Lalique’s Psyche Nighttime necklace
French crystal-maker Lalique is giving enthusiasts in the United States a chance to meet one-on-one with the creative director of the brand’s jewelry division to better understand the inspiration behind its latest collection.
Lalique’s private jewelry appointments with Quentin Obadia will take place in four U.S. cities where the brand has boutiques April 6-12. Hosting in-store events drives foot traffic and the addition of Mr. Obadia’s presence will give a face to the brand’s jewelry.
“The objective of these private jewelry appointments is to have Quentin get personal with the Lalique clients and share with them his inspiration behind his designs and also get them involved in the ideas of future collections,” said Maz Zouhairi, president/CEO of Lalique North America, New York.
“Quentin may also show some drawing of future pieces he is working on to get clients’ opinions and feedback,” he said.
“We hope this will create an even closer bond with our top clients and establish a loyal Lalique jewelry following.”
Creative director of jewelry, Quentin Obadia
Getting to know you
Mr. Obadia, previously of French jeweler Boucheron, has been with Lalique for the past three years. In his time at Lalique, he designed the brand’s first fine jewelry collection in over 100 years.
The new collection was inspired by brand founder René Lalique’s sketches of wings drawn between 1890-1910 during the Art Nouveau movement. The first of the series, “The Sacred Fire Odyssey,” released in 2011, symbolizes fire.
Lalique’s latest collection “Soulmates” is part of a four-part high-jewelry series and was inspired by sketches of wings and features butterfly motifs meant to symbolize the nature element, air.
Additional inspirations for the collection range from the arrows of Greek god Eros to nymphs and fairies. The other two lines of Lalique’s fine jewelry symbolize earth and water (see story).
Mr. Obadia will be visiting Lalique boutiques in Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, CA, New York and Bal Harbour, FL, throughout the second week of April.
While at the boutiques, Mr. Obadia will sit down with Lalique enthusiasts for private appointments where he will speak of his inspirations for The Sacred Fire Odyssey and the Soulmates collection. Also, Mr. Obadia will present consumers with never-before-seen both aspects of Lalique’s fine jewelry line.
During the appointments, consumers will have the opportunity to view and purchase the approximately $800,000 Vesta necklace from the Sacred Fire Odyssey collection. The necklace is complemented by a suite of earrings, a bracelet and a ring.
Lalique’s Vesta necklace
The Vesta suite is not available in the U.S., but will be exclusively available as Mr. Obadia travels to Lalique’s boutiques April 6-12.
From the Soulmates collection, the Art Nouveau Psyche Daytime necklace and Psyche Nighttime sautoir will be on view for consumers to enjoy. Also shown during the private appointments will be Lalique’s Muguet diamond necklaces, rings, earrings and pendants in moonstone and lapis version that includes the maison’s lily of the valley motif.
Lalique’s Muguet necklace
Consumers can book an appointment by calling the direct number to the boutique nearest them.
Exploration
Lalique has recently been exploring the facets of its range with in-store events that help consumers understand the craftsmanship and artistry behind its products.
For instance, Lalique showcased its architectural line within a Bloomingdale’s store to raise awareness for its range of merchandise.
Lalique’s Interior Decoration exhibition at the Bloomingdale’s in The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack, NJ, focused on the brand’s décor pieces, including tables, chandeliers and crystal panels. This exhibit allowed Lalique to simultaneously point to its recent projects, such as an installation at the Mandarin Oriental in Paris, and its heritage creating architectural pieces (see story).
The crystal-maker has also produced new lines to show its ability to go beyond expectations.
Lalique jump-started its lifestyle-focused rebranding effort by featuring a luxury furniture, accessories and bed linen collection called Lalique Maison in new showrooms.
Lalique’s new collection comprised Art Deco-inspired furniture and accessories that were designed by Lady Tina Green and Pietro Mingarelli. The products were displayed at three new Lalique Interiors showrooms in New York, Chicago and Beverly Hills, CA (see story).
An in-store event can help to fortify a bond between consumer and brand due to the personal interaction.
“These events will create an exclusive experience for the Lalique jewelry client,” Mr. Zouhairi said.
“Our creative director, Quentin, will select one-of-a-kind pieces from Lalique’s fine jewelry collections to show clients,” he said. “These pieces are rarely seen in person as they travel around the world for special events.
“By Quentin personally showing these pieces and sharing his unique inspirations behind their designs, we hope Lalique clients will better understand the craftsmanship and passion that goes into creating Lalique fine jewelry.”
Final Take
Jen King, editorial assistant on Luxury Daily, New York