Design

The instant camera. Photos return to your fridge

Presented to the public for the first time by Edwin H. Land in 1954, the instant camera allows users to fully develop the film within 60 seconds of taking the picture. The first model was the Polaroid 95 and it has currently returned to our lives after the revival of analogue photography. Nothing beats its original white frame and its special way of capturing light!

Italian coffee maker. Mornings start with the smell of coffee

The Italian or Mocha coffee maker is an Espresso coffee maker that brews coffee by means of steam. It was patented by Luigi De Ponti on behalf of Alfonso Bialetti in 1933 and his company continues manufacturing the same model nowadays. Very popular in Europe for years, the original design is made of aluminium with a Bakelite handle and due to its very special way of airing the aroma, it has become an irreplaceable classic for coffee lovers.

Record player. The unmistakable sound of vinyl

The record player was launched in 1925 with the aim of playing records electrically and not mechanically. In this way, the sound gained in quality and both the records and the needle did not wear out as much. It is the sound reproduction system that has lasted for longer and nowadays music lovers and DJs defend the very special nuance vinyl brings to sound.

Speakers. The real meaning of sharing music

Although in the beginning amplifiers were not used for guitars, it was precisely this instrument that extended their use; firstly with the Hawaiian lap steel guitars in the 30s and then with the explosion of rock ‘n roll in the 50s. The great significance of amplifiers has also influenced the design of some domestic speaker models, which take the spirit of live music to homes whilst at the same time following the vintage style of the original models

Spatial lamp. The crazy design of the 60s is back

A design trend inspired by the atomic age emerged in the 1940s, which would lead to the space age in the 60s. The rounded shapes initially evoked atomic particles with organic abstract lines that would later on result in motifs like the space capsules. Today, these original shapes return to our homes thanks to numerous interior designers that value the industrial design from the 50s and 60s.

The bicycle. A city’s best friend

Harry John Lawson introduced the chain-driven safety bicycle in 1873. The chain and gearing allowed for better development and longer travel distances. Today, fixed-gear bicycles have found a place in cities again. They are lighter, more efficient, they offer a greater sense of control and also help make our cities more sustainable and smoke-free.

Pocket watch. Timely sophistication

The pocket watch was invented in France in the fifteenth century thanks to the addition of the coil spring to the clock mechanism. Often manufactured with precious metals, its use was linked to the upper classes of society and did not become popular until the eighteenth century. Considered an inspiration for a more orderly life in which hours could be accurately measured, today numerous brands and collectors claim its unmistakable style over the widespread wristwatch.

Browline glasses. A classic look

Browline glasses were launched in 1947 and commercialised for the first time by the company Shuron with the name Ronsir. This model highlighted the eyebrow line and became one of the most popular designs in the 50s, especially in the United States. Although they continued being manufactured, its most classic version became mainstream again thanks to the great impact of the TV series Mad Men, among other reasons.

Chesterfield sofa. Can you sit like a lord?

The most accepted version of the origin of this iconic sofa stars the Earl of Chesterfield, Philipp Dormer Stanhope (1694-1773) who ordered a seat that would keep gentlemen in an upright and elegant, yet fairly uncomfortable position. It is said that his intention was to “keep audiences and visits shorter”. In leather or in an endless array of finishes, today the Chesterfield sofa comes back as a reinvented classic that never goes out of fashion.

Flip alarm clock. Large numbers to kick start the morning

The revolving number system was first implemented at the Liege-Guillemins train station in 1956, becoming the standard for information panels in airports and train stations all around the world for years. In the mid-1960s, this mechanism was adapted to domestic watches, which became very popular in the 70s. Today, a little saturated of being surrounded by mobile phones, many homes have recovered this revolving number system in their alarm clocks to greet them every morning.

Moleskine. The inspirational notebook

Picasso, Matisse or Hemingway are among its most renowned users, but it was Bruce Chatwin who made this notebook famous, after writing his book “The Songlines” in one of them. Sometime later, these notebooks became a global icon when the Italian company Modo & Modo started manufacturing them under the name of Moleskine in 1997.

Carmen collection. A reinterpreted classic

Inspired by art deco, the original design of the Carmen basin was conceived in the 40s as a tribute to this universal trend. In 2017, coinciding with its hundredth anniversary, Roca reinterprets this classic, turning it into a vitreous china and furniture collection, introducing technology and the most innovative materials.