Would a Pen By Any Other Name Smell As Sweet? (It Seems Unlikely)
16 October 2023Pineider, the luxury leather-goods maker and purveyor of exquisite writing instruments, brings their distinctly Florentine artistry to the New World. By Daniele Delerme Flores On a recent visit to Pineider’s new atelier at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan – new, of course, being a relative term as the location has been open for more than a year but, then again, the company does trace its history all the way back to 1744 – the interesting juxtaposition of Old World Italian taste, refinement, and sensibility meeting American brashness becomes readily apparent from the moment one enters the charming and rather intimate space. At first glance, the dark mahogany paneling and warm, ambient lighting are nothing if not soothing – a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Sixth Avenue just a stone’s throw from the front door and the wall-sized advertisements for Seth Myers and The Tonight Show that are visible through the large glass panel windows at the back of the retail space that look out on an interior hallway of 30 Rockefeller. One would gladly remain indefinitely (but comfortably) ensconced amongst these finely crafted works of art, perusing and admiring. And what works of art there are. Pineider’s emphasis on lifestyle as a luxury purveyor of quality goods is evident upon merely a cursory inspection of the leather luggage set on display near the atelier’s entrance. Leather works range from travel desks and leather-bound notebooks to messenger bags, overnighters, duffles, holdalls, and totes. And then there are the writing instruments, a testament to the skill and imagination of Signor Dante Del Vecchio, the company’s resident “pen expert.” From the resin-based pieces to bright, eye-catching enamels, or the more subdued but still enticing skeleton models, the artistry, attention to detail, and pure love of the craft is apparent in each offering. Perhaps even more importantly for the customer, wielding one of Pineider’s instruments allows the writer to experience the simple act of writing on an altogether different level. Whether one is taking a step back in time to a bygone age with the fountain pen, staying the course with the ballpoint, or trying something off the beaten path with the roller-ball, the feel of a Pineider pen in one’s hand is truly an experience unlike any other. As a writer, my creative process usually begins with a pen and notepad. Over the years, I have found it easier to formulate my thoughts when putting pen to paper, as opposed to fingers to keyboard. Quite simply, I can’t write with a pen faster than my mind can formulate a sentence, so I find the pace of drafting in longhand to be a pleasant one. On the few occasions where I have tried my hand at typing an initial draft via word processor, subsequent drafts invariably require more revisions. To put it bluntly, I suspect this is because I can type faster than I can think (insert “shoulder shrug” emoji here). Recognizing these preferences (or limitations – beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder), my incomparable Editor-in-Chief at No Chaser, Karl Edwin Guerre (who, it should be noted, is also a brand ambassador for the company) suggested that I broaden my horizons and consider a luxury writing instrument from the skilled craftsmen at Pineider. With that in mind, I met Guerre on a bright and sunny afternoon at the Rockefeller Center location, where I was introduced to Liz Burghardt, a sales associate who proved to be quite knowledgeable. After explaining the unique peculiarities of my particular writing process, Liz suggested the rollerball model. As it turned out, her observations proved to be quite prescient. And so my journey as a Pineider-enthusiast began. Daniele Delerme Flores is Associate Editor and a contributor to No Chaser (print and online), a luxury lifestyle publication. He has written extensively about men’s style for publications such as The Rake -the Modern Voice of Classic Elegance, and websites like A Suitable Wardrobe. He is also the author of The Best Dressed Man In The Room – A Photographic History of the Sartorially Inclined Goniffs, Gamblers, and Gangsters of the Inter-War Years, 1920-1945, and, more recently, Pretty, A Novel from the East Harlem Cycle. His blog, An Uptown Dandy, remains a frequently cited source of information regarding menswear ephemera. He can also be found on Instagram at @an_uptown_dandy. Aggiungi ai preferiti
The Corporate Gift That Makes the Difference
26 September 2023Offering a mere freebie isn’t enough to foster customer loyalty anymore. From large corporations to small professional firms, the quest for the perfect “cadeau” has become an opportunity to distinguish oneself and tell a story—with generosity. Here’s how Pineider caters to the most discerning businesses. How you surprise your clients reveals what kind of company you are. When it comes to defining the mystique of corporate gifting, it’s not just about “loyalty”; there’s much more at play: brand awareness, the reliability of services and goods offered, recognizability, positioning, and the assertion of a company’s untapped potential towards its customers. Furthermore, the proliferation of low-cost gadget offerings has flattened the originality of corporate gifts, rendering them, for many, a pointless cliché. The world of corporate gifting has now become a premier league, where what distinguishes itself is the prestige of the brand chosen as a partner, craftsmanship, and quality. In Pineider’s century-long history, creating products for businesses, regardless of their size, has held a significant place since its inception. It’s essential to know that a collection of corporate gifts demands the same expertise and level of craftsmanship as the seasonal collections showcased in our physical and digital storefronts. “In fact,” explains Gerardo Viviano, Pineider’s Production Director, “it can be said that the research and resources invested in these projects are even greater. Moreover, it’s not just about corporate gifting; it also includes office accessories, meeting room furnishings, and hotel furnishings, among many other products. It ranges from agendas to notebooks, from pens to small leather goods used as ‘luxury gadgets.’ They turn to Pineider because they seek a prestigious brand with a history and manufacturing tradition equally important to enhance their clientele.” In Pineider, a company receives the same treatment as a customer seeking something unique. “They come to us with their idea,” Gerardo continues, “and we assess the level of personalization together, from the company’s logo on a pen to the customer’s initials, or even a completely new product. This is the most captivating work for our team of artisans, such as the design of a writing desk or a passion box, which involves intricate geometries and materials ranging from wood to paper. Among the emerging businesses, the hotel industry stands out: we create furnishings for the desk and bedside table, pencils, pens, notepads, and hotel letterhead. We are sought after by major corporations, banks and insurance groups, as well as smaller professionals, from notary offices to accountants, for whom we personalize everything from letter paper to business cards.” Aggiungi ai preferiti
Back to School. The Art of Handwriting
14 September 2023Pineider’s beautiful handwriting courses are back in their boutiques. An opportunity to rediscover the forgotten pleasure of an ancient and subversive act: writing by hand. “In the digital age, paper and pen preserve the delicate beauty of everything that cannot be replicated. The slant of ‘l,’ the intricacies of ‘g,’ ink smudges, the spacing between words. These are the fingerprints of human personality.” With these words, excerpted from Pineider’s Manifesto, writer Enrico Dal Buono crystallized the essence of handwriting, a “realm of unique and irreproducible singularities” where “writing a simple note becomes a subversive gesture, a claim of uniqueness. By holding a pen, we expose ourselves to the risk of loss, we pledge to the certainty of never again. And this decision, which rebels against the mechanism of seriality, corresponds to authentic luxury.” A luxury that comes to life every year in the handwriting workshops organized by Pineider in its boutiques in Milan, Florence, and London. Starting from late September, the courses dedicated to those who want to re-learn writing or simply enjoy the pleasure of holding a pen will resume. Eloisa Libera, a handwriting teacher and partner in this initiative for the Milan boutique’s courses, prefers the term “beautiful handwriting” to “calligraphy.” Eloisa is the founder of Lettera E, a graphic studio dedicated to her greatest passion, in which she wagered her past as a product designer and embarked on an entirely uncharted future: “I worked in a small agency, where I was often in contact with the world of graphic design,” Eloisa explains. “I was very drawn to the world of fonts and curious about the origins of the design of each letter, so I discovered the world of calligraphy and fell in love with it, to the point of giving up everything and diving headfirst into it.” Eloisa’s journey was unconventional: “from fonts to lettering, to finally embracing calligraphy. Usually, it happens the other way around, but fortunately, it worked out for me. I immersed myself in something where it was difficult to see the future, and I turned my passion into my profession.” Discover our beautiful handwriting courses HERE. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Working never tires (in the office of dreams)
6 September 2023Attention to detail can transform the workplace into a “Realm of Ideas” where you can cultivate your creative potential. Just a few accessories, but the right ones, like those Pineider has created to make the office a unique place. In September, you won’t miss the beach umbrella: it may sound like one of those ironic challenges that trend on social networks, but it’s far from a Herculean task. It’s just enough to fuel the regained concentration after the summer break with your favorite nourishment for the mind and soul: ideas. “In the last three years,” explains Jonathan Paoli, Pineider’s retail manager, “with the rise of remote working, offices have become more of an ideal realm than a physical one, designed to give life and space to ideas. Now, more than ever, the workplace is where you must truly live your daily life, especially mentally. It’s a place you must truly feel as your own, a physical space where you can give birth to your best ideas because it speaks of you.” Pineider office products are designed for this very purpose because “while they are extremely functional, intended for professionals dealing with daily tasks, they also have an aesthetic element that sets them apart from typical accessories, the same hallmark of our more lifestyle-oriented collections. And, above all, they can be personalized.” Among the must-haves for the office envisioned by Pineider, the exquisite leather agenda is a must, allowing you to organize your days with style. There’s also the personalized document organizer, equipped with compartments for cards, notes, and pens, or the artistic notebook, inviting creativity by rediscovering the allure of a blank page, along with the indispensable desk pens. “We never forget,” adds Jonathan, “that work often begins on the journey from home. This is why our customers appreciate Pineider briefcases and backpacks, handmade using fine Tuscan leather. They are both functional and beautiful to showcase. It is in this combination that Pineider’s secret lies.” Aggiungi ai preferiti
