Tableware International September October 2023

Tableware Team

EDITOR

MAIREAD WILMOT

mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

PUBLISHER

PAUL YEOMANS pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR

MARK NAISH mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

TableWare INTERNATIONAL

CHAIRMAN

MALCOLM NAISH malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

PAUL NAISH paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

This latest issue of Tableware International is a celebration of ‘new’. Because this industry definitely has a lot of ‘new’ to celebrate. From Steelite International refurbishing its central London showroom to the F&H Group and Rosendahl opening at 41 Madison, all signs of positive investment in growth. News of Fiskars buying out the Georg Jensen brand can also only be met with industry approval. Fiskars signed an agreement with Investcorp to buy the Danish luxury lifestyle brand for EUR 151.5 million thus giving a powerhouse portfolio boost by teaming Georg Jensen with another well-known Danish brand Royal Copenhagen. It’ll be exciting to see what direction Fiskars take Georg Jensen in now. There have been some interesting choices coming out of the Fiskars camp recently – the Wedgwood partnership with designer Charles Jeffrey Loverboy being one of them. While I understand the concept behind the partnership – Wedgwood founder Josiah Wedgwood was indeed a supporter of the arts – the whole marriage misses a beat for me. I did, however, enjoy the music video they produced to support the collab in which surprised (I mean, we were all surprised) Wedgwood staff watched Charles Jeffrey Loverboy and his band sing a ditty about furnaces on the factory floor. If you’ve not seen it, please do treat yourself. The point being, I’m interested to see where Fiskars will take Georg Jensen. Creativity and craft are a beautiful thing, but not when they drown in unnecessary pretention. Moving on, our cover story this

month is given to Vista Alegre’s concept collection The Meaning. They have partnered with Bordallo Pinheiro to present a multifaceted range and what’s interesting about this collection is both brands showcase their individual strengths to bring The Meaning to life. You’ll find pieces which are part Vista Alegre and part Bordallo Pinheiro in porcelain, crystal and earthenware and it’s fantastic to see artful journeys explored well. Turn to page 34 for more.

This issue also features decorative tabletop (pg 40), and flatware (pg 52) while we take a look at the optic glassware trend (pg 78). Speaking of optic glassware – NUDE has a whole range of gorgeously styled pieces, from vases to drinkware, which we explore on page 50.

Meanwhile, our columnist Donna Ferrari takes a look at a whole host of trends on page 46 from collaborations to colour to revamped floral patterns.

And not forgetting the upcoming New York Tabletop Show – visit page 68 to see a snapshot of some of the brands there while also making sure to read our interview with the F&H Group’s CEO Charlotte Krath on page 72 who tells us about why the company has set up a US base. It’s a similar story with Rosendahl Design Group who has opened a showroom in 41 Madison and will be present at the tabletop market. Read our interview with CEO Thomas Perez on page 66. Meanwhile, the team from over&back share their exciting new 2024 collection from page 62 which is not to be missed and finally, we have our expert HoReCa columnist Valda Goodfellow who shares her views on page 74.

Don’t forget, the Tableware International Awards of Excellence 2024 are open for entries – see page 22 for further details.

Christmas Tree

Fiskars Group acquires Georg Jensen brand

Fiskars Group has signed an agreement with Investcorp to buy the renowned Danish luxury lifestyle brand Georg Jensen for EUR 151.5 million.

In 2022, Georg Jensen’s net sales were EUR 158.1 million and EBIT was EUR 14.9 million. The acquisition supports Fiskars Group’s growth strategy by expanding the company’s luxury home brand portfolio, which already includes the iconic brands of Royal Copenhagen, Waterford and Wedgwood. Furthermore, reuniting the beloved Danish design brands

Steelite International open newly refurbished London showroom

Steelite International has given its central London showroom a revamp. The hospitality giant moved to its London base – in the heart of the capital – more than ve years ago, but recently refurbished the space.

The showroom, based in central London, is a key showcase for the company’s portfolio of popular brands. Now open for bookings, the 190sq meter space is lled with the latest award-winning tabletop, lighting, and bu et solutions for the hospitality industry.

New features include a full library of all current collections, dedicated space for brands, fully refurbished meeting space, high spec live demo kitchen and space to create bespoke tabletop concepts. The Steelite London showroom is located at 75 Wells Street, 2nd Floor South, London, W1T 3QH England.

Arnolfo Di Cambio marks 60-year anniversary

Georg Jensen and Royal Copenhagen o ers attractive commercial excellence opportunities.

“Being an iconic brand with a strong heritage and focus on pioneering design, Georg Jensen is a perfect fit to Fiskars Group’s family of brands both strategically and culturally. We are delighted to welcome Georg Jensen and its employees to Fiskars Group. With this acquisition, we will reinforce our offering in the luxury home products,” says Nathalie Ahlström ( pictured ), Fiskars Group’s president and CEO.

Arnolfo di Cambio – the Italian crystal brand – marked its 60th anniversary recently with an exhibition called “60 Years of Design in Crystal” at the recent Maison&Objet.

The exhibition, curated by designer Andrea Ruggiero, was created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Maison by traversing the various eras, with the brand’s historic collections signed by legendary design icons such as Joe Colombo (Smoke collection, exhibited at MoMa), Cini Boeri (Cibi collection, featured in the lm Blade Runner), Michele De Lucchi, Enzo Mari and many others. The contest, announced last April 18, 2023, was a huge success beyond expectations with more than 120 entries. The three nalists, Francisca Soto from Chile, So a Monchieri and Danielle Nakash from Italy and Israel, respectively, and Anna Gwiazda from Poland had the opportunity to join the company in Paris and their designs – realized in 3D – were showcased at the 60 Years of Design in Crystal exhibition.

Visitors to the Arnolfo di Cambio stand at Maison&Objet selected the overall winner, via online voting. The winning project was Francisca Soto’s Conico.

Rosanna Bowles talking about why quality counts to her brand. Pictured is Rosanna’s Noble Fur paired with 12 Days series.

“In retail we have seen throw away products that are a part of fast fashion. It is well known this is damaging for the environment. The same holds true for the housewares industry.

Sustainability in products is an important part of what makes a product desirable. Porcelain and ceramicware has – historically – been reused for generations. At Rosanna, when we craft a product we want it to live on. We want multiple generations to enjoy the product.”

Arnolfo di Cambio’s Gabriele Bagnasacco with nalists at the 60 Years of Design in Crystal exhibition

Nambé to launch curated assortment in UK market

The Portmeirion Group is launching a special curation of Nambé product in the UK market from autumn 2023.

As part of Portmeirion’s key strategic online roadmap, a curated assortment of Nambé product will be available on the UK Portmeirion family of brands website – www.portmeirion.co.uk. The selection of products will later be shown to select retailers in January 2024 at Ambiente.

The assortment of products will contain a mixture of materials including acacia wood, 18/10 stainless steel, and signature Nambé alloy that remains unmatched in the home space. Along with everyday pieces the curation will also feature Nambé Holiday.

F&H Group opens new showroom at 41 Madison

The F&H Group has opened a new o ce and showroom in New York. Based out of 41 Madison, the Danish group owns more than 10 di erent design brands, which the company develops, markets and sells worldwide, including Rosti, Södahl, Gense, BITZ, Lyngby Glas, Villa Collection Denmark, Hoptimist and many more.

Question corner…

Will saucers become extinct?

This is a query posed by designer Robin Levien from Studio Levien. Robin rst asked the question a number of years ago for an exhibition at the Royal Society of Arts – which is where the great image below comes from.

“Tableware trends are aways changing, as we well know, bigger mugs have become fashionable as we favour large frothy co ees,” Robin tells Tableware International. “Espresso machines have led to the extinction of the ceramic co ee pot, which let’s face it, cooled your co ee down before you’d served it anyway! Teapots are potentially hanging on by a thread and who remembers the Cruet Set? We used to use a saltshaker to dispense pre-ground salt but this is increasingly being replaced by a salt grinder or loose salt crystals.”

Robin nishes by asking: “I wonder what will be next? Maybe human beings?!”

Colorful Double-wall Borosilicate Glass Co ee Mugs Collection

Introducing our Colourful Double-Wall Borosilicate Glass Co ee Mugs Collection - perfect for tea, co ee, or milk.

The double-layer design provides heat insulation without making the mug too hot to hold.

Choose from a variety of colors and enjoy the convenience of microwave-safe and easy-to-clean mugs.

Our durable borosilicate glass can handle rapid temperature changes and will add a touch of elegance to your daily routine.

Villeroy & Boch box clever

There are nice gyms, and then there are nice gyms that serve clients with Villeroy&Boch.

Parisian boxing club Le Temple Noble Art serves up top quality beverages on Villeroy & Boch’s MetroChic, which is used in the bar. The training sessions in Le Temple Noble Art perpetuate the tradition of the noble art of boxing in an atmosphere infused with a touch of luxury –perfectly reflected in the elegant MetroChic.

Wilmax adds Silver Moon to its Graphics collection

Wilmax has added a new décor to its Graphics collection – Silver Moon. Reminiscent of the moon, it comes in a silvergrey shade with a texture resembling stones. The series includes flat and deep plates, rectangular dishes and serving dishes in the form of an ellipse and a super ellipse. The products are designed for intensive daily use, are suitable for cooking and heating food in the microwave and washing in dishwashers without any loss

of quality – all factors appreciated by HoReCa professionals.

The Graphics collection includes ten series of products, each with an individual design theme and colour palette. Wilmax says the products in this collection are distinguished by a stylish design and colours, meeting the latest trends in the HoReCa environment.

wilmax.uk

Utopia goes big on small plates

To meet demand for small plates, Utopia has expanded some of its most popular casual dining collections by adding a selection of small plates. They include Truffle, which contrasts an earthy brown interior with a raw biscuit exterior. As well as 17.5cm plates, including a walled design, it offers small bowls, the 15cm one having a raised base to add height to the presentation. Utopia has also added small plate options to the Parador, Coral and Goa lines.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Did you know?

HOST Milano opens its doors soon – running from 13 to 17 October. See a full review of the hospitality industry’s key showcase in Tableware International’s sister magazine HoReCa and visit host.fieramilano.it for more.

With two Michelin stars to his credit - the first in 2013 at Dolomieu in Madonna di Campiglio and the second in 2018 at the Orobianco restaurant in Calpe, Alicante - talented chef Enrico Croatti has interpreted the new Radici Buffet in Moebius. Radici is the latest design of the Sambonet Style Center with an extension of Arthur Krupp branded articles. The buffet system’s flexibility is perfectly showcased by the chef with a mix of sensory experience, experimentation and gastronomic avant-garde.

www.sambonet.com

Radici in action

A minimalist moon

Spode to launch Blue Italian Steccato

New for 2024, Spode is set to launch its Blue Italian Steccato tableware collection, which has been specifically designed to elevate consumers’ homes through distinctive design.

Adorned with Spode’s illustrious cobalt blue, Steccato blends great British craftmanship with timeless style for a modern take on a classic thanks to its eye-catching statement blue and white stripes that pay homage to a rich heritage of ceramic mastery and innovation. Full of personality, the collection also seamlessly pairs with Spode’s iconic Blue Italian range, which is known for its timeless design in the home.

Made in Stoke-on-Trent, the collection includes dinner plates, side plates, a salad plate, bowls, teacups and saucers and espresso cups and saucers, a teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug and mugs. Blue Italian Steccato will be available to purchase from early February 2024.

www.spode.co.uk

Wellwares introduces coloured coffee mugs

From Dibbern, Moon is a fine bone china series which combines perfectly balanced volumes, a matte white exterior and soft surface in a reduced design. The fusion of aesthetics, touch and substance creates an unrivalled harmony. Dibbern tells us: “Moon lives up to its name - it gently reflects the incoming light, like the moon”.

www.dibbern.de

Wellwares has introduced a line of coloured double-wall borosilicate glass coffee mugs. The double-layer design provides heat insulation without making the mug too hot to hold. The brand adds its durable borosilicate glass can handle rapid temperature changes. And, of course, they are microwave-safe and easy-to-clean.

www.wws-ceramic.com

Inspired by… pretty pastels

The Polish Porcelain Factory “Ćmielów” & “Chodzież” Inc has been inspired by pretty pastels for its latest colour glaze collection. New shades have been introduced to the Dalia line – muted warm greys for autumn have been joined by cheerful pastels for spring 2024. Visit porcelana.pl to learn more.

