Interviews

Exclusive interview with Ivanka Trump, Owner of Ivanka Trump Jewellery

A timeless collection

Ivanka Trump needs no introduction. An iconic fashion model, astute businesswomen and world-renowned socialite, Ivanka has been a much sought-after personality in the social circles – not just in the US - worldwide. The latest feather in her cap is her jewellery line for the modern, sophisticated and self-purchasing women of all ages and types. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Watches and Jewellery Magazine, the daughter of billionaire Donald and Ivana Trump shares her love and passion for jewellery that – in her own words - pays homage to the past while embracing the future. Not just a piece of the finest jewellery her collection is an investment that women can keep forever. Ivanka is partnering with Harvey Nichols to open shop-in-shops in Dubai. So let Ivanka’s fashion jewellery feast your eyes and beautify your life. Excerpts from the interview:

Ivanka Trump jewellery is only a few years old, in your own words what is the DNA of the brand?

My jewellery line's vision of "Rock Tradition" plays a vital role in my design aesthetic. It’s a modern twist on jewellery's most important classic. Heirloom chic is the creative vision behind my jewellery line. It's the youthful reinvention of legacy jewellery. The jewellery captures a sense of fine workmanship, tradition and off-hand elegance. I wanted to design jewellery for the modern, sophisticated and self-purchasing woman of today. I wanted women to see it and be able to buy themselves an important piece of jewellery right away - without asking "him." My audience includes women of all ages and types - who know exactly what they want and aren’t afraid to express themselves through jewellery.

When did you realise your passion for jewellery?

My mother’s legacy jewellery collection always inspired me. And my love for the classic aesthetic helped propel my vision. I realized the luxury fine jewellery market was missing a fresh and young design approach. Most of my influence has come from my mother’s legacy jewellery, travel destinations, architecture, and different cultures and languages. My design philosophy is simple: Jewellery should pay homage to the past while embracing the future. The first piece of jewellery that I loved was a diamond necklace my mother gave me from her collection when I turned 21 – it’s the most inspiring piece I own. Also, a pair of classic pearl studs my grandmother gave me when I was 10 has always been my favorite.

Do you design your own jewellery line?

I work closely with an in-house designer who is able to take my vision and inspiration and create sketches. I am deeply involved in approving sketches, making changes and adding and subtracting from the designs before they are finalized.

How has your career in real estate helped you with this jewellery line?

My career in real estate has taught me to plan, organize and be prepared for every meeting, every encounter I have. I use my forward-thinking skills to plan out the global jewellery expansion. I use my understanding of economy and local markets to handpick the best retail partners in each region of the world.

What style are women today particularly looking for?

Women today want to invest in jewellery they can keep forever. They want modern yet classic, statement making pieces that are also functional and transitional from day to night.

Your jewellery company is in the process of expanding throughout the GCC. What are your expectations?

I think my jewellery line will be very successful in the GCC region – women here are looking for powerful jewellery that can translate their own style. We are launching this fall in the Middle East – in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Lebanon, Turkey, Bahrain and Kuwait. In addition, we are partnering with Harvey Nichols to open shop-in-shops in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Have you been to the Middle East before and how do you describe the taste of the Arabian women?

Arabian women are looking for modern jewellery that they can pass on to generations. They want to make an investment in a high-quality and high-style piece. That’s what I’m offering.

If you want to introduce your jewellery to women in the Middle East how would you describe it?

My jewellery has a very high quality of craftsmanship with an old Hollywood art deco glamour – inspired by the style of the Hollywood screen goddesses such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelley. My jewellery is statement making yet classy – you can wear it from a luncheon to a fancy wedding. You can wear it every day.

Numerous celebrities have been seen wearing your jewellery. Are there any Arab celebrities? Who would you most like to see wearing it?

I am very fortunate that starts like Bridget Moynahan, Evan Rachel Wood, Leighton Meester, Elizabeth Hurley among others have chosen my jewellery to grace the red carpet.

