Virgil Abloh signs a new stereo with Braun
For the brand's 100th anniversary, Abloh reinterpreted the iconic Wandalage stereo
Art & Design
March 17th, 2021
March 17th, 2021
After working together on one of Braun's most popular products, an alarm clock, Virgil Abloh was called upon to celebrate the German brand's hundred years with its most ambitious project to date: the chrome remake of Dieter Rams' iconic Wandalage wall hi-fi stereo, originally produced by Braun in 1965. To present his new "sound sculpture", as the designer defined it in a recent Instagram post, Abloh created a campaign set in one of the most beloved architectural places, Mies van der Rohe's Farsnworth House, and accompanied by an exclusive track called Internationalism signed by Abloh himself along with Texans OG Ron C and DJ Candlestick that can be heard on Abloh's SoundCloud page.
The modern remake of the Wandalage stereo maintains the technical specifications of the original model, even increasing them by today's standards, and features a chrome finish that transforms the object into a real art installation. Here's how Abloh described it in a statement:
«he “functional art” piece co-curated with Braun Design not only highlights the original function of the hi-fi wall unit that was the best audio of its time, but also the quality and durable materials that are built to last. As a creator, I continue to question how art is perceived in today’s culture. “Functional art” is a lasting legacy of the enduring power of good design that is simple, useful and built to last. In so doing, it advances the frames of design references beyond design ‘purists’ to broader audiences».
