Stilla

Designed by François Boltana, 1973.

Stilla is a headline typeface for anyone waiting for Poster Bodoni to shrug off its restrained precision and get a little funky. Remaining true to its Fat Face brethren (e.g. Normande, Falstaff), Stilla is primarily defined by thick verticals, high contrast, and a self-assured boldness. But beyond that, it takes its solo show on the road, ’70s style—bombastic ball terminals dance; a saucy, come-hither ampersand beckons; and flamboyant characters swoon and groove (especially check out the capital C, E, K, T, X, and Z). And don’t miss the opening act: absolutely outrageous old-style numerals. Stilla’s inherent elegance complements its exaggerated eccentricities, like a child of a truly righteous era.

Published in Print magazine’s column Hot Type.