Modern art for the table

On trend and beautifully functional, Beatriz Ball’s new Soho Double Ice Bucket in sleek metal has the look of a contemporary sculpture. Its flaring shape, and daring double form elegantly holds two bottles of wine. Sustainably handmade of a top quality, easycare metal alloy.

whole.beatrizball.com

Versatility embraced

The Roche collection from Fine Dining & Living’s Chic brand is a hugely versatile assortment which allows for a variety of serving suggestions. The collection comprises differently shaped blocks which the brand envisions using for small bites – think tapas, sharing dishes or desserts. The collection also boasts square plates, ideal for any kind of dish.

www.finediningandliving.eu

Home décor is given a colour boost by Villeroy & Boch

Villeroy & Boch’s like. brand has introduced an ontrend line of candle holders in fresh colourways. The brand tells us the new glass candle holders “come in shapes ranging from a chain-like sequence of organic curves to a linear, modern design with no superfluous frills. In two sizes and five different shapes, they open endless scope for individual mix & match effects.

And despite the light impression created by the

borosilicate glass, the candle holders are both stable and robust.”

In terms of colourways – the accessory pieces come in six different shades – clay, grape, ice, sage, apricot and lavender – the same colours used in the successful like. glass line. Completing the look, dip-dye candles in three colour combinations.

www.villeroy-boch.com

Did you know?

The Ravenhead Pisa collection has been made with at least 10 per cent recycled glass, each piece within the range is handmade from durable, high-quality glass and features a stylish design suitable for all dining styles. The range includes champagne flutes, wine glasses, mixers and hi-balls, all designed with a modern texture.

www.rayware.co.uk

17/1 0

PA VILL ON 9 ST AND Z2 4

Fürstenberg showcases new décor Fluen collection

Fürstenberg is presenting a new pattern – Luminea – on its Fluen tableware series. Abstract ginkgo leaves in delicate shades of green and champagne with a metallic pearl sheen accentuate the gently curved design language of the porcelain. The pattern has a slightly raised, silky feel. Luminea is the first design from Fürstenberg to employ this innovative pattern technique. Special, mineral-based effect pigments combine with the porcelain surface during firing to create a metallic shimmer. Fluen Luminea is dishwasher safe and microwaveable. www.fuerstenberg-porzellan.com

Time for wine –Alessi style

Over the years, Alessi’s research into objects for the service of wine has led the company to create pieces that have become iconic, that have expanded the imagery associated with this world.

The two Alessi & Wine sets pay homage to this long design tradition by offering a selection of fundamental tools to accompany a wine offering. To wine lovers who wish to enhance the tasting experience with functional and evocative objects: the iconic Anna G. and Parrot corkscrews with the Anna Stop 2 stopper by Alessandro Mendini, the Noé stopper and drip ring by Giulio Iacchetti, and the 5009 bottle coaster by Ettore Sottsass and Sitges by Lluís Clotet.

Celebrating a classic

From Orrefors, Intermezzo Gold – mouth-blown in Kosta, Sweden – is a true celebration collection. Note the detail in the glass – sealed within is a teardrop-shaped enigma. Erika Lagerbielke created a timeless classic in 1984 with the Intermezzo collection, originally designed in a blue color. In honour of Erika’s 40 years as a designer at Orrefors, and in addition to Orrefors celebrating 125 years as a brand, Intermezzo is produced in a celebratory golden edition, delivering a festive elegance to the brand’s most iconic tableware collection.

www.orrefors.com

Arthur Krupp goes to the dark side

www.arthurkrupp.com

Bring a festival of flowers to the table

From New Edition’s Pip Studio brand comes the Oriental Flower Festival collection. Japanese influences are mixed with the inspiration from an earlier journey through India. The cups, and new sushi porcelain like the chuzaras, chopsticks and kozaras, have been decorated with floral ornaments, and in some items combined with refined Seigaiha wavelets print, which is typically Japanese. www.newedition.nl

Arthur Krupp has introduced an Onyx stoneware line boasting absolute blackness and surface ridges which evoke volcanic gemstones. Onyx brings an energy and charm to the table with texture and different shaped dishes - round, organic and rectangular – setting the stage for an inspiring meal.

Enter the 2024 Tableware International Awards of Excellence

Entries are open for the 2024 Awards of Excellence

The awards include:

Serveware

serving pieces, platters, bowls

Barware tools, drinkware, serveware: collection or specific pieces

Flatware/Cutlery collections or individual items

Casual Glassware

everyday use / machine-made

Fine Glassware

premium, crystal, mouthblown

Do you know a top-tier designer whose work deserves to be celebrated? Has your company produced a collection which stands out for its ingenuity?

Do you have a glassware collection which is a hit with hospitality? Do you have serveware which is, quite literally, serving? If so, you need to enter Tableware International’s Awards of Excellence 2024.

The awards ceremony will, once again, take place at Ambiente 2024.

“Last year our awards enjoyed a fantastic return to Ambiente and we were absolutely overjoyed at the turnout,” says TI’s publisher Paul Yeomans. “I’ve worked in this industry for a long time and it’s really important – not just to me, but to our editor Mairead, and to Lema Publishing as a whole – that we honour the best this industry has to offer.”

Echoing Paul’s sentiments, TI’s editor Mairead Wilmot encouraged the industry to get behind the awards. “Tableware International has been serving the trade for nearly 150 years – beginning life in Stoke-on-

Trent as the Pottery Gazette. We have a long history of supporting the tabletop industry and these awards are merely another way for us to shout about the best in our business. You can enter by visiting our awards-specific website www. tablewareinternationalawards.com/ and anything launched from 1 January 2023 is eligible for entry.”

As with previous years, there are 13 product categories (along with a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Designer of the Year award) covering the complete tabletop sector, and brands can enter collections/products in up to three categories. Our international panel of experts will judge the entries

across all categories using the following criteria: Design, Innovation, Aesthetics, Storytelling. The Tableware International Awards of Excellence 2024 categories are as follows, and can include a full collection, capsule collection, single product or extension(s) of an existing collection, but must have launched January 1, 2023 onwards.

Remember, these awards are for the collections that matter, so let’s celebrate our designers, our glassware manufacturers, our dinnerware providers and our hospitality

How to enter the awards

Entering the 2024 Awards of Excellence couldn’t be easier – simply log onto www.tablewareinternationalawards.com and enter your chosen categories.

Decorative – vases, bowls, candlesticks, photo-frames, figurines

Coffee/Teaware

full set and/or individual coffee/ tea pieces

Metals pieces made of metal

Hospitality Dinnerware

HoReCa specific collections

Hospitality Glassware

HoReCa specific collections

Casual Dinnerware everyday, informal

Fine Dinnerware

bridal, formal, premium, luxury

The Innovation Award collections or individual pieces with stand-out, innovative elements either in design or make

2024 Designer of the Year

a designer whose work is considered excellent

Lifetime Achievement Award

someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry

Some winners from the 2023 awards

Designer of the Year 2023 Beatriz Ball with TI's editor Mairead Wilmot

TI's Paul Yeomans enjoyed a drink with Alessi at the 2023 event

Being brand savvy

As a store owner, the merchandise you carry is worth more than its weight in gold. It’s everything. It defines your point of view, what you represent, and who you want to be as a business. More importantly, it helps determine your profitability.

Saying that, it’s also one of the most difficult things to manage as a retailer.

Why is this such a difficult task? For one, the products you carry are some of the highest investments you make in your business. If it is a new brand for example, you have no sales history or experience in how the product might do and how quickly it will turn.

One of the most significant aspects of running a successful retail business is not only finding

for inventory optimisation so there is less of a chance to go over your “open to buy”. In other words, it’s a roadmap to have the appropriate stock levels in your store to maximise profits with the least amount of risk and the smallest investments.

I remember when I first started my business, I thought I needed to have eight to 12 place settings of dinnerware in stock so if someone wanted to purchase them, I’d have it ready that day. I learned very quickly what products my customers wanted instant gratification on, and what they were willing to have me special order and wait for. Clearly, I don’t keep those levels today – but it taught me a valuable lesson… know your customer. So, when

most rewarding, however, a close second is the wholesale online marketplaces. This is a great place to start if you are thinking of introducing a new brand in your store. With Faire, Abound and Tundra to name a few, these marketplaces offer the least amount of risk, and many times offer specials so you can test products without the ramifications of a bad buy. For example, I often look to Faire when trying something new. It allows me to return any products on my first buy with a vendor if it ends up not selling or meeting my expectations. Essentially making it risk free.

However, when you find a new brand you might like to try make sure you are asking the right questions:

■ Will these products attract and target my customer base?

About T is for Table

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

Asking the right questions

the right brands to carry but also when to drop existing brands and when to introduce new ones. For the purpose of this article, I want to focus on finding new brands.

New brands

It’s always difficult to predict what merchandise will sell best in your store. Just because you, as a buyer or owner, like something doesn’t mean your customer will. Now I’m not saying your gut instinct isn’t a good rule of thumb – it can be, especially if you have been running your business for a long time and really understand your customer and marketplace.

The longer you’ve been in business the more data you have

considering a new brand or category, my first thought goes to my customer. Have they been requesting anything lately, have they shown a particular interest in a category I already carry. Do I have a hole in that category that can be filled with a new brand.

Finding new brands

Today, finding new brands is much different from when I opened my business over twenty years ago. Then you solely relied on the partnerships of the vendors you met at the trade shows. Now, there’s Instagram, wholesale marketplaces, networking, industry magazines, just to name a few. I still find tradeshows the

■ What is the initial investment in the brand; in other words what is the minimum open to buy to carry the brand in your store?

■ Is it something I can afford to try?

■ What is the form of payment?

■ Can I get terms or dating to try the brand in my store?

■ Are there any POS materials included to help introduce the brand to my customer?

■ Does the brand have a local representative I can work with to put together an opening order and inform me of the brands top sellers?

■ What kind of margin opportunities are there with the brand; are there pricing incentives for buying more?

More recently with the supply chain issues during and after Covid, I’ve had to ask what the brand’s freight terms are, as if you’re purchasing larger items, it can really increase your freight costs which will directly erode your margins.

Finally, I do check my competition. This works both ways in so much as, does my competition carry this brand, and if not, can I get brand protection? Likewise, I ask myself if I really want to sell a line that is already carried within my marketplace.

I’m not sharing any great new insight when I say your success as a business is represented by the products and brands you carry. Know your customer, your marketplace, and your budget to make the best purchases possible. In addition, data is key. Once you have it make sure to evaluate if the new brand is worthy to stay on your shelves. Happy shopping!

In part one of a two-part exploration into brand awareness as a retailer, our columnist Michele Trzuskowski looks at the importance of the brands you carry

“Just because you, as a buyer or owner, like something, doesn’t mean your customer will”

CONS IDERED DESIGN

A universe of inspiration

There are retail stores, and then there are legacies. Illums Bolighus – which was founded in 1925 by a Danish entrepreneur and given artistic direction from a Swedish designer – is a legacy that is continually growing and inspiring its many happy customers. Michelle Hespe takes a closer look

For anyone Scandinavian, Illums Bolighus is a household name. It is an up-market, meticulously curated department store with minimalist Nordic flair –Scandinavia’s leading department store for design, lifestyle, fashion and home furnishings.

The original flagship store was established in Copenhagen in 1928 by Danish entrepreneur Kaj Dessau. Working with a Swedish designer for artistic inspiration and aesthetic guidance, they did something no other retailer had done before – laid out striking interiors for its customers, bringing together furniture with textiles, installing artworks and precious pieces, so anyone stepping into the spaces was stepping into a world within a world, that they could

potentially own. The philosophy grounding the store was all based on inspiration.

The ensembles of products were (and still are) like theatre sets or parts of a film studio, where you can walk into a world that might otherwise have been in someone’s imagination. Basically, much like IKEA does today, customers can see how their home might look should they buy the showcased products.

The company was renamed Illums Bolighus in 1941, and today it has stores in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Germany – with the Illums Bolighus Oslo store winning a gia Global Honoree award in 2023.

Just like the others bearing the same name, the Oslo store is grand in every sense of the word – from the chandelier hanging from a

Did you know?

spectacular circular ceiling that is also a skylight, flooding the store with natural light, to the stark white columns and timeless pendant lights brightening lounging areas and hallways.

Walking around Illums Bolighus makes customers feel as though they are in a palace. Even the

displays so that they become natural stopping points and areas for discussion about products and style. Customers are not rushed – in fact they are encouraged to linger longer and absorb the atmosphere, with the sophisticated lounge areas offering a place to relax, talk and digest ideas.

hallways that guide customers from one department to another are decorated with inspiring

The company was renamed Illums Bolighus in 1941, and today it has stores in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Germany – with the Illums Bolighus Oslo store winning a gia Global Honoree award in 2023.

Tables are set with ideas to suit the seasons or occasions, and there is music and scents from aroma diffusers to match the themes so that visitors are completely absorbed in a setting that could be in their own home. All departments are themed to suit their target markets, and there are cash points in each so that no one has to walk far to purchase products.

