Georges Kern Leaves Richemont To Pursue An Ownership Role With Breitling

Georges Kern Photo by StephZibi - Wikipedia

Georges Kern, a 17-year veteran of Compagnie Financière Richemont, has resigned after nearly rising to the top position in the Swiss luxury goods company. 

“Richemont regrets to announce the resignation with immediate effect of Mr. Georges Kern,” the company said in a brief statement. Kern was head of Watchmaking, Marketing and Digital for Richemont, a newly-created position he held for fewer than four months, after an extremely successful 15-year leadership role with Richemont owned watch brand, IWC Schaffhausen. 

At the same time Jérôme Lambert, who had an equally successful runs as the head of Richemont owned luxury brands Montblanc and Jaeger-LeCoultre, took the newly-created position of head of Operations responsible for central and regional services and all its brands other than jewelry and watchmaking. 

The two executives were basically co-CEOs of Richemont reporting to its board of directors and Johann Rupert, chairman and founder of Richemont. The talk in the industry was that one of them would be tapped to fill the top spot. Both were already responsible for activities within their category for the 16 watch, jewelry and fashion brands the Geneva-based company owns. They include Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Baume & Mercier. 

In addition, Richemont holds a 49% equity-accounted interest in the YOOX Net-A-Porter Group, a publicly traded eCommerce company.

“Georges has been offered an interesting opportunity to become an entrepreneur,” Rupert said in the Richemont statement. “He has had a very successful career at IWC Schaffhausen and we wish him well.”

According to reports, the entrepreneurial opportunity is a stake in rival watchmaker Breitling. The company was purchased by private equity firm, CVC Capital Partners, headquartered in Luxembourg. 

The Richemont statement notes that Kern has stepped down from Richemont’s senior executive committee and group management committee and will no longer be standing for election to the company’s board of directors at the forthcoming annual general meeting of shareholders.

Richemont’s watchmaking, marketing and digital activities will report to its senior executive committee. 

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Couture Show 2017 Jewelry Preview

2016 Couture Show 

The Couture Show being held at the Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Luxury Resort June 2 – 6, specializes in luxury and fashion jewels from independent designers as well as national and international luxury brands. More than 200 exhibitors and 4,000 buyers from top luxury department stores and independent luxury retailers fill the main ballrooms and private spaces throughout the resort. Below is a short preview of some of the jewels that will be on display at the show. 

Gold bamboo and diamond Arbor ring with a 7-carat blue-grey spinel center stone by Aaron Henry

Three stacked rings by Yael Sonia: Solo Rotated 8mm ring in 18k yellow gold and amethyst, Sonia Duo Solo 6mm and 8mm ring in 18k yellow gold with green tourmaline and pink tourmaline, and the Solo Rotated 6mm ring in 18k rose gold with pink tourmaline

David Webb Paisley bracelet with cabochon rubies, emeralds, sapphires, brilliant-cut diamonds set in green and light blue enamel with 18k gold and platinum 

Macan Murni 18k gold ring by John Hardy featuring a Mabe Pearl framed by two jeweled tiger heads with pave-set black and white diamonds and black sapphires

Loren Nicole Etruscan Collar in handcrafted filigree 20k gold with 8mm bezel set stones and satin finish

22k gold and silver rectangle drop earrings with black diamonds by Arman Sarkisyan

18k gold emerald cocktail ring with diamonds by Colette

18k white gold and diamond signet ring by Jemma Wynne 

18k black gold opal butterfly bangle by Wendy Yue with tsavorites, black diamonds, champagne diamonds, and white diamonds 

Black rhodium gold and black diamond bracelet by Noudar

Tanzanite sugarloaf carved 4-prong ring in 18K white gold with diamonds by Goshwara

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Versace 2017 Watches Are More Than Just Accessories

Versace V-Extreme Pro 

When Versace expanded into watches in 2004 it brought on the Timex Group Swiss Luxury Division (a division of Timex Group) to design, manufacture and distribute its timepieces with the iconic luxury fashion brand’s codes, such as the Medusa head and the maze-like Greek keys. 

Not surprisingly Versace watches are designed and treated more like accessories than timepieces. That will probably always be the case for a brand like Versace but this year’s new products show more dedication in looking and acting more like timepieces. 

For example, the V-Extreme Pro (above and top photo) with its black dial and sunray guilloché finish has a second time subdial at 9 o’clock and a small seconds subdial at 3 o’clock. The Medusa is in relief at 12 o’clock. The 46mm case is available in bicolor black, ion-plated (IP) gold or ion-plated (IP) bronzed steel. An interchangeable top ring provides a choice of an engraved minute scale or the engraved Versace logo repeated three times. In addition, it’s available in five bicolored versions and comes with either a silicone strap with a hot-pressed logo or a metal bracelet.

