Eager to bring her work into the DWR portfolio, Nobil tasked Mardahl with creating a very distinct hosting moment. “The framework we gave her was just a few words, but Helle built a sort of universe of the tablescape, which expanded into categories we didn’t even discuss at first, but are these beautiful objects that serve both function as well as the delight of looking at them,” he says. And though this collection (versus her core offering) shows a bit more restraint in terms of color, it maintains her surreal playfulness. “The extraordinary in the ordinary, everyday world is what you get from these pieces,” Nobil adds.

Photo: Courtesy of Design Within Reach

Photo: Courtesy of Design Within Reach

Mardahl echoes the sentiment. “It’s been really fun to think differently with this collaboration. To make objects that are more simple than what we usually do, but still with a twist of color,” she says. The collection includes tableware, glassware, vases, candleholders, dishes, and three different kinds of lighting fixtures.

After all these years, Mardahl still describes her process as very organic. “Everything with glass and working with glass is magical. You never know what will turn out,” she says. This element of surprise (and delight) translates to the customer experience. “When people enter our shop here in Copenhagen, they always smile, and I think it’s because all the senses are involved with glass.”

The Helle Mardahl Collection launches exclusively at DWR in North America, online and on view in select stores beginning October 14.