Silver Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design · 2025
Splendour Champagne Sabre
by Ivan Venkov
- A' Design Award 2025 Silver Winner in Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Mod Luxe
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 41,630
- Verification code A0203D0A71 · Verify this award
About Splendour Champagne Sabre
The Splendour Champagne Sabre is designed with precision and balanced functionality. Its minimalist form incorporates a precisely angled blade, ensuring a clean and controlled sabrage. The calibrated blade geometry optimizes performance, seamlessly integrating form and function. This contemporary reinterpretation of a traditional tool emphasizes clean lines, carefully considered proportions, and a meticulously engineered weight distribution, reinforcing the intrinsic relationship between design and purpose.
Volodymyr Iatsentyi's Splendour Champagne Sabre emerges from the distinguished tradition of ceremonial sabrage, the theatrical art of opening champagne bottles with a blade, transforming this convivial ritual into an occasion for aesthetic contemplation and material appreciation. The work demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to the dialogue between industrial precision and artisanal expression, the mirror-polished blade exhibiting the technical mastery associated with fine cutlery manufacture while the handle introduces an element of geological beauty through its inclusion of crystalline fragments suspended within a dark matrix that evokes the timeless appeal of natural stone. The compositional relationship between these material territories rewards careful examination, the transition zone where cool metallic surface meets organic-seeming composite handled with seamless integration that speaks to advanced manufacturing capabilities and thoughtful design resolution. The blade's profile suggests careful study of historical saber forms reinterpreted through contemporary design sensibilities, its sweeping curve optimized for the specific mechanical requirements of the sabrage technique while simultaneously creating visual poetry through its graceful arc. One might observe how the work positions itself within broader conversations about the elevation of functional objects into aesthetic experiences, participating in traditions that recognize the capacity of well-designed implements to transform quotidian actions into meaningful rituals. The handle's marbled appearance, reminiscent of nero marquina marble or perhaps forged carbon composite, introduces associations with permanence and geological time that contrast productively with the ephemeral celebration the implement serves, suggesting that moments of joy deserve objects of lasting beauty. How might the weight of this instrument in hand transform the ceremonial opening of a bottle into something approaching sacred gesture?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Supreme function meets stunning elegance in the Splendour Champagne Sabre by Mod Luxe, a fusion of artistic innovation and superior craftsmanship. This modern interpretation of the traditional sabrage tool enhances celebrations with its meticulously crafted design from premium materials. Seamlessly blending artistic innovation with superior craftsmanship, its ergonomic design ensures effortless execution, while its exquisite details create a cherished keepsake.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The Champagne Sabre Specs:
Length: 480 mm
Width: (at the widest point) 50 mm
Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Carbon Fiber / Resin
Product Display Material: Wood - Tags
- #ModLuxeMoments #IndulgeinStyle #SabrageWithCare
- Production Technology
- The Splendour Champagne Sabre is the result of a meticulous design process that skilfully addressed the outlined challenges. We incorporated sleek, minimalist lines and a contemporary aesthetic into the design to modernise the traditional sabre. High-grade stainless steel was chosen for its durability and polished finish, enhancing the sabre’s functionality and visual appeal. Ergonomics were prioritised by engineering a balanced weight distribution along the sabre's handle, ensuring it is both comfortable to hold and precise in its performance. This ergonomic design allows for a firm grip and controlled sabrage process, making the experience accessible and enjoyable even for novices
- Design Challenge
- The design challenge for the Mod Luxe Champagne Sabre was to reinvent a traditional tool with a modern aesthetic while ensuring exceptional functionality and durability. The primary challenge was integrating contemporary design elements that would appeal to modern users without compromising the sabre’s traditional effectiveness. Further, the design needed to balance artistic elegance with practical ergonomics, ensuring that the sabre was not only visually appealing but also comfortable and effective to use in the ceremonial art of sabrage.
- Project Duration
- 12 months development and prototyping project duration
- Operation Flow
- The art of sabrage is a unique and exciting way to celebrate special moments. Our step-by-step guide is designed to enhance the sabrage experience, even for beginners.
The Splendour Champagne Sabre User Guide:
1. Chill the Champagne:
* Begin by chilling the bottle in a refrigerator or ice bucket to around 3-5°C to maintain internal pressure and minimize foaming.
2. Prepare the Bottle:
* Remove the foil and wire cage.
* Locate the seam (the vertical line where the bottle halves are fused; this is the weakest point and our target for sabrage).
3. Find Your Grip:
* Firmly grip the base, tilting it 30-45 degrees away from people.
* Support the base of the bottle with your non-dominant hand.
* Grip the champagne sabre with your dominant hand.
4. Slide and Strike:
* Place the edge of the sabre on the seam near the base of the bottle's neck.
