Paula Benson investigates Brionvega in film and three of their key Hi-Fi and audio products.

The first time I clapped eyes on a Brionvega Hi-Fi, I went weak at the knees. Their radios, Hi-Fi’s and TV’s are more like art pieces than audio-visual equipment—designed to make the eyes of design lovers widen and the ears of music aficionados perk up. Why? Because Brionvega embodies a rich history of design innovation and a healthy dose of modernism, all fuelled by passion and dedication to sound. Their designs transcend time.

Founded in Italy 1960 by the Brion family, Brionvega quickly became an icon of Italian design, combining cutting-edge technology with artistic flair and craftsmanship. The company name is a nod to the Brion family and Vega, the brightest star in the Lyra constellation and the fifth brightest star in the night sky. Over the years, the brand has had the foresight to collaborate with some stars of a more earthly kind: Design heavyweights Marco Zanuso, Mario Bellini, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Richard Sapper, and Ettore Sottsass, all came along for the joyous ride in creating timeless, functional art pieces. The result? Products that have become cultural symbols, leaving a lasting impact on design lovers, music enthusiasts, and the film industry alike.

Director Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, Megalopolis, The Conversation) has long been a fan of Brionvega for example. Upon visiting the production site, he commented “Brionvega has always been a fascination for me over the years, I admire the innovative design and performance of their products.”

Join me as I explore three of their most outstanding products and their connection to cinema.

The Colourful Portable Radio: Radio Cubo

The Radio Cubo, designed by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper in 1964, is one of Brionvega’s cutest products. With its sculptural, colourful design, this portable radio immediately stood out as a revolutionary object when it was created, a striking departure from the dull, utilitarian designs of the time. And it’s still in production today.

The Radio Cubo’s ergonomic design, portability, and vibrant colours make it not just a functional device but a piece of art. Over the years, it has been modernised with features like Bluetooth connectivity and DAB+ reception, but its original charm remains undeniable.

The Radio Cubo is formed by two shells that open and close like a book. When open, the radio functions with the loudspeaker on one side and the controls on the other. When closed, it transforms into a neat sculptural object with sinuous contours and a polished surface.

The Radio Cubo’s striking design has made it a perfect fit for numerous films, particularly those that embrace modernism and experimental aesthetics. You can spot it in films like Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1964), La Piscine (The Swimming Pool, 1969) directed by Jacques Deray, Prickly Pears (1980) directed by Steno, Fantozzi Against Everyone (1980) directed by Neri Parenti and Paolo Villaggio, I Was in the War but I Didn’t Know It (Ero in Guerra Ma Non lo Sapevo, 2022) directed by Fabio Resinaro, and even Greta Gerwig’s Barbie (2023).

Pick your favourite colour from a choice of five, and buy yours from around £500 from our trusted partner Chaplins.

The Scene-Stealing Hi-Fi: Radiofonografo

In 1965, Achille Castiglioni and his brother Pier Giacomo Castiglioni designed the Radiofonografo, combining the functions of a radio and a record player in a single, stunning sculptural form. The Radiofonografo was ahead of its time, breaking away from the traditional concept of the radio cabinet and blending modernist aesthetics with functionality. Its unique anthropomorphic design and ability to transform based on the user’s needs make it a beloved object in the world of design.

The Radiofonografo’s sleek, futuristic design found a home in films like Don’t Torture a Duckling (1972) directed by Lucio Fulci, Conversation Piece (1974) directed, co-written and produced by Luchino Visconti, Io sono Mia (I Am Mia) of 2019 directed by Riccardo Donna and If You Love Me (2019) directed by Fausto Brizzi.

Brionvega’s Radiofonografo also captured the imagination of rock legend David Bowie, who was known for his love of forward-thinking design. Bowie had a custom version made with different coloured knobs, symbolising his unique persona—one knob was brown, and the other blue, to echo his different coloured eyes. The Radiofonografo was a constant companion for Bowie, serving as a reminder of his fascination with the Space Age and modern design.

 

At auction, one of David Bowie’s Radiofonografo sold for a remarkable £257,000, showcasing the immense cultural value these products hold. During the same auction, the Radio Cubo that belonged to David Bowie sold for £30,000.

Buy your own Radiofonografo for significantly less than Bowie’s – from around £12,000 – from our trusted partner Chaplins.

The Totem: The Ultimate Hi-Fi

Last but not least, the Brionvega Totem Hi-Fi also stands out for its blend of functionality and enduring style. Designed by Mario Bellini (also known for the Camaleonda sofa and Le Bambole armchair), the Totem was launched in 1971 and is still produced today. This minimalist, sculptural Hi-Fi system transforms when opened—revealing two loudspeakers that fold out from the central block, creating a visually striking effect.

When closed, the Totem is a sleek cube, but once opened, the speakers rotate and unfold, resembling wings. It’s a functional piece of art that goes beyond a simple stereo system, requiring the user’s engagement in the process of opening it, inserting a record, and playing music—a ritual that connects the user to the experience.

What makes the Totem extra special is the way it integrates the sound system into its design, turning what would normally be a piece of equipment into a visually captivating object. The speakers are removable, allowing them to be positioned around the room, offering flexibility for larger spaces while ensuring excellent sound quality. Each speaker features a 2.5-way speaker system with a woofer, mid-woofer, and tweeter, delivering powerful and clear sound. Unlike traditional turntables, the Totem combines audio with artistic design, making it not just a piece of tech, but a functional sculpture.

Buy yours – from around £17,000 – from our trusted partner Chaplins.

The Dune Connection

The Brion family’s architectural legacy also made its way onto the big screen in Dune: Part Two (2023). The family commissioned the renowned designer Carlo Scarpa to design a cemetery and tomb in Italy to honour the family’s heritage. The Brion tomb, also known as the Brion Sanctuary and Brion-Vega Tomb, in San Vito d’Altivole near Treviso, Italy, is a masterpiece of post-modernist architecture and a powerful monument. 

You can hear more about the choice of this architectural masterpiece for Dune: Part Two in our interview with production designer Patrice Vermette and set decorator Shane Vieau on the Film and Furniture YouTube channel and in our website article Design Secrets of Dune: Part Two: How Spaces Shape Cultures.

Other Brionvega in film appearances include Made in Italy (2019), The 10th Victim (1965), Fantozzi Against Everyone (1980), 1992 (2015), If You Love Me (2019), I Was at War But I Didn’t Know It (2022), The Hummingbird (2022) and Robbie Williams (2023).

Where to See, Try and Buy Brionvega products

Brionvega’s products are exhibited in the most prestigious international museums, including the MoMA in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art, the Osaka Museum of Modern Art, and the Milan Triennale.

You can also see, try and buy the Radio Cubo, Radiofonografo, and Totem in the Chaplins Furniture showroom in North London or follow our links above to order online.