A passion waiting to be ignited
5 September 2023Creating this collection of cigar boxes, Pineider enlisted the assistance of an undisputed authority in the world of Italian tobacco, who shared the secrets of a rich and unique experience. “Tobacco is not to be smoked, is to be savored,” says Terry Nesti, a prominent figure in the cigar industry for over twenty years and today the national coordinator of events for the Sigaro Toscano brand, introducing his greatest passion. For some years now, Terry has been collaborating with Pineider in crafting a collection of cigar boxes covered in exquisite leather, following the Florentine tradition. These products quickly became some of Pineider’s most sought-after home accessories. Terry reflects on the stages of this collaboration: “My dear friend Filippo Gosi, who was then the director of Pineider’s Florence boutique, involved me in the development of a set dedicated to the passion for cigars. There was a desire to create something different.” The immediate success of their initial collaborations has made the connection between Pineider and Sigaro Toscano a lasting and increasingly creative experience. Today, Pineider boasts a true family of cigar boxes in constant expansion, but the attention to detail remains the same. “The essential characteristic of a humidor,” explains Terry, “is, of course, maintaining internal humidity. A cigar is a living thing and, as such, it feeds on water. What distinguishes Pineider’s range is the quality of wood and leather, both of which are part of the Tuscan tradition that both Pineider and Sigaro Toscano embody.” With the same passion as always. Aggiungi ai preferiti
The pleasure of traveling. Even while staying still
23 June 2023Created to make a journey around the world unforgettable, the Pineider travel bags set is also perfect for enriching a domestic environment with valuable content. Pineider travel bags evoke intrinsic elegance, a sophisticated combination of style and functionality. Each bag carries the genetic heritage of sophisticated and courageous explorers, heroes of an era when travel was an art and adventure a way of life. Today, the value of time itself is at stake: “Just as the anticipation of pleasure is pleasure itself, during the journey, the transfer becomes the pinnacle of this pleasure,” explains Jonathan Paoli, Pineider’s retail manager. “And that’s why we wanted to rediscover the essence of handmade luggage, with a wooden soul and lining made with our leathers, from Bottalato to Mini Franzi. We thought of offering our clientele sets that truly provide priceless satisfaction in both travel and domestic use of this precious set.” Domestic use, as tradition dictates: “Pineider suitcases can become marvelous and incomparable decorative accessories when placed in the living room, bedroom, or even the office. The 3 trunks (large, medium, and small) and the beauty case blend perfectly with both neoclassical and minimalist modern environments, to be reinterpreted with the rediscovery of travel as a dimension of life. In fact, their design harkens back to that of common trunks from the past: they can become a dismantlable display furnishing. ” The technical characteristics of this set should not be overlooked: “For example, on the brushed brass closures, we wanted to maintain the highest quality and functional standard because comfort is now the primary requirement of luxury. Pineider is one of the pioneering brands of Florentine luxury luggage, and with this collection, we pay tribute to a centuries-old tradition that has brought us to 2023, quite literally… in the palm of our hand!” Aggiungi ai preferiti
Tempi Moderni: the new Pineider pen
1 June 2023Meet the new entry in the Pineider family: a pen inspired by the fuselage of the first jet aircraft. To make the handwriting even lighter and more comfortable. Since 1774 Pineider has been launching some of the most iconic pens ever without giving up on technological research and innovation. In fact, the Florentine artisans has enriched their products thanks to the discovery of new production processes and cutting-edge materials, while respecting the traditional stylistic features of the masterpieces that have enhanced their prestige. In the last four years, some revolutionary pens have appeared on the shelves of our boutiques, from the prestigious range of the “Great Beauty” to the colorful “Avatar”, which have brought to the fore innovative materials such as forged carbon or Zeolite. But it was only the beginning of a new story… Now the wait is over. We’re pleased to introduce a new entry in the Pineider Family: Tempi Moderni, a pen whose design is inspired by the fuselage of the first jet plane. Since luxury stands for the pleasure of following our passions, this project is nothing but maximum comfort in handwriting. In fact, the triangular shape of the barrel and the rounded corners gives Tempi Moderni an immediate sense of comfort never experienced before in a Pineider pen: it’s an isosceles triangle in ratio 1.32:1, so the base gives a wide support for the fingers. Tempi Moderni has also been provided an ergonomic grip: thumb, forefinger and middle finger find a perfect writing position on the three sides of the pen. The Handling is extremely functional: conceived by the pen master Dante Del Vecchio, the shape of Tempi Moderni facilitates clip opening in order to be easly stored in the pocket., while a double magnet system guarantees a stable and secure closure. Tempi Moderni is available as Fountain Pen, Rollerball, Ballpoint and Pencil: a complete set for all kind of writing. Aggiungi ai preferiti
