Former Apple Designer Jony Ive Unveils Luxurious Sailing Lantern
Since leaving Apple in 2019, Jony Ive’s creative pursuits have spanned fashion, typefaces, and even A.I. hardware. Now, the famed designer is taking on the high seas with a $4,800 sailing lantern designed to withstand ocean spray, corrosive salt, and swaying movements—while still looking sleek. The limited edition project was spearheaded by Gen Terao and Jony Ive, and it’s a testament to their commitment to innovative design.
The luxury sailing lantern is a result of a collaboration between LoveFrom, Ive’s design firm, and Japanese manufacturer Balmuda. According to a statement by Ive, the product was designed to address the “unforgiving functional requirements” of nautical conditions, while still maintaining a sleek and modern design.
A Personal Project for Jony Ive
For Ive, the project is personal. A lifelong sailor, the British-American designer now owns his own yacht and was frustrated by the lack of quality lanterns on the market. “So instead, I spent two years hard at work designing it, to make something this technologically sophisticated takes time,” he told Boat International. The lantern is built from longevity-focused materials, including precision-ground glass, a durable electroplated finish, and sturdy polyester strap.
The luxury sailing lantern goes for $4,800, a price that reflects its high-quality materials and sophisticated design. According to a report by CNBC, the lantern is powered by two LEDs and contains a rechargeable battery and a digital control system.
Jony Ive’s Post-Apple Pursuits
Since leaving Apple, Ive’s work has been strikingly diverse. LoveFrom has designed a coronation emblem for King Charles III, an auction stand for Christie’s, and a jacket for Moncler, among others. More recently, it helped create a logo for San Francisco’s William Stout bookstore and collaborated with Rivian on electric bikes for the EV company’s spinout, Also. In 2024, Ive launched hardware startup io Products, which OpenAI acquired earlier this year for $6.5 billion.
Ive hasn’t left tech entirely behind. As the leader of design for OpenAI’s upcoming line of A.I.-focused hardware, he is committed to creating products that prioritize a less screen-centered experience. Both Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman remain secretive about the project, but they have been clear on one point: the product won’t look like an iPhone or any smartphone.
Image Source: observer.com
