Celebrating 190 Years of the British Brand Wolf
The British brand Wolf celebrated its 190 years of history with a gala at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden on June 4th. The event featured a retrospective of the company's journey, a market leader in the manufacturing of watch and jewellery boxes, and was attended by various celebrities and well-known personalities from the UK.
The story of Wolf began with the entrepreneurial vision of Philipp Wolf I, who founded the company in 1834. Since then, the brand has been passed down through generations, remaining a family business to this day. In the 1920s, Philipp Wolf III, the founder's grandson, joined the family business and innovated by developing the iconic musical jewellery box with a spinning ballerina, known as the "Ballerina Box." This product became one of the most famous in the world, enchanting generations with its classic design and functionality.
Inside the iconic jewellery box, a grand theatre of "Swan Lake," embroidered by British designer Fiona Howard, decorates the interior. The box includes handcrafted wooden compartments lined with fabric. Additionally, it comes with two interchangeable ballerinas of different skin tones, who dance to Tchaikovsky when the silver key with the "W" symbol is turned.
Today, Wolf is led by Simon Wolf, representing the fifth generation of the family. During the event, Simon shared his family's history and expressed pride in leading such a respected and globally recognised company. He highlighted the continuity of traditions and innovations that keep Wolf at the forefront of the market.
The Wolf store in Covent Garden reflects this rich history and dedication to quality. The location is a must-visit for luxury accessory lovers, offering a wide range of products that combine tradition and modernity.
The celebration of 190 years was flawless, creating a sophisticated atmosphere with meticulously planned details. One of the most surprising moments of the evening was when Simon Wolf emerged from a large music box, an enlarged version of the Ballerina Box envisioned by his grandfather. This moment symbolised the union between tradition and innovation that characterises the brand.
Lydia Millen reflected on her experience, noting that the ballerina music box reminded her of her childhood. I share this sentiment as a ballet lover and cannot wait to have my own ballerina music box. The nostalgia and charm of this unique piece resonate deeply with me and my passion for ballet.
For the occasion, I chose a dress by Gyunel, designed by Gyunel Rustamova, known for her elegant and sophisticated creations. The dress was the perfect choice for a celebration of this magnitude, reflecting the glamour and tradition the event demanded. Gyunel is renowned for its commitment to quality and exclusive design. Gyunel Rustamova, the designer, is famous for her creations that combine timeless elegance with modern touches, making her pieces ideal for important events.
The party was a testament to Wolf's enduring legacy and the brand's ability to reinvent itself and continue to enchant customers worldwide. The 190 years of history were celebrated with the splendour the occasion deserved, consolidating Wolf's position as a leader and pioneer in the watch and jewellery box market.
Photography credits: photoshootinlondon (Ozoda)