Monday didn’t just see the launch of a new route to Los Angeles on the carrier’s A350, but also of a range of stylish new tableware for award-winning Hong Kong Airlines.
The carrier picked a local company to help design their new range. The award-winning, local homeware design brand JIA Inc. and inflight experience specialists CLIP developed a new selection of exclusive Business Class tableware that showcases the city’s unique heritage and culture.
Jia, who have won more than 60 international awards including iF Awards, Reddot and Good Design, work with international designers, infusing traditional Chinese dining habits with modern accessibility. In doing so, the brand create “new interpretations through design that are a marriage of Eastern and Western elements.”
“The design of Hong Kong Airlines’ new tableware are inspired by the Bauhinia × blakeana (Bauhinia flower) – seen on Hong Kong Airlines’ logo and also the flora emblem of Hong Kong,” said JIA founders Mr and Mrs Christopher and Kay Lin.
“The bowl and appetiser plate bares a distinct resemblance to the shape of the Bauhinia flower’s petal, while the design of the red butter dish was inspired by the roundness and smooth shape of seeds. Meanwhile, the dark brown bread plate resembles the shape of a Bauhinia leaf, and the cutlery’s sleek and slender appearance evokes memories of the delicate Bauhinia stems.”
But the element we love the most have to be the Dim Sum salt and pepper shakers. Much like Orville and Wilbur Virgin Atlantic condiment dispensers, these Ha Gow (prawn dumpling) and Siu Mai (pork dumpling), make excellent keepsakes, and are unique pieces of Hong Kong that all Business Class passengers are encouraged to take back home.
For passengers travelling in Economy Class, the tableware has also been completely revamped. CLIP has designed the new collection to be highly functional while a timeless geometric layout. It is made from a high quality resin that creates a beautiful, smooth finish in an elegant off-white colour.
“We were inspired to create a contemporary look for the new equipment; and at the same time, ensure that the Hong Kong Airlines ethos and brand values are taken into consideration in the holistic design. The new Hong Kong Airlines Economy Class equipment is clean, modern, and elegant – by combining five rice grains to form the Bauhinia flower, this signature design further strengthens the link between Hong Kong Airlines and its home. The simple, yet timeless design reinforces Hong Kong Airline’s commitment to provide its passengers with a genuine and unique experience of the Hong Kong culture and lifestyle,” said Ms Cindy Lam, Director of CLIP.
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