{"id":209,"date":"2021-03-17T09:09:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-17T09:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aqipa.klixpert.io\/?p=209"},"modified":"2023-01-13T16:25:11","modified_gmt":"2023-01-13T16:25:11","slug":"virgil-abloh-x-braun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/www.braun-audio.com\/en-gb\/artistry\/virgil-abloh-x-braun\/","title":{"rendered":"Virgil Abloh x Braun"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A present day icon.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Technology has made some major advancements since the iconic Braun wall unit [Wandanlage] began development in 1961. And now, 60 years later, Virgil Abloh has reimagined it for 2021. The one-of-a-kind project coincides with the braun’s 100th anniversary<\/a> celebrations. Virgil carefully analysed every detail of the original blueprints and used his personal influences to build a piece of “functional art” that aligns with the Dieter Rams’ intrinsic Braun idea of good design being built to last. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A remix track by Virgil Abloh is also available on his Soundcloud<\/a> to bring the Braun ethos of good design to life: \u201cIt\u2019s timeless and meant to be appreciated and enjoyed over time<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The metallic finish of the 2021 version is a visual manifestation of the parallels between Braun\u2019s polished chrome design aesthetic \u2013 such as the 1960 SM3 shaver and 1961 T1 toaster – and the high shine of Virgil Abloh\u2019s cultural and musical references of the past 100 years.  These range from the brass and silver instruments of Mamie Smith\u2019s 1930s blues band to the customized polished \u2018slabs\u2019 on cars made famous by hip hop stars in the 1980s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By taking a \u2018less but better\u2019 approach to the design process, Virgil Abloh and Braun ensure that the original hifi audio remains the hero of the collaboration \u2013 and the technology still functions today as it did back in 1965. The result is a custom-built ‘functional art’ piece where design bridges the gap between form and function, with materials that ensure it lasts for the next 100 years.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Braun<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\"Braun<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\"Braun<\/picture><\/figure><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Behind the scenes. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Virgil Abloh says of the partnership: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have always had a deep appreciation for Braun design.  For the brand\u2019s 100 years, I jumped at the opportunity to reimagine this iconic Braun product and challenge what we have come to expect from design.  The \u201cfunctional art\u201d piece co-curated with Braun Design not only highlights the original function of the hifi wall unit that was the best audio of its time, but also the quality and durable materials that are built to last.  As a creator, I continue to question how art is perceived in today\u2019s culture. ‘Functional art’ is a lasting legacy of the enduring power of good design that is simple, useful and built to last.  In so doing, it advances the frames of design references beyond design \u2018purists\u2019 to broader audiences.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

\"Braun<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

With the collaboration comes a short film following Virgil at Farnsworth House \u2013 designed and constructed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe \u2013 as he explains his design process behind the reimagined Wandanlage.  In a nod to his practice as a DJ, Virgil has also curated a bespoke remix composition titled \u2018Internationalism<\/a>\u2019 so design \u2018purists\u2019 and broader audiences can experience the musical inspiration behind the collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\"The<\/div>