Tableware International March April 2021

TableWare www.tablewareinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL

Month: March/April 2021

Issue: 1

2

Volume: 143

134

$)B$QXQFLRB3UHPLRV 7DEOHZDUH,QWBMDQ B [ PP SGI

&

0

<

&0

0<

&<

&0<

.

Trefolio Gold & Pla num

noritake.com.au

Tableware Team EDITOR MAIREAD WILMOT mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

EDITOR RACHEL KING rachel@lemapublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER PAUL YEOMANS pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk

PUBLISHER MARK NAISH mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR MALCOLM NAISH malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PAUL NAISH paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Published by Lema Publishing Ltd. 1 Churchgates, The Wilderness Berkhamsted Herts HP4 2UB Tel: 00 44 (0) 1442 289930

Front cover supplied by Alessi For more information see the website www.alessi.com

TableWare www.tablewareinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL

Month: March/April 2021

Issue: 1

2

Volume: 143

134

TableWare

I

INTERNATIONAL

t’s spring in the northern hemisphere and while the blossoms are slowly blooming, days are getting longer and the sun is getting that little bit warmer, it hasn’t been the cause for celebration as we might normally expect.

As we go to press while Covid rates in the UK are at a very low level, it’s a very mixed picture elsewhere around the world. However, despite all of this many manufacturers are successfully launching new ranges. Many retailers are continuing to trade, of course it is not easy, but with grit, determination, hard work, plus some ingenuity with new or updated websites and despite the various lockdowns, they are making sales.

Be sure to have a look at our Tableware International Awards of Excellence Finalists supplement that accompanies this magazine. Once again we’ve been overwhelmed by the wonderful brands and products that have been entered.

We are hugely grateful to our judges who have taken the time to fully critique the many entries. They have had a challenging task to pick their favourites but the winners will be revealed in the coming weeks. So, keep an eye on our newsletter and watch this space for more! We would also like to thank our sponsors, without their support the awards would not be possible, so a huge thank you!

Some industry events are proceeding in the coming weeks and months that will provide the opportunity for us to see what’s new. The New York Tabletop Show is on from April 13-16 and is adding 41Madison Live! to its line-up as a way to open up the experience to those that are unable to travel to New York. Learn more about the multiday livestream event hosted by Adam Glassman, creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine and Kelley Carter, Bloomingdale’s home fashion director in our show preview starting on page 52.

Plus, there is a sneak peek at some of the fabulous new products and collections being launched.

Also, with spring in the air and things getting just a little bit brighter and more colourful, we take a look at the coloured

glass trend on page 22. Nature abounds in the earth colours trend on page 78 too. While, Donna Ferrari provides her insight into what’s hot this season with her column on page 46 as well.

We have a great guide to glassware starting from page 36 that reveals some exciting developments in contemporary glassware, including the viewpoints from industry experts such as Beatriz Ball, Utopia and Elia.

The casual dining scene has grown throughout lockdown as people ate more at home and we look at some of the fun, relaxed and practical pieces hitting the market on page 62.

We have an insightful interview with Alberto Alessi (page 24) as he reveals the celebrations that are planned as his company marks its 100th anniversary.

As the third generation at the helm of Alessi, he shares his hopes and dreams for the company as it looks to the future.

Looking ahead, we can hope that life and business is going to return to a sense of normal in the coming weeks and months as the pandemic hopefully comes under some control and things reopen. As always, if you have some news to share, new launches or want to tell the world about something special, please get in touch. Mairead is currently on parental leave and I will be covering for her while she spends time with her new arrival, so please contact me at rachel@lemapublishing.co.uk I hope you enjoy this issue of Tableware International, it certainly has been interesting for me to learn more about this wonderful industry and the many great people in it.

“The casual dining scene has grown throughout lockdown as people ate more at home and we look at some of the fun, relaxed and practical pieces hitting the market”

Rachel King Get social with

See our latest news: www.tablewareinternational.com ‘Like’ us: Facebook.com/tablewareintmag ‘Follow’ us on Twitter: @tablewareintmag ‘Love’ us on Instagram: tableware_international

Welcome to the sweet tune of Hummingbird

C

O

N

T

E

N

T

S

March/April 2021

24

News & Trends 16 News A round-up of international stories 20 New Products All that is fresh 22 Trend: Coloured Glass Glassware in all the colours of the rainbow 26 Category: Dinnerware Inspiration for any table 36 Guide to Glassware The latest on glassware 50 In focus: LSA International

50

In Focus 24 32 44

Interview: Alessi

24

Interview: Rosenthal Interview: Bonna

60

Interview: Dip-Tech

66

Interview: Identica

52 Show Preview: 41 Madison

A sneak peek at the New York show 62 Category: Casual Dining Relaxed tableware and accessories 72 HoReCa New Products What’s new in HoReCa 74 In focus: Trend forecasting with Scarlet Opus 78 Trend: Earth Colours Nature-inspired options explored

62

The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher or Lema Publishing Ltd. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

32 Regulars 34 Column: Retail Dinnerware trends 42 Interview: Retail Japanese giant of retail Isetan 46 Column: Trends Donna Ferrari looks at trends 68 Column: HoReCa Valda Goodfellow looks at how to tell a tableware story 70 Column: BHETA Change and opportunities

general News

Lewis Wark to distribute Mario Luca Giusti in the UK Lewis Wark is the new distributor for Mario Luca Giusti for the UK. The team will be holding stock in their UK warehouse and will open with Harrods in the coming weeks. The brand is already enjoying great success with Amara and The Wedding Shop.

Mario Luca Giusti products are both elegant and practical, with crystal and glass-looking household items made from synthetic materials including acrylic and melamine.

The collections designed and conceived by Mr. Mario Luca Giusti himself are enriched each year with new models, adding fantastically shaped objects and colours ranging from white to black, transparent to brighter and bolder shades. Using a style between fusion and pop, Mario Luca Giusti products represent an optimal solution for use around the pool and on luxury mega yachts.

Mario Luca Giusti collections are available in a select number of exclusive shops and department stores across the globe including Nella Longari in Milan, Sabrina Deco in Monte-Carlo, Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale's in New York City, The Guggenheim Museum store in Bilbao, the Victoria and Albert Museum store in London, and Takashimaya in Tokyo among others.

Lewis Wark has been acting as both agent and distributor for luxury table and home brands for over 25 years, and currently represents brands that include Lalique, Ginori 1735, Robbe & Berking and MacKenzie-Childs. Lewis Wark have a newly expanded warehouse in Bedfordshire and are soon to open a new London showroom in summer 2021.

Shifting Focus “It's relatively safe to say that restaurant style home-dining has definitely become a trend!” says Anand Baldawa, ceo, Seeba. “Denby, Amefa and Dartington (our partner brands for Dinnerware, Flatware and Glassware, respectively) have been leading the sales charts. In home cooking combined with aspirational cooking of local or international cuisines has helped fuel the demand for products that customers did not have before.

“Casual dining saw many changes during 2020. While resorting to watching television and eating was predominant in the beginning, we feel this shifted to more dining table and personal discussion with each other over the course of the year.”

Inspired by…Scandi & Japan Amefa have been inspired by the Scandinavia meets Japan interior design trend with two new editions to the Austin collection. The black cutlery is decorated with an abstract laser print of a landscape with a rising sun in Austin Horizon, while Austin Frost features an abstract of a frosty lake.

16 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Beatriz Ball supports Autism awareness April is regarded as World Autism Month and to show their support, the Beatriz Ball company have adopted Autism Awareness as a corporate cause. The organisation has a personal connection to Beatriz Ball as her youngest grandchild, Bo, was diagnosed with Autism as a 3-year-old.

To support the cause, Beatriz Ball donates 100% of the profits from the sales of its Autism Awareness key chain and ornament to Autism Speaks. This is an organisation dedicated to advancing research into causes and better treatments for autism spectrum disorders.

Regression can happen for diagnosed children when their daily routines change due to school closings during the pandemic. Bo is in the first grade and he continues to make great strides, making the honor roll as well as being recognized for good citizenship. He has continued all of his therapies throughout the pandemic and has adapted well to the changes. He will be trying baseball this spring through the Miracle League in New Orleans.

www.beatrizball.com

Generation change in the consumer goods trade fairs sector Messe Frankfurt have announced a change in personnel as Julia Uherek and Philipp Ferger take over as Vice Presidents of Consumer Goods Fairs from June 1, 2021. Nicolette Naumann, who is leaving the company at her own request, will continue to be available to Messe Frankfurt in an advisory capacity until June 30, 2021.

The company is initiating the upcoming generation change with Julia Uherek and Philipp Ferger taking over the management of Consumer Goods Fairs at Messe Frankfurt Exhibition and will thus be responsible for all trade fair brands such as Ambiente, Christmasworld or Paperworld as well as future trade fair formats and platforms. In their function, they will continue to report to Stephan Kurzawski, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition.

Nicolette Naumann has decided to give the transition the appropriate space this year due to her broad as well as deep trade fair and industry knowledge. Naumann has held various positions at Messe Frankfurt since 1986 and is currently responsible for Ambiente, the world's most important consumer goods fair, and its international brand events.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt, said, "With Julia Uherek and Philipp Ferger, we have found our new top team for the consumer goods industry. They both bring detailed knowledge of the consumer goods markets as well as extensive skills and experience in marketing, PR, sales and the organization of a wide range of trade fair and online formats to align our leading trade fair platforms for the future in an increasingly challenging global industry environment. We are delighted to have been able to recruit them for this challenging roles and thank Nicolette Naumann for a 35-year career at Messe Frankfurt and her countless successes at home and abroad, which are unparalleled in the industry. Her name will forever be associated with Ambiente."

A journalism graduate, Julie Uherek began her career at Messe Frankfurt in 2008 as a trainee in the Corporate Communications department. Since 2011, she has headed the Marketing Communications Consumer Goods department for the Paperworld, Creativeworld, Christmasworld and Beautyworld trade fairs. She has been the Group Show Director for consumer goods trade fairs since December 2017.

After graduating with a degree in business administration in March 2011, Philipp Ferger started as an assistant to the Board of Management and worked in this capacity for Detlef Braun, who is also responsible for the Consumer Goods & Leisure business segment, among other things. Since 2014, Ferger has been head of the regional trade show concept for the Consumer Goods business unit. In 2016, he also took over responsibility for Tendence as Group Show Director. On June 1, 2019, he was appointed as the second Managing Director of nmedia GmbH, alongside Nicolaus Gedat.

Rosenthal

roams the world In a time when travelling to distant destinations can only occur virtually or in our imagination, wanderlust is becoming a stronger desire. The new Rosenthal collections take a step to satisfy those cravings with some culinary travelling.

Exotic China, idyllic nature in France and flower meadows in the Swiss Alps, expressive colours of Italy and tropical gardens in Bali inspired the team of designers to create

colourful décors by Rosenthal and Rosenthal meets Versace.

The Jungle Animalier collection from Rosenthal meets Versace is a fine porcelain collection that fuses the iconic Jungle print with animalier patterns and heritage Medusa accents. The line refreshes tableware in a vivid colour palette and includes a range of plates, coffee and tea sets, vases and other decorative home accents.

Don’t miss…

With the first porcelain series of its own, WMF Professional is setting new standards as an all-round provider for a sophisticated, modern dining culture. The SYNERGY collection not only rounds off the portfolio of the premium provider for hoteliers and restaurateurs with its complementary lifestyle range STYLE LIGHTS, it also strengthens its leading position as an expert in table culture.

Featuring clear lines and a balanced geometry, SYNERGY comprises the Basic and Signature series. From a barista cup and elegant wide-rim plate to a gourmet plate, the extensive basic range includes everything a restaurateur could ask for.

“By offering our own porcelain collection, we are now able to help professionals realize their individual table concepts from A to Z with WMF’s high-quality products,” said Marten van der Mei, managing director of proHeq GmbH and vice president of Professional Coffee Machines for the DACH region of the WMF Group. “And we can do so from morning to night, day after day, from a single source and from one provider.” www.wmf-professional.de TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 17

general News Andreas Schmid new chairman of the Supervisory Board of Villeroy & Boch Andreas Schmid has been elected as the new Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Villeroy & Boch AG. An entrepreneur, Andreas Schmid, was elected to the Supervisory Board at the 2020 Annual General Meeting as proposed by the shareholders and has already been able to familiarise himself with the company and the tasks ahead. A Swiss citizen, Andreas Schmid, holds a degree in law (lic. iur.) from the University of Zurich, where he also studied business administration. He has many years of international experience in corporate management, both on the executive side and on that of the controlling body. As an entrepreneur, he has already chaired or presided over various companies.

Andreas Schmid takes over from Dr Alexander von Boch-Galhau, who has resigned from his position as Chairman of the company's Supervisory Board at the end of the Annual General Meeting on 26 March 2021. Mr von Boch-Galhau will continue to serve on the Supervisory Board as an ordinary member.

Don’t miss…

glamorous textiles

Tactile Aesthetics Royal Selangor are experts in pewter yet they continue to push boundaries with its usage in regards to design and manufacture. It would be futile to deny that the ductility of fine pewter isn’t considered a drawback, but it is this same inherent characteristic of the alloy that grants pewter its most treasured qualities: its ability to reproduce exquisite detail, its beautifully subdued patina when aged, and its soft warmth when compared to cold sterility of aluminium or steel.

The newly released Mallea collection takes advantage of this commonly perceived weakness, using it in tandem with traditional production methods. The design features punctuating forms influenced by early Scandinavian industrial design with a series of decorative controlled folds. Each item’s series of indentations are shaped individually so no two pieces are alike, creating something truly unique.

The collection features a vase, tumbler, pilsner, a pair of shot glasses, bowl and a bar measure. The collection will be available from the beginning of April. www.royalselangor.com

Georg Jensen expands the Cobra collection For spring/summer 2021, Georg Jensen is pleased to announce an extension of the Cobra collection by the contemporary German designer, Constantin Wortmann.

The Cobra collection has been a beloved member of the Georg Jensen family for nearly a decade. The ten new items will build upon the existing selection of Cobra tableware and candleholders, introducing various serving and display elements to help create an expansive aesthetic universe that is as functional as it is flexible.

The ten new pieces are all crafted from handpolished, mirrored stainless steel and include: a snacking bowl; a bread or fruit basket; a set of egg cups; salt and pepper grinders and shakers; a serving bowl available in small, medium, and large; and a serving platter and a serving tray (with a Microfiber PU Leather inlay), both intended as statement centerpieces.

The new items continue to embrace the flowing organic forms of the existing collection, resulting in soulful, elegant designs that also reveal a hint of playfulness. While abstract and modern with their undulating-wave like forms, the designs are also tactile and warm, making them lively additions to any tablescape.

Inspired by… colour This Spring, Casafina unveils the campaign The Colors of Life, highlighting its new, colourful collection Positano.

Like the famous town on the Amalfi Coast, the Positano collection is a medley of colours.

A deep red, vivid green, toasted yellow, warm white, and sea blues. All contrasting perfectly against each other in a stunning combination.

Made of fine stoneware, Positano presents a curated selection of rustic-looking tableware, perfect for any casual gathering - a complete dinnerware set and two serving pieces, all items available in 6 colours: white, blue, cyan, aloe (green), gema (yellow) and amora (red).

The collection is already available online in the EUA and Europe, at www.casafinagifts.com and their retailer's stores.

18 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Fiskars upgrades 2021 outlook Fiskars’ outlook for 2021 has improved as a result of the better than expected performance during the first quarter. The company now expects the comparable EBITA to be lower than in 2020, but above EUR 120 million. According to the previous outlook, comparable EBITA in 2021 was expected to be lower than in 2020, but above EUR 110 million. The comparable EBITA in the first quarter will increase significantly from the previous year’s level. The comparison figures in the first quarter of 2020 were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The strong momentum continued during the first quarter. Despite store closures in some markets, net sales increased supported by strong demand in all business areas. The consumers are seeking experiences in their everyday, and we have been successfully catering to those needs. Nevertheless, visibility still continues to be low due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the seasonality of both trade and consumer demand may continue to differ from a typical year”, said Nathalie Ahlström, President and CEO. The Fiskars Group includes brands such as Waterford, Wedgewood, Royal Copenhagen, Royal Doulton and others. Fiskars will publish the Interim Report for January-March 2021 on April 29, 2021.

Registry Reinvention: headline webinar at

New York Tabletop Show Forty One Madison have announced new events and programmes for the upcoming New York Tabletop Show® including a headline webinar Registry Reinvention: The business of present-day gifting.

