Tiffany is celebrating its 150th anniversary in London, and the next chapter will be under the owner LVMH, with a large exhibition at Saatchi Gallery called “Vision & Virtuosity”.
Introducing 400 objects from Tiffany’s archives, including the famous 128.54 carat diamond recently worn by Lady Gaga and Beyonce, and Audrey Hepburn’s original script for breakfast at Tiffany’s.
This exhibition is a love letter to the heritage and history of American jewelery brands, displaying everything from the windows of the flagship store on Fifth Avenue to the boring things worn by Liz Taylor and Princess Diana.
According to CEO Anthony Ledru, London was a natural selection for the exhibition to commemorate the anniversary and because the UK is Tiffany’s largest market in Europe. However, when Tiffany’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York reopens in late 2022, there will be an exhibition space for such treasures.
“This year marks the 185th anniversary, so we had to spend a big moment. The galleries and places have the level of elegance we’re looking for,” he tells Bloomberg. Saatchi Gallery is located in Chelsea, one of London’s most beautiful art spaces and one of the most exclusive districts.
Tiffany may be approaching the second century, but the $ 16 billion acquisition by LVMH, the world’s largest luxury company, is less than two years old. Ledru became CEO in 2021 after the acquisition and talked about his ambition to connect the company’s past and future as part of LVMH.
“We have a mix of old and new worlds, America and Europe, and we’re building a bridge between them. What we bring to the table is the tension about heritage and modernity,” Leddle said. Says. The brand was a little more contemporary or a little more heritage-focused, but the official is a mix. We believe that we have a very wide range of aesthetics and a wide price range and will maintain it. “
Ledru likes that the new exhibitions are not in chronological order. It begins with a space that brings back the windows on Fifth Avenue, including one that pays homage to Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby movie. Tiffany is a movie jeweler and the diamond headpiece worn by Carey Mulligan can be seen later in the exhibition.
Those who go to the gallery continue to explore the history of the brand. This includes the 1845 “Blue Book,” which claims to be the first mail-order catalog in the United States.
History goes back to the present day, including the last emerald necklace seen at Lady Gaga at this year’s BAFTA Awards.
One of the most striking historical works was the golden binoculars studded with diamonds from the golden age.
Tiffany’s Vice President Christopher Young, who curated the exhibition, says the former owners of the binoculars would have used it to signal their wealth and privileges when they were out in town.
From another era of the 1980s, you can see Paloma Picasso’s colorful 1985 necklace incorporating over 15 different gems.
Rather boldly, there are also rooms where the general public who bought the ticket can try Tiffany’s diamond engagement ring for themselves and sit down with their left hand to admire it.
Young says he is looking forward to the proposal. When asked about potential risks, he points out that security is sufficient.
As it is 2022, the exhibition has many opportunities for social media. You can use the touch screen to write a love message on the wall in one of the Tiffany Blue rooms. The message will be broadcast throughout the room.
And if you’re neither Lady Gaga nor Beyonce, you can try the 128.54 carat yellow Tiffany diamond. You’ll have the opportunity to take a selfie in the same space where the real diamond necklace is on display.
However, there is no doubt that one of the main attractions of the exhibition is the breakfast-only room at Tiffany’s. The song “Moon River” from the movie plays in the background, allowing viewers to admire the iconic black Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn when he captured his heart as Holly Golightly.
A copy of Hepburn’s script (with notes) is on display, with a portion of the movie displayed on the wall next to the script.
“We want all visitors to leave the room and be as engrossed as Audrey Hepburn was with Tiffany. It can rob the exhibit when they leave. If possible, I think the mission was accomplished, “Leddle said.
“Vision & Virtuosity” will be held at Saatchi Gallery on June 10th and will be held until August 19th. Tickets are free with the Tiffany & Co exhibition app.
