Design is always on our minds at CTC&G but never more than during the summer months after the Innovation in Design Awards gala, when we spend two months putting together this bumper design issue. So it was in this heady atmosphere, and for a change of pace, that I was thrilled to be invited to meet über jewelry designer James Taffin de Givenchy (yes, of those de Givenchys—actually a nephew of Hubert) at an exhibition of his Taffin collection at Simon Teakle’s location just off Greenwich Avenue. Simon and James became friends while working at Christie’s, so who better to host this 100-piece collection of Taffin design in Connecticut than Simon. ■ Stacey Bewkes of quintessenceblog.com said, “It’s almost an embarrassment of riches.” And I had the same feeling as I tried to take in this cornucopia of opulent jewelry. ■ De Givenchy’s style is sculptural, and each piece has a sense of whimsy and adventure. When asked about his inspiration, he said he refers back to his clients, their passions and interests. His interpretation of these leads to each precious piece. There are dizzying combinations of diamonds, sapphires, topaz, opals, garnets and coral in all colors—and each piece has a story. Surely, it is the ultimate extravagance to be able to visit with the master and emerge with something so precious and personal. ■ As I have said before, blue is my color, so I was attracted to a pair of freshwater pearl, turquoise and diamond “sea urchin” earrings. I am sure you would have been too!