HP has announced its latest premium notebook PCs. To mark the release of these new PCs, an exhibition event will be held at BARNEYS NEW YORK Ginza Flagship Store starting January 7th. We report on the event, exploring the world created by the fusion of HP's premium notebooks and fashion.

Stacy Wolff, who oversees all PC design at HP, visited Japan for the event. A dialogue was held at the press conference with Katsuhiko Taniguchi, Director and Creative Director of BARNEYS JAPAN, who curated the display for the latest PCs.

The connection between the two companies, which had no prior contact, was a shared sense of values. Mr. Taniguchi explained that the shared pursuit of delivering joy to people and their consistent approach to realizing that goal led to this exhibition event.

“What struck me when I saw the products was the ENVY Wood Edition. The fusion of metal and wood felt fresh, like a product that embodied our concept of 'taste, luxury, and humor.' I could feel the craftsmanship and playfulness of the creators, not just the gentle touch and beauty of the walnut.”

It is HP's spirit of craftsmanship that brings that playfulness to life. Mr. Wolff elaborated on the meticulous attention to detail, backed by advanced technology, as follows:

“We always aim for the best of the best to deliver a special experience to our customers. For example, each piece of wood used in the ENVY has a unique grain, making it special in itself. The seamless touchpad, in particular, is a testament to our advanced technology and a point of pride that expresses our craftsmanship. We believe our other product, the Spectre, also allows customers to feel our dedication. Our goal was to achieve both functional beauty as a computer and refined sculptural aesthetics. To express this, the world's smallest* 13-inch convertible PC features an emerald cut, giving it a precise and sophisticated impression from any angle.”

Mr. Wolff further emphasized HP's meticulous attention to product color.

“During product development, we conduct thorough customer insight research. This applies to color as well; we meticulously research trending colors that are currently in demand. For instance, white is extremely popular in the Japanese market. For this reason, we created a special ceramic-like coating for the ENVY model, reflecting Japanese preferences, specifically for Japanese women. I would be truly delighted if they found it beautiful and wanted to wear it like a jewel.”

The refined, white ceramic-like PC features a durable ceramic coating, not just for its beauty. Naturally, the products announced this time are not only visually stunning but also incorporate HP's signature latest features that prioritize user experience. For example, the miniaturized technology enhances portability, a core value of notebook PCs, and the ergonomic design is evident in the placement of various functions. HP products are packed with such meticulous attention to detail that words alone cannot fully convey.

So, how will Mr. Taniguchi express this dedication in his display designs?

“I work with freehand sketches, prioritizing the product's image. It’s a spontaneous idea, but I want to experiment with iron and wood. The answer lies within the product itself, so I aim to draw that out effectively. But it’s not just about drawing it out; my creative process involves adding a touch of humor to make it enjoyable for the viewer.”

The world that Mr. Taniguchi envisions will be showcased in the window and in-store displays at BARNEYS NEW YORK Ginza Flagship Store from January 7th (Tuesday) to January 26th (Sunday). Additionally, at "Barneys Cafe by MICAFLATE" on the third floor of the store, customers can experience HP's premium PCs while enjoying coffee at designated tables. We encourage you to take this opportunity to experience HP's dedication firsthand at BARNEYS NEW YORK Ginza Flagship Store.

Stacy Wolff
Global Head of Design for HP's Personal Systems. He has been responsible for the next-generation designs of the "HP Spectre" and "HP ENVY" series, as well as the business notebooks "HP EliteBook" and "HP ProBook" series. His aluminum designs have received numerous awards, including the Good Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award, and I.D. Magazine Award.

Katsuhiko Taniguchi
Director and Creative Director of BARNEYS JAPAN. Joined BARNEYS JAPAN in 1990. Trained under Simon Doonan at Barneys New York. Currently oversees all aspects of store and brand image at BARNEYS NEW YORK in Japan, from window and floor displays to store design and advertising visuals.

*As of August 2019, defined within the 2-in-1 laptop category, encompassing all convertible notebook PCs. Size is defined by the laptop's footprint, depth × width.

<BARNEYS NEW YORK × HP>
BARNEYS NEW YORK Ginza Flagship Store Collaboration Event
Dates: Tuesday, January 7, 2020 – Sunday, January 26, 2020

Café Campaign
Dates: Tuesday, January 14, 2020 – Sunday, January 19, 2020, 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last entry 7:30 PM)
Location: "Barneys Cafe by MICAFLATE", 3rd Floor, BARNEYS NEW YORK Ginza Flagship Store
Address: Kōkō Building, 6-8-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo | Tokyo Metro Ginza Station, Exit A1/A2

During the campaign period, enjoy one complimentary coffee at Barneys Cafe by MICAFLATE (first 100 customers). Experience HP's Premium PCs while savoring your coffee.

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New Product Launch Commemorative Campaign Underway
Dates: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 – Monday, January 27, 2020, 11:59 PM
Winners will receive a premium PC or a BARNEYS NEW YORK gift card.

Click here for details on the collaboration event and campaign.
HP Spectre x360 13
HP ENVY x360 13