The gia experts commented that the “events give Illums Bolighus a lot of credibility. They’re authentic and very real, with live performances promoting craftsmanship”.

For window displays, there are four set themes each year – in February it’s weddings and there is an annual collaboration with a wedding gown firm. In April and May there is a focus on inspiring people to get out and enjoy the sunshine, and in September (Fall) it is all about creating a warm, moody approach to embrace spending more time inside. In October, the Christmas mood is set – with some of the country’s most spectacular Christmas displays.

Despite this somewhat oldworld feeling of grandeur, this is a department store that is modern in every way. The gia expert jury noted that “Illums Bolighus offers a full-universe shopping experience, whether it’s in-store, online or in digital media. To support cross channel sales, Illums Bolighus has a clever system for click and collect purchases, rewarding customers who come to the store.”

Perfecting a customer’s store experience is a major focus for the company, with enticing scents, calming music, highly attentive, professional staff and the use of new technology subtly embedded. For example, all window displays have QR codes for more information on the displayed products. There are QR codes at every entrance, window and cash point.

Fact!

The original flagship store was established in Copenhagen in 1928 by Danish entrepreneur Kaj Dessau.

There are also screens so that customers can purchase products on the spot and have them sent straight to their homes, and television screens that show videos, campaigns and news.

The gia expert jury noted that the “Illums Bolighus website and social media channels have the same aspirational feeling and color-coding that is applied in-store – creating the same feeling of exclusivity and brand awareness. When online, it’s like you never left the store.”

There is also a beautifully presented 100-page Illums Bolighus catalogue in digital and print format that is filled with unique photography and endless ideas. The magazine is handed out to customers in the store for extra inspiration.

The regular in-store events for the company’s “No.1” loyalty club members are a big drawing card for visitation, and they are executed so well that people stay longer and thus form more of an attachment with the brands being showcased by the people behind them.

The gia experts commented that the “events give Illums Bolighus a lot of credibility. They’re authentic and very real, with live performances promoting craftsmanship.”

There are wine and food tastings

hosted by famous chefs, workshops with artists, painting classes with Royal Copenhagen, art exhibitions, manicures and skin specialists sharing advice on products and approaches to health and beauty.

An example of a recent event was where French chocolatier Pascal Caffet (known as the creator of the best pralines in Paris) handed out his famous macarons, while special knives and other kitchenware was exhibited to inspire customers to try them.

Staff recruitment and training is one of the reasons behind Illums Bolighus’ success, and why it is considered one of the best places to work in Scandinavia. There is a focus on career advancement and staff training is at the company’s own school, with additional training by suppliers and heads of departments. Staff are immaculately dressed in formal dark suits – befitting the palacelike atmosphere – and there are many perks, such as morning yoga for staff and awards for employees of the month.

In fact, it would be fair to say that the staff enjoy Illums Bolighus as much as the happy customers who will ensure that the legacy of this inspiring department store continues.

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 co-sponsors or participating in gia, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection. fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/ Awards/gia-Retailing.

For more information about The Inspired Home Show 2024 and to pre-register for a free Show entrance badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

Think pink

As one of the core trending colourways – pink is truly enjoying its moment in the sun. But its re-emergence as a popular shade on the dining circuit undoubtedly happened before the Barbiecore movement took hold. Although red has replaced pink on the catwalks, there is still a place for the sweetest of shades on our tablescapes. Let’s take a look at some pretty pink dining options…

Love for lilac

Not quite pink but very close to it – the reactive glaze on the vibrant Volta from Fine2Dine generates an explosion of soft lilac and psychedelic orange swirls. Don’t let the bulky sturdy porcelain design trick you, the matte finish brings a velvety smooth and luxurious touch to the dining table.

www.finediningandliving.eu

Rose Champagne, anyone?

The Felicity line in rose Champagne brings the feeling of contemporary handcraft to the table through the coarse, hammered decoration on the handle. The combination of a high-gloss finish with an elegant rosé champagne colour gives a stylish and modern twist to any table setting. The hammered finish on the handle gives a nice reflection on the cutlery, which shows the shine perfectly.

www.amefa.com

Pink has its place

Beatriz Ball’s reversible pink and grey placemats give tables an instant makeover with pops of colour, pattern and texture. Sold in sets of four, this design features a snakeskin texture in a pastel pink tone on one side and grey tone on the other. The collection also includes Cambridge glass candleholders in light pink and Athena melamine dinnerware in a pink version.

wholesale.beatrizball.com

Just the right shade

Not only is pink a warm colour but it is easy to live with and goes with so many other colours such greys and greens – in fact it could be said that pink is the new beige! Denby has different shades of pink in its colour palette from the blush in Quartz Rose and the Mineral Vases to the stronger muted matt pink of Impression. “It’s actually a great colour in interiors and can easily be used as a highlight colour but up until a few years ago pink was an unusual colour to be used within tableware but now is now more mainstream and very much a considered colour,” adds Denby’s design director Richard Eaton.

www.denbypottery.com

Amefa

Beatriz Ball

Lace for the table

Aurora Pink from Narumi boasts a delicate lace motif laid out against pink background. The pink colour is used in combination with the lace design and gold rim to make the collection look luxurious and refined.

www.narumi.co.jp

Something a little different

My Wide Life Gabba Gabba Hey Pink from Kosta Boda is mouth-blown in Kosta, Sweden and brings a certain something to the living space. It’s a symbol of our wide lives and how we live today as modern people. The piece is designed by Ludvig Löfgren.

www.kostaboda.com

Tea, anyone?

Price & Kensington Pastel Pink Teapot is made from durable stoneware and boasts a high gloss glaze finish in a subtle pretty pastel pink. The iconic ‘Brown Betty’ shape allows tea leaves to swirl freely around the pot, releasing the flavour and infusing the perfect brew, The teapot comes in two sizes: 2 Cup and 6 Cup with a 450ml and 1100ml capacity, ideal for both tea parties or relaxing individually.

www.rayware.co.uk

Don’t make me blush!

Utopia’s Murra Blush collection gives pale pink a twist, literally, with its dynamic glaze and spiral swirls. The pattern references the luxurious ceramic vessels created by artisans of ancient Rome using semi-precious materials. The porcelain range is available in no less than 25 different items, including a selection of walled and coupe plates, a variety of bowls and loads of accessories, giving restaurateurs a huge range to inspire creativity and give them the opportunity to plan table presentation exactly the way they want it.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Pink, Villeroy & Boch style

Villeroy & Boch know how to do pink. They have an array of options for those looking to add the colourway to their retail offering from the pastel pink plate and glass vases from the Rose Garden collection to the pottery-look Perlemor Coral collection and the vase and candlelight holder in the same colour. There are also pink glasses and candlelight holders from the like. collection. Lots to choose from for those who want to embrace the on-trend

The tonal table

Utopia

Grace, as the name suggests is a delicate dinner, tea and coffee set with thin golden lines and a soft blush colour on fine porcelain. The motif was first inspired by bobby lace designs. After exploring the lines and interpreting the geometry, it evolved to become this gracefully elegant collection. Meanwhile, Violet Lotus features two different but harmonious hues. Porcel created beautiful pastel pink tone, topped with an exclusive, handmade Porcel technique. This collection offers clients a colourful option, available in dinner, tea and coffee sets and can be combined with Louise Lotus and Olivia Lotus. www.porcel.com

Villeroy & Boch

Rayware

Kosta Boda

Narumi

Grace

A UTUMN/ WINTER 2 3

Discover how Denby’s new Autumn 2023 launches can offer newness and interest in small capsule collections for the key selling period and beyond. Visit our virtual showroom www.denbypottery.com/trade or contact us at TradeB2BAdmin@denby.co.uk

KILN AC C ENT S

PO RC ELAIN S TA RS GIFTIN G

ELEMENT S S TO NE WHITE

The Meaning tableware

Among the geometrically organised labyrinths typical of French gardens are flowers, succulent fruits and birds watching over the life that unfolds in this porcelain paradise. The collection consists of a charger plate, soup plate, dinner plate, dessert plate, salad bowls, bowls, coffee cups, tea cups – a complete assortment for a maximum impact table.

The real meaning of tableware

Vista Alegre has partnered with Bordallo Pinheiro to present an incredible new multifaceted collection called The Meaning. A true exploration of possibilities where creativity meets symbolism and interpretation meets contemplation. Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro marry techniques and materials which bring The Meaning to life. The brands bring us on an artful journey with pieces in porcelain, crystal and earthenware, enriching The Meaning’s unique odyssey

Minos

Neoclassical gardens and their pursuit of perfect balance served as inspiration for the Minos vase and centrepiece. The biscuit porcelain base is a metaphor of life through labyrinthine paths, symbols of frivolity and playfulness. Decorated with exquisite handcutting, these pieces are the perfect symbiosis of crystal and porcelain, representing the dialogue between the elements of Earth and Water.

biscuit modules that are multiplied, with glazed parts that emphasise others, made up of hand-painted floral decorations in high relief. The mirror, enveloped in a halo of colour, is the centrepiece of this grandiose piece.

Still Life

Inspired by 17th century still-life’s and Empire garden vases, this vase and box feature a bouquet of porcelain flowers. The snail symbolises home and the butterfly symbolises metamorphosis. In the box, decorated in black and white, the colourful butterfly appears to be what brings the transformation into life. The bichromatic biscuit and sculpted flowers, glued and painted by hand, reflect all of Vista Alegre's know-how and excellence.

Pomum

Inspired by the apple tree and the fruit that grows from it, this cake plate displays the colours and hand-painting of Bordallo Pinheiro faience, as well as fine decorated porcelain and hand-moulded and engraved glass by Vista Alegre. Awakening our collective imaginary, it symbolises life, love, knowledge, seduction and desire. It is a piece that, although utilitarian, is characterised by its strong decorative, distinctive and enigmatic nature.

Bordallo Pinheiro

In a Bordallian celebration, we nd bees cheekily landing on a vase, a lion's face appearing in the vegetation, a more daring dragon y exploring the garden, a bouquet of owers surprisingly unveiling a casserole dish, ivy growing in a centrepiece. Pieces that, through their naturalistic genesis, brings irreverence to the earthenware moulded by Bordallo Pinheiro. These pieces enter the collection as landmarks that unite the interior with the exterior, in a symbiosis that is very present throughout the collection.

The Sin

This fruit bowl was created by cutting out a large bowl from the brand's iconic porcelain, inspired by ancestral Vista Alegre techniques, combined with a Bordallo Pinheiro sculptural base moulded and painted by hand. It is here that we find the allusion to the myth of Adam and Eve, represented by the serpent and the apple, symbols of the original sin committed in the Garden of Eden.

We are creators”

Krosno, a company synonymous with excellence in glass artistry marks its 100-year anniversary in 2023. From humble beginnings, Krosno has grown to become one of Poland’s best recognised brand names, Tableware International’s Mairead Wilmot learns more about this powerhouse glass manufacturer from board chairperson Inga Kamińska

This year, Krosno marks its centenary, celebrating 100 years of craftsmanship. In 1923, the famed Polish glassworks opened its doors and since then, growth has been part of the brand’s DNA. From behind-the-scenes creating product for top-tier brand names to its own cleverly designed ranges – Krosno is utterly synonymous with glassware manufacturing. The company has marked its centenary by introducing a gorgeously stylish new collection – Celebration – heavily influenced

by Art Deco and the roaring1920s.

Speaking with Tableware International, chairperson of Krosno’s board Inga Kamińska says reaching this 100-year milestone is an enormous source of pride –not only for the brand, but for its employees too.

“100 years of existence of a Polish brand in markets around the world is an extraordinary achievement,” she tells us proudly. “For decades, the company has maintained the design, quality and brand recognition that is appreciated by

The bestsellers...

customers, Krosno is a 100-yearold ambassador of Poland around the world - an icon of style - it is a reason for national pride and a thing worth communicating.”

Given that Krosno is renowned for its forward-thinking design prowess, Inga agrees it is important the company continually innovates. After all, you don’t get to 100-years without embracing progress.

“Change is part of the development process. Introducing new designs is a sign of respect for new groups of buyers who

have been joining the group of “fans” of the Krosno brand for 100 years. Our tastes, lifestyles, taste for interior decoration change, so the creation of new products is necessary to constantly strengthen our competitive position. We are creators, not re-creators - we will defend this position.”

With such a breadth and depth of experience selling into new markets for 100 years, no less – is Krosno still searching for new sales territories? The answer is a resounding yes.

