One of my favorite stories to tell is Design Naif. This pattern is near and dear to my heart and also to legions of fans worldwide. After all, it’s a love story. I guess we are all suckers for a good love story…and this one goes on for generations.
I grew up on a farm in Germany. It was beautiful countryside. We farmed our own vegetables and our house was always filled with all sorts of animals. (Yes, farm animals INSIDE the house, but that is a different story!) Things were simple then and whenever I see the pastoral scenes of Design Naif, I think of my childhood. There is something nostalgic and sweet about these scenes that even urbanites seem to react with the same emotion.
The simplicity of this pattern is clearly defined by the style of painting. “Naïve” is a style of painting that depicts a childlike simplicity in its subject matter and technique. Which takes us straight to the wonderful french folk artist who created this pattern for us, Gerard Laplau. Mr. Laplau had created a Christmas Card for UNICEF. Villeroy & Boch saw this card and commissioned him to create a pattern in its likeness. In 1979, “Design Naif” was born. Talk about a design that stands the test of time!
In addition to the bright colors and unique style, it’s really the story that moves us all. Each plate, bowl and mug is a piece of a puzzle. Each helping us to decipher this town of Design Naif. There are weddings, families, grandparents, workers, hunters, farmers, churches and animals. Everyone in this town is busy. It’s practically a soap opera on your dinnerware! But, a “feel good” soap opera…as there seems to be some moral sustenance to this town. Collectors will agree that this is another key emotion to this pattern. Sounds weird to have “moral sustenance” in your dinnerware? Probably. However, those legions of loyal fans are all nodding now…as they know the joy of using this dinnerware every day.
Every day. This is one of those patterns that has so many colors in it, it is so easy to “seasonalize” with table linens and colored glass. From spring pastels, summery blues and harvest golds or burgundys, Design Naif is an ever-changing pattern that always looks new, fresh and familiar.
In typical Villeroy & Boch fashion, this line is complete with a wide breadth of accessories. Each depicting a different scene and making any occasion fun, festive and functional!
There are several wedding scenes, all of which I adore. There is this constant theme of timeless love that attracts today’s young bride, her mother and her grandmother. I have brides register for this pattern in completion and I have others who use the wedding scenes as layering pieces to a complementary pattern.
What many people don’t realize is that Villeroy & Boch is constantly designing for men. We know women are the main consumers in tableware and home furnishings, but we also know that things are a lot easier for you if we design something that he’ll like too. Plus, today’s modern groom wants to have a say during the registry process. Hence, every Villeroy & Boch pattern has a masculine and feminine attraction. For example, for every bridal scene there is a hunting scene. Man and dog. Ladies, it wins them over every time!
One of my favorite plates is Noah’s Ark. It’s one that my kids always thought was so much fun. With Easter just around the corner, this scene is perfect for a playful, yet traditional table. It is available in dinner, salad, rim soup and a round platter…so quite easy to layer into your existing collection. I think the salad and rim soup are perfect as a children’s set.
Finally, the last thing I really love about this dinnerware is that there is nothing else like it. It is unique and signature Villeroy & Boch. If you already own Design Naif, I know of your pride. For all of our fans old and new, this country classic pattern is a fun one, and I hope you enjoyed it’s charming story.
