Tableware International July August 2022

TableWare www.tablewareinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL

Month: July/August 2022

Issue: 3

2

Volume: 144

134

Celebrating 50 years of Portmeirion’s most loved collection, Botanic Garden.

Reactive Glaze Thanks to Bonna’s specially created reactive glaze range, every application on the porcelain body brings out authentic colors and textures when met with the fire. Making sure each piece speaks for itself and has a magical touch, this artizan approach embraces genuine and diverse presentations just the way they deserve…

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

TableWare INTERNATIONAL

PUBLISHER PAUL YEOMANS pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR MARK NAISH mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

CHAIRMAN MALCOLM NAISH malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PAUL NAISH paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

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

Front cover supplied by Portmeirion For more information see the website www.portmeirion.co.uk

TableWare www.tablewareinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL

Month: July/August 2022

Issue: 3

2

Volume: 144

134

Celebrating 50 years of Portmeirion’s most loved collection, Botanic Garden.

W

ith summer help drive Denby forward even more. season in full It is undoubtedly an exciting time swing we start for Denby, let’s hope they find the casting our right match to help them meet the gazes towards end goal. Watch this space.

A/W trade shows – all of which Moving on, turn to page 25 to are back with a bang. From read about the rise and rise of Maison & Objet this September Portmeirion’s most iconic collection, through to NY Now and HOMI, Botanic Garden. Portmeirion has trade show season is kicking off nurtured Botanic Garden over its and we have a full 50-year history and rundown of what “From Maison the collection now to expect at each enjoys considerable show from page 78 & Objet this popularity in areas onwards. such as the US, Korea Excitingly, there September and the UK. is quite a bit in this It’s a great read through to magazine to keep for anyone who you fully briefed admires how a single NY Now and on the industry idea can magnify from news of HOMI, trade and transform into Denby seeking great. show season is something investors through As Gemma to Portmeirion Copping, marketing kicking off” marking 50 years director, Portmeirion of Botanic Garden (page 25) Group tells us: “Botanic Garden was and Sambonet showcasing ground-breaking for its time”. its latest collaboration with Of course, there is plenty more in designer Gianni Cinti (page56), the magazine too. We also interview plus we highlight collections Julia Knight (page 32), get the latest which tap into several trends news from LAV (page 40), hear from such as texture, the more niche Product Guru’s Simon Coyle (page grandmillenial and the always 42) and learn more about RCR’s Stack on-trend gold. range (page 76).

But back to Denby. The company is on the hunt for new investors ready to capitalise on its growth. Most recently Denby expanded by developing porcelain manufacturing capabilities, and even enjoyed a peak in interest off the back of See our latest news: the Halo assortment appearing www.tablewareinternational.com in the hugely popular South Korean Netflix show Squid ‘Connect’ on Linkedin Games. Sebastian Lazell, group ‘Like’ us: CEO, Denby, says it’s very Facebook.com/tablewareintmag much business as usual at ‘Follow’ us on Twitter: the company but he explains @tablewareintmag that while Hilco Capital “are delighted” with the company’s ‘Love’ us on Instagram: growth, they are now seeking tableware_international support from investors who can

Mairead Wilmot Get social with

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August/September 2022

Regulars 12 News the latest news from around the globe 14 Hospitality news from new launches to Michelin-star moments

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Trends

18 Product news the latest products unveiled 25 Cover story Portmeirion’s Botanic Garden turns 50

25 50

56 Sambonet designer Gianni Cinti on Jungle, his latest collection for the brand 74 Inspired Home Show we find out about Chicago 2023 76 RCR Crystal Stack from RCR Crystal is a product to know about

44 Gold gold is everywhere, we highlight some key pieces 62 Texture how to add depth and drama 86 Grandmillenial a chic nod to heritage cool

24

Category 30 Tabletop accessories dressing the table with style 36 Giftable Tableware

48

50 Retail column merchandising to make sales 52 Retail interview Westwing Brasil talks retail 58 Viewpoints opinions from those in the business 72 Hospitality column how Valda Goodfellow learned to love ceramics

Interviews 32 Julia Knight we learn more about The Julia Knight Collection 40 LAV there is lots happening with LAV 42 Product Guru Simon Coyle tells us how they connect brands with buyers The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher or Lema Publishing Ltd. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

36

as we approach the festive season, what’s good to gift?

66 Bowls a key piece to any dinnerware collect, we look at bowls

Show Previews 78 80 82 84

HOMI Maison NY Now Top Drawer

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News General

acquires Villeroy & Boch Lenox Cambridge Silversmiths reports ‘significant increase’ in the first half of 2022 Villeroy & Boch has reported a 9.1 per cent rise in consolidated revenue to €490.3 million in the first half of year. EBIT, meanwhile, increased by 9.8 per cent year-onyear to € 41.3 million. This earnings growth was primarily attributable to good revenue performance, which offset the additional costs resulting from the sharp rise in material and energy prices.

In the first half of 2022, the Villeroy & Boch Group generated consolidated revenue (incl. licence income) of €490.3 million, up €40.7 million or 9.1 per cent, on the same period of the previous year. Incoming orders increased in the first half of 2022, rising by € 23.7 million as against 31 December 2021 to €210.5 million. The Bathroom & Wellness Division accounted for € 169.1 million, with the remaining € 41.4 million attributable to the Dining & Lifestyle Division.

The Dining & Lifestyle Division generated revenue of € 140.9 million in the first half of 2022, an increase of 12.6 per cent or €15.8 million on the same period of the previous year.

Revenue at the Group’s own retail stores (€ +10.9 million), revenue with retail outlet partners (€ +4.6 million) and project business with hotel and restaurant customers (€ +6.2 million) all increased. This good revenue performance was driven by increased digitalisation in marketing and sales, a successful product range policy and the expansion of the communication strategy.

On the back of the revenue growth, the Dining & Lifestyle Division recorded an operating result (EBIT ) of €4.9 million, up significantly on the previous year (€ 2.7 million).

Denby seeks new investors to accelerate recent growth Denby is looking for new investors to accelerate its recent growth. While the brand and business goes from strength-to-strength in its home UK market, as well as overseas in North America, South Korea and China, they are now on the hunt for further investment. Sebastian Lazell, group CEO, Denby, explains that while Hilco Capital “are delighted” with the company’s growth, they are now seeking support from investors who can help drive Denby forward even more. ““Denby Pottery, our investors and advisors are, therefore, reviewing options for the future ownership of the Denby Group, potentially involving the support of investors better suited to the increasingly international needs of the business in the years ahead. No decisions have been taken at this time and any potential future decision will be taken with the interests of the company’s stakeholders always in mind."

12 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Lenox Corporation recently announced the acquisition of Cambridge Silversmiths. The deal includes all existing Cambridge-branded tabletop products including flatware and drinkware but does not include the Thirstystone brand.

“The addition of the Cambridge business affords us the opportunity to further connect consumers to our house of brands,” said Bob Burbank, CEO of Lenox Corporation.

“We are happy to be joining the Lenox Corporation, an industry leader with such an impressive portfolio of brands,” said Harold Freeman, EVP Cambridge Silversmiths, Ltd., Inc. “Both of us value strong customer relationships by providing retailers with best-in-class products.”

Lalique marks centenary of Alsace factory Lalique has marked 100-years of its Alsace factory by crafting an exceptional bottle containing a new Lalique fragrance, named Fusion, and a beautiful spirit decanter called Water drop.

To mark a century of manufacturing, Lalique’s Fusion flacon is exceptional in that just ten signed and numbered pieces exist.

The Lalique Design Studio, under the direction of Marc Larminaux, worked in close collaboration with the master glassmakers to create this tribute to their expertise.

Meanwhile, as a tribute to the history of Lalique, an original design was chosen from the company archives for a white glass decanter produced in 1922, the year in which the first furnace in René Lalique’s glassworks was lit. In 2022, one hundred years after its first edition, the Water drop decanter has been recreated in satin-polished crystal, the signature Lalique style that reflects the artisans’ unique expertise.

Vodka trumps gin Vodka is now more popular than gin in the UK, according to a recent report by The Grocer. It found that Smirnoff enjoyed a £22m boost (3.9 per cent rise) while gin brand Gordons saw a decline in sales of £81m. The Grocer said: “Britain's gin boom is drawing to a close in the UK's supermarkets as vodka picks up the slack” while adding “many of the UK's biggest gin brands have suffered massive declines. Conversely, the biggest vodka brands have made large gains.”

5 mins with…

Sue Ure Ceramicist Sue Ure tells us about her new collection, Ambit

All smiles!

Tell us about Ambit?

Ambit is a porcelain tableware collection, it’s part of my UK Sue Ure Maison brand. The design is about contrasts and boundaries - the contrast between light and dark and the textural contrast between glossy and matt and the border that separates the two. All the shapes – currently, two mugs and two beakers – are available in white or in black porcelain with a demarcating slip line in a choice of six colours. All the pieces are suitable for hot and cold drinks and are dishwasher and microwave safe.

What is the inspiration behind the collection?

Design awareness was a big part of my upbringing.

My mum, a young professional in the post-war years, chose furnishings and household objects with attention and enthusiasm. Key purchases included furniture designed by Ernest Race and the Finnish brand Arabia for innovative and multi-coloured tableware. My designs are still influenced by that early environment as well as the events and themes of my teenage years; moon landings, Biba clothes and PopArt crossed with Bauhaus-inspired simplicity. Living and working in sunny south-west France also has an impact on my use and appreciation of colour. Vivid colours come into their own in this context, bringing a definite joie de vivre.

Where is it available at retail?

The new Colour-Line edit is due for release early August and will initially be available from: www.iamfy.com and www.sueuremaison.com. Ambit in black and white lines only is already available from www.iamfy.com , www.sueuremaison.com , www.blackbough.co.uk

Spotlight on…

Polish Porcelain Factories Since 1790 Polish Porcelain Factories (PPF) Ćmielów and Chodzież Inc. have been operating continuously in Ćmielów.

With three brands – Ćmielów, Chodzież and Ćmielów Design Studio – each with its own history and character, the one continuum between the brands is the quality of the thinnedwall porcelain.

For 232 years, Ćmielów has fostered the tradition of porcelain production creating unique products and putting emphasis on the artistry of handmade and hand-decorated processes.

This year – 2022 – the Chodzież's brand celebrates its 170th anniversary. The PPF belongs to Polish Porcelain Group which combines Ćmielów and Chodzież Inc. with ZPS Lubiana Inc. The idea behind its establishment in July 2018 was to improve accessibility of high-quality products with multi-generational traditions. As a group which combines tradition with modernity, PPG stands out not only with excellent designs and quality, but also with efficiency in its work and modern systems facilitating cooperation with the dynamically changing market. Visit porcelana.pl to learn more.

Are you currently working on any bespoke collections?

I’m working at the moment on a collection of hand-thrown pieces for Tate Modern for their upcoming Cézanne exhibition. This is always a really stimulating process and I often find that elements from the avenues I’ve explored find their way into my regular ranges.

How many collections do you typically introduce annually?

It’s a variable feast - I’m always designing for one or other of my brands. Sue Ure Maison is my UK company and brand, where the collections are all designed by me, but produced by larger-scale manufacturers. Sue Ure Ceramics is my hand-thrown studio brand, which is made by me in my workshop in south-west France.

Ambit was launched only this year and I made the choice to concentrate on starting the collection with everpopular drink-ware. Early next year will see the collection extended to include a versatile bowl and two jugs.

Excellence celebrated Zwiesel Glas's head of marketing, product and communications Michael Eichinger and team lead brand and product management Lisa Müller receiving the German Brand Award 2022. The glassmaker won for the 150 years of Zwiesel Glas campaign and again for the accompanying anniversary film.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 13

News HoReCa

Vogue (left) and Grace (right). Not pictured is Illusion.

Bonna introduces the Cutlery Collection Premium HoReCa brand Bonna has introduced the Cutlery Collection to its extensive range.

The Nick Holland designed assortment includes three separate collections. The Grace series as been specially designed for the fine dining segment, the Vogue series was designed with a sculptural feature with its flowing lines and soft curves, while Illusion has been crafted for comfort and ease of use.

Using the best quality stainless steel in the Cutlery Collection, Bonna says it is continuing to provide solutions for the different needs of its users.

Dibbern partners with five-star Schloss Elmau Dibbern played a part – sort of – in the recent G7 summit, held at the five-star Schloss Elmau, a four-story castle in the Bavarian Alps.

The 123 room hotel is a Dibbern partner with the acclaimed brand chosen as the hotel’s porcelain and refined parts provider with a custom-made design showcasing the hotel’s logo.

Kiln ready for

hospitality

Denby’s Kiln Collection was introduced to hospitality circles at the Cedabond, FEA and ENSE distributor events this year.

Oven, freezer and commercial dishwasher safe, the surface of each piece has a glassy effect and is non-porous which gives it strength, durability and carries Denby's edge chip guarantee. The company supplies some of the most prestigious restaurants in the UK and overseas.

Mesa Ceramics shows growth in hospitality Mesa Ceramics say they are showing steady growth in HoReCa. Most recently their mix-andmatch concept is showcased at Izakaya Matsuri, a new Asian restaurant with a tavern concept in the charming city of Aveiro, Portugal.

With a mix of shapes in Urban, Natura, Coupe and Rondo, Mesa present a concept that invites customers to share food while savouring the subtlety of Asian cuisine.

Customer is king To cater for their professional customers, Zwisel Glas introduced functional, sturdy and sustainable boxes and offer target group specific packaging units (units of six).

They also avoid glass labels or leaflets and thereby guarantee easy handling for customers.

Thanks to the new carton label with images of the glasses on both sides, the contents of the boxes are already clearly visible from a distance.

14 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Photos credits – Geovanna Cristina

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News HoReCa

Lalique creates stunning light installation for Singapore Airport

Utopia introduces

wooden cutlery Utopia’s latest eco alternative is a range of wooden cutlery. Made from 100 per cent FSC certified birchwood, the range marries practicality and sustainability, and is suitable for many different uses. Birch is a solid hardwood that creates a tough foundation for cutlery. It is easily able to withstand the stresses of a meal and has been precision cut to create an attractive practical

cutlery set. The spoon and fork feature curved working areas while the knife has a serrated edge making it suitable for use with variety of cuisines.

The range is available as individual packs of knives, forks and spoons as well as combination packs including both utensils and napkins, handily packaged together in a recyclable brown paper bag.

Lalique has created two large scale custom designed light installations, a crystal dome and wall, for the new SilverKris Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3. A stunning Lalique light dome adorns the entrance of The Private Room for Singapore Airlines (SIA) Suites and First Class customers and for the bar area in the First Class section of the SilverKris Lounge, Lalique has created a crystal wall installation using 119 crystal aquatic ginger crystal flowers – each one was positioned manually on the wall to sympathetically follow the curved shape of the space.

The Lalique commission forms part of a S$50 million re-design, upgrade, and expansion project at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3.

Did you know?

Stelton’s Cylinda-line series by Arne Jacobsen is a perennial favourite in the hospitality sector, the line is still going strong, having first been designed in 1967.

Stelton tell us that both the bar range as well as the water jug, coasters and tray are very popular with high-end hotels and restaurants.

“The quality makes it a good investment and when more jugs or bar sets are needed the design fits what is already in use,” a Stelton spokesperson said. “It is what we call a sustainable design.”

... fact!

