Plateau Suisse By Alain Gilles

A modular cheese platter that celebrates the Swiss cheese-making tradition.

Designed by Alain Gilles for Switzerland Cheese, the ambassador of Swiss cheeses, Plateau Suisse pays homage to the country’s mountainous landscapes and artisanal cheese-making. The modular design also aims to provide a fresh take on a traditional concept. Featuring multiple platters in a pyramid shape, Plateau Suisse instantly draws attention to itself, symbolizing a tall mountain. The choice of materials also has a deeper meaning and connects the design to Switzerland.

For example, the black wood reminds of rock and the Swiss Alps. At the top, the modular cheese platter features a copper holder. These two materials reference a traditional cheese production process, in which artisans place a copper cauldron over a fire of blackened wood. The black platters also make any piece of lightly colored cheese stand out, even from across a large room. Functional and convenient, Plateau Suisse has a modular design that allows the user to create a custom structure. The copper holder at the top provides the ideal space for jams or chutneys for cheese tasting.

To create the stained solid oak and varnished copper pieces, the designer collaborated with two renowned brands. Iconic copper cookware manufacturer Mauviel 1830 crafted the holder, while high-end children’s furniture company Mathy by Bols made the wooden elements. Ultimately, Plateau Suisse is a love letter to Switzerland and its rich traditions. Photographs© Alain Gilles, Switzerland Cheese.