Registries have evolved from the pre-wedding in-store scanner gun, and are becoming popular for many life events including birthdays, new baby, housewarming and graduation and the increase in virtual celebrations has done little to dampen the trend.

The panel discussion takes a deeper look at the rise in registries, product trends, consumer gifting habits and new ways retailers and brands can boost business with registry programs. Allison Zisko, editor in chief of HFN, will moderate a discussion with panellists Nancy Lee, president of MyRegistry, Jung Lee, owner of Jung Lee NY, Lucas Updegraph, CEO and president of Villeroy & Boch, and Andy Gloyeske, national registry manager for Bloomingdale’s.

The webinar will be available for viewing on the 41 Madison virtual show hub starting on April 13 at 9am and no registration is required.

BHETA to hold briefing webinar for Exclusively exhibitors The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is to host a half day briefing session for members planning to exhibit at this year’s live Exclusively Show on August 24 and 25. The briefing webinar will take place at 10 am on May 13 via Zoom and is aimed at all those wishing to find out more about how to maximise return on exhibiting; and all those keen to learn more about the upcoming trends to prepare for the show.

Speakers will include the exhibition’s sales, marketing and operations team as well as Phil Pond from trend forecaster, Scarlet Opus, and Richard Watts, curator of the Exclusively Brand Showcase. The event will cover all the information exhibitors from the housewares, small domestic electricals and gift markets need if they are to derive maximum benefit from the many opportunities at the Exclusively Show.

Topics will include recommendations on product selection and stand presentation and how best to take advantage of the generous pre and post-show marketing support package available to all exhibitors. Details of information required; and deadlines will be available. There will be an outline of the events scheduled including the buyer and press receptions, as well as the trend tours and talks. Full details of how to make the most of the added value show opportunities such as the press office and the Brand Showcase area which is aimed at consumer media and influencers will also be included.

The briefing webinar will cover off all the practicalities of exhibiting at Exclusively as well, including all the operational and logistical information required, with special emphasis on how the Business Design Centre venue and the show protocols have been made safe in the light of Covid-19.

BHETA’s Chief Operating Officer, Will Jones explained, “The Exclusively Show is always an exciting event for suppliers, retailers and opinion formers, given its reputation for predicting commercial opportunities for the year ahead very accurately. With this being the first opportunity for people in the industry to gather in some considerable time, the 2021 Exclusively looks set to be especially popular.

Exhibition space is in fact already 95% sold and team is receiving more enquiries about visiting and exhibiting all the time, as the Government ‘roadmap’ and the speedy progress of the vaccination programme restores confidence. Safety for exhibitors and visitors is paramount, which is why we have elected to invite buyers and media from the UK only for this year. We are also working closely with the venue to ensure that all guidance is followed to the letter.

For more information visit www.bheta.co.uk, or www. exclusivelyshows.co.uk.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 19

New Products

L’Objet L’Objet has partnered with Mykonosbased jewellery designer Lito (after a chance encounter on a beach with L’Objet’s founder Elad Yifrach) to bring us a gorgeous new collection for spring 2021. Anchored by a talisman of good luck and traditional symbol of protection, the all-seeing eye motif is carried throughout the collection which includes plates, a vase, vanity mirror, two vide poches and more.

We are told the enchanting collection is a “celebration of that connection, between two creators, inviting you to see design in a whole new light”.

www.l-objet.com

Welcome the

newness Bringing you fresh releases from the world’s best tableware brands...

Paşabahçe Paşabahçe has brought revolutionary new glass technology to market.

Developed by parent company the Şişecam Group, V-Block Technology prevents the growth of micro-organisms on glass surfaces. The initial V-Block product range includes various tumblers, tea glasses and saucers, mugs and bowls with the range being touted as ideal for both consumer and hospitality, particularly during a pandemic.

www.pasabahce.com

Dunoon www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Denby Denby has added to the James Martin by Denby collection. James Martin Cook by Denby is a carefully designed range of oven to table pieces, including kitchenware and accessories which offer functional as well as stylish pieces for consumers. With a subtle, contemporary ripple design to give character and glazed in a soft shade of grey on the outside, the oven to tableware pieces boast a clean white interior face making the collection easily displayed alongside any existing cookware. The collection includes everything from rectangular dishes to a lidded butter box.

www.denbypottery.com 20 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Dunoon has added new designs to its large size Glencoe fine bone china mug.

Designed by Caroline Dadd, the new 2021 additions are Microbiology, Predators, The Impressionists and The World of Tea. Each design has very bold, colourful and graphic illustrations along with useful information providing educational entertainment whilst having a drink.

Selbrae House Broste Copenhagen As part of their SS ’21 collection, Broste Cophenhagen are bringing colour to the kitchen… and the table. Boasting bright hues, Hasle is a range of ovenware – two pie dishes and a pot with a lid – in flintstone blue granite, light grey granite and etruscan red granite, designed to be brought to the table where they can sit on Orla, a selection of new marble, spiral shaped trivets which come in two designs, each a different colour.

www.brostecopenhagen.com

As part of its 2021 range, Scottish based Selbrae House’s Just Slate brand has unveiled stemless glasses – perfect for serving gin or wine. Just Slate has developed sets of four stemless glasses, with either the iconic bee or gin illustration etched onto them. Packaged in a gift box, they make perfect presents.

www.selbraehouse.co.uk

Rosenthal French designer Morgann Lechat has created a sensitive and emotive new collection for Rosenthal. Far, Far, Closer showcases an intimate journey into the self with the designer using emotive graphics to catalogue the journey.

The collection intentionally consists of a limited selection of articles: plates, cups and bowls in various sizes as well as a vase limited to 100 pieces.

www.rosenthal.de

Costa Nova Costa Nova is channelling a sense of calm with Augusta. Think soft colours and clean shapes paired with geometric patterns, which Costa Nova says helps to “convey the feeling of warmth and well-being”. Described as sophisticated and inviting, Augusta is an ideal collection for calming aesthetic with its natural colours, matte surfaces, and strong rims.

www.costa-nova.com

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 21

Trend Coloured Glass

Mix & match For an interesting tablescape why not mix and match some of the different shapes and sizes in Beatriz Ball’s New Orleans range of glass bowls, platters and centrepieces.

www.beatrizball.com

All the colours of

the rainbow Whether it’s bright and bold or a more subtle pastel shade, colour in all its hues is a big trend in glassware this year. From highballs to carafes, vases and bowls, there is no end to the tinted glass pieces available for any table, bar or kitchen. We explore some of the colourful options…

40 and fabulous Kosta Boda are celebrating 40 years of the Château series, designed by Bertil Vallien, with a colourful collection which will only be available during this anniversary year. Selected glasses are being launched in the colour multi, which makes the glass shift in appearance from blue to violet with hints of other tones depending on the light source.

www.glassco-ltd.com

With 31 assorted colours including bright, earth, jewel and pastel shades, Artel’s Verdure collection of mouth-blown and hand-engraved highball glasses have a colour for any taste.

INTERNATIONAL

www.nudeglass.com

The Picardie Colours tumbler selection from GlassCo Ltd are available in six colours which can be purchased separately or in a mixed pack.

Made from Duralex tempered glass, they are suitable for hot or cold liquids and are microwave and freezer safe – the perfect vessel to serve appetisers or desserts for a technicolour element to any meal.

Hand-engraved highballs

10

NUDE are launching the dusty rose colourway across their Mist, Mist Lights and the Mr & Mrs glassware. Designed by Erdem Akan, the amusing pair of water carafes allude to human forms with a winking face cup resting atop a curvaceous jug.

Technicolour tumblers

www.kostaboda.com

www.artelglass.com

It’s all rosy

Kappa.

1HZ DUULYDO .DSSD LV SURGXFHG ZLWK FLUFXODU JODVV IURP .RVWD *ODVVZRUNV LQ 6ZHGHQ 9DULDWLRQV LQ FRORXU DV ZHOO DV VPDOO EXEEOHV HPHUJLQJ GXULQJ WKH SURFHVV RI WUDQVIRUPLQJ UHF\FOHG JODVV LQWR D QHZ REMHFW PDNH HDFK YDVH LQGLYLGXDO DQG RQH RI D NLQG 'HVLJQ 0LPPL %ORPTYLVW

#NRVWDERGD _ NRVWDERGD VH

Twergi Design Ettore Sottsass

“Design is a creative discipline based on art and poetry” In 2021, Alessi is marking 100 years of design excellence and manufacturing. Having produced thousands of objects throughout its history, many of which have become icons of design, it could simply celebrate the milestone. However, Alberto Alessi isn’t focussed on the past century, he prefers to look to the future and what fresh new things his business can create for our times. We caught up with him to learn more.

Congratulations on your centenary, how do you feel about Alessi marking this milestone?

We are celebrating the 100 years of Alessi but I’m not so attached to the idea of being a 100-yearold company. I’m much more interested in that our company can continue to bring fresh new interpretations of our times.

were never published or produced but each of them characterised one of our values.

Can you give us any clues about the projects being released over the next year?

The first founding value we are marking is Industrial Craftsmanship and the first project was inspired by the craftsmanship of making small wooden objects.

We are not a mass production To celebrate your centenary, company, but we also are not Alessi is releasing 12 craftsmen. Our nature is very unpublished projects that represent the founding values. ambiguous, we are in between.

Almost all of the production What criteria did you use to operations to manufacture our select the values and projects products is completed using that are being released?

We started to think about what are machines, but these machines are used with an artisanal craftsman soul. the values that characterise the We are not like a production line. practices of Alessi as a company.

To represent such Industrial And step by step we came out Craftsmanship, we are reissuing a with these 12 values. We could range of objects from the Twergi have had more, but these are the collection which was created in 1989. most important.

The second value is Art. Why Art? We then looked through I believe very firmly that design is a our archives, we have very rich creative discipline based on art and archives in our museum which poetry. Design is not just one of the have hundreds if not thousands tools at the disposal of marketing of projects and we chose 12 that 24 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

technology. It is itself an artistic discipline and serves to bring a touch of transcendence to our consumer society and touch souls with the beauty of our objects. For this value we used a project from around thirty years ago which was part of a research in the area of decoration.

Currently we can’t give any more details since this second project of the Alessi 100 Values Collection will be unveiled in the coming months.

Alessi have worked with many great designers throughout its history, do any in particular stand out for you?

I have worked with hundreds of designers and in our network we currently work with around 300. I have great admiration for their discipline. All of them are important, but looking back maybe 10 or 12 were really profound designers for Alessi.

Starting with Ettore Sottsass, then Richard Sapper, or Achille Castiglioni and Alessandro Mendini and then Aldo Rossi, Michael Graves and Phillippe Starck.

We mediate between on the one side, the best expression of creativity in product design from all over the world and on the other side we have the final customer, people’s needs or wants, or as I prefer to call their dreams.

You have seen and worked on many products and collections during your career, what are you most proud of and why?

I started working 50 years ago and I’ve worked on thousands of projects, they are all important.

But if I had to choose just one it would be the Alessi 9090 coffee maker that was first made in 1979 and designed by Richard Sapper.

Until then Alessi had never done anything for the kitchen, our focus had been items for other rooms, but that proved to be a turning point.

You’re the third generation to run Alessi, how have you felt being part of such a long-running and successful family business?

Being in a family business, I have

Twergi Ercolino, Bottle opener Design Andrea Branzi

Twergi Photo frame Design Kuno Prey

the advantage of being able to be judged over the long term and not just every six months as if I was at the stock exchange. That gave me the possibility to experiment and be more risky, and so be more successful by risking more. The rest of family could permit me to do something a little bit more excessive sometimes.

What are your hopes for Alessi for the next 100 years?

I hope Alessi can preserve our nature of being a research industrial lab into the field of design. I would be very sad if looking back in 20 or 30 years, Alessi had changed into a mass production company. I would like if we can preserve these characteristics, the feeling of working with the best talent in industrial design of every time we are in.

Tell me more about the year-long celebrations for your 100th anniversary.

Our festivities for the centenary will continue until April 2022 and the reason is that in a way we want to close the first 100 years but also we want to give some signs of what will happen in the next 100 years. So, for the spring 2022, I hope we will be able to present some very good surprises for the next century.

A century has passed since Giovanni Alessi founded the Alessi factory in Omegna in 1921. The Alessi 100 Values Collection is the special centenary initiative that speaks about the founding values of the company’s design excellence. Twelve values, twelve months, twelve unpublished projects with deep-running roots. Objects that were never realized, research samples, new versions of signature classics: some will become part of the catalogue, others will come in a limited edition.

Starting in May 2021 and extending through to April 2022, the values and related projects being shared are: Industrial Craftsmanship - being a cross between a mass production industry and craftsman’s workshop, ready to be bent to the expressive needs of the designer.

Art - design as creative discipline.

Paradox - what contradicts opinion and common experience.

Beyond - the quest to go one step further.

Hybridisation - mixing of different cultures, disciplines, languages and approaches to project handling.

Research Lab - a continuous mediation between the creative possibilities and the needs or dreams of the public.

Irony - the desire not to take oneself too seriously.

Borderline - the subtle line separating the possible and the not-possible.

Poetry - creating something transcendental.

Thingness - the ability to tap the deep essence of an object, its true raison d’être.

Transgression - accepting the risk of not meekly accepting the system of rules on technique, marketing and aesthetics, in order to ensure true product innovation.

Futurespective - the search for a pacific solution to the battle between “Téchne”, technique, and “Poíesis”, poetry.

To represent Industrial Craftsmanship, Alessi has reissued a range of selected objects from the historic Twergi collection. Created in 1989 with the hope of revitalizing the ancient tradition of wood turning, typical of the Strona Valley, near lake Orta where Alessi is based, this collection represents the close connection of the company with its surroundings. The name “twergi” – meaning “elf” – comes from the local dialect spoken in the valleys surrounding Alessi.

This collection of wood objects turned with a semi-artisanal process represents Industrial Craftsmanship by preferring manufacturing processes that straddle industry and craftsmanship.

The reissue of Twergi pieces include projects made by Ettore Sottsass including jars, a corkscrew, table centrepiece and salt and pepper and spice grinders. The original red, yellow and black palette is accompanied by two new ones: pink, yellow and red as well as white, black and yellow.

Three projects complete the collection, the Ercolino bottle opener by Andrea Branzi; a photo frame designed by Kuno Prey which is simple, functional and unusual, and finally the minimalistic photo frame by Bortolani Becchelli Associati, which almost disappears.

All of the pieces are realised in Italy with a semi-artisanal wood turning process, using FSC-certified wood. The colouring of the pieces designed by Ettore Sottsass is based on water-based paints, which are completely solvent-free, environmentally sustainable and non-dangerous for human health.

The collection is presented in a special packaging, showing not only Alessi’s centenary logo but also a small elf designed in 1989 by the famous American graphic designer Milton Glaser as icon of the Twergi pieces.

Alessi.com TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 25

Feature Dinnerware

Dibbern

Dibbern’s new pattern Capri enriches the Coupe series with colour accents that bring spring into the home. Two contrasting lines in different colours, complemented by a fine gold rim, create a feeling of freshness and vibrancy. Combined with the elegant, generous form and the translucent lightness of the material, Capri provides a foretaste of a summer by the sea. www.dibbern.de

Individual

expression From plates to cutlery, serving platters and glassware – our dinnerware reflects our personality as well as the food being presented. Whether it’s colour, texture, different finishes or shapes, mixing old and new or matt and gloss, there are no limits when it comes to tablescapes, it’s down to the individual. We look at some of the dinnerware options on the market…

Amefa

Felicity from Amefa brings the feeling of contemporary craftsmanship to the table through the hammered handle decoration. The combination of a high-gloss finish with a cool black, chic champagne or elegant rosé champagne colour gives a stylish and modern twist to any table setting. The hammered finish on the handle provides a nice reflection, which shows the shine perfectly. www.amefa.com 26 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Noritake

Colortex Stone is continuing to be a popular collection for Noritake. Introduced a couple of years ago, new colours have been added to the range, including Navy and Blush. Its modular, stackable design has been popular in individual colours or with multiple options to mix and match in the colour scheme of your choice. www.noritakechina.com

S Y NERGY & ST Y L E L I G HT S

:0)+RWHOB$Q]HLJHB [ LQGG

A new porcelain collection that leaves nothing to be desired.