The Lalique light dome comprises more than 107 crystal flowers inspired by Aquatic Ginger, one of the 10 native flowers in SIA’s batik motif and designed by Marc Larminaux, Lalique’s artistic and creative director, working closely with Adeline Lunati, head of the Lalique Interior Design Studio.

Spotlight on… Skyline by Zieher A wow moment from Zieher whose stunning Skyline buffet system is seen in all its glory at Club Split, Lviv. Gloriously showcased here, Skyline allows for maximum flexibility with different heights enabling you to install big buffet platters.

The optionally available Zieher LED-lights come in two versions – cabled and rechargeable – and provide a perfect illumination of the system in various colours.

16 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

News Products

Beatriz Ball is

on-trend with rattan Beatriz Ball is giving a nod to the classic – and hugely on-trend – rattan style with some of its latest introductions. The company is incorporating the texture and weave of traditional rattan caning on gold-tone accent handles set on gleaming white trays and bowls, as well as on frames, coasters, servers, and more. Beatriz Ball suggests matching the rattan-inspired pieces with the VIDA Pagoda reversible hard mat placemats with one side featuring a colourful village of Asian pagodas, the reverse offering a rattan pattern available in three colour ways: green, blue, or neutral.

LSA launches A/W ‘22 collection LSA International has launched its new A/W ‘22 assortment with four new collections – Arc, Dapple (pictured right), Palette and Aurum (pictured left) – featuring contemporary drinkware, serveware and decorative homeware pieces. Arc is a versatile collection of drinkware designs, characterised by rounded profiles and gently curved lines. The Dapple collection, meanwhile, comprises a series of mouthblown colour

Wholesale.beatrizball.com

drinkware and decorative pieces featuring a fluid texture inspired by dappled light.

Inspired by the functionality of an artist’s palette, the Palette collection is designed to hold shot glasses and serving bowls on organically shaped wooden boards. And finally, Aurum comprises a series of mouthblown glass vases and lanterns that play on the warm, reflective qualities of precious gold.

www.lsa-international.com

Broste Cophenhagen showcases style-led designs As part of it’s A/W ‘22 campaign, Broste Copenhagen is introducing an eclectic array of design-led pieces with everything from furniture to tableware included in the collection. Take the fashionable Ada Stripe vases for example – bang on trend with its colourful striped motif and vibrant shades of pumpkin orange, plein air light blue, fleece yellow and taupe warm grey. Joining them are the Ada Dot pieces and not forgetting the impactful Mime vase – a gorgeous hand-painted ceramic piece which sits beautifully within the collection.

www.brostecopenhagen.com

Fresh from

Typhoon Typhoon’s Elements Marble Serving Board has been crafted from natural grey and white marble. Ideal for entertaining, the board is perfect for serving appetisers, desserts, or charcuterie, and is naturally cool which is ideal for keeping cheese platters at the correct temperature. It also features non-slip feet to keep it in place when in use.

www.rayware.com 18 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Inspired by…

flower power

From Crystalex comes Magnolia, inspired by the classical Diana design which Crystalex has been making since 1979. Crystalex says it uses a modern technique to make the glass by ironing the cup onto the glass stem. Note the subtle design making each beverage bloom. www.crystalex.cz

F i n e ye t s t ro ng.

Si mp l e, e l e ga nt , M ad e i n En g l a nd Po rce l ain.

Discover more at denbypottery.com/porcelain For further details please contact: sales.admindept@denby. co.uk Tel: 01773 740700

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News Products

Denby bolsters

home décor offering

Denby is introducing a new Prestige Vase Collection to its range – available from September 2022.

Featuring some of its best-selling glazes such as Halo and Kiln alongside Quartz Rose and Jade, there are also some glazes specifically developed for the home décor categories such as Mineral Blue and Blush, offering consumers a cross section of colours to blend with most interiors. The range is presented in premium gift packaging, in a similar style to the tableware, which makes the most of the gift opportunity.

www.denbypottery.co.uk

Spotlight on… botanics

Portmeirion’s Nature’s Bounty reinterprets classic and treasured botanical illustrations in a modern way and pays homage to the beauty of the garden. A still life presentation for the table to enhance all gatherings with family and friends and to share the magic of the orchard in full bloom. www.portmeirion.com

Fresh reveals from

Ginori 1735 Serax adds to Earth range Serax has added to its Earth series, by resident designer Marie Michielssen. Now with flower pots, bowls, vases and a unique wall niche – the Earth series is a beautifully organic assortment. The sculptural pieces in papier mâché come in an off-white and natural brown with bowls, vases and pots being added to the already successful collection.

Given the material, which is built layer by layer, the vases are obviously not waterproof, but they are beautiful on their own or with dried branches or flowers.

www.serax.com

20 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Ginori 1735 unveiled the second installment of the ongoing Off-WhiteTM c/o Ginori 1735 collaboration at the most recent Salone del Mobile. The collaboration reimagines four archetypical designs from the Ginori 1735 archives.

Whereas the first Off-WhiteTM c/o Ginori 1735 collaboration, which debuted last year, reflected a graphic intersection of the iconic brands, this new drop entwines their signature forms. Specifically, it remixes and reinterprets, resizes and reshapes a cylindrical vase, a cachepot vase, an ashtray, and a lidded box from the Ginori 1735 archives.

www.ginori1735.com

News Products

Swarovski

collaborates with

Rosenthal

Vista Alegre brings us St. Moritz

Synonymous with elegance and luxury, this Alpine resort of the same name inspired the sober and sophisticated shapes of this set. Reminiscent of the ice peaks of this exclusive winter destination, each St. Moritz piece features a wide, softened frosted band on the rim, in harmony with careful polishing. Complementing the Biarritz collection, another exquisite set that reflects current trends, St. Moritz consists of a vase, a salad bowl and a box.

Swarovski has partnered with Rosenthal to create the Signum Collection – a breathtaking meeting of mastery between two expert brands.

Designed by Swarovski’s creative director, Giovanna Engelbert, and developed with the porcelain experts from Rosenthal, each piece in the tableware collection is thoughtfully made to highlight moments of joy while simultaneously showcasing the heritage and craftsmanship of two innovative brands.

With this collection, Swarovski is introducing its brand pattern for the very first time, a translation of the brand’s octagonal motif. Just like the octagon, the Swarovski brand colours of blue, green, yellow, and pink are captured in graphic designs, edged with golden accents.

The collection became available online in June and in stores in July 2022.

www.rosenthal.de

www.vistaalegre.com

Wilmax showcases natural bamboo Eco-friendly, durable and versatile, the Wilmax bamboo tableware was created to bring culinary serving ideas to life. The Natural Bamboo collection includes a wide range of serving boards, plates and platters of various shapes and sizes, dishes, turntables, stands for salad bowls, mug racks and more. And it can be easily combined with other Wilmax product ranges.

wilmax.uk

Melody Rose introduces new mix and match option for shoppers

Meet AMP, a glass series from Hering Berlin just for water

Melody Rose has introduced an online mix and match function for its dinner set collections.

Shoppers can simply select the type of set they would like, choose the number of pieces, and pick their favourite designs to create a unique Melody Rose set.

In addition, six of Melody Rose’s designs are now available as gift sets. In time for wedding season, the sets contain four dinner plates (27cm), four salad plates (23cm), four side plates (18cm) and four cereal/soup/dessert bowls (17cm) at a cost of £700. www.melodyrose.co.uk

Hering Berlin has introduced a new glass collection – AMP. Designed specifically for water, the AMP series includes a carafe and glass and blends harmoniously into any set table. Stefanie Hering’s design means the glass fits easily on the carafe, with the collection – which was mouthblown in a Polish glassworks – coming in two colourways, clear and amber-yellow.

These two colour variants make the AMP collection the perfect complement to Hering Berlin’s collections.

Spotlight on… Network

www.heringberlin.com

One of Zwiesel Glas’s novelties for this year is Network, limited-edition vases designed to bring warmth to hospitality settings. The handcrafted vases boast a Scandinavian, classical design. The classic, ample form and unusual, hand-etched cut make these a unique decorative feature. The Network range comes in three different sizes and is strictly a limited-edition – just 200 copies of each version were produced at the manufactory.

22 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

New Alkemist for Gin&Tonic lovers

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

Fully tested and safe. 100% recyclable.

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

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

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

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Register now at market.nynow.com/TBW

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Cover Story Portmeirion

As Botanic Garden turns half a century – we look at an extraordinary collection which has proven itself an indomitable force in Portmeirion’s armoury…

An icon

turns 50

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 65

Cover Story Portmeirion

The limited-edition 50th anniversary hamper

“Botanic Garden was ground-breaking for its time”

First brought to life by Portmeirion’s founding mother Susan Williams-Ellis, the Botanic Garden collection turns 50 this year. Largely untouched, it remains one of Portmeirion’s most in-demand assortments with an extensive range which has made it a collector’s dream.

But the Botanic Garden story is ever-evolving, as Tableware International learns…

W

hen Susan WilliamsEllis first imagined Botanic Garden, little did she know she had been inspired to create a collection which would, 50 years later, remain one of Portmeirion’s most recognised.

Botanic Garden has almost come full circle; with the revival of the cottage core aesthetic and grandmillenial chic, its understated but decidedly beautiful motifs are as popular now as when first drawn

by Susan, a woman utterly

enraptured by flowers, plants – botanicals in general. Ultimately, Portmeirion the brand was borne from a request by Susan’s father, the architect Sir Clough WilliamsEllis – the man behind the creation of the idyllic Portmeirion village in Wales. Sir Clough asked

Did you know?

The USA, Korea and the UK are Portmeirion’s biggest markets for Botanic Garden. The collection is popular globally, particularly in countries who love the quintessential English designs Botanic Garden represents, and the fact that the collection is still made in the UK today.

26 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

his daughter to create a range of ceramics for the gift shop at Portmeirion village. It proved so popular that Susan went on to buy two potteries in Stoke on Trent and in 1972, Botanic Garden came into being.

With continued strong sales in territories such as the US, the UK and South Korea, Botanic Garden has somehow managed to transcend the zeitgeist, keeping its appeal despite its aesthetic largely remaining true to the original. Now, Botanic

Botanic Garden Harmony has proven popular

Garden celebrates 50 years of continuous production, it walks the line somewhere between retro chic and practical usability – a remarkable collection which is truly considered iconic.

“For us and our customers, the distinctive and instantly recognisable design makes it iconic,” says Gemma Copping, marketing director at Portmeirion Group. “Botanic Garden was ground-breaking for its time. In the early 1970s, it was unheard of to have a dinner set with different designs on each plate. Thankfully, founder Susan

Williams-Ellis’s brave vision paid off, and the laurel leaf border which ties all the pieces together has become well known. The collection became a huge success when it launched and is still as popular as ever today.”

Despite Botanic Garden having garnered a reputation as being retro chic, it remains an innovative collection.

“What was quite a groundbreaking design with the idea of a different floral motif on each plate, is still quite unique and novel today,” expands Gemma. “The design has

“She wanted the range to look like a beautiful English garden when it was laid out on the table” Rose Fulbright, decorative artist and granddaughter of Susan Williams-Ellis

Botanic Garden at retail To mark Botanic Garden’s 50th anniversary at retail, Portmeirion has created a limited-edition range of products including an 18-piece hamper, 10-piece stacking set, and limited-edition mug – all proudly featuring the 50th anniversary back stamp on the base of the ceramics. Add to this a full schedule of marketing activity to support the anniversary including PR, digital and social and in store activation. “We have seen some wonderful window displays to celebrate this special anniversary,” Gemma Copping, marketing director at Portmeirion Group tells us.

Susan’s timeless motifs still adorn the collection

transcended the decades, and as trends such as cottage core have emerged, Botanic Garden has become a beautiful way to add a bit of English heritage and charm to the home.”

With the exception of a few select extensions such as 2019’s Botanic Garden Harmony and a bakeware capsule last year – the core design has remained unchanged.

“The laurel leaf border which features on every piece has become so iconic that it has become a statement,” Gemma explains. “Although some of the floral motifs have evolved over the years, we have kept the range distinctively Botanic Garden because there is still such a huge following and love for the design.”

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 27

Cover Story Portmeirion “In the early 1970s, it was unheard of to have a dinner set with different designs on each plate” Gemma Copping, marketing director, Portmeirion Group

Susan with her husband Euan (to her right) pictured at the Portmeirion pottery in Stoke on Trent, and right, Susan in her beloved garden

The collection that lasts and lasts…

One of the most recognisable traits of Botanic Garden is its durability – it goes on and on! So, what’s the secret?

Botanic Garden is still made in the home of the potteries in Stoke on Trent.

Crafted from earthenware, it uses a technique whereby the design is sealed under the glaze, protecting the motif Interestingly, stacking bowls, dinner plates, and pasta bowls are amongst the most popular items in the range today but that has changed over the years as the collection has grown and eating habits have evolved.

Today, the Botanic Garden collection is Portmeirion’s largest assortment incorporating everything from core tableware to accessories, bakeware and home and garden accessories such as vases and plant pots.

“We have dinner sets and tea sets through to cake stands, serveware and even glassware,” Gemma tells us. “It is a dream for Botanic Garden collectors, and for the younger market, statement pieces such as the Ewer, and the vases add a touch of classic charm to a modern home. The range has expanded over time to cater for the needs of our consumers across our different markets, with new product formats constantly on the horizon ensuring that the breadth of the collection caters for everyone.”

Movingly, the Botanic Garden collection has a deepseated place in the heart of 28 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

and improving longevity. The collection is both durable and long lasting and best of all, it is dishwasher, oven, freezer and microwave friendly, meaning it can be used every day. This in itself was a big step change for its time, when ‘best’ crockery was saved for special occasions only.

the Portmeirion brand, as one of the first designs Portmeirion ever launched, and Gemma admits it means a huge amount to the company.

“It is the corner stone of the Portmeirion brand, embodying Susan’s vision to bring the outside in through her love of nature. Her mission to make every day feel special still lives on today through ‘the art of the everyday’.

The brand truly has stood the test of time, and the process by which the products are made remains much unchanged. The years of heritage and craftsmanship involved in the production of the collection is what makes the collection and our brands at Portmeirion so special.”

As the collection makes it to 50 years, and still thrives on popularity, what next for Botanic Garden? More extensions?

“We never say never,” Gemma tells us. “Last year we launched a bakeware capsule under Botanic Garden Harmony which proved popular and our design team is always looking at trends and new ways to evolve the collection.”

The Botanic Garden Papilio collection

And there is more!

Along with the most recent Botanic Garden Harmony and Botanic Garden Harmony – Papilio, other extensions to the range include Botanic Garden Birds, Botanic Garden Roses and Exotic Botanic Garden.

Stem Zero

BEAUTIFULLY STRONG 2x Stronger Stem* 35% Stronger Bowl Handmade Lead-Free Crystal Dishwasher Safe* Resilient up to 13°

(According to in-house method)

Scan to see the introduction of Stem Zero.

1

*These flawlessly handmade glasses can be washed in dishwasher up to 2,000 cycles. They have been proven to be resilient against stem and bowl impact tests according to DIN 52295 / Testing of glass - Pendulum impact test compared to standard glasses with the same thickness.

Category Tabletop Accessories

Denby

Dressed for

success As tablescaping continues to make a play for popularity, tabletop accessories are a natural extension for suppliers and retailers alike – from Rosenthal’s dynamic 2022 vase assortment through to Lenox’s candlestick selection – we highlight some very desirable options…

Beatriz Ball wholesale.beatrizball.com Tables are given an instant makeover with Beatriz Ball’s Vida Round Embroidered Dots Placemats in on-trend pink and white. Sold in sets of four, these reversible placemats include white-on-pink dotted patterns on one side and a solid pink on the other.

