Step Inside Tiffany’s ‘Vision & Virtuosity’ Exhibition
From a Breakfast at Tiffany’s-themed room to the legendary 128.54-carat diamond famously worn by Audrey Hepburn and Lady Gaga.
In the immortal words of the late, great Audrey Hepburn, “I’m just CRAZY about Tiffany’s!” To be honest, aren’t we all? Thankfully, London’s Saatchi Gallery is making all our wildest jewelry dreams come true by giving a home to the house’s traveling “Vision & Virtuosity” exhibition, open now through August 19. Featuring 400 archival pieces and Tiffany-adjacent items, from the original Breakfast at Tiffany’s script to the first-ever Blue Book—the O.G. Tiffany & Co. catalog—a deep dive into the history of what is arguably the jewelry world’s most illustrious brand is the perfect way to mark its 150th anniversary since arriving in the British capital.
Regarding the title of the exhibition, “Vision is the concept that an artist or creative person has an inkling, a spark of a concept or idea that hasn’t happened before...and has the boldness to realize it,” curator Christopher Young exclusively tells ELLE.com. “Virtuosity, on the other hand, is the excellence of the ability to do that—incredible craftsmanship, incredible materials.” The duality of vision and virtuosity is inextricably linked to Tiffany’s founder, Charles Lewis Tiffany, who first dreamed up the idea of fancy store in New York City that sells exotic goods from overseas, like sapphires and Mississippi River pearls.
Tickets for “Vision & Virtuosity” are currently available on the Tiffany & Co. Exhibition app, available on the iOS and Google Play app stores. If you can’t make it across the pond, take a look inside the exhibition here.
“Vision & Virtuosity” begins with an exploration of founder Charles Lewis Tiffany’s work, along with that of Jean Schlumberger and Elsa Peretti. Pictured here is the former’s iconic Bird on a Rock brooch, set with a cushion-cut blue cuprian elbaite tourmaline of 54-plus carats.
Little known fact: In addition to high jewelry, Tiffany & Co. also designs trophies, including one awarded to football coach and NFL executive Vince Lombardi (shown third from left).
An assortment of Tiffany & Co. lamps, all of which take design inspiration from nature.
Cast in a sea of blue, some of the jeweler’s most popular engagement rings are on display. Visitors can also write and send a digital note to a loved one using an interactive screen (seen on the right).
A gold Tiffany & Co. clock marks the entrance to the top floor of the exhibition.
The fifth room is dedicated to Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and features behind-the-scenes images from the making of the movie. On the left, you can see a crowd of morning commuters forming to catch a glimpse of Audrey Hepburn pulling up to the store during peak rush hour.
The actual Givenchy LBD Hepburn wore in the opening scene of the 1961 film, designed by Hubert de Givenchy.
A life-size recreation of a New York City taxi cab, like the one Hepburn steps out of.
In the final room in the exhibition, the legendary 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond, famously worn by Audrey Hepburn and Lady Gaga at the Oscars, is on view and available to be virtually tried on via the Tiffany & Co. Exhibition app.
Claire Stern is the Digital Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.
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