What's more perfect than a martini glass? It has classic design, clean, simple lines, and performs its function flawlessly. (Except in a crowded bar when you get banged around and spill precious liquid.)

Bombay Sapphire Gin felt the classic glass could use a little updating and recently held their 4th Annual U.S. Designer Glass Competition. Up-and-coming industrial designer, Michael Kritzer of Georgia, beat out hundreds of entrants and 10 finalists with his "Palletini" design. (Top pic.)

The Palletini is made in blue and silver mother-of-pearl colored glass, and has no stem. A thumbhole on the long side enables the drinker to hold it like a painter's palate. Which I'm sure is perfectly stable after 2 or 3 martinis.



Kritzer is off to Milan, where the Palletini will face off against the winners from 27 other countries.

The People's Choice Award went to my favorite, the "Bloom" by Nicholas Blair. (Bottom pic.) Its deep reservoir holds an integrated olive skewer made with strands of emeralds and sapphire colored glass, a functional reinterpretation of classic design.

No word on whether any of these will be available to buy. I'll keep you posted if I hear.

You can check out the other design entries at www.designerglasscompetition.com