Some people say I'm smug and while you may agree by the time you finish reading this entry, I don't really think I am. I simply have different tastes, maybe more of an Italian palette, than an American taste. Surprisingly, given the fact that we are a relatively young society -- 230+ years -- we have so little appreciation for modern design. Just look at much of our residential and commercial architecture. It's blah. And honestly, the soft drink industry's version of a vending machine has been just that, blah.
It's not like we couldn't steal from the Italians. Take a look at the hip, retro image of the SMEG refrigerator. Heck, that looks a little like the new Coke Freestyle. Funny thing, SMEG was founded by an Italian in 1948. Man those Italians know design. So I do applaud the Coke folks for the new Coke Freestyle, but I can't help but say in a slightly "smeg" tone, "what took you so long?"
I'm not surprised that Willy's is doing well with it though. Not only does it have the design (designed by an Italian), but it's like a new toy and we love new toys. How we advance the technology, well, that remains to be seen. SMEG's philosophy is technology with design. Let's see what we can do with it.
Speaking of design, if you are in Atlanta this weekend, I would encourage you to buy a ticket to the Modern Tour of Atlanta's best modern architecture. You'll enjoy it like a kid at the soda pop shop.
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