Jony Ive, the well-known designer behind some of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s most iconic products, has embarked on a new venture following his departure from the tech giant in 2019. LoveFrom, his design firm based in San Francisco and London, has collaborated with Japanese company Balmuda to introduce a $4,800 sailing lantern. Designed for challenging maritime environments, the lantern is a reflection of Ive’s lifelong passion for sailing and addresses a personal frustration with the current lantern market. His dedication to this project highlights a continued interest in creating innovative products outside the realm of consumer electronics.
Contrary to previous projects like Balmuda’s debut cooling stand for MacBook, this collaboration focuses on integrating historical design with modern functionality. Balmuda, founded by Gen Terao in the early 2000s, has consistently combined thoughtful design with robust technology. While Ive’s previous contributions at Apple revolved around defining minimalist aesthetics in devices like the iPhone and iMac, his work with Balmuda sees a shift towards the nautical realm, a peculiar yet fitting continuation of his diverse post-Apple design journey.
Why is the Sailing Lantern Different?
This lantern takes inspiration from traditional nautical lanterns and Fresnel lamps. It is constructed from precision-ground glass, stainless steel, and a durable electroplated finish, ensuring it withstands harsh marine conditions. Ive highlighted the substantial effort required, saying it took two years of intensive work to finalize the design.
“I wanted to make something technologically sophisticated,”
he expressed, underlining his meticulous approach.
What Motivated the Collaboration?
The shared vision between LoveFrom and Balmuda revolves around delivering high-quality design and technology. Ive’s personal experience as a sailor became a key influence in this partnership. He remarked on the motivation behind creating an exceptional product tailored for maritime use, acknowledging the frustration with existing market offerings.
“So instead, I spent two years hard at work designing it,”
he elaborated, positioning this lantern as a solution to his navigational lighting needs.
Ive’s creative journey has led to diverse projects since leaving Apple. From designing the emblem for King Charles III’s coronation to collaborating on a logo for William Stout bookstore, his portfolio reflects varied interests. LoveFrom has engaged in projects ranging from fashion collaborations with Moncler to working on Rivian electric bikes, highlighting Ive’s expansive scope and skills.
In 2024, Ive founded io Products, which was acquired by OpenAI for $6.5 billion. This acquisition allows him to focus on designing hardware for AI applications, departing from traditional smartphone aesthetics. Working with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Ive emphasizes creating products that deliver unique experiences, moving beyond the confines of smartphone design.
This collaboration between LoveFrom and Balmuda showcases a distinct fusion of historical design principles with cutting-edge technology. By integrating modern innovations with traditional features, the lantern exemplifies how design can adapt to diverse environments while maintaining functionality. Additionally, the partnership underscores the value of cross-industry collaborations in achieving specialized products. As LoveFrom continues to explore various design disciplines, the company remains a testament to Jony Ive’s creative evolution post-Apple.
