Soaring High at 130

CEBU, Philippines — When René Jules Lalique established the eponymous Lalique marquee in 1888, the renowned French jeweler and glass designer expanded the bounds of superior glass art and home accent pieces. A hundred and thirty years since, the lifestyle brand continues to further the margins its founder had pushed on – championing the ideal to make art a part of everyday life.

Late last month, Cebu had a sampling of Lalique ideals, as the brand earmarked its 130th anniversary celebration with the unveiling of its commemorative “Hirondelles” Collection.

Held at the second level of Rustan’s Ayala Center Cebu, the metro’s well-heeled set got first-view dibs on Lalique’s new line of swallow-inspired designs – “hirondelle” being French for the swallow family of passerine birds.

Crafted with crystals (lead glass), the collection reflects Lalique’s aesthetic leanings, which notably took inspiration from nature and the female form; made more dynamic and sensual with an interplay of materials, colors and glass-refracted light.

As commemorative collections come, Lalique’s “Hirondelles” encapsulates the vistas the brand has topped in its more-than-a-century history – while remaining to soar high at 130 years old. (YRST)