Fabergé boutique, Geneva

By Teo van den Broeke

Following Fabergé’s re-launch last September - after a near-century hiatus - the historic Russian jeweller has recently opened the doors of its first boutique since 1917, on Geneva’s rue Pierre-Fatio 5.

The Fabergé boutique - located within a townhouse overlooking Le Jardin Anglais - encourages clients to browse the latest creations from artist-jeweller, Frédéric Zaavy - and also features a second-floor salon (reached by a private lift) where prospective purchasers can 'enjoy the jewels at their leisure'.

Katharina Flohr – the recently instated creative director of Fabergé – made an unanticipated choice of designer for the new Geneva base, picking Spanish creative Jaime Hayon for the job.

With a view to meld Fabergé’s craft-centric history with his own aesthetic, Hayon has combined minimal forms, understated tones and weighty materials throughout.

Featuring platinum-finished ceramic chandeliers, gem-shaped door panels, silk drapery and mirrors a-plenty, the boutique is all about luminosity.

Conceived by Hayon to embrace the Fabergé heritage, and to breathe a little joie de vivre into the brand - the boutique is Fabergé’s first new show space, some 90 years since the creation of Peter Carl Fabergé’s last masterpiece in 1917.

Read our interview with Jaime Hayon

2 February 2010 | Design