You've got to question how much of a hand Australian-born design demi-god Marc Newson has in his creations. Veering drastically from trainers to "space planes", his design ouevre is one of the most distracted (and technically advanced) we've seen, and the latest addition to the fold is testament to the fact.
Designed in collaboration with Officina Italiana Design and Riva (one of Italy's oldest boat manufacturers), Newson's Aquariva is part of a new generation of super-speedboats. Following hot on the heels of Hermes' $90 m "Villa Yacht", Newson's design - complete with faux-mahogony deck and aquamarine soft furnishings - brings to mind the height of Venetian glamour.
One of a series of 22, the boat will be unveiled tomorrow not in a dock, as one would expect (and perhaps hope), but within the white-washed surrounds of Larry Gagosian's New York base. Bending the bounds of conceptual art to the brink, the boat is the keystone in Newson's "Transport" exhibition, and will - of course - be up for sale. Considering the fact that Newson's Lockheed Lounge chaise-longue went for a cool $1.5 m back in 2007, the sky's the limit for the Aquariva. Or should that be the sea?
