Spanish homes have changed enormously in recent decades, adapting to the fashions, trends and needs of each generation. If we take a look back, we will see how there are dozens of objects that were previously in thousands of houses, and that have disappeared over the years.
Duralex tableware is one of those cases. Because who does not remember the plates or the cups of Duralex at your grandmother’s house? Those bowls of milk with Cola Cao in the amber cups, the soups or the macaroni in the deep green plates… These French tableware created in 1945 by Saint-Gobain are part of the collective memory for thousands of Spaniards who grew up with them.
An icon for the emerging middle class
At that time, having a Duralex crockery was a symbol of progress, compared to traditional earthenware tableware. The ads that promised they were unbreakable They caused a furor among the Spaniards of the time, following the example of a Europe that was emerging and with the middle class on the rise after recovering from World War II.
But after the success of the 70s and 80s, Duralex was disappearing in homes of the new generations that embraced modernity and began to put aside what had been a success in previous decades.
At one point, Duralex’s unbreakable pieces were put in the corner of our grandmothers’ cupboards, at the same time they became an object of desire only for vintage lovers while the rest of society considered them old tableware; pieces from the era of developmentalism that had to be put aside to offer a more modern image in kitchens and tables.
In this context, Duralex tried to adapt to the times. But after 75 years of activity, the French firm had to file for bankruptcy in 2020, becoming an example of another great firm that was overwhelmed by the times and by new fashions. Although the company had changed owners and new designs were launched to try to relaunch the brand, little could be done.
In fact, the company was about to disappear. Only three companies tried to take over Duralex. Finally, the firm of transparent colored tableware was acquired by International Cookware. And today, and after a renewal of the designs and an ambitious marketing plan, Duralex tableware is back in fashion, at a time when we have to admit that we are hopelessly drawn to the designs of bygone eras. Designs that really are timeless and never go out of style.
After 80 years of history, and along with the most classic crockery that inevitably reminds us of the crockery we grew up with, Duralex has also launched new designs to give a different touch to our tables in different colors and designs. But always, with its promise to be unbreakable.
Some Duralex models that may interest you
- Lys Duralex 19-piece tableware. Price in El Corte Inglés: 44.95 euros.
Lys Duralex 19-Piece Dinnerware Set
- Lys Saphir Duralex tableware by pieces. Pieces in El Corte Inglés from 1.50 euros.
Lys Saphir Duralex crockery pieces
- Picardie Duralex soft touch espresso glass. Price in El Corte Inglés: 3.95 euros.
Duralex Picardie Soft Touch Espresso Glass
- Gigogne Duralex coffee mug. Price in El Corte Inglés: 1.95 euros.
Gigogne Duralex coffee mug
- Lys Duralex coffee mug. Price in El Corte Inglés: 1.95 euros.
Lys Duralex coffee mug
- Lys Duralex mug. Price in El Corte Inglés: 1.95 euros.
- Gigogne Duralex liqueur glass. Price in El Corte Inglés: 1.95 euros.
Liqueur glass Gigogne Duralex
Duralex photos: | The English Court
In Decosphere | Attention to this opportunity to brand new crockery (of those timeless and neutral ones) with this impressive 70% discount
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