight that’s styled like a shield. F1 spirit is exhibited in the performance and design of the Split-Seconds Chronograph F1,  as the adrenaline-inducing sport celebrates its 75th anniversary. The sleek white ceramic case doesn’t have an inner metallic container, which in itself is a major feat of technical prowess. This is contrasted with the translucent red-tinted dial that exposes the movement partially.

The brain of this watch, fit for the Scuderia Ferrari drivers Charles and Lewis, is the Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier-partnership automatic split-seconds chronograph TH81-00 movement beating at 5 Hz frequency. The chronograph squeezes out 55-65 hours of power reserve with ease. Thus, you can bank on the millisecond perfect complexity of measuring two separate time intervals simultaneously. This comes in handy for tracking multiple racing laps or concurrent sporting events.

Sublime handcrafted perfection

TAG Heuer has handcrafed the entire case and the sapphire caseback (made from a single piece of sapphire crystal), demonstrating the ability to machine the advanced materials to millimeter perfection. The split-seconds hand with red lacquered titanium insert can be controlled using the pusher at 9 o’clock. Formula-1 elements come in the form of asphalt-textured counters, checkered flag finishing on the bridges,  and the starting grid. The watchmaker adds phrases like LIGHTS OUT & AWAY WE GO” and a discreet F1 logo at 6 o’clock, to imbibe the F1 spirit deep.

The David “Crofty” Croft’s trademark call is emulated in the form of an F1 siren call, replicated from the opening seconds of each Grand Prix. This stunning timepiece gets an equally plush calfskin strap that comes with a grade-5 titanium deployment clasp. It is optimized for ergonomics and comfort without compromising the durability of the watch. Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 is only going to be limited to 10 units, making it a timepiece for avid collectors. A retail price tag of 155,000 CHF (around $175,635 USD) is completely justified given its level of detailing.

 

The post TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 revealed at Watches and Wonders 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

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