Hasta La Ideas

In this week’s comments update, readers are discussing a pair of Maseratis designed by David Beckham, which were exclusively revealed on Dezeen.

Informed by his “passion for classic cars” and tailoring, former footballer Beckham customised the vehicles as the first edition in Maserati‘s Fuoriserie Essentials collection.

According to the brand, each of the cars was informed by a historic Maserati and designed as an extension to Beckham’s “Savile Row sartorial wardrobe”.

“Bless his cotton socks”

Beckham’s billing as designer of the cars raised a few eyebrows among commenters.

“Pretty loose interpretation of ‘designed’,” wrote Tim, in a comment that was upvoted 10 times.

“How does Beckham design a car?” quipped Igor Pismensky. “He tells the designer or engineer ‘I like green and not pink. I like fast over slow. I like vegan leather over vinyl.’ Done!”

BT76 offered a similar critique: “Picking colours to paint existing cars is apparently now the same as designing cars. By this standard, every homeowner painting their bathroom is an architect.”

Other commenters couldn’t pass up the opportunity for irony. As to the question of whether Beckham designed the cars himself, Whateverandeveramen wrote, “Of course he did. Bless his cotton socks.”

While Orlandoa1 drolly wondered, “is there no end to David Beckham’s talents?”

Do you think it’s a car crash collaboration? Join the discussion ›

“Perfect for holding my microscopic wallet”

Also providing plenty of fodder for commenters this week was a microscopic Louis Vuitton handbag designed by art collective MSCHF as a comment on the luxury fashion industry and the functionality of small bags.

Made from neon-green photopolymer resin, the microscopic handbag was 3D printed using technology normally used for making biotech structures.

George Panagos called it a “perfect expression of the usefulness of overpriced luxury items”, before adding: “I’ve always enjoyed MSCHF’s ironic social commentary.”

“Perfect for holding my microscopic wallet,” joked Kem Roolhaas, while SalamOOn thought it was cheap at the price: “only for $2,740!”

Other commenters weren’t so keen. “Why? How is this of any value to our culture? Is it even worth publication?” asked Philly Citizen.

Marius, meanwhile, wondered whether the bag was more of a commentary on getting older than luxury fashion.

“At the threshold of middle age, we notice the evident conspiracy of all printing businesses and eyewear manufacturers,” they wrote. “Fonts get smaller and we have to get reading glasses. Now Louis Vuitton joins the racket.”

What are your thoughts on the microscopic handbag? Join the discussion ›

“What’s not to like?”

A “very well done” courtyard home near Chennai, India, caught readers’ attention this week.

Designed by local practice Rain Studio and defined by raw, tactile materials including clay tiles and compressed earth bricks, the house was created as a weekend retreat for its clients on a coastal site surrounded by fields that lead directly onto a nearby beach.

“[The] deep red brick and [the] Mangalore tiles are my favourite in this house,” wrote Ryan, while Rob Brearley admired the “nice use of material”.

George Panagos agreed, admiring the “warm and inviting use of reclaimed materials, unfettered by pretentious fuss. A courtyard surrounded by a peaceful veranda. What’s not to like? Great project.”

“Very well done,” added Frankie. “Reminds me of David Hertz’s own house in Venice Beach.”

Are you equally charmed by the courtyard house in Chennai? Join the discussion ›

“I would hope that this discussion takes into account 80 years of research and development”

Readers also reacted to the launch of our AItopia editorial series, which will explore AI’s impact on design, architecture and humanity.

“AI is one of the foremost threats facing our jobs as architects,” wrote Archill. “But then, it also serves its purpose (look at what Schumacher said ZHA is doing). Hoping Dezeen will cover all sides of this debate!”

Henri Achten has similar hopes for the series: “I would hope that this discussion takes into account 80 years of research and development done by thousands of people and not just a few alarmist end-users that discovered ChatGPT and Midjourney a few weeks ago.”

For Franc Lea, AItopia prompted a philosophical question: “If not all utopias end in dystopia and not all dystopias are failed utopias, what judgment call are we making on the AItopia?”

What’s your judgement call? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

Dezeen is the world’s most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page and subscribe to our weekly Debate newsletter, where we feature the best reader comments from stories in the last seven days.

The post “Is there no end to David Beckham’s talents?” says commenter appeared first on Dezeen.