Singapore-designed wine glasses sell out following award win
Singaporean glassware company SKLO has won the international Red Dot Design Award 2025 for its Evolution collection, designed with the physical attributes of Asian consumers in mind. Nimmi Malhotra reports. The post Singapore-designed wine glasses sell out following award win appeared first on The Drinks Business.
Singaporean glassware company SKLO has won the international Red Dot Design Award 2025 for its Evolution collection, designed with the physical attributes of Asian consumers in mind. Nimmi Malhotra reports.
In a Singapore first, wine glasses designed by Singapore-based SKLO glassware company have been honoured with the Red Dot Design Award 2025, recognising exceptional design and innovation in tableware.
The winning collection, known as the Evolution stemware series, was created by Singapore-based glassware company SKLO in collaboration with the Singapore Sommelier Association (SAS) and Czech glass manufacturer Kvetna 1794.
Comprising two models – Evolution 125 and Evolution 50 – the series was developed to serve the needs of Asian sommeliers and wine professionals. The Evolution 125 is a universal glass suitable for red, white, and sparkling wines, while the Evolution 50 is a tasting glass designed specifically for smaller tasting pours and optimised aroma delivery.
The team also factored in physical attributes of Asian consumers. Additionally, the glass proportions were refined to accommodate more delicate fingers and enhance the nosing experience, ensuring optimal comfort and performance for users.
SKLO's founder, Lee Ming Thoo, said of the recognition: "Winning the Red Dot Design Award is not just a proud moment for SKLO — it's a proud moment for Singapore."
"It validates our belief that design excellence can emerge from Southeast Asia — grounded in cultural insight, technical precision, and a strong point of view."
SKLO, already the distributor for Kvetna 1794's handmade, lead-free crystal glassware, enlisted the Czech glassmakers to bring its prototype to life.
"While the design of the Evolution series was born in Singapore, it was Kvetna's expertise that gave it form with unmatched precision," said Thoo. "Their ability to achieve consistent wall thinness, crystal clarity, and millimetre-perfect stem shaping was essential to realising our technical goals."
The project took nine months from concept to completion, including four prototypes and extensive testing by SAS's 200-member community. The final designs debuted in late 2024 to wide acclaim within the wine and hospitality industries.
According to Lu, it's not just a Singapore-led design; the whole process has been democratic and consultative. The series symbolises Singapore's forward-thinking ethos: "If we need something, we do it ourselves."
SKLO Evolution is currently in use at establishments like Praelum Wine Bar, Tamba, and Wabi Sabi. Other than Singapore, SKLO Evolution is also being distributed in Malaysia. The glasses have now sold out on the SKLO website following the award win.
Frustration led to innovation
The idea for a new tasting glass was born during a conversation between Thoo and Gerald Lu, a veteran sommelier and President of the Singapore Sommelier Association. Lu had long been frustrated with the existing selection of tasting glassware on the market, which he felt failed to meet the specific needs of professionals. "No one has ever sold me a tasting glass," he said, acknowledging that such products may have limited commercial appeal. The available alternatives ranged from bulkier hotel glassware to universal tasting glasses produced by premium stemware makers like Zalto, Japanese Kimura, and Riedel — none of which, in his view, were fit for purpose. "Reidel and the other brands are great, but they don't make any tasting glasses," he said. Together, Lu and Thoo decided to develop a new design that could balance aesthetics, performance and technical rigour and represent Singapore on the world stage. Though neither had formal design experience, Lu took on the challenge, delving into the science of glass ergonomics and wine dynamics. "We wanted an industry-tasting glass, by us for us," Lu shared. He studied the elements of glass structure: from the optimal calyx(bowl) to the perfect height and width for the chimney, foot, and rim — down to the reinforced "button" at the upper stem, which supports the bowl and influences the wine's torque.
SKLO, already the distributor for Kvetna 1794's handmade, lead-free crystal glassware, enlisted the Czech glassmakers to bring its prototype to life.
"While the design of the Evolution series was born in Singapore, it was Kvetna's expertise that gave it form with unmatched precision," said Thoo. "Their ability to achieve consistent wall thinness, crystal clarity, and millimetre-perfect stem shaping was essential to realising our technical goals."
The project took nine months from concept to completion, including four prototypes and extensive testing by SAS's 200-member community. The final designs debuted in late 2024 to wide acclaim within the wine and hospitality industries.
According to Lu, it's not just a Singapore-led design; the whole process has been democratic and consultative. The series symbolises Singapore's forward-thinking ethos: "If we need something, we do it ourselves."
SKLO Evolution is currently in use at establishments like Praelum Wine Bar, Tamba, and Wabi Sabi. Other than Singapore, SKLO Evolution is also being distributed in Malaysia. The glasses have now sold out on the SKLO website following the award win. 
