If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives): art of the vespa

Stylist and blogger, JJ Scholl, has created a beautiful line of classic and vintage-looking accessories for scooters and bicycles inspired by the jet-set lifestyle of her great uncle, Dr. Scholl (yes, THAT Dr. Scholl - the foot care guru who was, himself, an adventure traveler).

Classic Americana heritage reinvented for the modern traveler, her designer scooter accessories are for wanderlust spirits and refined commuters. With two pieces in the collection thus far, she has captured the luxury of old world travel combined with the tasteful design of modern stylish accessories.

Rive Gauche case:

above and below: 14 x 10 x 10 inch  interior, laptop and smartphone storage, universal fastening straps adheres to any scooter or electric bike, some cruisers $380 USD

Serengeti case:

above and below: 14 x 10 x 10 inch  interior, laptop and smartphone storage, universal fastening straps adheres to any scooter or electric bike, some cruisers $380 USD

Shop for JJ Scholl Designer Scooter Accesories

Last week the 2007/8 Art Vespa Competition competition in South Africa came to an end.

The interactive email campaign, created by Vespa South Africa and advertising partner, Guerrilla Marketing, invited art directors and designers to embellish the two-wheeler with their concepts. Best of all, participants have the chance to drive home on a brand new Vespa LX.

The top three designs, judged by international designer Francesco Maffe from Piaggio, Italy, will be on display at the Design Indaba Expo from 23 February 2008.

The winners were announced on 25 February at 3pm.

Rory Allan from Ripe Design has won the 2008 Art Vespa competition with his ice cream design and will soon be zipping through the city on his deliciously personalised Vespa LX.

Allan submitted more than one design, but it was his striking Ice Cream creation that caught the eye of Francesco Maffe, international designer for Piaggio Italy, and judge of Art Vespa. The design took him three hours to complete.When asked what motivated him to enter, Allan replied “Our creative director presented the competition to all the creatives at Ripe Design and urged us to enter. It's an out of the ordinary canvas for designers that got my creative juices flowing almost immediately.”

The inspiration for his design was South Africa's hot summer afternoons. “I sat down and thought of why it's great to own a Vespa. The first thing that popped into my mind was the wind blowing through your hair on a sweltering afternoon. Almost as refreshing as an ice cream.”

To Allan, Vespa is synonymous with carefree living, summer holidays and good times with those who are important in your life. “It symbolises a laid-back lifestyle, where life is about more than work. It's about experiencing and being part of the world. And ice cream of course.”

First place winner Rory Allen of Ripe Design:

Second place winner Hazel Davies from Momentum, McCann:

Third place winner Mandi Brest from Penguin International:

A record number of 252 entries were received for the 2008 competition, a 40% increase from last year. Watch out for the 2009 competition later this year. You too could become part of the la dolce vita lifestyle and scoot around on your own Art Vespa in the near future.

For more information, go to www.vespa.co.za.