PHILANTHROPY

HautePARTNERS

+timeless passion A time for elegance and influence marks the time for Piaget.

BY JESSICA TORRENTE

FOR THOSE PROSPEROUS ENOUGH TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE SOPHISTICATION and spirit that surrounds the culture of fine jewelry and luxury watchmaking, it feels quite natural to own a piece of Piaget. Indeed, these precious creations seem to embellish those who are influential at heart — once adorning the graceful Jackie Kennedy as she tended to her first lady duties in the 1960s and unforgettably adding a glimmer of opulence to Cynthia Erivo’s humbling performance at the 2020 Oscars. But despite the triumph, glitz and elegance that Piaget exudes, the legacy behind this luxury powerhouse all began over a century ago in a small Swiss village with one young man and his timeless passion for watchmaking.

Let’s take a glance back in time, shall we? The year was 1874, and Georges-Édouard Piaget was only 19 years old when he set up his first workshop at the family farm that sat on the edge of the village of La Côte-aux-Fées in the Swiss Jura mountains. Here, he ignited the Piaget reputation by dedicating his work to the craftsmanship of high-precision clock movements and components. In time, Georges-Édouard’s ambitious dream — after all, his motto was “always do better than necessary” — was passed on to his son, Timothée Piaget, who transformed the company from simply being a manufacturer of movements to a designer of high-end watches. After Piaget obtained its trademark in 1943, the family’s third generation continued fostering the company into the innovative brand we know today.

Eventually, the first of Piaget’s luxury jewelry creations were exhibited at the “Salon Piaget,” which launched in Geneva in 1959. Meanwhile, the city came to harbor Piaget’s ateliers that specialized in goldsmithing and gem-setting — as you can imagine, the maison mastered every aspect that encompassed crafting fine pieces of jewelry.

While the brand’s history is as rich as its pieces, it is the vibrant spirit and audacity of style that sets Piaget apart. Let’s not forget the 1963 introduction of the watches enhanced with ornamental stones in the dial that kickstarted the colorful 21st Century Collection, or the iconic 1979 Piaget Polo watch that defined casual chic to a generation of dashing polo players and the likes of “beautiful people.”

It was these glamorous and daring designs that mesmerized the brightest stars who thrived amid the golden age of Piaget, including Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Salvador Dalí.

That being said, how can someone embody a brilliant mind with exquisite tastes without donning the finest gems and ores? In an era when influence means power and respect blossoms through the demonstration of elegance, it’s time to choose Piaget.

Like the sun, you may opt for the brighter things in life or wish to beam among those who surround you. Nothing complements this attitude more than the Piaget Sunlight jewelry collection, which obviously pays tribute to the king of the stars and one of the Swiss maison’s most iconic motifs. Designed with golden rays and dazzling diamonds, the collection evokes the sun’s shape and majesty. It’s no wonder this collection illuminates its wearers with joy, as each detail of every piece was meticulously crafted to radiate sunlight.

Take the Piaget Sunlight necklace: this 18k white gold piece features seven brilliant-cut diamonds placed in a ray pattern to move with the wearer and reflect the surrounding light — it’s perfect for those eager to capture the positive energy from the sun each day. Meanwhile, the Piaget Sunlight pendant embodies the sun, along with its spirit, energy and shine. This 18k white gold piece comprises 16 expertly cut diamonds in tantalizing triangle shapes to emit sparks of light that shine as you move about. Pair it with the larger Piaget Sunlight pendant, which spotlights 159 brilliant-cut diamonds fashioned like the sun and embodies optimism, positive energy and the true joys of life

Of course, one cannot truly bask in the Piaget Sunlight jewelry collection without wearing a set of matching earrings. For a surefire approach to distinguish yourself, opt for these 18k white gold earrings. This pair arranges 32 brilliant-cut diamonds into a single stud that supports a detachable layer of gold triangles, which cascade playfully from the back of the earlobe. Otherwise, flaunt a more cheerful twist with the 18k white gold set that designs eight expertly cut diamonds to appear as drops of sunlight. Perfect for an elegant night out, these earrings will magnify light and delicately sway as the wearer moves about, whether that’s during a gentle champagne toast or a festive dance for two.

You can now shop the Piaget Sunlight jewelry collection at London Jewelers, which carries the world’s most celebrated designers of fine jewelry, prestigious timepieces and elegant giftware. Since 1926, this small family business — developed over time by four generations — has spread its reputation for service, quality and expertise from its original Glen Cove storefront to its now six locations. With boutiques across Long Island to Manhattan, London Jewelers and its dedicated staff are eager to meet customers’ every need, from repairing special jewelry to helping you find the perfect piece of Piaget.

