2x sweet wine glass Essence - 15cl - Iittala

The Essence collection, conceived in 2001 by Swiss-Argentinian designer Alfredo Häberli for the Finnish brand Iittala, is a celebration of Scandinavian design at its most minimalist, functional and timeless. The range, which began with wine glasses and has expanded to include tableware and serving accessories, is based on a radical idea: to create a set that's as small as possible yet meets a multitude of needs, from everyday meals to festive occasions. Recognized worldwide, the Essence collection has been awarded prestigious prizes such as the iF Design Award and the Les Découvertes Award, affirming its status as a contemporary design classic.

The Essence collection, conceived in 2001 by Swiss-Argentinian designer Alfredo Häberli for the Finnish brand Iittala, is a celebration of Scandinavian design at its most minimalist, functional and timeless. The range, which began with wine glasses and has expanded to include tableware and serving accessories, is based on a radical idea: to create a set that's as small as possible yet meets a multitude of needs, from everyday meals to festive occasions. Recognized worldwide, the Essence collection has been awarded prestigious prizes such as the iF Design Award and the Les Découvertes Award, affirming its status as a contemporary design classic.

The Essence collection is distinguished by its incredible sense of balance. The glasses, for example, share equally sized stems and feet, creating visual harmony when aligned side by side.

The fine edges of the glasses, rare for lead-free glass, offer a refined tasting experience, while their sensual shape is pleasant to hold, adding a tactile dimension to wine enjoyment.

Introduced to Iittala by Stefan Ytterborn, Häberli began working with the brand at a time when Finnish culinary culture was evolving, marked by the emergence of Michelin-starred restaurants and a new appreciation of wine. Essence responded to this cultural moment by offering elegant yet accessible glasses suitable for both high-end catering and domestic use. The collaboration with Iittala continued with the addition of new elements, reflecting Häberli's ability to evolve while remaining true to its initial vision.

Designer

Alfredo Häberli

Häberli grew up in Buenos Aires in a family of Swiss origin, where he was influenced by the vibrant colors and textures of Argentina. At the age of 13, his family moved to Zurich, a move that profoundly influenced his design sensibility, blending South American exuberance with European rigor. He studied industrial design at Zurich's Hochschule für Gestaltung, graduating in 1991. This blend of cultural influences became a signature of his work, which he describes as a fusion of Latin emotion and Swiss precision.

After graduating, he worked for various studios before founding his own studio, Alfredo Häberli Design Development, in Zurich in 1991. He collaborates with prestigious brands such as Iittala, Vitra, Moroso, Kvadrat, Luceplan, Alias and Camper, creating objects ranging from tableware and furniture to lighting and interior design concepts.

Häberli has received numerous awards, including the iF Design Award, the Red Dot Award, and the Swiss Grand Prix of Design (2014). His work is exhibited in museums such as MoMA in New York, the Museum für Gestaltung in Zurich and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In 2018, a retrospective exhibition, Alfredo Häberli - Maybe I'm Wrong, celebrated his 25-year career at Zurich's Museum für Gestaltung.

Iittala: Finnish design defined by purity, functionality and the poetry of glass

A historic icon of Nordic design

Founded in 1881, Iittala is one of Finland most iconic design brands. Originally dedicated to blown glass, it soon became a cornerstone of Scandinavian design through its pursuit of simplicity, functionality and timeless beauty. Iittala represents a Nordic aesthetic built on honesty and clarity.

A legacy shaped by visionary designers

Iittala owes much of its fame to major designers such as Alvar Aalto, Kaj Franck and Tapio Wirkkala. Their creations, now global icons, express the essence of Finnish modernism through organic shapes, minimalism and deep respect for materials. The brand continues to reissue these masterpieces while collaborating with contemporary designers.

Mastery of blown glass and refined Nordic materials

Iittala craftsmanship is rooted in exceptional expertise in blown glass. Every vase, bowl or decorative object is made with precision in its Finnish workshops. The brand also works with ceramic, stainless steel and other materials, always prioritising durability, purity and long lasting quality.

A collection combining beauty and everyday functionality

Iittala offers a complete range: glassware, vases, tableware, decorative objects and iconic Finnish design pieces. Lines are clean, colours refined and forms built to last. Each item is conceived to be both beautiful and useful, following the core principles of Scandinavian design.

Timeless series that span generations

The Aalto collection, the Teema series, Kartio glassware and Ruutu vases are among the most celebrated pieces. These designs have become international symbols of Nordic aesthetics, blending simplicity and expressive form.

Conclusion: Finnish glass art shaped by tradition and modernity

Iittala expresses a pure and poetic vision of design, where craftsmanship, simplicity and durability come together. Choosing Iittala means bringing Nordic authenticity and timeless beauty into everyday life.