By Ase Anderson in London
It's hard to believe that a whole decade has passed since Dover Street Market (DSM) first opened its doors.
Ten years on, the multi-level store, in the heart of London's exclusive Mayfair district, continues to push the boundaries with its eclectic line-up of designers.
To mark its landmark anniversary, DSM is hosting a month-long celebration, which kicked off last week with a top-to-bottom transformation of the store to set the scene for a plethora of events and special product launches. The fine jewellery space on the ground floor has been expanded and remodelled by English artist Tom Price.
Among the jewellers taking part in the celebrations is rising star Sophie Bille Brahe. The Danish fine jewellery designer recently set up her eponymous brand and already counts Madonna, Lady Gaga and Emma Watson among her fans. Sophie's jewels, with their innovative use of gems such as the classic pearl, are inspired by her love of storytelling. The clean, simple lines also speak of a distinctly Scandinavian design aesthetic.
To celebrate DSM's tenth birthday, Sophie has created a collection inspired by the iconic retail emporium as well as by her signature Elipse range. In yellow white and rhodium-plated gold with diamonds, the handmade jewels have a very industrial look.
"I've used diamonds in a more narrative way and have alternated between using princess-cut and baguette diamonds," says Sophie.
She thinks DSM's approach to retailing is hugely inspiring and supportive, right down to the sales staff's impeccable knowledge of the products they are selling. Sophie adds: "I find DSM's development truly inspiring and I think part of their success is their willingness to take risks and believe in design that is not necessarily commercial."
Known for her daring and provocative approach to jewellery design, Betony Vernon has created a collection of blush-inducing jewels that double up as sensual objects to pleasure your partner or yourself. Crafted in body safe, durable sterling silver and gold, Betony insists that these are not sex toys but rather jewels that empower the wearer.
To coincide with DSM's anniversary, Betony is adding a number of new and limited edition pieces to her controversial Paradise Found Fine Erotic Jewellery collection that first launched in 2001. She is also hosting a private salon and book signing event on 18 September for her latest book, The Boudoir Bible - The Uninhibited Sex Guide for Today.
Speaking of her new collection, Betony says: "I am equally obsessed with proportions, fine materials, craftsmanship and functionality. The Paradise Found Erotic Jewellery collection empowers the wearer with the possibility to provide new and different sensations that can not be provided with the hands or body alone."
Sounds intriguing? Put your inhibitions to one side and check out Betony's Sado Chic O-rings, Sado Chic Cuffs or Double Sphere Massage Ring, for jewels that promise to spice up your love life and look pretty when worn beyond the boudoir.
This month will also see the launch of a limited edition watch featuring one of the world's most recognizable cartoon characters. Snoopy, the famous beagle of the long-running comic strip Peanuts by Charles Schultz, is sniffing out the world of luxury watches, thanks to a unique collaboration between Bamford Watch Department (BWD) and pop art fashion brand Rodnik.
The watch, a customised Rolex Datejust, which will be unveiled at DSM as part of the anniversary celebrations, is available in either MGTC Black or MGTC Light Grey. Both versions feature a picture of Snoopy, looking the image of laid back cool in his red rimmed shades, with his arms (or should that be front legs?) acting as the hands of the watch. They are limited to a series of 25 and come in a distinctive Snoopy Doghouse presentation case.
BWD founder George Bamford says: "I am really excited to have created the limited edition Snoopy watch in collaboration with Rodnik as I have been a lifelong fan of Snoopy having had Snoopy placed in my cot at birth. I have even carried forward that tradition with my own son and daughter. I love the playful nature encapsulated by the Snoopy character and continue to be an avid collector of all things Snoopy."
