From City financier to jewellery designer, Robert Tateossian founded his eponymous brand with the purpose of offering men and women a distinctive way to express their personality and style.
Widely recognised as a the “King of Cufflinks” – due to his successful range of cufflinks – Robert often draws on his international upbringing, love of luxury and travel in creating pieces that are innovative, unique and of uncompromising quality.
Born in Kuwait to Lebanese-Armenian parents and educated at French schools in Rome, Tateossian studied international finance at the prestigious Wharton School of Finance in Pennsylvania, before embarking on a successful career with Merrill Lynch on Wall Street and the City of London.
After dedicating seven years to the world of banking, his natural creative flair, love of luxury and a keen eye for detail led him to jewellery and accessory design. In 1990, Tateossian Ltd was established in London.
Inspired by everything, from travel and religion to art and fashion, and with no creative limitations, traditional metals such as silver and gold are often combined with precious jewels such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies, as well as carbon fibre, meteorites and crystals.
Many of the Tateossian signature elements reflect Robert’s own appreciation of mechanism, aesthetics and the unconventional, delivering distinctive yet wearable pieces.
While still creating handcrafted, contemporary and unique cufflinks for discerning businessmen, the brand is now much more than a purveyor of stylish shirt sleeve fasteners for bankers and brokers. The men’s, women’s and unisex collections feature a wide range of accessories: from watches to money clips, rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, all with the Tateossian trademark use of innovative and striking materials.
Robert lives between London, Milan and New York, and spends the rest of his time travelling around the world sourcing stones, meeting clients and suppliers and gaining inspiration for his latest collections.
We caught up with Robert Tateossian for the latest in our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
Chelsea for sure – it’s where I had my first apartment, and also where I currently live. The stretch below Drayton Gardens to the Chelsea and Westminster hospital has everything you could possibly need, from the best delicatessens such as Luigis, Bayley & Sage, and Natura, to restaurants with every type of cuisine… Aglio Olio being my go to for 30+ years!
Favourite place for brunch:
Royal China Club. It’s a great place to catch up with friends for Sunday brunch, sitting on a round table with a lazy susan in the middle, nibbling on basket after basket of dim sum – Xiao Long Bao is my favourite, washed down with Jasmine tea.
Best coffee in London:
Carpo has amazing coffee, in every style, even arabic coffee that reminds me of Kuwait which is where I grew up. Though I always prefer to have a Lungo Nepresso in my kitchen at home first thing in the morning.
Favourite gallery or museum:
Tate Modern. I’ve been a member for years, and so it’s nice to be able to go see all of the different exhibitions without having to book. I love crossing Millennium Bridge, walking into Turbine Hall and experiencing the well curated exhibitions – always finishing the visit by having a coffee and cake on the top floor admiring the best views of London.
Tell us a secret:
I collect Natsumes – tea caddies used in the Japanese Tea ceremony. They are lacquerware small containers used to store green tea during the ceremony. Each container is unique and intricately hand decorated by artisans with different motifs depending on the season – using inlays of shells and Maki- E – sprinkles of gold and silver dust. A bit like cufflinks, it’s something very niche and a lot of passion goes into creating each piece.
Favourite place to shop:
Etro. I always walk in, wanting to buy one item of clothing and always end up buying so much more. Designs are bold and bright, but colours make me happy whether paisleys on a scarf or florals on a shirt.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
Walking the streets in London you are bombarded with inspiration from architecture, old and new, art exhibitions and installations, furniture galleries, a visit to Portobello market, or a dancing outing in the East End of London.
Best London destination for a date:
The restaurant at the At Sloane Hotel off Sloane Square, a collaboration between Café Costes in Paris and the Cadogan Estate. Delicious French Mediterranean Cuisine served in a round niche off the main dining area with enough room for one round table, under cupola. It’s super sexy, intimate and private – perfect for a date.
Favourite park:
Battersea Park because of The London Peace Pagoda. I have always been hugely attracted to Japanese culture. This monument was built to advocate world peace, and is a reminder of how important integration is in the world. I love to walk cross Battersea bridge and cruise long the Thames – nothing beats having a drink seated around the lake in the middle on a sunny London day.
Favourite food market:
Borough Market. I enjoy all the hustle bustle of the market, it is a great thing to do on a Saturday morning. You can find anything you are looking for, whether it’s that special olive oil or special cut of organic beef. Unless you are hungry in which case there is something to cater to every possible palate.
Your sanctuary in the city:
My kitchen at home. In the morning I love to sit overlooking the garden admiring the changes in the vegetation, with a coffee mug in hand, baroque music in the background and a Cire Trudon candle burning.
This season I’m loving…
White and Ecru were colours mostly for summer. I love the new trend for cashmere ecru sweaters, jackets and even corduroy trousers to be worn in winter. A good way to let the sun shine in on those dark cloudy London days.
