Legendary Apple designer Susan Kare has made a surprising foray into the world of luxury goods, releasing a collection of 32 retro-inspired icons as mechanical keyboard keycaps and wearable pendants. The "Esc Keys" collection, created in collaboration with Asprey Studio, features 8-bit pixel art illustrations reminiscent of Kare's iconic work on the first Macintosh personal computer operating system.

Kare, responsible for designing the "Happy Mac" boot-up icon and the original floppy disk file save symbol, has infused her new designs with a sense of nostalgia and whimsy. Each piece in the Esc Key collection is crafted in silver or gold-coated silver, with prices ranging from $650 for silver computer keys to $2,064 for necklace pendants in gold vermeil. Solid gold options are available upon request, making these luxury items truly exclusive.

The designs themselves are charming and eye-pleasing, with each piece featuring a unique illustration that represents things people can enjoy doing away from their keyboards. According to Kare and Asprey Studio founder Alastair Walker, there's hidden meaning behind each design, adding an extra layer of depth to these already intriguing pieces.

This isn't Kare's first foray into creating art inspired by Apple's computing history. Her website features prints of her original Macintosh designs, and in 2014, she sold hand-painted Jolly Roger pirate flags, inspired by the one she painted to fly above the Apple Campus office in 1983, for up to $2,500. The Esc Key collection marks a new direction for Kare, blending her iconic design style with high-end craftsmanship.

The use of blockchain technology to verify ownership and provenance of each piece adds an extra layer of exclusivity to the collection. With only 30 to 120 pieces available depending on the icon, these luxury items are sure to become coveted collector's items among Apple enthusiasts and design aficionados alike.

This unique blend of nostalgia, design, and luxury is a testament to Kare's enduring influence on the world of technology and design. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it's heartening to see legends like Kare pushing the boundaries of what's possible and exploring new ways to express their creativity.