American jewellery house Tiffany & Co has unveiled its first-ever exhibition in Southeast Asia with Legendary Legacy in Bangkok. Ahead of the opening, GRAZIA Singapore attended a press conference with Anthony Ledru, president and chief executive officer of Tiffany & Co, and Christopher Young, vice president and creative director of creative visual merchandising and The Tiffany Archives. They spoke about why Thailand was chosen, the creative process behind the showcase, and the enduring magic of the Tiffany Diamond.
On choosing Bangkok for its first Southeast Asia exhibition
Anthony Ledru (AL): Bangkok was a natural choice. First, the timing aligned—we’ve just completed major renovations across our retail ecosystem, which ensures the region remains vibrant for years to come. Second, Thailand has a sizeable community of jewellery lovers with a deep appreciation for high craftsmanship. And third, there’s a cultural overlap. Tiffany has always stood for optimism, something we also find at the heart of Thai culture.
On the creative process behind curating Legendary Legacy
Christopher Young (CY): At Tiffany, everyone is a dreamer. While I oversee the curation, many teams contributed, especially our local Bangkok team. The exhibition is a dialogue between past and future: Jean Schlumberger’s sculptural, imaginative creations—like the Starfish Brooch and the Big Bird Clip—are shown alongside Nathalie Verdeille’s contemporary designs. Together, they tell a story of artistry, innovation, and timeless imagination.
On Thailand’s connection to Tiffany & Co’s creative heritage
AL: Schlumberger was an avid traveller. He visited Thailand often and was inspired by its wildlife and natural beauty. His surrealist background, honed during his work with Elsa Schiaparelli, merged with these inspirations to create jewels that were both fantastical and rooted in nature. That influence still resonates in Tiffany’s design language today.
On what visitors can expect from the exhibition
CY: There are five themed rooms to explore: Guadeloupe: An Island of Inspiration, showcasing Schlumberger’s early collaborations, including work for Diana Vreeland; Garden of Imagination, with nature-inspired artistry, including Rachel “Bunny” Mellon’s first Bird on a Rock, purchased in 1965; The Depths of Beauty, a fantastical undersea world with pieces like the Hedges and Flowers Necklace; Wings: Symbols of the Soul, featuring winged creatures, highlighted by the Big Bird Brooch on loan from Joan Quinn; and finally, The Tiffany Diamond room, dedicated to the legendary Tiffany Diamond.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these works in Thailand.
On the significance of having the Tiffany Diamond in Southeast Asia
AL: It’s extraordinary. The Tiffany Diamond is our ultimate icon—128.54 carats of pure brilliance. It has never been for sale and represents Tiffany’s optimism and pursuit of excellence. To have it in Bangkok is historic, not just for Thailand but for the entire region.
CY: When Schlumberger joined Tiffany, one of the first projects he was given was to design a new setting for the Tiffany Diamond. He placed it in a very whimsical, light, asymmetrical necklace called the Robbon Rosette, which Audrey Hepburn then famously wore to promote Breakfast at Tiffany’s. That creative connection between the diamond and Schlumberger’s genius is part of what makes this exhibition so special.
On the key takeaways from Legendary Legacy
AL: We want visitors to “dream in blue.” To leave inspired, uplifted, and with joyful memories that reflect Tiffany’s enduring legacy.
CY: And to recognise not just the jewels, but the women behind them—the muses, clients, and collectors who shaped Tiffany’s story. For us, the archives aren’t about the past; they fuel the future. That balance of heritage and reinvention is what keeps Tiffany alive today.
Legendary Legacy runs from 21 August to 7 September 2025 at One Bangkok Tower 4. Book your tickets via exhibition.tiffany.com or through Tiffany & Co Thailand’s official LINE account.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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