Hiroshi Fujiwara brings his unparalleled design approach to a landmark collaboration with Danish audio leaders Bang & Olufsen. Known for transforming everyday items into objects of desire, Fujiwara takes on B&O’s iconic creations, presenting a collection that marries minimalist visual flair with high-end acoustic prowess.
This partnership, decades in the making, celebrates Fujiwara’s long-standing admiration for B&O. His journey began with the brand’s Beocenter 2300, purchased in 1991. Now, after 35 years, he revamps four classic B&O pieces under his brand, Fragment Design, finishing them with a hand-polished, liquid black treatment like no other.
Unveiling in Tokyo
The collection makes its debut at Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku, Tokyo. From today and for a week, you can witness these transformed audio systems before they embark on a wider Japanese rollout on May 27. Mark your calendars for June 3, when the collaboration becomes available globally, attracting design and audio enthusiasts alike.
Reimagined classics
In this collaboration, Fujiwara doesn’t replace, but rather reimagines. He has chosen from B&O’s collection the Beoplay H100 headphones, the Beosound A1 portable speaker, the Beosound Shape wall system, and the Beosystem 9000c CD setup. Each piece bears Fujiwara’s distinct monochrome style, enhanced with B&O’s craftsmanship for that striking glossy finish.
Beoplay H100 and Beosound A1
The Beoplay H100 Fragment Edition headphones make a bold statement with their gloss black anodized finish. Paired with a black leather headband, these $2,400 headphones promise comfort and luxury. On the other hand, the more democratic Beosound A1 3rd Gen speaker, priced at $475, retains the high-gloss finish with the Fragment brand’s signature lightning logo beneath the grille.
Beosound Shape and Beosystem 9000c
The creativity of this collaboration shines through in pieces like the Beosound Shape. With its petal-inspired design, this wall-mounted audio system transforms your living space at $7,100. The modular system offers deep sound enveloped by monochromatic fabric petals.
The crowning jewel is the Beosystem 9000c Fragment Edition, a made-to-order marvel that costs $69,650. This system, exclusive to Japan, includes the Beolab 28 loudspeakers, a two-way Beoremote One, and a retro six-disc CD player with an iconic CD swapping mechanism. Fujiwara’s version reflects both historic innovation and modern elegance.
Source: yankodesign.com