Lifestyle
Your Waterford Crystal Wants You To Use It
A crystal vase signed by Waterford Design Director Jim O'Leary
The oldest brand sold at Neiman Marcus is not a couture label nor a precious jewelry collection, but a glassware company that dates back to 1783.
More than a century before the oldest fashion house existed, Waterford was making coveted collectible art out of crystal. The stemware is so luxurious yet practical that over its more than 200 year existence it has sat proudly in both the cupboards of palaces and the cabinets of young newlyweds.
Waterford’s secret to success beyond its indisputable quality and craftsmanship is its design team that’s devoted to making crystal modern. The man behind Waterford’s most recent designs is Jim O’Leary.
O’Leary holds the Limited Edition Tara Bowl
“We have a classic line that’s been with us since, oh my goodness, the late 1700s,” says O’Leary, design director. “But every year we add new pieces because we are forever in tune with what’s going on around us. Younger people have different tastes, so we contemporize. Sometimes we even casualize.”
Although Americans tend to reserve their crystal for special occasions, i.e. two holidays a year, O’Leary is a proponent of pouring a glass of orange juice in a flute for breakfast and Diet Coke in a crystal cup for pizza night.
“Enjoy your crystal everyday, is what we say,” O’Leary says. “It’s a very durable product and it’s a very beautiful product so you have the best of both worlds.”
O'Leary personally signs a vase for a customer
Everybody remembers when they received their first piece of Waterford, whether it was a well-deserved award, a wedding gift or an inherited heirloom.
"Snowflake Wishes" Flutes
“We had couple here today who have been here to see me the last 22 years. He is now an 86 year old gentleman,” says O’Leary, who has been stopping into select Neiman Marcus stores every Fall for the past 27 years. “To know that some of our crystal is in his home, he enjoys it everyday and he comes here to see me — what more could you ask for? It’s wonderful. It’s moving. It’s touching.”
Waterford crystal vase
Shop Waterford on NeimanMarcus.com and in Neiman Marcus stores.
