The Story Behind Opulence

Creating Opulence 

Inspired by Ireland’s centuries-old tradition of handwoven wickerwork, the Opulence Collection reimagines Waterford’s Irish heritage through intricate craftsmanship.   

An updated take on an archival pattern, Opulence was first designed by Waterford’s Head Designer John Connolly to mark his 50th anniversary. Today's version weaves past and present into a new expression of contemporary drinkware and decor.   

Each piece of the collection reflects the textured beauty of Irish basketry and the artistry of expertly cut crystal. With deep, interlaced cuts that catch and reflect light, Opulence blends the practice of Irish basketry and modern precision in a way that feels both familiar and striking.

Rooted in Ireland

Ireland’s basket weaving tradition runs deep. Shaped by daily life and by the land, long before it was called a craft, weaving was simply how things were made.   

For centuries, craftspeople shaped willow and rush into baskets used for carrying turf, collecting shellfish, and storing food, each one made by hand, each region with its own distinct style. It was a practical craft, but also a cultural one: purposeful and deeply personal.  

When designing Opulence, that legacy inspired John Connolly with a simple memory: the intricate back of his grandmother’s cane chair. That detail sparked an enduring love for Irish workmanship and led to this pattern, distilling the texture and structure of weaving itself.