WWD Digital Daily

‘ Tiffany Wonder’ Bows in Tokyo

The immersive exhibition celebrates the American jeweler's 187-year tradition of creativity and iconic diamond legacy.

- BY THOMAS WALLER

Tiffany & Co. has unveiled plans for its latest exhibition, "Tiffany Wonder" — an immersive experience exploring the American jeweler's identity, heritage of creativity and craftsmans­hip — which will open in Tokyo in April.

“The idea of wonder has been integral to our DNA since 1837,” explained Alexandre Arnault, executive vice president of product, communicat­ions and industrial at Tiffany & Co. “Since the very beginning, each design that we've imagined and each piece that we've handcrafte­d has been rooted in our mission to spark wonder and inspire the world's greatest love stories. Our latest exhibition celebrates this spirit in a city of great importance to Tiffany & Co.: Tokyo.”

The immersive show will take visitors on a visual journey through hundreds of the house's design masterwork­s, Tiffany's legendary diamonds and other creations, each telling a story of craft and creativity, heritage and modernity. The Tokyo exhibit will include displays ranging from one-ofa-kind creations to Jean Schlumberg­er's emblematic Bird on a Rock brooch; revolution­ary innovation­s and relics of pop culture, and iconic jewelry: the Tiffany Diamond.

“Tiffany & Co. has been inspired by Japan for decades and the house's authentic connection and extensive history in the region has only continued to grow,” said Anthony Ledru, president and chief executive officer at Tiffany's. “Our latest exhibition showcases some of Tiffany's most exceptiona­l creations including the first Bird on a Rock brooch from 1965 designed by one of the 20th century's most gifted designers, Jean Schlumberg­er. Uplifting the exceptiona­l craftsmans­hip, unparallel­ed diamond authority and inventiven­ess of Tiffany, the exhibition will bring the joy of the house to every visitor.”

Tiffany's relationsh­ip with Japan dates to its earliest days, beginning in 1837, when Charles Lewis Tiffany began offering his clients select imported Japanese goods — a rare offering in the American market. Many of the brand's best-known designers, including Edward C. Moore, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Elsa Peretti, found inspiratio­n for their work in the arts of Japan. A celebratio­n of respect and creativity, various aspects of the exhibition are dedicated to the ways in which Tiffany & Co. is indebted to Japan.

The "Tiffany Wonder" exhibition builds on this legacy, bringing the story of Tiffany to the Tokyo Node gallery, located within the Toranomon Hills Station Tower. The setting reflects a common link between Tiffany, Tokyo and New York City: OMA. The renowned architectu­re firm designed Toranomon Hills Station Tower and played an integral role in the reimaginin­g of Tiffany's Fifth Avenue flagship in Manhattan, known as The Landmark. OMA has now designed the scenograph­y of the "Tiffany Wonder" exhibition.

Within the 10 rooms, visitors will explore themes that are central to the jewelry and timepiece maker's identity, heritage and foundation­s of creativity and craftsmans­hip. Visitors will find pieces including the first Blue Book mail order catalogue, one of the first Blue Boxes and the famed Tiffany Setting engagement ring. Each section will immerse visitors in a one-of-a-kind experience with nearly 300 never-before-seen objects, including a rare George Paulding Farnham for Tiffany & Co. orchid brooch with enamel, emeralds, diamonds and pink sapphires, as well as the Jean Schlumberg­er for Tiffany & Co. Plumes necklace, set with diamonds, rubies and sapphires.

The exhibition concludes with the cornerston­e of the brand, the 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond, set in a transforma­ble new creation inspired by the Jean Schlumberg­er by Tiffany Bird on a Rock brooch.

"Tiffany Wonder" opens at Tokyo Node gallery on April 12 and will run through June 23. Tickets are available beginning Thursday through June 23 on the Tiffany & Co. app.

 ?? ?? Here and left: Renderings of the rooms of "Tiffany Wonder."
Here and left: Renderings of the rooms of "Tiffany Wonder."

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