LemonGrass Release

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Newell, W.Va.—(March 22, 2009)— As it does each spring, FIESTA® Dinnerware will announce its much anticipated new color at the International Home & Housewares Show (Chicago), McCormick Place, Sunday, March 22 thru Tuesday, March 24. With a unique twist on the patriotic feeling of “hope” overtaking the

United States

, the new color looks to Michelle Obama’s inauguration dress in the optimistic color of Lemongrass, a cheerful hue of yellowish green.

Lemongrass is the 15^th shade to complement the FIESTA color story for 2009: Lemongrass, Black, White, Ivory, Cinnabar, Cobalt, Turquoise, Sunflower, Plum, Scarlet, Shamrock, Tangerine, Peacock, Evergreen, and Chocolate (also new, introduced in fall 2008).

With the introduction of Lemongrass, Heather retires—making it the latest collectible FIESTA color.

“During stressful economic times like these, designers in apparel and home decor often look to bright, lively colors,” says E.C. Wonder, design director, The Homer Laughlin China Company™, “…colors that make people smile.” “Striking on its own or mixed in with our existing color palette, Lemongrass makes a lively statement.”

Lemongrass FIESTA will be presented at the Homer Laughlin Booth No. S2003 [South Building].

“Because it is youthful it’s a must have color option for brides to be,” says Rich Brinkman, vice president of sales and marketing. “Lemongrass is a sophisticated, yet fun color, rounding out our most recent color additions of Chocolate and Ivory, and following the growing go ‘green’ trend.”

The country’s color expert agrees. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training, FIESTA’s Lemongrass is part of the spreading “Greenmarket” movement. “Consumers are longing for a healthier lifestyle,” she says, “and, as a result, drawn to fresh, organic colors which are often found at local farmer’s markets and roadside produce stands.”

“Vivid, occasionally exotic and sometimes earthy, these colors appeal not only to the eyes, but to the taste buds,” says Eiseman. “This year’s Lemongrass from FIESTA offers a flavorful backdrop to all food colors.” For more information, visit: colorexpert.com and eisemancolorblog.com.

It has been over a decade since collectors have had the opportunity to find a color like Lemongrass in the FIESTA spectrum; chartreuse, similar but more yellow in tone, was available from 1951 to 1959 and once again 1997-1999. Retired now, Chartreuse’s availability is limited to antique shops and online auctions.

A close match to vintage Chartreuse yet yellower, Lemongrass fits seamlessly into many FIESTA color stories. For inspiration, consider the following tablescape themes:

Lemongrass FIESTA will be available in stores and online as early as June 2009. Suggested retail price for the 4- and 5-piece place settings is $48 (MSRP). In addition to place settings, the FIESTA line includes plates, platters, bowls, cups, vases and the signature disc pitcher and a wide range of serving pieces (sold separately).

Designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead in 1936, FIESTA Dinnerware is now the most collected china in the United States and among the most collected china in the world. It has been featured on many popular TV programs, including ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover and the Today Show. The product was discontinued in 1973 and reissued in 1986 with new contemporary colors to mark its 50th anniversary. Its unique Art Deco style has landed FIESTA Dinnerware in the collections of numerous museums from the Smithsonian Institution to the Andy Warhol Museum. For more information, visit: homerlaughlin.com.

The Homer Laughlin China Company is the last major plate, saucer and cup manufacturer in the country, employing more than 850 employees at its factory in Newell, WV. In the restaurant and hospitality category, the company’s china dates back to the late 1800s and the production of yellow “ware”. It was in 1936 that Homer Laughlin ventured into retail with its colorful FIESTA dishes. Today, this distinctive brand is featured on dining tables across the country and coveted by a large, enthusiastic group of collectors. Backed by 130 plus history in the industry, Homer Laughlin continues to dominate in dinnerware—committed to its craft, its workforce, its region and its country. For additional information, visit: hlchina.com.

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