
Caran d’Ache, the Swiss writing implement manufacturer famed for its ballpoint pens, has unveiled its latest collaborator with the British fashion designer Paul Smith.
Fusing the Geneva-based brand’s technical acumen with the designer’s love of polychromy, the set sees the 849 ballpoint pen decorated in the designer’s Artist Stripe pattern. Resembling a prism of eight meticulously balanced colours, it has previously adorned everything from wallets to swimming trunks, and has become an indelible trademark of the artist’s work.
The collection includes eight pencils, each in one colour from Smith’s Artist Stripe, in a tin case. Photo: Caran d’Ache
Each pen contains a Goliath ink cartridge, which lasts for up to 600 pages of A4 writing, and is packaged in a case displaying one of Smith’s chosen colours. These include damson purple, peacock blue and coral pink, among others.
The pen is joined by a limited edition set of Supracolor® Soft water-soluble colour pencils, each in one of the colours of the Artist Stripe and collected in a similarly patented tin case. Renowned among artists for their bright pigments, Caran d’Ache’s water-soluble pencils are designed for drawing and painting.
The ballpoint pen has an Artist Stripe pattern and comes in eight different coloured cases. Photo: Caran d’Ache
Established in 1915, Caran d’Ache still produce all its pens and pencils in its Geneva workshops. This collaboration is the third between the brand and the designer, and comes during the 50th anniversary year of Paul Smith’s fashion label.
The new collection, which adapts Smith’s Artist Stripe, is the third collaboration between the British designer and Swiss stationer