Remix attends the Tiffany & Co. Exhibition in London
Few names, just by their mention, bring to mind a bijouterie legacy that is as distinctive and timeless as Tiffany & Co. Synonymous with class, couture and creations that transcend both the passing of time and trends, the house breathes elegance into everything that it thinks up, and thus has solidified a name for itself amongst jewellery aficionados and enthusiasts alike.
Tiffany & Co.’s London flagship store at 25 Old Bond Street
Remix was lucky enough to attend the Tiffany & Co. exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the jewellery maison’s London location. With nine total stores in England’s capital, ‘Vision & Virtuosity’ is a celebration of Tiffany’s iconic legacy, both in the UK and across the globe.
Journeying through 185 years of innovation, craftsmanship and heritage, ‘Vision & Virtuosity’ was designed as an immersive experience, allowing admirers to walk through the chapters of the Tiffany & Co. empire.
Vanderbilt Gate, Window Display 2012
Chapter 1 showcased an array of iconic window displays that once hailed from the Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York. When gazing upon these displays, they were more clearly theatrical canvases than colourful window fillers - they were as dazzling as the jewels they displayed. Showcasing sparkling gems and creations, namely the Bird on the Rock by Jean Schlumberger, chapter 1 started as it meant to finish - with our jaws on the floor.
Hedges and Flowers Necklace, Jean Schlumberger
Nothing quite makes the heart skip a beat like the iconic little blue box, which is why an original blue box from the 1800s had everyone in a flurry. Famed for the Tiffany Setting engagement ring that was commonly found inside, the blue box itself has become a stunning synecdoche of the brand and its visual linkage and stellar reputation has stood the test of time.
Tiffany Love Room
Speaking of rings, the audience was soon immersed in blue light when entering the Tiffany Love Room. An array of Tiffany Setting rings were centred within circular structures and marvelled at by the masses. It’s no surprise why the Tiffany Setting ring is regarded as the world’s most iconic engagement ring; it has over 130 years of love stories to vouch for it. Its lifted form and six prong setting means the light hits the diamond from every possible angle, maximising the stone’s shimmer and shine. With a trying-on booth at the end of the chapter, the desire to get hitched had never been higher than when the iconic ring was slipped upon fingers.
The Tiffany Setting Ring
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper celebration of Tiffany & Co. without Audrey Hepburn. The next chapter showcased a protruding yellow taxi from the wall and played the iconic film Breakfast at Tiffany's on a darkened wall. We were instantly aware that we were walking into cinematic heaven. With the original working script used by the British icon laid across tables, an Oscar Award won by ‘Moon River’ for Best Original Song and the unmistakable black Givenchy dress that started our obsession with the LBD - we were mesmerised.
Givenchy Dress, worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Perhaps it was our childlike envy that rendered the tiara exhibit our favourite. Showing off various diamond encrusted crowns that had adorned the heads of many a princess and wealthy aristocrat, the true show-stealer was the Savoy Headpiece - a bandeau style tiara wrapped in diamonds and pearls that was worn by the character Daisy Buchanan in Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. Bragging that quirky yet quintessentially 1920’s Art Deco style, it was right there and then that we would've sold everything we owned for a chance to wear the opulent headdress.
The Savoy Headpiece, worn by Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby
As mentioned before, Tiffany & Co. started the exhibition as they meant to finish - with our jaws on the floor. Reaching the final chapter, it seemed our mouths were fixed and aghast - we were enchanted. The Tiffany Diamond was presented at the centre of a circular room. Discovered in 1877 and acquired by Charles Lewis Tiffany, the 128.54-carat diamond remains one of the largest and most spectacular yellow diamonds in the world today. Reimagined and recrafted over the years, the diamond has only been worn publicly four times. First by Mrs. Mary Whitehouse, a socialite who wore it to the 1957 Tiffany Ball in Newport, Rhode Island. Audrey Hepburn wore the diamond in Jean Schlumberger’s Ribbon Rosette necklace when promoting Breakfast at Tiffany’s. And finally, the stone has been worn by Lady Gaga at the 2019 Academy Awards and Beyonce in Tiffany’s 2021 ‘About Love’ Campaign. A marvel of magical wonder, the diamond is breathtaking in all aspects.
The Tiffany Diamond
A single thought bombarded us as we walked down the steps of the Saatchi Gallery - how incredibly innovative yet distinctive the brand was, is and will be. Whether being a symbol and great believer in love through the Tiffany Setting ring, or a popular pop culture player through film and fame, Tiffany & Co. has adapted over the years while still displaying that iconic elegance that is so ingrained within the brand. 185 years down the line, Tiffany & Co. remains pertinent on our Christmas wish lists and continues to surprise, startle and leave us speechless with its wonderful creations. The name will sound just as sweet in another 185 years time.
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