Marc Newson Collaborates With Riva

One of the world’s most influential people is designing one of the most coveted runabouts available—in an edition limited to just 22 boats.

Australian-born Marc Newson, who has designed furniture, timepieces, and sculptures and whose work is in the permanent collections of museums from New York to France, is collaborating with Riva and its design team for a special division of the Aquariva line. Called Aquariva by Marc Newson, the 33-foot boat retains the throwback good looks that have made Rivas so popular since their introduction as mahogany runabouts in the 1950s.

Of course, Newson, who was named one of “The World’s Most Influential People” in 2005 by Time magazine, is putting his own imprint on the Aquariva. As seen here, a faux wood laminate will cover the decks and instrument panel, for durability and lower maintenance. The hull will be made of aluminum, and the transom will have a recessed section rather than a flat slope to the water. There are also separate driver and passenger seats, instead of one long bench seat at the wheel.

While some people might think re-imagining such an iconic brand is a bad idea, the team at Riva and its parent company, Ferretti Group, welcomed the opportunity to work with Newson. “It is an honor for me to witness this partnership, one I am firmly convinced will both win great approbation and mark the history of design,” says Norberto Ferretti, the chairman of Ferretti Group and Riva.

All 22 boats of the limited-edition line will be available starting in September, exclusively through Gagosian Gallery. Larry Gagosian, owner of the gallery, can’t wait until the boats hit the water: “Aquariva by Marc Newson is a natural extension of the artist’s work with planes and automobiles. The result is a brilliant blend of form and function, looking back to La Dolce Vita of the 1950s and 1960s and forward to the latest trends in nautical design.”