Parola Telephone (1979) Soft and Inviting

Parola Telephone by Fausta Cavazza, 1979 Soft, inviting, and pleasantly tactile features make it well suited for being held and used frequently—Fausta Cavazza’s Parola (Speech) telephone confounded expectations by rejecting the smooth, cool, sleek image of virtually all other telephone models then in production.

She made her telephone out of Santoprene, a soft substance developed by Monsanto that resembles rubber and resists scratches and dirt.

Mass-produced objects are almost always more beautiful when placed next one another. They lose their individuality but at the same time gain a different individuality in the repetition itself.

Vico magistreeti

The Parola telephone was an instant hit with consumers who appreciated its unique design and durability. Its soft, tactile feel made it comfortable to hold for extended periods, and its resistance to scratches and dirt meant that it always looked as good as new. But the Parola was more than just a well-designed telephone—it symbolised innovation and creativity. Fausta Cavazza’s decision to use Santoprene instead of traditional materials like plastic or metal demonstrated her willingness to think outside the box and take risks to create something unique. And her success proved that sometimes, the most unconventional ideas could be the most successful. Today, the Parola telephone is remembered as a groundbreaking design that changed how people thought about telephones and inspired countless other designers to follow in Fausta Cavazza’s footsteps.

In a solid black, rounded form when not in use, the telephone has luminous pushbuttons and a shoulder rest that opens out from the top (and contains a pencil for messages). Cavazza patented the design in 1979 and 1982, establishing her own manufacturing company.

In the Media

Plastics bring home strength style 28 Sep 1986, Sun The Central New Jersey Home News (New Brunswick, New Jersey) Newspapers.com

Legacy and Recognition

Cavazza’s forward-thinking design did not go unnoticed. The “Parola” telephone has been recognized and preserved in esteemed institutions, including the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. This inclusion signifies the design’s impact and its role in the evolution of modern product aesthetics. (si.edu)

Historical Context and Influence

Emerging during a period marked by rapid technological advancement and a shift towards user-centric design, Cavazza’s work reflects the broader trends of the late 20th century. Designers increasingly explored new materials and forms to enhance user interaction and experience. The “Parola” telephone, combined with innovative material use and sleek design, is a testament to this transformative era in design history.

Fausta Cavazza’s contributions continue to inspire contemporary designers to prioritize both aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that products are not only beautiful but also effectively serve users’ needs.

Sources

Hiesinger, K., & Marcus, G. (2004, April 1). Landmarks of Twentieth Century Design. In An Illustrated Handbook. https://doi.org/10.1604/9780756774615

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