May 2019
In today’s evolving luxury retail environment many brands and retailers alike have struggled to find their way through the maze of changes and challenges.
One brand has navigated the changing times by both staying true to its core story and by cannily following its own vision for the new world order. The GURHAN brand has been a force since the late 1990s, and has become even more significant today as an example of a company swiftly and successfully responding to the challenges of current times.
From the retail Atelier … to the ecommerce website … to the network of retailers around the country… the brand has an authentic story which is woven into every aspect. And with today’s consumer seeking an emotional connection to the brands she invests in, it is this rich, colorful and genuine narrative that continues to fortify the relationship GURHAN has with its customers
From the very beginning Gurhan made it his mission to recreate and revive the original techniques of the ancient metalsmiths of Anatolia whose hand wrought creations live on in museums of antiquity around the world. The brand’s signature use of pure gold and the hand-hammered texture pay homage to the original materials and techniques of the past as well as providing the immediately recognizable DNA of the brand. Today, Gurhan’s workshop is a school that perpetuates these ancient techniques for posterity.
Gurhan and wife and business partner, Fiona, share a fascination for exotic cultures and the handcrafted artistry they created and this passion manifests in every aspect of their lives. Gurhan and Fiona’s passion for world culture as expressed through its artisanry underlies the entire meaning of the brand. Soon after meeting over 25 years ago in Istanbul, the couple began a journey and a life of discovery. Choosing destinations that are less traveled and still preserve authentic culture, together they unearth new finds, discover rare beauty and experience cultures that enlighten and influence the jewelry. The designs, which interpret traditional cultures for today’s tastes, are consistently informed by the duo’s exotic travels.
Today, Fiona & Gurhan’s home, is a temple to the very handmade craft and art that inspires the line. One look at their beautifully eclectic lofted penthouse is all it takes to understand their vision to present and preserve the finest craft from original cultures around the world. Likened to a museum, it is filled with handmade treasures: a gilded Chinese wedding bed, a 7-foot tall Indian temple guard (with a cute butt!), a humble tea-painting from a roadside artist in Morocco, Mongolian prayer flags, dragons from Bhutan, embroideries of glowing lotuses from Myanmar, sheep-fur masks from Romania, paintings from Azerbaijan, a life-size wooden skeleton from Mexico, a carved coffee table from Papua New Guinea, a monstrous Buddha from Indonesia, terracotta figures from Urartu, early Roman glass bangles ... the list goes on and the antiquities they collect also make their way into the jewelry. Collectors compete to possess the rare objects that are turned into jewelry, bringing new relevance to remnants of the past such as ancient Roman horse decorations, furniture embellishments and military insignia.
The Tribeca Atelier where Gurhan spends much of his time working at the bench is a truly authentic experience that embodies the foundation of the brand. Situated in a landmark building and personally refurbished by Gurhan, it is perhaps the purest reflection of the company’s philosophy. With picture frames made by Gurhan himself encasing his jewelry, museum-worthy artifacts and antiquities, and even floorboards that were sanded and finished by Gurhan himself, the designer's philosophy is clearly evidenced throughout.
Shoppers are delighted by working with Gurhan in a warm cozy setting and often visit the Atelier just to “hang out “. Having a drink at the bar, or listening to Gurhan’s mix of smooth tunes while relaxing on the couch offers a rare and authentic experience that is the very personification of the company. The magical environment of the retail Atelier, is also home to special personalized events hosted for his retailers.
In 2019 the company plans to widely circulate the story to trade and consumer audiences. Distribution will include all aspects of industry and consumer-facing vehicles including the GURHAN ecommerce website, printed materials, trade shows, and POP.
MORE ABOUT GURHAN:
Established over 20 years ago, GURHAN is carried in luxury retailers and worn by discerning collectors and celebrities worldwide, including Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Oprah, and Angelina Jolie. The designs have earned Gurhan a variety of awards and accolades including being voted “Top Gold Designer” in 2009 by jewelry retailers, winning the World Gold Council’s grand prize for the Millennium, and perhaps most significantly, being commissioned to create an entire collection by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and National Geographic Society. The line which includes silver as well as gold, is produced exclusively in the company’s own workshops in Istanbul where Gurhan himself has personally trained each master craftsman to his exacting standards. When in New York, Gurhan splits his time between the company headquarters in the Flatiron area where he works with wife and co-owner Fiona Tilley, and his Tribeca Atelier where continues to design new collections, One-of-a-Kinds and custom pieces at his bench.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT:
Alice Aquilino/646.795.1212/alice@gurhan.com