* Slide the sabre along the seam to the lip without striking.
* Aim to hit the lip (the ring around the top of the neck) with the blunt edge of the sabre.
* Apply firm pressure and slide the sabre up the seam in one smooth, swift motion.
5. Follow Through:
* Continue the motion as the bottle opens to let the cork fly off smoothly. Maintain grip on the base to control spillage.
* Allow a bit of champagne to flow to rinse away any glass shards.
* Pour and enjoy your celebratory bubbly!
Safety Tips:
* Choose the Right Bottle: Saber only high-quality, traditionally manufactured champagne bottles with thick glass and standard shapes. Avoid bottles with visible defects or irregular forms.
* Maintain enough distance around: Ensure there's enough space for the cork to fly without causing harm or damage to others.
* Never hold the bottle by its neck after sabering: It can be slippery and slide out of your hand.
Environmental Considerations:
Keep environments clean by collecting all corks and glass fragments. Near water bodies, use a sabrage chain to prevent cork contamination. Embrace responsible sabrage with #SabrageWithCare and ensure a clean environment! - Research
- Our research used mixed methods to refine the Splendour Sabre's design. Objectives included enhancing functionality and aesthetics. Data from surveys, focus groups, and prototyping informed the process. Testing handle variations with multiple groups and consulting sommeliers on weight and design led to the final ergonomic shape. Various blade materials were tested for optimal steel hardness and corrosion resistance. Customer feedback influenced product display and personalisation options. Insights inspired the Mod Luxe team to bring the refined Champagne Sabre design to life.
- Inspiration
- The idea behind the design of the Splendour Champagne Sabre was to reinvent a traditional tool with a modern aesthetic while ensuring exceptional functionality and durability. We aimed to integrate contemporary design elements that appeal to modern users without compromising the sabre’s traditional effectiveness. The design needed to balance artistic elegance with practical ergonomics, ensuring that the sabre is visually appealing, comfortable, and effective to use during The Art of Sabrage.
- Image Credits
- All Images by Mod Luxe
Lead Product Designer: Ivan Venkov
Colors of Splendour Champagne Sabre
Get Splendour Champagne Sabre
Grand Interview about Splendour Champagne Sabre
The design journey for the SPLENDOUR Champagne Sabre began with a clear objective - to honour the timeless art of sabrage while reinventing it for the modern connoisseur. We approached the challenge as a study in balance, ensuring the sabre would serve as both a precise functional instrument and an object of sculptural beauty. Every decision was guided by the desire to simplify rather than embellish: historical ornamentation was stripped away, replaced by sleek, minimalist lines that reflect contemporary refinement.Each detail - from the blade’s geometry to the polished finish -was tested through repeated prototyping to achieve harmony between form and performance. The result is a sabre that preserves the ceremony’s authenticity while aligning with modern luxury sensibilities, transforming sabrage into an experience that feels both effortless and profoundly elegant.
Refining the engineering of the SPLENDOUR Champagne Sabre was a research-driven process shaped by direct collaboration with sommeliers and diverse user groups. Their insights confirmed that precise blade geometry and balanced weight are critical for effective, controlled sabrage. Even minor shifts in angle or grip could affect performance, prompting us to fine-tune the sabre's center of mass and blade profile for seamless motion and accuracy.Through extensive prototyping and testing, we arrived at an ergonomic handle design that delivers both comfort and confidence - whether in the hands of a seasoned sommelier or a first-time user. This fusion of professional expertise and user-centered refinement ensured that the final sabre offers intuitive control and elevates the overall sabrage experience with both elegance and precision.
One of the most valuable discoveries during our 12-month development process was the critical role of precise weight distribution in the sabrage experience. Early prototypes revealed that even slight imbalances - whether blade-heavy or handle-light - disrupted the natural flow of motion and undermined user confidence. Through repeated testing with sommeliers and focus groups, we learned that the center of mass had to be meticulously calibrated to achieve both control and ease.This insight led us to refine not only the sabre’s external geometry but also its internal structure. We carefully adjusted the layering and density of the carbon fiber and resin composite in the handle to create a weight profile that feels intuitive and stable in hand. This equilibrium became a defining feature of the SPLENDOUR Sabre - enabling a smooth, single-motion strike and delivering a performance that is both effortless and faithful to the elegance of the ritual.
Material selection was central to achieving the SPLENDOUR Champagne Sabre’s balance of aesthetic refinement and functional performance. High-grade stainless steel was chosen for the blade for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain a pristine, mirror-polished finish - essential for both visual appeal and clean sabrage execution.For the handle, we explored both carbon fiber and resin, each offering distinct advantages. Carbon fiber provides exceptional strength with minimal weight, supporting precise control and effortless motion. Resin, on the other hand, allowed for a sculptural, tactile finish that adds warmth and character. The contrast between the luminous blade and the deep textures of the handle materials reinforces the sabre’s contemporary identity while ensuring it feels intuitive, secure, and elevated in use.
