In 2009, Lipton Turkey asked Defne Koz to re-imagine the icon of the Turkish tea cup.
Tea is the national drink of Turkey, even more popular than coffee.
The traditional shape of the Turkish glass teacup is a very strong icon that populated the Turkish landscape for centuries.
This new design for Lipton is an updated, contemporary interpretation of this icon. It respects the traditional shape and materials, but without any ‘retro’ reference. It is a refreshed icon for the new, modern, contemporary Turkish lifestyle.
The new iconic shape of the glass is still curved and gentle, yet is more pure and geometric, with fluid tapered sides, and a strong, large base to create a harmonic connection with the saucer. The saucer holds the glass in a raised position to “celebrate” it as if it were on an altar, while holding it solidly to prevent slippages during the service.
Two versions of the teacup suggest two rituals of use: one has no handle, like the traditional cup, and is designed around the gesture of holding the glass with your fingers at the very upper edge.
The second design has a metal ‘sleeve’ that also forms the handle and replaces the saucer, a reference to another type of iconic traditional design usually more precious, realized traditionally in decorated silver and re-interpreted here in a very pure shape in stainless steel.
Defne Koz's Lipton tea glass became an instant success: distributed through the major chain Migros, the promotional tea glass increased the sales of Lipton tea by 30%.
Following the success of the tea glass, Lipton asked Defne Koz to complete the collection with a porcelain tea pot, introduced in 2013, and a herbal tea glass mug, introduced in 2015.