Elite Traveler July-August 2017

elite traveler JULY/AUG 2017 51

made its debut at Baselworld was inspired by the brand’s logo and by the fact that Mr Winston loved the emerald cut in diamonds. The watch features an emerald-shaped case and single or double-wrap bracelet. The design was geared not only to reach women, but also to reach a younger female customer. According to Hayek, it was an immediate hit and is attracting new clientele globally. “In a short time, we increased split on the women’s side to nearly 40/60,” says Hayek enthusiastically. “I don’t think we will add another women’s line like we did last year too soon, but we will grow what we have now, adding more complications for women.” This year at Baselworld, the brand unveiled pieces that pay tribute to the Art Deco era, New York skyscrapers and the sophisticated nightlife that surrounded Harry Winston in the year of its founding. New watches include rectangular Avenue watches with blooming cherry blossoms, or in mini versions with moonphase indication or offering dual time functions. In its beloved round Midnight collection, the brand introduces a petite 29mm automatic watch with diamond drops on the dial. In addition to growing the women’s watch business, Hayek set her sights on a new product category inspired by the brand’s history: Objects of Art. Also with the goal of raising the brand profile as a creator of unusual and special pieces — something Harry Winston regularly did in the 20th century — Hayek implemented a procession of stunning works of art, beginning last year with the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind bejeweled evening bag with a secret watch built into the diamond clasp. This year, the brand releases several new objects of art. Among them, a superb small table clock made in the shape of the Emerald logo, created of rare and alluring aventurine with diamonds. The Emerald Time clock features the time and date on one side and a mirror on the reverse. It features overlapping octagonal shapes set with radiant diamonds for a dramatic architectural appeal.

“We won’t introduce an object that does not tie to the history of Harry Winston… We must bring the DNA, the codes and style of Harry Winston forward.”

into action — to renovate the New York flagship boutique and create a museum inside, so that visitors can get a true feel for Harry Winston. “We have his office; we have his sketches; we have many vintage pieces he created,” says Hayek. “Now we need to showcase these for the public, so customers and lovers of Harry Winston can visit and see the beauty and history for themselves.” Excited to be leading the Harry Winston brand on this journey, Hayek comments on what it’s like to be a woman executive in the predominantly male-dominated watch and jewelry world, and to be head of such an iconic brand. Having set extremely high standards for herself since she was young, Hayek says, “As a woman, if you want to have success, you have to prove yourself much more than a man does. But every woman who wants to achieve something can make it happen with hard work and perseverance.”

Additionally, recalling the golden age of New York City and Broadway, Harry Winston unveils incredible gemstone-adorned binoculars with a clock atop them. The Broadway Glasses are actually a functioning pair of opera glasses set with diamonds and onyx. “We won’t introduce an object that does not tie to the history of Harry Winston,” says Hayek, who seems to be a true perfectionist in all she does. “We must bring the DNA, the codes and style of Harry Winston forward. The binoculars were perfect because they are all about Broadway and New York. But it is always a delicate balance.” Although a perfectionist, Hayek is also a great listener, has an easy, casual manner and a good sense of humor. And, while she is passionate about the equestrian field, she seems equally as enthusiastic about preserving the Harry Winston legacy. In fact, she has plans — already put