In an Australian first, the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art has brought two of its senior executives to Melbourne. This ground-breaking collaboration marks a historic moment for the art and design world, as Mr. Morgan Pearce, General Manager of Marketing and Brand Partnerships, and Mr. Josh Romm, Head of Global Partnerships in New York, have graced our shores to celebrate the launch of The Met X Eichholtz collection.
The arrival of these esteemed executives last night at James Said, the luxurious furniture store in Armadale, was met with great fanfare. Dressed in their finest black-tie attire, they were welcomed with open arms by Melbourne’s elite including our renowned influencer and entrepreneur Rebecca Judd, Michiel Herkemij, CEO and President of Eichholtz, and Edwin van der Gun, Chief Executive Officer of Eichholtz, it was a night to remember.
The presence of Neale Whitacker, Shaynna Blaze, Tayla Broad, Alin Le’ Kal, Con Ilio, Jason Grech, and Diida Papafotiou added to the glamour and sophistication of the evening. And let’s not forget the visionary founder of James Said, Bethany James, who brought everyone together for an unforgettable experience. It was a night of networking, inspiration, and celebration of success.
Edwin van der Gun says, creating The Met x Eichholtz collection has been an exceptional experience for me and my team. A year of being allowed to roam through the museum when it was closed to the public and explore the archives has led us to design a collection, we are incredibly proud of.
Our close engagement with the artifacts and artworks, being allowed to see the structure and materiality felt like a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity.
The result is a very special collection of handcrafted pieces we know work beautifully with the Eichholtz collections and will suit a wide variety of luxury interiors.
The Met X Eichholtz collection is a celebration of history and culture, bringing together the unparalleled expertise of The Metropolitan Museum of Art with the sophisticated craftsmanship of Eichholtz. This collection embodies a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication, drawing inspiration from the rich history and cultural heritage of The Met.
‘The collection features 40 art reinterpretations including elegant statues and busts carved in fine materials including bronze, brass, and marble. Each pays direct homage to the techniques and cultures of the past with an emphasis on authenticity.
Working in close collaboration with the Museum’s design team, each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans and is marked on its base with The Met x Eichholtz logo.’
Together, Mr. Pearce and Mr. Romm have worked tirelessly to bring this collaboration to life, ensuring that The Met X Eichholtz collection embodies the essence of luxury and sophistication. Their presence in Melbourne is a testament to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for art and design, attracting top talent and influencers from around the world.
The launch event at James Said was a night to remember, with guests mingling amidst stunning displays of art and design. The atmosphere was electric, as guests marvelled at the exquisite craftsmanship of the collection and toasted to the success of this historic collaboration.
The arrival of The Met executives in Melbourne is a momentous occasion that signals a new era of creativity and innovation in the art and design world. The Met X Eichholtz collection is a testament to the power of art and design to transcend boundaries and unite people from all walks of life.
By Melinda Sullivan
Photography by Lucas Dawson
For more information visit https://www.eichholtz.com/en/the-met-x-eichholtz-collection/
