Stephen Pearce, one of Ireland’s leading all round favourite designers, has launched a new range of Fine Crystal called ‘Invito’, Italian for invitation.

On ‘Invito’ Stephen explains, “By present day standards I am an old fashioned designer insofar as the ‘line’ is very important to me. The ‘Invito’ range of Fine Crystal stands out because its line runs from the top rim to the outside of the foot unbroken. To me, this exemplifies simplicity.”

The range consists of white and red wine and champagne glasses, tumblers, votives and vases. A contemporary design that combines a clear body and etched base with some pieces carrying the distinctive ‘legs’ made famous by Stephen’s iconic ‘Traditional’ pottery range.

Like a lot of good design concepts, the idea came during a conversation with a friend who suggested Stephen design a glass. Initially, the proposal seemed strange - after all his creative life has centered on pottery – but the appeal grew and Stephen recalls remarking, “I would love to, partly because I love glass and partly because I would like to design what I think goes best with my pottery”.

Stephen set about learning about Fine Crystal and quickly realised that the production of full lead crystal puts out so much pollution that he decided to make crystalline which has about twenty percent less lead and other pollutants, which gives our children a chance of enjoying this planet for a little longer.

A part time native and full time lover of Italy, Stephen is keen that the essence of ‘Invito’ - “invitation to a party by a friend to share and to tell stories” - was truly understood which is why he wants people who buy the range to use it regularly and not just for special occasions.

A final toast from ‘Invito’s’ creator, ‘My Fine Crystal is for living, not to collect dust in the cabinet – have fun and Sláinte! ’

Use the images below to browse through the Invito collection or the links on the left hand side to view the full Invito range.