Tiffany Ala Moana reveals new look

Nadine Kam photos
Tiffany's new leather goods salon is part of the Ala Moana store's new look, revealed today.

Tiffany & Co. at Ala Moana Center hosted its grand reopening this morning, following a complete renovation that includes new panel artwork, a nearly floor to ceiling chandelier, private showroom and leather goods salon.

I was given a sneak peek yesterday, with a mini tour from none other than Tiffany Leather Collection design directors John Truex and Richard Lambertson, in town for the grand opening and their own peek at the salon that grew around their collection, introduced a mere two years ago, that now encompasses more than 300 items including small leather goods, travel bags for men and women, and a full range of day and evening purses for women.

"Competition is fierce out here so if we were going to do leather, we were going to do leather," said Truex, who was admiring the new salon.

"What they did here is breathtaking. It's so client focused and the collection looks phenomenal in this space," he said, adding that the increased space allows them to show "the more novel, collectible and humorous side of Tiffany."

Truex explained the duo's process of "hanging back and looking at who's peeking in the windows, and asking 'What would she want?' "

They also considered such clientele as the woman who appreciates art and architecture, and asking what she would like to carry. Some of the collection features sleek rectangular and curvilinear Art Deco lines.

Before joining Tiffany three years ago, John Truex, above, and Richard Lambertson were considered in the industry to be the go-to designers for animal print leather goods, and they've brought that expertise to Tiffany, introducing animal prints and exotic skins.

The designers brought with them a sampling of the Spring 2013 collection as well, with bright yellow, orange, white and honey hues inspired by Holland, tulips, daffodils and the purity of flowers.

"Coming off the fall political season," Truex said, their feeling was one of cutting loose of the negative campaigns and taking a happy approach to life.

Amen to that.

Tiffany Ala Moana's new, shimmering chandelier.