Alpine 110
Design theory by two designers
The second installment, “Alpine Silhouette,” features two designers, Laurens van den Acker and Anthony Virant, who unravel the history of Alpine design.
The second installment of the “Alpine, 70 years” series, which began in March to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Alpine’s founding in 1955, focuses on design. Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer of the Renault Group, and Anthony Virant, Alpine’s Vice President of Design, delve into the iconic designs that led to Alpine’s revival and discuss their outlook for the future through design concepts.
At Alpine’s design studio, the two designers revealed the process that shaped the modern Alpine brand, while respecting the style that began under Jean Rédélé. Using the design concept “Alpenglow” as an example, they revealed how electrification will bring new innovations to design and how Alpine will change in the near future.
“I don’t approach Alpine with nostalgia. I approach the brand purely as an enthusiast. I told myself that Alpine is a great brand and I have to be involved in all aspects of it,” says Anthony Virant.
The brand values inherited by the “A” mark
The “A” logo has been used since Alpine was first established, and it embodies the unchanging values of Alpine.
One element that has remained constant since Alpine was founded under the direction of Jean Rédélé is its logo. The “A” with an arrow, designed by Philippe Charles in the 1960s, remains a symbol of Alpine’s dynamic and speedy spirit and is still used today.
The “A” mark symbolizes the continued evolution of Alpine itself, without betraying its long-standing identity, its outstanding performance and innovation, and its values rooted in France. Laurens van den Acker, currently head of Renault’s design department, has the following to say about Alpine’s future:
“Recreating a brand is the most exciting adventure of a designer’s career. We are now embarking on the next stage of Alpine’s journey, expanding our range from one iconic model to six or seven. This is why we must give life to the brand and give it a concrete shape. Like a tree that grows and branches out, each model needs to have meaning and contribute to the brand’s history.”
