Inside Tiffany’s Grand Reopening Party

Altana Danzhalova and Sonya Molodetskaya

Photo Credit: Natalie Jenks for Drew Altizer Photography

The San Francisco glitterati were out in full force last night as Tiffany & Co. unveiled its sparkling new look. For the past nine months the store has been slowly remodeled—but it remained open during the renovation. Now finally the modern makeover is complete. The first thing you notice is the giant new statue of Atlas, the Greek god, holding a clock high above his head. It’s located directly above the front door. Large windows on both floors make the space bright and airy—better to display the beautiful jewelry. A gorgeous chandelier that resembles a stunning tangle of golden branches hangs from the ceiling. A gleaming staircase leads to the upstairs where case after case of engagement rings can be found. The new store has an outdoor patio space that was transformed for the opening event into a backdrop for a photo shoot. Guests were invited to stand inside an oversized Tiffany’s box while a photographer snapped a fun image.

Everyone who is anyone was there—including Denise Hale, Vanessa Getty, Allison Speer, Trevor and Alexis Traina, Alison Pincus, and Dr. Carolyn Chang. Principal ballerinas Yuan Yuan Tan and Mathilde Froustey represented the San Francisco Ballet, which Tiffany & Co. sponsors. Some guests paid homage to Tiffany with their fashion choices. Avé Seltsam, the gala chair for this year’s ballet opening event, wore a Tiffany blue-and-black lace strapless cocktail dress. Belinda Barry wore a Tiffany blue mini dress with white bow bustier and gigantic earrings. Sonya Molodetskaya wore a Tiffany blue metallic gown, of her own design from her latest Major Obsessions collection. The chic crowd posed for photos in front of a wall of Tiffany boxes while nibbling on delicious mini beef empanadas and truffled arancini bites. The Dom Perignon flowed.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer Photography

Tom Carroll, Tiffany & Co. vice president for the Northwest, welcomed the crowd in a quick speech. He said that the SFMOMA’s contemporary remodel inspired the jeweler to make the San Francisco store bigger and more luxurious. A surprise performance was on the evening’s agenda—would it be Lady Gaga who is the new face of Tiffany’s latest fashion jewelry collection, the Tiffany HardWear line? Alas, no. It was up and comer Spencer Barnett, son of Sloan and Roger Barnett—a good-looking young crooner who could be giving Justin Bieber a run for his money. The longest line wasn’t to try on jewels or get another glass of bubbly, but rather to the build a bouquet station upstairs. Instead of goodie bags, guests took home a clutch of pretty pale pink and white roses, arranged just so by two charming ladies. It was a festive and classy fete enjoyed by all.