BREAKING THROUGH THE GLASS CEILING:
NACHTMANN CRYSTAL PARTNERS WITH PARSONS THE NEW SCHOOL FOR DESIGN

NEW YORK, New York (February 2007) � It is said that a successful education enables the student to become the master. This spring, the expression will gain new meaning for ten product design students at Parsons The New School for Design. Parsons and Nachtmann Crystal, a division of Riedel Glassworks, have announced a collaboration in which students will research and develop a collection of tabletop products in glass. Established in 1834, Nachtmann is renowned for exquisitely designed cut lead crystal giftware, tabletop items and stemware. 173 years later, this select group of students will have the opportunity to create glassware concepts that will add a new dimension to the company�s legacy of artisan craftsmanship and elegant design.

Parsons, one of the leading art and design schools in the nation, has a strong history of working with industry partners to develop design solutions to real-world challenges. �At Parsons art and design education is grounded in the realities of the marketplaces. We challenge the students to push the limits of their creativity, and to place their work within a social context. The opportunity to work with Nachtmann addresses all of these areas,� said Tony Whitfield, Chair of Product Design at Parsons.

Maximilian Riedel (11th generation), CEO of Riedel Crystal of America, �Apprenticeship has always been instrumental in craft industries such as glassmaking. These students are on a fast track to turn their visions into reality and we are excited to see what fresh ideas are born this spring.�

For this sponsored project, students are working in teams to research and design tabletop items in glass according to a brief supplied by Nachtmann. At the conclusion of the spring 2007 semester, Riedel will choose the winning designs and have the option to manufacture them for international distribution. The winning designs must reflect the stylish elegance that characterizes the Nachtmann brand and make use of the innovative technology and hand cutting, polishing and pressing techniques that distinguish it in the marketplace. The students have already had a marvelous opportunity to view this craftsmanship first-hand: in addition to lectures, discussions and workshops at Brooklyn�s Urban Glass, the course included a trip to Germany and Austria to tour the Nachtmann and Riedel factories. The students also visited Ambiente, Europe�s premier table top trade show, to see the dizzying array of designs already in the marketplace.

Riedel Crystal

Riedel Crystal is known worldwide for designing the most finely tuned drinking instruments for every level of wine sophistication. To showcase each wine in its finest form, Riedel's varietally specific wine glasses enhance the aromas and taste components, finding a wine's maximum complexity by featuring the best possible harmony. The shape and size of the glass creates a balanced interaction between fruit, minerality and acidity, while de-emphasizing the evidence of alcohol. When all these elements are in place, the glass becomes the wine�s �loudspeaker,� transmitting the message of the beverage to the human senses. This philosophy has always informed Riedel�s approach to design and the difference is evident in every glass. Founded in Bohemia by Johann Christoph Riedel in 1756, Riedel Crystal marked its 250th anniversary in 2006. Today, the company is guided by Georg (10th generation) and Maximilian Riedel (11th generation), and their revolutionary designs and techniques continue to shape the industry. For more information, visit www.riedel.com.

Parsons The New School for Design

Recently named one of the top design schools for creative talent by BusinessWeek Magazine, Parsons The New School for Design is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive degree-granting colleges of art and design in the nation. Parsons� rigorous programs and distinguished faculty embrace curricular innovation, pioneer new uses of technology, and instill in students a global perspective in design. Parsons has a long history of engaging leading corporations to develop design solutions for real-world business challenges, including Samsung, Siemens, Daimler-Chrysler and Microsoft. For more information, visit www.parsons.newschool.edu.