And a lifestyle product line to create special highlights to set the table completely with WMF Professional. www.wmf-professional.com

Feature Dinnerware

Georg Jensen

Georg Jensen has announced an extension of the Bernadotte tableware collection. The contemporary series is inspired by the work of Swedish designer, Sigvard Bernadotte. The new additions include porcelain plating, serving dishes and crystal glassware.

Playing on the grooves that were central to Bernadotte’s Art Decoinspired designs, the dinner plating features a neatly grooved perimeter, while the bowls reveal a wider, scalloped edge. Both the stemmed wineglasses and the tumblers feature an undulating pattern that creates a soft, wave-like effect, while the porcelain mug repeats the more stringent exterior groove pattern to match the plating additions. With its varied textures, these new pieces provide for endless styling options.

Nikko

Misty Dot from Nikko is a modern collection with a delicately coordinated mist-like gradation.

The lustrous finish is created by overlapping dots which produce a mesmerising yet calming effect.

The rim is decorated with GP guard, Nikko’s beautiful and durable original gold and platinum decoration technology, while the overlaying dots are fabricated with polarized mica and gloss. www.nikkoceramics.com

www.georgjensen.com

Villeroy & Boch

Powerful yet elegant, the copper shades add an expressive touch to Villeroy & Boch’s Manufacture Rock Glow range.

The décor combines the slate-looking tactile surface of Manufacture Rock products with the copper colour of Manufacture Glow. Five items are available: saucers in three sizes and flat bowls. The rims and outer surfaces have a slate look, while the interior shines in a striking copper shade. As the softly shimmering surface doesn’t contain any metal, the products are dishwasher and microwave safe. www.villeroyboch.com

Herend

When it comes to tableware, a Herend dinner set was created for caviar lovers. The delicate designs featuring a variety of flora and fauna are painted with four different patterns in timeless colours. Herend has also expanded its product range with limited edition coffee sets and fresh breakfast sets. www.herend.com

28 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Feature Dinnerware

Utopia New Edition

It’s black to basic with this sleek collection from vtwonen.

This matt black tableware is made of high quality a-grade porcelain, featuring a matt glaze and is 100% food safe. It is also dishwasher, microwave and oven safe. Versatile due to its minimalist appearance, it is designed to mix and match with any other tableware. www.neweditionhome.nl

Mepra

Utopia has recently launched a wide range of new dinnerware collections – they reflect the huge variety of products and trends on the market today, from retro, rustic and organic designs to smart geometric shapes and modern lines, and from pale pastels to rich, bright colours and metallics.

Pistachio is a striking new line, its surface features a dark reactive glaze giving variation of pattern that contrasts beautifully with the light, naturally textured exterior. The overall impact is bold, giving a dramatic flourish to complement the food. Pistachio is available in a choice of plates and bowls, and the bowls feature raised bases to add a structural element to the table. www.utopia-tableware.com

Herdmar

After the success of the award-winning cookware and flatware collection, Mepra and Pininfarina have decides to create Stile, a new serveware line which shares the same concept of pure lines and functionality.

Whether it is for serving, entertaining, tabletop or cocktails, Stile with its contemporary look, brings elegance in the house without forgoing functionality, making the living experience even more satisfying.

For a modern cutlery range, look no further than Grace. Produced in 18/10 stainless steel with a three millimetres base, all the pieces in this line have the usual quality, ergonomics and balance easily found across all Herdmar range of cutlery. Available in a range of colours and finishes, this line is suitable for daily needs but stands out because of its casual chic style.

www.mepra.it

www.herdmar.com

30 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

W W W. D I B B E R N . D E ',% B$Q]HLJHB7DEOHZDUHB [ LQGG

In Focus Rosenthal

A look at…

Rosenthal Junto Rose Quartz

Like all businesses Rosenthal has had to adapt their operations during the past year. Managing director sales & marketing, Tanja-Simone Pigorsch tells us more.

Simone, thank you for speaking with us, the past year has undoubtedly been a tumultuous one for the industry, tell us how Rosenthal approached their business operation in the face of a global pandemic.

Especially in the areas of online store and retail in Germany, the development has been very positive despite the difficult framework conditions. Even though we lost sales in the HoReCa area due to the pandemic, we were able to partially compensate this together with our retail partners.

In every crisis lies an opportunity, and our opportunity lies in the renaissance of tableware, which has attracted more customers to our stores in 2020. Besides this, we have, like almost all other companies, adapted the meeting culture and switched very strongly to video conferencing. We have also digitalised all global communication. Travelling to customers, partners, hotel groups as well as trade fairs was not possible so all marketing and sales events took place online. Presenting our new collections digitally on our website is an important forward-looking measure

Fact! Philipp Rosenthal founded

the company in 1879 when he set up a porcelain painting business in Erkersreuth Castle in Selb. Production of his own porcelain began in 1891 32 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

for Rosenthal. Now our customers and partners worldwide can access all of our information all year round and make the best use of it.

Rosenthal is particularly fearless when it comes to dynamic design and working with fresh talent, but I wonder how you broach that balance between commissioning innovative design-led collections with profitability?

Outstanding design and avantgarde collections are in the DNA of Rosenthal and the key to our success.

This is what distinguishes us from any other tableware manufacturer in the world.

Long before design was on everyone’s lips, we worked together with contemporary designers and supported young talents.

60 years ago, Rosenthal stirred up the porcelain industry with

Tanja-Simone Pigorsch extraordinary collections by artists, designers and architects. Some of these have become design icons that are still among our bestsellers, such as Suomi or TAC. In 2021 we are celebrating the studio-line with a limited anniversary collection and translate 60 iconic vases with twelve contemporary colours into the here and now.

What is Rosenthal’s view on dining culture in 2021? How healthy is the industry, globally speaking?

Before the pandemic, everything was fast, perhaps too fast. Values, traditions and table culture were only moderately and not truly lived in many areas of life. Much was superficial and not sustainable. A change has taken place here in the past 12 months. More celebrations

h

“Outstanding design and avant-garde collections are in the DNA of Rosenthal”

Fact!

Did you know that Rosenthal is sold in 105 countries across the globe

Sixty & Twelve were held in the family and at home, money for travel was invested in home accessories and tableware. This change will accompany us throughout 2021 and I am convinced that this development will continue in 2022. We experience it in our own behaviour: we don’t want to do without beautiful experiences and feelgood moments, and since this ease and light-heartedness cannot currently be lived outside, in restaurants or while travelling, the home will become like a cosy nest.

Which of your collections are proving most popular?

Recently Junto, the mix of fine porcelain and natural stoneware is our bestseller worldwide. Some of our design icons from the Rosenthal studio line such as Suomi or TAC are very popular too. And of course, the classic Maria White which Philip Rosenthal dedicated to his wife more than 100 years ago. Trend White from our brand Thomas has been one of the most selling tableware for 40 years now in households all over the world.

How do people want to eat these days – are they more inclined to sit down at a table or in front of a tv, etc?

I think it varies from situation to situation and depends on the mood at the time. As I already said people are enjoying buying new porcelain again and celebrating food at home. Either at the table or on the sofa. The great thing is that we have the right product for every mood and every occasion.

Loft Colour

One of the things I’m really interested in is how you see the tableware industry expanding its reach, what is the next natural extension? Particularly as we see more and more companies branching out into lifestyle accessories, décor, scents etc.

For us this is nothing new. Porcelain pieces, furniture, architecture – Rosenthal’s creative vision always extended beyond the laid table.

Rosenthal considers itself a “factory of living spaces” – a vision that is translated into contemporary interior and lifestyle collections. It is interesting to discover the possibilities the material porcelain has to offer. Recycling and sustainability will become more and more important. 3D printing of course is also a hot topic.

Tell us about your plans for Rosenthal – how do you see the company’s future?

Values, traditions and traditional brands are important elements and a very important foundation for the future and the direction of Rosenthal.

It is important for me to preserve the DNA and also to lead the current needs and trends. I want Rosenthal to be a porcelain manufacturer and company for all segments and all phases of life.

Sunny Day Avocado Green And finally, for you personally, how have you found the past year or so since you stepped into your role at Rosenthal?

It was a year that was and will not be comparable.

Regardless of whether a new position has been

taken. The main thing was to be flexible. To offer the employees courage, confidence and perspective in these dramatic times.

Rethink quickly, act quickly, implement quickly.

You’ve heard it from me already, my 2020 adjective is “fast”.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 33

pexels-andrea-piacquadio

Retail Column

Today’s

About T is for Table

dinnerware Dinnerware like many other homeware items is becoming more subject to trends, giving consumers more choice, says Michele Trzuskowski

I

used to think that there were categories that stood above the trends, like dinnerware for example. It was either collected, handed down, or passed on to future generations.

Beautiful dinnerware elevated any meal, including a peanut butter sandwich or piece of pizza – all while offering nostalgia of days gone by.

But over the last twenty years, work and homelife of the majority or consumers has changed how people look at dinnerware. Now more than ever, it is influenced by design trends whether lifestyle, fashion or function. No matter how you look at it, today’s dinnerware is constantly changing. Here are some of the more interesting trends we see happening now.

Playing with Texture Both in porcelain and ceramic we are seeing a strong presence of matte dinnerware offering a more textural feel to standard dinnerware. Whether just on the border or covering the entire plate, matte finishes are more popular than ever.

Costa Nova mixes both matte and high gloss finishes in its Roda Collection. It goes even further in its Notos collection which mixes two colours of clay with a textured white bottom and matte black top in bowls, mugs, and cups, reminding us of small batch handcrafted pottery sets.

While Costa Nova represents

34 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

texture in its casual dinnerware, Raynaud’s takes it up a notch with its beautiful Mineral Collection.

This stunning more formal dinnerware assortment come in a variety of colours (10 hues to be exact) that takes a contemporary plate and gives it a textured band with a relief inspired by nature. It offers a shimmering glaze with iridescent pigments on a matte

patterns to create a multitude of changing tablescapes depending on one’s mood or desired look.

The same could be said of Denby’s Studio Blue line “inspired by the trend for a natural aesthetic in the home using honest materials and ceramic crafting techniques.”

Their stoneware not only plays on texture but also the mixing of four blue tonal glazes (Chalk, Flint,

Texture is not the only trend happening in today’s tableware – assortments in patterns is widely popular. background. Its reflective glaze is only highlighted by candlelight on the table.

There are even smaller ceramic artists like Michael Wainwright whose entire place setting of matte tableware collection named Truro has a textured border influenced by footprints in the sand. He complements the plain matte plate with options in gold or platinum rims again playing on the juxtaposition of shiny and matte, and casual to formal.

Mix and Matching Patterns Texture is not the only trend happening in today’s tableware – assortments in patterns is widely popular. Take Italian manufacturer Vietri’s Santorini and Earth Collections which each offers an assortment of four mix and match

Pebble, and Cobalt) influenced by the same colour and textures found in stones and minerals. Once again, giving multiple options when setting the table.

One might think the mix and match play is occurring only in the casual setting, but the more formal china has been doing it for years. Again, taking a page out of Raynaud’s book, the Tresor Collection offers striking solidcoloured geometrical patterns, layered with florals for a polished high design look and feel.

Playing with an Abundance of Colour and Themes A third popular dinnerware trend are colourful patterns and thematic designs intended to evoke feelings from faraway places that allow you to be transported

T is for Table is a luxury independent boutique, with a focus on tabletop, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Open more than 20 years, it offers an experiential and inspirational space dedicated to helping customers tell stories, create traditions and celebrate life.

The boutique offers everything from fine pottery, china, glass, serveware and table accessories, to home décor, jewellery and body products, and delivers a custom service with its custom engraving, home visits and gift registries. www.tisfortable.com

halfway across the globe. Take Vista Alegre’s Amazonia for example whose pattern was Inspired by the book “Viagens Philosophicas” (philosophical voyages) by the naturalist Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira, as well as by the fauna, flora and people of today’s Amazōnia. Its bold motif is sure to stir the sounds of the jungle.

And speaking of bold, there is the colourful In Bloom pattern from Bernarduad. The prominent and oversized florals on the plate jump out at you with vibrant blue and white colour and detail. Not only is the blue and white on trend as far as designers are concerned but add the stunning gold and blue accent dessert plates and chargers and you really have the “wow” factor.

There are so many examples of colour out there from Versace’s Jungle, a daring mix of pattern and colour to Raynaud’s Harmonia, an homage to an emblematic pattern from the Chinese Golden age, that make ordering a plain gold or silver banded plate seem like a bore.

If you are comfortable with plain or simple banded dinnerware, then so be it, but if you want to step out of your comfort zone and bring more to the table then just inviting food, then do some investigating to see the plethora of texture, pattern, and colour available and bring it to your next dinner party.

Guide to Glassware

Georg Jensen

Designed by the French-born, Copenhagen based designer Aurélien Barbry, Sky originally debuted in 2018 as a refined series of bar accessories for Georg Jensen.

This spring, the collection will grow to include dinnerware and glassware. The line extension will include crystal wine glasses and two sizes of tumblers, with a delicate, rounded form that feels both understated and sophisticated. Though informal enough for everyday use, this elegant collection can also be used for more formal occasions, and the new elements are particularly striking when contrasted with the stainless steel components from the line’s original cocktail series. www.georgjensen.com

Viewpoints…

Beatriz Ball

A touch of

glass

No table setting would be complete without some glassware. Whether it is glimmering crystal, some charming coloured pieces, statement stemware or casual everyday classics, we look at some of the new ranges on the market all set to attract buyer’s attention.

Waterford

The new Mastercraft Irish Lace collection is inspired by the traditions of lace making and provides an emotional attachment to Ireland’s rich heritage. The tradition of lace making in Ireland spans over 190 years with designs unique to many communities, weaving techniques are handed down within families from generation to generation, the intricate designs have been captured by Waterford artisans in the Irish Lace collection by using manufacturing processes that involve a combination of skilled techniques that take many years to master.

Hand crafted in Ireland, the crystal cuts of this exquisite collection reference the bobbins and threads used to weave the detailed lace patterns.

Classic drinkware shapes have been updated to offer a refined and sophisticated drinking experience, with glasses suitable for spirits, mixed drinks, champagne and wine.

Beatriz Ball shares her thoughts on glassware trends, shapes, barware and what inspires new designs “We’re seeing a definite trend for coloured glass. If done right it adds interest and fun to tabletops and looks so great in a cabinet display. Mixing and matching different colours instead of everything just one colour seems to be the favourite way to go.

“In barware, all-purpose wine stems, both traditional blown glass and more casual acrylic did very well for us. We were so excited about the popularity of our newly introduced Croc Highball and Double Old Fashioned drinkware collection, with a sophisticated textured crocodile pattern in smoked glass with metallic gold halo rims. A nod to “Mad Men” era styling.

The Croc glasses look absolutely amazing on top one of our classic Croc trays creating an instant, effortless chic bar. They also look great with our new gold-tone Sierra Modern items.

“The most versatile and adaptable glass shapes are the all-purpose wine glass, the highball, the DOF and the champagne flutes.

With these four shapes, you can do almost anything.

“Inspiration for new designs comes from vintage pieces, old classic designs with a twist that makes them modern, unexpected colours, surfaces and shapes. With more home consumption a reality, we are not as concerned with the “right” glass for our beverage as we used to be, but more with enjoying our drinks from special, unique glassware.” www.beatrizball.com

www.waterford.com

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 65

Guide to Glassware

Viewpoints…Elia Helen Duffy from Elia International reveals her tips on what glassware retailers should be looking for

“Retailers should primarily consider glassware that is well made and well finished to ensure customer satisfaction.

As for shapes, we would recommend an offering of classic staples alongside stand out items.

“The importance of glassware in setting the scene of the meal to come continues to be prevalent in the industry.

With that, there has been a continued growth in variety from beverage specific offerings, subtle to bold colours and an ever increasingly exciting offering within this industry sector.

As with all trends, their shelf life can vary from seasonal, annual, bi-annual and so on. At Elia, we focus on timeless designs that stand the test of time, which can also pair effortlessly with trend focused items.

“Elia is sharply focused on product development and offer an exceptional choice of products. The Elia Fine Crystal Collection offers contemporary designs that are truly timeless and provide an understated simplicity on the table, whilst elevating the dining experience.” www.elia.co.uk

Kvetna

KVĚTNÁ 1794 have three main wine collections – Auriga, Kalyke and Telesto – which are the perfect choice for every wine lover as they collaborated with designers and sommeliers to develop the meticulously designed cup shapes to accentuate aromas and flavours, bringing all the best characteristics to a delightful finish with each sip. All three collections strictly follow function, the only thing that differs is the design. www.kvetna1794.cz

Nude Riedel Crystal

Riedel Winewings, designed by Georg Riedel is a glass series which is flat-bottomed and reminiscent of an aircraft wing, complete with winglets. The collection is ideal for the ultimate wine geek who prefers wines with depth and complexity. www.riedel.com 36 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

In 2021, NUDE are launching its gift set concept, combining its most covetable collections in curated groups. The 13 pairings span wine, whisky, home and serveware.

