The stars were out in spades on Thursday night as royal jewellers Garrard, now separated from former partners Asprey, threw a party to mark the relaunch of the esteemed marque and the opening of the new Gerrard store in London.
Guests at the celebrity bash, which took place at the Tower of London, included Rupert Everett, Bianca Jagger, Tommy Hilfiger, former Kylie Minogue squeeze James Gooding and violinist Vanessa Mae. Also joining the evening’s host, Garrard’s glamorous creative director Jade Jagger, were Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. Chart-topping trio Sugababes and So Solid Crew provided the entertainment.
With its role in the marketplace more clearly defined following the break with Asprey, Garrard has been pitched to fill a niche between quintessentially grand jewellers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari, and funky, boutiquey brands where the hip, cool and wealthy shop.
“I feel that the people who are really wearing jewellery at the moment are the big hip hop and R&B idols. And if there’s anyone I want to get in my store, besides William and Harry, it’s them,” says Jade. “I’ll feel as if I’ve succeeded when I get Dr Dre through my door.”
The new store, which opens on Monday September 16 at 24 Albermarle Street, stocks platinum and gold pieces – nothing in silver – as well as a selection of one-off couture clothing designs adorned with precious stones by Koji Tatsuno, evening bags, and shoes.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
