In an unprecedented collaboration, Swiss sound system manufacturer Goldmund, French luxury trunk-maker Pinel et Pinel, and acclaimed contemporary artist Cyril Kongo have unveiled a ground-breaking venture, creating what is being hailed as “the most beautiful speakers in the world.” The result of this collaboration is the limited-edition Goldmund Apologue Ultimate Pinel et Pinel & Cyril Kongo speakers—a blend of acoustic excellence, meticulous leather craftsmanship, and vibrant contemporary art, united in a sculptural form that speaks to all the senses.
These sculptural speakers embody the vision and expertise of three leading figures: Yohann Segala, President of Goldmund; Fred Pinel, President and Founder of Pinel et Pinel; and Cyril Kongo, an artist famed for his graffiti-inspired work with prestigious luxury houses such as Hermès and Richard Mille. Together, these visionaries have challenged and expanded the boundaries of their respective crafts, producing just 20 pairs of these one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
This latest edition of the Goldmund Apologue speaker represents an evolution of a design that already holds iconic status. Originally launched in 1987, the Apologue was recognised by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for its design significance. In 2013, a refined anniversary edition integrated digital advancements, but today’s version reaches new heights, meticulously wrapped in hand-painted leather by Pinel et Pinel and Kongo’s artistic touch.
As Fred Pinel explained, the concept transcends typical audio equipment design. “We designed these speakers as sculptures. It is a multi-sensory work that bridges the world of ultimate hi-fi, luxury leather goods, and contemporary art,” he states. This high-end edition is crafted from 16 meters of hand-stitched calfskin, making each 300-kilogram speaker not just a powerhouse of sound but a tactile experience. Kongo’s artistry on each piece transforms it into an art object in its own right, creating a unique visual identity that redefines the speaker’s role in a living space.
The process of crafting these speakers was highly intricate. More than 15 leather pieces are hand-painted by Kongo before assembly, requiring a complex understanding of how each flat artwork would fit together in three dimensions. Kongo’s challenge was to create a cohesive artwork across a non-traditional canvas, painting in reverse and anticipating how each piece would join the next in the final product.
For Kongo, this project fulfilled a lifelong affinity for sound and art, stating, “When I was younger, I experimented a lot with sound systems, so I realise how incredibly fortunate I am to meet the experts at Goldmund, among the best in the world. I conceived my works as a collection of sculptures, but even more exclusive. They incorporate the elements that define my pictorial style, my artistic vocabulary, my personality.”
The collaboration between Segala, Pinel, and Kongo involved extensive planning, with continuous exchanges over design and colour for many months. The team aimed to elevate these speakers from mere functional objects to collector-worthy sculptures. As Segala explained, “We told ourselves it had to be a sculpture, not just another artist’s painting on an object. The speaker is so incredible in terms of acoustics that it needed to become even more of an object of desire.”
Goldmund’s reputation within the audiophile community is long-established, with their designs revered for their minimalist approach and acoustic purity. This latest creation, however, breaks traditional norms within the high-end audio market. With Kongo’s bold colours and expressive style, Goldmund’s Apologue series now extends beyond its typical niche, appealing to younger collectors, especially those in Asia who value exclusive, artistically significant objects.