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Objects for the Rich: Tiffany & Co.'s Horrific "Every Objects" Series
They're selling a $1,000 tin can and other nonsense
By Rain Noe - Nov 07, 2017
Are rich people running out of things to spend their money on?
Tiffany & Co.'s "Every Objects" series provides a stark reminder that some people have a lot of money to burn. Consider that the company is selling, and that presumably there's a demand for, a $1,000 tin can:
Enter a caption (optional)Sorry, that's a Sterling silver can with a blue stripe on it.
Description & Details
The Everyday Objects collection transforms utilitarian items into handcrafted works of art. A classic tin can is upgraded in sterling silver and shining vermeil.
- Sterling silver and vermeil with Tiffany Blue® enamel accent
- 4.5" high
- Instantly recognizable, the signature Tiffany Blue® hue of this design's enamel accent has been as iconic as the brand itself since its founding in 1837
Enter a caption (optional)
Enter a caption (optional)Other objects in this collection that fill me with disgust:
A $350 "Chinese Food Pillbox," also in Sterling silver, and described in the product listing as being "the embodiment of wit and whimsy."
Enter a caption (optional)A $950 "Paper Plate," also in Sterling silver, but this one only described as being "infused with modern wit."
Enter a caption (optional)This $1,500 18-karat gold "Paper Clip Bookmark," listed as "the perfect whimsical desk accessory."
Enter a caption (optional)These objects are neither "witty" nor "whimsical." They're just expensive. And they exist only for the sake of existing.
Rain Noe
Rain Noe is a writer and industrial designer based in New York City.
14 Comments
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Core77's sponsor sells a notebook with the same function as the Walmart notebook but the price, by the standards of the article's title, would be "horrific".
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Ha! that is a nice twist, Bud! indeed, like you I was a bit disappointed by the article's stand and strong words. As a designer myself, I'm always happy to see a beautifully crafted object, and the trick is to draw the line between utility and aesthetics. But is possible that I missed the point of the article: exposing the social injustice?
As you pointed out earlier, if designers would design only objects that are strictly utilitarian, then we would be very few. Let's not forget that most of the time, technological advance was caused exactly be human need for entertainment and beauty (I recommend a great recent book by Steven Johnson, Wonderland). And those objects, like any jewelry piece done today or 10000 years ago, have a specific role: to praise and enhance beauty. how can you imagine a world without beauty?what was the utility of let's say, Eiffel Tower? at that time, it was hugely controverted, deemed as "useless and monstrous". but in the big scheme of things, time proved the utility can come from multiple and sometimes unexpected directions.I'm not sure if the golden can or paper clip can prove any utility over time, other than simply being what they are: beautiful jewelry pieces.But the idea is not original, I've seen many objects like those. it's just a simple value changing exercise, by swapping materials and transforming disposable chip objects into reusable expensive ones.I have a glass at home in the shape of a regular PET soda bottle. I payed 25$ for it. But I love it.!Report as spam-
The sterling can actually hits a sweet spot for me since i've used a can to hold various writing implements for years. I'm nowhere near being ready or able to replace the pear can with the Tiffany's can. But, if all my other needs were met including the need to be generous to others, then I could see the attraction of having an item strictly for the aesthetic appeal.
I have always had a deep appreciation for fine cars while never really having a desire to own one myself. I totally appreciate that there are Ferraris, Porches and other high end cars. There's absolutely no "need" for them, but I'm glad someone has sought to build machines like that.!Report as spam
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For an extra $100, they make the edge of the can sharp so you cut yourself everytime you reach for something inside of it.
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I suspect they've been inspired by the ready-made and pop-art movement. The difference is that while no one today would be disgusted by Duchamp's "Fountain", or by Warhol's "Campbell Soup", the gold can or gold paper clip lack originality, becoming just regular jewelry (beautiful ones, if you ask me)
It is interesting how the quantity vs. intrinsic value ratio works: "The Fountain" or "Campbell Soup" are unique and the price is probably millions of dollars each; but people always buy 5 dollars posters with them because of what they meant for art world.Tiffany Blue's enhanced ready-made objects are produced potentially in huge quantities and sold at the same price. You can always order one, but no one will ever buy a 5 dollars poster with any of those objects. Because their intrinsic value is zero.!Report as spam -
I don't get the disgust. None of these items is on my Christmas list, but I can't imagine that there is not something on your list of wants that wouldn't be at least as frivolous as any of these. Each of these items is made by one or more craftsmen, using precious metal. Any value over the cost of production and marketing is profit. I cannot imagine that the profit margin on these items is any more than the profit margin in an iPhone or cell service or the $6600 i was just quoted for the hearing aids that I need.
If the only things any of us purchased were the things that we "need", virtually all industrial designers (and industrial design writers and critics) would be out of a job.!Report as spam-
Envy thinly disguised as self righteousness is the zeitgeist.
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Why do these objects disgust u any more than a diamond ring?
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They don't. They also don't bother me as much as someone who cannot be bothered to type out "you" when the missing letters are just one and two keys away from the third letter.
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This comment disappoints me.
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Who said they don't? And can't we be disgusted regardless? At least a diamond ring is symbolic. Also, it's spelled "you."
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This Bottega Veneta dog bowl used to sell for about $ 500
https://www.bottegaveneta.com/us/pet-accessory_cod51118595dc.html!Report as spam -
It would've been hilarious if this was the company's way of mocking its rich/materialistic customers. Highly doubt it, though. Sigh.
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Reminds me of stuff Materious does. They used Kickstarter to sell etched chair rail as a "tool." At least silver has innate value. As far as outrage, I always remember the adage, "A fool and his money are soon parted." But, spend your money on what you want.
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By Rain Noe - Oct 26, 2017
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