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Emirates Woman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
The most exquisite high jewellery releases of the year
Paris Couture Week played a pivotal role in introducing the year's most extraordinary high jewellery creations, though these remarkable collections will define the entire 2025 luxury landscape. The world's foremost jewellery houses have unveiled their latest masterpieces, transforming nature's wonders into breathtaking wearable art through unparalleled craftsmanship and visionary design. From Cartier's wild felines to Tiffany's oceanic fantasies, these creations represent the pinnacle of jewelry craftsmanship – some immediately available to collectors, others serving as tantalizing previews of complete collections to debut later this year. Cartier Cartier brought its acclaimed Nature Sauvage trilogy to a spectacular conclusion with a menagerie of creatures rendered in precious gems. The collection's centerpiece is a magnificent white gold collier featuring a diamond leopard with onyx spots, poised protectively over a 26.53-carat Ceylon sapphire – a deliberate homage to the legendary 1949 panther brooch created for the Duchess of Windsor. Technical marvels abound, from golden tigers with articulated diamond paws that mimic real movement to crocodile earrings with emerald eyes that glint with lifelike intensity. A particular standout is the octopus cocktail ring, its rosy-hued stone 'tentacles' appearing to undulate around the finger. The collection solidifies Cartier's position as the unrivaled master of animal-inspired jewellery, blending artistry with mechanical ingenuity. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany's 2025 Blue Book collection plunges into the ocean's depths, reimagining Jean Schlumberger's aquatic fantasies for the modern era. The maison's artisans have created a marine universe where starfish and seahorses emerge from intricate diamond tracery, their forms accentuated by deep blue sapphires that capture the sea's mysterious glow. The showstopping bib necklace, with its delicate platinum threads mimicking fisherman's nets, cascades with precisely set gems that play with light like sun on water. Equally impressive are the earrings featuring sea turtles with emerald shells, each scale individually set to create mesmerizing texture. While the full collection won't be available until spring, these preview pieces demonstrate Tiffany's unparalleled ability to transform nature's fluid beauty into enduring jewels. Dior Victoire de Castellane's latest collection for Dior translates the house's lace motifs into 76 exquisite floral jewels. Inspired by Christian Dior's country estate in Milly-la-Forêt, the pieces feature diamond daisies and sapphire roses blooming across guipure-like gold lattices so delicate they appear woven from sunlight. The corsage bracelet is a technical marvel, its diamond-encrusted petals engineered to float independently, creating the illusion of blossoms trembling in a breeze. A necklace composed of pearl-studded forget-me-nots showcases Dior's signature romanticism, while a pair of earrings transforms lace patterns into geometric floral abstractions. This collection reaffirms Dior's position at the intersection of haute couture and high jewellery. Boucheron Boucheron presents two extraordinary collections that bookend its design legacy. Untamed Nature meticulously recreates founder Frédéric Boucheron's 19th-century botanical studies in diamonds and white gold, including a hyper-realistic moth brooch with wings rendered in gray and white mother-of-pearl marquetry that required 800 hours of craftsmanship. On 7 May, the maison will unveil the highly anticipated Serpent Bohème Vintage collection (pictured above), reimagining its iconic 1974 design for contemporary collectors. The updated version features streamlined pear-shaped diamond links that create more dynamic movement, with a fully pavéd white gold iteration that converts into four separate pieces. A brushed-gold cuff with the collection's signature floral motif adds a vintage-inspired option, its textured surface recalling rediscovered heirlooms. Chaumet Chaumet's 10-piece Bamboo collection elevates the humble plant through architectural jewelry design. The standout tiara features diamond-capped white gold stems topped with hand-engraved rose gold leaves, while a bib necklace of platinum and gold 'stalks' centers on a remarkable 13-carat black opal surrounded by mint-green tsavorite garnets. The maison has hinted this capsule is merely the first expression of its bamboo inspiration, with more elaborate interpretations planned for later in the year. The current pieces already demonstrate Chaumet's unique ability to merge organic forms with precise, almost structural design elements. Graff Graff transforms the humble sparrow into a breathtaking symbol of devotion with The Gift of Love necklace. Two diamond birds (125 carats total) appear caught in mid-flight, their sapphire eyes and onyx beaks adding lifelike detail. The romantic narrative peaks as one sparrow offers its mate