As the US Open heads into its climactic weekend, Tiffany & Co. – maker of all the US Open trophies and an Open partner – is serving up a new campaign and an appearance in Netflix’s new “Frankenstein.”
The luxe emporium – with stores at The Westchester in White Plains and in Greenwich and Westport — has unveiled a new jewelry collection, Bird on a Rock by Tiffany, reimagining Jean Schlumberger’s iconic Bird on a Rock motif – a diamantine bird on a gemstone rock, first introduced in 1965 — through the eyes of Nathalie Verdeille, the brand’s chief artistic officer. The collection includes new high jewelry suites in tanzanite, a legacy gem, and turquoise, often associated with Schlumberger, and marks the debut of designs in the fine jewelry category.
“For the high jewelry Bird on a Rock designs, we studied birds as Jean Schlumberger did –carefully observing their stances, their feathers, the structures of their wings – to create dynamic forms that seem to flutter and perch upon the wearer,” Verdeille said in a statement. “For the fine jewelry collection, we looked at this bird from another perspective, distilling it down to its essence – the wing – and stylizing the motif into elegant, abstract patterns. These sculptural forms intertwine and unfold in textural creations that are as abstract as they are symbolic.”
The designs are featured in a print and digital campaign starring model Abby Champion and house ambassador actress Zhang Ziyi, captured by Carlijn Jacobs and styled by Katie Burnett.
Meanwhile, Tiffany has collaborated with Netflix for Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” in select theaters Oct. 17 and streaming Nov. 7. For the first time, Tiffany & Co. is bringing together rare archival pieces and contemporary high jewelry to the movies, with which it has had a storied association, including, of course, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961).
For the new film, set in the 1850s, the company reached into The Tiffany Archives for jewelry, accessories and sterling silver objects. Highlights include works designed by Julia Munson and Meta Overbeck under the direction of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the house’s pioneering art director and son of company founder Charles Lewis Tiffany, whose Tiffany Park estate is now Manhiessen Park in Irvington. The younger Tiffany was celebrated for his experimentation and love of nature – qualities that reflect “Frankenstein” author Mary Shelley. Many of these historic jewels have not been worn in modern times. In addition to the archival pieces, the film features designs crafted in the Tiffany High Jewelry workshop in Manhattan, alongside select contemporary creations. In all, the on-screen collection features 27 necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, brooches, pendants, sterling silver objects, a hair comb and a pocket watch.
“ ‘Frankenstein’ continues Tiffany & Co.’s legacy of contributing to the world of cinema—not simply as adornment, but as a storytelling layer, helping bring unforgettable characters and screen moments to life through the enduring language of Tiffany jewelry,” said Christopher Young, vice president and creative director, Tiffany Patrimony and Global Creative Visual Merchandising at Tiffany & Co.
Added Kate Hawley, the film’s costume designer: “Having Tiffany & Co. as a collaborator was an honor that was deeply moving for my entire crew. It was a recognition of our craft and added a new artistic dimension. Tiffany’s jewelry became its own creative contribution, similar to hair design, makeup, wardrobe, sets and props and was integral to completing the design space. It was not just an accessory but an essential element specifically to (Frankenstein fiancée) Elizabeth’s character, enhancing the color palette and overall interpretation of her world.”
With more than 300 retail stores worldwide and a workforce of more than 13,000 employees, Tiffany & Co. and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market jewelry, watches and luxury accessories. Nearly 5,000 skilled artisans cut Tiffany diamonds and craft jewelry in the company’s own workshops. For more, click here.
