Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 – 40mm
A Fête Under The Stars With Vacheron Constantin
Filling New York with the old-world glamour and formality of a past time, Vacheron Constantin threw a party under the Manhattan stars to celebrate the official opening of its flagship store.
By Jessica “J.J.” Owens
Contributor
After a soft launch earlier this summer, the Vacheron Constantin North American Flagship boutique on New York’s East 57th Street took its official launch to heights of glamour unseen since long before the pandemic. The evening enticed a guest list of enthusiasts, industry executives, and socialites mixed with a Fashion Week crowd that made for an evening as unique as the brand’s timepieces.
But with the end of summer sadly approaching, fall is suddenly full of the promise of newly reinstated horological happenings. And let me just say: The fête Vacheron Constantin hosted this week will be tough to beat.
A Flawless Flagship
Having been besotted with the new boutique since my visit earlier this summer, I was eager to see Vacheron Constantin’s flagship come alive as the store itself offers an undeniable sense of glory and glamour upon entrance.
However, not to be outdone, this week’s event matched the pomp and circumstance of the two-story, 4,500-square-foot boutique. Movers and shakers eyeballed the watches along with the heirloom pieces as an artist sketched caricatures of guests wearing the famed Historiques American 1921.
Meanwhile, excited anticipation filled the air, as newly appointed President of the Americas, Alexander Schmiedt, promised a night of surprises, stating: “We kicked off the latest chapter in a centuries-old love story with the city, where our guests went on a surreal journey to 1921 and back again to 2021, in honor of our iconic watch, the American 1921.”
Transported to the Twenties
The cocktail party kicked off in style with a veritable fleet of Rolls-Royce cars, both vintage and new, were posted outside the boutique, standing ready to take guests to a penthouse speakeasy at Steinway Hall. But the juxtaposition of modernity and brand heritage was not only shown in the selection of vehicles but in venue, as flappers welcomed guests into the stately and modern 21st-floor apartment and served cocktails inspired by the American 1921.
After enjoying cocktails and canapés under the moonlit skyline, dinner was served. And even then, no attention to detail was spared. Course by course, the instantly recognizable Vacheron Constantin insignia was present, whether that be the Maltese cross on a branzino, or a honeycomb designed in the same geometric design as the new flagship.
Musical Marvels
Delighted with not one but two performances during the event, the first was by the ethereal Karen Elson. Playing an acoustic set while wearing a resplendent peach gown adorned with cascading feathers and enchanting us all, she set the tone for the rest of the evening and its glamour.
Before dessert, guests were treated to the surprise of a lifetime: a cabaret set by Tony Award Winner Alan Cumming. Singing classics such as Liza Minnelli’s “Maybe This Time” and Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?” mixed with his recounts of past loves and aging, his performance ignited the room.
Finally, at the end of a whimsical evening, after being transported back to the Roaring Twenties and the era of the American 1921, it was sad to leave. It was an evening as magical as the new Vacheron Constantin Flagship.
Vacheron Constantin’s flagship boutique is now open at 28 East 57th Street in New York City.
A Closer Look At The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface
By Rhonda Riche
, Editor-At-Large
If you’re eager to begin the New Year with a clean slate and a new watch, then look no further than Vacheron Constantine’s two new takes on the...
A Closer Look At The Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Westminster Sonnerie – Tribute to Johannes Vermeer
By Marco Gabella
, Chairman & Executive Publisher
Having had the privilege of a personal presentation of this truly unique masterpiece was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As the perfect marriage of art,...
Vacheron Constantin Unveils Two New Overseas “Everest” Limited Editions
By Mike Espindle
, Executive Editor
After unprecedented demand for its Overseas prototype model which scaled Mount Everest, the Genevan watchmaker has brought two special edition “Everest...