Generously sized at 15 1/2 inches, the placemats are easy care and can be washes with just with soap and water.

Available in other trending colours and patterns. Made of eco-friendly, high quality, environmentally safe PVC.

30 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Rosenthal Following the success of Rosenthal’s anniversary collection Sixty&Twelve, the most popular vases are available in miniature format this year. Twelve shapes in six different colours make for a gorgeous addition to any tablescape or room.

www.rosenthal.de

Lenox Luxe in glossy white porcelain, Lenox’s Autumn Studio 2-piece candlestick set is designed as a modern retelling of our past that also serves an elegant refresh to the home. Rich in sumptuous curves, ornate carvings and golden accents, these filigree candlesticks make gorgeous statement pieces for your mantel.

www.lenox.com

Question

corner

Utopia Utopia has an extensive range of glass tea light holders in a variety of finishes, designs and colours. Altogether there are 38 different options.

The Authentico candleholders are made from 100 per cent recycled glass and are available in four classic urban colourways – clear, green, blue and smoked – 80mm high, these sturdy holders bring responsible sourcing alongside style to any dining area.

Utopia’s criss cross holders are great for creating interesting shadows. Their finish resembles cut glass to produce an atmospheric twinkling effect. There are red, green blue, grey and clear options to suit most table settings. The stud and bubble tea light holders add a real point of interest to the tabletop as well as producing a spangled light.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Artel With its symmetrical interplay of polished circles and matte lines, Artel’s Perla salt and pepper set in the ink colourway evokes understated simplicity, elegance, and versatility, for a look that complements both traditional and modern settings.

The set makes an elegant addition to any table and comes as a boxed set of two.

www.artelglass.com

Pure Table Top www.puretabletop.com

From Pure Table Top, the Living Jewels Collection of tabletop accessories celebrates the complexities of a range of species documented by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and gives them the same precious value you would a jewel. The colours across the range of products offer a palette of indulgent tones of greens and blues against a backdrop of black allowing a beautifully understated ‘table scaping’ opportunity, where beautiful ceramics are styled effortlessly with washed linen table textiles and 100 per cent recycled glass. The table runner and napkins in the collection are made with BCI cotton.

Tablescaping is very in vogue.

How does your brand tap into the trend to maximise profitability? We asked Hayley Baddiley, Denby’s global marketing director “Tablescaping (previously embraced as dressing or theming the table) whether it be by season or occasion, plays an important role in Denby’s asset creation and content. Consumers enjoy searching for tablescaping inspiration from the simple to the elaborate depending on their occasion or their style.

Tablescaping content can give consumers confidence to try new things and mix and match a little more so Denby shoots its ranges in both simple settings as well as in table dressing settings, depending on the positioning of the range and what suits the design aesthetic the best. Of course these assets always sit alongside shots where the products can be seen more clearly and without the distraction of props and most importantly to recognise that for most consumers, a real life scenario is more helpful, a full tablescape is not something that happens every day!”

Denby Denby’s made in England home fragrance collection which includes candles and reed diffusers presented in Denby handcrafted ceramic pots are now available in the Kiln pattern and Denby Porcelain Stars.

Made with Denby’s sustainability ethics, once the contents are used the ceramic pots are designed to be re-purposed and have multi-uses.

Along with Denby’s ceramic pots, the candles the beautiful fragrance oils are also produced in England for Denby by Stoneglow.

www.denbypottery.com

Interview Julia Knight

Serving us

serveware Astra

With a reputation for standout serveware, The Julia Knight Collection is a young company making a big impact on its high-end fanbase. Motivated to start her design career at age 40 by her passion for dining, Tableware International speaks with the inspirational woman behind the brand Julia, tell us about the company – what are your design roots?

That’s the crazy part. I didn’t start designing until I was 40! I made a few tissue boxes out of cowhide for my new Colorado home and turned it into a company called Stampede. And from there on it just flowed. I had more ideas than I could produce!

“I love serveware to be durable, not fragile, and not fussy” Julia Knight

32 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I grew up in New York and lived in Paris after going to Brown University in Rhode Island. I am endlessly inspired by my global travels and

the way people share their food and their homes. I also draw on iconic images from my past such as seahorse from the beaches where I grew up. Living in Paris, I was always so moved by how important sharing a meal is with friends and family. And I have always loved “l’art de la table”. Hosting parties as intimate as dinner for two or elaborate as a gala party has always been a passion of mine.

What materials do you primarily work with?

I love serveware to be durable, not fragile, and not fussy. I primarily deal with aluminium and stainless

Did you know?

steel that is hand painted with an enamel that is infused with iridescent mother of pearl. It is super hard and last for years!

I think I am best known for my use of natural materials and new silhouettes. Everything I do has a new texture and finish – from the shimmer of mother of pearl infused enamel to the one-of-akind rainbow bronze finishes.

Your assortment is quite eclectic in style – there seems to be something for everyone – is that a deliberate move on your part?

My collections are so

Julia Knight won a 2022 Tableware International Award of Excellence in the Serveware category with the Astra Collection.

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Interview Julia Knight

Retail spotlight Due to the diversity of the collections, Julia Knight has customers worldwide.

The brand sells to over 30 countries from Saudi Arabia where the Florentine Gold Collection is popular through to the south of France where the By the Sea collection is loved.

The brand also sells well in urban locations such as New York City, as well as mountain towns like Aspen.

Eclipse Dark

Classic

“My collections are so diverse that it looks like a split personality!”

Holiday

sumptuous coordinating colours, my pieces have a durable, high gloss, food-safe finish that will remain beautiful and functional for years to come.

diverse that it looks like a split personality! Like many of us, I love design from modern to classic, fanciful and embellished to simple and modern. One of the most unique things about my collections is that they range in personality and style from opulent Florentine Gold to By the Sea to the ultra-modern Astra.

Can you explain a bit about the background of The Julia Knight Collection and what makes the products so special?

One of my trademarks is Five Minutes to Fabulous. This is all about how you can make 34 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

a fabulous presentation of even the simplest food in just five minutes. We all know that presentation is just as important as preparation. My serveware makes it easy to make your own personal style statement.

Whatever your mood, however you like to gather with friends, a few of my pieces are all you need to stage your own personal theatre. I have flashes of modern, a dash of elegant, a global tapestry of colours and a complement of perfect shapes and sizes to help you stage the perfect evening. That’s what I love! Offered in an array of

Do you have a distributor in the UK and Europe? If not, is that something you are looking to explore?

We do not yet have a distributor on the UK or Europe although we sell to a lot of retailers. They see us in Atlanta at AmericasMart or Maison Objet in Paris. And of course, retailers find us through word of mouth and research. I’m always amazed at the retailers, hotels and resorts who find us by seeing us in another great store.

Birds of a feather!

Finally, you won a 2022 Tableware International Awards of Excellence for serveware, how did that feel?

By the Sea

I must say that as with many of us, of all the awards and honours in my lifetime, this was the most meaningful. I worked hard on the Astra Collection and am thrilled with how it turned out.

To be recognised in such an important category by the amazing team of judges, well, it feels great.

A374

Category Giftable

Perfectly packaged

For retailers, the appeal of gift-ready tableware is clear to see. Easily merchandised, and ready for sale with a short, sharp profit margin – what’s not to like? We highlight some giftable options for buyers…

Flatware Always a great buy for gifting, flatware makes for an attractive and easy buy

Forge de Laguiole

Amefa

From Forge de Laguiole, is this handcrafted 24-piece set. Forge de Laguiole represents the pinnacle of quality in the Laguiole cutlery business. Their reputation for integrity, ethics, and innovative designs has made this small one hundred employee company the must-have Laguiole luxury brand. The handle is made from cotton fabric combined with BPA free resin to stabilizes hundreds of layers of dyed fabric. The main advantage of this material, besides its incredible strength, is that the colour is embedded within and therefore will not fade. This material is also water resistant. The wooden box of 24-pieces includes six table knives, six forks, six soup spoons and six coffee spoons.

The stylish Royal Steak set of four steak knives from Amefa serves as both ideal for a casual barbecue or luxurious dinner. The handle is made of the finest pakkawood in a warm tone while the blade of the knife is made of high-quality hardened steel, with a cast steel bolster for extra strength. With the extra-fine serration, you can cut effortlessly through any piece of meat of any size. The set comes in a wooden storage box, giving it a luxurious look and feel, perfectly giftable for friends and family. www.amefa.com

forge-de-laguiole.com

Children Stylish tableware shouldn’t be agedependent, as these child-friendly selections confirm. Oh, and they are very giftable…

36 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Denby Denby’s packaging is designed with an aperture to easily view and display the products without taking them out of the boxes. They are also which are easy to stack and are recyclable. Denby’s children’s sets are attractively gift boxed and are often purchased as gifts. www.denbypottery.com

Home décor

Perhaps the most giftable of all the categories, home décor spans many different sectors, offering multiple opportunities to maximise profit for retailers…

Vista Alegre Vista Alegre continues to innovate and diversify its range of products.

Among the various very unique porcelain collections, handmade crystal and textiles launches, is Fêtes Vos Jeux, a new collaboration with Christian Lacroix Maison. Christian Lacroix Maison developed a new collaboration with Vista Alegre around a beautiful porcelain collection called “Fête Vos Jeux”. Beyond their playful nature, this unique set of dice, dominoes and memory game are also very glamourous decorative and very functional objects.

In addition to the multi-purpose pieces Les Dés Amoureux, Le Domino Romantique and Le Jeu de Mémoire Blind Date, dice, dominoes and memory games that can be used as solitaires, knife bases or singles, the Fête Vos Jeux collection includes four different patterns both for the dessert dishes and coffee cups.

All the pieces combine the delicacy of the materials with the poetry of romantic floral motifs, in a set that is as fun as it is charming. www.vistaalegre.com

Denby Naturally giftable, all Denby’s home décor pieces such as diffuser and candle pots – like this Halo Ceramic Diffuser Pot – and Denby’s beautiful new vases are gift boxed. www.denbypottery.com

Posh Trading Company Specialising in elegant essentials for divine dining experiences as well as prestige pieces for the bathroom and desk, Posh Trading Company brings beauty to the abode. The range includes the stunning and unique Matbox, which is an exquisite set of two serving mats, eight placemats and eight double coasters for your wine and water glass.

Housed in either a silver leaf lacquered box or crystal-clear acrylic box that effortlessly displays its jewel-like contents, Matbox is the ultimate finishing detail for your table setting and a stunning centrepiece for your home. The Matbox is available in a spectrum of alluring hues, from gold, silver, champagne to stormy sky and taupe, with the option of bespoke finishes available at your request. www.poshtradingcompany.com

Rig-Tig

Nikko’s Lintu collection is a fine bone china assortment featuring beautiful nature motifs including birds, the sun and the moon. The Lintu (Finnish for “bird”) series has a relaxed design and the gentle use of colour makes you feel at ease and is reminiscent of Scandinavian design.

RIG-TIG has introduced a new Moomin range for children focusing on the alphabet.

The alphabet created for the RIG-TIG x Moomin ABC collection is based on author Tove Jansson’s original lettering. Moomin ABC consists of a cup, a plate, a deep plate, and a drinking bottle. The collection is suitable for everyday use but is also a perfect gift for families with kids. The cup comes in 26 versions, each with a letter from A to Z and an illustration of one of the quirky and fun characters from the world of the Moomins on the side of the cup.

www.nikkoceramics.com

www.rig-tig.com

Nikko

Category Giftable

Crystalex

Glass From drinkware to decorative pieces, glass is a material which allows for great versatility, and it makes a great gift too

Crystalex has an assortment of gift-friendly glassware made for special occasions.

Each set is uniquely designed by professional illustrators, and the stylish designs and patterns make the collection perfect for gifts or for setting table for special occasions. Crystalex make it even easier by sending all Beauty collection products in rich, attractive packaging, including a unique gift card in each parcel. www.crystalex.cz

Zwiesel Glas Vista Alegre Water On Mars merges science and discovery, technology and art. Designer Bartek Mejor collaborates once again with Vista Alegre on a conceptual and visionary creation, symbolizing frozen water on the surface of Mars. Based on data obtained by NASA’s Reconnaissance Orbiter probe, the vase and centerpiece were modelled using special software to recreate reliefs on the surface of ice, obtain after millions of years of erosion that resemble crystallised dunes.

Vervino is a nine-piece gourmet glass series from Zwiesel Glas. With its thin-walled bowl, refined stem and wide bottom plate, the high-quality machine-made series appears virtually handmade. Developed with experienced sommeliers for maximum sensory refinement, the glasses perfectly bring out the bouquet of different grape varieties - for pure enjoyment and unparalleled hospitality. And it comes neatly packaged for ultimate giftability. www.zwiesel-glas.com

www.vistaalegre.com

Tableware Nicely packaged tableware is a dream for consumers who want a premium gift

Porcel Porcel offers coffee and gava sets neatly packed in gift boxes and featuring the brand’s most exquisite decorations. The set encompasses six pieces, ideal to host an elegant event with friends or family. The Camellia office sets are also a great present that will take the receiver’s desk decoration to the next level.

Pictured is the Imperio Gava Set. www.porcel.com

Denby Denby has long been on board with cleverly packaged product and the tableware offering is no different. The pottery provides the option of purchasing tableware pieces individually or in boxed set combinations. Boxed sets can be 12-piece place setting including four each of dinner and small plates plus cereal bowls or 16-piece set which includes the addition of four mugs. There is also the option of boxes of four of the same item, such as plates or bowls for example with mugs available in packs of two. Denby also gift boxes its glassware in boxes of two or four with placemats and coasters available in packs of six. www.denbypottery.com

Rosenthal meets Versace Individuality is celebrated with the Virtus Alphabet Collection from Rosenthal meets Versace. Mugs, plate and service plate are enriched with iconic Medusa accents, lush acanthus leaves and Barocco lettering.

Infinitely personal, the elegant tableware celebrates uniqueness and personal style – a combination of designs allows for mixing and matching of letters to spell an infinite number of words. www.rosenthal.de 38 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

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In focus LAV

LAV partners with Disney LAV has signed a two-year licensing agreement with Disney to produce an assortment of branded glassware in several export territories.

Disney licensed products such as glasses, jars, cups and carafes will be offered for sale in countries such as France, Germany, Greece,

Italy, Japan, Jordan and Egypt.

Having signed a two-year license, LAV will produce products with characters from the likes of Frozen, Disney Princess, Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. The glassware will be exported to many countries including; Africa, the Baltics and Scandinavia, France, Benelux,

Germany, Greece, Iberia, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Middle East, Russia, the United Kingdom etc.

Within the framework of the agreement, LAV obtained a license for the production of porcelain, steel and plastic products, as well as glass products, and will offer Disney licensed products in these categories in the future.

News from LAV The LAV team has been working tirelessly over the past number of months bringing their onpoint collections to buyers. From the NRAs to The Inspired Home Show, and an exciting new collaboration with Disney, the company has a lot to talk about...

