March 2008

PRESS RELEASE - FOR RELEASE IMMEDIATELY

FIESTA® ADDS A TRUE CLASSIC TO THE FAMED COLOR PALATE

Newell, W.Va.—(March 16, 2008)— FIESTA® Dinnerware introduces a true classic—Ivory—as its new color at the International Home & Housewares Show, in Chicago, Sunday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Full of versatility, Ivory lends itself to numerous tabletop options. 

“Ivory broadens the FIESTA color combination possibilities,” says Ed Wonder, design director, The Homer Laughlin China Company™. The color development team at the company’s manufacturing headquarters in Newell, West Virginia, takes great care to make sure that each new color introduction complements the existing FIESTA color palate. “Ivory is striking as a stand-alone or as a primary or accent mixed with other FIESTA colors,” adds Wonder.

Ivory marks the 14th – and latest – shade in the FIESTA color story for 2008: Black, White, Ivory, Cinnabar, Cobalt, Turquoise, Sunflower, Plum, Scarlet, Shamrock, Tangerine, Peacock, Evergreen and Heather. With the introduction of Ivory, Persimmon retires—making it the latest collectible FIESTA color.

Ivory FIESTA will be presented at the Homer Laughlin Booth No. S2003, South Building.

Brides married to FIESTA

“Historically, more than 50 percent of brides register for ivory or white dinnerware,” says Rich Brinkman, vice president of sales and marketing, The Homer Laughlin China Company. “By introducing Ivory to our color wheel, we offer brides a sought-after color option. With both White and Ivory, enthusiasts can match their dinnerware to any home décor or tabletop color theme,” finishes Brinkman.

“Ivory is an elegant, classic color,” says Wonder. “A soft neutral, it evokes the same pure and clean ambiance as White, but also adds warmth that cannot be duplicated.”

“Neutrals express a sense of simplicity and understated naturalness that will continue to have broad appeal, especially in tones of ivory, taupe and tan,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training (www.colorexpert.com).

 Until now, collectors were forced to search antique shops and online auctions to find the retired FIESTA Ivory—which was available from 1936-1951. A close match to vintage Ivory, the “new” Ivory fits seamlessly into existing dinnerware collections.

 Dream up a theme

“Stunning as a stand-alone, Ivory also opens the doors to a wide variety of color themes,” says Brinkman. FIESTA collectors, and enthusiasts, often pull together two, three or even five colors in addition to Ivory to create a color story.

 For instance, “Ocean Sand” consists of beachy Ivory combined with FIESTA’s cool blues: Cobalt, Turquoise and Peacock. The “Earth Movement” rather matches earthen Ivory with rich greens: Shamrock and Evergreen. Straight off the runways, “Gemstones”—Evergreen, Cinnabar, Plum, Scarlett and Turquoise—are reigned in by pearlescent Ivory. And, the “Sunset” spectrum spans from Ivory to Sunflower, Tangerine, new 75th Anniversary color Marigold and Scarlet.   

Classic roots

Like the natural clay from which it is born, creamy FIESTA Ivory brings to mind the simplicity of its origin. FIESTA artisans continue the Homer Laughlin tradition of pottery making, which dates back more than 100 years. This tradition is carried out today in Newell, West Virginia, with handcrafted designs by craftsman; while using computerized kilns, state-of-the-art production facilities and decorating equipment, many elements of each piece still require the skilled hand of these true artists.

Ivory FIESTA will be available in stores and online as early as June19, 2008.

Suggested retail price for the 4- and 5-piece place settings is $48 MSRP. In addition to the place settings, the FIESTA line includes plates, platters, bowls, cups, vases and the signature disc pitcher and a wide range of serving pieces.

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About Fiesta® Dinnerware

Designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead in 1936, FIESTA® Dinnerware is now the most collected china in the United States and among the most collected china in the world. It has been featured on many popular TV programs, including ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover and the Today Show. The product was discontinued in 1973 and reissued in 1986 with new contemporary colors to mark its 50th anniversary. Its unique Art Deco style has landed FIESTA® Dinnerware in the collections of numerous museums from the Smithsonian Institution to the Andy Warhol Museum.

 About The Homer Laughlin China Company™

The Homer Laughlin China Company™, headquartered in Newell, West Virginia, is the largest domestic producer of china dinnerware in the United States. The company’s distinctive FIESTA® brand is featured on dining tables across the country and coveted by a large, enthusiastic group of collectors. For additional information, please visit the Homer Laughlin™ Web site at www.hlchina.com.