A GLOW IN THE DARK
FRONTRUNNERS Alexander Mcqueen Studio and The Rug Company practice the dark arts.
To mark its 20th anniversary last year, London-based The Rug Company unveiled the TRC20 capsule collection of handmade rugs featuring creations from Alexander Mcqueen, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and Kelly Wearstler as well as company co-founder Suzanne Sharp.
TRC20’S Chiaroscuro, created in collaboration with Alexander Mcqueen creative director Sarah Burton, is limited to 40 editions (starting at US$9,456, RM37,230, for a 1.52m-by- 0.91m rug). Its pattern is a gothic, moody free fall into Dutch floral paintings of the 17th century. The pieces are handwoven (as are all TRC20 designs) from natural yarns, with every colour blended by hand to impart an impressive contrast of light and dark.
Years ago, The Rug Company worked with Mcqueen on a number of editions that resonate for their design and dimension. Co-founder Christopher Sharp says: “He was amazed by the craftsmanship involved in our rugs. We asked him to come up with the best rug designs he could and not to worry about how we’d make them. The designs were incredible and challenged us to explore new weaving techniques, and they have since become iconic.” therugcompany.com ≠
TRoyal Selangor gets tails wagging for the Year of the Dog.
he protective nature of man’s best friend has captured the Chinese imagination for thousands of years, and Royal Selangor is determined to give the 11th animal in the Chinese zodiac the welcome it deserves in 2018. Only 1,000 Year of the Dog plaques ( RM3,500) will be available for sale worldwide, featuring a chow chow against a backdrop of lush crab apple flowers which herald good fortune and wealth. The dog, which bears a close resemblance to the Foo Dog – a mythical part-lion dog believed to ward off evil – comes embellished in 24-carat gold. The plaque is also engraved with a lyrical poem that alludes to the arrival of prosperity in the new lunar year.
Canine Capers
AAuctioned by Bonhams in New York for US$ 1.5 million ( RM5.9 million).
frenzied bidding war surrounded this natural pearl and diamond drop pendant from the estate of American philanthropist Mary Clark Thompson, eventually going on to fetch the highest price for a natural pearl at auction in the last six years. The single drop pearl, which measures 14.1mm, features a rose- cut diamond surmount and was praised for its size, symmetry, rich lustre and blemish-free skin. A true rarity in the jewellery world, the pendant also became the third most valuable single natural pearl drop to be sold at auction.