As I write the title, “The Helvetica of…” I can’t help but think this could be an ongoing series of posts.  Helvetica is the most common typeface in the history of mankind.  It is the vanilla ice-cream of fonts, the blue-jeans of the graphic design world.  It is everywhere and nowhere in that it is so common, you may have never noticed it. You probably just assumed it was what the alphabet looked like, objectively.

I did not invent the phrase, “The Helvetica of.”  My brother Matt invented it in this little Facebook interaction. He is loving this Braun watch. I love the minimalism.  It is certainly a timepiece sans serif.

And then I thought, hey! My birthday is the one that is coming up! I should find my Helvetica of things.  I am not a big watch wearer, but I have been in need of a new pair of sunglasses.  I had seen a really nice pair of Ray-Bans at Club Monaco a while back, but had never seen them anywhere else.  They had a certain aviator quality to them, but without the extra extended underside.  I have never been that big of a fan of those on my face because I already have a somewhat long and pointy chin, and I didn’t need two more coming from my eye-balls! The style at Club Monaco was all of the best of the aviator, but without the chins. I found them on Amazon for much less than what they were asking at Club Monaco.

I think there is something about these two pieces that makes them archetypal.  They have very simple forms, are unapologetic for their nature and function, and some how still seem to exist with balance and beauty.  I will keep my eyes on the look out for other items that might make “The Helvetica of ” series.  What would you add to this series?

By the way, my very own pair of  Ray-Ban Caravans should be arriving in the mail any day! Thanks Mom, Dad, Alyse, Chris, Story, and Matt!