Lalique 2024 UK Web

ART & DESIGN

W alking along the narrow, cobblestone lanes of Castelvetro di Modena, it feels as though you have stepped back in time. The town’s medieval streets have seen plenty over the centuries, first in the hands of the Rangoni family from 1330, and later under French rule in the late 18th century before the Este dynasty and the elite of Modena regained control in 1815. Today, Castelvetro is peaceful and slow paced, with the soft autumn sun illuminating the pockets of life behind the open windows lining the streets. But not everything is what it seems in Piazza della Dama, the commune’s main square. Parked on its black-and-white checkerboard paving stones is the Ares Wami Lalique Spyder.

Although it is the first time that crystal has been applied to a rolling chassis, this is not Lalique’s first automotive rodeo. René Lalique, who founded the company in the late 19th century, worked with some of the biggest names in luxury coachbuilding. Starting in 1925, he created twenty-seven unique crystal mascots for the likes of Delage, Bentley and Rolls Royce. These bespoke designs adorned the bonnets of some of the early 20th century’s greatest cars, and confidently propelled Lalique into the global spotlight, with the brand becoming as well known for its beautiful glassware as its intricate motifs.

© Karine Faby

Lalique’s connection to motor sport goes back further than that, however, as René Lalique also designed the solid bronze plaque awarded to the winner of the Targa Florio in 1906. It’s this unrivalled heritage that has inspired the crystal work applied to the Ares Wami Lalique Spyder.

It too appears to offer a glimpse into the past. It has a long, sweeping bonnet with a broad grille reminiscent of a 1950s Maserati A6GCS Frua. Its elegant side profile curves around its body, combining with the side vents to reference the legendary Ferrari 250 GT California. It also has refined wire wheels and small chrome mirrors, clearly designed by someone with an astute eye for detail. But you only really start to appreciate that detail when you get up close. A few things stand out, namely the thirteen bespoke Lalique crystal pieces found throughout its exterior and interior.

A FEW THINGS STAND OUT, NAMELY THE THIRTEEN BESPOKE LALIQUE CRYSTAL PIECES FOUND THROUGHOUT ITS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR.

© Karine Faby

Each of these elements adorning the car has been handcrafted in Lalique’s Alsace factory, drawing on more than a century of expertise. Although placed in prominent locations, they have been executed in a way that is incredibly understated. There’s the front bonnet mascot, Masque de Femme , whose Art Deco face has been hand polished to achieve the signature Lalique frosted effect. Then, there are the centre caps found on the wire wheels, coloured to complement the car’s bodywork, as well as the large ornate figures subtly placed behind the headrests. This is the first time that Lalique has collaborated with a coachbuilder on a production car. While the project raised a few challenges, each piece has been manufactured in the same way Lalique has always crafted its designs. “To produce crystal elements of such exceptional quality, the process must be carried out in several stages”, says Marc Larminaux, Lalique’s Artistic and Creative Director. “From making the moulds to the hot glass process – involving temperatures of up to 1400°C – to sculpting and polishing the pieces to get the perfect fit and finish inside the cabin.”

32

33