An exploration of sustainable glassware for AW19
Delving into one of the deepest colour palettes I have ever worked with, I recently looked at handmade glassware products for autumn 2019. From everyday items that are affordable and practical, to display-worthy stems fit for a special occasion. As always, I set about editing products with a strong ‘buy once and buy well’ ethos. I looked for glassware that, if looked after, will last.
Image credit: Heal’s Medium Vase, Aria Recycled Vase and Wine Glass. Velvet and linen, Pierre Frey. Photography: Alexander Edwards.
A vase for life
A clear glass vase - every home should have at least one. Forever handy, especially if someone brings a bunch of flowers, a simple and well shaped vase should be considered a homeware staple. If you don’t have one, then here’s an excellent example of what you should look for. Opt for a medium sized vase if possible. If you are only buying one then it makes sense to go for the most practical size option. Look for a ‘handmade’ mark or label, like this one from Heal’s. A slight hint of pattern, like this subtle rib design, is still considered classic, but just a little more interesting.
This vase has been handmade using traditional glass craftsmanship and represents quality that will last a lifetime. You need never buy another vase again.
Shop vases at Heal’s.
Image credit: Aria Recycled Vase and Wine Glass with LSA Truffle Coupe. Velvet and linen, Pierre Frey. Photography: Alexander Edwards.
Theatrical
There’s a place for minimal, but even when striving for a sleek aesthetic I always end up slipping a little decoration and a hint of colour in. When LSA sent over news of their new Theatre range I knew that I had to include it. This Truffle Coupe glass - yes, you heard correctly - is a showpiece when flying solo or en mass. Inspired by traditional tiered theatre seating, it comes in a range of shapes and sizes, and colours too. These are the kind of glasses that you would only ever need to buy once. Roll them out on special occasions, or have one or two on display on your coffee table or drinks cabinet permanently.
LSA employ traditional glass craftspeople to work on creating and finishing each piece by hand.
Image credit: Aria Recycled Vase with LSA Truffle Coupe. Velvet and linen, Pierre Frey. Photography: Alexander Edwards.
Sustainability from Aria
Firstly, of you don’t know Aria then you should have an on-line browse, and if you live near Islington then head in to one of their two Islington stores. They cover a range of homeware and clothing, and their buyers have an excellent eye for detail and design. I’ve included their recycled glassware - a collection of recycled beer and wine bottles which have been ground down and crafted into stunning vases and wine glasses - because not only are they beautifully made, but they are also being discontinued. Why? Because apparently people are not willing to pay the price for recycled design. This raises an altogether different question around sustainability and demand which has left me pondering the question of sustainability being a passing trend. Case in point - this glassware is beautiful, but why are people not willing to pay the price for them?
Explore Aria.
For enquiries about this feature, or the subjects which I cover, please contact me directly on roryrobertson.co.uk.
Photography: Alexander Edwards.
Styling and research: Rory Robertson.
With thanks to Heal’s, LSA, Aria and Pierre Frey.