Happy Wallet by Stefan Sagmeister

Stefan Sagmeister
Happy Wallet, 2010
Lot: #283 (448 wallets)

Wallet + gold imprint

Each one of 448 wallets is stamped with the phrase “Money does not make me happy” — a wry reminder that true value isn’t always in your pocket and that the joy of instant credit can turn to sorrow. Happy Wallet is all about a small act of reflection, blending function, humour, and a touch of irony in classic Sagmeister style.

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Droog bought 5,135 leftover items from Dutch liquidation auctions: everything from handkerchiefs and dog baskets to mirrors and salt shakers. They invited 14 designers to “revive” the lots into a collection of 19 products, each sold in editions limited by the size of the lot, and launched the result during Salone del Mobile, Milan, 2010.

The concept was accompanied by a short manifesto (about re-directing creative energy and redesigning lifecycles) and a charming “new owner” photo campaign that documented each purchaser right after checkout.