New Riva Designed by Marc Newson
href="http://www.gagosian.com" target="_blank">Gagosian Gallery
While he may be an unknown in the yacht world, in the art world, Marc Newson (left) is a major name. The Australian designer has styled everything from furnishing to sculpture, and his works are in the permanent collections of museums around the world. Now, he’s collaborating with Riva on a special limited edition of the Aquariva that should have great appeal as a high-end tender.
The “Aquariva by Marc Newson” will still bear the beautiful lines that have made Riva runabouts so coveted since the 1950s. But she’ll bear Newson’s modern imprint, too. Take a look at the transom of the illustration included below. It’s recessed, a change from the gentle slope that other Riva models have borne. Instead of a benchseat at the helm, there will be separate seats for the captain and guests. Even the build material represents a change: aluminum, instead of fiberglass – or the mahogany of the early Rivas. A laminate that mimics wood will lend the familiar family feel, however, to the decking and instrument panel.
Only 22 boats will be part of the Aquariva by Marc Newson lineup, premiering in September. But you won’t see them at your local Ferretti Group dealer’s showroom: All will be offered exclusively through Gagosian Gallery, a leading contemporary art gallery. Gagosian Gallery has locations around the world, including New York, Athens, London, and Hong Kong.
Larry Gagosian, owner of Gagosian Gallery, is excited by this unusual opportunity, as is the chairman of Ferretti Group and Riva, Norberto Ferretti. In a statement, Ferretti says, “It is an honour for me to witness this partnership, one I am firmly convinced will both win great approbation and mark the history of design.”