ANGEL BABY

DENISE RICH LOOKS BACK ON 25 YEARS OF HOSTING HER GABRIELLE’S ANGEL FOUNDATION GALA AND SHARES WHY SHE DECIDED TO MOVE THIS YEAR’S BALL TO THE HAMPTONS.

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER

THE YEAR 2021 MARKS A MILESTONE FOR SONGWRITER DENISE RICH: it’s been 25 years since she created Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research in honor of her late daughter, Gabrielle, who passed away from leukemia. Since its inception in 1996, the foundation has funded the best and brightest early-career scientists whose research focuses on finding less toxic treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and related blood cancers, as well as providing more than $38 million in grants, making it one of the largest non-governmental sources of grant support to blood cancer research in the nation.

This year, Rich is moving her haute charity event from Manhattan to the Hamptons: specifically, to the Muses in Southampton. Guests will celebrate under the big top at a circus-themed fête with music by DJ Cassidy, a performance by Flo Rida and an appearance by DJ Mad Marj, who will spin during cocktail hour. Says Rich, “It’s hard for me to believe, but this year marks 25 years since my beautiful Gabrielle passed away from leukemia. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and the promise I made before she died to fund cancer research until we find a cure. The Angel Ball Summer Gala will be very meaningful as we commemorate 25 years, and I am thrilled to honor two amazing women and their dedication to philanthropy during the event. I know Gabrielle would be so proud!” We chatted with the mega-philanthropist about what’s in store for the day that’s nearest and dearest to her heart.

Haute Living: Tell us about Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation — why it was created and its main mission.

Denise Rich: Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1996 in memory of my beloved Gabrielle Rich Aouad. She made me promise that if she did not survive, we would start a foundation [to help support scientific research to find better treatments and a cure] so that others would not suffer the way she did. On average, 92 cents of every dollar we raise directly funds research.

HL: Gabrielle sounds like she was an amazing young woman. Tell us more about her legacy and the impact she made.

DR: Gabrielle was extremely bright, an Oxford graduate who was full of passion. She went on to graduate from NYU film school and pursued her dream of becoming an actress. She was the finalist for the face of Lancôme right before she passed away. She had a wicked of sense of humor and such a fiery personality! She always went to visit the children when she was in the hospital and encouraged them to stay strong. Her legacy lives on in the work we do; we give hope to cancer patients through the brilliant researchers we fund. I know she is proud of what we have accomplished.

HL: The Angel Ball is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and this year it will be in the Hamptons — how exciting! Why the change?

DR: It was important for us to engage our supporters in a safe way, and we were not certain what fall would be like in the city. An outdoor event made sense, and what better place than Southampton?

HL: Tell us why you chose to honor Simone I. Smith and Maye Musk this year.

DR: Both women embody what it means to give back to the world in a meaningful way. Simone is a cancer survivor who now uses her jewelry line to support cancer research; Maye has worked with cancer patients in her career as a dietitian and now volunteers with several nonprofits. These strong, powerful women are making a difference, and we can’t wait to honor them!

HL: The event will be hosted by Jill Martin and will feature a performance by Flo Rida. What else can we expect throughout the night?

DR: Our guests love to dance, so we have DJ Cassidy, Mad Marj and DJ Kyle Kxtz lined up to spin! Porsche will have a spectacular car on display for guests to admire, Flow Water will be providing hydration throughout the evening, and Nourishe will have a beautiful display to highlight the all-natural botanical ingredients in its skincare line. Belvedere vodka cocktails and Hampton Water rosé will be displayed and served from whimsical carts scattered around the venue, and Apollo Digital Art will have an innovative NFT display system, allowing guests to enjoy a range of digital art. Artist Fer Da Silva will display a photo wall sponsored by Douglas Elliman. And for those not able to join but interested in supporting, we’re hosting a silent auction through CharityBuzz, which will run online August 16-31.

HL: You hosted a virtual gala last year during the pandemic. What are you most looking forward to now that we can safely gather again?

DR: Dancing under the stars to incredible music and celebrating life with my friends! So many people haven’t seen each other, and this is a great way to reconnect for a great cause.

HL: What to you is the greatest luxury in life and why?

DR: To be able to give back and help others is the greatest gift you can give yourself.