Inside Tiffany & Co’s most expansive exhibit to date

Spanning across ten rooms at the prestigious TOKYO NODE gallery in Toranomon Hills Station Tower, the Tiffany Wonder exhibit features hundreds of archival and contemporary pieces, reflecting Tiffany & Co's legacy since 1837. This grand exhibition, co-curated by Christopher Young, the brand’s vice president and creative director, and Alba Cappellieri, Italian critic, curator and educator, marks a significant milestone for the brand. It is not only their first showcase in Japan but also the most expansive one to date. It underscores the longstanding relationship between Tiffany & Co and the nation, dating back to the 19th century when founder Charles Lewis Tiffany introduced rare Japanese imports to American audiences.

This influence continued to inspire the brand's renowned designers, evident in the room titled “In Love with Japan,” showcasing works by Elsa Peretti, and Edward C Moore, among others. The room brings together Tiffany’s creations inspired by Japanese sensibilities and materials: think bamboo, urushi-e lacquer, and silk tassels. Today, Japan remains a key market for Tiffany & Co, boasting the brand's second-largest global presence with 59 stores, including two recent openings in Tokyo's prestigious Ginza and Omotesando districts.

Visitors embarking on this wonderous journey will encounter ten rooms highlighting different facets of the brand's 187-year heritage. From the humble cash book that the brand started its business with almost two centuries ago to the Medusa pendant designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the exhibition offers a glimpse into nearly 300 previously unseen treasures. These include the legendary yellow Tiffany diamond, reimagined in a stunning new setting inspired by jewellery designer Jean Schlumberger's famed Bird on a Rock brooch. A dedicated room further explores the brand's impact on pop culture, with Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's taking centre stage.

Alexandre Arnault, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co, told Bazaar India, “At Tiffany, wonder is a balancing act between the expected and unexpected, between tradition and innovation, between heritage and modernity. These dualities inform our legacy and allow us to push forward as we maintain our position as a pioneer in the worlds of design and craftsmanship.” And when we asked him what his favourite pieces from the exhibit are, it was all about the trophies, including the Vince Lombardi trophy that the champions of the NFL Super Bowl take home. “I always love seeing our Tiffany trophies. They represent a remarkable piece of our heritage, having crafted the world’s most coveted sports trophies for all of Tiffany’s nearly 200-year history.”

This exhibition, open from April 12 to June 23, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the captivating world of Tiffany & Co and its unparalleled legacy.

Also Read: Karishma Swali takes Indian hand embroidery to the Venice Biennale
                   Everything you need to know about Shanghai Fashion Week 2024