Odo Fioravanti Creates 3D Printed ‘Bern’ Clutch for Maison 203

Last April, we covered the fascinating 3D printed ‘Ivy’ clutch by Odo Fioravanti. For 2017, Fioravanti has created another clutch for Maison 203. Like his ‘Ivy’ and ‘Armure’ clutches that were also designed for Maison 203, the ‘Bern’ clutch is a hard shelled case that is securely latched with hidden magnets, but that’s where the similarities end. In lieu of a hinged top, the bag opens up like a clamshell and when closed the opening and hinge are scarcely visible. In spite of its provocative name, the bag does not reference the politician Bernie Sanders, but instead is named after the Swiss city of Bern, as the bag was inspired by the city’s peculiar and unique topology.

Like its namesake, the ‘Bern’ clutch evokes the bending and parallel roads of the Swiss capital in the form of a series of rounded blades that seem to stem from an initial circular central point and then multiply to create the final product. Just as the elegant rows of buildings along the circular streets of Bern give the impression of a perfectly homogeneous set, similarly, the rounded blades of the clutch encircle the bag to create a uniform structure that strengthens and conceals the bag clasp. Looking more like a sculpture than a functional object, the bag creates an optical illusion, seemly changing shape depending on the vantage point of the viewer. Though the bag references a medieval urban landscape, it has a very futuristic look.

First presented at the Maison et Objet Spring 2017 earlier this month, the ‘Bern’ clutch will soon be available at Maison 203’s flagship store in Venice. The bag is exclusively made of 3D printed sintered nylon and measures 21 x 16 x 16 cm.

The ‘Bern’ clutch is available in metallic black, copper and gold and comes with a thin metal chain so that it may be worn as a shoulder bag. The clutch is part of a collection of accessories bearing the same name, which features 5 other items; a necklace, bracelet, earrings in two different sizes and cuff links.