In the heart of Milan, amidst the ticking rhythms of horological innovation and design dialogue, a quiet yet profound moment unfolded. During After Time at Milan Watch Week, a collaboration between Gagà Milano and Arno Glass, powered by Archived Dreams, reminded visitors of the value of stillness, culture, and connection. The installation, aptly titled The Coffee Hour, brought together espressos, conversation, and craftsmanship—celebrating not only objects of beauty but also the intentional moments they create.
At the core of this collaboration lies a powerful metaphor—the timeless relationship between sand, glass, and time. From the hourglass to the modern wristwatch, humanity has long sought to capture time through materials that seem fragile, yet endure. This poetic union found new life in Milan, where two distinct yet inherently aligned brands—Gagà Milano and Arno Glass—presented a limited-edition pairing: a crystal timepiece and a hand-blown glass cup. On the surface, one measures time, the other holds it. But look deeper, and both are vessels of legacy.
Rooted in Milanese flair, Gagà Milano was born from the simple yet striking idea of adapting the elegance of a pocket watch to the wrist. With oversized numerals, bold designs, and the iconic crown at twelve, Gagà Milano watches are statements: playful, proud, and unapologetically Italian. The name “Gagà” itself evokes the early 20th-century Italian dandy—a man of taste, irreverence, and charm. Today, under the artistic direction of Leonardo Tomella, the brand continues to evolve—honoring its heritage while embracing new forms of expression. This collaboration with Arno Glass is one such expression, bridging tradition, craftsmanship, and contemporary culture.
On the other side of this dialogue stands Arno Glass, a South Korea–based design studio named after the iconic Arno River in Italy—a nod to the nation that inspired its ethos. Arno Glass has become known for reviving the visionary designs of Joe Colombo, the modernist pioneer who transformed everyday living in the 1960s through functional, futuristic forms. Colombo’s work was rooted in optimism—a belief that good design could improve daily life. His stackable glassware, first introduced in 1963, embodied his philosophy: beauty and practicality intertwined.
Arno Glass worked with Joe Colombo’s original cup design, adapting it in dialogue with Gagà Milano’s bold aesthetic. Arno Glass used his iconic form as a foundation—introducing customizable details and engraving motifs that echo the oversized numerals found on Gagà Milano watches. The result is a refined meeting point between mid-century modernism and contemporary Italian flair—a piece that honors Colombo’s legacy while speaking the language of today’s design, a bridge between past and present, much like Gagà Milano’s reinterpretation of classic watchmaking. Although separated by geography, Italy and South Korea share a deep reverence for heritage and innovation alike. Whether in watchmaking, glassmaking, or coffee culture, both nations celebrate ritual, detail, and artistry. The Coffee Hour wasn’t merely an event—it was a moment to slow down, to hold something delicate, and to appreciate the hands and histories that shaped it.
What binds this collaboration together—beyond nationality, design discipline, or even product—is the idea of transparency. Crystal and glass are not merely materials; they are metaphors. Both allow us to see through, to appreciate the inner workings, whether it’s the intricate mechanism of a watch or the rich crema of an espresso. The result is a thoughtful celebration of what both brands stand for. Gagà Milano, with its charismatic take on watchmaking, brings vibrancy, legacy, and style. Arno Glass, through its careful revival of Joe Colombo’s legacy, offers form, function, and elegance. Together, they do more than create objects. They create a moment—a reminder to pause with purpose.
In a world where speed often overshadows substance, The Coffee Hour brought attention back to the present. It invited people to hold something delicate, wear something bold, and savor something timeless. It reminded us that style isn’t about what you wear or carry—it’s about how you live. In that spirit, Gagà Milano’s presence in this collaboration is more than branding. It’s a celebration of individuality, artistry, and of living life with intention—every second of it.
