By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe-
On June 2nd, Swiss watch manufacture Vacheron Constantin formally unveiled its 2009 "Les Masques" timepieces at New York's famed Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exceptional watches, which can be read about by clicking here, are the third series of Metiers d'Art models introduced by Vacheron Constantin directly inspired by masks from cultures around the world. The masks themselves are part of the extensive collection of the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva, whom Vacheron Constantin is also in partnership with for the exhibition "African and Oceanic Art from the Barbier-Mueller Museum, Geneva: A Legacy of Collecting".
On hand to welcome the many distinguished guests, including Monique Barbier-Mueller of the Barbier-Mueller family, were Vacheron Constantin CEO Juan-Carlos Torres, Vacheron Constantin International Director Marc Guten, and Hugues de Pins, president of Vacheron Constantin North America. The event brought out elites from across the spectrum, and collectors of both fine timepieces and art. Among the New York high society present were Rachel Roy, Fabiola Beracasa, Muffie Potter Aston, Olivia Chantecaille, Euan Rellie and Lucy Sykes, Gucci Westman and David Neville, Lela Rose, Celerie Kemble, and Tatiana Boncompagni.
The first segment of the evening saw guests taking in the many fascinating objects of the Barbier-Mueller exhibition, followed by a walk to the Temple of Dendur in the Sackler wing where cocktails were waiting, along with a breathtaking display of contemporary and past Vacheron Constantin Metiers d'Art watches. An added attraction was the presence of both a Vacheron Constantin master watchmaker and master engraver, who gave live demonstrations of their exacting artisanal specialties.
Afterward, guests adjourned to a refined dinner of Nori Dusted Scallops and Venison Loin Poele, where they enjoyed a performance by dancers and musicians from the Juilliard School. The exciting original performance borrowed dance, song and drum techniques from the range of cultures that feature in the Vacheron Constantin Les Masques collections. At the conclusion, the dancers made a dramatic presentation of the final Les Masques watch series to the enthralled audience.
More about Vacheron Constantin:
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