Waterford Wedgwood's launch of its fall-winter 2005 tableware collection was a decidedly British affair. There were martinis made with Plymouth Gin, fish and chips served in paper cones, and the Beatles playing in the background. But the crowning touch was the venue—or, rather, the props within it. The company, which traces its history to mid-18th-century England, assembled journalists, retailers, and interior designers at Mini Downtown, the small loft-style Mini Canada dealership with room for five Mini Cooper display models.
Martha McKee, Waterford Wedgwood's vice president of visual presentation and media communications, incorporated the automobiles into vignettes showcasing the tableware. One depicted an party in an English garden. Decor included a tablecloth and parasol in pink, blue, and yellow; potted plants; and an artificial grass carpet.
McKee said she chose a British theme for the launch to underscore Waterford Wedgwood's heritage. The Mini showroom was an appropriate venue because "the Mini is another great British brand," and the space lent itself to product displays that were "contemporary, out of the dining room, and about the business of modern life," she said.
McKee worked with Nadia Beale, vice president of public relations firm Idea Workshop, to create the event. The pair selected Jamie Kennedy Kitchens to supply the catering, in part because its affiliated eatery, the Jamie Kennedy Restaurant, uses Waterford Wedgwood china in its dining room.
The final nod to Britain came in the form of the parting gifts, which included soap from Crabtree & Evelyn, a Cadbury Flake chocolate bar, and a .phper Conran-designed white votive and candle from Waterford Wedgwood.
Martha McKee, Waterford Wedgwood's vice president of visual presentation and media communications, incorporated the automobiles into vignettes showcasing the tableware. One depicted an party in an English garden. Decor included a tablecloth and parasol in pink, blue, and yellow; potted plants; and an artificial grass carpet.
McKee said she chose a British theme for the launch to underscore Waterford Wedgwood's heritage. The Mini showroom was an appropriate venue because "the Mini is another great British brand," and the space lent itself to product displays that were "contemporary, out of the dining room, and about the business of modern life," she said.
McKee worked with Nadia Beale, vice president of public relations firm Idea Workshop, to create the event. The pair selected Jamie Kennedy Kitchens to supply the catering, in part because its affiliated eatery, the Jamie Kennedy Restaurant, uses Waterford Wedgwood china in its dining room.
The final nod to Britain came in the form of the parting gifts, which included soap from Crabtree & Evelyn, a Cadbury Flake chocolate bar, and a .phper Conran-designed white votive and candle from Waterford Wedgwood.
A silver Mini provided the backdrop to a garden birthday party vignette at Waterford Wedgwood's launch of its fall-winter 2005 tableware collection at Mini Downtown.
A very Bond-like display by the Waterford Wedgwood team emphasized the new line by designer John Rocha, called Black.
The loft-style Mini dealership gave a modern look to the classic vibe.
