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, curated 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 very different yet inherently aligned brands, Gagà Milano and Arno Glass, presented a limited-edition pairing of a crystal watch 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. Its founder, Ruben Tomella, captured a spirit that went beyond timekeeping—he distilled an entire lifestyle into an object. With oversized numerals, bold designs, and the iconic crown at 12, Gagà Milano watches are statements: playful, proud, and unapologetically Italian. The name "Gagà" itself evokes the image of the early 20th-century Italian dandy—a man with taste, irreverence, and charm. But as Tomella notes, the Gagà ideal isn’t static. It evolves with the times, just as style and craftsmanship do. This ethos is woven into the brand’s expansion into accessories, leather goods, and now, in collaboration with Arno Glass, the world of glassware.
On the other side of this collaboration is Arno Glass, a South Korea-based design studio named after the iconic Arno River in Italy, a nod to the nation that sparked its inspiration. Arno Glass has spent years reinterpreting the legendary designs of Joe Colombo, the influential modernist who first introduced the concept of stackable glassware in the 1960s. Known for his forward-thinking and practical aesthetic, Colombo’s designs emphasized clarity, utility, and beauty without compromise. Through meticulous research and technological innovation, Arno Glass has revived Colombo’s original vision for contemporary audiences. Their glassware is both resilient and refined, crafted with high crystal content that provides unmatched clarity—ideal for both casual sipping and elevated presentation.
Although geographically distant, Italy and South Korea share surprising parallels in terms of design and cultural values. Both countries exhibit a deep respect for heritage while fostering a spirit of innovation. Whether it's in watchmaking, glassmaking, or coffee culture, there is a reverence for detail, ritual, and craftsmanship. Coffee, too, played a central role in this collaboration. While espresso bars define the rhythm of Italian streets, South Korea has cultivated a coffee scene rooted in experimentation, aesthetics, and community. The Coffee Hour event wasn’t just about drinks—it was about moments. Each sip offered a pause, a reflection, and a shared appreciation for what’s held in the hand—and on the wrist.
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.
