A masterclass in minimalist design, where form, function, and light converge to elevate the everyday ritual.
In the relentless rhythm of modern life, the simple act of pausing for a cup of tea or coffee has become a cherished ritual—a moment of quiet respite. It is this intimate experience that Villeroy & Boch seeks to elevate with its new Afina collection. Designed by the celebrated German designer Christian Haas, Afina is a study in form, light, and understated elegance. With its refined lines and delicate details, the collection transforms the daily pause into a unique and special experience, embodying a design philosophy where simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
A Study in Lightness: The Floating Form
At its core, Afina is a refined reinterpretation of the classic coupé shape, a form beloved for its clean, uninterrupted surfaces. Haas, a designer renowned for his ability to infuse minimalist forms with warmth and character, has stripped the silhouette down to its essential elegance. Crafted from Villeroy & Boch’s brilliant white Premium Porcelain, each piece communicates a sense of serene lightness. This is not the severe, cold minimalism of modernism, but rather a soft, organic interpretation that feels both contemporary and timeless.
The collection’s most appealing feature is its subtle yet smart structural design. A slightly raised rim and a concealed base create a delicate play of shadows beneath each item, giving the illusion that the pieces are floating, suspended just above the table. This ethereal quality is the collection’s signature, a quiet visual poetry that transforms a simple place setting into a curated landscape.
Further enhancing the effect is a sophisticated relief decoration of concentric rays, subtly etched into the porcelain. The resulting tactile detail not only catches the light in mesmerizing ways but also invites touch, creating a deeper, sensory connection between the user and the object. It is a design that engages multiple senses, a hallmark of Haas’s thoughtful approach.
The Mind Behind the Form: A Designer’s Vision
Christian Haas is no stranger to the Villeroy & Boch universe. His portfolio for the historic German brand includes several highly successful and iconic collections, such as the modular and award-winning La Boule and the elegant Antao series, inspired by nature. His work is consistently characterized by a search for the perfect balance between functionality, emotion, and formal purity.
With Afina, he continues this exploration, proving that practical objects can also be carriers of beauty and meaning. “My aim is to create objects that are not only useful but also establish an emotional bond with their users,” Haas has often stated about his work. Afina achieves this by being both impeccably functional and aesthetically calming, a tool for living that also nourishes the spirit.
Intelligent by Design: Where Material Meets Function
This philosophy of intelligent design is woven into the very fabric of the Afina set. Recognizing the constraints of modern living spaces, Haas has integrated clever solutions that optimize both space and utility. The set, which includes a graceful teapot with a matching strainer, a milk jug, and a lidded sugar bowl, is designed for elegant efficiency. The milk jug and sugar bowl, as well as the coffee cup and a small bowl, are thoughtfully designed to share the same saucer.
Far from being a mere space-saving gimmick, this is a considered design choice that streamlines the mise en place, reducing clutter and allowing the purity of the forms to take center stage. Completing the collection is a new oval platter, a versatile and elegant piece perfect for serving pastries, cakes, or desserts, making Afina suitable for any occasion, from a solitary morning coffee to an elegant afternoon tea.
A Legacy of Innovation, A Future Classic
In creating Afina, Villeroy & Boch continues its centuries-old tradition of marrying heritage craftsmanship with forward-thinking design. For over 275 years, the brand has been a benchmark for quality and innovation in ceramics, and its Premium Porcelain is a testament to this legacy. It boasts superior edge strength, a brilliant finish, and the durability required for everyday use, ensuring that Afina’s delicate beauty is matched by robust performance.
The Afina collection prioritizes quiet elegance over ostentation, and mindful experience over fleeting trends. Christian Haas and Villeroy & Boch have created a collection that doesn’t shout for attention but rather whispers an invitation: to slow down, to appreciate the beauty in simplicity, and to find a moment of grace in the everyday. It is a timeless addition to the modern home, destined to become a cherished classic.