THE STORY OF ESSENCE

Finding the Essential

Essence began with a deceptively simple question: how little is enough? Designed in 2001, the collection set out to rethink wine glassware by reducing it to its most necessary forms — without compromising the experience of drinking fine wine. The result is a series that feels modern and minimal, yet deeply considered, where every line and proportion serves a purpose.

Essence is not about variety for variety’s sake. It is about clarity, balance and restraint — a belief that simplicity, when done well, heightens rather than limits enjoyment. Over time, this philosophy has made Essence one of the most recognised and awarded glassware collections in the world.

Less Glasses, Better Wine

Designed to cover a full range of wines with as few glasses as possible, Essence challenges traditional glassware conventions. The bowls are carefully shaped to support the aromas and structure of different wines, while the thin lip — rare in lead-free glass — enhances the sensation of sipping.

A defining feature of the collection is its visual harmony. All Essence glasses share identical stems and bases, creating a striking sense of balance when placed side by side. This repetition is intentional: it allows the focus to remain on the liquid, the moment, and the act of sharing. Sensually pleasing to hold and effortless to use, Essence bridges celebration and everyday life with quiet confidence.

Designed from Experience

Essence is shaped as much by lived experience as by formal design thinking. Its creator drew on personal familiarity with the gastronomic world, understanding how glasses are handled, washed, stacked and used — not just admired. The goal was to respect the scientific relationship between liquid and form, while creating something approachable and contemporary.

From the trapeze-shaped bowl to the technically demanding transition between stem and flat base, the collection posed real challenges in production. Even the water glass — stemless and versatile — was designed to move easily between daily use and the table setting.

Alfredo Häberli: Emotion Meets Precision

Designed by Alfredo Häberli, Essence reflects a designer known for balancing emotion with precision. Born in Buenos Aires and based in Zurich, Häberli’s work is shaped by cultural contrasts, curiosity and a deep interest in everyday life. His approach unites tradition with innovation, warmth with clarity.

Throughout his career, Häberli has collaborated with leading international design brands and received numerous awards, including the Swiss Grand Prix of Design. In Essence, his philosophy is distilled into glass: expressive yet controlled, joyful yet rigorous. It is a collection that does not seek attention — but earns it through thoughtful design.

Alfredo Häberli

Alfredo Häberli (b.1964) is an internationally renowned Swiss Argentinian product designer, based in Zurich, Switzerland. Häberli manages to unite tradition and innovation along with joy and energy in his designs. Much of his work is strongly influenced by his early childhood in Argentina as well as his curiosity and exploration of everyday life. The results are works with a strong expression and emotionality. Häberli collaborates with some of the leading companies in design including Alias, BMW, Luceplan and Schiffini. His work and designs have been shown in numerous exhibitions throughout Europe and he has received many awards during his extensive career. In 2014, Häberli received the prestigious Swiss Grand Prix of Design from the Swiss Federal Office of Culture. Häberli has designed a range of home products for Iittala with his Essence, Origo and Senta series.