Lawson mixes with Conran & Partners

Conran & Partners has collaborated with food writer and broadcaster Nigella Lawson on a range of kitchenware to be launched at this weekend’s Autumn Gift Fair at the Birmingham NEC.

The consultancy has designed the products and branding for Nigella’s Living Kitchen Collection, including an identity, packaging, promotional items and an explanatory booklet, to be sold through selected retailers from October.

Conran & Partners creative director of products and graphics design Sebastian Conran, worked on the project with senior product designer Mark Hales. He says the products have a ‘timeless’ element and reflect Lawson’s personal style. ‘The product [types] already existed on the market, but didn’t reflect her personality or style,’ he says. ‘The designs have an element of classicism with a witty take, they’re not trying to be too contemporary.’

A Conran & Partners spokeswoman says Lawson (pictured using new egg-shaped bowl) had a ‘very hands-on role’ in the design of the products.

‘Nigella had been approached by manufacturers in the past, but didn’t want to endorse products designed by someone else. She had a hand in brainstorming ideas, developing sketches and testing prototypes, as well as choosing colours, materials and forms,’ she says.

The collection encompasses a range of kitchenware from cake tins to mixing bowls.

The consultancy’s fee for the work is understood to be more than £50 000. Conran & Partners started work on the project last November, winning the contract through Sebastian Conran’s personal contact with William Miller, Nigella Lawson’s business partner.

The products are being manufactured and distributed by Bliss (Flights of Fancy), which has worked previously with Conran & Partners on the Equilibrium range.