Die Kultmarke
Duralex® lenses were born in France. But today they travel all over the world. From China to the United States and Brazil, our cups embody the French way of life and elegance.
The paragon of the ordinary object, they have become much more than simple kettledrums. These living icons of design may have made their name on canteen trolleys, but they are now appearing on the tables of Michelin-starred restaurants, in films and in museums.
Now a staple on every table, they are an ode to the simple pleasures of everyday life, an invitation to share and a bridge between generations.
Immerse yourself in their history for a few lines and discover how their legacy has left its mark on people of all ages.
La madeleine de verre
"I'm 29", "I'm 7", "And I'm 32, I won". Over time, it has become a myth. In canteens all over France, generations of schoolchildren have had fun comparing their imaginary ages using the numbers written on the bottom of each Duralex® glass.
More than a tableware item, Duralex® glasses are the guardians of a timeless ritual. An unspoken pact between children who dream of growing up and nostalgic adults. A bridge between eras, capable of withstanding all shocks.
The Gigogne® takes flight
Timeless and timeless, Duralex® glass has stood the test of time. Our first model, the Le Gigogne® tumbler, left our workshops in 1946. And its recipe hasn't changed since.
With its round, harmonious shapes, Gigogne® makes the world's tables sublime. In canteens and bistros, of course. But also those of the greatest Michelin-starred restaurants. And maybe even your own?
Star of the silver screen
A celebrity never travels alone. In 1954, our first Le Picardie® glass was released. It was an instant success. Its nine facets, bevelled profile and bold lines soon made it a must-have in the world of tableware.
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Both in the kitchen and in the cinema, we roll out the red carpet for it. You may have noticed it in the film Skyfall, as the most famous British spy sits at the counter of a crowded bar, sipping his whisky from a Picardie® tumbler. If he had looked at the bottom of his glass, would he have discovered the numbers 007? |
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James Bond isn't the only one to appreciate Duralex® glasses. The icon of French glass appears in several Hollywood blockbusters. For example, he inspired Martin Scorsese in Gangs of News-York, where he stars alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz. |
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Director Woody Allen has also put this cult cup in the spotlight, proudly displaying it in the hands of the heroine of his 2013 film Blue Jasmine. |
The centrepiece
Duralex® glass was first known for its extraordinary strength, its typically French elegance and its strong character. But in reality, it's its timeless, universal design that has made it the success it is today.
You may already have seen it in the collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, during the "Éditer le design" exhibition in 2007. Or in the shop windows of MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Duralex® is THE glass that makes everyone agree. When Real Madrid came to play in the European Cup at the Parc des Princes in 1956, the first thing the players did when they arrived in Paris was to buy Duralex® crockery.
For everyone, every day, forever
But rest assured. Despite its success, Duralex® glass has not forgotten its roots. It has remained simple and true. To you, and to itself.
✔️ Our cups come out of the same workshops as in 1946. Since their birth, they have always been produced in France, at La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, near Orléans.
✔️ The recipe for Duralex® tempered glass has not changed. And even after 70 years of production, we still control the quality of every batch.
✔️ There are now over 350 models in the Duralex® range: cups, plates, salad bowls... But our first tumblers, the Gigogne® and the Picardie® are still in use.
Behind these design icons lies a whole universe that the brand embraces with generosity and creativity. So many everyday essentials that bring real freedom of spirit and movement to every moment of your life.