Caran d’Ache is no stranger to interdisciplinary collaborations – previous design partners include watchmaker MB&F, architect Mario Botta and designer Paul Smith. It makes sense, then, that the Swiss writing instrument maker would partner up with a man of many (leather) hats, Peter Marino.
The architect, artist, and prolific fashion boutique designer has contributed a limited-edition pen to the ‘Varius’ collection, which has seen 50 iterations over the brand’s 100 year history, and is one of the its most iconic designs. Marino, who has been sketching with ‘Varius’ pens for years, was keen to maintain its emblematic, hexagonal shape.
Marino signs a copy of his book for Caran d’Ache with his new pen
But in all other respects, the new ‘Varius’ is unrecognisable – and unmistakably Marino. A ‘high performance instrument dressed in leather couture’, Marino’s first foray into haute écriture is inspired by ‘motorcycle aesthetic’ and his distinctive ‘personal style’ (think rugged leather daddy in aviators).
The pen is encased in Harrison calf leather from France, and topped with a silver and rhodium-plated skull with black onyx eyes, reminiscent of the architect’s numerous rings. Marino aficionados might recognise the ‘1/150’ numbering imprinted onto the side, as a reference to the architect’s studio in Manhattan – 150 East 58 Street. Hand-laced details echo one of Marino’s many outré leather garments.
No small thanks to Caran d’Ache’s master craftsmen, Marino manages to reference architecture, fashion and even personal history – all in a little instrument you hold in one hand. This is interdisciplinary design at its most organic. Write on.
The pen comes in two editions: the ‘Varius Peter Marino’ and a special edition
The pen is encased in Harrison calf leather from France, and topped with a silver and rhodium-plated skull with black onyx eyes
INFORMATION
‘Varius Peter Marino’, from £1,200. For more information, visit the Peter Marino website and the Caran d’Ache website
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