Get ready to elevate your dining experience with the upcoming release of Supreme Heller Bowls (Set of 6) in both Red and White. Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 13th, as these iconic pieces will be dropping during Supreme Week 8. This collaboration brings together the best of modern design and streetwear culture, ensuring that the already legendary Heller Bowls will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
If you grew up in America during the 1970s and 80s, chances are you’ve eaten off a Hellerware plate. The brightly colored, modular tableware was a staple in many homes. And while the plates, bowls, and mugs were known for their durability and affordability, they were also a triumph of modern design.
The story of Hellerware began in 1964, when Italian designer Massimo Vignelli created a set of melamine dishes that were not only playful and precise, but also stackable. Vignelli, who is also renowned for his New York City Subway signage and the American Airlines logo, was inspired to create these bowls after observing a client using plastic molds for Mickey Mouse ashtrays. Vignelli’s design was first manufactured by an Italian plastics company, but when the company went out of business, the molds were abandoned in a Milan storage facility. It was then that Heller, an American plastics manufacturer, discovered the molds and rescued them, thus bringing Vignelli’s design to the United States.
Heller’s Hellerware was an immediate hit, thanks in part to the bright colors that were introduced to American tables. The original Italian version was only available in avocado green and mustard yellow, but Heller’s American version included an array of hues, represented by rainbow branding on the box. And while some people bought monochromatic sets, the real move was to go full-spectrum, mixing and matching colors to create a visually stimulating tablescape.
But Hellerware wasn’t just about aesthetics. The plates, bowls, and mugs were made from melamine, a molded thermoset plastic that was virtually indestructible. They could withstand total abuse and were perfect for picnics and outdoor dining. And because they were stackable, they were also space-saving, which was a boon for families living in small apartments.
Heller went on to produce dozens of other popular pieces that were both affordable and durable, from the stackable chair by Mario Bellini to the blobular couch by Frank Gehry to the toilet brush by Philippe Starck. But it was Hellerware that truly put the company on the map.
In a world where disposable products are the norm, Hellerware stands out as a testament to the enduring power of good design. It’s a reminder that the things we use every day can be both beautiful and functional. And while the colors may be a bit loud for some, for those of us who grew up with them, they’ll always have a special place in our hearts (and our cupboards).
In a nod to the enduring popularity of Hellerware, Supreme is releasing their collaboration with the iconic brand on Supreme Week 8, Thursday April 16th. The limited edition six pack of Heller Bowls in Red and White is sure to be a hit among collectors and design enthusiasts alike. Who needs these colorful and durable pieces in their collection? Don’t miss your chance to add a piece of design history to your home. Retails are yet to be announced.
Make sure to check out all Week 8 Droplist updates on Supreme Community.
