Gifts & Inspiration
MODERN FUNCTIONALITY, RETRO DESIGN: NOSTALGIC TECH
The human desire for products that remind us of times past remains as strong as ever.
Here are our top picks for 2024 in innovative, retro inspired tech products.
In recent years, there has been an undeniable surge in all things retro. From fashion trends inspired by cult classics from decades ago, to the growing sentiment towards nostalgic music, film and art, many find themselves longing and reliving the charm of times past through these simple outlets. In the face of radical global innovation and development, this desire for retro inspiration has also led to the rise of tech products with retro designs. Various creatively innovative tech brands are leading the way in bridging times past with present, with products that play with the nostalgia of old school products in terms of design, yet still provide a refined and contemporary tech experience. Here are a few of our top picks for 2024, for those who crave a nostalgic edge for their tech products, yet still want the finest innovations at the heart of the product.
1. Brionvega Radiofonografo by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castigliano
This iconic turntable, with an enviably cool retro design, was actually first released back in 1965 by design duo Achille and Pier Giacomo Castigliono.
An effortless fusion of vintage design and modern tech elements, this chic multi-use turntable features a variety of audio features including FM/AM radio, a high tech turntable, aux input and Bluetooth compatibility. It’s modular shape allows it to transform to fit just about any space with a nostalgic charm, and provides an innovative retro audio experience.
The Brionvega turntable comes in various sizes and colours, all boasting the same luxury retro design.
2. Smeg FAB28 Refrigerator
For retro inspired home appliance enthusiasts, Smeg has become a cult classic. Smeg’s designs are said to pay ode to the style of the 1950’s kitchen, and combine the bright colours and curvaceous designs of this era with modern functionality and cutting edge technology.
Smeg’s FAB28 Refrigerator can be seen in countless stylish homes, and elevate any kitchen with a classy retro edge. However, regardless of it’s retro design, the FAB28 fridge provides the finest refrigeration tech including a multi-flow cooling system, electronic temperature control and their classic “Life Plus 0” drawer.
3. Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Camera
A recent article in Vogue by Fred Ritchin outlines how the growth of photography by artificial intelligence is the most recent development in society’s urge to return to the day’s of retro photography, and the growing value of authentic and unfiltered content.
Such recent trend’s, amongst the evident growth of vastly edited content on socials and in the media, has led to a surge in the use of retro design cameras, including film cameras as well as hybrid cameras like the Fujifilm Instax LiPlay camera, in an attempt to return to the simplicity of days past.
The Fujifilm Instax LiPlay camera is a fantastic fusion of nostalgic photography elements and newer innovative details such as better image quality, recording abilities and more.
Shop the Fujifilm Instax LiPlay camera here
4. Maison Roshi Sensei Arcade
The desire for tech products that bridge the charm of retro design with cutting edge technology also applies to home entertainment and gaming. Brands like Nintendo and PlayStation as well as various virtual reality developers have been pioneers of the industry in innovation. However, there is growing sentiment toward the days of retro gaming, with classic like the Mario arcade games, original Street Fighters and more valued above new games by many.
Maison Roshi’s retro inspired arcade cabinets seamlessly fuse the retro charm of arcade games with new generation, luxury design. Each arcade comes with over 5000 arcade games, compared to the usual few of classic arcades, and their larger cabinets are boast compatibility with new consoles for those wanting a cross generational gaming experience.
5. A for Ara Retro Speaker
For a luxury audio experience that evokes a nostalgic sense of the flower power era of the 1960’s with it’s whimsical design, the A for Ara speakers are the way to go.
These unique high tech, retro design speakers are crafted with the following ethos in mind “Once upon a time, music was a sensuous centrepiece of the home. Here in Catskills, we are making objects that restore music to its rightful place. We have lost our rituals of listening, and we need to bring them back.”
The speakers boast a sleek and minimal design, removing the fuss and detail of many of today’s high tech speakers, and reminisces on the day’s of music when it was a centrepiece to the home. We’re sold!
Discover A for Ara speakers
6. Koss Headphones
Headphones have developed at an impressive rate in recent years, with names like Boss and Apple Headphones leading the way for high tech, contemporary favourites. However, as outlined by Hayley Peppin from Harper’s Bazaar, many Gen Z consumers are rejecting these new developments, in favour of the classic wired earphones and other more retro designs, like the Koss headphones.
Founder of Koss, John C. Koss, founded the brand back in 1958 with the invention of the first SP/3 Stereophone. The brand has stayed loyal to the original retro designs of their audio systems, however the tech has been improved to provide an fine tuned experience.
Discover the story behind the Koss heaphones
7. Kitchen Aid Icecream Maker
Kitchen Aid is another pioneer of retro inspired innovative home appliances – and their ice cream maker is no exception!
This iconic kitchen appliance brand has been crafting the finest products for cooking aficionados for over 100 years. However, in the 100 years they’ve been around, they have kept their design reminiscent of the original vintage style, with innovations made purely to the technical side.
Their retro colourways add a nostalgic touch to any kitchen, and many of their products, this ice cream maker included, encourage users to return to more traditional means of cooking.
