My Design Icons

Why some designs, items or devices last forever while others fade away?

Growing up in an ordinary family, I was taught respect for timeless objects. With superb quality and stylish design they stood the test of time and proved exceptionally universal.

Jackets from our Warsaw studio are definitely such items for me. I do not only mean my own clothes which have taken on character with age. We have true gems like tuxedos and tailcoats Zaremba made 100 years ago. They still look insanely well. The highest quality materials coupled with top quality handwork create a unique effect that is hard to come by in today’s world. Despite the changing trends and looks in men’s fashion, I still believe (and hope others too) that Zaremba clothes display a distinctive, timeless and unmistakable style.

My number 2 is the iconic Technics SL1210MK2 turntable which is a very personal item to me. It was my father who introduced me to music and I got this Technics from him. I still have it.

It all started in 1972 when Technics introduced SL1200 (or SL1210 for the second color): the iconic high-class direct-drive turntable intended mainly for household use. Its relatively simple design combined with high-quality durable materials triggered rumors of it being “virtually indestructible equipment ideal for playing in difficult conditions”. In 1979 the SL1210MK2 version with even greater vibration damping was launched and immediately became a must-have for all radio stations, music lovers and rookie DJs.

Rolex Oyster Datejust is my another daily companion. My watch is from 1973 yet it is still gives flavor to many styles and works great for casual and more formal sets.
It all started in 1945 with Rolex launching the iconic Datejust to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary. It was the first automatic watch with a date display. The date change mechanism was upgraded over time to feature the famous “Cyclops Lens” and the whole mechanism was improved. Although the Datejust has been one of the Swiss company’s flagship models for nearly eighty years, the prices for vintage models remain relatively low. It is delicate and classy with a sporty touch – I immediately fell for it. My affection for Rolex goes so far that I forgive it is sometimes late or tends to show an incorrect date.

This icon is a dream of mine. Ferrari 288GTO is for me the most beautiful car the Italians ever made. Unfortunately, it also happens to be one of the most expensive. The 1984 project was designed as a standardized version of the iconic Group B rally car. Unfortunately, the fatal accident of Henri Toivonen ended the B group and only 277 cars were produced out of the 500 necessary for the homologation. This means 288GTO is one of the most sought-after Ferraris in history. Its standardized version was the fastest car in the world at the time. In terms of design it was a modified 308 GTB which I admired as a kid in the Magnum P.I. series starring Tom Seleck.