Avant-garde: Avant-garde is a collection marked by elegance and exceptional style. It combines clever design with functionality, while its outstanding shape distinguishes it from other glassware. Krosno tells us the assortment is “perfectly shaped to serve all kinds of drinks and to enhance the their taste”.

Avant-garde

Fjord: A celebration of whiskey, the Fjord collection includes glasses, carafe, and a whisky set, all of which were created with lovers of this drink in mind. This exclusive line is produced from the highest quality glass with attention to every detail. The collection delights with its design-led shape featuring characteristic indentations reminiscent of ice crystals.

Fjord

The Celebration collection

Meet three of Krosno’s latest launches

To mark 100 years of glass artistry, Krosno launched the Celebration collection. Inspired by the 1920s, Celebration honours the decade in which the glassworks started operating. Celebration expertly marries the Art Deco period’s stylistic aesthetic with a modernity typical of the Krosno brand.

“The search for new markets, distribution channels and target groups is a permanent activity in every industry. Nothing is ever given once and for all, some areas shrink while economic realities, at the same time, give space to shape new ones. We openly accept orders from Asian countries, which until a few years ago were an unknown market. Our designers follow the trends and culture of serving beverages around the world on an ongoing basis to better adapt our

offer to the expectations of final consumers.”

As for Krosno heading into its one hundred and first year, the brand will continue to keep its eyes on its goals. “Further development of the brand and product offer - respecting tradition, but looking to the future. And of course, further expansion into new markets and sales channels.”

To learn more about Krosno and its collections visit https://krosno.com.

Did you know?

Exports exceed 80 per cent of Krosno’s revenue with products distributed to 70 countries.

Modern: Modern is a collection of glasses characterised by a coherent composition with a geometric, tasteful design. They are perfect for people who like harmony and wellorganised interiors. Thanks to the possibility of purchasing vessels of similar shape and different capacity, it is possible to introduce a coherent order to the interior, which will certainly be appreciated by lovers of simple, classic solutions. These glasses will fit into an endless list of occasions. They can be arranged in many ways. They are perfect for everyday use and for special occasions. They are distinguished by a modern, harmonious shape. All glasses are made of clear Crystalline glass. They retain their shine for many years and are dishwasher safe. Shake: Any occasion is good to celebrate and with seven glasses the Shake collection has been created with this idea in mind. Shake is a complete novelty among Krosno glassware. The collection consists of glasses in various shapes, a well-thoughtout composition that allows you to create endless varieties of cocktails and drinks.

Ray: The Ray collection is a classic, elegant line of diamondshaped, glassware items. This sublime collection was designed for tasting various beverages. Regardless of your favourite drink is, the Ray collection will delight you with its stylish simplicity. Includes long, short, sparkling, white and red wine, and shot glasses.

Ray

Shake

Fürstenberg

Is it a vase, a bowl or a sculptural design item? Maybe all three? With the new SGRAFFITO ARTBREAK! range of items and giftware, FÜRSTENBERG breaks down familiar usage stereotypes and encourages creative mixing and matching. The SGRAFFITO ARTBREAK! range from the designer Friederike Plock-Girmann consists of six vases and bowls in the colours anthracite or coral, which can be combined individually. All items are cast in several colours and then finished by hand. The ellipse pattern in the coloured grooves is created by exposing the underlying white porcelain layer. An extremely fine variance in the size of the white ellipses is a handcrafted element that makes each item lively and unique.

www.fuerstenberg-porzellan.com

The finer things in life

Decorative tabletop doesn’t have to mean ornamental – any piece with design elements which make it a thing of beauty passes muster – all the better if it is functional. We explore some products which capture the essence perfectly...

Villeroy & Boch

A porcelain sphere with an amazing secret –that’s La Boule. The new edition of the sphere, designed by Helen von Boch in the 1970s, is both an eye-catching design object and a tableware set for two people. La Boule consists of two premium porcelain bowls, flat bowls, universal plates and a serving platter. Available in seven different decors, it is also the perfect gift for everyone who loves a fusion of design and functionality.

www.villeroy-boch.com

Viewpoint

Beatriz Ball, founder

What type of decorative pieces are proving popular currently?

Glass centrepieces are proving very popular for us. Upholding our company’s handmade tradition, each decorative glass item is one-of-a-kind, and the lively swirling patterns of tones varies from piece to piece--no two are exactly alike. They are large, unique, and well-priced--true statement pieces.

What are your bestselling decorative collections?

Decorative glass is a category that continues to expand for us. From small bud vases to opulent candle holders to large centrepieces, glass adds a touch of elegance, beauty, and visual interest to spaces. Glass can enhance the overall aesthetic of a room by introducing unique patterns, textures, and colours that catch the eye and create a focal point. We are adding new forms and colour ways in 2024.

S|P Collection

The S|P Collection boasts an array of decorative items. Take the Gallery reed diffusers and scented candles – a jewel in terms of design and gives a subtle fragrance to your home. Bullet meanwhile is a collection comprising classical shapes, and stylish colours. www.finediningandliving.eu

How do you encourage growth in the decorative tabletop category?

Our offerings in anything for decorating the table have expanded tremendously in recent years, and we have added several categories under the umbrella of “decorative tabletop.” Our offerings now include linens, glass, ceramics, and rattan, all elements that enhance our core collections in sand-cast metal and luxury melamine.

HAND-PAINTED DESIGN TRADITIONS SINCE 1839

Kähler, founded in 1839, boasts a legacy rich in hand-painted ceramics, trailblazing designs, and collaborative artistry blending historical traditions with modern innovations. Today, Kähler champions a diverse design collective, solidifying its stance as a pinnacle of Danish ceramic artistry

The dedication to craftsmanship is reflected in every product, preserving time-honored handcrafted design traditions, and ensuring their legacy thrives. Kähler’s collections encompass everything from tableware and vases to sculptures, lighthouses, and Christmas décor.

Learn more about Kähler at www.rosendahl.com

Rosendahl Design Group is a collection of Danish heritage brands that celebrate a rich history of Scandinavian craftsmanship. Visit our website or email sales@rdg.us to inquire about becoming a wholesale partner

Viewpoints

Andrea Waters, marketing director, Portmeirion

What type of decorative pieces are proving popular currently?

We’ve seen decadent designs continue to be popular amongst consumers, such as our Sara Miller London Chelsea collection, which features beautiful and intricate gold detailing amongst a vibrant range of exotic birds. This type of design allows users to embrace elaborate and extravagant styling to help elevate their dining table. Featuring a range of various products, including afternoon tea pieces, glassware, and accessories, the most popular pieces currently span across the 3-tiered cake stand, cake plates, mugs, and glass vases.

What are your bestselling decorative collections?

Botanic Garden is one of our longest running collections and continues to be popular amongst our customers. Its iconic laurel leaf border makes this range instantly recognisable, even after more than 50 years. The collection was also groundbreaking for its time, as it was one of the first tableware ranges in the early 70s to feature a different design on each plate. Standing the test of time, the range is still an enormous success today and continues to be one of our bestselling collections.

How do you encourage growth in the decorative tabletop category?

One way we have encouraged growth is by introducing seasonal designs to a classic and popular collection, such as the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion Lavandula collection, which was launched this year. Designed to layer with the classic Sophie Conran White range, the Lavandula collection has allowed us to attract new customers, as well as enable consumers who have already purchased the White range to add to their collection, rather than having to replace their entire tableware set.

Porcel

Porcel offers a wide range of homeware pieces, featuring simple golden edges that will complement a classic decoration, as well as beautiful colours and a variety of patterns for a bolder look. These can be found in some of the brand’s most distinct collections, such as Blue Legacy, Adamastor and Belle Époque. Each user can choose the piece and decoration that best fits their own individual aesthetic. Porcelain homeware stands as an excellent option, as it is refined, durable and never goes out of style. They can be displayed alongside the matching dinnerware or independently, in order to embellish any table, living room or even any office. www.porcel.com

Riedel

their textured glaze resembles art pieces, and each piece has its own character.”

Riedel has launched two unique and exclusive “signature pieces” designed to complement the successful Riedel Amadeo decanter collection – with only 500 each of these coveted products available worldwide.

The shape of the Amadeo decanter has been one of the icons of the decanter collection from Riedel, ever since its launch in 2006. For 2023, the Riedel Amadeo Sunshine and Riedel Amadeo Moonlight decanters will be the perfect complement the collection. A play of colours in pink, evocative of the warming summer sun, or the unique shade of blue with which the full moon illuminates the nocturnal landscape adorn the curvature of the decanter.

www.riedel.com

“I think there has been a marked interest in texture, decorative finish and shape in tabletop over the last year or so. The success of Denby’s organic serving pieces in the new Kiln collections is a strong indicator because

Richard Eaton, design director, Denby Pottery on what styles are proving popular right now.

Nambé

www.nambe.com

One of Nambé’s best-selling decorative collections is Solarium. Drawing inspiration from the phases of the moon, the Solarium collection is uniquely designed and constructed to fit any design aesthetic. Designed by Dana D’Amico and made from signature Nambé alloy, this collection consists of three moon phases: full moon, half moon, and crescent moon. Each individual vase can be used as a floral vase, or just a décor piece.

We asked…

How do you encourage growth in the decorative tabletop category?

In the realm of interior design, offering customers captivating mood pictures is crucial for sparking inspiration. Beyond showcasing products, these visuals enable individuals to envision possibilities for their own spaces. Mood pictures convey emotions, colour schemes, and arrangements, empowering customers to creatively reimagine their homes.

Aside from that, we stay updated on current trends by participating in trade fairs, ensuring our offerings remain contemporary. By attentively listening to customer demands, we align our selections with their desires.

Lynne Verrydt, Fine Dining and Living

Narumi

If you’re looking for something decorative with a cultural twist, look no further than Narumi’s Kikka. This pattern is replete with traditional Japanese motifs symbolizing nobility, longevity, health and growth. While the motifs are from Japan, the entire collection is not exclusively for Asian food. The Asian elements are arranged and re-created to beautifully match with global food culture.

www.narumi.co.jp

Sambonet

Mela, launched by Sambonet in 2012, is an unpublished masterpiece by Gio Ponti.

The timeless contemporaneity of this object lies in the symmetry of the two footed bowls that, together, create a perfect quasi-spherical volume that, according to the vision of Ponti, could be suitable for many different purposes.

In its larger size it can undoubtedly dominate a location or create striking fruit and flower compositions on the table. In its smaller size the centerpiece takes on its own personality. From a design accessory it may become – for design lovers – an exclusive wedding gift or even be interpreted as an individual serving piece in a spectacular mise en place. www.sambonet.com

Orrefors

The vases in the Reed collection began as three-dimensional sketches in cardboard and paper, where designer Monica Förster demonstrated how to bring character to the material by emphasising its folds instead of hiding them. Transferred to glass, it gives a sense of organic movement. Reed is blown into a mold in clear glass or in moss green and is available in three different sizes. A large vase that can be placed on the floor and in spacious rooms with large greens and florals, a medium size for cut flowers, and a low one that is perfect for tulips.

www.orrefors.com

Original, unique and a conscious choice for quality. 100% made in the Netherlands.

Tableware Trend Analyst

Donna Ferrari

Now-fashioned tableware

In this issue, our trend analyst Donna Ferrari explores innovative approaches to consumer markets in the tableware industry, including trailblazing collaborations, inventive upcycling, culturally-inspired designs, new takes on a classic motif, perspectives on colour, and the latest look at florals…

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.

Creative collaborations and innovative conservation

Collaborations aim to bring fresh ideas. Some of the latest are shaking things up from concepts to conservation

Royal Copenhagen engaged the Danish/Italian GamFratesi firm to design the Royal Creatures dinnerware range. The collection’s winsome creatures, including the Starling, Octopus, Blowfish and Dragonfly (shown), among others, were in part inspired by scientific drawings re-envisioned into fanciful renderings detailed with the brand’s classic design elements. Serax collaborated with Marni, the Milan-based luxury brand focused on challenging traditional codes of fashion to create the Midnight Flowers dinnerware range. The 120-piece collection features several inter-mixable hand-illustrated, nature-inspired designs with slightly asymmetrical shapes and a view to the trend for offbeat yet sophisticated design. Nymphenburg partnered with Dutch designer Hella Jongerius to create Generation T, an inventive marketing project to reduce waste and transform traditional dinnerware. Consumers can submit their Nymphenburg dinnerware pieces, per guidelines and a fee, to have them individually and uniquely repainted using the addition of either of the two schemes offered — Weeds or Dripping (example shown).

Bastin’s vision is to position the heritage brand as a creative hub where artistic trailblazers and innovators can express themselves; a cutting-edge concept to bring renewed interest and excitement for tableware products. Bastin invited London-based designer, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, known for his gender-fluid and disruptive stand on fashion, to reimagine iconic jasperware in a limited-edition collection of radical designs on conservation-minded, upcycled pieces — each hand-decorated by the designer.

