CHICAGO— Le Creuset has not only launched a new color story, but the company announced that these two new colors will have a permanent place in its line of colored housewares product designs. Marine and Oyster, which were previewed earlier this year at the winter markets, will make their official debut at the International Home + Housewares Show, here.
According to Judy Baker, brand director, Le Creuset, the new colors are full time and do not have a slated end date, as did other color collections, such as the black and white collection and hibiscus pink from the Oasis line. Baker explained that the new colors reflect the 2017 color mindset of the company.
“Our colors are understated, not simple; raw but not unrefined; elegant but not fussy and honest but not straightforward. The simplicity and the beauty is really the highlight. And these colors are also décor and decorating colors,” she said.
Le Creuset decided that this year was the right timing when it came to introducing the colors because of current home and fashion trends.
“Home decorating, décor and fashion has been on gray for a very long time and we really felt like now is the right time since it is perfectly on-trend. We really wanted Oyster to be a cool gray,” she said. “We didn’t want it to look too brown or too purple.”
Oyster was also created with deep gradation in order to add a sense of depth to the products, according to the company. Oyster’s cool, understated tones make it a neutral for modern kitchens or a stylish accent for dramatic tables.
Additionally, Le Creuset is positioning Oyster as a core neutral as well.
“Oyster is equally strong front and forward as a feature color or as a neutral backdrop in a white kitchen or paired with other brights, including soliel, flame and more,” she said.
And Marine, said Baker, brings an elemental elegance to Le Creuset’s color housewares and cookware collections.
“It is very subdued and bold at the same time. It reflects certain calming and peaceful retreats. Marine is quite unique. It is a warm, comforting blue that can function as a cool tone as well,” she said.
Marine has a deep gradation, said Baker. It is hand-sprayed enamel, which is designed to highlight the edges of the products as well as the height of the crucible-inspired three-ring lid. Marine exudes an earthy, elemental sophistication that is at home on casual, family tables as it is in elegant, stylish kitchens, the company noted.
Oyster and Marine will launch in all of the company’s housewares categories, said Baker. The company has approximately 250 SKUs planned for the launch, which will span several categories, including cast iron cookware, stoneware, kettles, stockpots and kitchen tools and accessories. The company also has plans to add more for the second half of the year.
In addition, Le Creuset will also create several design stories around the new launches.
For example, for holiday entertaining, the company will focus foods and recipes made with food that is gathered, grown and caught. It will further bring forth focus on Prince Edward Island’s oyster industry and create a story around the expedition and exploration of the oyster business there. The company will also build general content support throughout the year, such as homemade bread stories, cheese stories and marketing around the company’s utensil crocks and utensils.
