Grilli Type has launched GT Era, a new variable typeface that draws inspiration from early 20th-century Grotesks. Thierry Blancpain, co-founder of Grilli Type, highlights his fascination with pre-modernist sans serifs, such as Breite Fette Grotesk and Akzidenz Grotesk. Unlike modernist typefaces, which often feel restrained, these early styles exude character. GT Era aims to blend the warmth and playfulness of these classic forms with the practical needs of contemporary design, balancing charm with functionality. The design process involved careful study of older letterforms, leading to a refined set of characters that work for both display and body text. Some awkward elements were eliminated, while bolder weights showcase distinctive features like wide capital letters and unique shapes in letters such as F, E, and H. The release included a vibrant launch website that illustrates the typeface's versatility in digital formats. Blancpain emphasizes that the iterative design phase often leads to valuable insights about what works best in practice, ensuring GT Era is both functional and expressive. Blancpain notes that GT Era emerged partly as a response to the dull branding prevalent today, which often relies on bland modernist sans serifs. With many brands opting for similar aesthetics, GT Era seeks to offer a fresh perspective, combining usability with a unique visual identity. The typeface challenges the conventional norm of minimalism by introducing imperfections that add character, making it a compelling option for designers looking to break free from uniformity.