Serax

Royal Copenhagen

Origin stories

Culturally-inspired tableware featuring ideas and designs rooted in a country's arts, history and lore is a growing trend

Dolce & Gabbana Casa , the home side of the Italian fashion brand, presents Carretto, a dinnerware pattern inspired by the colourful Carretto Siciliano donkey-drawn market cart, a beloved fixture in Sicily's culture. The hand-painted Sun Charger Plate from Emporio Sirenuse pays homage to Suzani, the type of embroidered tribal textile made in Central Asian countries. Alberto Pinto’s Jaipur dinnerware with its stylised depiction of the lotus flower evokes India’s sumptuous ornaments and colour palettes — the pattern is available in six vivid shades. Bernardaud’s Terra Rosa collection combines inspirations from the pink and orange tones of the bricks used throughout Jaipur’s Pink City and the terracotta floor

tiles seen in Moroccan riad courtyards

— the china pattern’s focus on graphic modernistic design exhibits another major trend. At Portmeirion , here again, Middle Eastern motifs were the inspiration for the four monochrome prints with gold detailing decorating the Artisanne Noir dinnerware set designed by Sara Miller London. The Iittala Taika — meaning magic in Finnish — pattern, designed by Klaus Haapaniemi, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with limited-edition mugs available in three different colours. The popular pattern is pictured in the realm of an enchanted world inspired by local folklore and the designer’s childhood memories.

Toile redux

Lip rouge to tableware, toile de Jouy is having a revival. Toile — French for canvas — began in former centuries as a type of textile that was printed with vignettes of pastoral scenes. Whilst no stranger to tableware décors of the past this genre print is making a comeback, this time with scenes both old-world and de nos jours — of our time

Envisioned as an object of value to be handed down, the house of Dior turned to Bernardaud to produce the ceramic, haute couture, Dior Rouge Premier lipstick case dressed in a toile de Jouy-inspired motif. Spode’s Zoological Gardens dinnerware, available in monochrome, pink, and turquoise turns three of the brand’s heritage designs into one toile-style pattern teaming with wildlife and exotic plants. At Wedgwood, the Wedgwood x Shelia Bridges Harlem Toile de Jouy dinnerware collection’s five different scenes and six colourways reimagine traditional toile into vignettes with contemporary imagery. Tiffany & Co.’s Tiffany Toile dessert plates and mugs play to the company’s New York City hometown landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge and the Tiffany Atlas clock adorning the Fifth Avenue flagship store. The pattern is on offer in six different colours.

Tiffany & Co

Dolce

Emporio Sirenuse

Alberto Pinto

Portmeirion

Iittala

Bernardaud

Tiffany & Co

Counting on colour

Amidst the sea of muted neutrals prevailing in the home goods category, a new wave of homewares is emerging in bright and even otherworldly colours. We see brands embracing colour to give a fresh POV to some of their most recognised and acclaimed designs and bring exuberance to the new ones

Georg Jensen is counting on colour to offer a different perspective to its iconic Mid-Century Koppel pitcher, first made in 1955 in sterling silver, reissued in 2009 in polished stainless steel, and now made available in five matte finish colours: Iconic Blue, Midnight Black, Blue Satin, Lavender, and Pistachio—colour concepts found in designer Henning Koppel’s original sketchbooks. Copenhagen launched another colour for the design named Blue Fluted Plain, introduced in 1775. The new coral colour is one the brand feels updates the design but still has a sense of timelessness; it is available as Coral Fluted Half Lace (shown), alternatively as Coral Lace on the simpler Princess shape. LSA's Gems collection of ribbed tumblers and stemware with lustre hand-painted finishes come in colours that hit all the notes in tonal shades of sapphire blue, garnet, jade and amber. Kosta Boda's three sizes of Rocky Baroque candle holders, designed by artist Hanna Hansdotter, feature distressed surfaces meant as a modern remix of a classical column. The collection’s colours of Spicy Rose, Amber Haze, Lilac Haze and the otherworldly named Kryptonite (shown) speak to the trend for edgy artistry in home

Louis Vuitton's Twist tumbler is designed to interpret the brand's Monogram Flower logo in a tourbillion of hand-blown glass — available in clear and four colours. The Kit Kemp for Spode Calypso collection embraces the homewares trend spotlighting lush and lively colours; here the brilliant pink, turquoise and yellow have the feel-good sensation of sunny tropical hues.

Foral patterns anew

Floral patterns have always had a presence in tableware but new ones have been scarce of late. This season we see florals anew in an array of styles from those that look back to ones that

are patterned

for the present.

Spode's Creatures of Curiosity collection now offers a complete set of dinnerware. The pattern’s flamboyant mix of Victorian-era flower and insect images and luxurious leopard print is perfect for the maximalist trend with vintage flair. Heike Puderbach designed Villeroy & Boch's limited-edition 275 Jubilee Collection, which includes the 7-piece La Boule Paradiso (shown), the 4-piece Birthday Cake Paradiso, and a group of mugs. The collection incorporates flowers, birds and other famed design elements that honour the brand’s history.

Dior Maison's Lily Sauvage collection melds romantic lily-of-the-valley bells with crisscrossed bamboo cane elements that echo the decorative caning trend — as in woven cane used for décor and furniture. The Oneida 365 Entertain Sketchbook dinnerware set mixes flowers and stripes using a black-with-white colour combination, both being trend directions seen across the tabletop category. The images in Vista Alegre's The Meaning tableware assortment (salad plate shown) depict scenes of a secret garden filled with flowers, fountains, trees, trellising, and majestic birds, arranged in red, blue, and green colourations. The artistic images and their symbolism are meant to take the diner to a dreamlike place, stimulate the imagination, and enhance the dining experience — after all, experiences are the hottest of trends.

Spode

Kosta Boda

Louis Vuitton

LSA

Oneida

Dior Maison

Vista Alegre

Spode

Villeroy & Boch

Georg Jensen

Ilo – the candle holders designed to uplift

Designed by Ozan Özalp of the NUDE Design Team, the Ilo candle holders are the ideal home décor accessory. The Ilo assortment comes boasts small and medium candle holders, along with avotive. Craftedto the highest standardfrom pure lead-free crystal, each piece is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Thevotive boasts a sculptural dome distinguished by itsvertical ripple pattern

base, as arethe small and medium Ilo candle holderswhich can be used alone or combinedwithother pieces from the range for stunning impact …

pattern help to create a beautiful ambiance

glasswar e

Contemporary design brand NUDE has a wide-ranging assortment of collections which celebrate optic glassware as a décor option for in-the-know buyers. Herewe highlight various opticoptions from the brand…

Mist – on-trend colourways for your home

In a range of gorgeous on-trend colour ways which blend seamlessly with various home décor style – NUDE’s Mist collectionisa rightly hugely popular with consumers From ose – there is ashade the collection coming in various sizes too. Designed by sçi,Mist combines traditional glassmaking methods contemporary aesthetic ga series of vases om lead-free corrugated ystal — with NUDE saying “the face of eachvessel presents

I s collection is a hugely popular wi petroleum green to caramel to dusty ro or ever y home, only enhanced by the c in size

Tamer Nakis traditional g with a cont Comprising made from crystal — w sur blurred, red the petals”

directing theeye to ”.

Highlights…

Tac tile with a contemporar y design.

Highlights…

Elegant, on-trend glassware made for celebrating.

Highlights…

Softly cur ved centrepiece in two colour ways, enhanced by several vases

Round Upglassware, but ma ke it chic

Round Up isavery chiccollection. Comprising coupe, sparkling, white andred glassware – RoundUp’sd

as sweepingverticallinesthatpattern the surfaces Handcrafted from clearcrystalline glass with typical NUDE design prowess is now available in dusty rose colour

Opti - elevated essentials

D esigned by D efn eK oz ,t he Opti collec tion fr om N UDE comprises a c ent re p iece and tw o vases in di er ent size s. In both a clear an dg re en colour wa y, O pti is a study in contrast s. Th es oftl yc ur ved, ute dp ro file boasts that same on-t re nd ve rt ical ripple pattern as NUDE ’s othe r collec tion s, ma ki ng it ve ry desirable .I n describing Opti, the bran d says: “T he pe rc eive ds oftness an dp lasticity of each piece ar e fur the r enhanced by th es harp , at- cut rim — an ex citing an du nexpe ct ed finishin gt ouch… th eO pti range summarises NUDE ’s imaginativ e appr oach to ev er yday essentials .”

Fallingflatwarefor

Amefa

From Amefa, Side Velvet is a collection which combines a contemporary form and structured lines with harmonious curves. The carefully designed pieces are perfectly balanced for a unique and enjoyable culinary experience. The velvet finish is a new addition, bringing a new aesthetic to the collection. Meanwhile, the Austin model is refined and elegant. It has a modern look but also beckons to tradition with its soft lines and flowing curves. This cutlery is made of the best quality stainless steel and is finished with a satin golden colour.

www.amefa.com

Nambé

Playing one of the most critical roles in any table setting, the importance of flatware must not be underestimated. Good cutlery is like good wine, a musthave for a fine meal.

Gone are the day of dull flatware –cheap plastic and poor design don’t need to play a role anymore – now we

and Sambonet are leading the way when it comes to delivering exceptional product.

www.nambe.com

have exciting colourways, interesting decals and frankly, cutlery has upped its game.

One of the most exciting advancements in recent years has been PVD colours. On-trend cutlery has suddenly become a thing to desire

Beatriz Ball

“We stand out on the market thanks to the wide range of our catalogue colours, including special shades such as Cognac, Rum, Parfait Amour and Champagne, the most popular palette in many countries,” says Maurizio Montanari, head of international

Crafted with precision and care, Beatriz Ball’s new 5 piece flatware, salad serving set and cheese set feature beautifully designed faux tortoise handles and stainless steel that pair with any style adding elegance and charm. Designed to last forever and never go out of style.

Wholesale.beatrizball.com

The flatware sector of homeware is still proving to be fruitful. Customers are looking for a timeless design with durable long-lasting materials. Anna, Nambé’s top selling flatware pattern has simple design that can match any table aesthetic. The Anna 45 Piece set contains eight 5-piece place settings complimented by a 3-piece Hostess Set (Serving Spoon, Slotted Serving Spoon, and Meat Fork) along with a butter knife and sugar spoon; each piece made from 18/10 Stainless Steel.

Make no mistake, flatware can make or break a table setting (it’s not all about the plates, you know!). We shine a light on some top-tier cutlery options for stylish retailers…

“We believe in continuous technological research”

Maurizio Montanari, Arcturus Group

Amefa

Nambe

Category Flatware

sales hotel & restaurant for the Arcturus Group to which the Sambonet, Paderno, Arthur Krupp and Rosenthal brands belong.

“We believe in continuous technological research and, precisely on PVD, we have a registered know-how and carry out this treatment entirely in our Novara factory.”

Maurizio says cutlery is as influenced by interior design and lifestyle trends as any other component on the table with both natural and industrial elements currently influencing design. “Following these trends, Sambonet proposes cutlery in many special finishes, even matched with PVD colouring giving stainless steel both visual and tactile effects. The most significant examples are the antique finish, matt and velvety,

surfaces of tables and counters,” Maurizio says. “In line with this trend, Sambonet offers stainless steel cutlery and cutlery rests with customisable finishes and colours. In-house production allows us to combine the design of cutlery or table accessories with extremely distinctive, unique and always different visual and tactile effects. Thanks to silver plating, PVD colours and special processes such as vintage, satin and diamond, to name but a few, we are able to understand and interpret the customer’s needs in the best possible way with madeto-measure products”.

Fine Dining & Living, who has several HoReCa and consumer brands under its remit, says they have noticed demand from the high-end hospitality sector increase for a range of specialised

diamond or vintage, which bring a flavour of the past to the table, for a country chic style.”

Interestingly, when it comes to the hospitality sector, Arcturus Group say they have noted the “disappearance” of textiles from the table but in turn, there is an upswing in the popularity of cutlery rests.

