Roger Fingas
Apple design officer Jony Ive's next one-off project will be a collaboration with designer Marc Newson on the 2016 Claridge's Christmas tree, a staple of the holiday season in London.
The tree will be unveiled on Nov. 18 in the Claridge's hotel lobby, according to an announcement. For seven years now the hotel has been inviting guest designers to work on the tree, some other examples coming from firms like Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana.
Ive has close ties with Newson, for instance having worked together on a number of projects sold at auction for charity — including a special red version of the Mac Pro.
Two years ago Newson was even hired to work part-time at Apple, likely on the Apple Watch. He may have also contributed to past Apple products in a stealth capacity.
As chief design officer, Ive is thought to be taking less of a day-to-day role at Apple, which may help afford the time for work like Claridge's.
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18 Comments
What the hell...?
Is it so thin and beautiful that it doesn't even function like a Christmas tree anymore?
I think it's great that Ive has time to breathe within his time at Apple. This is what keeps one of the most talented designers in the world from getting fed up with his employer. And working on this outside Apple? Very much might provide inspiration for a great idea within Apple. Not understanding this is misunderstand both the designer and how ideas appear and ferment. Like how some didn't understanding why is spending such a great amount on the new campus.
I still have the impression Marc Newson was hired as Jony's old buddy so he'd have someone to talk to. Newson as a designer has some seriously unimpressive (ugly looking) work.
I couldn't have made it through the day without knowing this.