There is something undoubtedly special about a brand that can attract and cultivate a devoted customer base over the course of nearly two centuries. The ability to adapt to ever-changing trends, yet stay true to a distinctly unique heritage, is what makes such a feat possible. Founded in 1830, Christofle is one of those brands.
Steeped in French culture and revered for their attention to detail and forward-thinking technology, Christofle has mastered the art of fine silver. They create products that are not only refined and beautiful, but also practical. It all began when Charles Christofle took the helm of a jewelry factory owned by his wife’s family. After obtaining patents for gilding and silvering, he transformed the small silver workshop into a fully-operating silversmith business capable of delivering large-scale pieces for Napoleon III at Château des Tuileries and the roof of Opéra de Paris.
Throughout the years, Christofle has grown its presence both locally and internationally, racking up achievements along the way: they were the only French silversmith to show at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893; opened their first storefront on rue Royale in Paris in 1897; created curated pieces for collaborations with luxury cruise lines and hotels; and secured a prestigious address for Christofle Pavillon on New York City’s Madison Avenue in 2012. Today, their collections include a wide range of products including picture frames, candelabras, baby spoons, centerpieces, vases, and of course, fine jewelry.
One of the newest collections is MOOD, a 24-piece silver-plated flatware set that brilliantly blends the brand’s signature craftsmanship with a sleek, modern design. Inside the mirrored capsule is a walnut wood disk holding six place settings including table forks, table spoons, table knives and tea spoons. On the outside of the lustrous case is the trademark Christofle coat of arms, proudly flashing nearly two centuries of tradition each time it’s opened and closed.
MOOD is catching the attention of a whole new generation of Christofle customers—and for good reason. While not one ounce of elegance has been sacrificed in its aesthetic, its functionality remains intact. The polished steel case is sophisticated enough to sit on display at a formal dinner party, yet still casual enough to bring to a picnic in the park. Certainly the contemporary host can also appreciate that it’s completely dishwasher safe. The MOOD collection is simply more proof of Christofle’s ingenuity and capacity to evolve with the times, something they’ve been doing remarkably for 186 years…and counting.
