Dubai, UAE, 22nd February 2009: Jay Strongwater, the internationally renowned American brand known for its exquisite handcrafted creations, opened its first mono brand store in Dubai. To mark the celebrations, an exclusive press event was organized in the brand's new boutique in Dubai Mall, presided by the illustrious designer himself.

"I have been very honored to watch our business grow beyond the stores we work with in the United States.  As you can imagine, as a designer I am excited to think that what we create is appreciated all over the world.  For 4 years now I have watched from afar as I hear about our growing amount of collectors in Dubai. So I am thrilled to have our very own boutique in this exciting growing city" enthused Jay Strongwater.

Strongwater began his career in 1981 making fashion jewellery while still a student at the Rhode Island School of Design. His first big fashion break came through a meeting with designer Oscar de la Renta who began to collaborate with Strongwater for his fashion runway jewels. 1995 marked the designer's foray into home couture with his first line, "Jewels for the Home".  In essence, this jewelry designer took his materials and craftsmanship he so loved and began creating bejeweled creations to personalize one's home.  Each handcrafted design cast in metal, enameled and hand set with Swarvoski crystals and semi precious stones.  By 1998, home décor supplanted the fashion business as the brand successfully expanded its product line to include frames, enameled boxes, candlesticks, mirrors, lamps, tables and elaborate jeweled figurines.

Today the Jay Strongwater name is synonymous with lush opulent designs and luxurious detailing. Each of his creations are painstakingly handcrafted and brought to life by skilled artisans in the designer's New York atelier and production workshop in Rhode Island. "In today's world so much is mass produced, it is rare to have someone create pieces one by one." Says Strongwater, "It's an old luxury with a lighter feel."

With celebrity clients including Sir Elton John, Madonna, Cate Blanchett, Halle Berry and Oprah Winfrey, the brand has come a long way from its modest beginnings in the early 80s, to the burgeoning business it has become with stores in New York, London, Moscow, Tokyo and now Dubai.

 "Since the brand was first launched in this region in 2005, we have had overwhelming response. This has ultimately led to the opening of the first stand alone boutique in the Middle East", commented Jean-Christophe Miquel, Division Manager - Art de Vivre, Chalhoub Inc.

Plush in purple, the boutique houses a visually rich and curious collection of figurines, pins, charms, console tables, wall mirrors, vases, frames and other luxury home accessories. Adding to the old world charm of the boutique is a handcrafted limited edition "Harem chandelier" - one of three pieces in the world dazzling with  over 63,000 carefully inset Swarovski crystals. In addition to classics, the boutique will feature creations from the latest Spring 2009 collection.  

"The Spring 2009 Jay Strongwater collection is truly unique and inspiring and is sure to whet the appetite of customers in the UAE - whether it is an item from the timeless blue and white 'Nottingham' collection or the bejeweled 'Sultana' collection, each piece is an exceptional work of art that collectors will treasure for generations" concluded Jean-Christophe Miquel.

Jay Strongwater designs can be found in The Boutique at Dubai Mall and in Tanagra stores across the UAE.

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For more information please contact:
Shereen Saifudeen
Euro RSCG Corporate Communications ME
Tel: +971 (4) 812 8400 Ext 432
Email: Shereen.Saifudeen@eurorscgme.com

© Press Release 2009