Inspired buying in Chicago really excited to see our long-distance business partners from LAV attended The Inspired Home Show in Chicago in March. many parts of the world at this fair, which was crucial for us, Regarded as one of the major fairs in the home and household and we were also thrilled by the overwhelming interest our goods industry, The Inspired Home Show hosted prestigious products and collections received. brands from more than 130 countries. LAV “We had fruitful meetings It was a satisfying experience launched its four latest collections at the for us. The Inspired Home Show, fair: Alluring Darks, Primitive Aesthetics, with Walmart, Crate & which attracted big brands and Quiet Luxury, and Soft Metals.

Barrel and Wayfair, among participants from all over the Tuğrul Baran, LAV’s general manager world, particularly from the United explained he was proud to represent other major retailers” States and South America, was Turkey at the world-famous fair. “We were very enjoyable and fulfilling for us. We had fruitful meetings with Walmart, Crate & Barrel and Wayfair, among other major retailers. We are thrilled to be a part of The Inspired Home Show, which provides us with an excellent opportunity to strengthen our relationships with our business partners while also promoting our new collections and products. Our 2022 collection with its unique designs and elegance, which we promoted during the fair, as well as our new products, striking with their vibrant patterns, received a lot of positive feedback.”

40 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Meet the new collections Alluring Darks The colour palette for Alluring Darks is dramatic and theatrical. Darks are key to this palette, working together or offsetting rich jewel tones.

The romance of the Baroque and Victorian era comes to life with ghostly designs. LAV used ombré and dipped effects on glassware to have an ethereal lightness. They offer consumers an escape with fantastical floral themes and emphasised upcycled materials with the help of terrazzo like patterns. A touch of gold is added to make the concept more luxurious.

Alluring Darks

Quiet Luxury Quiet luxury focuses on simple forms and timeless styles for a minimalist aesthetic. Timeless retro direction creates classic designs that are versatile enough to work in any interior.

The whimsical industrial direction continues with styles that take on an even softer point-of-view. In this collection we offer retro appeal through curved forms, clean lines, taking inspiration from 1970s and 80s design aesthetics.

The role of pigmented, matte finishes will continue to be important.

Colours are soft and muted, varying from beige, grey to pigmented retro shades with flashes of gold to give a simple touch of luxury.

Quiet Luxury

Primitive Aesthetics The Primitive Aesthetics concept is grounded by earthy and primitive references such as soil and rocks, and the changing states of nature.

Rounded forms and shapes have a more handcrafted look and offer a cave-like feeling to create accessories that celebrate prehistoric wisdom and craft.

Hand-drawn irregular forms and imperfect shapes with blocks of colour and lines are used to capture the beauty of heritage patterns and indigenous mark-making. LAV offer a fresh spin on global folk patterns with earthy tones, natural colour palette.

Primitive Aesthetics

Soft Metals The Soft Metals concept experiments with digitised finishes and intricate details to upgrade basic table settings. Organic textures with metallic foils emphasises the overall grain appearance that has an unexpected high-end digital-look. Fresh pastel colour tints are used with speckled and diffused metal effects to create a calming pixelated look.

Mathematically precise simple forms emphasise the industrial aesthetic of this story. Fine lines and textures are elevated with futuristic high-shine to create optical illusions of dimension, embellishing your dining tables in a playful but chic way.

Soft Metals

LAV attends NRAS

for first time LAV exhibited at the National Restaurant Association Show (NRAS) for the first time recently.

The Chicago-based fair ran from 21 to 24 May and LAV’s distinctive products proved hugely popular.

During the fair, special cocktails were prepared by mixologist Bülent Sefer, one of the most successful bartenders in Turkey.

Having made an assertive entry into the US market when its showroom opened in 41 Madison two years ago, LAV better understands the needs of American consumers with special collections for them. LAV continues to invest in the American market.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 41

Interview Product Guru Simon Coyle, founder and CEO of Product Guru tells Tableware International why his company – who specialise in connecting brands with buyers – is targeting the homewares market

“The mission to get innovative

products on shelves”

Simon, explain the Product Guru concept to us?

Product Guru is an award-winning platform that connects challenger brands with leading retailers, helping them to find their route to market. We provide a central hub for a thriving community of over 10,000 brands, and over 1,600 buyers from independent stores through to some of the largest retailers, with the mission to get innovative products on shelves.

Our events and digital tools offer opportunities for challenger brands and buyers to find each

other and initiate conversations.

All our products and events are anchored around our powerful digital platform. Whether a buyer searches for you on our platform, discovers you through a digital campaign, samples your products at a Pop event, or meets you at a Huddle – they have instant access to your product’s data and the opportunity to connect with your brand and take next-step actions.

We’re known for pioneering valuable and innovative experiences for both brands and buyers to find each other, and we’re very excited

Did you know?

Product Guru will host a variety of events set to launch next year catered specifically to homeware brands, including their Kitchen, Cooking & Dining Huddle happening Q2 2023.

42 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

to take our expertise to the global stage with events taking place across Europe, the Gulf and beyond next year.

In terms of connecting retailers and buyers, are you focused on the UK or is there international reach too?

We’ve always had an international reach, and whilst most of our community is UK-based, more than a third is from overseas.

Our Huddles events have attracted brands from all over the world including Italy, USA, and Brazil. These events have been an invaluable resource for international brands trying to break into the UK retail market, providing them with guaranteed interactions with major UK retailers.

Huddles hold an international appeal for both brands and retailers. Our events offer a hybrid approach to bring local and global

brands close to retailers, through a variety of packages including inperson interactions, video pitching and product sampling. Integrating Product Guru’s technology in our events means that buyers can not only test out products live, but also combine the experience with instant access to product details on the platform, to shortlist products, connect with brands, provide feedback and more.

Market growth Product Guru’s research indicates the homeware market in the UK has expanded the last decade, going from £10.8 billion to £13.6 billion in value in 2019 and continuing to grow into this year.

How important is kitchen/ home sector to Product Guru, has it been identified as a growth area?

Our research indicates the homeware market in the UK has expanded the last decade, going from 10.8 billion to 13.6 billion in value in 2019 and continuing to grow into this year, so we’ve placed special emphasis on this category, as we witness its growth.

We’ve placed special focus on the home sector through a combination of targeted events and supporting our kitchenware brands. We are always engaged in conversations with buyers, as it is our aim to remain at the heart of their buying operations, and to evolve our tools to make the process of finding new products that fits their needs as easy as possible.

We also have a variety of events set to launch next year catered specifically to homeware brands, including our Kitchen, Cooking & Dining Huddle happening Q2 2023.

Tell us about some of the retailers who already use Product Guru to source product?

We work with a variety of large and specialist retailers, with buyers regularly attending our events and using our platform to source for their ranges, including John Lewis, B&M, Wilko, Lakeland, TK Maxx, Home Bargains, Waitrose, Magasin, Harrods, Oliver Bonas and QVC to name just a few.

Did you find the digital market space grew significantly over the course of the pandemic and how do you plan on maintaining momentum?

Over the past couple of years, we have worked closely with disruptive brands and retailers, supporting them in the journey to get innovative products discovered and listed.

During the pandemic, we launched and developed a series of virtual pitch events, and our online platform has helped brands and retailers to stay in touch and develop close relationships. We’ve

harnessed these connections by offering brands a life-time opportunity to engage with buyers live with our new in-person events, Huddles. Our digital platform serves a major role to enable interactions, feedback, and follow-ups for brands and buyers with a view to bring something new and innovative to the market.

The future is hybrid and with Huddles, we are combining the best of virtual with in-person experience, technology, and product sampling, bringing something really exciting, effective and unique, for both brands and buyers. Our partners in the industry were as excited as we were to get involved in this experience at our inaugural events in March 2022, and we received positive feedback across the board telling us that we’re on the right path. Both brands and retailers highlighted how the format of Huddles streamlines the process to get to the heart of their respective needs in a succinct way.

We’ve even heard back from buyers who have already started onboarding several brands as a result of attending Huddles.

We are really looking forward to hosting more Huddles events for Chocolate & Confectionery, Snacking, Wellbeing and other categories at the end of September and beginning of October this year and Kitchen, Cooking & Dining in 2023. www.productguru.co.uk

Explaining Product Guru Product Guru provides an end-to-end solution for producers and makers looking to break into market, and they are continuously developing unique opportunities for brands to get in front of retailers in both exciting and cost-effective ways.

Brands and retailers can engage with each other in innovative and resultdriven formats, whether that’s through Product Guru’s platform or event offerings.

The events series – Huddles, Virtual Pitches and Pop – offer brands multiple ways to get access and engage with leading retailers in their category. At the core of each of the events is the Product Guru platform, with brands able to present their entire range by uploading searchable digital product cards, track key interactions, and follow-up directly with buyers.

Retail buyers can search for products, record notes, request samples, and collaborate with members of their team directly on the platform, during and after the events. The hybrid approach guarantees curated and relevant interactions between brands and buyers.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 43

Trend Gold Art Deco

Stars

Going for

gold

Gold accents are never not on trend, and the hugely desirable metal is in demand once more.

We highlight some gorgeous gold pieces…

Utopia Nothing says luxury and decadence like gold – enter the Coco Gold Tumblers – these statement pieces add real lustre to the bar. Part of the Coco & Bardot range, the glasses are decorated and hand finished with precious gold (hence the advice is to hand wash only). There are three patterned ornate gold designs to choose from, featuring fans, circles or elongated diamonds, and all of them have a gold rim. Made in Bulgaria

by Pasabahce, the Coco tumblers are 92mm high and have a 33cl (11.25oz) capacity. Being 389g each, they weigh heavy in the hand, adding to their feel and appeal.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Full Gold

Denby Denby’s beautiful new Art Deco Porcelain features a blue and gold pattern effect which is created using mica – which means that the collection carries all Denby's attributes and can still be washed in the dishwasher, microwave and oven.

The new Porcelain Stars collection which is a celebration of the two key Denby porcelain glazes, combining with the arc texture is decorated with elegant and luxurious gold enamel, again the pieces can be safely washed in the dishwasher.

The new Porcelain Stars tableware includes core place setting items, plus new serving items including a new Turkey platter and sauce jug making it perfect for both Seasonal and all year round dining and entertaining.

To complete the collection are two new Porcelain Home Fragrance items, a diffuser in and candle pot.

www.denbypottery.com

Porcel Porcel has three gold-centric collections. Or is an exquisite set in which each piece is one of a kind. The union of reactive and gold creates an incredible texture that concedes this collection a mesmerising visual effect, as well as a remarkable tactile experience. Meanwhile, Full Gold features subtle porcelain pieces decorated in full gold while Infinity features a combination of patterns and lines with minimalistic elegance but ultimate luxury.

www.porcel.com Infinity

44 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

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Category Gold

LSA International LSA International does gold accents very, very well. Its glass pieces embellished with gold details play on the warm, reflective qualities of the precious metal. LSA’s glass offering not only chimes with trends for colourful drinkware to levelup a tablescape, but it is also a marker of fine glass craft. The glass is hand painted and then fired at a high temperature to set and preserve the metallic colours.

www.lsa-international.com

Luca

Chevron tumblers

Rosenthal The Heritage Midas collection from 2020 was designed by Gianni Cinti who took reference from Greek mythology’s tale of King Midas, who was given the power to turn everything he touched into gold. A very contemporary story that can be seen as an analogy to today’s materialistic world. On the classic baroque shape of Sanssouci, he created a pattern that plays with different gradients of gold: just traces of gold, hint or full golden on the plates and cups. Gianni Cinti used the socalled “camouflage” effect by using a tone-on-tone pattern with mat white leaves underlying the golden ones. In this way, the décor appears to be three dimensional – an effect that can be discovered by looking at the object from different angles.

www.rosenthal.de

Amefa Felicity 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 a beautiful golden 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.co.uk 46 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Category Gold

Koransha The Gold Patterned dinner set from Koransha gives a nod to the design of a small flower vase first produced in 1868. Featuring detailed gold trim throughout, the wellbalanced design depicts dragons and floral patterns. This opulent and gorgeously elegant piece is redolent with the composed atmosphere of the Meiji period.

www.koranshaus.com

Serax Posh Trading Company Established in 2015 in London by interior designer Sarah Ward, Posh Trading Company has a host of gilded tableware accessories and gifts.

The collections are ideal for those with a passion for boutique, bespoke items that emanate charm. Specialising in elegant essentials for divine dining experiences as well as prestige pieces for the bathroom and desk, the brand brings beauty to the abode.

www.poshtradingcompany.com

Serax has produced a series in association with world-renowned Belgian artist and curator Luc Tuymans. The set of five gold-rimmed porcelain plates are based on Plates, a work Tuymans made in 2012 and was created at the request of paediatrician Philip Maes, founder of Simon & Odil (a non-profit organisation linked to the King Baudouin Foundation).

Dr Maes has been researching sickle cell disease (SCD), a hereditary blood disorder affecting 60 to 70,000 children each year. Per set sold, Luc Tuymans and Serax donate €50 euro to the non- profit organisation.

www.serax.com

Beatriz Ball Beatriz Ball’s luxurious Sierra Modern Tall Candlesticks (Gold) are available in three impressive sizes. Updated classics, the candlestick holders are special due to their expert craftsmanship and stately proportions. Guaranteed to add a luxe look to any space, the candlestick holders can be topped with tapers in fun colours.

Beatriz Ball’s intensely handmade products use eco-friendly and sustainable materials and are crafted by artisans who trace a heritage of metalworking for generations. The Sierra Modern Gold Bowl and Servers are also on-trend.

wholesale.beatrizball.com 48 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

T&G T&G has produced a gold-enhanced series of CrushGrind mills. Unique and individual the featured gold salt, pepper and spice mills create the perfect seasoning to any meal.

The ceramic mechanism/ grinder is fully adjustable with over 12 settings to grind from fine to coarse grain. This gives a better fragrance and releases a real burst of flavour.

www.tg-woodware.com

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Retail Column

Merchandise your

way to success

With many years of brick-and-mortar retailing under her belt, Michele Trzuskowski knows a thing or two about merchandising. She shares her top tips…

I

recently read that online retail purchases in 2019 finally surpassed brick-and-mortar sales for the first time in history.

Obviously, since the pandemic hit, e-commerce has gobbled up even more sales. But one advantage we have on the brick-and-mortar side is our merchandising techniques, and we must play up every opportunity we get when that customer walks in the store.

For me, retail is a three-legged stool, with each leg being critical to laying the foundation for your business and its success. The three legs equate to people, product, and presentation.

You can have great people, and choose the right product, but if you don’t present it advantageously in the store, your customer can’t find it, and won’t purchase it.

Branding and first impressions Your front windows are the first impression customers have of your

they see those categories displayed prominently in the window. I would confuse them by putting a jewelry display there since that doesn’t represent the whole, just a small piece of my gift business.

Once that consumer does come into the store, studies show that as people transition from the outside to the inside, they make that adjustment in the first 15 feet. Many retailers leave that space unobstructed and begin their first fixture at the 15-foot mark.

The next time you’re in a shopping mall you’ll notice national chains conforming to this unwritten rule. But that also means, the first fixture better pack a “WOW” factor since it is what the customer will focus on.

Visual merchandising That brings us to visual merchandising which is arranging products in a way that makes them appealing to customers. It not just about creating a

For me, retail is a three-legged stool, with each leg being critical to laying the foundation for your business and its success store. They are key to creating an invitation into your business and brand.

As a tabletop store, even though we carry items such as jewelry and apparel, I wouldn’t merchandise them in the front window because it doesn’t re-enforce our brand. As a 90 per cent tabletop store, it’s critical that if a customer is walking or driving by, 50 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

dazzling display, because if it doesn’t convert those items into a sale, it’s a moot point.