Balance & Terroir - Ingeniously designed to remain stable while revolving, Balance is a conversational piece ideal for hosts. Complemented by glasses with sweeping curves, elongated lines and a subtle drop that flows into the stem, it will please refined wine lovers too.

Square & Rocks - Lending itself to more casual whisky lovers, this pared-back set features a clean-lined carafe and contemporary rocks glasses with a simple outwards taper for a gentle and relaxed experience.

Other groups including the hand-etched Parrot and gothic-inspired Shade sets are also available. www.nudeglass.com

Vivami The beauty is in the simplicity.

Five shapes, four wine styles: this gourmet glass collection makes consummate pleasure easy. Each shape covers a very particular spectrum of aromas: regardless whether it is red wine, white wine or rosé. A slightly curved goblet ensures the perfect presence of aromas. Straight-lined, feather-light, with a distinctive kink on the base: the Vivami design stands for classic, purist timelessness. A broad surface gives the wine plenty of room to take effect. zwiesel-glas.com

Royal Scot Crystal

Guide to Glassware

Viewpoints…Lenox All manner of barware continues to be a big thing for Lenox

“While wine continues to be strong, there is a growing interest in barware, including double old fashioned, hi balls and martini glasses. Consumers are crafting their own cocktails at home and want the perfect glass. Bar accessories like decanters, ice buckets and bar tools are also becoming more important since the popularity of home bars and trendy bar carts. Bar carts are an easy way to add a unique accent to your living room or sitting room, and they create a perfect place to set up drinks. So, in response to this demand, we recently introduced a new bar tool set called Cocktail Party. It has everything you need in one spacesaving statement. Lift the lid to find an ice scoop, jigger, muddler and bottle opener. The added bonus is when you lift out the tool stand you have an ice bucket!

“In upcoming markets, we plan to add to our beer glass assortment and introduce more bar sets with new shapes. This category is an opportunity for growth as consumers build upon their entertaining spaces at home. We are also seeing a move towards more casual wine glasses such as an allpurpose short bodega glass.

“Add a unique accent to your table with colourful bowls from our Sprig & Vine collection. Combining the beauty of vintage textiles with the bright botanicals of a lush English garden, the set of two glass bowls perfectly complement the collection and can be used for sides, candy and more.” www.lenox.com 36 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Royal Scot Crystal has seen a revival in demand for traditional hand cut crystal glassware, from drinking glasses to decanters. Home bars and home entertaining has become extremely popular, along with speciality drinks. Demand has increased for Royal Scot Crystal’s coloured drinking glasses to add interest and drama to table settings as people have been dining more at home.

Scotch whisky is more popular than ever, which has prompted introductions of new shapes and sizes of tumblers and decanters. Royal Scot Crystal products are all offered in stylish boxing, making them perfect gifts, especially for the person who has everything! www.royalscotcrystal.com

Royal Selangor

Royal Selangor’s latest collection, Frost, is inspired by the ethereal beauty of ice, sculpted by wind and water. Scalloped surfaces echo the glowing jewel-like interior of ice caves, albeit reinterpreted with a rigorous formality to enhance the translation to fine pewter, while crisp edges hint at the bitingly cold, glass-like nature of cleaved and fractured ice. When combined with the elegant lines of the glassware, the pewter features of the Frost collection make for stunning tableware additions.

The collection features a decanter that works for wine or water, a carafe and glass set for all manner of chilled beverages, as well as a hip flask. For the best cooling results, chill the coaster in the freezer for three to fours prior to use. The collection will be available from the end of April. www.royalselangor.com

Stem Zero

18'( 67(0 =(52 3,1. [ PPB LQGG

Guide to Glassware

Viewpoints…Utopia What’s trending in glassware according to Utopia

“Shorter and cleaner serves, focusing on cut lines and soft angles are becoming a dominant trend. Glasses such as Utopia’s Nick and Nora, Negroni glasses and classic cut tumblers are all popular.

“Classic feature tumblers such as Detroit, Deco and Rockstar all saw success as people added flare to their cocktail making. The Rockstar with its distinctive cut glass design is perfect for showing off drinks on the rocks.” www.utopia-tableware.com

Zwiesel

The 9-piece gourmet glass and high-quality machine-made series Verbelle from Zwiesel Glas with its thin-walled bowl, refined stem and wide bottom plate appears virtually handmade. Developed with experienced sommeliers for maximum sensory refinement, the glasses perfectly bring out the bouquet of different grape varieties - for pure enjoyment and unparalleled hospitality. Verbelle was decorated with the Reddot Award 2020 and the iF Design Award 2020. www.zwiesel-glas.com

Sieger by Ichendorf

Stand Up, the new crystal glass collection from Sieger and Ichendorf, gets things moving on the dinner table. The three mouth-blown wine and digestif glasses and a carafe pair elegant lightness with unexpected dynamism. Whether empty or full, they rock gently back and forth each time they’re touched only to regain their balance and stand up straight once again - made possible by the precisely curved base.

Light and playful, the collection is a sure-fire conversation starter at the dinner table. The collection is designed to be highly versatile and suitable for everyday use. Because they don’t have the traditional stem, the tumblers can be used not just for digestifs and wine, but also for water, orange juice, gin and tonic, tea or coffee. www.sieger-germany.com

Zieher

The Bar Collection by Zieher enriches the bar scene with new characters which are predestined for independent creations beyond the cocktail mainstream. Each jar playfully picks up on a different theme with a dash of humour too. Despite their differences, all of the glasses in the collection (Amuse, The Knobbed, The Pill, The Vikings And Eddy- Dash!) are easy to combine.

Matching accessories, such as trays and straws, made of glass or an unusual skewer made of borosilicate glass create possibilities that go far beyond serving a drink. www.zieher.com 40 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

GLASSWARE ISSUE AD AW RSC.qxp_Layout 1 24/03/2021 15:45 Page 1

ROYAL SCOT CRYSTAL Britain’s largest collection of fine crystal

For information please contact +44 (0) 20 8508 2435

London Handled Wine Decanter

Iona Collection

Kintyre Collection

Retail Isetan

Catering to the elite

“When your store is appealing to the ‘who’s who’ of Japan, innovation has to be a major focus” Teppei Iwata, Isetan

A trip to Tokyo is never complete without a stop at Isetan, a store whose clientele includes the Japanese elite. Exceptional service is part and parcel of their brand DNA. Michele Hespe takes a closer look at the gia winning retail behemoth…

I

n 1886, Isetan was established as “Iseya Tanji Kimono Store” at Kanda Hatago-cho (Present Soto Kanda). In 2008, after approximately 130 years of history, Isetan merged with Mitsukoshi which had the history of 350 years and developed as the current Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings.

The store is considered a driving force in urban Japanese culture, and although it’s still a go-to place for fashion, Isetan now sells an enormous range of products, largely aimed at wealthy consumers. It’s considered

a shopper’s paradise and in terms of sales, it steadily holds on to its position as number one in Japan.

Isetan Shinjuku is housed in a commanding, elegant 1933 art deco building in the middle of one of Tokyo’s busiest city suburbs. Stepping through the doors of this historical landmark, visitors are enveloped in an incredible world of retail where the sheer enormity of the store’s offerings starts to become apparent. There are nine stories of fashion, cosmetics and perfume, homewares, electronics, luggage, restaurants and cafes to

be explored, and one entire floor is dedicated to watches and other high-class products.

Customer service Customer service is something that the Japanese take very seriously, and when it comes to retail and hospitality, nothing is too much of an ask. As a culture, the Japanese are incredibly welcoming and polite, and will go out of their way to help you. This culture is ingrained in the fabric of Isetan and their staff training is some of the best in

the world. Hospitality attendants take care of shoppers, and staff are accustomed to servicing Japan’s elite so there is a focus on personal shopping and intimate, meticulously executed service. An astounding 22,000 people work in the Isetan Mitsukoshi Group as a whole, so there is always someone to offer undivided attention to customers.

Isetan’s manager of the living goods section Teppei Iwata explains: “Store stylists, attendants, category specialists, hospitality managers and

About gia Sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), gia (IHA Global Innovation Awards) is the world’s leading awards program honoring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in homegoods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the cosponsors, or participating in gia, contact Piritta Törrö 42 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection.fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Explore/Awards/giaExcellence-in-Retailing.

For more information about The Inspired Home Show and to pre-register for the 2021 Show, taking place in Chicago on 13-16 March 2021, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

1886

the year Isetan was established

Did you know?

Fact!

The store is housed in an elegantWithin 1933the art deco building in the middle ofitem onefloor, of Tokyo’s household there is “A busiest city suburbs. taste of drink” section, which

provides a paid tasting bar where guests can enjoy learning about and sampling “a marriage of food and wine.”

many others with a great diversity of roles serve our customers beyond the boundaries of the store. In OSS (Outside Sales), our staff plan value propositions and systems of buying that serve to build long-term relationships with customers.”

As always, Isetan has moved with the times and continues to invest in technology in order to offer their staff and customers all of the digital tools that they need for seamless sales processes, including 3D shopping spaces that can be experienced with VR goggles.

Retail competition in Tokyo is fierce. In general, the Japanese love fashion and there are many other large retailers jostling for the largest piece of the pie, especially in the high-end sector. “In order to overcome the difficult market environment with intensifying competition from other businesses, we have been speedily and accurately grasping the needs of our loyal customers,”

says Iwata. “Our systems and ways of serving our customers have become increasingly diverse and sophisticated in recent years.”

The best brands Isetan prides itself on stocking the best brands in the world and has recently introduced long-term pop-up stores for brands in the field of furniture, such as Armani Casa and Dior, and permanent shops for brands such as Bottega Veneta, Minotti and Cassina. “Our line-up can meet the demands of even the wealthiest customers, including royalty,” says Iwata.

When your store is appealing to the “who’s who” of Japan, innovation has to be a major focus.

Isetan is always coming up with new ideas to keep its customers coming back and ensuring that they are entertained and inspired while in-store and online at home.

“The Creators Hotel proposes an extraordinary space showcasing

high-end furniture and homewares,” explains Iwata.

Customers can wander through its shops and corridors to see all of the opulent offerings - from ornaments to glasses and decanters, to lamps, sofas and exquisite sculptures.

Within the household item floor, there is “A taste of drink” section, which provides a paid tasting bar where guests can enjoy learning about and sampling “a marriage of food and wine.”There are also private rooms where sleep consultants share their knowledge with clients in need of advice over bedding and other aspects related to a good night’s sleep.

“An Isetan shopping experience is to offer visitors new lifestyle proposals in a seamless experience as they explore parts of the store,” explains Iwata.

The Living Floor, for instance, was developed from the basis of conventional retail item classification systems into three main lifestyle scenarios – Living Room and Personal Rooms, Bed, Bath and Powder Room, Kitchen and Dining Space.

Each scene is unified. Within the sophisticated environment, customers can feel a level of service, ideas and offerings found nowhere else in Japan. For royal customers and celebrities, on a different floor there are private lounges and a hospitality app has been developed to offer the best service possible, alongside privacy and access to the areas that they would like to explore.

“We have succeeded in raising the level of product proposals to exceed our customers’ already high expectations, alongside increased sales performance in large-scale projects like this,” says Iwata.

Isetan’s focus on “lifestyle proposals” rather than selling is what has this grand dame of a retailer standing out from its competitors. The staff and management continue to create proposals that respond to changes in society, providing high-quality new products and services that enrich people’s lives, in the kind of beautifully designed environment that the rich and famous expect. isetan.mistore.jp/store.

DEALING WITH COVID-19 After Covid-19 hit Japan, a state of emergency was announced on April 7.

Although a lockdown was not imposed, people were allowed out to eat and drink with social distancing, stores were closed. Isetan is currently re-opened again, with all necessary health and safety measures in place.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 43

In Focus Bonna

Reha Tavil

Bonna embark on a new experience Bonna is and has always been a HoReCa brand but when the pandemic virtually closed down the industry globally, Bonna made the decision to branch out and bring the dining experience into people’s homes and are launching a new Bonna Experience collection. Sales and marketing director, Reha Tavil, tells us more…

F

o r years Bonna has followed the motto to provide an excellent food and beverage experience to professionals in the food service industry, but now they are looking to share this experience with people in their own homes with the launch of Bonna Experience.

Consumers have spent the last year honing their culinary skills in kitchens across the globe, from mastering banana bread to trying new cuisines or braving some barista moves or mixology masterpieces. And while many people are keen to get back to a night out at a restaurant or bar, meals at home will continue to be a mainstay for some time yet.

The new Bonna experience hopes to deliver that HoReCa experience in consumer’s own living spaces with kitchen and dining products that provide function and form. It features products designed for the hospitality sector but also included new pieces to suit home set ups, so people can continue to enjoy their passion for food at home.

So, how do you describe this new Bonna Experience? “As you know, we position Bonna as a HoReCa brand.

With our Bonna Experience collection, we want to convey the food and beverage experience we love and yearn to the home consumer with our professional presentation experience,” said Reha Tavil, commercial director of sales and marketing at Bonna. “The

Did you know?

Bonna has tripled the capacity across its factories.

44 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

pandemic has changed our lives a lot. Being away from our dining-out experiences has made us all very upset and increased this sector’s longing. Now people want to continue their eating and drinking experience in their homes. To bring this experience home, you need professional presentation equipment as well as the right ingredients and a good recipe. At this point, we created our Bonna Experience collection, thinking that we could meet consumers’ needs.”

Consumers and many home cooks have brought out their inner chef during lockdown and this collection is designed to help them achieve their culinary goals and present restaurant-worthy meals for their loved ones. A variety of equipment for food and beverage preparation and serving will be included in the collection. “There is a wide range of options from chef presentation

Fact!

Bonna is sold in more than 75 countries across 6 continents. plates to steak plates, from cocktail presentations to presentation plates belonging to different cuisines. We will offer these professional pieces of equipment under various themes,” added Reha.

The collection is intended to help home cooks and amateurs by giving them further options to advance their cooking and preparation of meals and any accompanying drinks.

“Bonna is a 100 per cent HoReCa brand but maybe we can offer people the chance to be a chef or barista,” Reha explained. “Now people prefer different experiences besides traditional meals. With this collection, apart from the usual presentations

n

at home, they will surprise both their families and guests and have the opportunity to experience an excellent dining experience.”

It won’t just be new restaurants where Instagrammable meals will be created, Bonna is hoping this new collection will mean more people can achieve new culinary feats from their own kitchens. And it isn’t just porcelain, the Bonna Experience has the scope to cover other materials as well, including wood or knives. “It’s a very exciting playground,” added Reha.

Bonna collaborated with a number of industry professionals including chefs, baristas and mixologists on the elements of this new collection and they were able to provide valuable insight to ensure the products live up to Bonna’s high standards while still being within reach of home users. “As always we were inspired by our professional partners,” said Reha. “From the design preferences of our products to the range of collections, we cooperated well.

Plus, we have also prepared some pleasant surprises for the consumer in each box.”

Bonna has experienced rapid growth recently and even despite the unforeseen circumstances surrounding Covid-19, lockdowns and other restrictions, the company has tripled the capacity across its factories. “We have grown very rapidly in recent years, reaching more than 75 countries on six continents,” said Reha. “We made an investment decision to increase both our factory capacity and our logistics capabilities to continue and improve our service quality. With this investment, we have achieved a severe capacity increase. We aim to use this

capacity for all our product groups.”

So, whether people want to be the chef, be the barista or be the mixologist, Bonna plan to have the products available for consumers ready and waiting for them to use at home. The collection is being released in April, with the manufacturing and logistics ready to meet the demand. “Our entire collection assortment has been completed and exhibited to our distributors all over the world. We will begin shipping our products at the end of April. We predict that the products will be on the shelves at retail stores in various countries by May and June,” added Reha.

Of course, even with this new venture, Bonna are not forgetting their core HoReCa business. “Bonna’s brand promise is not going to change but we are just giving a new opportunity for more people to be involved and experience it for themselves,” concluded Reha.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 45

Trends Column

Tableware Trend Analyst

Donna Ferrari

Donna Ferrari has worked in magazine publishing for over thirty years. As a consumer magazine editor she specialised in the tableware, homeware and bridal markets, and styled and produced stories related to bridal gift registry, wedding reception design and at-home entertaining. Personally, she has eleven different sets of dinnerware and closets dedicated just to tabletop accessories; she says she loves not ever having to set her table the same way twice.

