This iconic dinnerware design was originally released in 1964 by designer Massimo Vignelli in Italy and won that year’s Compasso d’Oro award for good design. It swiftly became a touchstone of modern design and has been called an “icon of sixties utilitarian chic.” It was introduced to the United States in 1971 and has never been out of production, with the manufacturer still using its original molds.
Italian designer Vignelli is perhaps most famous for his New York City Subway signage, and the 1970s-’80s map of the system. He also created the American Airlines logo, as well as branding for IBM and Bloomingdale’s, furniture, interiors, and, of course, housewares.
“You can reach timelessness if you look for the essence of things and not the appearance. The appearance is transitory — the appearance is fashion, the appearance is trendiness — but the essence is timeless.”
-Massimo Vignelli
According to Vignelli, the inspiration for Hellerware came from seeing a client using plastic molds to make Mickey Mouse ashtrays. The idea for compact, stackable dinnerware came into his mind, he went home, and designed Heller in two hours.
Heller is distinguished by its straight sides and under-sided lip, both of which lend themselves to easy stackability. Hellerware’s durability combines with a classically modern look for a long-lasting but strikingly modern dinnerware set.
Unison began carrying Heller in 2014. Co-founder Robert Segal says “The design represents all the attributes we strive for in our own textile design: quality, versatility, originality, color, accessibility, simplicity, and reduction of form. All of which have made it timeless.”
We hope you will enjoy the Heller Collection as much as we do.