When I approach visual merchandising, I look at several factors: ■ Time of year – what holidays or seasons might I be focusing on and what products do I have to support that.

■ W hat products are new and how do I want to introduce them to my customer?

■ What products do I want to move before having to take any markdowns?

Once that’s determined I start my displays by grouping together product. I can group by category, price, use, or even colour. With dinnerware for example, I could group by vendor, colour, price, or by product. Once I determine how or what group I want to focus on, I start to build a display around that theme.

I always try to cross merchandise at the same time. And if I am trying to upsell a category I will display by price with a good, better, or best scenario. In our store we have actual display tables set up and themed as if the customer were going to sit down and eat dinner. This is where we cross merchandise with many categories, linens included.

Then along the walls of the store are individual displays, usually by vendor, and by category.

Create an ambiance While visual merchandising is critical to driving sales, the ambiance you create around the merchandising is just as important. Every customer that walks into your store engages it with their senses.

■ Sight – lighting, colour and visual cues all direct a customer to specific displays or traffic flow.

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

■ S ound – music enhances a shopping experience especially when it is targeted to your customer. At our store we cater to an older clientele so we’re not about to play heavy metal.

■ Touch – it’s important to allow your customers to engage with the product by touching and feeling.

■ Smell – the sense of smell connects shoppers on an emotional level. Again, studies show that scent has the strongest impact when it comes to boosting consumer behavior.

Some companies even engineer scents to put customers in the right frame of mind.

Track your results and keep it fresh You should always try to evaluate how your merchandise efforts are tracking.

Identify SKUs you have in a display and see if they are trending up. If sales aren’t improving, you may want to tweak your display for better results.

This should also be looked at if initially sales spiked, but now, they’ve levelled off – that’s telling you it may be time for a new display. Promotions and holidays have short shelf life, you always want to change displays at least once a month and depending on the kind of store you have maybe more.

After the last couple of Covid years, it’s critical as retailers that we take every opportunity to drive sales. Make sure your three-legged stool of people, product, and presentation is strong and sturdy.

www.rosenthal.de/swarovski-x-rosenthal

Retail Westwing Brasil

Immersive

retailing Westwing Brasil initially made its name online, now boasting millions of social media followers. Today however, its physical stores are proving to be just as popular, and as wonderfully creative, as its online campaigns and editorially led content. Michelle Hespe learns more about the gia Global Honoree…

W

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 honouring 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 and to pre-register for the 2023 Show, taking place in Chicago on 4-7 March 2023, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

52 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

estwing Brasil was launched in December 2011 as a subsidiary of the German Westwing Group.

The original concept of the brand – a highly curated collection of products that is editorially led and showcased as they would be in a homewares and lifestyle magazine – has remained.

During the first years of operation, Westwing Brasil (which since 2018 has been separate from the Westwing Group, an independent Brazilian brand) was entirely dedicated to online retail through the Westwing Club; but in November 2014 its first physical store was opened in São Paulo and was incredibly well received by loyal supporters. By the end of 2022, Westwing Brasil is on track to have 10 stores spread across the country.

While the pandemic was disastrous for many companies, large and small, Westwing Brasil

“It’s not just about homewares, but also about art, fashion, music, culture, décor and so much more” Andres Mutschler, founder and CEO

Did you know?

During the pandemic, Westwing Brasil doubled its turnover and staff, and now has more than 800 employees.

doubled its turnover and staff, and now has more than 800 employees.

Founder and CEO Andres Mutschler describes the business as a “living organism that renews itself every day.” And, he adds: “It takes a lot of people to offer the best possible experience to our customers.”

Andres says that the company’s purpose is to bring content, trends and the Westwing lifestyle to life. “So, it’s not just about homewares, but also about art, fashion, music, culture, décor and so much more,” he says.

As anyone in the industry is aware, most retailers have worked in the opposite way – by first establishing a physical store and then aiming to bring the experience of shopping alive online. However, Andres’s team continually strive to give their loyal readers and followers the same experience in their stores as they have when looking at Westwing Brasil content online.

The gia jury was impressed by this, commenting that “Westwing Brasil has a holistic approach to online and offline offerings, giving customers the best of both worlds with the ability to navigate seamlessly between online and a bricks-and-mortar experience.”

Andres could not agree more.

10 “Our social media, magazines and website complement one another, and it’s all about creativity and good content in order for us to live in the most beautiful world we can imagine,” he says.

Creativity, immersion and innovation are at the core of what Westwing Brasil does. Last year for instance, they created and used a video by the singer Vanessa da Mata (a Latin Grammy Awardwinning Brazilian MPB singer, songwriter and novelist) as a form of e-commerce.

The film was 90 scenes in

the number of stores Westwing Brasil plans to have open by the end of 2022. media, the campaign was extended to TV (with a 30-second version of the video), digital media, Out of Home media and the channels of the many brands included in the clip. This of course led to users sharing their experience and earned media.

It’s this type of innovative marketing that impressed the gia jury and puts Westwing Brasil into a league of its own. The sheer volume of content creation is mind-blowing, with Westwing Brasil running over 2,500 PR campaigns per year, across all

website campaigns.

Customers can take a closer look and check the quality of the materials, the texture of an exclusive fabric or the sophistication of a crystal drinkware set. A professional is always on hand to offer customized tips and ideas for customers looking to create a Westwing-styled space and atmosphere.

In the São Paulo store, outdoor spaces become extensions of the indoors, offering customers even more options for comfortably relaxing and entertaining.

Porch sofas, cushions and throws become an important part of this category because the colors, textures and merchandising are used to layer the stories and inspire the customer to think of new ways that they can use products to express themselves while creating a beautiful environment.

“The store is visually inspiring with striking, dynamic color stories, beautiful visual merchandising and elevated platforms for special collections of furnishings that give them a gallery-like appeal,” the gia jury noted. “The store utilizes mood-

“To me, success is based upon being valued by our customers” Andres Mutschler, founder and CEO length, and it was directed

by Brazilian film director Fred Ouro Preto from the production company Café Royal. “The campaign was developed with the help of Google tools with TrueView for Shopping and Facebook – with Facebook Collection,” says Andres. “We then included more than 400 objects in the video that were for sale, with a simple path through to clip-commerce.”

The clip was the highlight of the brand’s campaign, which had the tagline: “Westwing. Live a more beautiful world.”

This all combined to create a completely immersive shopping experience. In addition to digital

sorts of fields and topics such as innovative cooking classes, flower arrangement classes and fashion and homewares-focused events.

In its physical stores, Westwing Brasil offers impeccably curated, in-stock products arranged in rooms that are constantly updated. As in a real home, everyone is welcome and invited to explore the spaces as if they were in one of the Westwing Brasil

boosting design extremely well.”

Being a part of the IHA Global Innovation Awards led Andres and his team look at every element of the business in fine detail.

“We learned that every little piece of the store – online and in a physical sense – has the ability to communicate something,” Andres says. “And when we were evaluating our entry in the awards, we realized even more how important it is to dedicate energy to every single detail of the business.”

The gia award has its place of pride in the office back in Brazil, and it has given the team even more desire and momentum to keep taking Westwing Brasil to new levels. However, the goal of the business will always remain the same – and that is keeping their customers happy.

“To me, success is based upon being valued by our customers, and for us to be the brand of their heart,” Andres says. “The entire company looks at every part of the journey to get there, and to always deliver the best we have in us.”

To learn more about Westwing Brasil, visit www.westwing.com.br.

Content, content, content The sheer volume of content creation is mind-blowing, with Westwing Brasil running over 2,500 PR campaigns per year.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 53

Category Metalware

An essential ingredient Metalware – be it in flatware form, serveware or even as part of hospitality buffets – is a key part of the overall tabletop offering. We highlight some products you need to know about Broste Cophenhagen

A staple in home décor, metal is a favourite accent for dressing the table, used in everything from cutlery to serveware. Broste Cophenhagen is launching its A/W ‘22 assortment featuring the colourful Mie candleholder collection. Coming in two sizes these powder-coated iron pieces are a glorious way of introducing metal to the table – we love the fun colourways with everything from pale blush to intense blue on offer.

But when it comes to metalware made as a showstopping centrepiece, Beatriz Ball is the go-to designer. Ahead of the festive season approaching, this festive-inspired serveware piece from Beatriz Ball is as expected – a real showstopper.

Viners

Amefa 54 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

With red and gold colourways enhancing the American designer’s sculptural shapes, the finishes are so sturdy that they can go even in commercial dishwashers.

Made of food safe aluminium alloy, each item is passionately handmade by skilled artisans in the company’s own foundry outside of Mexico City.

Of course, Nambé is famed for its metalware and has added metal into its latest collection, Portables. Made of Nambé’s world famous signature alloy, the Portables bowls and trays feature sleek, clean lines with open handles for easy serving and transporting.

Originally designed by Robin Levien, the assortment boasts mixed materials of acacia wood and cool white stoneware – now enhanced by metal – making it perfect for every home either dressed up for an upscale, contemporary event, or down for a casual everyday atmosphere.

Of course, Nambé’s proprietary eight metal alloy is known for its beauty, luster and food safe properties – add to this the alloy naturally has excellent qualities of temperature retention, making it perfect for serving both hot and cold dishes.

Moving on from food to drink – Viners from the Rayware camp of brands boasts a silver Champagne bucket in its roster of products. It has a four-litre capacity and is suitable for all bottle shapes – the single wall bucket has two ring handles and is made from fine quality

Utopia

Beatriz Ball

stainless steel with a brushed finish that won’t scuff easily or tarnish.

Another company with Champagne buckets and coolers is Samuel Groves whose made in England assortment is aimed at the luxury market.

“We are delighted to bring these coolers to the market and delighted to confirm they are made, and hand finished in our Birmingham factory,” says Samuel Groves MD Lee McDonagh. The stainless-steel coolers will hold two to three bottles and are manufactured in a two-ply, stainless steel and aluminium construction, which guarantees excellent durability and stability when storing, serving and chilling beverages.

Of course, the most traditional introduction to metal is with our flatware assortment and that’s not strictly just for the table.

Amefa, for example, has its clever Mobil set, specifically developed for meals ‘on the go’. Made of 18/0 stainless steel, the set is stackable, easy to transport and fits in every bag. And there is a plastic case to ensure the cutlery is protected.

For the HoReCA market, Utopia’s marketing manager Josh Rammell says cutlery is having a moment. “There’s never been such a variety of style, colour and shape to help create a dramatic table setting.

At the extreme end of Utopia’s range is the Anton black cleaver, a striking alternative

Zieher Nambe

to the steak knife. Designed to look like a meat cleaver, it has a wooden handle and stainlesssteel blade. It combines the strength, power and balance of a butcher’s cleaver in a compact format that creates a spectacle out of serving the steak.

And if you like your steak knife really, really black, then Utopia’s Laguiole has it in spades. It features a stunning design, with a black handle and black serrated blade, that really stand out from the crowd.”

Staying with the hospitality sector, Zieher has introduced an innovative new buffet system as part of its novelties for 2022. Glow is an elevated offering, boasting filigree displays and frames with integrated lighting.

The matt black coating of these slim – but still extremely sturdy lighting objects – remains discreetly in the background and leaves the presentation of dishes to the warm and glare-free light. All elements can be used lying or upright and create presentation levels at different heights – the basis for varied and appealing

buffet arrangements.

Two connecting boards made of bent sheet metal can be attached as desired and thus enable the flexible construction of several elements – even across corners. Matching buffet platters made of glass or laminated plastic, as well as trays made of melamine, complete the clever system.

What is clear is that metal plays a part in many strands of dining from décor to food presentation, it’s an essential part of the overall serving family.

Samuel Groves

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 55

Interview Sambonet Gianni’s Rosenthal Heritage Turandot collection.

Photo: Axel Franz. Styling: Hendrikje Bernhoeft

Gianni with the Jungle collection, which was launched at Salone del Mobile recently

“Metal and porcelain are fragile… just like people” Acclaimed designer Gianni Cinti has produced an outstanding new cutlery collection with Sambonet. Jungle has pushed the boundaries – testing Sambonet’s already exceptional skillset with is complex décor and intricate design. The result, however, is a glorious ode to technical mastery.

Tableware International speaks with the passionate Gianni Cinti about working with metal and the complexities of the collection Gianni, what was the brief from Sambonet when designing the Jungle collection?

The brand wanted to create a contemporary but also iconic cutlery assortment, reflecting Sambonet values. The product was supposed to respect the brand’s heritage and promote sustainability

framework. It was an à-rebours job in that I made the whole foliage pattern first. It was inspired by simple and nature-inspired shapes, drawn in pencil. After the pattern design, I dealt with its placement, so that every cutlery piece had a décor piece. Each abstract sign had to reveal a whole pattern, just like

“Cutlery has limited surface to feature a décor, and my idea was to create a large, asymmetric and visible décor” and innovation at the same time, speaking to a large audience with a contemporary and timeless language. It looked like a complex but engaging design challenge.

What was your starting point when it came to the inspiration?

My project was based on construction and deconstruction: two design actions strictly related to fashion, always my reference 56 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

it was conceived, when all pieces where close to each other only.

What challenges were you presented with when working on Jungle?

I faced multiple challenges, both technical and design oriented.

Cutlery has limited surface to feature a décor, and my idea was to create a large, asymmetric and visible décor.

I think this was the turning point of this project – before Jungle, all cutlery textures were micro and seamless on the cutlery’s handle.

Jungle has different aesthetics.

How long did Jungle take to come to fruition, from initial consultation through to presenting the collection at Salone del Mobile?

The project was planned quite fast, reflecting the instinctive touch of this collection’s décor. The technical development needed time, starting from the prototype design to the finished set up.

In addition to the fundamental steel version, we have created three more variations: a beautiful copper shade, vivid gold and total black. The molds production was the hardest step, as each piece is different from the other and decoration is featured on both sides thanks to engraved and hand-refined molds, in line with Sambonet tradition.

In my view, the project’s design focus had to be the decoration even if it’s often little considered, it is a great Italian heritage and a styling trend with great potential.

I think that decoration doesn’t represent the modern times only, but also tells a lot about craftsmanship and minor arts, just like goldsmith art, engraving and chiseling, an essential part of our culture. Working with decorations and balancing visual elements are actions that allow me to clothe shapes, just like I enhance a body with a dress.

I recall your multi-faceted Heritage collection with Rosenthal where you really pushed the limits of creativity, were you equally as inspired

when working with metal for Sambonet?

Of course. Path and approach with Rosenthal and Sambonet are similar even if the projects tell quite different stories.

Furthermore, both porcelain and steel have considerable, specific features and technical limits to be constantly kept in mind in the creative process.

Are you equally as happy creating a porcelain or cutlery collection as you are a fashion/ textile collection?

Bruno Munari, a great Italian designer, said “an artist’s dream is to enter museums, while designer’s dream is to enter local markets”.

I’m happy to take people to the table. It’s a place to bring different

Colour check The Jungle collection comes in four colourways – black, stainless steel, copper and gold, pictured above. generations together and to welcome and feed everyone, respecting diversity. Sometimes table is a political act. Table runs through trends, writes stories, bonds memories and people.

Objects capture the essence of those who use them, more than clothes, as objects contain moments. They slowly get old, but the ones that have been well made never become outdated.

Does metal appeal to you in the same way as porcelain?

Yes, I’m fascinated by all materials that can be shaped, even if in a different way. There’s something human and alive in these materials.

