Artworks of Austrian princess add a suitably royal finish to luxury development
The Hermitage, a newly-completed luxury residence in West Kowloon, punctuated its palatial aspirations with an exhibition of objects designed by Princess Ira von Furstenberg, one of Austrian royalty's most glamorous members. The 71-year-old princess (pictured), inaugurated the collection on Thursday evening at Hermitage's oval glass pavilion, named Faberge for the imperial Easter eggs by the famed Russian house of jewellery.
With more than 20 one-of-a-kind pieces crafted from crystal and precious metals and gems, it was conceived with the help of designer Silvio Berge (right) who introduced Hermitage developer Darryl Ng Win-kong of Sino Land to the princess during a private gathering. Ng (centre with Victor Tin, general manager of sales at Sino Land) gave a warm welcome to his royal guest and others at the event, remarking on the shared uniqueness of the glass pavilion and her highness' contemporary curios.
'I like to do things that nobody else has and that is true of my designs,' the princess said. 'I've always been drawn to crystal quartz. It is beautiful to the sight and touch; and in some cultures, a portent of good luck. I have a studio in Madagascar, where most of the raw material comes from. Making these pieces is not an easy process - one has to be dedicated in the craft to do what I do.'
She began designing miniature sculptures 12 years ago, after a two-decade film career in Europe and a stint as public relations manager for Valentino. This is her third exhibition in Hong Kong, and she remains a jet-setter.
'After this, I'll be in France and Monaco for a while, then I might need to go to Africa to visit a friend who has just become president,' she said. 'Then we are planning another exhibition in Milano which will feature skulls, buddhas and crosses, under the theme of sacred and profane. I'm preparing myself for the reactions, it should be very interesting.'
