The Alpine Silhouette – Episode 2: A Bold Design Legacy and Electric Future
SME News UK. April 2025 – Alpine’s 70th Anniversary Series Continues with a Spotlight on Design Innovation*
Following its celebrated launch in March, the *Alpine 70 Years* series returns with its second episode, delving into the timeless yet future-driven world of **Alpine design**. This episode features an exclusive conversation with **Laurens van den Acker**, Chief Design Officer at Renault Group, and **Antony Villain**, VP Alpine Design, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative force reshaping one of France’s most iconic automotive brands.
Broadcast from the Alpine Design Studio, the episode explores the brand’s stylistic journey—honoring the minimalist elegance envisioned by founder **Jean Rédélé** while embracing the freedom offered by electric innovation. At the heart of this transformation lies a “commando spirit,” a compact, agile team mindset that has driven the brand’s rebirth.
> “I didn’t approach this brand with nostalgia. I approached it as an enthusiast,” shares Antony Villain. “I said to myself, this is a fantastic brand and there’s everything to do with it.”
One of the key highlights is the **Alpenglow concept car**, which serves as a bold declaration of Alpine’s design language for its future range. Aerodynamic, sculptural, and unapologetically modern, the concept captures the essence of speed and purity—core values that Alpine has championed since 1955.
The designers also reflect on the enduring power of Alpine’s logo—**the iconic arrowed A**, designed by Philippe Charles in the 1960s. A symbol of movement and precision, the logo has remained untouched for decades, a testament to Alpine’s ability to evolve without losing its soul.
> “Creating a brand is the most exciting adventure in a designer’s career,” says Laurens van den Acker. “Today, we’ve embarked on the next stage—extending the brand from one to six or seven cars. It’s like a tree growing its branches, and we must ensure each one adds meaning to Alpine’s legacy.”
As Alpine accelerates into an all-electric future, its design philosophy continues to blend heritage with innovation—delivering not just cars, but statements of performance, passion, and French craftsmanship.