Jaune De Chrome

White now...

Tableware trend expert Donna Ferrari looks at ways white ware is right now…

Prized for its great delicacy yet durability, when Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer and merchant, first brought pieces of porcelain home with him from his 14th century travels in China, people in Europe referred to the exotic ware as 'white gold'. In time, other bodies like bone china were added to the vast catalogue of the ceramic arts. And while decorating ceramics has a long history, flawless white ceramics have always been esteemed by connoisseurs. Even in our modern age, robust with changing trends, fads and fashions, white dinnerware is unchallenged in its ability to suit any lifestyle or occasion and unequalled in its aptitude to take on any trend.

Royal Crown Derby

Trendsetting ideas Nowhere are the ideas setting the trends in tableware more of a standout than when applied to white dinnerware.

Rethinking traditional designs is very much in the lead when it comes to current design initiatives. Heritage brand, Royal Crown Derby’s Crushed Velvet-Pearl [No Gold] dinnerware pattern does just that in reframing the grandeur of velvet by syncing it with the modern taste for a rough-luxe look. Royal Copenhagen, another heritage brand with an eye towards new and younger consumers has reintroduced one of its most venerable hand-painted patterns and shapes with an all-white makeover — newly available as White Fluted Full Lace. In these uncertain times, getting back to basics has become a lot of peoples’ mindset. Taitù’s Bianco & Bianco collection, with its three subtle, appliqué-like

46 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Royal Copenhagen

Taitù

designs, Fondo (above), Fruit and Plan, focuses on white as a multifunction basic compatible with any colour or other pieces of tableware. The market for hand crafted creations (and those that even look that way) remains a trend much in demand. At 1882 Ltd, designer Max Lamp used stonemason tools to chisel solid blocks of plaster in order to create the master molds for the Crockery collection.

The collection’s glazed interiors and raw matte exteriors also reflect the trend for juxtaposing these two finishes.

In dinnerware, variegated, aka reactive glazes, are often a sign of a hand-crafted product. Excelling in the technique, Jaune de Chrome marshals metallic components blended with glazes to achieve dinnerware collections, with no two pieces exactly alike.

In the brand’s new Song range, in the Perle colourway, the unique patterning on each piece is comparable to the variable iridescence of a pearl.

1882 Ltd

n

Bernardaud

TableCraft

Kate Spade New York

Vietri

Built-in design Built-in designs using high-profile textures and shapes defines an abundance of the latest white dinnerware introductions.

Bernardaud’s Twist dinnerware collection alternates matt and gloss finishes to create a light and shadow effect that enlivens the textured surface design; a design, much like the trend for fusion cooking, that merges disparate inspirations — in this case, hand-worked weaving with technological 3D graphics. TableCraft’s melamine Pulito collection, pulito being the Italian way of saying something is clean, neat and

tidy, checks all those boxes with a simple, textured, concentric motif. Kate Spade New York’s Blossom Lane line began with a carving technique used to create the in-relief flower filled design. Lenox's French Perle Scallop pattern, featuring a scalloped ornamental edge, is the newest shape driven addition to the brand’s successful French Perle franchise — now in its tenth year. Even in all white, the fanlike shape of the plates in Vietri’s Incanto Stone White Pleated collection make them visually striking and engaging to hold.

Rosenthal

HoReCa and at home Ever since dining out become akin to theater, chefs and restauranteurs have been using artful tableware to not just enhance the presentation of their food but also, at times, to make a statement about sustainably sourced ingredients served on sustainably made tableware. Also, notable is the increasingly seamless crossover between tableware designed for HoReCa businesses and then sold for home use — and vice versa.

Nikko’s Halo pattern, debossed with a design that radiates like a starburst, was first developed for fine dining in top hotels and now released at retail. Rosenthal’s Junto collection started out at retail and now jumped as well to the hospitality sector. The many different organic looking shapes and range of sizes in the series makes it a match for serving a global array of foods.

Ginori 1735’s Aria collection is designed to offer both the professional and home cook creative and unexpected ways to serve their food. The collection consists of seven pieces described as being polyvalent shapes — meaning having many different functions, forms, or aspects. These shapes are designed with no “right side”; each of the pieces is able to be inverted making them remarkably multifunctional and very versatile.

Nikko

Ginori 1735

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 47

Trends Column

Modish metallics

Sieger by Fürstenberg

Hering Berlin

Dibbern

Astier de Villatte

Monogrammatic designs

Precious metals are a classic pairing with white dinnerware but that tried-and-true combination is now appearing in less conventional, more modern modes. Here we see examples pf metallic décor related to today’s interests in geometric designs, celestial motifs, upcycled fashion, and even mindfulness.

The Sieger by Fürstenberg My China! Greta design uses the cool tones of platinum and light grey graphics to achieve a less traditional formal effect on a fine china pattern and enlisting the trend for design with geometric elements adds to the pattern’s modernity.

Hering Berlin’s Orbit pattern, designed by self-styled creative technologist Marta Salas-Porras, brings stylised tributes to the stars and planets as bright golden spheres positioned, as if, on a celestial L'Objet path around the polished biscuit fired porcelain. At Dibbern we see the lightest sprinkle of gold dots on its Stardust dinnerware, designed by Bodo Sperlein, to conjure the impression of a starry night sky.

Message mugs are everywhere these days, Astier de Villatte takes the fad in a novel direction by dressing up its Fancy Ring Cup like a piece of upcycled fashion. The calligraphic dry brushstrokes surrounding L’Objet’s Zen dinnerware bring to mind an eternity circle — a symbol for meditation and mindfulness.

Nymphenburg

Creating a monogram is an art form that goes back millenniums, and just about as ancient are the emblems crafted to functioned as logos for a clan, trade or guild or the hallmarks made to certify authenticity. Monogram motifs composed of initials have remained an enduring way for singles and married couples to personalise their possessions; on tableware there is no better canvas than a white plate to make your mark.

Ginori 1735’s Corona Monogram program is available on dinnerware using the brand’s Antico Doccia shape.

At retail sites, or online, consumers can personalise their two initials with either of the font designs and choice of colours offered. At Nymphenburg, the penmanship for each letter of the alphabet in the Monogram Collection, designed by Ted Muehling, is written as if following the flight path of a fly — scribed with such artistry it makes each letter as much a work of art as it is an initial. Royal Copenhagen’s Blueline collection turns things around by spotlighting a hand stamped hallmark as a design on the front of the plates, platters and bowls, all trimmed with a blue line painted by hand around the boarders.

Ginori 1735 My shout-outs to the white dinnerware mentioned above represents only a fraction of the new white patterns recently shown at market or to all the great white dinnerware patterns distinguished as quintessential tableware.

48 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Royal Copenhagen

BOROUGH

creating and celebrating b r i g h t e r, b e t te r d a y s

trade.lsa-international.com

Product Focus

Plateau Cleverly designed for the modern home or workspace, the Plateau collection comprises versatile organisation sets for your desk or home. Made from a combination of natural ash wood, cork veneer and mouth-blown glass, recesses in the wood are designed to hold the various glass accessories. A narrow groove is designed to hold a pen or pencil, while the flat, cork-covered plane offers space for stationery or personal effects.

The desirable

choice...

As a brand, LSA International is renowned not only for its design prowess but also for its dedication to sustainability, its carefully considered pieces and masterful, timehonoured work with materials such as glass and wood. As the company introduces its SS ’21 collection, Tableware International looks at the new range…

Bubble

Inspired by the shape, iridescent finish and motion of bubbles, the Bubble collection has been hand-painted with a sheer, pearlescent lustre. Comprising of round, rocking tumblers and stemmed goblets, the range can be used to serve wine, water, cocktails or long drinks over ice.

50 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Epoque

Palazzo

A celebration of Fin de Siecle glamour, the Epoque collection offers beautifully crafted mouth-blown glasses for champagne and cocktails. Evocative of 1920s champagne coupes, the curved bowls and hollow stems taper towards flat disc-shaped feet for a vintage-inspired silhouette with a contemporary twist.

Inspired by the grandeur of luxury hotels, the Palazzo collection is triumph of handpainted tableware. Offering a decadent touch of sophistication to tea and coffee, each piece of the collection has been individually hand-painted with platinum and iridescent lustres for an opulent and sophisticated finish.

Cask

With whiskey being the drink du jour, LSA’s Cask collection offers a contemporary selection of mouth-blown whisky drinkware. Think decanters, weighted tumblers and combination sets. The cube, rectangular and oblong shapes of the decanters are individually fitted with bespoke stoppers, moulded from solid glass and ground by hand. The cylindrical tumbler has a cube-shaped impression in the heavy base, inspired by the shape of a giant ice cube, while echoing the geometric profiles of the decanters. The Connoisseur Set includes a decanter and tumblers on a rectangular tray inlaid with cork veneer, making a statement serving set for the modern bar.

“This spring, LSA brings you thoughtful objects for gatherings, for home, for brighter mornings and languid evenings. Fifty-five years after its founding, LSA continues to create objects that enhance every day. We always consider each piece from every considerable angle, how does it feel? How does it function? Could it be lighter or simpler?

Or more precise? Could we include sustainable cork, or ash for tactility? Is it versatile enough to hold fruit as well as flowers? A candle or a cocktail? Careful craft is another characteristic of an LSA piece. We work with masters of time-honoured skills, like mouthblowing, hand cutting and hand painting. This is what gives our pieces feeling of freedom and lightness, of brightness and movement, of extravagance and optimism. For LSA, sustainability is integral. We always ask ourselves does this meet a need? Does it merit a place in your home? How can we think differently about materials? Is it well made enough to last? It’s our way of creating, as well as celebrating better and brighter days.”

Monika Lubkowska-Jonas, creative director, LSA International

Market Inspired by the woven texture of a basket, the Market collection is a versatile collection of mouthblown vessels. The different heights and widths recall the varying tubs used to display stems and bouquets at the flower market. The assortment of shapes may be used for cut flowers and foliage, as plant pots, as lanterns or as display containers for citrus fruits or pinecones.

Mia

Handmade from 100 per cent recycled glass, Mia is a versatile collection of new tumbler shapes and bowls alongside vase/lanterns in assorted sizes. The conical and flared tumblers can be used for juice, cocktails, water or beer, and the serveware ranges from small dishes for nuts or olives to large salad bowls. Meanwhile, the flared shapes of the vases are ideal for fresh blooms, seasonal foliage, dried flowers or as lanterns. The subtle fluting of the glass adds tactility to the delicate green finish, while the appearance of small air bubbles are characteristic of the handmade process.

Rotunda The architectural appeal of the Rotunda collection’s cased sapphire glass vases and lanterns lies in the use of angular shapes and corrugated texture. Inspired by the iconic Warsaw Rotunda building, the collection explores the concepts of perspective, scale and repetition found in contemporary architecture.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 27

Show Preview 41Madison

Blue Pheasant Floor 8 Blue Pheasant's latest collection embraces the elegant laissez faire of European family-style dining. New introductions to elevate the dining at-home experience include colourful glass and dinnerware, woven food covers, and luxe barware.

Make an appointment to visit the Blue Pheasant showroom at BluePheasant.com.

www.bluepheasant.com

The show must go on As the spring edition of the New York Tabletop Show prepares to open, we’re here to provide a preview of what’s to come, whether you can see it in person or via the new virtual offering, 41Madison Live!

The New York Tabletop Show is a must-see for people in the tableware industry. Held bi-annually at the iconic 41 Madison, retailers, interior designers, chefs, restaurateurs, architect and other tabletop professionals from all over the world meet up to see what’s new from the industry’s biggest and best brands. The spring show returns from April 13-16 and there will be plenty to see and experience.

41 Madison has over 90 permanent showrooms and more than 200 tabletop brands and manufacturers and since the last in-person show in 2019 a number of new showrooms have opened as well as a new hospitality service and on-site restaurant. To highlight some of the newness a livestream schedule will be hosted by industry experts Adam Glassman and Kelley Carter. 41 Madison Live! will tour showrooms, interview brand spokespeople about new collections and check out some of the building’s new offerings.

“Our brands have been busy behind the scenes and we want to spotlight all of the newness in a more tangible and engaging way,” said Kristi Forbes, Senior Vice President and Director of Forty One Madison. “While in-person visitors with appointments can expect enhanced safety guidelines, virtual attendees can effortlessly experience the excitement with 41 Madison Live!”

During the event, interior designers and influencers Barry Goralnick, Ghislaine Vinas and Laurie Blumenfeld will take over the @41Madison Instagram as part of the Tastemaker Takeover program to spotlight their favourite new products from The New York Tabletop Show. However, over the next few pages we can provide a preview of some of the new ranges and collections that will be on offer.

www.41madison.com 52 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Capdeco Floor 3 Brighten your day, your table and your life with the new Aqua colour from the Altea/Helios collection.

This colour feels like a sunny beach holiday and will transport your meal to tropical destination.

www.biacordonbleu. bridgecatalog.com/ collections.cfm/Capdeco

Riedel Crystal Floor 3 Georg Riedel is the 10th generation of the Riedel family and he is taking a symbolic shift in aesthetic for the Riedel brand with the innovative series, Winewings. The glass series is flat-bottomed and reminiscent of an aircraft wing, and while it isn’t the most visually beautiful collection, Riedel Winewings is “brutally functional, taking the wine’s aromas and flavours on a flight,” Georg says. Stepping away from his father’s original Sommeliers series shapes and towards a new era of functional glassware, the Winewings glasses emphasize the minerality of the wine, where others tend to highlight fruit. Riedel Winewings is produced by machine in lead-free crystal glass and sold as a single glass.

www.riedel.com

IMPRESSION

ONE COLLEC TION, E N D L E S S P O S S I B I L I T I ES…

H A N D - C R A F T E D BY S K I L L E D A R T I SA N S I N D E R BYS H I R E, E N G L A N D… E D ITE D BY YO U

7, 0DJD]LQH )XOOB3DJH 0DJD]LQHB$GYHUW $ LQGG

Discover more (including our new virtual showroom) on www.denbypottery.com/trade or contact: showenquiries@denby.co.uk

Costa Nova

Show Preview 41Madison

Floor 22 Livia is a complete tableware collection in two contrasting glazes: a lustrous white and a matte black.

The collection has a modern, handcrafted appeal as well as an organic look and feel, yet has strong edges for a perfect resistance to impact. Livia has all the elements to become a new favourite range for all styles and types of cuisines and is a perfect solution for busy environments.

www.costanova.com

Porland Floor 18

Porland designed and produced the Christina Collections, which radiates a retro elegance by synthesizing modern, and traditional style. Porland’s Alumilite production was created using their own special recipe with a high content of alumina. Christina has high mechanical strength and a thin structure making it perfect for both professional and home user.

www.Porland.info

Christofle Floor 6

Three new designs from the bar and cocktail-making world are being added to the stainless-steel pieces in the OH de Christofle collection marked by clean, contemporary lines.

Teaming function and aesthetics, the new pieces in the collection reinterpret the eyelet - OH de Christofle’s signature element - with an interplay of hollows and volumes tailored to the purpose and grip of each object.

Drawing its inspiration from the nautical world - the eyelet is reminiscent of those found on sailing boats. This unmistakably outdoor line will subtly accompany the very best moments shared around the art of the cocktail.

Featuring an insulated ice bucket, a shaker and a jigger, this trio are must-haves for any mixologist.

www.christofle.com/us_en 54 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Daum Floor 6

Daum was founded in 1878 by Jean Daum in Nancy, France as a leading glassmaker during the Art Nouveu period. Daum signifies the unique “pâte de cristal” technique, which offers incredible flexibility in shapes and colours with crystal.

The design atelier at Daum produces one-of-a-kind sculptures in limited editions.

From Dali to César, for over 140 years, Daum has collaborated with more than 350 exceptional artists to create a heritage and unique collection.