How to refill a cartridge fountain pen
17 May 2023In the wonderful world of calligraphy, writing is art, and each stroke is a work of art in itself. When you use a high-quality fountain pen to write, you learn to appreciate its elegance and functionality and, therefore, you need to take good care of it. It is therefore important to refill the pen, refill the ink reservoir or, depending on the model, replace the cartridge. Before embarking on this delicate operation, it is essential to identify with certainty the fountain pen model in your possession. In this guide, we will show you how to refill a fountain pen in three different ways: with a piston system, with a cartridge and with a converter. Jump to: How to refill fountain pens with a piston How to refill a cartridge fountain pen How to refill a converter fountain pen Conclusion How to refill fountain pens with a piston The piston refill method is the most common method for high-quality fountain pens, as it offers the most efficient ink replacement and ensures smooth and consistent writing. To properly refill a Pineider fountain pen using this method, a few simple steps must be followed: First, unscrew the front section of the pen to expose the ink reservoir. Next, dip the pen tip into the ink until the reservoir is completely full. Then, gently lift the pen out of the ink and place the front section back on the pen. After doing so, gently operate the plunger mechanism to push the ink into the pen and make sure it is ready for use. Finally, wipe the pen tip with a clean cloth to ensure that the writing is crisp and free of smudges. By following these simple steps, you can easily refill your piston fountain pen to ensure flawless writing every time. How to refill a cartridge fountain pen Cartridge fountain pens are among the most common and convenient pens for writing because of their ease of refill and the wide range of ink colors available. Here’s how to go about properly refilling a Pineider cartridge fountain pen and ensure flawless writing every time: First, unscrew the front section of the pen to expose the ink reservoir. Next, gently remove the empty cartridge from the pen, using a pair of tweezers if necessary. Then, insert the new ink cartridge into the pen, taking care to position it correctly. Once the cartridge is inserted correctly, screw the front section onto the pen. After doing so, gently shake the pen to evenly distribute the ink in the cartridge and make sure the writing is smooth and steady. Finally, try the pen on a sheet of paper and gently press the tip on the page to make the ink flow and make sure the writing is sharp and free of smudges. If necessary, repeat the writing process to make sure the cartridge is completely saturated with ink. With these simple steps, you can properly refill your cartridge fountain pen and always have fresh ink ready for use. How to refill a converter fountain pen Some fountain pens use a converter refill system, which allows bottled ink to be used instead of traditional ink cartridges. These pens are intended for more experienced users who are able to refill the reservoirs and who prefer to replace the entire cartridge each time the ink runs out. Here is how to properly refill a fountain pen with this system: First, unscrew the front section of the pen to expose the converter. Next, dip the converter tip into the bottled ink until it is completely filled. Then, gently lift the pen out of the ink and place the front section back onto the pen. After doing so, gently operate the converter mechanism to push the ink into the pen and make sure it is ready for use. Finally, wipe the pen tip with a clean cloth to ensure that the writing is crisp and free of stains. If necessary, you can repeat the process of filling the converter to ensure that the pen is fully charged with ink. By following these simple steps, you can easily refill your fountain pen with a converter refill system to write with style and precision. Conclusion In conclusion, calligraphy is an art that requires great precision and care. Using a high-quality fountain pen can enhance the writing experience, but it is important to take care of it carefully. Refilling the pen, refilling the ink reservoir, or replacing the cartridge are delicate operations that require precision and attention to detail. In this guide, we have illustrated three different ways to refill a fountain pen: with a piston system, with a cartridge, and with a converter. By carefully following these instructions, you will be able to keep your fountain pen in excellent condition and continue to create works of art with every stroke. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Touch down: the innovative and colorful fountain pen
