GAS bijoux

GAS bijoux is a small jewelry boutique founded by Andre Gas in 1969 in St.Tropez, France...





I quote from New York magazine, because I could not have said it any better:

A sunny slice of St Tropez in Nolita, Andre Gas’s single jewelry boutique outside of his homeland (where he has five) is as feminine and fanciful as any romanticizing Francophile could conjure. With plaintive Edith Piaf tracks wafting through the space, a pink and bronze tiled floor that looks as if it’s been lifted from a Marseille terrace, and an ornate, glimmering chandelier, it’s a rococo scene that ably complements the jewelry on display. Gas’s look combines flash with old-fashioned charm: Dangly earrings feature fringe, crystals, and delicate glass beads while the occasional necklace sports unexpectedly trendy details like large gold medallions emblazoned with the designer's name. — Kate Jacobs

It must have been a little while ago since I came across this second shop in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

The Nolita store and chic owner Marnie Legrand.
She opened the stores a few years ago. You can read a short but interesting interview with her just below.

Marnie Legrand owns and operates NYC jewelry boutique Gas Bijoux, a charming, St. Tropex-inspired jewelry collection of silver and gold jewelry with a special emphasis on whimsical and feminine charms. The main designer, André Gas, is actually headquartered in France, but Marnie is the eyes and ears for Gas Bijoux on this side of the Atlantic. Fluent in French, Spanish, and English, the 34-year-old mother of one does all of the creative and visual work for the boutique, like buying and merchandising, while her hubby handles the business end. The line, which is wildly popular among Latina celebs, is reasonably priced, ranging from $60 to $200 and sometimes more. Latina.com chatted with the lovely dominicana to find out more....

Gas Bijoux is a French jewelry company, but you're Dominican, right?

Yes, born in Santo Domingo. The designer, André, is from Marseilles in the South of France. He's also the godfather of my daughter, so Gas Bijoux is really like a family business. The brand has been in the U.S. for four years.

Can you describe what the Gas Bijoux collection looks like?

It’s costume jewelry, which means that it's basically super-fun, eye-catching pieces that get a conversation at a dinner party started. In terms of influences, it’s very St. Tropez...very jet set with a little ethnic touch, but not too much. We’re big on charms, huge on Santeria symbols, crosses and Fatima hens—those are the little hens with the finger up. An enormous piece for us is a wish bracelet that comes on a cord...if you go to St. Tropez in the summertime, everybody's wearing them!

Tell us how you got into jewelry.

I used to have an accessories store in St. Barths, and André is a very old family friend. I’ve personally been wearing André's pieces for ages, and I would receive so many compliments from people about that I ended up talking with him about how we could extend the business in America. Now I’m his eye on this side of the Atlantic, pitching ideas and working on some of the design. I test drive every new piece that comes out.

Is it true that Eva Longoria Parker wears the line?

Yes. And Jennifer Lopez is wearing one of our most popular earrings on the cover of her album. Shakira owns half of the jewelry in our store.

You run your business with you husband, Pascal Legrand. How did you meet him?

I went on summer vacation to St. Barths for only four days, and I happened to meet Pascal there. It was love at first sight. We got married a year later, and then we also decided to be business partners. It’s nice, but it’s also unusual because lots of couples don’t survive working together.

What’s the secret?

It’s very easy to cross the boundary, be about work, work, work and then not take time to work on the relationship. We’re really husband and wife, first and foremost. Once I close the store and he closes the office, that’s it, we become a family. No more money, no more bills, no more orders.

The interview was taken and written by by Shani Saxon-Parrish | 05.22.2008 for Latina.com


I had never seen this place before and I am not much into jewelry shopping lately but I desire a certain style and this hits the spot right on. I love fun jewelry, big and not too serious, earrings with pizazz and great bangles & bracelets. The necklaces are to die for! I found all this and more!
Until today there are only a couple of stores worldwide. St.Tropez, Paris, Marseille, Milan, New York. Aren't we lucky? I love a fine small boutique with pieces not everybody seems to wear! Well, I guess I am in good company...
But I like to share it with you... It is so oh la la!

GAS
238 Mott Street
NY,NY 10012
tel. 1 212 334 7290


GAS
189 Columbus Ave
NY,NY 10023
tel. 1 212 799 0282


Thank goodness for birthdays and anniversaries.... I know what certainly will go on my list!

I am curious, what jewelry do you prefer?



XX
Victoria


Pictures by V.Zlotkowski, latina.com and as indicated.