From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

ITALIAN WRITING MACHINES

The ultimate Italian design collaboration between Ducati and The Aquila Group creates Ducati writing instruments exhibited exclusively in Harrods as part of Made In Italy

On 6th October, as part of the Made In Italy promotion at Harrods, Ducati will exclusively introduce their High Performance Sports Pens to the UK. The exhibition will launch with an evening event in the stationery department where visitors will be able to view not only the full pen collection but see the first prototypes from Ducati’s new Sports Classic motorbike collection, which was the source of inspiration for these writing instruments.

The SportClassics – motorcycles capture the essential beauty, timeless style and emotion of the original Ducati sport bikes of the 1970’s. Even though they reflect the best of the past, they incorporate the latest Ducati technology and engineering, creating a thoroughly modern motorcycle that lives-up to today’s standards of road-going performance.

To attain the timeless beauty of the bikes that were the inspiration for the SportClassics, the key visual design, style and technical features of the originals were studied and targeted for modern interpretation in the PaulSmart, GT and Sport.

Ducati sport bikes of the 1970’s were typically long and low in stature, with fairings and tanks with curving lines that forced the eye to sweep from front to back and side to side. The shapes of the body combined with colors ranging from bold, monochromatic yellows and blacks to subtle silver, blue and green hues giving the bikes a sophisticated yet muscular look. The bikes made a powerful visual statement whether parked or in motion. Above all, these were essential, purposeful-looking motorcycles, harmonized by
quality components.

This exciting partnership between Ducati and The Aquila Group has enabled the creation of an outstanding and stylish collection of pens and small leather goods that represent a combined passion for workmanship and quality. Ducati is the embodiment of high performance engineering, commitment to championship racing and total dedication to Italian design. Since the appearance of the “Cucciolo”, a small 4-stroke engine known as the puppy in 1946, Ducati has come to dominate the world of motorcycle racing. From the first 250cc motorbike in the 1950’s, to the iconic 916 Superbike and the Monster, the Ducati family name has become synonymous with style, speed and accuracy.

The Aquila Group, founded in Naples by Leopoldo Aquila, has over 60 years of pen making experience, producing and exporting the finest pens worldwide. Like Ducati, the Aquila family has in its genes a passion for design excellence, which is the basis for ongoing development. Leopoldo realised that in addition to being a writing instrument, the pen could also be an expression of artistry and enduring value. His philosophy has continued to influence the company, which to this day creates writing instruments and small leather goods of the highest quality.

The Ducati pen collection draws inspiration from the historic Ducati models of the 1960′ s and 1970’s built at the Borgo Panigale. Key styling details have been taken from Ducati fuel tanks, spoked wheels and the iconic scrambler eagle logo. All the models (fountain-pen, ballpoint, roller ball and pencil) come in vintage style packaging, which reinforces the history of Ducati. The Ducati pen is smooth and well balanced yet with a weight that signifies quality. Available in yellow, orange, black or silver with brushed and polished aluminium detailing; Ducati pens are as attractive as they are efficient. Every pen is lacquered and marked by a coloured band that runs along the centre line reminiscent of the much-loved Ducati Spaggiari motorcycle.

As part of the Ducati collection The Aquila Group has also created a range of top quality small leather goods. The manufacture is entirely artisanal and exclusive. The central coloured band with scrambler eagle logo from the pens is recreated as the recurring theme for the accessories collection, this time fashioned in the finest Italian calfskin. The accessories range includes pen holders with removable interiors for holding eyeglasses, three types of key holders, one of which is in the shape of a Ducati petrol tank for holding coins, an attractive money clip, a handy credit card holder and a wristband with concealed zip to hold bank notes and coins. Aquila has created two Ducati wallets with innovative characteristics: a motorcycle document holder provided with a useful pen and notepad and a wristband with concealed zip holding bank-notes, coins and small objects- the perfect and stylish way to keep motorcycle documents safe during leisurely activities.

“We’re enthusiasts about the new collection of Ducati high performance pens which carries forward the great tradition of Italian design excellence and race-track bred performance to the exacting world of fine writing instruments”, said David Gross, Ducati’s Creative Director. “The design values — the style and attention to detail, the focus on quality and high performance — that marks the new family of Ducati Sportclassic motorcycles has inspired our new collection of pens and small leather goods. These products are modern and high performing, but also full of tradition and respect for a glorious past, the Golden Age of Italian sport motorcycling”.

This important partnership come alongside some others already constituted, like the one with the famous brand Oakley, which for the second year has introduced its Oakley/Ducati Corse sunglasses collection. This partnership testify the value and prestige of Ducati brand worldwide. Ducati/Aquila collection pens will be available all over Ducati net sales, as well as in the most important pen stores worldwide, starting from next October.