GOOSSENS X HARUMI KLOSSOWSKA DE ROLA

GOOSSENS X HARUMI KLOSSOWSKA DE ROLA

On the one hand, the House of Goossens, established in 1950 and a part of Chanel’s Métiers d’Art since 2005, with its gold and silver creations and artistic objects. On the other hand, Harumi Klossowska de Rola who creates exceptional works between fine jewelry and art objects. When the former decided to invite the latter to celebrate the new season, the result was a release of uniquely free creativity. They both deeply love expert know-how and hand crafting, are fascinated by the beauty of the deceptively irregular, and combined their talents to give birth to an original capsule collection focusing on 6 decorative items and their accompanying 6 jewels. 

What do they have in common? The presence of strong symbolic elements relating to three main themes. 

Case in point, on a box with two lids inlaid with baroque garnet, a decorative branch, a pair of earrings, a bracelet and a sautoir, we find a grenade (in several forms), a fruit that is sacred in all civilizations, synonymous with resurrection, fertility and life. 

The fig leaf, a symbol of generosity, adorns a small tray, a little dish named “three fig leaves” enlivened with a small caterpillar entirely pavé-set with brilliant cut stones, in old bronze metal. 

As for the mistletoe, a sacred plant that evokes immortality as well as prosperity, it covers a branch, a candlestick, earrings, a ring and a bracelet. All of which are in antique gold metal and baroque rock crystal beads. 

The focus is on beloved materials: rock crystal, antique gilded bronze, old gold and fine stones. Rock crystal and garnet give life to these creations. 

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ZEGNA GROUP TO ACQUIRE MAJORITY STAKE OF THOM BROWNE

thom browne zegna

The Ermenegildo Zegna Group announced today that it has reached an agreement with Sandbridge Capital and with Mr. Thom Browne for the acquisition of 85% of Thom Browne Inc, for an enterprise valuation of approximately half a billion dollars. Mr. Thom Browne will be the sole other shareholder, with the balance of the Company’s shares.

The Thom Browne business will remain independently run, in order to pursue and accelerate the strong and profitable growth trajectory that the brand has seen over the past several years. As such, Mr. Thom Browne will continue in the same capacity as Chief Creative Officer and Rodrigo Bazan will retain his role as Chief Executive Officer.

Ermenegildo Zegna, Chief Executive Officer of the Zegna Group said: “As global leaders in luxury menswear, we have always been open to opportunities for external growth. And, since we started looking at partnerships, I always knew that Thom Browne would be the perfect fit.”

“In addition to the immediate benefits with regards to fabrics and manufacturing support we can leverage our global reach to further expand Thom Browne’s retail network. Most importantly, we share the same passion for excellence and impeccable, modern tailoring. Thom’s visionary approach and his unique point of view have enabled him to build and nurture the most loyal clientele. On this strong footing, and thanks to a thriving women’s business and strong appeal with millennials, we believe that we can build long-term value for all of our stakeholders.”

“Finally, I am very proud to oversee a rare major investment by an Italian luxury player in an American company. I have always been a strong admirer of the United States, and look forward to our strengthened presence here.”

Thom Browne, Founder and Chief Creative Officer said: “... I am very proud and excited for my new partnership with Zegna ... I feel that their passion for only the best quality and craftsmanship is very much aligned with how I have always approached my collections ... my conceptual approach to design and the long-term vision of growing a true luxury design-led collection for men and women is something we both feel strongly about as the future strength of Thom Browne ... with Zegna, Thom Browne will have a partner who not only understands the fundamentals of this business, but truly embodies them and brings the knowledge and skills of a global leader.”

“As I welcome Gildo to the Thom Browne world, I want to personally thank Sandbridge Capital, and Ken Suslow in particular, for being such a good partner, but more importantly, being such a good friend ... I have always valued our friendship over the years of our partnership because he has always proven to be a true gentleman ... We would have not achieved the outstanding growth of Thom Browne without his support.”

Ken Suslow, Founding Managing Partner of Sandbridge Capital, added: “I could not be more pleased to announce this transaction, which ensures the continued long-term growth of Thom Browne. I am profoundly grateful for the successful partnership that Thom and I have developed over the years. Thom is a uniquely talented visionary - his enduring commitment to building a modern American luxury house dedicated to the finest craftsmanship and tailoring is truly inspiring.

I believe that Zegna is the ideal partner for the Thom Browne brand. It is for this reason that we did not engage with other interested parties, and that instead Gildo, Thom and I agreed upon this deal in a privately negotiated manner."

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