The Bangkok outlet of the New York-based Metropolitan Museum of Art Store has shifted course after six years with new navigators at the helm. Siblings Joy and Jet Sopitpongstorn and Dr Kanyakorn Jaovisidha took over the operation a few months ago from their relatives.
They pitched some fresh ideas to Manhattan headquarters, with the end result being the Met's move from Siam Discovery to the Emporium. The grand reopening last Thursday night drew an artsy crowd of fans for a fashion show.
The latest collection of glorious jewellery had no trouble grabbing attention. "Treasures of Imperial Russia" includes designs adapted from the celebrated 19th-century objets d'art of St Petersburg jeweller Peter Carl Faberge.
Faberge's studio produced magnificent enamelled cases, boxes, picture frames and, most famously, jewelled eggs for Tsars Alexander III and Nicolas II.
Russia's ruling Romanov family handed out the eggs as gifts to privileged guests, including one to Siam's King Rama V when he visited Nicolas II at the dawn of the last century.
"My family loves art," enthuses Joy Sopitpongstorn. "My cousin (former Met owner Prapavadee Sophonpanich) wanted to trade in the licence, but I wanted to keep it.
"I want to give good things to society, and I've found that art is the perfect choice.
"To make the store more creative and diverse, I've added a space for children's items where whole families can browse".
The franchise's latest owners spent Bt10 million on the new museum-like store, opting for an elegant "novelty" style with lots of glass and a marble floor.
As befor, there are hundreds of (mostly) affordable reproductions on sale-jewellery, wristwatches, sculpture, tableware, ceramics, scarves, postcards, calendars, ties and shawls, as well as stationery and stuff for the kids.
The prices run as low as Bt500 but climb to Bt50,000.
There are two spacious areas, the first arrayed with glass showcases of astonishing jewellery based on a 1901 Faberge egg and other wonders.
Among these are a Russian Imperial Conrnflower Cuff Bracelet and Pin, with enamel, crystals and 22-karat gold, and the Ladybug Pendant Watch, plated in 24-karat gold and decorated with coloured enamel and rhinestones.
If you have an interest in ancient Egypt, there's the Lotus Jewellery, adapted from a broad collar with lotus-shape terminals made in the reign of Thutmose III, circa 1400 BC. The modern version has a 24-karat overlay and is adorned with enamel, lapis lazuli, carnelian and turquoise beads.
The other room is like an art gallery, with beautiful paintings by Thai and foreign artists to complement the splendid ladies' jewellery designed by Joy, using precious stones gathered in Thailand.
The new owners are now planning to open Met outlets in Singapore and Hong Kong.
THE MET HAS MOVED
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store is in the Star Dome zone on the third floor of the Emporium. It's open daily from 10 to 9. Call (02) 664 9191.
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