CELEBRATING DESIGN & CREATIVITY AT THE VL50 AWARDS

Waterford is proud to have been a supporting partner for the prestigious VL50 awards, a celebration of Australia’s leading creative talent across art, design, landscaping, and architecture. Held at the iconic Foundation Hall at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, the evening was a toast to the visionary individuals shaping the future of design.

ADORNED IN CRYTSAL

Guests were welcomed with crisp champagne served in Waterford’s signature toasting flutes at the Waterford Bar, all while taking in stunning views of the sun setting over Sydney Harbour from the outdoor terrace. Inside Foundation Hall, tables were beautifully set with Waterford’s Lismore drinkware, and Lismore vases brimming with vibrant florals, which added a touch of timeless charm to the room’s luxurious ambiance.

MADE IN IRELAND

Handcrafted at the House of Waterford in Ireland, and designed by Sam Fazzari of Mobilia, the 2025 VL50 Award Trophy is a strikingly beautiful, yet functional piece of craftmanship and design, and an evolution of the 2024 VL50 Award Trophy.

DISCOVER THE 2025 WINNERS

@adamandarthur
Product Designer of the Year

 @kennedy_nolan
Architect of the Year

 @seangodsellarchitects
Creative of the Year

The Rhythm of Craftsmanship

St. Patrick’s Day is a moment to honor Irish heritage, craft, and connection. This year, alongside five-time World Champion Irish dancers the Gardiner Brothers, Waterford brings the celebration to life by showcasing Irish excellence in motion.

Filmed at the storied Lismore Castle—the architectural muse for Waterford’s iconic Lismore pattern—this collaboration intertwines the precision of Irish dance with the brilliance of Irish crystal.

Through rhythm, movement, and masterful craftsmanship, discover the very essence of Ireland’s global legacy, proving that the finest artistry transcends generations.

Masters of Their Craft: The Gardiner Brothers x Waterford

Michael and Matthew Gardiner are more than dancers—they are storytellers, preserving and elevating the tradition of Irish dance for a global audience. As five-time World Champions, they have performed around the world, amassed a digital following of 7 million, and captivated audiences with their modern approach to a centuries-old art form.

Growing up as Irish Americans with deep ties to Ireland’s west coast, the Gardiner Brothers have always understood Waterford not just as a name, but as a mark of Irish distinction. In their home, Waterford represented artistry, celebration and achievement, present at their most meaningful moments.

One of their mother’s proudest memories was the first time she saw them return home from a competition with a crystal trophy crafted by Waterford in hand—a symbol of excellence earned through skill and dedication.

Just as Waterford perfected the craft of cutting crystal, the Gardiner Brothers have honed their steps to flawless precision. A natural fusion of two world-class Irish art forms—dance and crystal craftsmanship—discover the partnership brought together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Celebrating at Lismore Castle

Few places hold as much significance in Waterford’s heritage as Lismore Castle. The Lismore pattern, one of Waterford’s most iconic designs, was inspired by the Gothic grandeur of this 800-year-old castle—from its symmetrical towers to its pointed arches, a testament to timeless Irish aesthetics.

But Lismore Castle’s artistic legacy extends beyond crystal. It was once home to Adele Astaire, sister of Fred Astaire, after she married Lord Charles Cavendish, son of the 9th Duke of Devonshire. Fred Astaire, one of the greatest dancers of all time, was a frequent guest at Lismore Castle, bringing his unmistakable rhythm and effortless style to its storied halls.

For the Gardiner Brothers, Astaire is more than an icon—he sits amongst their greatest inspirations. His precision, elegance, and ability to push the boundaries of movement shaped their evolution as performers. Dancing at Lismore Castle was a full-circle moment, a tribute to the artistry that came before them, bringing past and present together in a celebration of movement.

Icons That Bond Generations: A Contemporary Twist on Beethoven

In 1783, Waterford was founded in Ireland’s oldest city, marking the beginning of a legacy that has lasted for over two centuries. That same year, Beethoven’s earliest works were beginning to shape his legacy, setting the stage for a new era of musical brilliance.

The Gardiner Brothers’ Lismore Castle performance is set to a reimagining of Beethoven’s “Für Elise,” where classical elegance meets contemporary style—an evolution mirroring Waterford’s own journey over the last two centuries. As the piece unfolds, the crisp clink of crystal punctuates the rhythm, a nod to the toasts raised and moments celebrated across generations.

This soundtrack unites history, movement, and craft, proving that true artistry—whether in music, dance, or crystal—always evolves and endures.

Discover Irish Excellence

Raise a glass this St. Patrick’s Day with Waterford’s finest, designed to make every moment extraordinary.

Whether it’s the timeless elegance of Lismore Double Old Fashioned Glasses, the precision-cut brilliance of the Lismore Decanter, or the bold vibrancy of Firework Green Tumblers and Shot Glasses, each piece is a testament to Irish craftsmanship.

New Year Tumblers Firework, 2-Pack
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