Pen World v32.4

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Left—Visconti’s new CEO, Francesco Poggesi. Below—Visconti Homo Sapiens Magma series in twist-action ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen with 23 karat palladium Dreamtouch nib. To celebrate Visconti’s 30th anniversary, which passed officially in October 2018, the brand is revamping one of its early favorites, the Visconti Voyager. Featuring Voyager’s traditional body shape and the Voyager spring clip, the ebonite Voyager 30 limited edition will be available in three colors as a double-reservoir fountain pen and a rollerball. Poggesi believes that one of Visconti’s strengths lies in its ability to utilize technology to make writing instruments from unique materials: “If we’re talking about materials, just think of the Homo Sapiens collection: which other brand uses a blend of resin with volcanic lava powder in a pen?” You read correctly: basaltic lava from Italy’s Mt. Etna. Practically unbreakable, somewhat hygroscopic (able to absorb moisture), dense in color saturation, and heat resistant, the Visconti Homo Sapiens is a modern marvel and a fan favorite. In May, Visconti introduced a new version of the Homo Sapiens, the Magma, with glossy red aluminum trim. The power-filler fountain pen features Visconti’s Hook-Safe Lock mechanism and comes with a 23 karat ruthenium-coated palladium Dreamtouch nib in extra-fine through broad and 1.3 mm stub. Modes available include an oversize fountain pen, rollerball, and twist-action ballpoint. Credit must be given to Detlef Bittner, co-owner of Carmel, California’s Bittner: The Pleasure of Writing pen shop (bittner.com) and an official Visconti vendor. Bittner recommended a Homo Sapiens with red, lava-like trim. As a result, any Visconti Homo Sapiens Magma ordered through Bittner will ship with an exclusive inkwell. The Homo Sapiens Magma is exclusive to the U.S. market. And these are only some of the Visconti writing instruments that have or will be premiering. Further, pens are only part of Poggesi’s concept for Visconti. He says, “We are also planning an extension of our product category: an accessory line will be launched in the next 2020 collection!” 52
From rod stock to machining to fit to filling system, each Visconti writing instrument goes through a rigorous testing process before being released for purchase. Poggesi continues, “This amazing company, Visconti, is no longer just a company: it has become a real luxury brand and a leader in the pen sector. We will grow by focusing on the concept of lifestyle, strengthening our e-commerce, and a new organizational structure that includes the opening of a few Visconti stores in order to reinforce our image, like the big fashion brands do. We also want to expand our distribution network. Visconti, being no longer just writing instruments, will be present not only in pen shops, but also in fashion, luxury, and design boutiques.” As CEO, Poggesi believes his most important role is fostering a creative environment. He has introduced a new design process that involves the marketing and product development teams, as well. “When thinking about designing a pen, it is important to have multiple points of view,” Poggesi says. “The design of a new pen should be analyzed from a purely artistic and aesthetic point of view (here is the role of designers); from a technical/practical feasibility point of view (here comes the technical development department); and finally, but no less important, from a commercial point of view, which also takes as a reference the behavior of competitors and market analysis (where the marketing department comes into play).” When we think of the Renaissance, we think of iconoclastic geniuses—Rembrandt and Da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo. We also consider the patrons who made their art possible—the Borgias, the Medicis, the Sforzas. But it’s important to bear in mind that the Renaissance was also a communal experience. The Sistine Chapel was the work of multiple artists and architects. Da Vinci sketched the illustrations for his friend Luca Pacioli’s landmark mathematical work on the Golden Ratio, the three-volume Divina proportione. Likewise, Visconti depends on the sum of its parts to create the whole. In ethos and in product, Visconti strives for the title of “Renaissance pen brand.” Visit visconti.it and colesoflondon.com. 53
Page 1: The Journal of Writing Culture Rena
Page 6 and 7: 8 departments 14 19 6 8 10 14 19 23
Page 8 and 9: The Renaissance BY NICKY PESSAROFF
Page 10 and 11: The Visconti Medici in Golden Blue
Page 18: • When art becomes a jewel • Th
Page 22 and 23: FEBRUARY 2018 $6.95US $7.95CAN 02 0

Pen World v32.4

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?