Our goal was to democratize the art of sabrage - making it accessible to enthusiasts at all levels - without diminishing its ceremonial significance. We achieved this by engineering an ergonomic handle that feels intuitive and secure, allowing first-time users to perform the ritual with confidence. Balanced weight distribution and precise blade geometry support a smooth, controlled motion, while the physical form itself retains a sense of refined minimalism that appeals to connoisseurs.To further enhance accessibility, we developed a visual user guide that demystifies the technique without oversimplifying the ritual. By prioritizing intuitive use and physical reliability, we allow the user to focus on the moment itself - ensuring that the elegance of the experience is preserved, whether performed by a sommelier or a first-time celebrant.
From the outset, we were committed to embedding essential safety considerations without disrupting the sabre’s clean, sculptural aesthetic. Rather than adding visible guards or altering the silhouette, we focused on refining the internal balance, handle geometry, and material texture to improve control and reduce user error. Testing revealed that users responded best to a handle that provided subtle tactile feedback and a sense of grip security without interrupting the minimalist form.The result is a sabre that preserves the elegance of the ritual while subtly empowering the user with intuitive control and confidence - an approach that aligns with our philosophy of form, function, and refined experience. We also developed a comprehensive Art of Sabrage user guide to promote safe practices—reinforcing responsible enjoyment through education, without compromising on design or the dramatic spirit of the ritual.
Receiving the Silver A' Design Award affirms our belief that ceremonial objects deserve the same level of innovation and intentionality as everyday functional tools. It strengthens our commitment to reimagining tradition - not by replacing rituals, but by elevating them through thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship.The SPLENDOUR Champagne Sabre sets a new benchmark in this space, demonstrating how advanced materials, refined ergonomics, and modern aesthetics can transform a ceremonial implement into a meaningful design experience. This recognition inspires us to explore new opportunities across luxury dining and barware - creating future pieces that not only serve a purpose but also enhance the emotional resonance of celebration.
The joy of sabrage should never come at the expense of safety or environmental integrity. The #SabrageWithCare initiative reflects MOD LUXE’s belief that true celebration embodies both elegance and awareness. Whether performed near water, delicate surroundings, or among guests, we encourage a mindful approach that protects people, places, and the planet.At MOD LUXE, we define responsible indulgence as the balance between exquisite experience and conscious respect for our environment. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we guide our community to use a sabrage chain when sabering near fragile objects or open water - a simple yet effective measure that catches the cork and glass collar, preventing litter and water contamination. We also encourage everyone to collect and properly dispose of corks and fragments, ensuring that the excitement of the moment leaves no trace behind.Through #SabrageWithCare, we champion the idea that luxury and responsibility can coexist beautifully. Each celebration becomes more than an act of joy - it becomes a reflection of refinement, mindfulness, and care for the world around us.
At MOD LUXE, we believe a product’s experience begins the moment it’s seen - not just when it’s used. The SPLENDOUR Champagne Sabre was conceived as both a ceremonial instrument and a sculptural statement, designed to inspire admiration long after the celebration ends.The custom wooden display is more than packaging; it is a pedestal that frames the sabre as an object of art. From the careful selection of the wood grain to the refined finish, every detail is crafted to complement the sabre’s modern materials and highlight its artistry. This thoughtful presentation invites reverence and conversation, transforming the sabre from barware into a centerpiece - a symbol of refined indulgence that lives elegantly within one’s home or bar setting.In every element, from unboxing to display to use, our philosophy remains constant: to elevate not just the act of celebration, but the entire journey that surrounds it - a seamless expression of modern luxury, craftsmanship, and enduring design.
SPLENDOUR represents a new chapter in how luxury tools are conceived - not solely for function, but to elevate emotional rituals and redefine how we celebrate. As modern gatherings evolve into curated, experience-driven moments, we see an opportunity for a new generation of ceremonial objects that unite minimalism with meaning.The SPLENDOUR Champagne Sabre embodies this vision, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation. It reinterprets a centuries-old tradition through contemporary design, precision engineering, and refined aesthetics - proving that timeless rituals can be both relevant and deeply personal. By transforming a historic gesture into a modern design statement, it invites a new appreciation for craftsmanship and ceremony in today’s culture of celebration.We believe this evolution will inspire future creators to design with purpose, precision, and poetic intent - shaping a future where ritual and refinement coexist, and where every act of celebration becomes an expression of modern luxury, artistry, and emotion.