Junior Studio Works with Arc International

By Zach Samalonis

When Arc International launched the “Future of Glassware” project in the Jefferson ID Junior Studio class, Jessica Monteleone wasn’t sure what that meant. But when she noticed that doubled-walled glasses were trending and that Arc, one of the largest glass manufacturers in the world wasn’t producing them, she had an idea.

She worked hard, creating multiple prototypes of what would become the winning project entitled Deux. “The design is a modular glass set that creates the same effect as a double-walled glass but uses established manufacturing processes to allow it to be produced in Arc’s North America plant” says Jess. “It’s designed to keep cold beverages cold without sweating and keep hot beverages hot without burning the user’s hand.” Securing the two glasses together is a colorful O-ring that also functions as a drink identifier. She designed the glasses to come in two sizes: a Rocks glass and a Cooler glass, with a common size O-ring that fits both sizes and limits sourced parts.

After having her design selected by Arc, she had the opportunity to display her project displayed in New York and travel to The International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago, the largest table top show in North America. “Working with Arc’s team throughout this project was such a great learning experience for me. I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to visit their showroom in New York City and discuss Deux with leaders from Arc, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Macy’s. I really look forward to furthering my project.”