Do you wear your own designs?

Yes, everyday! My favorite pieces are the tassels, mixed bead necklace in black onyx with diamond oval clasp and the signature ovals. The Rough Diamond Multi-Strand Tassel Bracelet is definitely a show-stopper and an architectural achievement in jewellery design.

You are preparing to launch a bags and accessory lines, when will that be and are they also going to be represented here in the Middle East?

The shoes and handbags launch are in the US only this spring 2011.

You have tried a lot of different things in business - real estate modeling and designing; you are an author of a book… what are the common things between them all?

Being honest, being well prepared, being creative and being practical. Every day is different for me.  I generally wake up, exercise and read through a copious amount of newspapers. I arrive at the office somewhere between 7:30 and 8:00 am – my brothers and I are always the first ones in. My days are often filled with a large volume of meetings – everything from hotel design to building management to jewellery initiatives to new deal development to marketing strategy and often, filming for the Apprentice. I try to stick to a very strict schedule and I am never late – this is something that I learned from my father. I also try to schedule some time between those meetings to return phone calls and emails, as I think that it is very important to respond to direct correspondence in a timely manner.

My main focus will continue to be on expanding the Trump brand globally through real estate and hotel ventures. Additionally, I would like to continue to grow my personal brand in a wide variety of luxury lifestyle businesses including the fine jewellery line, a footwear and handbag line, my book The Trump Card (NYTimes Bestseller).

How did the fact of being the daughter of the famous and rich Donald and Ivana Trump affect your career?

My parents always taught us that hard work never goes out of style! My upbringing has prepared me for a challenging career that requires ambition, a strong work ethic and determination. I wake up every day with a focused, organized plan to meet all my professional, personal and lifestyle goals – that is the invaluable lesson my parents taught my brothers and me.

Market News

PRADA Group partners with UAE based Al Tayer Insignia LLC

PRADA Group has announced the signing of a joint venture agreement with UAE based Al Tayer Insignia LLC for the development of a retail network for Prada and Miu Miu brands across the Middle East countries, namely in Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The joint venture company, headquartered in Dubai will oversee the roll out of Prada and Miu Miu stores across the region, leveraging on Al Tayer Insignia’s market knowledge and expertise.

Hublot announces takeover of Profusion

Hublot has acquired the Vaud based company Profusion, its supplier of carbon fibre parts and components. Profusion represents very special technical and technological expertise in the handling of carbon fibre: research, design and development, Profusion manages the entire manufacturing chain for ultra-technical carbon fibre components. The integration of this new team will therefore allow Hublot to manage the entire manufacturing process for its timepieces which use carbon fibre.

Patek Philippe on outlook for further growth

According to the daily Tempus, Patek Philippe “is on course to achieve measured and controlled growth”. Following a record trading in year 2009, at the height of the crisis, the Geneva watch manufacturer gave a repeat performance last year. “We can safely say we’ve exceeded our 2009 turnover, which itself was an all-time high”, said Thierry Stern, president of Patek Philippe. The volume of timepieces produced has risen slightly in recent years, rising from 42,000 (32,000 mechanical and 10,000 quartz) last year to a targeted 45,000 watches this year.

Damas acquires 98 percent stake in Saudi joint venture

Damas International announced that a subsidiary had acquired a controlling stake in its Saudi Arabian joint venture, Damas Saudi Arabia Company Ltd. Damas acquired 49 percent of the share capital of its existing joint venture in Saudi Arabia, taking its stake to 98 percent with full control of the company, the firm said in a statement. The statement did not disclose the value of the acquisition.

Dubai Airport announces 5.8 percent passenger traffic growth in March

Dubai International airport recorded a 4.2 million passengers passed through the world’s fourth busiest airport for international passenger traffic in March, up 5.8 percent compared to 3.97 million during the same month in 2010. Aircraft movements for the month totaled 27,674 in March 2011, up 6.3 percent from 26,037 recorded in March 2010.  During the first quarter of 2011, 12.3 million passengers passed through the airport, up 7 percent from 11.5 million during the first three months of 2010.

