Lenox, the tableware firm, has formally introduced again its coveted Spice Village assortment, which was out of manufacturing for over 20 years. The set of 24 porcelain jars is supposed to carry spices, with every designed to appear like a miniature home. The gathering, which Lenox first launched in 1989 and discontinued in 1993, has change into an enviable collector’s merchandise in recent times, with full units promoting for upwards of $1,000 on eBay.
With the Spice Village’s second version, fanatics are in for a discount by comparability: The complete set, which is now obtainable for pre-order and can ship in February, runs $285 and shall be obtainable by way of each Lenox and Macy’s. The person homes, additionally obtainable for pre-order, are simply $15 every — the identical pricing as the unique Spice Village launch in 1989. Units of six will even be obtainable.
The Spice Village started to pattern once more in 2022, thanks, largely, to TikTok: One video, that includes a client who discovered the total set at a thrift retailer, picked up over 6 million views. As the inside design publication Intelligent famous on the time, the resurgence of curiosity within the Spice Village fell according to the continued draw of the cottagecore aesthetic, in addition to of whimsical, kitschy house decor.
As Beth Baer, the vice chairman of product growth at Lenox, advised the publication, the Spice Village was born out of client curiosity within the late Eighties in collectibles. Followers would get a brand new piece each different month, she defined. The unique Spice Village assortment additionally included jars meant for condiments and tea, a serviette holder, and trivets. However this curiosity in collector’s objects ultimately waned, Baer famous, resulting in the tip of the Spice Village.
As with low-rise denims and Von Dutch hats, one technology’s trash all the time turns into one other technology’s treasure. On Etsy, single jars from the gathering have been listed round $100. After all, if the Stanley Cup hoarders are any indication, the urge to gather is powerful as soon as once more amongst a sure kind of customer.
Replace: September 12, 2024, 3:30 p.m.: This story was initially revealed on August 2, 2024. It has been up to date all through to replicate the most recent info.