There comes a moment in every industry—almost inherently—when tradition must pause, take a breath, and open itself to renewal. Even the most established houses are beginning to approach things from a different perspective, adapting their collections to new demands. It’s much like the way fashion houses occasionally reinterpret their own codes: think of how Bottega Veneta reshaped its visual language a few years ago—not by straying from the values that brought it success, but by introducing a more contemporary spirit to signal a new direction.
A New Chapter
For Graf von Faber-Castell, this moment arrived with the creation of the Bloom. I wouldn’t say it represents a departure from tradition, but rather an adaptation of classic forms through a more contemporary design lens. Although Bloom marks the beginning of a new chapter—and implicitly a new series in the German brand’s catalogue—Graf von Faber-Castell has not abandoned the classic lines that have defined it over the years. In my opinion, Bloom is a modern expression of the brand’s heritage and also reflects a forward-thinking vision, encouraging users to embrace both the message and the movement behind it.
“Make your move. Leave your signature. This is the moment. Your moment. Your first real challenge. And your first true achievement. Bloom marks the moment your potential reveals itself. To you. To the world. The moment you start shaping your future—with clarity, intention, and boldness. As a creator. A decision-maker. A presence. Someone who doesn’t just show up, but leaves a mark. A signature,” states Graf von Faber-Castell about the new Bloom.
The Design
At first glance, Bloom’s modern silhouette may seem not to fit within the classic canons that Graf von Faber-Castell has long established, yet a closer look reveals the brand’s signature grooves—reinterpreted with a contemporary touch. Made using traditional techniques that shape each piece with precise movements—either with a milling cutter or by hand with a plane—both the body and the cap showcase the same dedication to craftsmanship that has defined the brand for generations. Wood, long rooted in the brand’s most emblematic collections, stays at the heart of this line, complemented by mirror-polished metal surfaces that create a contrast of textures I’ve always found captivating.
“I have always loved warm, bold colors, a rare choice in the world of writing instruments, where black and dark tones still reign supreme. Italian makers have long dared to bring ‘color’ into writing, while elsewhere softer shades are often seen as feminine. In this Graf von Faber-Castell creation, gold and natural hues blend beautifully with noble materials, achieving a balance of elegance and refinement. For my personal taste, the grip feels a little cold—yet that, too, is part of the timeless character that defines the brand,” says Carlo, pen collector.
The collection consists of two variants: one in warmer tones, combining native hornbeam with gold-coated metal accents, and another crafted from ebony with ruthenium-coated trim for a cooler, more understated presence. It is also, if memory serves, the first time the brand has incorporated hornbeam into its creations.
The two models are available in four writing instrument formats—fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint, and mechanical pencil—allowing Graf von Faber-Castell to cater to a wide range of individual preferences. The fountain pen is fitted with a hand-engraved 14k gold nib, finished to match the trim tone. Personally, I would have preferred the nib to be 18k gold; nevertheless, the writing experience remains unchanged.
“I think the design of the new BLOOM is really well made. We love to have a bit bigger nibs so that would’ve been an important thing, and the price point is not the lowest. That being said, it’s a beautiful pen that one can use on an everyday basis, and that one can really see the effort and also the complexity of creating a cap and barrel with that pattern. The process of polishing a cap like that is really complex,” explains Samuel Naldi, Pen Expert, in a Youtube video.
In the end, Bloom stands as one of Graf von Faber-Castell’s most courageous launches in recent years. Some users may be a bit hesitant toward its modern approach, precisely because it breaks away from familiar codes, while others will embrace it instantly for the very same reason. What is clear, however, is the level of investment behind it. The brand has poured not only considerable resources into its manufacture, but also a genuine commitment to exploring a new creative direction, one that carries both risk and vision equally.
Although rumors suggest that the brand may have postponed this year’s Pen of the Year to focus on this ambitious project, a claim I cannot quite confirm, I am confident in saying that the new Bloom reflects a clear desire to evolve and explore new territory—boldly, thoughtfully, and with a determined intent to shape the future of its portfolio.
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