Boutique grand opening at Bayshore Mall

(L to R) Gerry Kirkconnell, Maxime Baretge, Gabriel
Colonna de Giovellina, Debbie Guyton, Olivier Mauny,
Pat Kirkconnell, Captain Eldon Kirkconnell, Chris
Kirkconnell celebrate the opening of the Lalique
boutique

It was part of Captain Eldon Kirkconnell’s dream to
open the Lalique store, with his wife Pat

Olivier Mauny with Leah Jarvas shows off the
exclusive Black Collection

Tim Adam, and twin sisters Maxine and Maureen
Bodden enjoy the harp music by Eugenico Leon

Monday,  February 7, 2005

The grand opening of the Lalique Boutique at Bayshore Mall last Wednesday 2 February, showcased the limited Black Collection, as well as perfume, leather goods and art nouveau jewellery that has made Lalique products world-renown. 

“For years, we had a Lalique shop within a shop, which was a tremendous success,” said Gerry Kirkconnell, Managing Director of Kirk Freeport. “Lalique has come from being a brand on a shelf, then to a corner, and now the demand for the designs has matured to a boutique.” 
“Lalique has designed a stingray exclusively for this store. This will be the only place in the world where you can buy this particular stingray,” added Mr Kirkconnell.

The original founder and creator of the Lalique product line, René Lalique, was influenced by Japanese artists and inspired by nature to create jewellery as an art form. His jewellery depicted entire scenes; pieces of jewellery, which were in themselves miniature sculptures, and expressed the animal and plant kingdom. 

René Lalique began designing jewellery in 1882, adding crystal and other fine goods along the way until his death in 1945. Even today, Lalique’s crystal designs as well as jewellery, leather goods and furniture are sought-after around the world. 

Olivier Mauny, President of Lalique who visited the Cayman Islands especially for the grand opening said:

“The Black Collection has taken the old and new designs of crystal dating from 1927 through 2000 and changed them from transparent crystal to non-transparent black. Now, the black vases reveal a new sensation when you look at the pieces. 

“It underlines the craft- man’s work. When you look at it, you feel the magic and mystery of the artist.”

The Black Collection has four different vase designs, two of which are original designs of René Lalique, with a worldwide limited edition of 399 vases. The Lalique store in Cayman currently has four vases from this limited edition collection, with one on order.

“Put a Lalique vase with an inexpensive glass and it is still looks fashionable,” said Mr Mauny. “Lalique can fit in with the classy, modern and outdoor environment.”

Guests attending the opening were pleased with the Lalique products, both old and new. 

One Lalique shopper, Maggie MacKenzie said, “I really like the cuff-links. The Lalique design is so much more feminine than other cufflinks I have seen.” 

Approximately 150 guests attended the grand opening that included harp music by Euenico Leon, hors d’oeuvres, and opportunities to buy some of Lalique’s new products. A prize draw included two vases from the Black Collection and a stingray crystal.

Back...