The new Coral Sea collection from Daum presents an underwater garden inhabited by coral reefs that transform into vases, centerpieces and sculptures, inspired by corals and seashells. The creation and the know-how of Daum excel and reveal a sublime nature through animal sculptures in extraordinary shapes and divine colours.

www.us.daum.fr

Denby Floor 10 Inspired by the ‘Minimalist Lux’ trend, which takes minimalist style and adds a sleek, functional edge, Denby Modus combines layers of pattern and colour on elegant contemporary forms which are designed to be beautiful, durable and purposeful. Textural glazes, tonal colours and rich highlights all blend together to give depth and warmth in this stunning collection that oozes a touch of decadence and true design details. With hand-crafted techniques and unique glaze effects on truly versatile pieces, Denby Modus is an understated and elegant collection which is made with purpose and soul.

www.denbyusa.com

Gibson Overseas Inc. Floor 10 Leading tabletop source Gibson Overseas Inc. introduces new Laurie Gates dinnerware that invokes much needed vacation vibes.

The Laurie Gates Tierra Collection features hand-painted designs inspired by Spanish and Mexican Talavera pottery. The collection pays homage to colonial Talavera pottery from Puebla, Mexico when pottery artisans used Cobalt blue to designate higher quality in their pottery. Each piece from the collection features a rich blue colour that honors that tradition. An array of blue, orange, and yellow hues illuminate dishes and bring an aura of vacation to the dining table.

The collection offers two dinnerware designs, Tierra Mosaic and Tierra Tile. Mosaic features prominent orange and yellow hues, while the Tile design spotlights blue and white designs. Along with dinnerware sets, offerings also include serveware pieces, cake stands, and bakers. The stoneware dinnerware sets include four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls.

www.gibsonusa.com

LSA International Floor 17

London-based design studio LSA has added to its offering of Select, Signature and Standard products with nine new collections inspired by the small rituals of daily life.

Select is a curated edit of considered designs which represents the finest quality craftsmanship, Signature includes the contemporary pieces that epitomise LSA’s hallmark offering, while Standard contains the practical dining and entertaining products that are always relevant.

Looking inwards, where personal and professional spaces now overlap, new collections offer contemporary pieces to enhance the different environments within the home.

The new culture of working from home has informed the development of new concepts, from sets for home offices to planters that respond to the global awareness around biophilic design and of the importance of bringing nature indoors.

The collections are defined by their intrinsic demonstration of traditional glass-blowing techniques and the varied inspirations of the LSA designers. Architectural and geometric shapes sit alongside decorated glass, evocative of mountain peaks and the iridescence of bubbles or gemstones. Paramount in each of the designs is the use of sustainable materials. Recycled and infinitely recyclable primary material glass, cork and FSC®-certified wood.

www.lsa-international.com

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 48

Show Preview 41Madison

Kosta Boda Floor 9

Kappa, designed by Mimmi Blomqvist, melds sustainable precision and contemporary design. The vases are produced with circular glass from Kosta Glassworks in Sweden. Variations in colour, as well as small bubbles emerging during the process of transforming recycled glass into a new object make each vase individual and one-of-a-kind. Different pigments in the used shards result in shades of blue and grey. Kappa is mouth-blown in a mould and is named after the “bubble” that rises out over the edge of the object during the production process.

www.kostaboda.us

Haviland Floor 6 Haviland presents the Portofino collection, a table setting that masterfully combines Italian taste and French know-how. The collection draws inspiration from the colours of Portofino, a stunning village known for its golden reflections and shades of blue mosaic. Each square is embossed and illuminated, revealing the finest details of exceptional craftsmanship.

Degrenne Paris Floor 15 Degrenne is the story of a fantastic human and industrial adventure.

Founded in 1948, it has withstood the test of time and made its mark on the dining experience. Seventy years later, Maison Degrenne is supporting hoteliers and restaurateurs around the world, as a brand promoting the noble values of gastronomy and the French Art of Living. With its unmistakable collections of cutlery, tableware and glassware, it has the honour of setting off creations at the tables of the finest chefs.

Degrenne is a French manufacturer proud to have been named an "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" (living heritage company). In its factories in Vire and Limoges, in particular, its passionate porcelain and steel craftsmen perpetuate know-how passed down from generation to generation, while always ready to take up new challenges.

Looking to the future, Degrenne is more committed than ever to its passionate quest to promote the prestige of France, to champion its know-how and to cultivate the spirit of innovation so strongly rooted in its heritage, in order to embody a renaissance in the Art of Living.

www. degrennenorthamerica. com

www.haviland.fr

Libbey Floor 7 With any of the three offerings in the Libbey Café Collection, you can picture yourself in a hip European wine bar every time you sip from the sleek and chic bodega inspired glasses you’ll find throughout Italy and Spain. Their modern, minimalist design allows cocktails and more to shine. With ultra-thin walls, these versatile glasses are delicate in the hand for casual entertaining yet hold up to day-to-day use.

www.shop.libbey.com

Hampton Forge Moving soon to Floor 24 Designed with strength, function and beauty in mind, Hampton Forge™ is unveiling the Helena, Alessi and Sanibel flatware sets.

All crafted from durable stainless steel, the collection runs the gamut of finishes and designs from satin finish to mirror polished, sleek and streamlined, to textured and fluted.

Each pattern is traditional with a contemporary, minimalist twist that will add a subtle touch of ‘pizazz’ and distinction to the tabletop.

www.hamptonforge.

56 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Show Preview 41Madison

Lenox LAV Floor 7

Whether you are after a monochrome set, something inspired by the sea or a pop of colour, the four new collections from LAV have it covered.

Freehand Patterns: From Piet Mondrian to Mark Rothko, from Matisse to Ettore Sottsass, embark on an artistic journey where lines follow colours. This new collection, in which abstract and fluid silhouettes come alive with colourful blocks, will add a bit of fun to the kitchen.

Elegance of Simplicity: Japan is the inspiration for this collection. While the clothe painting technique Shibori, paper folding art Origami and the embroidery technique Sashiko shape the patterns where simplicity is the frontrunner, floral touches continue the serenity of the collection.

Dreamlike Tones: This floral collection is an excellent choice for nostalgia lovers, taking romance to a higher level with its prevailing pastel colours and bold floral patterns! Flower bouquets and colourful brush strokes symbolize the spring breeze and add a romantic and modern atmosphere to the table.

Echoes of the ocean: From the shallow waters to deep seas, the calmest shades of blue bring the freshness of the water to the table. With seashells driven by the foaming waves, this collection encourages everyone to embrace a slower and more sensitive life.

www.lav-us.com

Orrefors Floor 9 The Cut in Number series consists of three cylinders. The reserved shapes are elegantly combined with cut decor in different patterns.

The collection consists of functional interior design objects for the minimalist home and is a status symbol for design connoisseurs. The design

by Ingegerd Råman, a prominent name in Swedish design, is simple and timeless, typical of Råman’s aesthetic. Her work is characterized by an enduring sense of simplicity – quiet, yet precise creations which she likes herself. She has won numerous distinctions for her work over the years, and in 1995 she was awarded the title of professor by the Swedish government. Since 1999, Ingegerd has designed a timeless, unique library of products for Orrefors.

orrefors.us 58 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Floor 24

Straight from the archives and updated for today comes LX Remix: a dinnerware and giftware collection honouring the 130+ year history of Lenox. Each piece pops with bold colour and the icons of the past. One of their biggest launches for the April market, it’s vintage Lenox with a modern-day twist.

www.lenox.com

Noritake Floor 7

At the New York Tabletop Show, Noritake will be showcasing several new patterns and configurations and new colourways in some popular collections. Florals, metal-look designs and on-trend colours are set to inspire among the new launches.

Ash, Teal, and Taupe versions of Conifere will be introduced. All three colourways, along with the original Conifere White, will be available as 12 pc sets and as open-stock for mixing and matching.

Colorwave Pink is the newest addition to the successful Colorwave Collection and will be available in Coupe, Square and Rim shapes.

While Eternal Palace Gold features a creamy beige and gold interpretation of the interlocking stylized ogee design in the popular Eternal Palace pattern.

Bloomington Road and Blossom Road are two new blue floral designs on white porcelain.

Yae features items adorned with lush watercolour cherry blossoms.

The pink flowers and branches are elegant and colourful.

Crochet is a stunning, strongly-geometric dinnerware pattern on bone china. The combination of gold banding and grey design elements brings a mixed-metal look, paired with a deep red colour for maximum impact and ambience.

And finally, Brilliance features applications of etched metal banding in platinum and gold for a rich and elegant look on bone china.

www.noritake.com

In Focus Dip-Tech

Printed by Zenan Glass with Dip-Tech FR1 Digital Decal Printer

New technology and new

opportunities

Dip-Tech is pioneering a new technology and branching into the dinnerware industry in a bold move to give manufacturers more freedom when it comes to design and digital printing. We spoke to Eyal Porat to learn more about this new technology and process and how it can benefit dinnerware manufacturers.

Tell me about the technology that Dip-Tech has developed?

Dip-Tech is the pioneer of Digital Ceramic Printing. This technology has been around for 17 years, serving the automotive, architectural and appliance market, with thousands of projects around the world.

Through specially-designed digital ceramic printers and highly durable ceramic ink, it has never been easier to print on glass surfaces. Last year we launched the first ceramic printer for the decal industry, using the same core technology that has been performing successfully for almost two decades.

Why have you decided to branch into this field?

We noticed that the decal and dinnerware industry was facing 60 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

the same inconveniences as the architectural and automotive glass processors: the use of screen printers for dinnerware multicolour applications is generating a wide set of inconveniences, which led to hectic, slow and nonsustainable production, especially for highly customised products.

setups and saves up storage space, but considerably reduces ink wastage, which converts the whole operation into much more sustainable production. Overall, it is a less labour-intensive process, that produces less waste and allows for a faster release of items to the market.

How is this technology and process going to benefit the Tableware industry?

Going digital just makes everything faster. Starting from the very early stages of the design and file preparation, all the way to delivering a final product. A specially-developed software avoids time consuming file preparation, which leads to better printing results. Avoiding the use of screens for these prints not only reduces the machine

Versatility of design, colours and customisation are some of the many options available to users, how will this help the production process?

In traditional printing technologies, we´re restrained from printing several colours simultaneously, which slows down our production. Digital decal printing allows up to eight colours to be printed at once, which is great news for highly customised and short

batches that require different set of designs. Colours can either be mixed digitally or premixed and loaded as spot colour on the machine. For designers, this means faster sampling and prototyping, which is key element for a successful end product.

Plus, for management, this means a faster time to market. Digital printing provides dinnerware companies with a whole new world of design possibilities, from smoother gradients, artistic effects, depths and outlines, and of course, high-resolution photorealistic images.

Does the process meet all technical and health standards for tableware?

Yes it does. Ferro, Dip-Tech’s parent company, has extensive experience over many years

17

“Outstanding design and avant-garde collections are in the DNA of Rosenthal”

the number of years Dip-Tech has been using and developing digital ceramic printing

User views!

“We have been using Dip-Tech’s new technology to produce decals for some of our customers in the beer and liquor industry. I like the process because there is no need for screens and to a large extent, most of the colours we need can be matched. Compared to other processes we’ve used in the past, it saves time and we’ve found it very good to use on urgent tasks and short run jobs.

Dip-Tech’s after-sales service has been very good so far as well” Ivan Rebello, Director, Zenan Glass www.zenan.ca in developing inks for the dinnerware industry and is testing its ink portfolio to match the industry standards and safety requirements.

Who are your target customers? How will they be able to use this technology?

Our target customers are decal and dinnerware manufacturers that are interested in breaking the mould, and thinking outside of the box.

Companies that are willing to take a step forward and stand out from the crowd, by complementing their printing production with a digital process that allows them to expand their portfolios like they never could before. Nevertheless, we are also in constant communication with designers and retail buyers who are in need of design and sample support. At the end of the day, our mission is to bond

between all the parties, to create new business opportunities for all.

Under normal circumstances, would you have launched this technology at the major trade shows? Are there any plans to exhibit at these events as they restart in the coming months?

By all means. We exhibited our technology at the last Ambiente show and had a great response from the public, which only inspires us to keep on participating in upcoming industry events, whether these take place on-site or online. We are thrilled to be able to keep sharing our printing solutions with the rest of the world.

What is the best way for customers to get in touch or learn more about the process?

If you’re a decal or a dinnerware

Printed by Zenan Glass with Dip-Tech FR1 Digital Decal Printer

company interested to hear more about our printers, or a retail buyer or designer wishing to learn more about printing capabilities, the best way to reach us is through our website at www.dip-tech.com.

Do you have anything else that you would like to add?

Digital Printing is revolutionizing the decal and dinnerware industry, and it

is here to stay. Our goal is to make sure both manufacturers and designers are able to fulfil their creative and financial needs by having access to a whole window of technological possibilities, updating their line of work for a much more complex and customised production, and keeping up to speed with current (and future) demands and global trends. www.dip-tech.com

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 61

Category Casual Dinnerware

Noritake All of Noritake’s casual collections have continued to grow during the pandemic, with Colorwave, Colorscapes, and Colortex leading the way.

This season the Colorwave collection has expanded with new colours, shapes, and configurations, including a fresh pink shade. Introduced in 1998, the range features clean lines and is a functional, yet smart addition to any home.

Affordably priced fine and bone china in consumer-friendly 12 piece starter sets (4 each dinner, salad, and soup) are also popular for more casual dining. www.noritakechina.com

Hot trends from the experts!

Taking it easy

Meal times aren’t always formal affairs at the dining room table.

With fewer large gatherings and more time spent at home, eating on the sofa in front of the television, outside in the garden or even a bit of breakfast in bed, has seen the resurgence of more casual dining. But even though the dining style is more relaxed, there are still plenty of options to make it simple but stylish.

Elia Elia’s chinaware range represents a diverse blend of shapes and styles to perfectly enhance any casual dining setting. The Essence range embraces a timeless style in a flawless creamy glaze to create an intimate and casual dining experience. Featuring concentric circles, this design is warm and welcoming. Made from Premier Bone China and fully vitrified, each piece from this stunning collection is strong and durable. With a variety of plate sizes and a full tea and coffee service range, Essence can cater for both domestic and commercial dining use.

This range is available as a 16-piece Gift Box Set presented beautifully for the retail sector in durable packaging. www.elia.co.uk 62 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

“Regarding casual tableware, we know that a more casual and non-traditional approach to dining and entertaining predated the COVID-19 outbreak, and that these trends will inform our choices about how to set the table now.

Despite the overarching casualization, expect fewer disposable items at the table, and more products that are easy care, but still have great design.

Look for multifunctional items like my new Nube oval platter in a matte white melamine; the essence of versatility and is equally at home with your casual dinnerware or dressed up for a party—that is, when we celebrate parties again!”

Beatriz Ball

“Mindfulness and nature have been a driver for trends across cooking and dining categories, including tabletop. Consumers have never wanted the natural look more, with natural materials and finishes proving to be continually popular and transcending seasonal trends” Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director, Lifetime Brands Europe

)$ 7DEOHZDUH DG [ PP SGI 30

&

0

<

&0

0<

&<

&0<

.

Category Casual Dinnerware

Beatriz Ball Items in the Beatriz Ball Vida Collection of luxury melamine are easy care and cast in iconic shapes, which is just the thing for casual dining. Four new tableware pieces have been introduced in the Alegria line - a dinner plate, salad plate and cereal bowl.

With charming pearl rims and brilliant surfaces these pieces create a carefree and modern table setting, indoors or outdoors.

There are also four Alegria kitchen essentials - a utensil holder, a sponge holder, a stackable salt and pepper cellar with lid, and a 14-inch lazy susan. These items all work beautifully with the Beatriz Ball tableware and serveware pieces. www.beatrizball.com

Pip Studio Winter Wonderland by Pip Studio is inspired by all the treasures you can find during a long walk in the forests. Besides a variety of berries, acorns and seasonal flowers you will find cute squirrels and birds on the branches. The collection has warm dark green colours, combined with fresh turquoise edges and deep reds and ochres in the flowers, that give a rich and cosy feel to the dinner table. Each item is decorated with luxury golden elements. The cups and teapot are finely decorated along the ears with gold foil.

To complete the table setting, they have added oven and bakeware as well as table textiles to the collection. With beautifully decorated oven dishes, winter stews and pies come out even more tasteful.

The Winter Wonderland tablecloth with its birds, acorns and squirrels brings a sense of warmth to the dinner table. www.pipstudio.com

Lifetime Brands Europe The natural look, with natural materials and finishes is a key seasonal trend according to Lifetime Brands Europe.

They have added to their Creative Tops range of placemats and coasters with new pieces that feature natural materials and patterns. There are two new styles of woven placemats, with a mindful mandala pattern, that add a rustic beauty to table settings. Made from hessian, they are sustainable and biodegradable, making them an eco-conscious choice too.

