Levity and luxury: we’re uplifted by Vhernier’s playful take
‘London was the city that was missing for us,’ explains Vhernier chairman Carlo Traglio, of its latest boutique location. Last year, the Italian fine jeweller – which was established in 1984 – also opened stores in Miami’s new Design District, on Italy’s Costa Smeralda, and on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
The new Bond Street location is a timely addition to Vhernier’s expanding international portfolio. As well as a strong client-base in London, the British capital has always appealed to Traglio, thanks to its ‘internationality and unconventional elegance’ – attributes he feels reflects Vhernier's own approach to luxury.
But finding the perfect London home proved tricky for the detail-orientated chairman and his team. Traglio employs a ‘no compromise’ approach, meaning timeframes are always negotiable in the name of quality. ‘If we are uncomfortable with some minor detail, the place was ruled out.'
The final, hard-won spot – neighbour to Burlington Arcade – is a finely-crafted, slick boutique. It embodies the same lightness and elegance as Vhernier’s goldwork, and reflects Traglio’s perfectionist approach to design. ‘Even after months and months of research, if the wax prototype of a new piece does not satisfy us, it simply won’t go into production.’
Tragilio came to Vhernier in the 2001, and has worked hard to maintain the joy of Vhernier's early 80s works, which remain some of the house’s most successful. The ‘Palloncino’ balloon earrings – the house’s first creation, are timeless in design. Inviting play, they evoke ‘dreams of floating weightlessly in the air, holding onto a thin rope of diamonds,’ and balance levity and luxury in a refreshing fashion.
The ‘Granchio’ crab brooch has an enduring appeal too, thanks to its larger-than-life design. ‘It's not intended to be a slavish imitation of nature, but a contemporary vision of it – a bit like a cartoon,’ Taglio explains.
These two recognisable pieces, which have communicated Vhernier’s story so succinctly over the years, are now featured within the architecture of the boutique. Three, enlarged ‘Palloncini’ are placed in the store, ready to take flight, while the ‘Granchio’ crab can be found outside – clutching on to the doorknob of the front door.
Traglio’s plan for global expansion doesn't stop on Bond Street. With building well underway in a Dubai outpost, scheduled to open this month, there seems to be no stopping Vhernier’s lighthearted take on luxury.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Vhernier website
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Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.
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