Luther Vandross x Waterford’s Luther 81 X launches August 10th

Primary Wave Music and The Luther Vandross Estate proudly announce a groundbreaking collaboration with internationally renowned Irish luxury brand, Waterford and will produce an exceptional limited edition crystal collection, Luther 81 X.

Inspired by Luther Vandross’s iconic 1981 platinum single, “Never Too Much,” the Luther Vandross x Waterford collection fuses Waterford’s craftsmanship with the soul and emotion of Luther’s unforgettable music. Each piece showcases a karo cut design, echoing the song’s lyric, “A Thousand Kisses From You Is Never Too Much”. Adding to its exclusivity, each crystal piece features a single bold hand-cut karo kiss on the base, making it a must-have for lovers of music and luxury design. The collection, primarily cocktail, and barware, will be available on waterford.com and exclusively at Bloomingdale’s in the US, David Jones in Australia, House of Waterford in Ireland, and Harrods in the UK.

Paying tribute to Luther Vandross’s music and legacy, the House of Waterford has masterfully forged a unique crystal art piece that lauds Luther’s double Platinum debut album Never Too Much. This unparalleled 12-inch wall-mounted crystal disc, set against a steel and brass backdrop, features 81 polished precision-cut track grooves and a meticulously hand-etched center label, adorned with Luther’s signature. Crafted over 19 hours, by four Master Craftsmen, this crystal LP embodies an exceptional fusion of artistry and homage, which utilized five specialized techniques – mouth blowing, cutting, sculpting, satin finishing, and assembling.

“Luther Vandross’s genuine affinity for crystal always mirrored the crystal-clear quality of his voice and spirit,” states Lisa Fruggiero, VP, of Brand Partnerships at Primary Wave Music. “Our collaboration with Waterford beautifully symbolizes this, adding a level of sincerity and elegance that embodies Luther’s legacy in a unique, tangible way.”

In a similar vein, David Gottlieb, Manager of The Luther Vandross Estate adds, “This unique collection honors Luther Vandross’s timeless legacy, beautifully capturing the spirit of his music in each crystal piece. It’s more than just barware – it’s a testament to Luther’s profound influence on music and his ever-present essence in our lives.”

In honor of Luther Vandross’s passion for education and diversity, this year, the Luther Vandross Foundation hosted a celebration, supported by Waterford, Primary Wave Music, and the Luther Vandross Estate, at Philadelphia’s Historic Belmont Mansion. The event commemorated Vandross’s life, celebrated his legacy of promoting students and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and showcased a custom-cut crystal decanter, emblematic of the forthcoming Luther 81 X line. This partnership between the Luther Vandross Foundation and Waterford crystalizes the fusion of music, culture, inclusivity, and education into a concrete symbol of Vandross’s enduring influence. As this meaningful collaboration prepares to launch the Luther Vandross x Waterford line in August, it underscores the shared commitment to advancing education, fostering cultural conversations, and perpetuating Vandross’s profound legacy.