Aimé Leon Dore has announced a new collaboration that blends the brand’s distinct lifestyle style with the precision of Italian coffee craftsmanship. The brand’s café concept, Café Leon Dore, has teamed up with La Marzocco, a renowned espresso machine manufacturer, to launch a limited-edition Linea Micra espresso machine. This collaboration also includes a capsule collection of co-branded apparel and accessories. It represents a fusion of fashion and coffee, both emphasizing design, quality, and tradition.
The focal point of the collaboration is a unique version of La Marzocco’s Linea Micra, a compact espresso machine designed for home use. Despite its size, it offers professional-grade features typically seen in commercial machines. The Linea Micra is known for its dual boiler system and precise temperature control. For this edition, Aimé Leon Dore has reimagined the machine with a deep green color, polished brass accents, and walnut wood details. Subtle branding from both Café Leon Dore and Aimé Leon Dore’s crest enhance the machine, making it a collectible item that merges both brands’ aesthetics.
While the machine retains the technical features that make the Linea Micra a standout — including dual boilers, a saturated group head, and smartphone connectivity — the price tag has raised some concerns. This version costs significantly more than the standard Linea Micra, which is priced much lower. Though the machine is produced in limited quantities on demand, the high cost cannot be solely explained by its exclusivity. The collaboration relies heavily on brand recognition and the carefully crafted design to justify its premium price.
In addition to the espresso machine, the collection includes a café apron, a cotton t-shirt, and a baseball cap, all featuring the collaborative branding and minimalist style. These items, though well-made and thoughtfully designed, also carry a premium price, elevating even a simple apron into a luxury item. Available exclusively through Aimé Leon Dore stores and its online shop, the capsule seems aimed more at collectors and brand loyalists than at working baristas or casual coffee enthusiasts.
