The amber-lit exterior of Harrods by night is one of the most instantly recognisable images of London, and last night the colour of the iconic department store’s twinkling façade changed to blue in celebration of Tiffany & Co.’s 150th anniversary.
Nicola Coughlan, wearing a dramatic tulle dress in Tiffany Blue from emerging UK label Selezza, was there to flick the switch and reveal Harrod’s new halogen hue.
“The coveted Tiffany blue box holds a special place in my heart,” she said, “as I’m sure it does for many others, and so I feel very privileged to be a part of this esteemed jeweller’s 150th UK anniversary celebrations, in collaboration with Harrods. It was wonderful to light up the sky ‘Tiffany blue’ this evening.”
To make the change, Harrods replaced 7,500 light bulbs across its iconic Brompton Road and Hans Crescent façades, changing their hue to the instantly recognisable Tiffany Blue. The lights will remain in place through the end of June, and then afterwards the bulbs will be completely recycled.
The dramatic spectacle marks the beginning of Tiffany’s 150th anniversary celebrations in London, which is also commemorated by the opening of the House’s new exhibition, entitled Vision & Virtuosity, at the Saatchi Gallery on Friday 10 June.
On view until 19 August, the free exhibition will showcase 400 objects: from archival high jewellery designs and its recently acquired Empire Diamond of over 80 carats, to important relics of popular culture such as the original script from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
“Visitors will be in awe of Tiffany after visiting this exhibition,” says Tiffany & Co CEO and President Anthony Ledru, describing how the exhibition will be an immersive journey through the brand’s impressive history as a purveyor not only of excellent bling, but also as an important arbiter of contemporary culture. “We want everyone that sees the exhibition to dream in Tiffany Blue.”
For Ledru, the must-see item in the exhibition is the Tiffany Diamond, whose story he describes as extraordinary. “Its history not only reflects the pioneering spirit of our founder, Charles Lewis Tiffany, but our legacy of world-class craftsmanship,” he says. “Also, the Bird on a Rock brooch is perhaps my favourite creation as it epitomizes what Tiffany & Co. stands for: exceptional gemstones combined with exceptional design.”
And certainly, for the brand founded in New York City in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany (just 12 years before Harrods was born) to still boast such incredible cultural capital today is testament to a legacy innovative design, fine craftsmanship and creative excellence.
The key to Tiffany’s longevity according to Ledru? “Balancing tradition with modernity like no other jeweller can.”
