Tatler Malaysia

FLOWER POWER

Reed Krakoff’s very first jeweller y collection for Tiffany and Co draws on nature, flowers and paper. Ong Chin Huat takes a closer look at the inspiratio­n behind Tiffany Paper Flowers and discovers why luxur y doesn’t always mean formal

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Since reed krakoff joined Tiffany & Co in February 2017, jewellery aficionado­s and collectors have been waiting with bated breath for the debut of his first jewellery collection for this storied and esteemed jewellery house. Well, since the first of May last year in selected stores and online, then later during Fall 2018 elsewhere, jewellery lovers were relieved of their suspense—tiffany and Co unveiled the high and fine jewellery collection named Tiffany Paper Flowers designed by Krakoff, and everything about it was fresh and feminine, yet there was not much about it which flaunted the ephemeral qualities of this most common fibrous wood pulp. Inspired by the 1881 watercolou­r painting of an Iris flower he found in Tiffany & Co’s extensive archives, Krakoff was intrigued by this violet-colour bloom which coincident­ally is also the main base note of Tiffany’s fragrance. According to him, the idea for the

Paper Flowers collection was to combine the feminine and organic through a contempora­ry and graphic prism. “Paper Flowers strips away the rules associated with fine jewellery so that the familiar feels new again.” The collection comprises pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings, with an aesthetic rooted in the idea of flower petals cut out and pinned together to form a blossom. It also exudes a cutting-edge modernity with a dress-up or dress-down sensibilit­y. “Luxury shouldn’t always mean formality,” says Krakoff, who honed his creative skills at Coach and helped increase turnover there from US$500 million to US$5 billion. Looking at the collection up-close also reveals the intricate and highly skilled craftsmans­hip—tiffany and Co’s hallmark. Shapes formed by nature in the motif of a petal or leaf take pride of place at the heart of the collection, which showcases polished platinum and diamonds as its main attraction. Apart from white diamonds, tanzanite and yellow diamonds also feature in the Paper Flowers collection, adding a pop of colour to this dazzling assemblage. With the iris playing an important role in the history of Tiffany and Co, it was only natural for Krakoff to incorporat­e a gemstone such as tanzanite; its purplish violet hue reminiscen­t of the colour of iris. Furthermor­e, this stunning gemstone

“Diamonds can be enjoyed every day and you can wear them in a fun and playful way”

was discovered by Tiffany back in 1969 and introduced to customers that same year. In another motif derived from nature, the firefly is reimagined in platinum and white diamonds, with the biolumines­cent glow of the firefly’s light body beautifull­y replicated in a sparkling yellow diamond. With over 25 years’ experience in the fashion industry, Krakoff ’s design sensibilit­y has always been one of making luxury more versatile. “My desire has always been to make luxury items fit into everyday life,” he says with no apology. “Beautiful objects shouldn’t be kept just for special occasions…. diamonds can be enjoyed every day and you can wear them in a fun and playful way.” Looking at the Tiffany Paper Flowers campaign images, starring actress Elle Fanning, probably sums up Krakoff ’s credo in the most visual way possible. Wearing a bleached denim jacket in one photo and a hoodie in another, her hair is windswept and she’s got a minimal amount of make-up on, making the focus of the campaign photos the sparklers from the Tiffany Paper Flowers collection. It certainly drives home the point of what Krakoff postulates precisely. Young, hip and of the moment, Fanning looks both modern and classy, glamorous and edgy, fresh and nonchalant—not unlike what Tiffany Paper Flowers is all about.

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 ??  ?? FANNING THE SPARKLERS Actress Elle Fanning is the face of Tiffany and Co’s Paper Flowers range. On this page, from far left: platinum diamond ring plus yellow diamond firefly pendant and ring
FANNING THE SPARKLERS Actress Elle Fanning is the face of Tiffany and Co’s Paper Flowers range. On this page, from far left: platinum diamond ring plus yellow diamond firefly pendant and ring
 ??  ?? Krakoff made use of tanzanite too, as its colour is reminiscen­t of the colour of the iris flower
Krakoff made use of tanzanite too, as its colour is reminiscen­t of the colour of the iris flower
 ??  ?? LOOK GOOD IN PAPER (FLOWERS) Nature is a main source of inspiratio­n for Tiffany Paper Flowers, and the designs are evergreen, like this bracelet
LOOK GOOD IN PAPER (FLOWERS) Nature is a main source of inspiratio­n for Tiffany Paper Flowers, and the designs are evergreen, like this bracelet
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