Lara

The Lara shot glass set draws on the rich heritage of hand-blown cut glass techniques, combining them with contemporary design approaches and technological innovations. Traditional stone-cutting techniques, which are not commonly used in modern production due to their lengthy process, are part of the rich Slovenian glassmaking tradition and contribute to the product's unique quality. The traditional cut has been reinterpreted into a contemporary design. The same tools and processes were used, but there is an element of play with interspaces and layers. The shape and size of the shot glass have been designed with ergonomic principles in mind, and the cut part of the glass allows a secure grip even when the glass is wet. The soft brushed surface provides a tactile experience that is both pleasing and inviting.

The design is an interpretation of Pasternak's popular novel Dr Zhivago. It evokes the icy landscape of the novel, illuminated by the sun's rays, which warm the mind and body. Furthermore, the products serve as a reminder of the experience of cold winters in the Triglav National Park and the significance of the sun in regions where it does not fully emerge from the mountains during winter, only making an appearance in January. The artist has translated this joy of the first rays of sunlight reflecting off the winter white of the mountains into a useful product for everyday use. The glass is an infinitely recyclable material, the products are sustainable and have no harmful impact on the environment, and they do not affect the quality, smell or taste of the water.

Hand-blown glass has a long and rich tradition in Slovenia, but this is unfortunately being lost. The designer takes a contemporary approach to preserve and build on the knowledge and skills acquired over centuries in hand-blowing and traditional glass cutting. The product was awarded the Red Dot Honourable Mention.