Claudia Schiffer’s elegant tribute to the English countryside with Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro

The Vista Alegre pieces in the Gudrun collection comprise dinner plates, soup, and bread plates, as well as a teapot, teacups, and saucers with a fall-inspired motif. 

They complement hand-painted ceramics by Bordallo Pinheiro, adorned with whimsical woodland creatures in a more playful, figurative style, adding a touch of forest magic to any home.

Rounding up the collection are acorn boxes, water jugs, platters and leaf wall hangings–all designed and used by Schiffer in her own homes.

Don't miss: Home tour: A honey-coloured home in Moscow Oblast inspired by Japanese dwellings

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the Gudrun collection graces stores worldwide this month, Schiffer sits down for an exclusive interview with Tatler Homes, and shares with us her inspirations behind this deeply personal collection.

The world knows you from fashion, and many of us are curious about your transition into tableware design. What attracted you to explore the world of tableware design?

I’ve always been drawn to exceptional craftsmanship and Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro are experts at what they do. I had collected so many of their pieces that eventually, I wanted to connect with the team about their history and collaboration. My first two collections of decorative items and dinnerware called Cloudy Butterflies did so well that we wanted to expand the range further and so here we are launching Gudrun.

The Gudrun collection seems to reflect a personal story. Can you share what inspired its creation and the meaning behind the name?

Gudrun is the name of the porcelain collection with Vista Alegre and the ceramic collection with Bordallo Pinheiro. It’s my late mother’s name and is dedicated to all my childhood memories connected to the countryside. Watching the squirrels from my bedroom window, collecting acorns, and drawing on them whilst my mother gathered the fall leaves. Listening to the woodpeckers and falling asleep to the bird songs. These memories inspired me to create these new collections. The drawings are very me and I’m so proud of the outcome.

Read more: Home tour: A minimalist North Vancouver home in harmony with its impeccable surroundings

How does this tableware collection reflect your personal style and aesthetic preferences?

I wanted to complement the softer, more organic feel of the ceramics collection with the porcelain, being very refined and elegant. The contrast makes it more modern for me and its fine texture is perfect for the hand-painted detailed drawings. I grew up with very formal matching crockery and I realised that I prefer to mix it up.

Are there any other interests you have that influenced your approach to designing these collections?

I’m fascinated by art, design and interiors, and I love the sleek lines, organic shapes and simplicity of mid-century furniture. Our home is a mix of ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s pieces from Scandinavian style to Bauhaus German and I source pieces online like 1stDibs, Pamono, Vinteriors and The Modern Warehouse.

I prefer not to work in a structured planned way, where everything is decided upfront. I like finding furniture I love and then figuring out afterwards where it can go. I like building it up organically because it’s more personal and about who you are as a family. I often spend my free time moving furniture and lamps around–it’s so fun! 

See also: What is mid-century design and how it transcends time with its enduring appeal

How do you see these tableware contributing to one’s overall lifestyle aesthetic?

I designed all the pieces to work well with my mid-century wooden tables and bring those warm hues of fall into my home. I’m inspired by all the different aspects of the European countryside from the animals and insects to the leaves and flowers and I’ve been drawn to earthy tones ever since my childhood. So, I wanted the colour palette to include those lush greens, browns and russets, and richer shades such as mustard, ochre and crimson, which signal the change of season. 

What do your personal table settings typically comprise? 

I use the porcelain pieces every day and add in the ceramics when we have guests. I enjoy curating the dining table, mixing porcelain and ceramics, adding lit candles, my favourite green or white hydrangeas and choosing different glassware. Dining for me is all about catching up and connecting with friends and family, so I keep everything relaxed and informal, but always looking interesting and inviting. 

Don't miss: Home tour: A modern country house in Vancouver with an expansive art-filled garden

You must be looking forward to hosting dinner parties, especially with the upcoming year-end festivities.

Matthew [Vaughn, my husband] and I love parties with our three kids and their friends mixed with ours–it’s an intergenerational mix! Evenings at home with close friends and an amazing bottle of red wine are also great.

Generally, Christmas is big in our house. I follow the German tradition of St Nicolas. On December 6, the kids put out their shoes hoping they will be filled with goodies and presents! Since mine are grown now, we still do it to get the German candy you can’t find in England. I decorate the tree with German wooden carved ornaments from my childhood and host a cocktail party before everyone breaks up, followed by German Christmas [on the] 24th evening and then the English version on the 25th. 

Then, we get everyone back together for our annual New Year’s Eve party. We invite all our close friends and family and really let our hair down. It’s a great way to end the year and it’s always themed, so everyone is in their costume; all ages coming together.

NOW READ

Home tour: An interior designer’s wholesome country house in the idyllic outskirts of Moscow

Bordallo Pinheiro and Esporão’s Olival collection: Where art meets olive oil

Explore the ingenious architecture of Shishi-Iwa House in Karuizawa, Japan, by Pritzker Prize laureates