“This item - once used on oriental tables only - has become commonplace in trendy contemporary mise en place, where cutlery finds its place at the table, straight on the

flatware pieces that go beyond the traditional. The company says items such as sporks, lobster forks and oyster knives are all recieving increased attention from the professional marketplace. On the flip side, when it comes to the modern consumer, Fine Dining & Living’s Lynne Verrydt says modern consumers “prioritise elegance, ergonomic comfort, dishwasher-safe convenience, and reasonable pricing in their search for a new flatware collection. This combination

Fine2Dine

From Fine2Dine, Helix is a unique blend of vintage and industrial design. This results in an innovative line of cutlery with a particularly aesthetic character. The high-quality PVD-coated stainless steel is available in three colours: matt black, gold and silver. These colours create a distinctive look and make Helix a striking addition to your table setting. Meanwhile, Revive combines sleek wavy lines and cheeky shapes to create a unique and innovative line of cutlery. This high-graded PVD coated stainless steel force of nature will charm you in both matte black, gold and silver.

www.finediningandliving.eu

Sambonet

Designed by Gio Ponti and produced since 1932, this Sambonet cutlery – named after their designer – is experiencing a second youth. A shape that was already innovative when they were introduced in the market, extraordinarily contemporary even today thanks to the masterly formal balance of each single piece. Due to its stylistic strength, it is hardly reductive to consider this cutlery merely as functional objects: it is an artistic collection dedicated to the table. The pieces are made of 18/10 stainless steel and are now also available in a wide variety of finishes and colours.

www.sambonet.com

“Decals have gained traction for adding a personalized touch to table settings”

Anand Baldawa, thinKitchen

Category Flatware

addresses their desire for both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.”

Specialist in the Indian market, Anand Baldawa, CEO of thinKitchen, says he has noticed minimalist and contemporary designs are sought after with clean lines and understated elegance as being popular choices.

“Decals have gained traction for adding a personalised touch to table settings… decals are mostly trending for kids, one of the primary reasons for the popularity of specific decals is their ability to engage and captivate young children during mealtime. Decals featuring beloved cartoon characters,

Utopia

superheroes, or animals tend to be trending choices as they make dining more enjoyable for kids,” Anand says.

Also in the flatware market is Beatriz Ball who has expanded her range to include some ontrend options including designs combining silver and gold tones, brushed and shiny finishes, and with handles in faux wood and in also an elegant faux tortoise and stainless collection of flatware and serving pieces.

“With so many options out there, modern consumers approache flatware with high expectations and a list of demands,” Beatriz says. “They are interested in flatware designs that reflect their personal

style and the overall aesthetic of their dining space. This runs the gamut from sleek and minimalistic designs to traditional and vintage patterns to unique and artistic pieces.”

Gold, Beatriz says, is trending stateside. “I’ve loved witnessing a re-emergence in the popularity of gold used in a non- formal and casual way in flatware and in serveware and applied to interesting new forms.

I see flatware in gold tones trending for a few years. Gold flatware designs used to be very ornate and kept only for those who wanted a very lavish and ornate table setting. Now

Mikasa

Orsay is a collection from renowned Belgian cutlery manufacturer and partner of Utopia Tableware, Eternum. It’s a collection of seven pieces, that combine sleek curves with finely judged angular details in a thoroughly modern manner. The knives are particularly distinctive, with handle and blade flowing together through a single asymmetric curve. It also features a brushed satin finish that creates a stunning effect through its rich matt texture.

Meanwhile, Utopia’s black blade Laguiole steak knife easily rises to the challenge. Drawing inspiration from the classic French knife design, it features an eye-catching, ergonomically angled wooden handles with a distinctive decorative cross of embedded silver pins. The durable blade coating will maintain its look for many years, and the blade is serrated to prevent dulling.

www.utopia-tableware.com

very simple new contemporary designs using gold tones are very popular.”

With so many options to enhance table settings, flatware is worth investing in. Take a look at some key options over the following pages.

The Mikasa Lucia Satin Gold 20-Piece Flatware set brings contemporary elegance to the table. Beautifully crafted of 18/10 stainless steel, this flatware features a sleek design, with clean lines and angles defining the understated handles. Each piece is enhanced by a stunning gold finish from head to tip, with the knife blade retaining its original silver colour to add a touch of intrigue to your place setting. 20-piece set, service for 4, includes 4 each of: dinner fork, dinner spoon, dinner knife, salad fork, and teaspoon. www.lifetimebrands.com

Effé

Founded in 1875, Effé manufactures silver-plated flatware and hollowware. The atelier in Toulouse has remained faithful to its values of French tradition and quality in the silversmith trade. With beginnings as a simple workshop with rudimentary tools, today Effé is a factory with the most sophisticated machinery, with silversmiths utilizing advanced techniques of shaping precious metals. Effé guarantees the utmost quality of materials keeping up the traditional savoir-faire of its master silversmiths. Effé’s Atlas Collection is a nod to Art Deco featuring a channelled round handle.

www.effe1875.fr

thinkCredibility

The future of ceramics?

TI: Has digital ceramic printing changed the face of tableware production, in your opinion?

Mesa: For Mesa Ceramics, digital printing is the face of production. We are a very efficient new factory designed for environmentally friendly production with minimal waste, durable products and beautiful designs. Digital printing is the only technology used at Mesa to decorate products and we believe it is the future of stoneware tableware. Environmentally friendly, digital printing is a new, state-of-the-art, flexible technology that allows us to

try new designs on one piece at a time, eliminating the need for large trial production runs to approve designs. This technology uses an average of less than 0.5g of paint per piece, which is a very low amount with no waste as the technology releases exactly the amount needed to create the design. Digital printing also allows a decorated piece to go through a single firing process where other technologies would require a double use of energy to achieve the final desired product. By having Digital Printing (before body firing) as the decoration technology used the

Meet the panellists

use of chemical substances is residual and the waste is nil. Adding to this, the digital-printing method avoids using serigraph mediums and harsh chemicals associated with them. This is a very functional new technology that makes it possible to produce better products faster, while aiming to reduce and eliminate waste and resource consumption, both in finished and raw products, and to protect workers in their daily working environment.

Fine Dining & Living: Absolutely. This technology has provided numerous factories, which previously focused on creating durable white porcelain through high firing, the chance to diversify their offerings with vibrant colours. The most remarkable aspect is that this addition doesn’t necessitate an overhaul of their entire production process. Once a printing line is in place, the creative possibilities become boundless, allowing for swift and straightforward development of new designs.

Francisco Braga

Utopia: Digital printing has pretty much revolutionised the face of tableware, literally! It’s meant that manufacturers can offer

designs which would otherwise be complicated and expensive to produce, and make them available for the mass market. It allows us to create patterns for tableware which look exactly like customised decal designs, and replicate them perfectly.

TI: How long have you been using this technique? Is it here to stay?

Mesa: At Mesa we have been using this technology from day one. Many of us came from the porcelain industry, so we are very familiar with the decal industry and hand painting, but we felt we could make a difference and offer our customers something completely new and exciting, as well as a more efficient and environmentally friendly way of handling stoneware tableware production. The fact that we can offer the most flexible customisation to our clients is also one of the big motives for the use of this technology, since it’s easy to obtain very innovative and out of the box results by using it. Adding to this, the use of reactive inks with the digital printing technology provides unique pieces and allow us to say that every piece is unique, which, in a sense,

CEO, Mesa Ceramics

Timo Ooms senior product & purchase manager, Fine Dining & Living

Josh Rammell marketing manager, Utopia

As more and more producers turn towards digital printing, we speak with three companies who have long advocated for digital ceramic printing as the future of tableware design…

“We see more pros than cons”

Mesa Ceramics

almost creates a single identity to each one of them.

Fine Dining & Living: For approximately ve years now, we’ve been implementing digital printing techniques in our tableware production. In my view, this approach is here to stay and will hold its signi cant place alongside existing methods such as glazing, tampon printing, and decals. It e ectively caters to a speci c segment of the market and meets their demands.

Utopia: We launched our rst digitally printed ceramics onto the market three years ago. The process is absolutely here to stay –it’s a cornerstone of our approach to ceramics moving forward.

TI: What are the pros/cons of the process?

Mesa: We see more pros than cons. The main advantages are that it is a

technology that allows you to work quickly and e ciently, test your designs one plate at a time and be con dent that the approved design will be accurately reproduced in production. The variations you will nd in our range are due to the use of highly reactive glazes which react with some of our inks to create distinctive colours and patterns, creating unique pieces. Waste in our decorating process is zero as the printer only releases the exact amount needed per item, which is usually 0.5g. Once you have mastered the process, you will be able to create textures and amazing patterns in your pieces using only digital printing. Another great advantage is the fact that we decorate our pieces in an un red body and glaze, allowing for a single ring process, whereas some other technologies would require a double use of energy to achieve

the nal desired product. One disadvantage is that not all pieces can be digitally printed, as some may be too large to go through the machine in the production process. There are some technical issues that need to be overcome to produce the designs you’ve been dreaming of.

Fine Dining & Living: The pros, it allows for rapid design iteration, cost-e ectiveness, competitive pricing and durability. In terms of cons, there are limitations in terms of colour choices, inability to print on the inside of vertical wall items like cups and bowls, as well as the backside of products. The resulting appearance can sometimes seem arti cial, and due to growing competition, it is increasingly becoming a mass-market technique.

Utopia: For any buyer wanting consistency, uniformity and accuracy of tableware design, especially with more complex patterns, digital printing is the way to go. Another key bene t is e ciency for mass production, which in turn means pricing is competitive – we can produce complicated designs that wouldn’t be possible otherwise at scale. The major con is that you must have the right production partners, who know the digital process – without that expertise the results will not match up to customer expectations.

TI: What is your most popular collections created using digital printing?

Mesa: YUKI is our most popular collection, and it is one that we are really proud of. Yuki is a twotone collection with a matte white glaze on the outside and a rich reactive green glaze on the

inside. The decoration is applied to each piece while it is un red, so the result is always unique. This collection has already won three international awards from the retail to the HoReCa sector. The rst two, the German Design Award and the Iconic Awards, focused on the exquisite shape design and the uniqueness of the digital print design, which creates di erent shades and tones on each piece. The Smart Label Award, presented by Host Milano and Poli.Design, focused on YUKI’s functional e ciency and excellent design, well adapted to the hospitality sector. Having such a recognised product is the result of MESA’s dedication to design, innovation and sustainability while keeping the practicity and every-day life in consideration.

Fine Dining & Living: One of our newest collections to the brand BonBistro is Solido, it’s a versatile porcelain collection is available in both grey and white. The subtlyribbed texture adds an extra dimension to each piece.

Utopia: Our Kalahari, Venus and Circus collections are very popular and their diversity showcases how di erent digital printing can be. Kalahari is a mustard stoneware with a subtle, speckled e ect creating a warm, natural tone that’s ideal for casual dining. Venus is a scalloped stoneware collection in white with a hint of colour. Circus is a vitri ed porcelain available in three colourways, chambray, denim and raven. Digitally printed circles add creativity and consistency to the textured surface, while the matt tone creates a beautiful canvas for foodservice presentation.

“This technology has provided numerous factories, which previously focused on creating durable white porcelain through high firing, the chance to diversify their offerings”

Fine Dining & Living

“The process is absolutely here to stay – it’s a cornerstone of our approach to ceramics moving forward” Utopia

Collection dissection

over&back is launching an all-new tabletop line at October’s New York Tabletop Show. Tableware International is lucky enough to get a first look at this cohesive collection made by a company who describe themselves as a “design service for tabletops”...

Collection name?

The over&back 2024 tabletop collection

When did the collection launch?

Showcasing at October’s New York Tabletop Show for the very first time. Available to wholesale and retail from January 2024.

How did the idea for the collection come about?

We have seen the significant impact of using a design service to eliminate the guesswork from otherwise tedious tasks for consumers. This concept aligns perfectly with our approach to tabletop design. In today’s digital and ecommerce-driven world, we are inundated with inspirational photos showcasing beautifully set tables and interiors. It’s a common scenario to come across a stunning image and aspire to recreate it in our own homes. However, the frustration sets in when we realize that some items featured in the photo were merely props or unavailable.

Did you know?

This frustration is precisely what we aim to alleviate. We view ourselves as a designer service for tabletops, offering customers the opportunity to see the entire table setting and confidently purchase every item featured in the inspiring photos. Gone are the days of piecing together a table setting from various online retailers and hoping that the colours and styles will harmonize. We’re here to eliminate the guesswork from the equation.

Our mission is to empower customers to achieve their desired tablescapes effortlessly. We understand that customers want to make the most of their purchases, and by demonstrating how a simple switch, such as changing the glasses or linens, can transform the entire look, we enable them to get more value from their investments.

Moreover, our product range is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes and styles, from classic sophistication to fun and funky. All our items are carefully curated

The collection features hand-blocked linens and mouthblown glassware.

over&back says…

to mix and match seamlessly, offering endless possibilities for creating unique and personalized tablescapes. With us, customers can express themselves and design the perfect table setting to suit any occasion or mood, all while enjoying the convenience of a one-stop shop where they can confidently purchase every item they need. We’re here to make tabletop design not just hassle-free but also an enjoyable and creative experience.

