“As a kid, I was a dreamer. I read comics and I became the hero of the story. I watched a movie, and I became the hero of the movie. Every dream I dreamed got real a hundred times.”
This is how Elvis Presley portrayed himself. One of the legendary characters of American musical history, he influenced the world music panorama between the Fifties and the Seventies, mixing white music styles with black music’s passion: the result? Rock&Roll and Rockabilly, two musical genres still beloved by Americans, a worldwide passions for Presley’s fans.
Elvis, his eccentric style – not only in personality but his look as well – left unforgettable footprints of his character, whose echoes can still be heard of.
It’s not by chance that former US president Jimmy Carter remarked Presley’s death in 1977 with the following words:
“Elvis Presley’s death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique and irreplaceable. More than 20 years ago, he burst upon the scene with an impact that was unprecedented and will probably never be equaled. His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following was immense, and he was a symbol to people the world over of the vitality, rebelliousness, and good humor of his country.”
Elvis’ cult: collection rarities
No wonder if Elvis Presley still has a special place in the heart of many nowadays, and that, periodically, when his death’s anniversary (16th August) comes close, to him rare and precious collectibles are dedicated.
No exceptions for the new Icon series by Montegrappa, who celebrates Elvis Presley with 4 different models of fountain pens, roller pens and ballpoint pens.
Each model is dedicated to a precise episode in the life of the singer, from the beginning of his artistic career in 1954 to his death in 1977.
A celebration series, the one dedicated to “Elvis the Pelvis”, has been manufactured in a colored-resin body with sterling silver or vermeil (gold-plated silver) finishings, 2-color 18-kt gold nibs, personalized with Elvis’ full-height profile in one of his typical poses at the microphone. The same decoration, enamelled in the pen’s matching color, is reproduced at the cap top. Furthermore, the packaging matches the pen as well, and includes a CD of Elvis’ greatest hits.
The available models are Aqua, Green, Black and Las Vegas.
Aqua comes in a bright blue color and silver finishings, dedicated to the Fifties. Its style reminds of electric guitars, cars’ steelworks and jukeboxes. Aqua is a limited series produced in 1956 items in total, divided into 500 fountain pens, 500 roller pens and 956 ballpoint pens.
Green is dedicated to 1956, the year when Elvis Presley received the call for military service in the US Army. The pen reminds the green color of uniforms in its body; decorations are shaped in military sergeant grades. Green is available in a limited edition (1958 items): 500 fountain pens, 500 roller pens and 958 ballpoint pens.
Black was created to celebrate Elvis’ return in his black-leather outfit. The pen’s body is indeed in solid black, enriched by silver motifs recalling his jacket’s zip and decorations.
Finally, Las Vegas is dedicated to the “Aloah from Hawaii” concert in 1973, when Elvis appeared wearing a white suite, enriched by precious colored studs and gem-stone accents.
Las Vegas is made of a white body and a decoration in Swarovski crystals to form the TCB acronym coined by the artist, meaning “Take Care of Business”.
Las Vegas is a limited series as well, available in 1973 items: 500 fountain pens, 500 roller pens and 973 ballpoint pens.
Like every object dedicated to the King of Rock icon, these limited series are likely to be sold out in a very short time.
Where can you find them?
In Giardino Italiano‘s on-line shop they are already available for sale: hurry up… as collection pens, they are unique in their genre.
And, if you wish to stick to the King’s lifestyle, follow his saying: dream a dream and make it real one hundred times.
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Simona Gauri
per Giardino Italiano
www.giardino.it
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