Sparkling, dreamlike wonderland of beauty takes jewelry to center stage. Set in the glorious realms of Imperial Russia, Faberge Easter Eggs were created for the Imperial Romanov Family from the late 19th century. Faberge has an unrivalled ability to commemorate important milestones with its objects d’art encapsulated by Game of Thrones. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of its debut episode – this global year-long celebration will revisit the most unforgettable moments and the jewel in the crown will be the Imperial Class Fabergé Game of Thrones Egg.
Mozambican rubies, Romantic hand painted Limoges porcelain and diamond encrusted tiaras are the promise of a represent journey garnering Faberge its first historical exhibition at the Victoria and Albert in London. Reminiscent of first moments of Spring opulence, Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution, exhibition encapsulates the international prominence of the legendary Russian goldsmith. A hallucinatory universe conjured by a whimsical and historical dexterity from highlights – The Alexander Palace Egg, featuring watercolor portraits of the children of Nicholas II alongside the Tercentenary Egg, created to celebrate 300 years of the Romanov dynasty.
The kaleidoscope of treasures adorned by celebrities Carrie Underwood, Will Smith, Dua Lipa, Arizona Muse, Dame Helen Mirren, royalty, aristocrats and American heiresses with unparalleled luxury. Setting two Guinness World Records and raising over $1.5 million for the Action for Children, and Elephant Family charities. We had the opportunity to interview Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Global Sales Director at Fabergé was interviewed for Flanelle magazine.
Flanelle : Take us through the design process to the final execution of the Game of Thrones Egg, which was created in collaboration with Games of Thrones Costume Designer, Michele Clapton.
Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell : “Every one of our creations has its own unique process. This partnership was a very organic and considered process which started with a mutual admiration. Both companies are household names for very different reasons, but both have captured the imagination of an audience who appreciate storytelling. And through these elaborate worlds there are many, perhaps unexpected parallels.
To add to this, we have another amazing parallel: Fabergé’s very first Imperial Egg, the 1885 Hen Egg revealed a hen inside the egg as surprise. Inside the gold hen was a ruby crown (which has sadly been lost since the Russian Revolution) and when we started discussing ideas around the various elements, Michele had the idea of continuing the Game of Thrones storyline inside the Fabergé egg – to follow Daenerys’ journey and what would have happened, had she become queen. As a result, we realized that an unexpected yet beautiful parallel would be for the surprise inside the Game of Thrones egg to be a crown. And therefore, we’re referencing the beginning of our story whilst continuing the story for Game of Thrones.”
What is the driving force from the conceptualization of Faberge design that determined aesthetic approach to exhibition? How do you see the role of technologies and fashion today in helping museums to research and curate their collections?
“Due to its wide spanning legacy, Fabergé has the privilege to operate across past present and future. Fabergé’s pre-Russian Revolution pieces will nowadays often sit within private collections or existing museum permanent displays across the world. As a result, Fabergé today leaves this part of guardianship to the institutions such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Wartzki and museum curators around the world. However, we’ve been lucky to form a strong partnership with a lot of museums thanks also to our Heritage Council, and in this case with the V&A, and we’re honored to play a role in the promotion and visibility of this wonderful exhibition. Fabergé is predominantly utilizing the exhibition to showcase to Fabergé’s existing clients the depth of historic achievements, whilst also demonstrating Fabergé today. “
How has the recent partnership with Gemfields shaped Fabergé’s aesthetic sensibility for design and conservation for wildlife and environment? What ecological and economic value will this partnership have on wildlife?
“Fabergé are continuing to work closely with Gemfields and support their efforts via Gemfields market activities and most recently supporting the Gemfields Foundation. On World Animal Day, Fabergé partnered with the Gemfields Foundation to launch the new Altruist Wilderness limited-edition watch series. Inspired by the ‘Big Five’ of Africa, and limited to just five numbered pieces per design, this stunning watch will help to support a portfolio of wildlife conservation projects in sub-Saharan Africa, with 25% of the retail price of each watch sold to be donated to the Gemfields Foundation.
After a decade of directly funding projects in Zambia and Mozambique, Gemfields has created the Gemfields Foundation, a charitable arm to upscale these activations. Gemfields Limited funds the project overheads, and where the group has a presence, boots on the ground are offered free of charge to bring projects to life. As a result, donations received are directed in full to realise projects that yield positive impact. The UK-registered charity operates with two objectives: alleviating poverty in local communities and assisting wildlife conservation efforts. Proceeds from Fabergé’s Altruist Wilderness watches will provide vital funds for conservation and protection of wildlife and natural habitats, preserving what is left of Africa’s great wildernesses.
In recent years, Gemfields has provided financial support to several conservation organisations that operate in Zambia and Mozambique, helping to protect nature reserves and wildlife, while at the same time supporting community livelihoods within these remote areas of wilderness, an essential part of ensuring the survival of increasingly rare wild animals like the Big Five.
The projects supported to date have operated in Zambia’s Kafue and South Luangwa national parks – both of which are home to large numbers of lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs – as well as in Mozambique’s Niassa and Quirimbas national parks, home to the largest populations of elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, sable, kudu, wildebeest, and zebra in the country. Projects supported range from providing satellite collars for lions to aid release from snares and poachers, to community training in anti-poaching and wildlife crime prevention, land-use planning, species re-introductions, and working with local communities to help them live alongside and care for these magnificent creatures, as well as developing alternative livelihoods for remote communities to reduce the attractiveness of poaching. The Foundation’s trustees will guide the selection of new projects to be funded by the proceeds from Fabergé’s Altruist Wilderness watches.”
What are some of the most engaging conversations and anecdotes you have had with Fabergé’s followers?
“The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé egg was born from an intrinsic desire to further the realms of Bespoke personalisation. Responding to the continuing demands of patrons in search of unique and cherished possessions, a designer at the House of Rolls-Royce sketched an egg, igniting a fascination that will undoubtedly become one of the most collectable items of modern times. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
The above quote really highlights Fabergé as one of the most collectable and desirable creators of all time. We’re lucky to have such a wide range of admirers and working with passionate people and likeminded thought leaders and creatives, we have great supporters. Through this, we’re able to be a platform or umbrella for attracting creatives and to give others a voice. We also have a family-like approach when working with our clients, who appreciate Fabergé then and now.
What are the future plans in relation to jewelry design and global partnerships?
“At Fabergé, we’re always engaged in very interesting conversations and we’re currently exploring many opportunities. However, we always strive to delight and surprise so ‘watch this space’! You may wonder what it takes to become a Fabergé partner and really this depends on whether we can find the unexpected, unusual and unique elements in a proposal or design and whether we can detect enough PCFTs (Peter Carl Fabergé traces) which include: breaking the mould, being fearless and possessing a perfectionist mindset.”
Text and interview by Rocio Frausto