a rare 13.51-carat fancy intense yellow diamond – a stone so exceptional it elevates the entire composition to museum quality. Piaget Celebrating 150 years, Piaget revisits its 1970s heyday with vibrant, unapologetically bold designs. The phoenix necklace spreads wings of engraved rose gold feathers set with rubies and pink sapphires, its detachable 12-carat pear-shaped rubellite pendant offering versatility. This jewellery collection serves as a prelude to even more jubilant anniversary pieces coming in fall 2025. Discover Piaget's first watch collection in 60 years at Art Dubai this weekend From Cartier's immediate showstoppers to Boucheron's upcoming May release and Piaget's future anniversary creations, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for high jewellery. These collections prove that nature – whether wild, delicate, or mythical – remains the ultimate muse for jewelry's most visionary creators. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied
Tatler Asia
3 days ago
- Business
- Tatler Asia
Tiffany & Co CEO Anthony Ledru on staying ‘anti-trend' and embracing the brand's legacy
Above Tiffany & Co Wave diamond necklace Tiffany has always been a symbol of timeless luxury. How do you reinterpret that legacy for a new generation of clients? At the heart of our jewellery brand is a rich heritage we cherish. In 2027, we will celebrate our 190th anniversary—a milestone that distinguishes us! Unlike many brands still searching for their roots, we draw inspiration from our extensive historical archives, making our designs meaningful. A prime example is the beloved 'Bird on the Rock,' which has captivated Southeast Asian audiences for decades. This year marks its 60th anniversary, and we seized the opportunity to refresh this classic design three years ago. Though it featured the iconic Tiffany Diamond from 1995, it needed a new look to soar. Our mission was to help the bird retake flight. We created our 'rainbow birds' by experimenting with emeralds, yellow, and white diamonds, transforming them into pendants, earrings, necklaces and rings. This revitalisation is crucial for our brand to remain dynamic and relevant. We believe that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully. While being showcased in a museum is an honour, we strive to be an exciting contributor to the jewellery world for years to come. Since joining LVMH, Tiffany has taken a more fashion-forward turn. What inspired that creative pivot? How do you measure its impact, and what have been the results of this pivot? When LVMH acquired Tiffany, we recognised the need to revitalise the brand, which had a rich heritage but felt dormant. Our initial campaigns with Beyoncé were surprising and aimed at refreshing Tiffany's image. We showcased the Tiffany diamond during the holiday season, highlighting its iconic status. Today, our direction is clear: We focus on jewellery while celebrating our values of joy, inventiveness, and craftsmanship. Our approach is about 80 per cent heritage and 20 per cent modernity, a shift from our earlier strategy. Inspired by Schlumberger, our recent campaign features some of our most timeless designs, following our motto, 'With love since 1837.' We aim to maintain a distinct identity by embracing the uniqueness of the past decades. We are anti-trend, creating modern designs that remain deeply rooted in our heritage. Above Greta Lee wears Tiffany & Co jewellery from the Urchin chapter of Blue Book 2025 High jewellery is becoming increasingly central to Tiffany's identity. How are you enhancing this segment while preserving the legacy, and what do you think has contributed to the significant rise in high jewellery purchases? Tiffany is a leader in the jewellery industry, celebrated worldwide and proudly American. Three key aspects distinguish Tiffany. First, our inspiration comes from the extraordinary world of Schlumberger, capturing the essence of nature, wildlife, and the iconic bird, which reflects our brand. Second, we take pride in the exceptional quality of our stones. Our collection features unique legacy stones, including Tsavorite, Tanzanite, Kunzite and Morganite. We acquired 32 rare stones from the Argyle mine, showcasing our commitment to exclusivity. Finally, the Tiffany & Co Museum exhibits our finest craftsmanship, including exclusive 10-carat stones. This unique creativity fosters client loyalty, ensuring they return to us. Above Tiffany & Co Seahorse blue zircon brooch We're sitting in the reimagined 5th Avenue flagship. What does this space say about the future of Tiffany retail? Tiffany is committed to creating unique and exciting stores that showcase exquisite jewellery and cultural items. Like the Basquiat piece in New York, our landmarks offer a distinctive experience. Our recent store in Milan, which opened two weeks ago, exemplifies remarkable localisation. It offers views of iconic Milanese sites, Pistoritos in Tiffany's colours and archives from Liza Minnelli. Each store is modern, energetic, and has exclusive artistic touches. We are also expanding in Asia and the Middle East. This July, we'll open our largest flagship in Japan, covering 2,200 square metres of exceptional jewellery, art and hospitality. In Europe, we're renovating spaces in Paris, opening new locations in London, Vienna, Zurich and Munich, and strengthening our presence in the US. Brazil is an excellent example of localisation. In December, we opened a duplex store at Iguatemi, featuring local architecture and design. Sustainability is crucial to us, and we lead the way in responsible sourcing. Our engagement rings come with a complete diamond journey, ensuring transparency from mine to market. As a founding member of the Gemstone Council, we actively support conservation efforts through the Tiffany Foundation. We have ongoing programs for ocean protection in the Philippines and recently engaged in coral reef protection initiatives in Southeast Asia. Above Anya Taylor-Joy wears Tiffany & Co jewellery from Wave chapter of Blue Book 2025 How do you nurture and sustain that vital emotional connection in a world progressively dominated by social media and digital interactions? There's an overwhelming amount of information today. By organising Blue Book events, we'll create a unique experience that differs from a Zoom call. Blue Book events facilitate meaningful connections among clients, the press, celebrities, and other stakeholders involved with the brand. While I can show you pictures of jewellery, the absolute joy comes from wearing it. The live experience is vital—it's emotional and engaging. Yes, it requires a long trip and can be costly, but this reflects the essence of the brand. Meeting in person creates a lasting impression that a Zoom call cannot match. The concept of luxury is evolving, and the Blue Book plays a vital role in this transformation. See more: 9 celebrity jewellery looks that made a statement Above Tiffany & Co Sea Turtle diamond pendant As we look towards 2025, what does modern luxury signify for Tiffany & Co? Modern luxury is about genuine experiences and personal connections. It's shifting away from traditional luxury standards and embracing tangible interactions. While digital platforms are valuable for their reach and educational aspects, they can't replace genuine human connection. I believe in personal interactions, like handing you my business card and remembering our conversation. You may come to Tiffany for the brand, but I hope you return because of the relationship we build. In 2025, there is a growing desire for authenticity, which is often lacking online. Everyone's talking about the softness of luxury retail at the moment. What are your thoughts? Recently, LVMH released its earnings, which have shown resilience. However, there's notable uncertainty today—perhaps the highest since last year. We've been fortunate to see a positive trend over the past six months due to our focus on authenticity, but uncertainty is the only certainty right now. While we wait for developments, the world stands still. This is why we create 'bubbles' for people to enjoy life. The brand's transformation excites me most about Tiffany's next chapter. Aligning our goals has taken time, and we are committed to presenting timeless design through iconic elements, such as 'A Bird on a Rock' and Tiffany hardware. Being different is essential for relevance, and Tiffany truly understands its significance. Our communication focuses on timeless design, heritage, and love—concepts we've celebrated for nearly 200 years. This narrative comes to life in our flagship stores, called 'lighthouses.' They illuminate the cities they inhabit and showcase our brand's potential. Opening a store in Milan was a game-changer, and these landmark locations will allow Tiffany to shine more brightly. Above Guests attend Tiffany & Co's Blue Book Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing What message would you like to convey to the Southeast Asia region? What would you like to share with them? I have a deep appreciation for this region, as my experiences with Louis Vuitton allowed me to explore it frequently. Southeast Asia captivates me with its remarkable diversity and youthful population, which holds tremendous potential for the future. The love for unique gemstones and the vibrant spirit of celebration make it a thriving jewellery market. For instance, Singapore boasts a well-established high jewellery scene, while Thailand is bursting with excitement, and the Philippines stands out with one of the highest birth rates in the world. I've had the pleasure of visiting the Philippines several times, and the energy in places like Greenbelt is simply infectious! My first visit left me struck by the warmth and friendliness of the people; it truly felt like friendship is woven into the fabric of daily life. The vibrant culture and the rhythm of life there reminded me of South America. This beautiful archipelago is a treasure trove of culture and diversity, and I find immense joy in it. I believe embracing life's experiences is key to a fulfilling journey. Thank you all for being part of this adventure together—let's continue to learn, grow and celebrate the beauty of our shared journey! NOW READ Tiffany & Co. explores love and strength in new campaign Opinion: Why representation matters at global events like Met Gala 2025 and how jewellery can start a cultural dialogue All Eyes On: Rosanna Ocampo launches her summer 2025 collection, Alo Yoga opens in the Philippines and more style happenings Credits Images: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tight security in place for PM's rally at Bikramganj
Sasaram: Tight security arrangements have been made for PM Narendra Modi's scheduled rally at Durgadih in Bikramganj, around 40km from Sasaram, on Friday. Dr Satya Prakash, DIG of Shahabad range, visited the venue on Wednesday and held a meeting with police officers to review the security arrangements. A total of 23 DSP-rank officers, including an ASP, have been strategically deployed at the venue and in surrounding areas. Sources said the administration was implementing comprehensive security protocols in strict accordance with the "Blue Book" guidelines. Police headquarters has issued a region-wide alert in view of the visit. As a result, heightened security measures are in place. Regular inspections are being conducted at key locations. These checks are focused on railway stations, hotels within all police station limits, bus stands and key transportation routes in the district. The SPs in the neighbouring districts of Bhojpur and Buxar have also been notified and placed on high alert to ensure a coordinated security strategy throughout the region. Sources said the 23 DSP-level officers are overseeing crucial aspects such as route lining, managing VVIP entry points, supervising the eight designated sectors, VIP parking, helipad security and the access route from the assembly venue to the helipad. Their responsibilities also extend to the main entrance and various key locations in Sasaram. The elaborate security arrangements stretch beyond Rohtas, involving personnel from 13 other districts, including Buxar, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Gaya, Jehanabad, Hajipur, Siwan, Vaishali, Saran, Sheikhpura, Nawada and Arwal. Officers range from additional district magistrates to senior deputy collectors. These officers are playing a crucial role in managing the programme venue, enforcing VIP protocol, facilitating helipad operations and ensuring coordination with the special protection group (SPG), the elite unit responsible for the PM's personal security.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Farmers warn of rising food prices as extreme conditions threaten supply: 'It's been bone dry down here for the past two months'
Farmers in Florida are facing difficulties due to extreme weather events in the region. As a result, they're warning consumers that they could see higher food prices soon. According to Blue Book, recent weather in Florida has growers in the region concerned about their crops. Currently, temperatures are moving into the 90s, and there has been little rain in recent months, as well as none forecast in the near future. Growers are preoccupied with the 2025 hurricane season, which early forecasts predict will see above-average activity. As a result of these conditions and potentially volatile months ahead, crops in the region — including beans, bell peppers, and squash — could feel the squeeze, causing food prices to rise. Those growing citrus aren't faring much better, either. Fox Weather reported that last year's hurricane season caused a drop in citrus crops. Meanwhile, 82% of the state is currently in a drought, while 16% is in extreme drought, significantly affecting crops. Citrus growers also have to contend with a disease known as citrus greening, which can kill off citrus trees. Citrus grower Trevor Murphy told Fox Weather, "It's been bone dry down here for the past two months. We've received one inch of rain, and that was over a month ago." As global temperatures continue to rise, more extreme weather, such as droughts and hurricanes, will decrease crop yields and affect consumers. Fewer yields mean fewer food items at the grocery store, which also means that what food is on the shelves will increase in price. Plus, if farmers lose money on crops or have to up their investment to grow the crops needed, prices will increase even more. Growers in Florida may even begin to cease operations, much like Alico Inc., which decided to shut down citrus growing operations at the beginning of 2025. Fewer growers result in fewer jobs and less produce; less produce affects not only the availability of fruits and vegetables on the shelves but also products made with this produce. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. There's the damage droughts and hurricanes can cause to the environment to consider, too, such as worse soil to grow in, less water for crops, and fields of ruined crops with which to contend. Citrus growers in the state might see help in the near future, as the state Senate has put forth a proposal that would set aside $200 million for the cost of new citrus trees, testing varieties of disease-resistant citrus, and improving grove management. As for other crop growers, scientists have been hard at work exploring ways to make crops more climate-resilient, how to grow crops with less water, and more. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Stories behind Wisconsin's four capitol buildings include pigs, destructive fires and Iowa