Tell us about the collection’s décor / colourways / USPs?

This collection’s foundation lies in an eight-colour core palette, each with three tones. These colours coordinate within and across categories, enabling seamless mixing and matching between dinnerware and linens. over&back recognises the diversity of personal style, from classic to trendy, and believe in maximising coordination to reflect unique preferences. At over&back, we’re bringing more joy to time around the table with incredibly beautiful, well-made pieces anyone can effortlessly mix-and-match. So setting the table becomes less

of a task, and more of a daily delight. The pieces all get along (well, mostly get along), playing well together, in all kinds of creative combos. Amazing tablescapes await.

Is the collection available in all global sales territories? While the collection is US only, a global rollout is planned for a later date.

What has reaction to the collection been like?

Fantastic. We have seen a lot of ‘ah has!’ from everyone that has seen the collection. What we love most is people mixing and matching dinnerware and table linens colourways in ways we didn’t expect and loving the outcome because you really can’t go wrong when combining any of our products.

Are there any interesting facts about the company we should know? We take

immense pride in being one of the very few, if not the sole, company that offers complete table settings, including exquisite table linens. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value without compromising on quality. We firmly believe in the durability of our products, designed to stand the test of time.

To ensure the utmost convenience for our customers, all our products are engineered for easy care, with dishwashersafe and machine-washable features. We hold a deep reverence for traditional craftsmanship and heritage, which is why we seek out resources that still employ time-honoured techniques such as mouth-blowing glass and hand-blocking table linens. These age-old methods infuse each piece with a unique character and authenticity, a rare treasure in today’s world of mass-produced goods.

“At our core, we advocate the idea that toptier quality need not come with an exorbitant price tag. We’re here to demonstrate that superb craftsmanship and lasting quality can be accessible to all.”

Serving Scandi chic to the US market

Entering a new territory is never an easy feat but the Rosendahl Design Group has done just that, recently opening an office on 41 Madison where they share a showroom with none other than Alessi. Already a big hitter in the European market, the group has an impressive eight brands in its portfolio. Thomas Perez, CEO of Rosendahl US talks to Tableware International’s Mairead Wilmot about the move

Rosendahl Design Group has had quite a big year so far –opening a showroom at 41 Madison with Alessi in April –how has that gone for you?

This year has been incredible, and things are moving quickly. We started from scratch last October and have achieved many milestones and reached numerous goals this year. Starting lean and nimble allows us to concentrate on building a robust, agile, and customer-centric business. We’re committed to delivering outstanding customer experiences, simplifying processes, and ensuring that

all our energy and efforts are directed toward growing our business alongside the best retail partners. These foundational pillars help us maintain focus on a healthy and expanding business where everyone benefits. We also opened our showroom in Atlanta in January 2023 and in Las Vegas in July in collaboration with K2T and Collective Home. Furthermore, we plan to open another showroom in Dallas before the end of the year.

Do Scandinavian brands translate well in the US market, in your experience?

Wondering where to find Rosendahl at the NY Tabletop Show?

They are located at 41 Madison on the 6th floor, where they share a showroom with Alessi.

The short answer is yes! The US and Canadian markets together comprise over 350 million consumers, so I believe there is a market for every product and design. There has always been a strong appreciation for Scandinavian products in the US. Several brands have achieved significant success in the market

well received by consumers? We have only been widely available for a relatively short time, but the feedback we have received from retailers so far has been exceptional. We have a very experienced team with many years of market know-how and relationships. It’s crucial to stay true to our origins while also

over the years. It’s all about finding the right channels and outlets where you’re relevant and executing the right strategies with healthy ambitions and bold goals.

Speaking of the US market, how has Rosendahl’s transition to the American tabletop sector been? Have your brands been

translating our brand and culture into the North American way of doing things. This balance is very much the “secret sauce” that’s essential to how we operate.

What drove the decision to enter the US market?

Several factors influenced our decision, one of which was

“There has always been a strong appreciation for Scandinavian products in the US”

Rosendahl

350+ million

the number of consumers in the US and Canadian markets.

Rosendahl Design Group’s (HQ) desire to diversify and grow their global business and revenue outside of Scandinavia and Germany. For many Scandinavian companies, there’s always an aspiration to enter the largest consumer market in the world. However, it can be daunting, and the timing, strategies, and willingness to walk the talk need to be part of the journey. When I met Henrik Rosendahl in August of 2021, we quickly established a merging of ambitions and a desire to undertake this journey together. Two years later, there are no regrets.

Scandi brands, generally speaking, have a reputation for being very thoughtfully designed, with an on-trend pared back aesthetic, have your American clientele embraced this? That’s a good question with multiple answers and nuances. Firstly, in broad terms, I wouldn’t

The Rosendahl brand portfolio

say that the general American taste for design has always shown strong appreciation for what many refer to as Scandinavian design. Today, this design style is often characterized by its minimalist “less is more” approach. However, this perception and appreciation have evolved significantly over the past 10-15 years, and respect for what Scandinavia offers in terms of design quality has grown stronger. While there has always been a bubble of design aficionados, including architects, designers, Scandinavian descendants, and other opinion-makers in major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles with a strong affinity for Scandinavian design, I wouldn’t necessarily consider this representative of the broader American consumer. Historically speaking, Danish design wasn’t only minimalist. I can still remember when Christmas plates and porcelain figures from Royal Copenhagen were viewed as

New showrooms

Along with opening the 41 Madison showroom, Rosendahl Design Group opened a showroom in Atlanta in January 2023 and in Las Vegas in July in collaboration with K2T and Collective Home. Plans are also afoot to open another showroom in Dallas before the end of the year.

Rosendahl Design Group has eight brands under its remit; Kay Bojesen - an iconic Danish brand known for its charismatic wooden animals. Kähler – esteemed for its handmade ceramic designs since 1839. Rosendahl –founded in 1984, this Danish design house emphasizes functional, everyday beauty. Holmegaard Glassworks which was established in 1825 by one of Denmark’s pioneering female entrepreneurs, is the epitome of exquisite Danish glass craftsmanship, offering both drinkware and decorative pieces. Lyngby Porcelæn – since 1936, this brand has represented the epitome of Danish porcelain artistry. Revived in 2012, its minimalist and modern creations are both timeless and contemporary. Arne Jacobsen – the mid-century Danish architect and designer, Arne Jacobsen, is celebrated for his multifaceted design approach, spanning from buildings to clocks. His analogue designs, especially his table alarm clocks, remain timeless lifestyle accessories. Bjørn Wiinblad was a renowned Danish painter and designer known for his imaginative and opulent style. And finally, rooted in the joy of textiles since 1972, JUNA offers a range of home textiles.

the pinnacle of Danish design in the US. Today, many consider these products somewhat dated and not truly representative of Scandinavian design.

In terms of getting stock to your US buyers – can you move quickly to get stock on shop shelves? We are fully stocked in the US

We aim to become the go-to choice for Scandinavian lifestyle and home products. While our roots are deeply anchored in our Danish heritage, we recognize the importance of adapting to local markets. Many Danish companies often grapple with a one-size-fits-all approach, but we are committed to diverging

and have our warehouse in Indianapolis. From there, we ship to all retailers and consumers in the US and Canada.

Where do you see Rosendahl Design Group in five years?

In five years, I envision Rosendahl Design Group with a strong distribution network across the US and Canada, partnering with the finest retailers. Our primary objective is to establish ourselves as a dominant player in the homeware and tabletop sectors.

from that path. We will not just push a Scandinavian model; instead, we plan to tailor products specifically for the US market, ensuring they align with consumer and retailer expectations. Beyond products, we aspire to be recognized as a supplier that truly values its customers, devoid of cumbersome bureaucracy and inefficiencies. We will uphold our agile nature, striving always to be approachable, responsive, and attentive to the needs of our partners and customers.

“We have a very experienced team with many years of market know-how and relationships”

Holmegaard

Nambé Floor 19

Nambé has so many exciting things being presented at the October Tabletop show. Each collection is truly unique and brings a mid-century modern flair to the home and kitchen spaces. Eat Your Heart Out – pictured – is a mixed material heart shaped entertaining collection embracing the relationship between acacia wood and marble. Circa, a stainless steel and black resin combination is bringing a new and fresh perspective to classic and timeless bodies. Along with the new showstopping collections, Nambé is launching extensions to it’s Yin Yang and Portables collections. The Nambé showroom can be found within the Portmeirion Group space on the 19th Floor of 41 Madison. All new collections and product additions can be found first at www.nambe.com

Business focused in NYC

The New York Tabletop Show takes place this October, hot on the heels of the successful April maket. We highlight some key exhibitors who will showcase their products at the event which runs from 10-13 October at 41 Madison…

Viewpoint

“The Fall Tabletop show allows us to have meaningful conversations with retailers in an ideal setting. Whether it’s immediate opportunities for the tail end of 2023 or planning the year ahead for 2024 we generally find ways to grow our business with current customers. The show is also a chance to meet with potential new customers and get a sense of emerging trends in the industry.”

Phil Kessler, USA sales manager, Typhoon Homewares

Portmeirion Group USA

Floor 19

Portmeirion will be introducing a new gift collection –Botanic Garden Bouquet Sentiments – at the New York Tabletop Show. The beautiful rose motifs are delicate reproductions taken from the Portmeirion archives. Each piece features a lovely rose botanical, hand painted sculptural rose blossoms and a simple sentiment of love. The collection includes a heart shaped vase, stacking tea for two, serving platter, tea tidy, trinket dish, and trinket box. www.portmeirion.com

Villeroy & Boch

Floor 18

Visit Villeroy & Boch at The New York Tabletop Show to see their exceptional collections. Villeroy & Boch has been a world-leader in ceramics for over 270 years. The company’s dinnerware is renowned, setting tables of some of the world’s most famous households and a favorite among the most acclaimed chefs. www.villeroy-boch.com

Rosenthal USA

Floor 1

The TAC service by Walter Gropius gets a modern colour make over. A light grey and a soft dark blue with subtle grey nuances provide a fitting update for this iconic Bauhaus-inspired design. Together they form a harmonious color mix that opens a fresh chapter in the timeless appeal of Rosenthal.

Also look out for Tac Sensual, Medusa Garland, Raynaud’s new Imari pattern and new plate decorations from the group’s brands all enhanced by Sambonet’s wide range of special finishes, combining PVD colours with decorative/tactile textures. www.rosenthalusa-shop.com

Vietri

Floor 9

Visit Vietri on the ninth floor of 41 Madison to view their must-see showcase. Being able to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary and showcasing product that will be introduced in their 41st year in business is a milestone they brand says they are honoured to celebrate and share with partners at The New York Tabletop Show this October.

One of the collection on show will be Medici. A historical symbol of nobility and affluence, the Medicis, an Italian bourgeois family, are most notably recognised for having ruled Florence during the Renaissance. Traditionally, the Medici coat of arms is designed as a blue shield with three golden lilies and five red balls or palle. Some believe the palle represent pills since medici means doctors in Italian or that they are coins representative of the bankers guild. The classic design and subtle elegance of this beautiful collection pay tribute to the noble family and their contribution to Florence’s prosperity as they encouraged art and humanism to flourish while inspiring the Italian Renaissance. www.vietri.com

Orrefors/ Kosta Boda

9th Floor

During the upcoming New York Tabletop Show, Orrefors will unveil new pieces such as Ensemble. This remarkable collection features two-part vases and containers, created by esteemed British designer, Benjamin Hubert.

Building on the success of the show in April, they are also delighted to present a line extension of Intermezzo Gold. This collection continues to captivate, now showcasing new additions including tumblers, a martini glass, and different wine glasses.

The Kosta Boda brand, meanwhile, will present a vibrant spectrum of colours and captivating artistic forms. An extension of Rocky Baroque will be displayed, in the shades of Emerald Green and Metal. Look out for new collections, including Pavilion (pictured) and Companion. www.orrefors.us/ www.kostaboda.us

“As two world-leading crystal brands with a heritage in Swedish design and craftsmanship, the New York Tabletop Show is a possibility to reach further and increase the knowledge of our extraordinary history and brands to a broader audience. In addition, we want to share our unique, sustainable, and high-quality products, broadening our outreach even more in North America. Both brands have decades of experience. Kosta Boda, established in 1742, reaches 281 years of excellent craftsmanship in 2023. For Orrefors, this year is an essential milestone in the brand’s history. A celebration honouring 125 years of influential Scandinavian design, having the first furnace ignited in 1898.”

Emon Maasho, CEO, Orrefors & Kosta Boda North America

“Being local and present in the market is key for success”

F&H Group has opened a new US office – tactfully located in New York City’s 41 Madison. Charlotte Krath, CEO, tells us more about how prepared the company is for this exciting move into the North American market

Rosti

The F&H Group has made a huge commitment to the US market, recently opening its new office in 41 Madison – what drove the group to make the leap?