Versace is known for its bold color choices. The black and gold colored Daphnis watch is an example of this. Its black dial and black leather strap is enhanced with an IP yellow gold bezel. The main design feature of the 35mm watch is the Greek keys, which are engraved on the gold bezel and run in a north-south row across the dial and along the black leather strap of the black dial model. The yellow gold Medusa head is in relief at 12 o’clock and on the crown. 

There’s also a version of the watch with a beige mother-of-pearl dial and an IP yellow gold bezel and bracelet.

The 36mm Idyia watch is described by Versace as a “play of shapes within shapes.” Set into the round base is a faceted, 10-sided top ring with polished or diamond-studded edges that provide a contrast with the satin-finish surface. A supersized Greek keys stands out against the mother-of-pearl dial with an alternating polished and matte effect. The 3D Medusa is at 12 o’clock.

A standard model is available with polished edges and a bi-colored (steel and IP plated gold) bracelet and a luxury version with diamond-studded edges and an IP gold bracelet. 

Straight from the Versace woman’s Spring/Summer 2017 catwalk, the Palazzo Empire’s bold 3D Medusa Head in the center of the dial is positioned between two watch glasses, embellishing and enhancing the sunray guilloché dial. The bezel is adorned by an enameled Greek keys design in colors that match the calfskin strap. It is available in white, black or pink.

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New Distributor Named For Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo and Versus Versace Watches

Paolo Marai, president and CEO of the Timex Group Swiss Luxury Division

Timex Group Swiss Luxury Division (part of the Timex Group) has appointed MadaLuxe Group as the exclusive US distributor for its luxury brand name watches, which include Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Versus Versace timepieces.

Timex Group Swiss Luxury Division markets designer label brand name watches in more than 65 countries worldwide through department stores, independent specialty retailers and boutiques, as well as primary digital e-commerce retail outlets. At the core of the division are Versace and Salvatore Ferragamo watches, both based in Switzerland. Together, these two iconic brand names represent the group’s unique position in the marketplace, delivering Italian style and design with traditional Swiss watch-making. The Group also distributes Versus Versace and other contemporary fashion brands targeting younger consumers with modern collections that feature current fashion looks and seasonal trends.

Paolo Marai, president and CEO of the Timex Group Luxury Division, said “We are confident that the team at MadaLuxe will represent a unique opportunity to strengthen our position in the USA market allowing us a further step in our growth plans.”

Marai, who oversees the Timex luxury Division worldwide, stated that the division has experienced strong growth since 2004 delivering fashionable styles and assurances that every watch is backed by the “Swiss Made” label. The growth of the division has been driven by increased distribution and sales in the Middle East and Asia, as well as a solid performance in Europe and the USA over the last several years, he said.

“The relationship with the Timex Group Swiss Luxury Division is an exciting opportunity for us, and we are honored to represent such iconic luxury timepieces and recognized brands,” said Sandy Sholl, CEO of MadaLuxe Group. 

MadaLuxe Group distributes men’s and women’s luxury brands from the most notable European fashion houses. This is the group’s first assignment in the watch category and reflects its ongoing expansion into the luxury brand sector.

Adam Freede, president of MadaLuxe Group, indicated that it will aggressively support the brand portfolio in the United States by focusing on a marketing-communication strategy that positions the brands as the most distinctive yet affordable luxury fashion timepieces available. 

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Golden Globes 2017: Winners Of The Jewel And Watch Awards

Drew Barrymore in $2.5 million worth of Harry Winston diamonds

The Golden Globes red carpet has grown to become one of the top international fashion draws and as such the large luxury brands and independent designers fight hard to get their jewels and watches on the biggest stars and the winners. Many were quite success this year. 

Piaget, a fixture on the red carpet circuit, had its jewelry and watches on its brand ambassadors and friends of the brand, including:

Nominee Jessica Chastain, Piaget brand ambassador, wore the Piaget Rose necklace in 18k white gold and set with 265 brilliant-cut diamonds.

Nominee, presenter and Piaget brand ambassador, Ryan Reynolds, wore the Piaget Altiplano 38mm watch in 18k rose gold on a black alligator strap.

Presenter Matt Damon wore the ultra-thin Piaget Altiplano 40mm timepiece in 18k rose gold with a grey dial and white gold Piaget cufflinks.

Harry Winston dressed a number of stars last night in diamond and platinum jewels, including the following:

Nominee Lily Collins wore vintage Harry Winston Cluster Earrings, vintage 1967 Winston Cluster Diamond drop earrings, a Winston Cluster pear-shaped diamond ring, a sparkling cluster diamond ring and a Sunflower diamond Twin ring.

Presenter Drew Barrymore (top photo) wore more than $2.5 million of Harry Winston diamonds, including Mrs. Winston Diamond drop earrings, a Sparkling Cluster diamond ring, an emerald-cut diamond rock band, round brilliant and emerald-cut diamond band ring, a South Seas pearl and diamond ring, and a Lily Cluster diamond ring, all set in platinum.