New dinnerware sets in tableware brand, Mikasa, also reflect this trend and match perfectly with the new placemat additions. Crafted from natural Portuguese clay and available in a reactive muted blue and a natural white colour, they bring nature’s essence to the dinner table. www.lifetimebrandseurope.co.uk 64 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Hot trends from the experts!

“People are stepping out of their comfort zones and are making at home what they used to only order at a restaurant. This affects the types of tableware items consumers purchase. This also challenges restaurants to adopt new dishes and cuisines, which in turn affects items consumers use at home.

Casual dining and the globalization of cuisines continue to fuel the growth in bowls. Every home now has bowls of all sizes for individual use and sharing. Some of our most popular are the Colorwave coupe/pasta bowl and the Colortex Stone mini bowl.”

Jay Fingert, senior vice president, Noritake Co. Inc.

“Mix & Match is a current casual dining trend, so combining new tableware with your own, vintage pieces with modern ones and also matt with glossy.”

Niels Seuren, owner and managing director, Pip Studio

“Natural colour resources are the inspiration this year.

Shapes and surfaces continue to be very organic. Patterns are abstracted natural structures and hand-drawn illustrations. 3D visions, iridescent surfaces, digital ombré effects are a strong source of inspiration for a sensual, futuristic, luxurious trend. The tendency to bring foreign cultures and distant countries home continues in the tableware sector in 2021.

Rosenthal has taken up the trends in its new collections and interpreted them differently depending on the theme.”

Tanja-Simone Pigorsch, managing director sales & marketing, Rosenthal

In Focus I d e n t i c a

Braving

a rebrand

Brand strategy and design agency Identica recently collaborated with Waterford on a rebrand for the iconic crystal company. Tackling such a project is no small feat, requiring research, teamwork and the participation of many individuals and departments on both the client and agency’s side as Identica’s a creative director, Richard Clayton, and client director, Daisy Benn, explain…

I

dentica was commissioned

by Fiskars, which owns the Waterford brand, after a three-way pitch in 2018. We were lucky enough to be recommended by a sister agency within the Writtle Group to which we belong.

We don’t mind admitting we were desperate to win the pitch and so threw ourselves into it as chances to work on such wonderful brands don’t come along that often. Although we have a reputation for working on luxury brands, you can’t rely on past glories to win the day. But our past

experience did give us a good insight into the luxury consumer, key to understanding how best to approach this iconic brand.

Brand owners consider refreshing their brands (whether that be a major or minor refresh) for a variety of reasons. But in many cases it will be because a brand has remained unchanged in a market that has moved on significantly and/or because new audiences aren’t being recruited in sufficient number to sustain the brand going forward.

There’s no ideal time for work of this nature, but there is often a tipping

“Central to the Waterford story is its skill in creating deep and complex cuts in its pieces. It is these physical characteristics which enable Waterford to work on multiple senses…It was ‘the cut’ that we chose as our central creative inspiration” 66 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

point beyond which climbing back up can be harder. Our advice to brand owners is not to put it off too long.

Waterford was considered the definitive luxury brand in its category, but changes in lifestyles and the market had seen it lose share and saliency. It needed to reassert its leadership position and reclaim its rightful place as the category progenitor and leader. So, we set out to dramatize Waterford’s reputation for fashioning stunning and desirable crystal pieces through a crafted new brand identity which would re-introduce the world to the pleasure of owning, and more importantly, using crystal, focusing on emotional reasons for choosing Waterford as well as to encourage its more frequent use.

Identica’s approach to this assignment was no different to

any other, in that we worked in a cohesive collaborative way, including our strategy team, design creative, production experts, project management, and, most important of all, the clients themselves. However, in approaching working with such a well-respected and long-lived brand as Waterford, we knew it was important to base any new expression of the brand on a unique truth embedded within its core. Our aim is always to create something that is new and fresh, but something which is still recognisably familiar.

To knowingly change a brand like this out of all recognition risks throwing away hundreds of years of heritage. On a side-by-side analysis, our creative solution for Waterford is radically different - but it still has strong and recognisable Waterford DNA, thus preserving its authenticity.

As well as studying the brief in detail, we gathered as much original material and experience as we could, trawling the net, soaking up the background information provided as part of the briefing pack, and getting out and about in market to understand the competitive context. We were lucky in that a member of our team was in New York on a retail safari with a US client, and so we were able to get an impression of the North American market, important to Waterford, by checking out its retail presence over there.

Fiskars as a business is highly consumer focused and so the rich research insights they were able to provide were invaluable in helping us build up a clear picture of the brand, and in what direction it needed to move. We also spent time talking in depth to key team members across the globe, to gather individual perspectives and to understand the nuances that make up a brand of this nature.

Our design team was lucky enough to visit Waterford’s design studio where glass objects are hand fashioned and hand cut by a team of craftsmen using techniques handed down across the generations.

The initial Waterford identity project took three months from beginning to end. Our first task was to pinpoint the creative idea - a concept that was distinctive in the category and which was unique to Waterford.

Central to the Waterford story is its skill in creating deep and complex cuts in its pieces. It is these physical characteristics which enable Waterford to work on multiple senses - the beauty of its form and how it plays with light; its tactility and its satisfying weight; how it sounds. It was ‘the cut’ that we chose as our central creative inspiration.

Inspired by the uniquely beautiful shapes of their glass

cutting, we crafted a new wordmark and turned the signature Lismore cut into an ownable asset used as a supergraphic. Drawing on the brand’s Irish origins, we created a new deep-green signature colour, together with a bright moltenglass orange highlight, referencing elemental fire out of which Waterford is born.

But we also recognised the need to shift perceptions of Waterford to magnetise it for an audience of so called ‘luxury choosers’ - confident individuals with eclectic tastes and a strong aesthetic drive.

To help shift the brand’s positioning, and express that Waterford elevates any moment we created a new photographic and video style showing Waterford in use in contemporary settings, surrounded by everyday but unexpected items, again dramatizing its transformational effect, design for use in Waterford communications, literature, and at point of sale.

Packaging was an important element within the project.

Identica has always been unusual in the design industry through having strong production expertise, which includes 2D and 3D packaging and print.

We recognised the importance of pack design to rebuilding Waterford’s standing in terms of physical appearance on shelf, but also to enhance the drama and pleasure of unboxing at home.

Our production team worked hand in hand with Waterford’s production experts to ensure our recommendations were sympathetic with their capabilities and met the targets given in terms of cost of goods.

We are hugely proud of our work and very pleased at how well it is being received around the world and we hope we are lucky enough to be part of Waterford’s journey for many years to come.

Top 5 Tips!

We asked Identica to give some advice to any brand owner considering embarking on a brand refresh. Here are their top five tips!

1 2 3 4 5

Write a detailed brief and give it to a handful of agencies to respond to. Choose them on the basis of their experience, either directly in your category or in analogous categories. Don’t ask immediately for creative work but see how they respond in terms of their understanding and expansion of your brief.

Don’t ask too many agencies to pitch. As an agency, if you know you are in a ten-way contest, it can be discouraging. A two-or-three-way pitch make you hungry to win.

Work hand in hand with the agency early on to agree on the right scope of work and the desired deliverables. Most agencies will have a series of steps that they need to go through - it’s important that these become closely tailored to you as an organisation and your measures of success for the project.

Try to judge who you think cares most about your project and don’t confine this to the pitch meeting itself. For example, note how quickly agencies respond to your initial request and who from within the agency contacts you. Note how they follow up the pitch too.

Choose an agency you feel you will be able to work with closely and who will include you as part of the team. Don’t forget this is a creative process and so it won’t be plain sailing. It’s the ability to collaborate and work well together that will produce the best results.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 67

Narumi Forest

Column HoReCa

Studio Mattes Moos

It’s a

small world Telling a tableware story is an international affair these days, says Valda Goodfellow

I

About G & G Founded by Paul and Valda Goodfellow, G & G Goodfellows is a highly creative design & Distribution Company with an amazing showroom in Little Portland Street. Offering a truly hands-on service, Goodfellows passion is to bring new and exciting, bespoke food presentation concepts to the UK’s culinary scene. As well as offering a wide variety of the world’s best branded tableware, kitchen equipment, clothing and machines, Goodfellows also collaborates closely with UK craft producers for totally unique products. It works with all sizes of restaurant and catering projects, happy to supply anything from an individual plate to a full restaurant concept.

68 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

f the last year has taught us anything, it is that the world is a very small place, interconnected by technology and ideas, even when the ability to meet in person is taken away from us.

I am constantly amazed at the speed we can adapt to our new landscape and how we continue to move forward with hope and inspiration. How, through all this our amazing tableware designers and manufacturers continue to innovate and create, while the business of selling tableware in the hospitality sector is changing across the world.

We are all familiar with the customary sales structure of Distributors and Agents but the internet and increasingly knowledgeable, customers are changing that, and we must all adapt to this new reality.

Even the way brands and manufacturers are promoted by their re-sellers has become infinitely more complicated. The good old days of over-printed catalogues and direct salespeople popping in to see their customers for a coffee, seems like a

bygone age. Now there needs to be multi-channel and multi-level marketing initiatives that create and maintain awareness and demand.

Digital, multi-channel marketing increases the reach of brands beyond any territorial agreements, exclusivity, exclusions or even loyalties. So, the customers themselves around the world are both increasingly targeted by, and aware of, all these brands. Where does this leave Distributors?

Distribution is still key, especially for serving the needs of large contracts but for the last few years big logistics companies have been encroaching more and more on their role, as national and global companies understand how much the classic Distribution model is reliant on logistics. This was

even before the mighty Amazon emerged as a seriously interested party, setting their sights on our sector as a juicy target for influence and domination.

Having been involved recently in pitching for an international project, it became clear that our sector across the world is an open book. With over 160 manufacturers, distributors, designers, and suppliers of every ilk joining a webinar at the same time, from countless countries; it felt like the whole of our sector was ‘in the room’. We had all come together, through the power of technology, at the behest of the customer.

Strangely exciting and unsettling at the same time, I understood how much our industry had changed.

What was revealed during the

I am constantly amazed at the speed we can adapt to our new landscape and how we continue to move forward with hope and inspiration

Belo Inox Neo

Costa Nova

Montgolfier

Narumi Black and Gold

Valda says...

webinar, was that the customer demanded more than just products.

He could see them anytime on any website they chose. What was missing, was the ability to tell a story through products. No sizeable project is going to be served by one brand or manufacturer. So, whose role is it to tell that story? The interiors designer, the chef, the local distributor, the manufacturer?

For many years now, we at G & G have been filling this unrecognized gap, for which there is no term to describes us. Maybe we are Tableware Stylists or Concept Designers. With our knowledge of food, design, manufacturers, and products we have been fulfilling this unique role; telling stories through tableware. It is a role that is hugely satisfying but very challenging, taking products from several manufacturers and putting them together in a unique way. It is a role that also must satisfy not only the customer but the brands we represent. Obviously, every brand wants to be promoted above all others but when we know that it is rare for one manufacturer to

“For many years now, we at G & G have been filling this unrecognized gap, for which there is no term to describes us.

Maybe we are Tableware Stylists or Concept Designers. With our knowledge of food, design, manufacturers, and products we have been fulfilling this unique role” provide everything that the customer needs for a complex project, we must be objective and choose what is the best overall solution; considering style, operational fit, customer likes and dislikes, and budget.

Having spent 3 weeks constructing a carefully considered set of stories suited to the personality of each dining destination, I am exhausted but happy that I can choose products from the most amazing brands and manufacturers across the world, who I hope will all be happy that they are not only fully represented but also that their products shine.

Just to illustrate the point, here is a fictional example of how a ‘table story’ is told. Our task is to create a tableware service for a well-known British chef who is opening a restaurant in Doha aiming at a high-end, international audience, and his food is a mix of global cuisine influences. He wants to create a sense of refinement

while achieving impact.

Core plates made of Bone China make a fine, elegant, and durable base around which to set distinctive feature items for signature dishes.

In this case, I have chosen Narumi’s Forest Plate for its refined texture providing depth without interfering with the food itself. This allows the chef to use the same plate for a number of dishes.

Next, we would add the feature plates for signature dishes. We could stay with Bone China but in a completely different look. Take this Narumi plate in black and gold, which can add drama.

Or we can change material and use highly creative Belgian stoneware in a reactive glaze for a stunning signature dish for impact.

We would add further depth to the ‘story’ with a different shape and some height, with this oblong, textured stoneware from French craft producer, Montgolfier.

For glassware we would probably go for mouth-blown stemware

from Italesse, a versatile Italian manufacturer who can produce both elegant designs and imaginative pieces such as their Mares tumblers which would create an immediate talking point for a table setting.

And finally, for cutlery we might introduce an unexpected element for a signature dish with Belo Inox’s Neo range in Black & Jade.

The product selection takes us on an international tableware journey from Japan and Indonesia via Belgium, France and Italy and then to Portugal. Without the choice of such great manufacturers, we would be unable to truly tell a compelling ‘table story’. Without understanding the story, these are just individual products.

Our world of tableware is expansive but accessible to everyone. We can all now voyage far and wide in just a few clicks in our search for what is new and interesting, but what makes the difference is knowing what brings them together.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 69

Column BHETA

Much change yet much opportunity As retail begins to re-open and trade shows resume, there are plenty of opportunities if we’re open to them, says Will Jones, chief operating officer at BHETA

I

t goes without saying that 2020 was a tough year, so it is with some relief that the end year financial performance figures for the UK housewares market show an overall shrinkage of only 4.4% (Globaldata). Clearly any downturn is bad news, but this one could have been so much worse. It is testament to consumer behaviour in rediscovering the value of ‘home’, plus the ability of many retailers and suppliers to pivot towards online that we saw a gradual recovery. In the last quarter of 2020, the sector was still down YOY, but by only 1.8 per cent (Globaldata).

Now of course we are locked down again and January and February have been difficult, with issues such as commodity price rises, freight costs and shortages of cardboard only adding to the challenge. It seems inevitable that even if the ‘roadmap’ goes to plan and non-essential shops re-open on April 12 we will be looking at a changed market. No surprise that the proportion of sales via online channels soared to 35.2 per cent in January, the highest on record, showing, if further evidence

The Exclusively Show 2021 will be held August 24-25 at the Business Design Centre, London 70 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

were needed, the imperative to adapt. Successive lockdowns and periods of restriction have forced the consumer into overcoming any residual reluctance they might still have had to both purchase product and then learn how to use it properly by virtual means. Shop local and the genuine pleasure to be had from experiential retail will be the saving of the well-managed high quality, destination cookshop, hardware or interiors store, but I cannot see any large proportion of online shoppers giving up their highly convenient new point of purchase entirely.

Daunting as it can be, change like this must be embraced, not least because there are many opportunities ahead for all who are able to adapt. Thankfully, the budget was relatively encouraging for retail with the business rates holiday extension and discount scheme, the new restart grant, the continuation of furlough and the new Recovery Loan Scheme. One of the biggest home enhancement market drivers of all – the housing market – is buoyant; and searches for and spending on food prep, baking and home-entertaining products remain strong.

Moreover, just as we all start to assimilate the potential positives of a changed market, the perfect opportunity to explore and galvanise it comes along in the shape of the Exclusively Show,

About BHETA The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is the voice of authority on everything home improvement and home enhancement, including DIY, housewares, garden, small domestic appliances and home decor. It represents £5 billion at retail and 9,000 employees and brings together manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and opinion formers to drive growth at home and abroad. For more information about retailer and supplier co-operation, contact BHETA on 0121 237 1130, or email wj@bheta.co.uk, or visit the website at www.bheta.co.uk

Daunting as it can be, change like this must be embraced, not least because there are many opportunities ahead Will Jones, chief operating officer, BHETA which returns to its popular live format on the 24th and 25th August at The Business Design Centre. Stands at the show are already 95 per cent sold. It will be a marvellous and timely opportunity for both suppliers and retailers to make the most of the huge changes in lifestyle that we have seen in the last 12 months.

With many restrictions planned to be lifted by June 21 and most adults due to be vaccinated by July, this will be the first event of its kind in the industry for 18 months and will be a real opportunity for buyers and suppliers. Over 130 companies and over 300 brands will be exhibiting, presenting the most comprehensive showcase of cookware, tabletop, lifestyle, household and gifts in the UK. The show will include expanded versions of all its most popular features such as the Brand Showcase, the Trend Tours and Displays and the Scarlet Opus seminar programme, as well as new features such as The Launchpad, aimed at smaller and start-up companies, exhibiting

for the first time.