Over the past 10 years, F&H Group has focused on the internationalisation of our distribution markets and strategically invested to build business outside of our original home market in Scandinavia. Before 2012, F&H Group was a traditional wholesaler, distributing other brands in the Scandinavian

led to top management at F&H Group requesting research and a business model investigation of the US market mid-2022. We spent around 12 months researching and creating the US market strategy, including 3PL warehousing, management and organisation and the location of the subsidiary In late 2022, the approval was given to build, create and establish the new F&H Group USA Inc. the name of the US subsidiary. Yes, it is a huge commitment, but acknowledging what it takes to be

New York state of mind

The F&H Group’s US office is Floor 19, 41 Madison. The 3,000sft space boasts an office and showroom where it will showcase four select brands for the US market.

market. The change of business model to owning more brands and distributing these into more international markets has been a milestone. In 2019 the German subsidiary was created and today has a team of 15 employees and a 4000sft office in the centre of Berlin, functioning as a sales subsidiary for the HQ in Denmark. In 2022 the company went a step further and built the French subsidiary, located in the heart of Paris and with team of four people. In both cases, being local and present in the market has been key for the success of growing revenue and market share. The success of Germany and France,

local in a new market, using the knowhow and experience learned from our previous market openings has given us the confidence. We have learned that if you don’t fully commit, the chance for success diminishes.

How healthy is the US tabletop market, in your opinion?

I believe the end consumer must be the focus when you enter a new market. Where is your type of products being sold? who are your targeted must-win retail customers? and how do you reach the end consumer with your message to tell and brands? The

“We, quite quickly, understood the need to have a much simpler and more entrepreneurial ERP for the US subsidiary”

tabletop market in all markets is changing, including the US. We see the way of doing business changing, but brands and products are still in demand from our end customers. We must engage the customer where they shop and that means being open to working with our retailers in new and exciting ways. Being able to comply with omnichannel and to offer your retail customers a brand that helps reach the customer where they shop is very important. The market is changing into more digital ways and on platforms that needs to be learned and exploited. How healthy the market is? Our types of products are being sold every day; we just need to be in the market where it happens.

Has F&H Group identified key differences between the US and European tabletop markets, and as a newcomer to the US, how do you address these?

Yes indeed, there are huge differences between the two mentioned markets. We have been seeking knowledge and best practices through networks and competent consultant companies who are guiding us. We have, for instance, decided on a new ERP system only for the US. This because our European ERP system is developed to be for a large company with many organisations and ways of business. We, quite quickly, understood the need to have a much simpler and more entrepreneurial ERP for the US

subsidiary, coping with US EDI and market systems. The US market is further ahead with distribution trends and how to reach the end consumer, compared to Europe. There is a great need to understand the mechanisms of ‘how to’ for a European company. Again, it is

Understanding Gense

about being local in the market and secure to work with a local organization. The culture difference between the two continents enforces the need for a Danish management role to bring politics and systems according to HQ to the US market. But the organisation working in the market must be American, this we are very aware of.

F&H Group has strong foundations in Europe – with headquarters in Denmark and key offices in Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway. Has this key base armed the company with essential know-how on how to make certain brands work in different sales territories?

There is no doubt that the past five years the company has spent building subsidiaries in Germany and France has been a steep learning curve. In Europe you have different languages, different channels, different market customers/chains etc. And culture, it is about being local in the market still. For the US the new part is that we can no longer synergize with the warehousing and IT systems. What differs in the USA market landscape is the reach when you speak

Brand focus

Charlotte Krath, CEO, gives us some insight into the historic Gense brand

Gense is a brand from the 1856 and has managed to evolve its materials and designs continuously. The past 100 years the design development has had its focus on stainless steel and everyday use. Gense flatware is all about the functional tool that creates the optimal dining experience. It has the focus to create aesthetic design collections where the tagline is “Designed to make you proud.” The tagline represents everything the brand does.The brand has been Royal Court Purveyor to the Swedish Royal family since 1985, being the only flatware purveyor to the court. The recognition of such brings pride too, I would say. For the US market we are launching the brand in US packaging size; fork, salad fork, knife, spoon and teaspoon.

national chains and e-commerce. You can reach the consumers in a full continent through these channels. In Europe the national chains and somewhat also e-commerce, is split per country and language. The brands we have selected to introduce are top brands with international scope.

In terms of getting stock to your US buyers – have all the necessary processes been put in place? Can F&H Group move quickly in the US market? This is a key question for us and the

business-model we have built. Yes, we must be able to have the necessary processes in place, you get one shot if you are good. You do not want to work hard on making your brands of interest, gain this opportunity and then fail. It is key to be able to comply with the US buyers’ guidelines and instructions for successful delivery. We have a fully loaded and professional warehouse partner who will secure these processes and we are agile to move just as fast as we are in our home-market. We have created an entity that can stand alone as a US company setup.

Out of approximately 20 brands, F&H Group has selected four for the US market...

They have brought around 1000 SKUs into their new warehouse in Kansas, ready to be shipped. The brands include Gense – a famed Swedish flatware brand and supplier to Swedish Royal Court. Rosti with its iconic Margrethe mixing bowl designed in 1954 by a relative to the Danish Queen Magrethe II. The brand has expanded

into a beautiful family of kitchen preparation products. Hoptimist is a gift line with more than 100 different options for all gift occasions.

Zone Denmark, meanwhile, is a bathware collection in Danish minimalistic design that combines hardware and textiles into a cohesive look with matching colours.

“Why now? We know what it takes, we are prepared to invest, our brands and products already have traction with the American consumer, in short; we are ready.”

Elevating service

Some people don’t like change but we love it. Change is exciting and sometimes, even we have to look beyond the world of sexy plates to excite and delight our chefs and restaurateurs.

However, it’s not easy to find other mediums and vessels that not only inspire awe

About G & G

Founded by Paul and Valda Goodfellow, G & G Goodfellows is a creative design & distribution company with a 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 and more.

and amazement but are also food-safe and functional. It’s a challenge that we always rise to, as even we cannot live by plates alone.

Our quest is to always be innovative, and to do that we first need to have knowledge of food and how chefs like to serve it. From insalata to ice cream, we have been asked to come up with creative ways of serving not only new, but the most popular of dishes.

Sometimes, our chefs have a very fixed idea of what they want, but we mostly scour the world for concepts that can be turned into products. From the tiny to the titanic, scale is no barrier. Over the years we have found solutions for almost every aspect of food presentation, including how to present a dish inside a book.

Inspiration comes in different guises… but I am glad to say we never resorted to serving bread in a cloth cap! There are just some things which have no place on a dinner table, and a cloth cap is one. However, I do admit we created the mini fryer basket that now graces

the tables of so many food establishments. I do defend the fact that our first fryer baskets were made of silver and were designed to bring a wry smile to those eating at some of the best fine dining restaurants not

incredibly beautiful these objects are, you understand this is not kitsch but incredibly clever. The hand-turned form is stunning even without food. It entices the diner to explore, as the shape totally conceals the food. So,

only in the UK, but the world. These days, I am pleased to say tastes have evolved in a more sophisticated manner. For instance, the idea of a wooden onion may sound outlandish, but when you see how

when you remove the top, the art of the reveal ensures that sense of excitement. These forms come in different sizes, so it is possible to either use more than one to accentuate the use of the form, or to use the different

Did you know?

Goodfellows has recently worked on a fantastic project in the UK, linking one of their favourite designers, Stefanie Hering, with one of the UK’s most innovative chefs, Tom Sellers, to create some unique items such as a bespoke knickerbocker glory glass.

“Over the years we have found solutions for almost every aspect of food presentation”

Injecting excitement is what Goodfellows do – from elevating plates to beautiful boxes – they have tricks up their sleeves to help chefs and restauranteurs bring dinner service to life

Studio Mattes

sizes with other dishes or courses. These unique vessels are made by Studio Mattes, who are more recognised for their incredibly intricate handmade ceramics. They are ideal for mixing with other mediums such as ceramic or glass and allow chefs to use them for petit fours or as a side

self-designed trolley (this man does not do things on a small scale!), I can say it is a real treat which is not only mesmerising in its delivery to the table, but utterly delicious. Some lesser chefs might not think the actual glass is worth the detail, but not Tom Sellers. He is a man who

to a main dish. Although wooden food vessels have fallen a little out of favour of late with chefs and restaurateurs, no one can deny that when it is used in such an artistic way, it is a thing of wonder.

Over the years, using boxes for food has a very long history –bread boxes, chocolate boxes and bento boxes. It is the bento box that has probably lasted longest in its original format. The classic black box (originally lacquered) with the red interior has been much copied and cheapened to plastic to offer a highly functional multi-part meal service. But this great idea doesn’t always have to be cheapened. It can be cleverly reinvented to supply a much more aesthetically pleasing experience. Take the glass bento box from MyGlassStudio. It can be customised in different finishes and put together in a number of ways, with a range of sizes and shapes on offer. We have used these amazing boxes for room amenities and working lunches and they never fail to delight.

Staying with glass, we have recently worked on a fantastic project in the UK, linking one of our favourite designers Stefanie Hering with one of the UK’s most innovative chefs, Tom Sellers, to create some unique items such as a bespoke knickerbocker glory glass for its iconic service of the classic ice cream sundae, thought to originate in early 1900s New York. Having been privileged enough to enjoy this table-side service from the chef’s

lives by nailing every detail, and the glass is perfect.

These moments of witnessing creative joy (especially when we get to see and taste the fruits of our own labour) are happily quite frequent in our company, as we work with such a diverse range of creatives including chefs, designers and producers.

Another way of injecting innovation into service is to use height. Instead of a flat plate, we have experimented with ribbed platforms in different sizes, shapes and materials. The addition of height to the serving of even small dishes, like an amuse bouche, truly elevates the sense of anticipation. We have used ceramic, wood and glass to create this effect and our latest products can be used together to form stages or used individually.

In our series, the same styles are echoed in different materials allowing each chef an opportunity to bring their own flair to the table. We have sourced platforms from Narumi, Hering Berlin and Studio Mattes to show how these items can be used with almost any cuisine. The ones shown here are the ceramic ribbed platforms, again from Studio Mattes, and we think the use of circles in the decoration is very much at the forefront of modern design for today’s tables.

When it comes to serving some of the world’s best food, I think we can prove that creativity doesn’t just come on a plate.

Did you know?

Goodfellows has sourced platforms from Narumi, Hering Berlin and Studio Mattes demonstrating how these items can be used with almost any type of cuisine.

“Our quest is to always be innovative”

Studio Mattes

MyGlass Studio

Two of Utopia’s most popular optic glassware designs are the Hayworth and Twisted Hayworth. The Hayworth collection is achingly glamorous. It’s a real showstopper, its vertical ribbed optics catching the eye and holding it. Hayworth is available in a comprehensive choice of 18 profiles, from curved and straight flutes through to old fashioned, cocktails and hi-balls. Twisted Hayworth, meanwhile, is a playful extension to the original range, taking the vertical optics and twisting them to create a sensational shimmer. It’s available in five classic cocktail shapes, including coupe and martini.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Optical illusion

As optic glassware grows in popularity – we shine a light on some collections which embrace the trend. Another chic option for bars and homes…

NUDE

The Round Up collection from NUDE is defined by its rounded bottom and a tapered rim, expertly shaped to retain aromas and flavours, as well as sweeping vertical lines that pattern the surfaces. Handcrafted from clear crystalline glass, the series comprises red, white and sparkling wine options.

eu.nudeglass.com

Waterford

From Waterford, the Elegance Optic collection is a relaxed yet elegant selection of drinkware, designed for the appreciation of fine wines, champagne and spirits. The pure material – crystalline, surrounds the drink but doesn’t overwhelm it. The assortment boasts delicate bowls and a thin, easy-to-hold stem which is just the right weight and balance. www.waterford.com

“The surge in popularity of optic glassware can be attributed to its ability to combine visual appeal, tactile experience, vintage charm, and versatility. Consumers want something different, and for HoReCa operators, that’s what optic glassware delivers: it offers a unique and stylish serve that not only looks good but also helps to justify a premium price! It appeals to anyone who appreciates the interplay of aesthetics and functionality in their bars and on their dining tables.” Josh Rammell, marketing manager, Utopia

Barware… but make it extra

The Bar Collection by Zieher enriches the bar scene with new characters predestined for independent creations beyond the cocktail mainstream. The Pill, The Vikings, The Knobbed and Eddy – dash! are an eclectic series of glasses designed to be talked about. Visit www.zieher.com to see more.