Aquariva; Gucci and Newman

The post war era of the mid twentieth century was arguably amongst the most frenzied periods the world has been through. Amongst a hoard of political events and economic transformations, the Italian peninsula was preoccupied redefining the world of design. Naval architecture was no exception, and at the front of the pack, one would have found Riva consolidating on its rich history that stretched back to the storm of 1842 on Lake d’Iseo. Having seen the light of three different centuries, it should come as no surprise that Riva is synonymous with naval artisan, glamour, elegance and Italian élan. In celebration of the period of La Dolce Vita and 90 years of another mainstay of Italian dexterity; Gucci, these two renowned design houses have unveiled the ‘Aquariva by Gucci’, a made to order limited edition boat. In parallel to this release, Riva has also launched a 22 unit, limited edition line of Aquariva’s by the Australian designer, Marc Newson. Both boats stay true to the inspiration drawn from the original Aquariva, yet boast unique personalities themselves.

Instrumental to the core design of the Gucci unit was Officina Italiana Design, which paid specific attention to adhering to the Riva style of old.  Erected on a fiberglass hull, the signature style was evident in the use of mahogany across the walking decks, cover hatch, and cockpit. The twenty coat varnish and crystal green windshield gave it the gleam synonymous with Aquariva glamour. The Gucci in the design materialized in the details of the boat. Adorned with a range of custom ‘Riva by Gucci’ superfluities, the boat also employed waterproof fabrics bearing the symbolic ‘Guccisima’ print. The quintessence of Gucci on this boat can be found at the waterline, where a web of red and green dance off the water beneath as the boat reaches a maximum speed of 41knots.

To the unassuming eye, the aggregate of the Newson design is perfectly representative of the Aquariva line. However, in place of the traditional use of gleaming mahogany and multiple panel windshields, Newman assimilates laminated fabric composed of a phenolic compound which in turn imitates wood perfectly; and a single piece laminated wraparound glass for the windshield. Moreover this naval design reintroduces the passenger seat and is equipped with the latest electronic transmission technology. The accentuation, however, belongs to the vivacious choice of colors for the upholstery; the potential trademark of this particular limited line (22 units). The Aquariva by Newman seamlessly incorporates high tech materials and concepts without tarnishing the elegance synonymous with its predecessor.

With two new limited lines of its famous Aquariva, Riva is looking at a hectic month, as it accentuates Italian design with these works of nautical art in cities like Milan and New York in the coming weeks.