Design icon Frank Gehry is embroiled in law suit that alleges he defrauded a California company in a deal for his unique Tiffany jewellery collection.
Reported details of the suit reveal Circa Publishing Enterprises claims it struck a deal with the architect to hand them sole rights to produce, distribute and sell jewellery items carrying his trademark.
Circa says it introduced Mr Gehry to the prestigious Tiffany of New York so the pair could fuse expertise, to create what the jeweller hails as an “arresting shapes and forms that reflect Gehry’s lifelong passion.”
Circa said it expected to receive half of the net proceeds of the sale, according to extracts from the lawsuit reported and obtained yesterday by The Associated Press.
But the deal was alleged to have come undone, when Mr Gehry dealt with Tiffany direct and, the suit reportedly alleges, never provided Circa with sales figures, leaving the firm unable to calculate its contended share.
The Tiffany jewellery collection debuted in Japan and New York last year. It was inspired by the work of creative hands-on professionals.
“Jewellery is an art form," Mr. Gehry said at the time of launching his range in April.
“In conceptualising designs for Tiffany, I worked as I always do, sketching and creating models.
“Sculptors and painters have inspired me with their ability to make things with their own hands.”
The collection has been described as an exquisite interpretation of precious metals, stones and wood in provocative shapes, in keeping with Mr Gehry’s postmodernist craft.
It is now central to the law suit, which reportedly seeks unspecified damages and accuses Mr Gehry of fraud, breach of contract and unfair business practices.
May 25, 2007
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