Safety is of course paramount and the Exclusively team is working closely with the venue in terms of all necessary protocols for registration, hospitality, events, meetings and the total visitor/exhibitor experience to ensure that everyone can be confident in attending and enjoying the event. For perhaps the first time in a while, it is once again possible to look ahead.

Of course, there are still many challenges – and change itself is one of them – so, it is vital the industry is adaptable and fleet of foot. It is also vital to be alert to the opportunities and enthusiastic in exploring them.

BHETA and the Exclusively Show are here to help do just that.

For more information about BHETA networking, business support services and the Exclusively Show, contact BHETA member services manager, Nicola Adams on 07946 078566 or na@bheta.co.uk. To register as an Exclusively visitor, go to www. exclusivelyshows.co.uk.

Product Focus HoReCa

Hygienically divided Originating in Japan, bento is a popular way of serving dishes in small separate boxes. The BentoBox System from Bauscher uses this idea for a new, modular serving option that enables growing hygiene demands to be met. Cleverly contrived filling solutions make it easy to serve creatively presented and hygienically covered dishes absolutely anywhere.

The BentoBox System is available small and large sizes with a choice of wood or concrete-look lids.

The boxes can be individually fitted with the high-quality porcelain pieces supplied, depending on the type of food being stored. There are no limits to your creativity when serving breakfast, lunch or dinner, desserts or any other meals.

www.bauscher.de

Serving something

special

Nature as a model In contrast to the uniform results of industrially mass-produced goods, the imperfection and individuality of hand-made ceramics impress in creating a very charming and natural look. This charm is evident in the organically shaped pieces of the 10-part series Salar.

Softly rounded shapes as well as mysterious surface structures that are reminiscent of archaic salt lakes, create unique items that form a subtle stage for extraordinary dishes with their ivory-coloured base tone. The effect glaze used impresses with its matt and glossy, almost mother-of-pearl shimmering areas.

Humble and elegant, Salar places the dishes on display in the centre of attention.

Nothing hinders a combination with other shapes or materials, and mix and match is the motto.

A selection of HoReCa products hitting the market this spring

New from Utopia

Coffee and more Coffee Tasting from Schönwald raises the rituals of enjoying excellent coffee to a new level. There is an increasing demand for stylish cups and bowls that adhere to the professional demands for the creation of the wide range of speciality coffees consumers’ desire.

Whether in the form of a mug, a cup, a bowl or a glass, Coffee Tasting offers the right vessel for serving an enormous diversity of classic and speciality coffees. Creatively layered compositions with milk can be showcased in the glasses from the collection. The small bowls are ideal in a wide range of roles be it food or beverage.

The Coffee Tasting collection is multifunctional, with the opportunity for use with a digestif, dessert and any other coffee creation.

www.schoenwald.com 72 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

www.zieher.com

Raffles is a collection of fine cut crystal stemware and tumblers aimed at upmarket bars. Lightweight, elegant, rakish and fun, the glasses add a touch of glamour to cocktails, spirit mixers and water table serves. The collection includes a coupe, martini, fine negroni/water tumbler, stemless champagne, gin glass and classic Nick and Nora.

Plus, Utopia have launched Parador, a brand new vitrified porcelain dinnerware collection. The tableware combines earthy grey tones and a repeated geometric blue pattern for an air of casual refinement. Packed with visual appeal – the walled plates giving the range an architectural element that’s complemented by the shallow bowls, dip dish and raised small bowl.

www.utopia-tableware.com

New Alkemist for Gin&Tonic lovers

Alkemist Gin Tonic The first eco-crystal glass produced with respect of the environment and zero smoke emissions.

Fully tested and safe. 100% recyclable.

• Designed by main gin experts • Extremely shining and transparent • Tested for over 4.000 professional dishwasher cycles

The balloon goblet is specifically designed for Gin&Tonic lovers.

Luxion® Eco-crystal Glass guarantees the maintenance of temperature much longer and a total, bright transparency, that let mixologists unleash their creativity with new versions of the iconic cocktail.

Trend Focus

Forecasting the future

Wellness

Predicting what will be in vogue over the coming year and beyond is not just an artform, it’s a science. And a science that companies such as Scarlet Opus have perfected. Looking at consumer and design trend intelligence, trend forecaster Phil Pond gives us an insight into what will make consumers tick from colour groups to lifestyle trends…

F

rom soul searching to ‘earthage’ – nurturing our human qualities in tandem with advancements in technology – trend forecaster Phil Pond from Scarlet Opus introduces us to consumer and design trend intelligence for the seasons ahead. Looking at two particular trans-seasonal trends, Phil gives us insight into popular colourways and modes of thinking.

Soul searching: a trans-seasonal trend As citizens seek fundamental change in politics, society and the world, they also recognize the need to look inwards and seek change within themselves.

Soul Searching is a summer journey of self-discovery.

Completely at odds with many government strategies and capitalist economics, but completely aligned with Gen Z’s (under 25s) rallying cries

Merchandising

Who is Scarlet Opus?

for equality and a better world; there is a genuine, and most sincere, desire to bring about an alternative to the inequality, economics, environmental and political despair of recent years.

Soul Searching begins with a ‘lived Utopianism’ on an individual basis liberating yourself from a blind conformitism and social norms. Not waiting for change but creating change to live your own idea of a ‘better, happier life’.

During lockdowns everywhere, and in continuing pandemic times, many people have used the time to contemplate how they want to live and what elements of lockdown-lifestyle they actually want to maintain.

Next summer we’ll see more evidence of consumers wanting to escape to a Happy Place - away from a world full of negativity, uncertainty and aggression. The spiritual and wellbeing retreats and temples of South and South East Asia will provide the inspiration for relaxed lifestyles and décor.

The search for more

Wellness tourism and solo travel has been growing strongly; especially amongst women.

But for now, our search for spiritual health intensifies our homes and outdoor spaces will become our personal retreats and places where we cultivate happiness on a broader scale.

The summer of ‘21 will see us begin a search for ‘more’ – more meaning, more understanding, more kindness, more connection, more freedom, more equality and for that most valued of modern day luxuries ... more time. Time in which to feel and experience.

A change that manifests in surface pattern and food trends just as much as actual social inclusivity.

UK-based Scarlet Opus provides trend intelligence for BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) and its members. They have manufacturing clients operating in cookware, housing, workplace and hospitality furniture, carpet and wood flooring, home textiles and paper.

As well as clients who are members of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and exhibitions in Melbourne, the UK, UAE and US for the interiors, stationery, flooring and auto industries. www.scarletopus.com 74 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Did you know?

YouGov polls show that fewer than 10 per cent of the population want life to return to how it was before the pandemic.

Merchandising

Merchandising and advertising products with imagery that look like this will help to create engagement with consumers through in-store Merchandising and in the window.

Experts, cooking classes, tips, and recipes all support the creation of an experience of travel and southeast Asian foods.

Sun Colour palette

Happy yellow Yellow will trend strongly, in fact that has already begun to happen. Yellow lift spirits and will be a desirable accent colour.

Sun colour palette

The sun streams through this trends colour palette. A lazy morning glow warms the pastels, harvested browns as the metallics usher in a sense of laid-back optimism. Primary accent colours will be mellow yellow and papaya.

Both have a ‘refreshing’ message and emotion.

The most prominent colours will prove to be the instinctive appeal of teal, jungle green, bronze and cocoa brown.

Green and all of it shades continue to trend strongly. They connect us with the earth, to nature and this gives us a sense of wellbeing, reassurance and a certain groundedness; mirroring the anti-polluting and soothing effect of welcoming plants into the home. Inspired by the soft textures of sand and pebbles the trend for using more natural surfaces in our homes continues.

Papaya is another colour that will increase in popularity and use in the home and on housewares; this will be both as a colour and as a pattern.

Summer of love

We recreate the emotions of compassion, happiness, contentment and a sense of escape into an interiors scheme. It meets the changing priorities of people, as they adjust from ‘stuff’ to ‘spirituality’.

It is a richly patterned trend, ornate and eclectic, the result is a feeling of lightweight delicacy and

hazy transparency. There is also an appreciation of rustic qualities and artisanal skills; the simplicity and honesty of indigenous crafts.

There is a ‘summer of love’ hippy vibe echoing the peace, love and protest of the ‘60s and ‘70s – it’s less frivolous than being a Bohemian style.

From gauzy embroidered sheers to devore velvets, bronze toned ornamental metalworks, teak and mango wood, leathers and suedes. Patterns that help get the look just right include intricate mandalas and palm, banana, fern leaves as well as wildlife motif such as macaque monkeys, elephants, tigers and leopards.

Summer of love

Jungle Greens Green shades, evergreen and eucalyptus, inspired by leaves and shoots, mirroring the anti-polluting and soothing effect of welcoming plants into the home. They work with two warm, dusted shades Limestone and Desert; inspired by the soft textures of sand and pebbles. All in keeping with a trend for using more natural surfaces in our homes.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 75

Trend Focus

Earth Style Earth style

To connect to the earth we’re looking for experiences, tools, products that are Rugged, informal, authentic and functional.

We’ll want comfort food and food rituals (even as simple as the act of making bread) Conscious cooking and conscious eating, tasting each mouthful will be a desired experience.

Natural materials such as clay / marbles /stone and terracotta, serveware that appears primitive.

Pattern is a mix of ancestral artwork and crafts of indigenous people. Mud cloth inspired, spiritual patterns, moon phase motif, planets, stars and symbols.

A new Space Age is upon us and we’re realising that technology is fundamental to our lives on earth ... playing a pivotal role in our

everyday tasks and interactions.

To some degree our reality has become skewed because much of our lives are now played out online and viewed through screens, with apps providing a framework for our lives.

During 2020, screen time across the world increased dramatically and will continue doing so (albeit more slowly). As we walk toward a future of artificial intelligence and the commercialisation of space, we will take time out to rethink the direction of our personal journeys.

It will become imperative to cradle and nurture our human qualities alongside the advancement of technology. A much greater focus on how we can connect with ourselves and each other without connecting to the internet.

It’s a human evolution that will

Simple rituals We will all find comfort and security in the conducting of simple rituals, like tea making, bread making, cooking from scratch, and so on.

A trend that the events of 2020 have brought forward and strengthened. Products that facilitate this will win significant customer engagement.

actually take us backwards... to the basics. A new age of technology and a new space age, but also a ‘new earth age’.

The style asks questions about how we can create spaces in which we can live an authentic life feeling safe and soothed. A yearning for a human feel to things, literally down to earth, it’s a minimalist trend.

Literal and genuine connections to the earth in terms of colour and materials whilst also being realistic about the integration of technology into our lives and homes.

Spaces and products that allow us to be still, content, slowed down, calm and have a sense of wellbeing through a quietness.

We develop a deeper appreciation of natural materials, the earth, a resurgence of interest in ancient cultural beliefs including mythology, astrology, astronomy and animism; at the core of ancestral wisdom of the Maori, Native Americans.

To connect to the earth we’re looking for experiences, tools, products that are rugged, informal, authentic and functional. We want comfort food and food rituals (the simple act of making tea/coffee) We want to see an earthen colour palette, natural materials such as clay, marble, stone and terracotta.

Pattern is a mix of ancestral artwork

and crafts of indigenous people.

Spiritual patterns, moon phases, lunar shapes, planets, stars, and symbols such as Hamsa and ‘evil eyes’ are trending strongly.

Key earthage colours

The key colours in this trend’s colour palette will be indigo (as blues continue to trend up), brass (as a natural element of glamour), earthen and terracotta shades.

Indigo blue – if it can be said that any colour is important, then during the years to come, that’s the word to be attached to indigo blue in fact, all shades of blue from the deepest ocean points to the white blue of the sea surface. It connects us very directly with those oceans we now hold so dear.

Terracotta is a direct connection with craftwork, old skills, natural materials and the earth. It too will be a popular colour for home interiors and outteriors.

Everyday rituals

Comfort and security will be discovered in the conducting of simple rituals, like tea making, bread making, cooking from scratch and so on.

This trend has been strengthened by the events of 2020 and these little rituals that bring comfort, relaxation and peace will be all important without many realising why.

Heat and eat

Cooking with fire is a most basic method and one we all love and top chefs have begun to recreate the appearance of or actual experiences of heat at the point of service.

They have also begun to share with customers very visual references to historical times and cultures, such as the presentation of the steak in the top left of the image.

scarletopus.com 76 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Perfect pistachio

Trend Earth Colours

‘70s style Dansk’s classic 12-piece Madsen collection is based on an original shape designed by Niels Refsgaard in 1977. Think practical chic with ‘70s style.

www.dansk.com

Utopia boasts a new range called Pistachio which has an impactful brown and green glaze, perfect for colourful spring and summer dishes. It includes high rise bowls and elegant plates to provide chefs with a backdrop for building stunning seasonal presentations.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Down to

earth Earth tones are tipped to be one of the most on-point trends of this year, we pull together some of the chicest options on the market…

Inspired by the sea The Ora collection from Sango Hospitality has been designed in collaboration with Studio Levien London. Taking its inspiration from sea-washed pebbles, Ora is Latin for beach. Two of the colours available in this range lend themselves to the ever popular earthy palettes; arica and avola (pictured).

Arica is a rustic brown and sand speckled glaze while avola is a stunning stone/grey glaze with a subtle hand applied brown speckle.

www.sangohospitality.com

The perfect vessel Artisan inspired With four tonal glazes in rich, earthy colourways – Elm, Birch, Walnut and Chesnut – Denby’s Studio Craft artisan collection is a beautiful ode to the rustic aesthetic.

The stoneware collection features a range of bowls, plates and platters and includes Denby’s handcrafted ridged textured bowls which make characterful display pieces but are also perfect for serving at the table.

www.denbypottery.com 78 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

A gorgeous peat brown in colour, LSA International’s Vessel collection is mouth-blown by master glassblowers.

Boasting an organic, gently-tapered shape, Vessel’s curved, narrow neck is distinctively designed to showcase flowers and foliage at their best. The collection also comes in clear glass.

www.lsa-international.com

$SULO )RUW\ 2QH 0DGLVRQ ZLOO ZHOFRPH YLVLWRUV ERWK K LQ SHUVRQ E\ DSSRLQWPHQW DQG RQOLQH ZLWK D QHZ HZ YLUWXDO VKRZ IHDWXUH 0DGLVRQ /LYH 9LVLW PDGLVRQ FRP IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ 6WUDZEHUU\ 6WUHHW $OHVVL $QFKRU +RFNLQJ $5& $5& &DUGLQDO $UWODQG %DXVFKHU+HSS ,QF % , $ &RUGRQ %OHX %OXH 3KHDVDQW %RUPLROL 5RFFR *ODVV &DPEULGJH 6LOYHUVPLWKV &DVDƃQD &HUWLƃHG ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &KULVWRƄH &LUFOH *ODVV &RVWD 1RYD &UHDWLYH 7RSV &U\VWDOLWH %RKHPLD ,QF 'DXP +DYLODQG 'HJUHQQH 3DULV 'HQE\ 86$ 'HVKRXOLªUHV (UFXLV ),(67$p *LEVRQ 2YHUVHDV *RGLQJHU *URXS *RXUPHW 6HWWLQJV +DPSWRQ )RUJH +HUHQG +HUPªV +RPH (VVHQWLDOV +RPHU /DXJKOLQ &KLQD ,LWWDOD

- 6HLJQROOHV 7KH -D\ &RPSDQLHV -LD :HL /LIHVW\OH -RKQ -HQNLQV +RVSLWDOLW\ -RVHSK -RVHSK -XOLVND .RVWD %RGD /Š2%-(7 /$9 /HHŠV *URXS ,QWHUQDWLRQDO /HQR[ &RUSRUDWLRQ /LEEH\ /6$ ,QWHUQDWLRQDO /XLJL %RUPLROL 0$7&+ 0HSUD 0RWWDKHGHK 0U &KULVWPDV 1DPE« 1LNNR &HUDPLFV 1RULWDNH 1XGH *ODVV 2QHLGD 2UUHIRUV 2YHU %DFN 3DVDEDKFH 86$ 3RUODQG 3RUWPHLULRQ 3ULPD 'HVLJQ 3XLIRUFDW 4XDOLD *ODVV 5 6TXDUHG 5$. 3RUFHODLQ

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

PDGLVRQ FRP $ 5XGLQ )DPLO\ %XLOGLQJ

58'B 0B7DEOHZDUH,QWHUQDWLRQDOB)XOO3DJH$GB LQGG