Category Metals
An Elite choice Sambonet’s best-selling collection is Elite, a line characterised by nostalgic forms that have a subdued elegance and represent the contemporary alternative to classicism. Sphera is equally appreciated, but on the contrary it is recognised for its futuristic design and its round and symmetric forms. Linea Q is among the most popular with them: inspired by minimalism, this collection plays with square and rectangular forms made up of interchanging edges and curves. Sambonet has chosen to give these three collections a new look in 2024 with the introduction of new finishes.
www.sambonet.com
Solid as a rock An age-old art form, there is evidence of people working with metals – bronze, copper, gold, silver – for centuries. Today, metal is as precious as ever, but we have adapted it to suit our lifestyles with new colourways, finishes and innovative ways of using it on tables. “Metalware is still a popular choice for buyers,” agrees Beatriz Ball, who recently rebranded her metalware line as ‘Atelier’, a move the company founder says is in “recognition of its importance, and of the intensely handmade, artisanal process of our metal items and collections”. There is lots of innovation in the metalware category too with new finishes and techniques being applied to handmade pieces. “We introduced proprietary metallic finishes and enamelled food safe coatings in recent years. Now, with our new multi-
coloured Encanto collection, we’re incorporating vibrant enamelled colours and gold-tone details on charming bowls, trays and decorative picture frames.” Sambonet, of course, specialises in stainless steel processing, although cutlery is at the core of the business, along with a wide range of holloware and tableware items. “In terms of turnover, in fact, it is a holloware line - our iconic Elite - that was the best-selling collection of 2023, a record that it is also maintaining in the current year,” says Elisabetta Mo, product manager Sambonet – Sambonet Paderno Industrie, Arcturus Group. There has been no shortage of innovation coming from the Italian powerhouse. In fact, Sambonet has revealed a new finish for many of its most popular lines. Elisabetta explains: “Given the interest in this product category, we have expanded
Never out of fashion, metalware has a solid foundation while also attracting lots of innovation and creative new design elements…
The Mold Gold Cape One early example of metalwork is the stunning Mold Gold Cape which can be found in the British Museum. The ceremonial cape of solid sheet gold was discovered in Wales in 1833 by workmen allegedly quarrying for stone and dates all the way back to the British Bronze Age circa 1900-1600 BCE. Although, of course, much earlier examples of metal work exist, this is a stunning example showcasing the talents of early craftspeople. 58 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL
Amefa’s Phoenix with recycled stainless steel Amefa presents Phoenix – a new cutlery set made of 18-0 stainless steel and containing minimum of 80 per cent recycled stainless steel. For the production of recycled stainless steel less energy is needed which is why by choosing recycled cutlery you contribute to reducing the ecological footprint, decreasing the amount of waste and thus to a cleaner planet.
www.amefa.com