LSA International

Creating with integrity

LSA International has built a reputation on integrity – crafting considered, thoughtful collections – many of which have been designed to be used in multiple ways. Important too, to remember that LSA is environmentally aware – this is a core ethos the company works towards. Tableware International learns more…

If LSA International is anything – it is a company hugely considerate of how we live our lives, and even more so, of how we actually use the products we buy.

This is a philosophy we have seen play out time and again through multiple collections. Plateau, for example, is a multipurpose, mixed-material piece which has taken into consideration LSA’s commitment to hydration and biophilic design. The mouthblown accessories include a carafe and tumbler, and a plant pot, homed on a natural ash tray with space for added extras such as stationary or jewellery. It fits with the company’s ethos of buy better but buy less.

The square platter in the Serve collection comes with five different compartments, because sometimes three is too little. Little things, little touches, thoughtful design. The clever quietness of the Handle series where mouthblown glass tealight holders can double as a mini vase, planter or general container.

Then there is Canopy. The recycled glass series was first introduced in 2019 – an assortment centred around those core concepts of hydration and propagation.

Launched in collaboration with The Eden Project, Canopy has long been recognised for its design, winning multiple awards such as an iF Design Award in 2019 and a Green GOOD DESIGN Award in 2021.

But more than that, Canopy achieved its – or LSA’s – objective of producing a sustainable collection which encourages consumers to think of, and consider, their surrounds. Ultimately, the collection was inspired by the idea that we all have a collective responsibility, living as we do, under one canopy.

Canopy’s aforementioned product concepts – hydration and propagation – were designed to address environmental concerns surrounding water conservation, single use plastics and plant preservation.

“Contributing to a greener home - through planting and by the use of recycled materials - these pieces offer

How it’s made

All pieces in the Canopy collection are mouth blown from recycled glass. Locally sourced jars and bottles are sorted, crushed and heated in the furnace until molten. The glassblower gathers, shapes, and then blows the molten glass into a mould to form the tumbler.

As a concept for HoReCa...

For the hospitality sector, Canopy’s concept feeds beautifully into the eco-friendly story which is now being told by venues. Included in the assortment is a series of tumblers, beer glasses, hi-ball, and carafes. And for the overall aesthetic – there are vases and selfwatering planters too.

a way to bring nature indoors, responding to changing lifestyles,” LSA tells us. “We are constantly seeking to present positive change through design, working with partners whose own goals align with our own and encouraging people to make sustainable choices. The Canopy collection demonstrates ways to connect with the world around us, it reflects on our inherent need to resonate with nature, all whilst celebrating glass; an infinitely recyclable and versatile material.”

Part of LSA’s design approach is to consider how their products might serve a greater purpose and enhance the environment, in essence, improving surroundings while leaving less of an impact on the earth. One of the ways they achieve this is through biophilic design – a way to make our spaces greener, more pleasant and calming by echoing patterns in the

* all images from Canopy collection

Did you know?

LSA International will be launching new collections of indoor planters in 2023.

natural world.

“From closed dome gardens in recycled glass to self-watering planters, pieces have been designed in greater accordance with nature, introducing it into our lives with a proven positive impact on our wellbeing,” the company adds.

Important too, to the company, is considering how people actually live – what does modern life look like today? How do people use ‘things’?

“Versatility adds intrinsic value and longevity to an object and our collections have been designed to allow you to do more with less. Our collections feature vases which are also lanterns, tumblers which may be used for water, wine or cocktails. We consider how a piece, originally bought for a specific use, may be repurposed and given a new lease of life over time. Buying less, buying better, owning for longer. A responsible approach to design and craft which aims to create something of value,” LSA says.

“We design for people with the simple aim of understanding the purpose and environment of a product. Thoughtful considered design. A sustainable approach which goes beyond form and function to create something considered, something of value. Through the skilled use of hand tools and an understanding of highquality raw materials, our craftsmen use traditional techniques to transform mouth-blown glass into products of value. Considered, handmade products that we care about, products with integrity.”

As an aesthetic, pink is never far from reach but with Barbiecore making such an impact this year – it’s one worth examining more. Tableware International’s editor Mairead Wilmot looks at some perfectly pink tableware options…

Villeroy & Boch

Swarovski x Rosenthal

A hot trend for 2022, Barbiecore is about two things – embracing a ‘more is more’ approach to décor , but more importantly, embracing pink. With maximalism firmly back in vogue, the Barbiecore subaesthetic has trickled its way down from the Tik-Tok masses to the table. This means pink, and all its various shades, are what people want. And while Barbiecore burst into our lives earlier in ‘22, the trend still has legs with the Greta Gerwig directed Barbie movie hitting screens in 2023 starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling sure to extend its life even further.

With that in mind, let’s look at some gorgeously pink tableware

options from key suppliers which allow consumers to buy into their own slice of the Barbiecore pie.

First up, the breath-taking Swarovski x Rosenthal Signum Collection. Perfectly encapsulating the trend with its intense bubblegum pop of pink, the series is exceptional – a triumph of creativity and artistry representative of both brands capabilities. Designed by Swarovski’s creative director, Giovanna Engelbert, and developed with Rosenthal, Signum – which was released earlier this year – has been inspired by the 19th century Austrian art movement. While there are four colourways representing Swarovski’s brand colourways – blue, green, yellow and pink – it is the pink which bursts with a real vibrancy befitting of the trend.

Next from Villeroy & Boch, the glorious Rose Garden, which was launched earlier this year – as a complete dinnerware set you’ll find single colour powder pink or white plates sitting next to floral décor pieces in graduated hues of pink and lilac – particularly impactful when mixed with Villeroy & Boch’s Manufacture

Embracing Barbiecore

Denby’s Heritage Piazza