The iconic Italian coffee house transforms its classic cups into shimmering works of art in its newest collaboration.
Blending Coffee and Contemporary Art
As Frieze London kicks off, illy introduces Swiss artist John Armleder as the latest collaborator in its longstanding illy Art Collection. Since 1992, illy has invited artists from around the world to reimagine its classic white espresso cups, turning each porcelain canvas into a unique piece of art that merges design, culture, and espresso tradition.
Iridescent Innovation
Titled Tastes, Armleder’s collaboration uses titanium dioxide to create iridescent cappuccino and espresso cups that shift in color depending on light, angle, and contents. Inspired by disco balls and reflective surfaces, each cup becomes both vessel and mirror, reflecting the fluid, personal, and ever-changing nature of taste itself.
Availability and Details
The illy Art Collection: Tastes by John Armleder is available now via illy’s website. Cups come in sets of two or four, for espresso or cappuccino, with prices starting at £65 GBP. This latest release continues illy’s tradition of turning everyday coffee moments into interactive art experiences.




