Polaroid, no stranger to collaborations, has announced a project with Eames Office that will bring a sleek new version of the Polaroid Now Generation 2 instant camera to market.
“Since the 1970s, Polaroid and the Eames Office have been at the forefront of design and technology, democratizing creativity and pushing innovation boundaries,” Polaroid explains. “Charles and Ray Eames, among the most important designers of the 20th century, believed in accessible design, mirroring Polaroid’s aim to simplify photography for everyone.”
Charles and Ray Eames (née Kaiser) were an American married couple and industrial designers who are well known for their work in modern architecture and furniture, although they also worked in graphic design, fine art, and film. Charles died in 1978, aged 71, and Ray passed away a decade later at age 75.
The tail end of their careers overlapped with Polaroid’s height of instant camera influence, and both brands have long been known for their practical designs and blending of technology and art.
“Charles and Ray’s holistic vision of design encompassed communication and education, which became evident in their masterful films for Polaroid. In turn, the instant camera soon led to an expansion of their creative signature and became an important feedback tool in the design process. The Eames Office is delighted to build on this shared design legacy with the Polaroid Now — Eames Edition,” says Eames Demetrios, artist and director of Eames Office. Demetrios is the grandson of Charles and Ray Eames.
The new Polaroid Now Generation 2 instant camera model comes in “Elephant Hide Gray,” and features a bold wrist strap inspired by the iconic Eames Toy’s geometric pattern. The gray colorway is said to be an homage to “the timeless Eames aesthetic,” and reflects “elegance and sophistication.”
Aside from its facelift, the Eames Edition camera is identical to the standard Now Generation 2. The instant camera features a self-timer and double exposure modes, a two-lens autofocus system, and recharges via USB-C. The instant film camera uses Polaroid i-Type and 600 film.
“It’s a collector’s item not to be missed,” Polaroid says.
The Polaroid Now Generation 2 Eames Edition is available now for $129.99 directly from Polaroid. It’s also available in a bundle with color i-Type film and a Polaroid photo box for $149.99.
Image credits: Polaroid. Historic Polaroid images © Eames Office, LLC, 2024.
