When your last name is Picasso, everyone expects you to be creative.

Paloma Picasso comes from a family of the famous: her mother, artist Francoise Gilot; her stepfather, Dr. Jonas Salk, who discovered the polio vaccine; and, of course, her father, renowned artist Pablo Picasso.

It must have been difficult for young Paloma to find her own identity as an artist and designer while growing up in her famous parents’ shadows.

But she has done it, and with style.

She got her start as a costume designer in Paris. Some rhinestone necklaces she crafted out of flea market castoffs caused a stir in critical circles. This led to her designing for Yves Saint Laurent, which garnered more critical acclaim for Paloma.

And that brings us to Tiffany.

Paloma began designing for Tiffany in 1980, and has continued to produce evocative pieces ever since. Reinventing classics has become her hallmark.

Her Loving Hearts collection is vastly popular. I confess that I own a Loving Hearts necklace that has outlasted my relationship with the man who gave it to me. Paloma Picasso can take something as simple as a heart and show just how beautiful it can be.

I’m also a great fan of her Sugar Stacks – a veritable candy shop of colors. The design’s genius is in its simplicity; the gems seem to shine all the more brilliantly because the design doesn’t get in the way. The colors are so vivid that I almost want to taste them!

Paloma Picasso’s collaboration with Tiffany can only be described as a work of art. She has a flair for jewelry design all her own. And I think her father – what’s his name again? – would be proud.

Sweetly,
Olivia

Posted on 03.June 2008 at 03:25 in Featured Designers. Trackback-Url for this Article.