Marc Newson, CBE, is an industrial designer whose work spans a wide range of disciplines. Born in Sydney, Newson staged his first solo exhibition at the age of twenty-three and two years later created the now iconic Lockheed Lounge. He is the only designer represented by Gagosian, and his designs are featured in the permanent collections of more than forty institutions worldwide.
Marc Newson
Richard Geoffroy and I bonded over our admiration of Japanese culture, particularly the high value placed on skill and craft, and the obsession with minute detail. The process behind IWA exemplifies Richard’s unique approach: from the bottle to the brewery, he places a similarly high value on design.
IWA Sake bottle and glassware, designed by Marc Newson, 2020. Photos: Jonas Marguet
The parameters were fairly defined in terms of the functionality of the bottle: we wanted it to look like a bottle and have a recognizable silhouette, and be subtle and sophisticated. We were more playing with materials and finishes to achieve a subtle elegance.
IWA Sake’s Shiraiwa kura, Japan, designed by Kengo Kuma, 2021. Photo: Nao Tsuda, courtesy IWA Sake
IWA Sake’s Shiraiwa kura, Japan, designed by Kengo Kuma, 2021. Photo: Nao Tsuda, courtesy IWA Sake
Kengo Kuma
We considered history within the context of local culture. The roof directly references the traditional houses of the Gokayama region. Historically, the people and the koji yeast live together under one roof.
IWA Sake’s Shiraiwa kura, Japan, designed by Kengo Kuma, 2021. Photo: Nao Tsuda, courtesy IWA Sake
Richard Geoffroy
I always had a fascination for Kengo Kuma’s contribution to reviving the Japan-ness of Japan’s architecture: deeply and proudly rooted yet reaching out to the world. His philosophy has been a source of personal inspiration in creating IWA. In actual fact Kengo’s collaboration with IWA is beyond architecture; I am grateful he keeps guiding me through the arcanes of the cultures of Japan.
Marc Newson’s supplement also includes: “In Conversation: Ruth Rogers and Marc Newson”, “Concepts in Motion” by Alison Castle, “Sketch Book” by Marc Newson, and “Il Sorpasso” by Carlos Valladares.
