If there is a string that connects GRAZIA Malaysia and Niessing, aside from our penchant for the finer things in life, it is a reverence for tradition. Just like how GRAZIA has been the leading voice in fashion since 1938, the German luxury house has enthralled the world of jewellery for over 150 years. So, with the brand opening its first-ever flagship boutique in Malaysia at The Exchange TRX, it was only appropriate for us to host an exclusive soirée to mark the occasion.
Held at Seibu’s Personal Shopper Lounge, the intimate get-together drew friends of the brand and key opinion leaders alike such as Roanne Woo and Athina Kamarudin. The stylish guests, after taking turns at the photo wall and mingling over luxurious champagne and delectable canapés, took their seats as emcee Weena Marcus delivered her welcome speech and passed the baton to Niessing’s regional marketing manager Scarlett He for a brand introduction.
Taking the guests on a journey through time, He narrated the brand’s inspiring story. From the recounting of its inception in Vreden by founder Hermann Niessing to the establishment of a new design philosophy by Niessing’s granddaughter Ursula Exner and architecture professor Max von Hausen nearly a century later, the crowd was engrossed in every anecdote. The high point of the presentation, however, were the stories behind the invention of its award-winning designs.
The sharing session was followed by a styling workshop led by GRAZIA Malaysia’s own Fashion Editor Sarah Chong. Here, Chong showcased the versatility of the Niessing’s creations as she paired some of the brand’s distinguished jewellery pieces, from the signature Spannring to the sleek Colette C, with no less than five different looks: Day to Day, Work, Date Nights, Party, and Events. Audible “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd ensued with every combination.
The event then moved to the Niessing boutique on the ground floor where guests had the opportunity to get up close with the jewellery pieces and try them on. Those who had finished admiring the pieces flocked to the corner of the store to get their portrait illustrations done. As the evening began to conclude, guests were handed favour boxes comprising jewellery cases, copper keychains, and postcards by Niessing, as well as copies of the GRAZIA Malaysia magazine.