Let’s raise a toast: it’s the melanized glass you didn’t know you needed in your cabinet

Representation is very important, even in relation to the way you drink.

Entrepreneur Giselle Crawford knows this because she is the person behind the glassware brand Giselle Collection. This gave rise to creation Melanated Nude Collection, glassware that mimics the wide selection of skin tones in our community. Because who needs a clear wine glass when you can sip pinot noir in a glass that matches your shade of brown?

“The inspiration for The Giselle’s signature Melanated Nude Collection came from a deep appreciation for diverse skin tones and a commitment to inclusivity,” Crawford tells ESSENCE. “Recognizing the beauty and richness of melanated skin tones, I sought to create a product that not only celebrated individuality, but also supported a sense of belonging, as this was not yet an option available in the market.”

“By offering wine glasses that harmonize with a variety of melanin contents, my goal is to elevate the drinking experience while adding elegant and refined glassware to your home,” he adds.

They do it with the whole lot from tights to pumps, so why not glassware?

But as Crawford says, her brand’s goal isn’t just to supply richly decorated artworks in the type of a glass. The goal can also be to shake up a space that does not offer much diversity and make those that profit from that inclusion feel as special as they really are.

“I felt it was important to ensure representation in my products because representation matters, especially in an industry where diversity is often overlooked,” she says. “I want to promote inclusion and empower individuals to see themselves in everyday objects.”

Crawford’s efforts are paying off. The response to her Melanated Nude collection was “overwhelmingly positive.” The range includes paired or set wine glasses, champagne glasses, a set of wine glasses and carafes or a single carafe, all in dreamy shades of brown that she created herself. These include Chocolate, Silk Brandy Brown, Caramel Blush and Golden Honey.

“Customers expressed their appreciation for the thoughtful design, high quality and attention to detail visible in each piece of my Melanated Nude collection,” she shares. “Many people have commented on the uniqueness of our signature melaninated nude glasses, particularly praising the rich color palette we offer.”

There’s something for everybody, though, as the Giselle collection also includes the Pink collection, which incorporates the whole lot from beaded martinis to shot glasses, in addition to traditional clear glass and the ever-popular opal style. Its expansion plans include delving into small appliances, including coffee machines, toasters and more. But for now, she’s enthusiastic about the reception of the Melanated Nude collection and pleased with the experience it offers for lovers of black wine and spirits.

“My commitment to representation goes beyond mere aesthetics,” Crawford explains. “It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and recognizing the richness and beauty of melanated skin in every aspect of life, including something as simple yet meaningful as wine glasses.”