When Speakers Become Art: Kith and Bose’s Latest Creation
Well, well, well, folks. It seems Kith has decided to play a bit of a dirty game here—mixing high-end fashion, vintage audio gear, and a sprinkle of furniture design like it’s Sunday brunch! Yes, American apparel brand Kith has teamed up with designer Mark Jupiter to reimagine the classic Bose speakers. And what do you get? Speakers that look so good, they might actually distract you from listening to the music you love. But come on, can you really be expected to hear anything over those stunning wooden casings? You might as well throw a couple of Jackson Pollocks next to them and call it a gallery!
Now, let’s drop some knowledge: Kith was called upon to celebrate Bose’s 60th anniversary. No pressure there, right? They’ve attempted to modernize a design that has been around since 1968. That’s nearly as long as some of your grandparents’ vinyl collections! But hey, there’s always room for them to remind us why we should respect our elders (and their impeccable taste).
Now, Ronnie Fieg, the founder of Kith, clearly knows a thing or two about making a statement. He contends these speakers are more furniture than your run-of-the-mill sound devices. “Even though [Bose] reinvented sound with these speakers,” he mused. “I felt like they were more furniture pieces than anything else.” Frankly, if I owned these, I’d be worried that someone might sit on them! Can you imagine explaining to the guests that they’re not just decoration, but top-tier audio equipment? Awkward.
Speaking of awkward, let’s talk about design. The speakers boast backwards-facing units that bounce sound off the walls. It’s like they’re trying to create more of a faux DJ experience right in your living room. With only twelve pairs made—let’s be real—if you have one of these, your social media feeds better be ready for some serious braggadocio. You’ll be that person who throws a party just for people to stare at your speakers.
But let’s give credit where it’s due. Kith’s speakers come in a chic white-washed ash wood or the sophisticated natural air-dried walnut. They’re lifted by brass pedestals that scream, “Look at me, I’m fabulous!” Are they going to play ’80s synth pop or just look pretty while you pour your overpriced wine? Both, ideally—it’s called multitasking!
The collaboration isn’t just a cash grab, though. Fieg insists there’s no master plan here, just a genuine love for the design. After all, this isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about putting some flair back into how we perceive sound in our homes! He begrudgingly accepted that maybe, just maybe, convenience has outdone style in the world of listening devices.
In closing, dear readers, Kith and Bose’s collaboration is an ironic twist in contemporary décor—a real nod to the golden era of sound. So next time you’re cranking those tunes and your friends ask what that **thing** is in the corner, just smile at them and say, “Oh, that’s just my new furniture.” And remember, if it looks good and sounds better, it’s a win-win. Unless, of course, your guests sit on it. Then you’re on your own!
Photography courtesy of Kith. And hey, if you’re looking for ways to enhance your music experience while doubling as chic décor, this might just be your moment of inspiration!
Kith recently redefined a classic audio product by introducing an entirely new design for Bose‘s iconic reissued 1960 speakers, now elegantly encased in polished wood and sturdy metal bases. This stylish revamp was brought to life through a collaborative effort with esteemed Brooklyn furniture designer Mark Jupiter.
To honor Bose’s remarkable 60th anniversary, Kith embraced the challenge of reimagining the casing for the iconic speakers. Partnering closely with the Massachusetts-based audio engineering giant, they crafted a contemporary interpretation of this already legendary design that first captivated audiences back in 1968.
This limited-edition collection is truly exclusive, featuring only twelve pairs, each equipped with a modernized version of the original hardware. Notably, these speakers introduce backwards-facing drivers that bounce sound off walls, resulting in an immersive auditory experience that envelops the listener.
This innovative hardware was meticulously encased in rich wooden housings to showcase the speakers’ potential as stunning decor elements in any setting.
“The way people used to house these speakers in their home, I felt like they were more furniture pieces than anything else,” said Kith founder Ronnie Fieg, highlighting the harmonious blend of form and function.
“It’s essential to respect the original design and recognize its timeless appeal,” Fieg expressed. “My aim is to build around the 901, which stands as an icon in audio history.”
Fieg’s enduring admiration for the speakers reflects a deep connection to music and its culture, making this collaboration both natural and significant.
To harmonize the elegant design of the furniture with the audio component, Fieg enlisted the expertise of Mark Jupiter to engineer the exquisite frames for the speakers.
“Seeing [Jupiter’s] work combined with the way I listen to music, it’s a natural progression of how we work together,” Fieg noted, emphasizing the seamless integration of art and utility in their designs.
The speakers were designed with two types of gorgeous wood casings: a fresh white-washed ash wood and an exquisite natural air-dried walnut, designed to complement diverse decor styles.
They elegantly rest on modern pronged pedestals, crafted from hand-rubbed brass, which add a sophisticated contemporary touch to the overall aesthetic.
The overall design of the speaker system closely adheres to the original aesthetic, including sourcing the same distinctive grey-tone fabric that adorned the 1968 model, ensuring a nod to its storied past.
The venture between Kith and Bose signifies a rare exploration into decor design for Kith, yet Fieg clarified that this initiative was driven by passion rather than a trend.
“This project defies conventional formulas. It’s not about an agenda to merge furniture and music,” he explained, while expressing enthusiasm about introducing his audience to Jupiter’s remarkable design work.
Fieg emphasized his commitment to ensuring that music-related objects emanate beauty. “I’m passionate about music; it’s been the soundtrack to my life. Therefore, I want to enhance its appeal,” he concluded.
Kith is widely recognized for its innovative collaborations across diverse industries, having previously joined forces with other brands to create unique products that blend style and functionality. For instance, last year, the company released a sneaker line in collaboration with New Balance and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, featuring colors inspired by the legendary architect’s personal palette.
As the trend of speakers doubling as decorative art gains momentum, designers like Australian Tom Fereday are contributing to the evolution by partnering with Tasmanian audio brand Pitt & Giblin to create striking speakers meant to be celebrated, not concealed.
The photography is courtesy of Kith.
How does the collaboration between Bose and Kith pay homage to the original 1968 model?
The collaboration between Bose and Kith, led by designer Mark Jupiter, has resulted in a stunning reinterpretation of the classic Bose 901 speakers, originally launched in the 1960s. This limited-edition collection celebrates Bose’s 60th anniversary and features only twelve pairs, showcasing modernized audio hardware combined with elegant wooden casings. The speakers include innovative backwards-facing drivers that enhance the listening experience by bouncing sound off surrounding walls.
Kith’s founder, Ronnie Fieg, emphasized the importance of blending design with functionality, noting how the speakers can serve as decorative furniture pieces. The project respects the original aesthetic while incorporating contemporary materials, such as white-washed ash and natural air-dried walnut, along with pronged pedestals crafted from hand-rubbed brass.
The design also pays homage to the legacy of the 1968 model by using a special grey-tone fabric, ensuring that the speakers maintain their iconic status in audio history while fitting seamlessly into modern decor. this collaboration reflects a deep appreciation for music culture and a commitment to artistic craftsmanship.