Remix chats to Tiffany & CO's Chief Artistic Officer
Since the early 1980's Tiffany & Co. have featured their iconic 'T' motif in their timeless pieces. We chat to the designer who has recently revolutionized the iconic symbol into the new T1 collection, intended for a woman with a point of view and who incorporate Tiffany & Co. pieces into their signature style and story. It brings a new chapter to the world-renowned brand that galvanizes their belief in extraordinary everyday jewellery.
How has the T1 collection been received so far?
We’re thrilled by the response we’ve seen to T1 globally. These are unprecedented times for all of us and as we’ve been safely reopening our stores around the world, watching our clients discover the new collection has been incredibly rewarding. While many things have changed in recent months, that sense of excitement when discovering something beautiful is stronger than ever.
I suppose you designed the collection well before covid-19 put your team into lockdown, so you designed most of it in your normal setting? how has that process changed since you’ve been at home?
I’m extremely proud of our team; everyone has remained incredibly resilient, flexible and collaborative throughout all of this. The way we work is different, of course, but our creative process has not changed. We’ve adapted and have the tools to do so, and I’m very fortunate for that.
Tell me about your reinterpretation of the famous ‘T’ motif in this collection.
T1 is the next chapter of our T legacy. I took inspiration from the familiar motif that has been featured in Tiffany jewellery since the ‘80s, and envisioned the letter T from a new perspective. T1 has strong lines and a clean, uncomplicated design. It has a modern persona. There's attitude that doesn’t overwhelm its elegance. But, at its core, I wanted to connect T1 to a larger idea that I knew people would respond to. It’s inspired by the tenacious spirit of women today, rooted in a message of strength and resilience. I think there’s something really special about that.
In what ways has the design of T1 been informed by the message of self- empowerment? How have you conveyed this celebration throughout the collection?
The design speaks directly to this message. You have the letter T, which is an important house code for us, and the number one, symbolizing the connection we have to ourselves, the uniqueness of our identity. The two come together and form a bevelled bar that feels strong and modern, and this insignia appears on every design. It’s a constant reminder of the potential we all have for greatness.
You often talk about creating ‘the next icon’ in your collections. In addition to the ‘T’ motif, what are some of the design features in this collection that you hope will signify this collection and chapter for Tiffany & Co.?
I want to redefine what luxury means today. To me, it’s about living with beautiful things every day, finding ways to incorporate beauty in any context. I believe that if you own something extraordinary like the new T1 diamond choker, wear it. Even though this is a high jewellery piece—our first in the T family—I believe that luxury does not equal formality. These pieces are not meant to be worn once or twice on special occasions. We will continue to reinforce this ethos with every new collection and product offering.
Looking ahead to the future, both as a planet and as a business, what do you hope we learn from this recent chapter?
At Tiffany & Co. Sustainability is deeply rooted in our culture. While this year has presented unparalleled challenges, our commitment remains unwavering. While navigating the pandemic, prioritizing the needs of our people has enabled us to invest in our communities with a philanthropic response by both the Company and The Tiffany & Co. Foundation. In fact, this year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting people and communities through the preservation of the natural world. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $85 million in grants to non-profit organizations worldwide—a legacy we look forward to continuing for years to come.
Advertisement
