La Maison Caran d’Ache, in collaboration with the Girard Studio and Vitra, introduces the 849 Alexander Girard – a ballpoint pen in a limited edition collection that combines the know-how of the Geneva-based writing and drawing instruments company with the playful and emblematic patterns of Alexander Girard. Developed as the newest addition to the Vitra Accessories Collection, which already includes several pieces inspired by the designer, the 849 Alexander Girard also features in the Maison Caran d’Ache office line.
Alexander Girard was one of the leading figures in American design during the postwar era. While textile design was the primary focus of Girard's oeuvre, he was also admired for his work in the graphic arts as well as furniture, exhibition and interior design. Girard brought a sensuous playfulness to twentieth-century design that had been absent from the austere aesthetic of classic modernism.
Since the earliest days of his youth, Girard was accustomed to taking a writing instrument along wherever he went. He always carried one in the inner pocket of his tweed jacket, ready to jot down a quick note or sketch out an idea. Moreover, he usually had some sort of paper on hand – very often notepads from hotels where he had stayed. He liked their thin sheets and the practical dimensions that fit in his trouser pockets, and eventually acquired a whole collection of them. Whether with a short text or in the form of a drawing: he knew how to express himself with a pen.
About the 849 Alexander Girard
The 849 Alexander Girard is a trusty everyday companion whose decor is inspired by the designer’s iconic patterns and motifs. The limited-edition collection includes two models: The first one sports the geometric pattern “Double Triangle” in white gloss on a matt black body. The second, more feminine version features the “Check Stripes” in pink on a white gloss body. The metal case supplied with the 849 pens is adorned with the designer’s iconic motif “The Eyes” in either pink or blue. The colourful and expressive images were selected by Caran d’Ache and Vitra in cooperation with the Girard family from the vast array of graphic works in the Girard estate, which is preserved in the Vitra Design Museum archive.
Instantly identifiable as the ultimate emblem of the Maison Caran d’Ache, the 849 pen has a hexagonal shape and the comfortable proportions of an iconic model. 849 pens are designed and manufactured in the Caran d’Ache workshops with the greatest care and in line with the standards of the Swiss Made label. The performance of the Goliath cartridge, capable of writing up to 600 flawless A4 pages, complements the timeless design of the 849.
The 849 Alexander Girard Collection will be available in spring 2018 at selected Caran d’Ache and Vitra stores and associated dealers.
About the Vitra Accessories Collection
The Vitra Accessories Collection encompasses the growing portfolio of design objects, accessories and textiles produced by the Swiss furniture company. The collection is based on classic patterns and objects conceived by designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard. In addition to these classics, it also includes pieces by prominent contemporary figures like Hella Jongerius, Jasper Morrison and the Bouroullec brothers. Authenticity, joy and playfulness are hallmarks of the Vitra Accessories Collection.
Cheerful colours, abstract forms, geometric patterns, unique colour constellations: that is the world of Alexander Girard. Vitra works intensively with the archive of Alexander Girard, and a number of his designs and motifs are featured in the Vitra Accessories Collection.
About the companies
Caran d’Ache
Located in Geneva since its inception in 1915, Caran d’Ache designs and manufactures the brightest colours and most advanced writing instruments, combining premium materials with the most innovative skills and technology.
Drawing on more than a century of expertise, the Geneva-based Maison has been part of the grand tradition of Swiss manufacturing, and its instruments are recognised around the world for their outstanding quality.
Each fine writing instrument and every luminous colour is crafted in the Maison Caran d’Ache workshops in Geneva, in accordance with the exacting requirements of the Swiss Made label and the brand’s deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Caran d’Ache utilises all of its experience and know-how to design products that foster creativity in every one of its customers, from budding creatives to the most renowned professionals.
www.carandache.com
Girard Studio
The Girard Studio was created by the Girard family to preserve and promote the design legacy and archive of Alexander Girard. The Studio functions as the official representative of his unique and profound body of work and acts as the sole agent for licensing and collaboration.
www.girardstudio.com
Vitra
Creating innovative products and concepts with great designers is Vitra’s essence. They are developed in Switzerland and installed worldwide by architects, companies and private users to build inspirational spaces for living, working and shopping as well as public areas.
With its classics Vitra represents groundbreaking 20th century design. Today, in combining technical and conceptual expertise with the creativity of contemporary designers, Vitra seeks to continue pushing the boundaries of the design discipline.
www.vitra.com
Specifications
- Light and resistant aluminium body.
- Flexible steel clip.
- Goliath cartridge that can be used for up to 600 pages of A4.
- Steel tip with a tungsten carbide rotating ball ensuring a clean, flawless line.
- Refills available: giant Goliath cartridge, size M (blue, black, red, green), F (blue, black, red) and L (blue, black).
- Made in Switzerland.
Check Stripes model
- Rose-gold plated clip and push button (between 2 and 3 microns of gold).
- Brilliant white varnish on body.
- Iconic “check stripes” pattern in brilliant pink varnish.
Double Triangle model
- Matt black chrome-plated clip and button.
- Matt black varnish on body.
- Iconic “double triangle” pattern in brilliant white varnish.
Creative Art Materials - Visit Booth #4145 to view the products