They’re both a meeting/clash of

Stainless steel has technical limits but thanks to Sambonet’s knowhow and willingness, I have been able to overcome them.

In addition to the balance needed between company and designer, I was really lucky: Sambonet and I have a great working relationship but as we already worked together in 2018 this built this project on trust, openness, teamwork and understanding. This is not my project, it’s the project of everyone who worked on it.

Finally, are you planning any other cutlery or porcelain collections?

It’s too soon to say, even if I would

“Porcelain and steel have considerable, specific features and technical limits to be constantly kept in mind in the creative process” fire, water, air, earth. Metal and porcelain are fragile, sparkling, durable, cold, transparent, just like people. These materials always surprise me, for their facets and endless differences.

Were you given complete artistic freedom by Sambonet, or did you have to work within the constraints of the materials – in this case, metal?

love to resume the tradition of long-time collaborations between designers and companies, especially the home design ones.

We lost this way of working in favour of one-shot projects: it’s a choice that makes productions fragmented. I would love to keep collaborating with these excellences even to give continuity to their range, as great designers like Wiinblad and Gropius did for Rosenthal, or Gio Ponti himself for Sambonet, giving birth to extraordinary objects.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 57

Viewpoint Opinion From trending products to fresh launches, we hear from leading industry figures about what is happening in their companies…

Talking points Porcel Ana Luísa Roque, president What do you predict will trend in tableware for 2023?

We truly believe that next year there will be a predominant focus on texture. After a couple of years where we kept our distance from people and items alike, clients will be drawn by the ability to feel the surface of the piece they are buying. For this reason, our bets land on audacious releases that appeal to the sense of touch.

What is your most popular selling tabletop collections?

Our newest collections, Matcha and Sunstone (pictured), have been a great success since their release and throughout the year. Matcha is a soft green collection named after the Japanese beverage, that guarantees uplifting and memorable table moments. Sunstone is decorated with fine gold lines resulting in a reflective geometric pattern applied in gold over each porcelain piece.

How much of an issue are energy costs causing your company and have you been forced to pass these down to the end-user yet?

We want to continue to deliver high quality products, and provide excellent service – our main goal is the complete satisfaction of our partners. But due to the drastic increases in energy costs which have been reflected with direct impact on the ceramic industry, we have had to adjust to these new worldwide circumstances.

Mesa Ceramics Francisco Braga, CEO How much of an issue are energy costs causing your company and have you been forced to pass these down to the end-user yet?

It seems that we have been lurching from one problem to the next, whether it is because of Covid, raw material costs, shipping prices, the war in Europe and the consequent massive increase in energy costs. Fortunately, we have been investing in the optimisation of our factory and we just finalised the implementation of solar panels that will help us reduce about 20 per cent in energy costs and reduce the CO2 emissions by 164 tons per year. So, the truth is that we were forced to pass some of the increased costs to the end-user but not proportionately, we acted with caution and good judgment.

Will you be attending shows this year and if so, what is your key show?

Our current plan for 2022 is to keep visiting trade fairs and shows in order to understand the path the market is taking and exploring current trends.

Next year we are hoping to return to normality, so we can once again be back with our own exhibition at the usual events.

What do you predict will trend in tableware for 2023?

We believe that there is a higher awareness regarding sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturers. Consumers are consciously purchasing less products, but of a better quality. There is a high demand for high quality products that are sustainable, functional, durable and with pallets that can be trans-seasonal.

What is your most popular selling item and from which collection?

Our most popular selling item is the Plate 28 of Uno collection in black matte colour. This is a deep plate in stoneware with a soft rounded shape. Our Uno collection in matte colours was the 2022 winner of the German Design Award for Excellent Product Design, Tabletop.

Beatriz Ball, Owner and founder What is your most popular selling tabletop item and from which collection?

The eternally popular SOHO Organic Bowl coordinates with all our collections and is equally at home with your casual dinnerware or dressed up for a party. It has been our bestseller for years and has established itself a go-to wedding gift.

Will you be attending shows this year and if so, what is your key show We are attending three US trade shows this summer; Dallas, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Atlanta is the jewel in the crown in our markets. It is our largest and most prominent space, and one in which we can spotlight the full range of our products. We look 58 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

forward to meeting with so many of our top accounts to show them our latest intros, and to catch up on the latest developments with their businesses.

View Point Opinion

Anand Baldawa, thinKitchen, CEO What do you predict will trend in tableware for 2023?

Glassware, tableware and flatware are becoming a major part of both commercial and household kitchens in the recent years. Glassware is everywhere as its easy to mix and match you can easily set the mood for your party by choosing the right glassware and we see consumers demanding more choices in 2023. Consumers also continue to take the opportunity to invite friends and family home. This leads to the art of table setting continuing to be in focus in 2023. Conscious eating will continue to fuel the need for sustainable tableware which is reusable. Premium consumers also want to invest in products that are sustainable, 60 per cent of luxury consumers comprise of Gen-Z and millennials, who ask questions around how materials are being sourced.

This in turn impacts other industries such as hospitality which want to offer sustainable options to their customers. As a result, the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly choices are likely to grow in 2023.

Irmgard Braun-Ditzen, Zwiesel Glas, team lead product design

Josh Rammell, Utopia Tableware, marketing manager What do you predict will trend in tableware for 2023?

Looking towards 2023, it is all about individuality, for example mixing and matching designs to create a tabletop presentation that helps set the tone for a restaurant. More and more the direction of food and drink is led by how you ‘set the frame’ using tableware, such as using a powerful colour to offset neutral food colours. It’s the same in glassware, where you might use a fine crystal glass with optics in the bowl to make a drink sparkly when poured and sipped. Meanwhile there is lots of innovation in flatware, with cutlery collections seeing less shine and more matt, even in high-end establishments.

Different colours, such as black, gold and copper, and unusual pieces, such as our Meat Cleaver steak knife, all help to add theatre to this area.

What is your most popular selling tabletop item and from which collection?

Our stunning Goa bowls (pictured) are currently our top selling product. Their organic curves and irregular shape are very much on trend, as are their earthy tones, with a rich green and brown reactive glaze that makes every piece slightly different and truly individual.

They match a lot of needs, since they can be made to stand out or to blend

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What do you predict will trend in glassware for 2023?

In 2023, colours will play a big role not only coloured glassware but also new colours in different living accessories like vases.

in. While they appeal to those who like the look of artisan pottery, at the same time they deliver a practical and robust alternative, since they are made of vitrified porcelain.

How much of an issue are energy costs causing your company and have you been forced to pass these down to the end-user yet?

There’s no doubt that energy prices will impact on prices across the market in the longer term, but for now they are not such a big issue as, for example, the increase in transport costs.

Will you be attending shows this year and if so, what is your key show?

The key show for us is Ambiente in Frankfurt. It’s the trend setter and meeting place for ideas and creativity as well as the forum for new launches for the tabletop market. Having been postponed for the last few years, the next one is shaping up to be really exciting. We expect 2023’s event to be a very significant and exceptionally important show for the whole industry.

What is your most popular selling item and from which collection?

In 2005 Zwiesel Glas took a risk with introducing the series Pure (pictured) into the product range. The design of Pure was everything but classic with its borders and angles. It was a little revolution as the spirit of the time were round wine glasses. But the edge in the glass was new and had great potential. Nevertheless, Zwiesel Glas trusted itself and Pure was introduced to the market. Until today, Pure has a steady place in the product range and is an achiever. Also in our anniversary year Pure is our strongest series. Therefore, the series Pure grew over the years today champagne glasses, tumblers, wine decanters and bar glasses are available in the typical Pure design.

How much of an issue are energy costs causing your company and have you been forced to pass these down to the end-user yet?

The saying “without gas no glass” is very true. For the production of glass we need a huge amount of gas. Our glass melting tanks are 365 days of the year in service and are reaching temperatures of 1.500°C until 1.600°C. Unfortunately, we cannot switch to another energy source as this would need a whole reconstruction of our manufacturing. That is the reason we have had to raise our prices but we are not realising more profit with this. The increase in prices was necessary due to the extra expenses in energy costs.

trade.lsa-international.com

Arc Collection

CONSIDERED DESIGN

Trends Texture

Polished brilliance The elaborate polishing of Zwiesel’s refined handmade glasses makes them the perfect choice for special occasions.

With its extravagant shapes, black stem and striking cut, the Glamorous series celebrates the 1920s and Art Déco design. www.zwiesel-glas.com

Jewel in the crown Amefa’s Jewel pattern combines style and tradition and is beautifully finished with a diamond decoration. The assortment is part of the brand’s elite collection called Amefa Premiere – distinctive designs crafted from the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel and beautifully finished to the last detail. www.amefa.com

Texture

to the table A key element of any good interior designer’s armoury, texture adds depth, drama and flair. And texture on the dinner table is no different. We highlight some key pieces designed to bring the table to life…

Modern moments

Mesa Ceramics new coupe mugs with innovative textures and patterns – boasting bold and on-trend colours – are ideal for complementing your tableware sets. With the possibility to mixand-match decors there’s an infinity of set combinations.

The use of digital printing technology allows the creation of new pieces with a character that speaks for itself. www.mesa-ceramics.com 62 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

The royal touch From Porcel comes Royal Velvet, a bold collection which demands to be the centre of attention at the table. Inspired by royalty, the collection’s decoration is achieved by using reactive inks, which when in contact with the porcelain create a unique effect. The intense silver and violet hand-applied texture is distinct in every piece and creates a memorable tactile experience. www.porcel.com

Ed i

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Portmeirion celebrates the 50th anniversary of its flagship range.

Half a century after it was first introduced, Botanic Garden remains Portmeirion’s most loved collection across the world.

Bringing joy and nature to our homes Bring everyday for fifty years. eve

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Trends Texture

Animal magic From Rosenthal, a lovely assortment of cute porcelain animals in delicate shades of brown, stone, rosé and white. Dog Alfonso, cat Smokey, monkey Gordon, pig Alley, mouse Elvis and the owl Snow White look like they have been knitted by hand and are available in three different sizes. Each figure is gift boxed and a perfect present. www.rosenthal.de

Sustainable beauty In circles Utopia’s Santo collection puts circles centre stage with texture added to the surface by a digitally printed design of roughly drawn concentric circles that focus the eye to the heart of each piece. There are five colourways in the Santo collection; taupe, tropical, dark and light grey and cobalt.

Maison Maison works with sustainable materials such as seagrass, rattan and water hyacinth to craft design-led, stylish, and high-quality homeware.

The collection is handmade by Vietnamese women artisans as part of a cooperative labour initiative.

Maison Maison’s first foray into tabletop is with placemats and napkin rings made from textural seagrass fibres, the collection is perfect for adding rustic charm to your table setting. www.maisonmaisondesign.com

www.utopia-tableware.com

Naturally stylish Woven in the style of woven wicker but made of 100 per cent recycled materials, Beatriz Ball’s faux wicker placemats come in four basic colourways – grey, brown, seagrass, and sage.

Elevated layering

Bringing a look of natural texture to the table, they can be layered with linens for a richly put-together look. Generously sized and easy to clean, the mats are made of recycled materials.

Wholesale.beatrizball.com

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Texture and relief can be seen in many collections from Denby Pottery and they use the effect to celebrate the beauty of modern craftsmanship and design.

Denby’s new Arc Porcelain collection – in blue and white – has textured pieces which give character with every mug, bowl, and plate featuring a raised ‘arc’ motif giving a clean, modern look. Arc White and Blue can be styled with the Modern Deco porcelain or layered with Denby’s new Stars pieces to create a luxurious table setting that’s perfect for celebrations and entertaining. www.denbypottery.com

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Category Bowls

The beauty

in bowls With bowl culture and a penchant for a more relaxed dining experience now an ingrained part of how we eat, there has never been such a focus on the humble bowl.

From serveware to cereal, we highlight a few choice options – of various sizes – each bringing something unique to meal times…

Artel Artel’s Fly Fusion Gilded collection consists of six different insect-themed motifs that are hand-engraved and hand-gilded with 24-carat gold or lustrous platinum. Motifs are available individually or in sets of six. The assortment is also available in platinum.

www.artelglass.com

Bauscher

www.bhs-tabletop.com

From Bauscher comes Country House, a collection which resembles something fresh off the potter’s wheel. The clearly visible “turning grooves” emphasise the handcrafted character and create a haptic experience when the bowls and dishes are handled. Bauscher say this is the ideal collection for a country style venue or can also serve as a contrast to the cool look of industrial style restaurants.

Beatriz Ball Inspired by the artistry of nature, the magnificent Thanni Harriet Shell Bowl White is a sculptural interpretation of a seashell with a brilliant white exterior and a gleaming metallic gold interior. Impressively sized, the piece is ideal for coastal settings or anywhere as a stunning large wine bucket that holds several bottles of wine or champagne in style.

The stunning luxe Thanni Collection features sculptural shapes designed by Beatriz to add “wow” to any tabletop, combining white or black colour surfaces with brilliant gold. The finishes are so sturdy that they can go even in commercial dishwashers.

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Lenox From Lenox, Luna is an all-in-one nesting piece designed for two. Hidden inside are six bowls and two plates. Take it apart piece by piece to reveal each microwave-anddishwasher-safe style.

www.lenox.com

Did you know?

One of the oldest bowls found is believed to be around 18,000 years old.

Bonna Bonna has launched its Pott Bowl collection – designed specifically for the “bowl food” trend. With two different colour options, Pott Bowl mixes modern and traditional lines. The Pink Pott Bowl consists of five pieces, while Terra Pott Bowl comes in earthy colours. With an array of different sizes, the assortment can be used for all sort of dishes from fish to salad, breakfast to main course.

With a nod by the craft of pottery, Pott Bowl is inspired by both the past and the future with details resembling the fingerprints left by potters on the lathe.

Bonnaporcelain.co.uk

Orrefors With Cut in Number, Ingegerd Råman has applied Orrefors’ extensive tradition of cut glass as starting point. She has stepped away from the tradition of polished cuts, leaving the cuts matte instead, which emphasizes the geometrical surface of the clear glass. Cut in Number consists of three cylindrical objects: a bowl and two vases, which all come with two different cut patterns.

When the light meets the crystal and those carefully positioned lines, it becomes clear that mathematics also can be poetic. The collection launched in 2021.

www.orrefors.us

Playground The graceful, austere design language of the Silento bowl from Playground makes an impression with its steeply pitched, conical body. The eye-catcher in the centre of the stoneware bowl made of grey sandy matte earthenware: a swivelled glaze dot that invites imaginative arrangements.

www.bhs-tabletop.com

“Bowl culture, as Denby termed the popularity of bowls some years ago, has been gathering momentum over the last 20 or so years but suddenly it seems quite dramatic. It was once unthinkable to dine out and have a meal served in a pasta bowl. Just 20 years or so ago there was just two to three bowls in a tableware collection – a cereal bowl, fruit/salad bowl and a serving bowl. For the last couple of years, Denby has produced far more bowls than plates to meet the demand. Initially came the pasta bowl followed by the rice bowl and then to meet its overseas demand Denby produced many more bowls to suit different markets within Asia. Interestingly these different sized bowls have been used in the UK too – not always perhaps for their original intended use but nonetheless useful for other foods. Cookery on TV has helped fuel the demand for various bowls and there are currently more than 40 different sized and shaped bowls within the Denby portfolio.”

