Daniel Arsham x Tiffany & Co

Ever since breaking into the international art scene in 2005, Daniel Arsham has made waves with his unique style and ability to instil his aesthetic on mass produced products. This has led him to great success with collaborations, especially with high-end brands.

Arsham's association with the House of Dior dates back to 2005, when he was commissioned by then-Dior Homme head designer Hedi Slimane to craft the changing rooms for Dior’s Los Angeles store. This early collaboration showcased his distinct architectural approach and established a connection between the artist and the fashion house. Years later, under the artistic direction of Kim Jones for Dior Men's, Arsham was invited again in 2019 to contribute to the Summer 2020 collection. This partnership resulted in a range of products imbued with Arsham's characteristic style of blending past, present, and future, including an eroded version of the iconic Dior logo and crystal-encrusted items reflecting the artist's fascination with erosion and archaeology.

Arsham’s collaboration with German travel brand Rimowa brought the artist's distinctive approach to the realm of luxury luggage. The partnership, which has resulted in two collections so far (2019 and 2022), has created limited-edition versions of Rimowa’s iconic aluminium suitcase, reimagined through Arsham’s lens of time and erosion. The first design appeared as though it had been unearthed from an archaeological site, complete with a tarnished aesthetic, resembling the artefacts from a distant future or a forgotten past. The second played with the idea of an object’s evolution over time – in this case, a series of vintage-style logos were emblazoned on the suitcase’s exterior. He said: “Rimowa and I share an interest in process, in an object’s evolution over time. A suitcase is covered by stickers or blemishes; a sculpture erodes and crystallises.” This melding of Arsham's conceptual art with Rimowa's functional design emphasised the transient nature of travel and time, creating a unique travel companion that blends art with utility.

Tiffany & Co., the esteemed luxury jeweller, has consistently refreshed its brand by intertwining its craftsmanship with the visions of contemporary artists and designers. These collaborations ensure the brand remains at the intersection of tradition and modernity, making it as relevant today as it was in its inception.

One of most iconic associations is with Elsa Peretti, who began her relationship with Tiffany in 1974. Peretti's designs, characterised by organic, sculptural forms like the 'Bone Cuff' and 'Open Heart,' have since become staples in Tiffany's collections, embodying modern elegance. Pablo Picasso’s daughter Paloma's collaboration, started in 1980 and brought vibrant colour and expressive motifs to Tiffany's offerings. Her designs, which are inspired by global travels, added a layer of modernity to Tiffany’s storied legacy. In a similar vein, a 2021 campaign featuring Beyoncé and Jay-Z spotlighted an advent calendar that used the artwork Equals Pi by the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Though posthumous, the artwork features the iconic “Tiffany blue” that has become eponymous with the brand.

Tiffany has also borrowed from architecture, and Frank Gehry's 2006 collection for Tiffany further blurred the lines between disciplines. Known for his deconstructivist designs, Gehry's asymmetrical sculptural pieces echoed his architectural prowess, translating it into wearable art. Tiffany & Co.’s strategic collaborations have continuously injected fresh perspectives into its historic legacy. By embracing the contemporary and honouring tradition, the brand demonstrates a masterful balance in the world of luxury jewellery.