Sotheby’s Geneva Sale to offer the Most Important Emerald and Diamond Tiara

Following Sotheby’s Geneva $105 million world record sale last November, in which the “Graff Pink” sold for $46 million, the highest price ever achieved at auction for a diamond and any jewel, Sotheby’s Geneva 17th May sale of Magnificent & Noble Jewels will be spearheaded by the most important emerald and diamond tiara to have appeared at auction in over 30 years and a superb pink diamond. The sale also comprises jewels of noble provenance, an impressive array of white diamonds and colored gemstones, in addition to period jewels and creations signed by the world’s greatest jewellers.

Company News

Bucherer opens new retail outlet at Zurich Airport

Bucherer has opened its fifteenth store in Switzerland in the area reserved for passengers at Zurich airport. Travelers can discover a particularly wide and exclusive selection of Rolex and Carl F. Bucherer watches, as well as stylish diamond jewellery created by in-house designers. In fact, within the airport perimeter, this assortment can be considered unique since it includes more than 300 Rolex watches, the entire range of Carl F. Bucherer timepieces and a sparkling array of jewellery in classic and contemporary styles.

Frederique Constant opens Boutique in China

Frederique Constant is pleased to announce the grand opening of a new 1400 square feet mono-brand boutique in Taiyuan, China. The new boutique brings an oasis of luxury and showcases the latest collections from the innovative Geneve watch brand. With a full range of design styles – from ultra classic to contemporary – the boutique services the needs of demanding customers. The Frederique Constant timepieces are displayed in exclusive new showcases, highlighting the brand’s values and expertise within a luxury atmosphere.

OMEGA names new ambassador

Heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis has joined the OMEGA stable of ambassadors. Aged 25, she is one of the leading athletes of her generation, having won the World and European Championships in her event as well as the World indoor pentathlon title. Jessica Ennis made her first appearance on behalf of brand at the inauguration of the OMEGA clock in Trafalgar Square on 14^th of March. That date marked the start of the 500 day countdown to the London Olympic Games.

Eva Mendes dazzles in Van Cleef & Arpels at the Tribeca Film Festival

Actress Eva Mendes was effortlessly chic for her appearance at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York to celebrate the premiere and after party for “Last Night”. The actress wore a 1964 diamond earrings set in yellow gold from the Estate collection and assortment of rings in diamonds, rose and yellow gold from the “Snowflake”, “Perlee” and “Vintage Alhambra collections of Van Cleef & Arpels to complement her Gucci chiffon dress and Jimmy Choo heels.

RW Club & Community - Mother's Day Contest

RAYMOND WEIL wishes all mothers around the world a wonderful Mother's Day! On this occasion, the brand offers a chance to win two-tone Noemia. With the delicate curves of its polished steel case, and the flawless elegance of its sophisticated dial studded by four Roman numerals, Noemia is the epitome of feminine grace. The crown, with its intriguing midnight blue dome, adds a final note of harmony to the design. The contest is open to all members except UK members until May 1^st 11:00 GMT.

GRAHAM LONDON appoints new management member

As of 1st of May 2011, Mr C. Emanuel BITTON will join the team based in La Chaux-de-Fonds in the capacity of International Sales Director. Highly experienced in the domain of luxury watches and their distribution, Mr. BITTON has for ten years been with TAG Heuer notably in the capacity of Managing Director Central Europe and then for four years with PORSCHE DESIGN WATCHES in the capacity of Worldwide Sales & Marketing Director. He will head the Sales Department of GRAHAM-LONDON.

RITMO MUNDO at the 37th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

During the finale of the 37^th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, RITMO presented Mike Conway, IZOD IndyCar Series race winner and INDY Firestone Light race winner, Connor Daly, with timepieces from the INDYCAR Ana-Digital Collection in Black Carbon (model 223). The win was especially sweet for Conway, who missed the majority of the 2010 season as a result of injuries sustained in the Indianapolis 500.

