I have a lot of pinch me moments in New York but being invited to a real life breakfast at Tiffany's was definitely the best one. A select group of editors and bloggers were invited to preview the new Tiffany Fall 2011 Leather Collection and dine with design directors John Truex and Richard Lambertson this morning. I was lucky enough to be seated next to John Truex and chat with him about his design inspirations and process. He checks the blogs, including mine, for color and design ideas and then puts pencil to paper sketching. A lot of design now is done completely on the computer but Mr. Truex is still old school. They even make models of some pieces which is very old school. I bet there are some designers out there today who can't even draw.
It was so nice to hear him say how happy they are to be at Tiffany and Co. The duo had their own company, Lambertson Truex, for many years but as any business owner knows, it's tough having to do it all. He joked about doing payroll in Milan when he was supposed to be working on bags. This job lets him focus on his true passion which is design.
It was really a magical morning and not only were the bags gorgeous but the entire setting on the fourth floor was amazing. The trellises and gazebo set the stage and I am now absolutely in love with their Jardin china now. As excited as I am for fall, this event definitely made me wish summer would never end. The event itself was present enough but to top it all off, we got to choose a bag from the fall 2011 leather collection. I chose the leopard calf hair Tiffany Avenue Shopper tote. I can't think of a chicer way to carry my camera to fashion week now. Thanks Tiffany's!
Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic