When an Italian company uses a French word as the name for one of their products, it makes me wonder why. Of course, the simple answer is that any manufacturer likes an exotic name–and French is just as exotic to Italians as it is to Americans. The specific word under discussion is Etoile, which means star (only it sounds much sexier).

Etoile. Designed by Hafro.

An expert in bath fixtures, Hafro has decided to put everything under the stars in one shower column–hence the name Etoile (that’s my interpretation anyway). The modern piece combines hydrotherapy and chromatherapy with a radio and digital display. An overhead shower emits soothing light, which will make you want to take your time. For quick cleansing, Etoile offers a handshower. Two built-in shelves hold the necessary soaps or shampoos. And the radio will provide any shower, long or short, with a musical interlude.

Given all the bells and whistles, the Etoile Shower Column is still practical. Hafro produces three models in varying sizes, one of which is small enough to be integrated into your current setup. The simple design works in most bathrooms, whether minimalistic, traditional, or quirky. The choice of colors also helps Etoile shine in any light. The shower column comes in white, gray, red, purple, and anthracite. I’m totally out of touch with current teens, but at that age I would have loved the Etoile in violet, both for its mod look and for its ability to drown out any sounds emanating from the parental units, thanks to the integrated radio. The chromatherapy would have been an unexpected plus–I certainly would have enjoyed it on late weekend nights after tripping the light fantastic, so to speak. Today, I might opt for the white Etoile to calm me after a tough day’s work, enjoying the massage jets while basking in the relaxing lights and listening to Offenbach’s Barcarolle.