October 14
begins a roughly 2 month celebration of one of the great brands and masters of
what is today referred to as “haute joallier.” Verdura is one of the most
highly respected and iconic jewelers of the 20th century and still
retains its status and its place in the hierarchy of fine jewelers worldwide. This
once in a lifetime exhibit has been curated by Carolina and Reinaldo Herrera
along with their daughter Patricia Lansing. This rare opportunity affords the
viewer “face time” with some of the most incredible and legendary creations
ever to have been turned out by the Verdura workrooms. Many pieces have been “loaned
back” to the company so that they may be exhibited for this occasion.
Having been
afforded a one on one with Nico Landrigan (CEO) a while ago, it seemed highly appropriate
to reissue and update the results of our meeting. As one of the great
highlights of that meeting, Mr. Landrigan (CEO) was kind of enough to offer me
the chance to actually ”fondle” Mademoiselle
Chanel’s Maltese cross cuffs which were retrieved
from the company vaults. If one ever has experienced a true fashion moment,
well that was mine!
Besides, Mlle.
Chanel, Duke Fulco di Verdura was more than acquainted with the likes of Diana V.,
Greta G., Babe P., Marlene D., Doris D., the Porters, a few Astors, a Hepburn,
and countless other luminaries who remained loyal clients during their
lifetimes. Many of the original designs
that once belonged to these ladies are still available provided that you shop
at the salon above Fifth Avenue in NYC or at one of rare points of sale
worldwide.
Lest we
forget to mention the Duchess of Windsor, Mona Bismarck and Millicent Rogers;
if none of these names are familiar to you; you can just be awed by the genius
of the design that goes into every design and the exquisite pieces that are
still turned out by “the jeweler to the stars.”
As Mr.
Landrigan said “our jewelry is like art for the body” and I must say it is the
equivalent of owing any Monet or Picasso as they are all meant to be treasured
in much the same ways.
Here are a few
facts you might not be aware of:
Did you know
that the “Duke” was introduced to Coco Chanel by Cole Porter and his wife?
Did you know
that the first Maltese cross cuffs that were sold in the Chanel Boutique
somewhere around 1930 and were “costume jewelry?”
Did you know
that Chanel originally hired Verdura as textile designer?
Did you know
that the original Verdura salon (1939) was at 712 Fifth Avenue, just a few
doors down from the present 745, and the opening was backed by the Porters and
Vincent Astor?
So there are
a few choice tidbits of background about the profusely and prodigiously
talented Signor Verdura. Now it is even
more interesting to know that since the Landrigans took ownership of the
legendary name and archive, that business remains an open secret amongst the
cognoscenti as there is less that points of sale in sale in the world and 2 of
them are in New York City. They have no
wish to turn the name Verdura into a Tiffany&Co. or even a Cartier which
would have meant that the product might be classified as a more “mass produced”
entity. This rather brilliant mind set
/business model is what allows the
brand to retain its allure, cachet and mystique which are coveted qualities in
today’s marketplace for any luxury category.
The salon in
New York allows the visitor to see the entire world that encompasses the brand
and its products. You can see sterling
purse pens and pencil sharpeners to the most elaborate historical pieces that
are hidden away in the archives.
Needless to say, the aura of the salon invites the serious and not the
curiosity seeker that are found street level at its neighbors. Just as its beginnings, Verdura remains
unrivaled when it comes to original design and astounding workmanship. To this day
the name still reflects consummate good taste and with its ownership comes the
privilege of possessing a piece of great history. All Verdura designs have descended from the
hand of the eponymous designer.
October 14
through December 23 .., 745 Fifth Avenue