A Yuppie Teakettle for Everyone

An article from the new Metropolis posits that "Michael Graves work for Target may be his most enduring legacy." Hmm. Well, it is appealing (all roundness and pastel colors) and the whole enterprise has helped spread awareness of industrial design to normal folks. On the architechture side, I always found his work to be shallow and self-important - but scaled down to housewares size all I can think is "how cuuute." My only experience with owning a Graves Target piece is with the desk clock pictured, which Christopher found in a thrift store. With its deco-ish numbers and subtle, brushed metal veneer, it sure is pretty to look at. Look closer, however. The plastic front holds a round piece of glass. Both are attatched to the clock via three tiny pegs. That's it. Before long, the front started falling out, so I had to scotch tape it on top. Then it took a little tumble and the glass shattered. Good design isn't all aesthetics - it has to survive the rigors of human interaction. Which is why something like Henry Dreyfuss' Trimline telephone is an icon, while the Graves stuff is all a bunch of cotton candy that will likely be forgotten in 10 years.

Concidentally, I'm headed out for Target today - to buy my third coffeemaker in five years. Consumer tip: avoid Black & Decker. They might know tools, but their coffeemakers suck.
Posted by mhinrichs at February 2, 2004 10:46 AM