Richard Eaton, Denby’s design director talks about the rise of bowls at Denby TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 67

Category Bowls

Utopia Utopia’sTruffle bowl is made from a vitrified porcelain, making the bowl strong and durable, Truffle’s contrasting light and dark brown rim and interior add visual appeal to its earthy texture. The bowl’s footed base brings height and drama, adding an extra dimension to table presentation.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Serax The Feast by Ottolenghi for Serax tableware collection is built around sociability. The collection boasts a series of bowls and plates in various sizes and in an abundance of colours, vegetable prints and positive vibes. The British-Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi created this range of expressive tableware with the most joyful of gatherings in mind: coming together with friends and family, sharing food and exchanging stories – the absolute ethos of bowl culture.

www.serax.com

Did you know?

Pure Table Top Inspired by intricate artwork found in the extensive archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the Living Jewels collection of serving bowls are guaranteed to make a beautiful statement on any dining table. At 24cm in diameter and crafted from a high-quality and durable stoneware, these bowls are perfect for entertaining.

Featuring a beautiful reactive glaze and sourced closer to home, from Portugal, these unique pieces bring the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s much-loved beauty of nature into the kitchen and dining areas of the home.

puretabletop.com

There are currently more than 40 different sized and shaped bowls within the Denby portfolio

Fürstenberg www.fuerstenberg-porzellan.com Inspired by Asian philosophies of life, QI, the 5-piece bowl set from Fürstenberg, really gives a new definition in terms of surface and touch-and-feel. The silky-lustrous optical effect of the smooth inside surface is achieved by using a special ceramic glazing featuring a subtle cyan hue that was transferred, for the first time, onto the porcelain form. As a counterpoint, the unglazed exterior of the bowls is polished allowing for that special velvety touch. The set of bowls by Kap-Sun Hwang was awarded the “red dot: best of the best” for the highest design quality.

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Category Bowls

Thomas The relaxed Thomas Cliff White Beach assortment offers organic shapes and a neautral aesthetic. Spanish designer Gemma Bernal captures in its forms the warm Mediterranean light, the sandy beaches and the connection between the island and the surrounding sea.

The new White Beach glaze emphasises the harmonious curves of the island landscape. In Cliff, every item is twocoloured: light cream-beige as the basic colour is combined with soft white. In this delicate mix of colours, plates, cups and bowls in various sizes rise above the table surface like single small cliff coasts, and create a harmonious, timeless look.

www.thomas-porzellan.de

RAK Porcelain RAK Porcelain have created the perfect range for all bowl lovers out there. The Ease series is made out of their stoneware-like porcelain formula Rakstone and impresses with a wide range of different sizes and bowl capacities. All of the Ease bowls are highly durable, protected by RAK Porcelain’s five-year edge-chipping warranty and available in seven soft rustic shades: white, dual, clay, caldera, rust, cobalt, and honey. The glaze of each piece is carefully sprayed and gives this series its own distinctive style, reminiscent of the modelling and decorating carried out in pottery workshops.

In addition to the existing seven hand-painted shades, Ease also has something in stock for vintage enthusiasts. Ease Spring & Summer, the series’ two newest additions, feature delicate floral designs and are sure to improve the look of your brunch table.

The series was designed to meet the needs of chefs who are cooking more and more with bowls, but also to appeal to the general public who love the social aspect of dining out and appreciates a table where food is shared with one another.

Typhoon

www.rakporcelain.com

The Typhoon World Foods Watermelon Bowl is ideal for indoor and outdoor dining. Featuring a watermelon design with a green embossed pattern on the outside and red on the inside, it makes serving snacks and dips practical and fun. Produced from durable ceramic and finished with a coloured glaze, the bowl is the perfect size for serving a variety of dips as well as measuring out seasoning, spices and ingredients while cooking.

www.rayware.co.uk

Sango Hospitality From Sango Hospitality’s Java range, this 32cm Coupe plate is a versatile piece. Great for individual service to create that wow factor but works just as well as a sharer piece. Available in seven different colours, this aqua blue is very impactful.

sangohospitality.com

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INTRODUCED IN 1995...

OUR ORGANIC PEARL COLLECTION WAS A HIT THEN, AND, WHETHER IN METAL OR MELAMINE, IS STILL A HIT NOW! WHOLESALE.BEATRIZBALL.COM

Column HoReCa Hering Berlin

Studio Mattes

Why I love ceramics, and the people who make them Valda Goodfellow is in a reflective mood. A life-long fan of ceramics, our columnist looks at what first attracted her to the industry…

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

It works with all sizes of restaurant and catering projects, happy to supply anything from an individual plate to a full restaurant concept.

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warn you now, I might be delirious! I am recovering from Covid and have a sense that I might not be thinking the same way I once was.

The UK prime minister Boris Johnson has gone, no transport in the UK is working and we are hotter than the rest of the planet.

Thank you Boris, at least for the

Well, what I now know for sure, the food experience is not taste, it is about engaging all the senses. Working from home, robbed of taste and smell, still makes me yearn for the enriching surroundings of gorgeous design, ambience, and the sharing of a food experience with those we love. But I would

tableware journey began.

Maybe I was born at a very late age, or I was a product of a time when collecting antiques was very trendy – please don’t judge me, I am quite old and was always a bit nerdy. My early engagement with ceramics involved trailing around antique fairs collecting things I liked

My early engagement with ceramics was trailing around antique fairs collecting things I liked rather than things that might be future heirlooms and without exception I was drawn to ceramics vaccines and the entertainment, which is more than I can say for food at present. Losing your sense of taste and smell is a great leveller. It strips back what food is actually for and makes you question what all the fuss is about.

swap, any time, the salty pop of caviar, for a hug from my son over a pizza!

So, when it comes to the role we play in the whole hospitality experience, it makes me sentimental for how my whole

rather than things that might be future heirlooms and without exception I was drawn to ceramics.

Anything from Spode’s Willow pattern (very ‘80s) or the pioneering Clarice Cliff, were

treasures to me purely for their design. I confess, I didn’t care what type of ceramic it was.

I didn’t know fine bone from poor porcelain but what I knew was the feel of bone china, and how marvellous a cup of tea tastes out of a china cup, was one of my first loves that would linger in my memory like a tender teenage kiss – well, early teenage kiss.

Since then, ceramics has been a lasting love which manifests itself in this approbation of ceramic designers. I love you all for the sheer creativity and determination you physically pound into a virgin form, to produce everything from the exquisite to the functional.

For thousands of years man has worked with clay to create something entirely incredible.

In our industry, there are a few designers who make you want to run your fingers along the rim of a plate, to feel the beauty of their work, and I am happy to say that we have somehow found each other. These designers and producers engage at every level of their craft and forge emotional links to those who care where their work. We

have always had a pact with our originators that they can become part of this relationship, and yes, there are three people in this relationship – us, the originator and the customer.

There are those that stand out from the harsher realms of commercialism; notwithstanding that the more commercial producers do a great job. The designers and producers who can do the unexpected, not the just the viable. Those, who like Clarice Cliff, believe ‘having a little fun at my work does not make me any less of an artist’.

In today’s industry, it takes guts to be different, but it takes money to survive. So, we try to make those originators not only loved by fans in hospitality, but also commercially successful.

Hospitality is about all the senses, so apart from the food, tableware is a hugely important sensory part of the experience.

Form, touch, colour, decoration.

They are a mercurial mix of ingredients that are subject to the black art of the kiln which come together to produce an individual unique item.

My modern-day heroes are those who push us to engage

Cookplay

them with customers.

Not because they question what we do, but because they are eager to learn why people want their creations, what they do with them and what can be

In today’s industry, it takes guts to be different, but it takes money to survive done better.

These are the originators who try to better understand our customers, and they are the same people who – when they see their products on the table – smile with the same pride that a mother or father does when their child wins the egg and spoon race.

There are a few which top my list, don’t ask me to pick the best because it would be like saying which is your favourite child so I will list them alphabetically.

Charlie Martens known as Studio Mattes (probably the nicest man in the whole ceramics world), a powerhouse of creative talent

and hard worker who talks as easily to the world’s best chefs as he does to us. Stefanie Hering who is a huge talent who has guided her business Hering Berlin through the ups and downs of fashion to emerge as an icon and Ana Roquero who embodies the spirit and excitement of Spanish design and who pushes the boundaries to know not only what to create but why. And finally, Delphine Stroesser (Montgolfier) who I believe is a genius when it comes to reactive glazes and who has made her brand an enduring chefs’ favourite.

These all, and more, embody that same spirit of creative collaboration which makes our relationship with hospitality customers so much more valuable. To be able to link designer and producer to product is a truly special thing that somehow seems to be conveyed through the products.

Once I regain my senses of smell and taste I know I will truly appreciate those senses more but for now, I just want to look and touch and know that these beautiful objects don’t only do the job they were meant for, they do so much more.

Montgolfier

Did you know?

Young Valda Goodfellow was inspired by anything from Spode’s Willow pattern or the pioneering Clarice Cliff. Today, she is inspired by a few creators – Charlie Martens of Studio Mattes, Stefanie Hering of Hering Berlin, Ana Roquero and Delphine Stroesser, Montgolfier.

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Interview Inspired Home Show

Derek Miller, president & CEO, International Housewares Association – the team behind The Inspired Home Show – tells us what they have in store for the 2023 event in Chicago

Ready to be

inspired

What? The Inspired Home Show | Where? Chicago, USA | When? 4-7 March, 2023 Firstly, sum up the most recent Inspired Home Show 2022, what is good to be back?

The Inspired Home Show 2022 was very successful. Although the number of exhibitors and attendees was down compared to pre-pandemic levels, the very high quality of companies that did participate made the show a success. Key buyers and exhibitors reported that they had longer and more meaningful meetings, which were very much needed – being able to meet faceto-face and to see the wide 74 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

breath of the industry after a two-year absence solidified the value of the Show.

With regards to the upcoming 2023 show in March, you are now accepting exhibitor applications how is take-up thus far?

Space applications for The Inspired Home Show 2023 were sent to previous exhibitors and prospects in May. Although it is still early in the application and space assignment process,

submissions are equivalent to pre-pandemic levels, which is very positive news.

Product suppliers interested in exhibiting at the show in 2023 should can learn more by visiting the show’s website.

The kitchenware market is very well represented at The Inspired Home Show, tell us what we can expect for 2023?

As economic concerns take hold, consumers will once again rely on home cooking and entertaining for not only day-to-day but for

celebrations and holidays, which is very positive for our industry. Our exhibitors will meet this need by introducing new and innovative products for the kitchen and the table.

What about tabletop, is that a growing segment for the show and is representation strong?

Tabletop, as a consumer need, is going through a number of changes based on lifestyle evolution. High-end, luxury tableware still has a place for formal occasions, but there are fewer of those occasions

We asked…

“In terms of UK and European representation at the show, is it worth buyers local to those territories attending The Inspired Home Show?”

“The Inspired Home Show is the best opportunity to meet with buyers from over 125 countries with very strong attendance from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the rest of Latin America” and more casual gatherings that require a different type of place setting. Even a consumer audience that is in the market for luxury is likely to also look to melamine for outdoor/ summertime entertaining.

According to the IHA/ HomePage News Consumer Outlook Survey, mix-andmatch is commanding a lot of attention from consumers who entertain in a myriad of ways – flexibility is an important component, as is ease of maintenance. The segment grows as more and more suppliers recognize this and align their product lines with the desires of the consumer.

Tell us about some of the exhibitors in dine + décor?

We are still receiving exhibit space applications, so much more to come on this front!

But to-date we are delighted to welcome back many of our exhibiting companies that were unable to travel to Chicago in 2022 due to Covid.

Lifetime is back, and if we look at just tableware and US companies specifically, Gibson and Cambridge Silversmiths will be there, as well as for example Prima Design, TAG, Over And Back, BIA Cordon Bleu and Certified International, to name a few. Many of the exhibitors that were unable to come out in 2022 have new and fantastic product lines to show off in 2023!

There is an enormous amount happening at The Inspired Home Show from the Pantone ColorWatch through to the gia Awards – has anything been confirmed for the next show yet?

The Inspired Home Show lives up to its name by offering not only inspiring products in exhibitors’ booths but also through displays and educational offerings. Again in 2023, the Show will open with the New Exhibitor Preview and Trending Today exhibits to give attendees a sneak peek into

what’s new and exciting. The Pantone Colorwatch Display will again provide attendees with an inspiring look at color trends that will impact consumer purchases in the year that follows. The gia Global Innovation Awards displays will continue to showcase the very best new products in 13 different categories alongside award-winning retail concepts from over 30 countries. Several keynote presentations will again deliver market and trend data, and the Cooking Theater will entertain attendees with upclose and personal experiences with celebrity chefs and the products used to create culinary delights. And, the Smart Home and the Inventors’ Corner displays also offer attendees the ability to meet with brands and designers offering products featuring the latest technology and innovative designs.

What would you say to both kitchenware and tabletop exhibitors who are unsure of

The Inspired Home Show has a very large collection of exhibitors from over 50 countries, showcasing thousands of new products each March. In this time of shipping and logistical delays, product and vendor diversification has become critically important. As such, visiting the show has distinct strategic advantages – retailers can source products that differ from their competition while also building relationships with new brands to guarantee a continual supply of products.

And, with the show being the homebase for US brands, Chicago is where buyers will find the full representation of products on display, rather than just a select few taken to other international fairs. whether they should attend The Inspired Home Show?

The Inspired Home Show is the best opportunity to meet with buyers from over 125 countries with very strong attendance from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the rest of Latin America. As the Show is a reference point for global retailers looking for the very best home + housewares products, it’s important to be part of this inspiring marketplace. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be seen by the international buying community! www.theinspiredhomeshow.com TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 75

Product Focus RCR Crystal

RCR Crystal has merged its core values of sustainability, practicality and Italian flair to bring us Stack – a clever, space-saving assortment which has already been a hit at retail.

Designed for hospitality and the home, Stack is sure to be a bestseller. RCR Crystal’s sales and marketing director Fabio Lupi tells us more about this already popular collection...

Sustainable

stacking

Did you know?

Stack has been designed with an innovative anti-stick system, which consists of a reinforced inner ring that preserves them from scratches and makes them durable even after intensive use – ideal for the hospitality industry.

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A green-focused company RCR Cristalleria Italiana is a green company that has always focused its research efforts, its technical-scientific resources and its investments on sustainable development and environmental issues. The company’s motto is: “Doing good for people and the environment is good for business”. Its economic sustainability stems from a new business model based on social and environmental sustainability.

Fabio, tell us about Stack – what makes it special?

The new Stack line represents our concept of sustainable space at its best, thanks to its multifunction products and space-efficient design. The tumblers have been designed with a special antistick system, making them more practical and durable over time.

Even more, the tumblers are equipped with an innovative anti-scale drainage system on the bottom, avoiding annoying limescale stains and water waste during the dishwasher cycles. The glasses are 100per cent recyclable, produced in Italy in a CO2 neutral area, with no emissions of fumes into the atmosphere. We’re answering the consumer’s need to live in a sustainable space, both from a living and environmental point of view.

anti-stick system, which consists of an inner reinforced ring that preserves them from scratches and makes them durable even after intensive use. The Eco-Crystal tumblers maintain the temperature of cocktails three times longer than regular glass.

How long did it take RCR to perfect the shape/design of the series?

Our projects take at least two years to be perfected, it’s important to take into consideration all the safety aspects in order to have a product perfect for the consumer.

Do the glasses come in different sizes?