Presenter Kristen Bell wore more than 115 carats of Harry Winston diamonds, including vintage 1963 three-row diamond hoop earrings, a Secret Combination diamond bracelet and stacked diamond band rings.

Nominee Viola Davis wore more than 90 carats of Harry Winston diamonds, including Secret Combination Diamond hoop earrings and a Carpet diamond bracelet.

Nominee Thandie Newton wore more than 75 carats of Harry Winston diamonds including vintage 1962 diamond earrings, bezel set fancy-shape diamond necklace, radiant-cut diamond band ring, and round brilliant diamond band rings.

Tiffany & Co. jewels and watches adorned a number of stars Sunday, including:

Nominee Naomie Harris wore Tiffany diamond earrings and a selection of platinum and diamond rings. 

Presenter Reese Witherspoon wore the Tiffany Archival necklace, yellow diamond earrings and a selection of rings.

Winner Emma Stone donned a Tiffany Archival statement necklace and diamond earrings and rings. 

Presenter Sienna Miller accessorized with classic pearls and diamond earrings.

Chopard is always popular on the international red carpet. A number of nominees and presenters were adorned with jewels and watches from the luxury brand. Among them: 

Nominee Julia Louis-Dreyfus Wears wore a pair of rectangular step-cut diamonds totaling 10.84 carats and 3.8 carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold along with a 50.34-carat diamond cuff in 18k white gold, both from Chopard’s “High Jewelry Collection.”

Nominee Gina Rodriguez wore earrings featuring a 5.02-carat modified shield step-cut diamond, a 5.01-carat modified shield step-cut diamond, and 1.82 carats of baguette-cut diamonds set in 18k white gold; along with a ring featuring a 7.29-carat brilliant marquise shaped diamond and set in 18k white gold, both from the “High Jewelry Collection.”

Nominee Lola Kirke wore earrings featuring a pair of amethysts totaling 14.24 carats, 4.74 carats of pink pastel sapphires and 3.85-carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold from the “Temptations Collection;” along with a ring featuring a 5.01-carat heart shaped diamond and in 18k white gold from the “High Jewelry Collection.”

Fred Leighton jewelry was worn by a number of presenters and nominees, among them: 

Nominee and presenter Nicole Kidman wore a 19th Century double strand diamond rivière necklace, with more than 48 carats of old mine diamonds, with a 9-carat antique rose cut diamond button cluster ring, circa 1760s, and an Art Deco diamond and onyx ring

Winner Claire Foy wore 19th Century diamond teardrop pendant earrings with 7 carats of old mine lozenge shaped diamonds, a 19th Century rose cut diamond cluster ring and a rose cut diamond floret cluster ring, signed Fred Leighton.

Nominee Sarah Jessica Parker wore an oval old mine diamond dart pendant earrings, an Art Nouveau opal and gold ring and a diamond knot ring Signed Fred Leighton

Nominee Ruth Negga wore a new piece of Fred Leighton jewelry. A 25.5-carat oval ruby and diamond cuff bracelet, in 18k yellow gold, featuring responsibly sourced Gemfields Mozambican rubies. 

Nominee Winona Ryder wore old European cut diamond collet drop earrings, a 19th Century blue enamel and diamond ring, and a rose rose cut diamond 5-stone diamond ring and a 3-stone diamond ring, both signed Fred Leighton.

Winner Tracee Ellis Ross wore Noudar diamond rings, L’Dezen by Payal Shah diamond ring, and a Hueb diamond ring.

Felicity Huffman wore jewelry from Los Angeles-based designer Martin Katz that included large tambourine spring bangle in 18k yellow gold and 306 diamonds, and pear shaped diamond and 18k yellow gold drop earrings.

Nominee Issa Rae wore L’Dezen by Payal Shah diamond earrings.

Presenter Carrie Underwood wore Yoko London pearl and diamond earrings and ring.

Montblanc had its watches and accessories on a number of male nominees and presenters, including: 

Winner Casey Affleck wore “Tribute to Shakespeare” silver and onyx cuff links.

Nominee, Joel Edgerton, selected the 1858 Manual Small Second time piece with blue dial and leather straps paired with onyx and silver tuxedo studs and matching cuff links.

Nominee, Jeff Bridges, wore mother-of-pearl and silver tuxedo studs and matching cufflinks.

Nominee, Rami Malek, wore the “Heritage Chronometrie Automatic” time piece with rose gold bezel and black leather straps.

Tom Hiddleston wore the "Heritage Spirit Automatic" watch

Nominee Simon Helberg wore “Urban Spirit” cufflinks made of polished stainless steel and black onyx inlay.

Nominee Mahershala Ali wore “Iconic” silver and onyx cuff links.

Presenter Eddie Redmayne, OMEGA Brand Ambassador, wore the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Chronograph. 

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