DeLaneau Watches opens a flagship store in New York

DeLaneau Watches has opened a flagship store on Madison Avenue, New York. DeLaneau’s boutique features an intimate style that permeates elegant aestheticism which mirror with its creations. Inspired by art deco style, the decor plays with the contrasts between light and dark colors and features an intimate style. The opening of the New York boutique follows DeLaneau boutiques opening in Moscow and Geneva in 2010.

Roberto Coin receives Platinum Design Awards 2011

Roberto Coin platinum turtle has won the 1^st place in “Trends Category” of Platinum Design Awards 2011. The competition, organized by the Platinum Guild International, took place during BaselWorld 2011 edition. The jury, composed of 30 international journalists, voted the favorite creation and on 26^th March Ruth Donaldson, director of UK PGI, personally gave the prizes to the winners during and exclusive cocktail party in Basel Mercury Hotel.

Product Launch

Bulgari presents an exceptional special-edition watch in partnership with All Blacks

The new Bulgari Endurer Chronosprint All Blacks, Daniel Roth Collection celebrates the unexpected partnership based on authentic values shared by Bulgari and the world’s most famous rugby team, that of New Zealand All Blacks. This sophisticated, innovative and elegant timepiece is synonymous with cutting-edge performance. In addition to the classic hour and minute functions displayed along a slightly off-centred axis, the mechanical self-winding movement – Calibre DR1306 – also drives a specific chronograph function.

Versace launches a bespoke service for Versace unique mobile phones

Made-to-measure customization, down to the finest and most personal material details, allows dedicated clients to craft their Versace Unique to the specifications of their unique desires. Available in the most exclusive Versace boutiques worldwide from Spring 2011, the concept seamlessly blends the tradition of Haute Couture craftsmanship and the future of luxury mobile technology.

Vacheron Constantin Quai de L'Ile Retrograde Annual Calendar

The decisively contemporary Quai de l’Ile collection launched in 2008 is now enhanced with a Retrograde Annual Calendar model. The model also houses a new mechanical self-winding movement developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin: Calibre 2460 QRA. Bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, this calibre incorporates two expressions of technical mastery: the annual calendar and a retrograde date display.

Ladoire at the 20th "Tour Auto" vintage race

During the 20^th anniversary of the French “Tour Auto” held in Paris on the 11^th of April and finished 5 days later Biarritz, Ladoire has presented 'Mr Race', the second limited edition timepiece from Ladoire's Black Widow collection, following on from Mr Green who had an encounter with the Black Widow in a hotel room. Ladoire's entry was a stunning Ford GT40 chassis no. P/1108, sporting the Black Widow's signature spider's web on its flank.

Swarovski unveils Fall/Winter 2011/12 Collections dedicated to Hello Kitty

On April 27, Swarovski has presented its fall / winter 2011-2012 collection featuring the Wings of Fantasy Accessories Collection and Hello Kitty at The Pavilion Downtown Dubai. Swarovski celebrate the cat created by Sanrio fashion with a collection devoted entirely to him.

Catamaran Pro 200 8064

Swiss watchmaker Catamaran has introduced the Catamaran Pro 200 8064. The timepiece is house by a 47-mm high resistant stainless steel case which is water resistant up to 200 meters. The watch also features unidirectional self-cleaning turning diving bezel, chronograph with 2 push-buttons and dome curved high resistant crystal. It is also available with 5 different dials, black, carbon, grey, white and blue.

Exhibitions & Events

Dubai International Jewellery Week

Dubai International Jewellery Week will be held on November 10 to 13, 2011 at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. The exhibition will features more than 308 exhibition companies from 37 countries and more than 13 national pavilions including Lebanon, Jordan, Italy, UK, Turkey, India, Hong Kongm Thailand, Germany and Singapore.

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