Designs that Defined the Modern World

In a fascinating account, creator of London’s Design Museum and columnist for CNN, Stephen Bayley named the 20 designs that have come to define the modern world. “Designers,” he says, “interpret technology and inventions, making them useful and attractive to consumers.” Here are the 20 designs, spanning over a hundred years:  [1910] The bra; [1915] Coca-Cola bottle; [1923] Ur-Leica Camera; [1925] Le Corbusier’s Pavilion de l’Esprit Nouveau (above); [1927] Duralex Picardie glass; [1931] London Tube map; [1949] CH24 chair; [1950] Rimowa suitcase; [1956] Braun SK4 record player; [1957] Sputnik satellite; [1958] Austin FX4 taxi; [1959] Mini car; [1960] Mini skirt; [1967] Sgt. Pepper’ record sleeve; [1979] Brompton bike; [1981] Sony Walkman; [1981] Carlton room divider; [1996] Laleggera chair; [2007] iPhone
 

Duralex Picardie glass

Carlton room divider

Mini Skirt

London Tube map

Rimowa suitcase

Sony Walkman