The ornate, stately Capitol at the center of Madison is one of Wisconsin's most recognizable landmarks, but the four-winged building that hosts lawmakers and visitors today isn't the original. In fact, Wisconsin had four capitols before and after statehood, including a temporary fifth one in Burlington, Iowa. The current capitol was completed just over a century ago, in 1917. Here's a timeline of Wisconsin's capitol buildings. Information was gathered from the 1947 Wisconsin Blue Book, interviews with historians, the state Capitol website and the Wisconsin Historical Society: For just 46 days, legislators met in Belmont to pass the first 42 laws and decide where to place the permanent capitol. Buildings for the territorial legislature were constructed in advance by John Atchison, a land speculator. Lawmakers accused Henry Dodge, the territorial governor, of repaying a favor to Atchison by choosing Belmont. Dodge argued he was placing it at the center of the territory and pledged to accept whatever choice for the next capital lawmakers came up with. While the buildings fell into disrepair long after lawmakers left — at one point, they were used as livestock barns — Wisconsin made efforts to restore them over the last century. Few original elements remain, including a box stove. But the structures kept their historic look, including red roofs, white paint and the square battlement front on the council house. While the capitol was being built in Madison, lawmakers met in Burlington, Iowa, to conduct their work. At the time, the Wisconsin Territory included present-day Iowa, Minnesota and parts of Illinois and the Dakotas. James Doty, who lobbied lawmakers to choose Madison, pitched Burlington as a way to get Iowa delegates on board, even though they likely knew the Mississippi River would soon become Wisconsin's western boundary. Halfway through the legislative session, in December 1837, the two-story building in Burlington burned down. In the meantime, lawmakers met in two other existing buildings. The building in Burlington "might be classified as a Wisconsin Capitol, (but) this meeting was an interim meeting insofar as Wisconsin was concerned," according to the Blue Book. Construction on the capitol in Madison began in 1837 but dragged on for years, even after Wisconsin reached statehood in 1848. When the building wasn't ready in 1838, lawmakers met in the basement of a nearby hotel. In late November, lawmakers met in the cold, unfinished capitol. One member wrote that ink wells froze inside the building. "It's pretty ugly. People called it Doty's wash basin, because of this copper dome it (had)," said Bethany Brander, the site manager of the First Capitol in Belmont. Pigs were kept in the capitol basement, and when lawmakers wanted to delay votes on bills, they would rile up the squealing swine to drown out the speaker's voice. "It sounds like absolute chaos," Brander said. Soon after the second capitol was completed, the growing state needed more space. Construction on a new building began in 1857, though lawmakers initially planned to expand the existing building. The east and west wings were built first. The second capitol wasn't wrecked completely until 1863, when the north and south wings were added. The building was a "structure of architectural beauty and an imposing capitol for a pioneer state," according to the Blue Book. By 1903, the state again started to outgrow the capitol, and a commission formed to consider next steps. A year later, a fire destroyed much of the building's interior and many state records, despite the third capitol's state-of-the-art firefighting system. No one died in the fire, but the loss was near $1 million. Two months before the 1904 fire, lawmakers allowed private insurance for the capitol to lapse. Today, the building is insured for $200 million. More: There are 7,000 flowers and plants at the state Capitol each year. This is how they get there. More: An annual ornament helps fund projects at the state Capitol. Here's how it got started. Work on the current capitol began in 1906, and the building was completed in 1917. Two workers lost their lives during construction, which cost around $7 million. The price per person, based on Wisconsin's population at the time, was only $3. Wisconsin's capitol dome is the largest dome by volume in the country and the only one built with granite. The state Capitol is only three feet and half an inch shorter than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. From 1988 to 2002, the capitol underwent a $145 million renovation and restoration project. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001 and is considered one of the country's most beautiful state capitols. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The stories behind Wisconsin's four capitols — and a fifth in Iowa