Yes, two different sizes. DOF tumbler cl 32/h 95 mm/diam 89 mm and HB tumbler cl 39 cl/h 141 mm/diam 84 mm.

How did you take the hospitality sector into account when designing Stack?

This is the first collection of stackable tumblers made of EcoCrystal, ideal for professional use in mixology, optimising the precious space behind the counter.

Designed with an innovative

How has the series been received by buyers?

We’re really excited by the reaction from buyers, the line was introduced at the end of March and the first production stock has been sold in few weeks. The second production run is in July and sales are really impressive.

Is it available in all sales territories?

We already cover around 50 countries, but you will see it everywhere in the next few months!

www.rcrcrystal.com

Fact!

The Eco-Crystal tumblers maintain the temperature of cocktails three times longer than regular glasses.

Home focus

Stack has been designed for both HoReCa and the home with the assortment offering professional product performance for everyday living.

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Preview HOMI

Independent

buying

HOMI Independent takes place this September in Milan and excitingly, it is focused entirely on independent retail buyers…

What? HOMI Independent | When? 16-19 September, 2022 | Where? Fiera Milano

New! September’s show features a new HOMI Coffee Experience area. Created in collaboration with ALTOGA – the National Association of Coffee Roasters, Importers of Coffee and Food Wholesalers – and with the support of Aicaf, the area is designed to raise awareness among speciality retailers toward coffee and the new business opportunities it brings.

Aimed specifically at retailers, the area will include products, ideas and novelties from the tableware and kitchenware sectors.

Visitors can look forward to daily tasting sessions in collaboration with companies in the coffee sector and expert masters in coffee training, but there will also be workshops on a wide variety of topics: from the method of preparation of the moka pot, to what is the most suitable coffee cup as well as aperitifs and cocktails made with coffee.

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This September, HOMI Independent brings its particular brand of Italian flair to the trade show floor with an exhibition dedicated to the independent retail sector.

Categories include home decor and furnishing, home textiles and fabrics, fragrances, and of course table and kitchen accessories.

Along with new products from Italian and foreign brands, visitors in September will have access to seminars and workshops, and also find two new special areas, La Stanza delle Idee – an area which focuses on new ideas – and the HOMI Coffee Experience.

Sure to become a centerpoint of the show, La Stanza delle Idee will showcase innovative product ideas, allowing retailers to discover fresh talent, new projects, products and practical solutions offered by a selection of exhibitors.

HOMI will also offer buyers an assortment of seminars and workshops giving an insight into the world of retail design at the international level. The seminars organised by Platform Architecture and Design are now a mustattend event for HOMI visitors.

International case studies – from Copenhagen to London, Shanghai, Madrid, Paris, New York and Los

Angeles – covering the entire retail landscape will be presented at September’s show.

Interestingly, business and strategy expert Alessandro Lorenzelli, who is also a speaker at the event, will explain how to approach design and strategic choices for customer engagement and analysis, and how to integrate technology into the store to create brand experience through space design.

In addition, HOMI LAB will complement the exhibition space – for the four days of the event, training workshops and talks will be held addressed in particular to retailers and designers, created

in collaboration with PLATFORM Architecture and Design and Fondazione Architetti.

And not forgetting HOMICommunity – the online platform that allows operators, national and international buyers to preview products, news and stories from companies participating in the fair – which will continue to be active.

For the hospitality sector, look out for Home Hospitality pathway – a themed visitor path around the show leading you to exhibitors who are dedicated to the home hospitality sector, boutique hotels, B&Bs and bistros.

www.homimilano.com

Did you know?

As a buying event, this edition of HOMI centres on the independent retail sector.

A NEW GLASS A NEW SENSA TION

A CHIC WY OF SETTING YOUR TABLE

TIME TO REFRESHMENT Happy memoirs www.lav-us.com /LAV-US

OUTSTANDING STYLE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Lively tablesettings

41 Madison Avenue, Floor 7 New York, NY 10010

info@lav-us.com

Preview Maison & Objet Bordallo Pinheiro (l) and Costa Nova (r)

Better buying

in Paris This September sees the return of Maison & Objet, the show brings visitors back for a taste of curated know-how What? Maison & Objet | When? 8-12 September, 2022 Where? Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre For the September 2022 edition, Maison&Objet Paris will invite visitors to explore unique sensory experiences and tap into tomorrow’s trends. As well as the “in” event (at the Exhibition Centre), Maison&Objet Paris will also host “off” events (Paris Design Week) as well as “on” events (online via the MOM digital platform and the Maison&Objet Academy). Proof itself that hybridisation is now a firm fixture within decoration, design and lifestyle community, too!

Endorsing rising talent and spotting the next generation of stars the Designer of the Year –will stage an enchanting new restaurant design in the Signature space in Hall 7. The ‘What’s New?’ programme, meanwhile, will showcase the inspiration spaces put together

by Elizabeth Leriche, François Delclaux and François Bernard.

These three trend-spotters are returning to the trade fair once more to share their hottest finds for the autumn season, with colour-packed installations that are guaranteed to deliver a decidedly upbeat experience.

That same curative vibe will filter through to every part of the event, with Maison&Objet Paris shining a light on innovation right across the board. Visitors will be able to engage with emerging brands (that have been awarded the new Future on Stage label), discover the new guard of French designers (Bina Baitel, Samuel Accoceberry, Charlotte Juillard and Pierre Gonalons, will be presenting their self-productions for the first time ever in the heart of the Signature space in Hall 7), and meet the up-andcoming stars of the Dutch design scene, who are honoured in this edition’s Rising Talent Awards

Look out for!

“Waww la table” is a weekly Instagram contest showcasing gridworthy table settings that all have one thing in common: the wow factor. The entries are judged by an equally impressive jury: Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx, accomplished designer India Mahdavi, and French TV journalist and royal expert Stéphane Bern. At Maison&Objet, the contest is set to go “pro” with a special edition for the trade fair’s brands and exhibitors, with the three best entries winning the opportunity to be placed under the spotlight at the event.

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section and were carefully handpicked by a high-flying jury (Ineke Hans, Hella Jongerius, Kiki Van Eijk and Wieki Somers).

Dinner is served!

The “Cook & Share” sector (Hall 3) is also set to be yet another of this edition’s absolute musts.

It will give visitors the chance to discover dishes rustled up

by Gault & Millau’s carefully curated “109” selection of chefs who are already on track for becoming some of French gastronomy’s biggest names.

“Waww la table”, meanwhile, will blow a breath of fresh air through the world of tableware, using installations to demonstrate just how much the sector’s traditions have changed. The team will also invite the jury that judges its year-end table setting contest (India Mahdavi, Thierry Marx and Stéphane Bern) to award prizes and host a one-off talk.

Paris at the pace of Paris Design Week The edition’s final flourish will come in the form of Paris Design Week, Maison&Objet Paris fringe event, which will set up home in three of the capital’s most buzzing neighbourhoods and will also embrace the trend for all things “phygital” (part-physical,

Designer of the Year

Architect and designer Cristina Celestino, who is currently one of the Italian design world’s standout talents, has been named as Maison & Objet’s Designer of the Year. The Cristina Celestino Studio focuses on exclusive projects, handling both the art direction and design work for private and corporate clients alike, ranging from the residential sector to the hospitality sphere. part-digital). The importance of craftsmanship and new ecological solutions will notably take centre stage at the Paris Design Week Factory at the Espace Commines. Digital design, meanwhile, will be the focus of numerous exhibitions, showcasing creations from designers and architects alike. A record number of showrooms will also be open right across the capital, with a special itinerary inviting visitors to cast their eyes over Parisian stylists’ favourite furnishings.

www.maison-objet.com

Preview NY Now

Seizing

opportunities The summer edition of NY Now takes place this August, fresh on the heels of news that show organisers Emerald has acquired wholesale marketplace Bulletin What? NY Now | When? August 14-17, 2022 | Where? Javits Center, New York The summer edition of NY Now is taking place this August 14-17 in New York’s Javits Center. With more than 35 product categories across 11 sectors – the trade show will showcase the very best artisanal products to a wide section of American buyers.

One of the key talks at the event is from global trend ambassador, Patti Carpenter who will discuss the emerging international trends in colour, print, surface design and materials and their influences in the US home decor market for 2023 and beyond.

Some of the big news coming out of the show, however, is that Emerald Holding, the owner and organiser of NY Now, recently announced the acquisition of Bulletin Inc, a wholesale

marketplace connecting over 3,000 independent brands with over 26,000+ retailers.

The acquisition of Bulletin will elevate the experience for wholesale buyers to discover a broader array of innovative brands and makers via a fusion of in-person and e-commerce offerings, creating a 24/7 platform for brands and retailers to connect and transact with each other. Emerald says the merger will infuse the iconic NY Now Gift and Home Show with Bulletin’s entrepreneurial spirit, industry expertise and extensive customer base of brands and retailers. They add the union of the two platforms will provide small businesses access to a solution that allows them to fuel innovation and design and provide buyers with yearround inspiration and discovery.

“NY NOW is experiencing a period of transformation and revival,” said Karalynn Sprouse, EVP, Emerald.

“The combination of Bulletin and NY NOW not only provides us with a dynamic platform that delivers year-round discovery and engagement, but Alana, Ali, and the Bulletin team’s thought leadership, forwardlooking perspectives, and

10,000+

the number of attendees at NY Now with 50 per cent of those brick and mortar retailers, eight per cent online and eight per cent interior design, six per cent museums and cultural institutions and two per cent artists.

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extensive network of makers, designers, influencers, and media will serve as new pathways of expression and creativity. In addition, this union reconfirms our unwavering commitment to NY NOW, especially as our 100th anniversary of being the preeminent resource for the Gift and Home industry grows near.”

“We see a massive opportunity to combine the efficiencies of our leading digital platform with the pure magic of an iconic in-person event,” says Alana Branston, Bulletin’s CEO and Cofounder. “During the pandemic, our industry lost a lot of its humanity despite the explosion of wholesale e-commerce and became very transaction-driven and impersonal. Because of this, it’s grown harder for brands and buyers to broker real,

enduring relationships. So, we’re excited to rethink and revamp NY NOW’s format, programming, and positioning to guarantee an in-person show that puts those relationships front-and-center, underpinned by transactions and commerce at the event and year-round. It’s exactly what our customers have been asking for.”

The Bulletin marketplace supports independent brands like Piecework Puzzles, Apotheke, Golde, Kitsch and Brightland, and powers wholesale discovery and order management for innovative online-only retailers like Fast AF and social shopping app Flip, as well as a diverse pool of brickand-mortar stores like Prelude & Dawn, Onatah General Store, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, Friends NYC, and thousands more.

nynow.com

Preview Top Drawer

New season focus at

Top Drawer

Kate Spade

The A/W edition of Top Drawer takes place this coming September in London. Always a trendled show, the September event takes the lead on what will soon be on shop shelves…

What? Top Drawer, London | When? 11-13 September, 2022 | Where? Olympia, London The A/W ‘22 edition of Top Drawer hits Olympia, London this September. A must-attend for retailers and buyers, the design-led show will focus on connecting buyers with their favourite brands.

Event favourites such as Retailfest, along with new season trend forecasts and the very latest collections will prove a draw for buyers who are attracted to Top Drawer’s curated selection of top tier brands.

At the most recent S/S Top Drawer, brands such as Jellycat and Caverswall were in attendance plus emerging brands breaking on to the scene in Top Drawer’s brand-new Launchpad area. Launchpad proved a hugely popular addition to Top Drawer’s roster of event and hosted a selection of innovative new brands – think Concrete & Wax, Afropop Socks, Frankk Studio and many more.

These brands brought an exciting

Did you know?

Buyers from Selfridges, John Lewis and Anthropologie attended the most recent S/S Top Drawer event.

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array of products from candles, contemporary jewellery, bold prints and striking homeware.

Top Drawer says that brands in Launchpad received a lot of interest from retailers with their section of the Grand Hall buzzing with conversation and enquiries across the whole three days of the show – a great indicator that we will see similar during September’s showcase.

Another firm favourite, which was introduced at the last Top Drawer, is the Meet the Maker initiative which put a spotlight on the creative designers and makers exhibiting at the show.

During the S/S edition, ceramics heavyweight Keith Brymer Jones drew large crowds for his talks and buyers were able to learn more about his relationship with clay from day one to now and what goes into the creation of his products. Top Drawer will release further details on A/W’s Meet the Maker schedule in due course.

And what is a trade show without retailers – RetailFest is a Top Drawer institution with lots of expert inspiration and advice for businesses to help them thrive and grow. With the engaging conversations and

discussions covering a range of topics buyers and brands are able to gain valuable advice and industry knowledge. The full lineup will be revealed soon.

www.topdrawer.co.uk

Trend central Trends are always central to Top Drawer’s offering with brands and buyers able to learn about the forecasting trends for the next season.

During the most recent event, four trends were highlighted with eyecatching displays on the shop floor showcasing a mix of exhibiting brands’ products from across all sectors of the show.

Expect to see the same, or similar, during the A/W ’22 edition!

thinkQuality

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Trends Grandmillenial Old school aesthetic, bold prints, mixed textures, fringing, botanic-enhanced interiors – all key elements of the grandmillenial aesthetic. Whatever way you look at it, Grandmillenial has been around for a while and isn’t going anywhere as younger buyers veer away from minimalism. But how can tableware fit itself into this ode to old?

We highlight some collections perfect for the trend

Grandmillenial

chic...

Nikko

Flower power Nikko’s Flower Dance has been created by Shinpei Naito, an up-and-coming Japanese artist based in Germany. The designer has created two printed designs of countless flowers in vivid colours – a bright burst of grandmillenial chic.

www.nikkoceramics.com

Old school charm Denby tells us that many of its customers are mixing past patterns and vintage Denby with contemporary pieces. For example, Gypsy a collection from the 1970s is seen here with the more recent Impression. In a recent campaign Denby’s design director Richard Eaton teamed with Denby’s historian and corporate affairs manager Linda Salt to suggest which current patterns teamed with vintage pieces.

www.denbypottery.com

Velvet and tassels Denby

Porcel

Melody Rose’s velvet cushions – dressed with fabulous tassels – fit the brief perfectly. Made entirely in the UK, the cushions boast the same prints that are on Melody Rose’s instantly recognisable tableware. Choose from The Show Must Go On star performer The Amazing Miss Rose, the cheeky surrealist Models, the Rock and Roll inspired Skull in Crown and the Acts of Daring brave duo the Trapeze Girl and acrobatic Trapeze Boy.

melodyrose.co.uk

Classic styling From Porcel comes Mozart – one of the company’s longestestablished and prevailing decorations.

Originally created in 1991, this exquisite collection has surpassed the test of time to become a statement set and fits the grandmillenial brief perfectly.

Melody Rose

www.porcel.com

Passion for fashion

Rosenthal Zwiesel

From Rosenthal meets Versace, the Barocco Mosaic dining collection is a celebration of brand heritage. Four archive prints are patchworked into a quintessentially Versace design. The colors are bright, full of joy and energy – pastel purple and soft mint fused with classic gold tones create a fresh look.

www.rosenthal.de

Spirit guide Aimed at the retail market, Spirit from Zwiesel Glas is a reinterpretation of a 100-year-old technique which honours Zwiesel’s glassmaking tradition. The manufactured glass is inspired by the Bavarian Forest – and the craftsmanship of past generations for the purest enjoyment of wine. The stem is available in several colourways including rose, green, aubergine and graphite.

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Zwiesel-glas.com