The story
Repossi was founded in 1957 in Turin, Italy. After studying industrial design, Constantino Repossi took over his father’s Italian workshops in the postwar period. He founded the brand, developed Art Deco-inspired jewelry pieces, and opened the first boutique in Turin. His son Alberto became director in 1974 and opened his first boutique at Square Beaumarchais in Monte Carlo in 1978. He moved to 6 Place Vendôme in Paris in 1986. In 1994, the brand became the official supplier to H.S.H. Prince Rainier III of Monaco and created the engagement ring for H.S.H. Charlène of Monaco.
In 1997, the company gained international recognition after Dodi Fayed purchased a ring from company's "Dis-Moi Oui" ("Just Say Yes") collection for Diana, Princess of Wales. The two had been spotted at the Monegasque boutique, and the press speculated about a potential engagement with this ring. Alberto Repossi confirmed the decision to create a bespoke piece for Diana based on a model from the "Dis-Moi Oui" collection, along with variations on a bracelet and other items.
After studying fine arts, Gaia Repossi, representing the third generation, took over the company’s artistic and creative direction at the age of 21. She draws inspiration from art and architecture (Donald Judd, Richard Serra, Robert Mapplethorpe, Tadao Ando) to create new jewelry styles, such as knuckle rings like the Berbere Twin, and has made the earcuff her signature aesthetic.
In late November 2015, Repossi partnered with LVMH, with the luxury group acquiring a minority stake of approximately 40%. Three years later, LVMH became the majority shareholder of the Italian brand, and it was officially integrated into the Watches and Jewelry division starting in 2022.
The flagship boutique, located on Place Vendôme since 1986, was redesigned by Gaia Repossi and architect Rem Koolhaas (OMA) in 2016 to serve as an architectural statement. The interior is highly contemporary and a stark departure from the typical style of luxury jewelry boutiques, reflecting Repossi’s contemporary vision. The Monaco boutique was redesigned by artist Flavin Judd in 2020.
Repossi crafts “black gold” using an 18-karat white gold base coated in ruthenium and set with diamonds. This black gold is featured in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings within the Antifer collection.
Repossi’s minimalist and architectural aesthetic has captivated several Hollywood stars, including Cate Blanchett, Demi Moore, Emma Stone, Rihanna, and Hailee Steinfeld.
From Wikipedia’s article on Repossi, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4