18 April 2023Avatar Traveler combines the typical characteristics of the avatar collection, resistance of the material, magnetic closure, clip with refined mechanics, a filling system that allows not only a great autonomy of writing, but also a great safety use. Travel without the worry of having ink leaks and without to be obliged to carry your fountain pen in an upright position. In addition to safety, one of the most important features of the Avatar Traveler is the filling system, called Twin Tank Touchdown, which allows you to choose two different writing ways: short writing and long writing, which are activated thanks to an ingenious mechanism inside of the caseback. It allows you to open and close the ink passage quickly and intuitively. If you want to reload the writing part, then the front tank is enough to rotate the bottom counterclockwise a few degrees and a spring positions the mechanism in the open position. To force the ink towards the nib, you can press it 2 or 3 times without insisting because it is not necessary. To return it to the closed position, press it, making sure that the pawls are aligned, and rotate it a few degrees about ¼ of a turn to lock it without forcing it. Twin Tanks Touchdown instructions for use FILLING THE PEN: The plunger works with a distinctive mechanism; pressing the seal creates a vacuum which leads to the ink section. When you want to load the pen, you have to rotate the bottom counterclockwise until the spring releases it and pushes it upwards. Once the ink has completely covered the section, just press the back and tighten it by turning it to the LOCK position (In short writing mode). SHORT WRITING: In the short writing position, the pen writes for a few pages in complete safety because the plunger closes the ink duct and protects the pen from ink leaks due to pressure (For this reason the pen is safe even during flights and during any temperature change). The caseback is positioned on LOCK. LONG WRITING: In the long writing position, the plunger frees the duct and allows the passage of ink with an autonomy of 5 or 6 cartridges. The caseback is positioned on OPEN. When you finish writing, we advise you to reposition it on LOCK. REFUELING: In the Long writing position, by pressing the bottom 2 or 3 times you can refuel the small tank if all its contents have been used. If you want, on the contrary, empty it, just do the same operation keeping the nib pointing upwards. USE IN PLANE: in the short writing position if you want to refuel the small front tank during flights, position the nib upwards and rotate the bottom to long writing (OPEN), turn the pen and proceed as in the previous point. Material: The material is a mother-of-pearl and resin compound developed in Florence for Pineider which we called UltraResin. A rigid material, resistant to shocks, oils, inks, electricity, high and low temperatures, ultraviolet rays and atmospheric agents. The chrome effect and bright colors combined with the resistance and particularity of the material makes this pen of great taste but suitable for everyday use. Colors: The collection consists of 4 colors: Forest green, Neptune Blue, Devil Red, Full Clear Demo. Clip: The sophisticated steel clip, which recalls a feather, is empowered by a mechanism inside the cap, with a magnet that always brings the clip back to the same position. Eternity: Finely engraved with the Florence skyline. Packaging: Elegant Pineider box. Watch the full video Aggiungi ai preferiti
Psycho Wins the Pen Award
1 November 2022Dante Del Vecchio, Master pen maker of Pineider told us about the characteristics of the pen that won the most important international competition. We met Dante del Vecchio to ask him more about his creations. Below is an excerpt from our interview. What inspired you when you have created the Psycho pen? Like every creation I make, there is always something that drives me, at a subconscious level, to express my ideas. When I set out to create Psycho I wanted to represent the human psycho: so complex. Sometimes twisted and for this I created an elegant but intertwined superstructure. A finished weaving. What do you think about when you think of a pen project to make? Every time I create a pen I look for the opportunity to express myself. I like my pens to communicate a feeling, an idea, a concept, albeit abstract but not too much. When my pens arouse an emotion, I am happy and feel I have done a good job. I let myself be inspired by everything around me: a philosophical concept, a book, an idea or even an airplane. Literally everything! How do you recognize your touch in a pen? I think my greatest quality is originality. I somehow manage to create different, creative and technological pens, which have a select audience that recognizes and esteems me. What is the passion for Dante del Vecchio? It’s all you do with your heart and not with your mind. It’s all you hear, hear, see and perceive not with your reason but with your heart. It’s something you feel pulsing inside your stomach. The passion is visceral. Did you always know that making pens was your way? No, absolutely no. Passion is also a profession that came to me over time. The pens on the market didn’t satisfy me and so over time I learned to observe and understand not only what I liked to do, but also what others are doing. What does this award represent for you? It’s a great satisfaction. It’s always nice to receive recognition, even if I got my first award in 1993. But this is especially special for my second life. It is the first prize I receive with Pineider and this makes me happy, even if to be honest, my greatest satisfaction is the people who choose my creations and are happy in buying my pens. What are you working on now? Can you give us some spoilers? No, I won’t give you any spoilers. I really can’t, but I tell you that those who follow me and have a passion for my creations will really have fun. Aggiungi ai preferiti
