Two of the most storied, luxury brands in the world, The Inn at Little Washington and jewelry creator, Fabergé, have collaborated on a hot air balloon pendant symbolizing The Inn’s 45 years of continuous assent. The limited-edition jewel, designed by Chef/Proprietor Patrick O’Connell along with Fabergé was unveiled at a grand house party that took place from Monday, April 17th to Wednesday, April 19th in Little Washington, Virginia.
This is the first time Fabergé has ever partnered with a chef on the design of a piece of jewelry. The pendant is available for purchase through Fabergé at $18,000 USD. Each piece will require more than 140 hours of hand craftsmanship. In the Fabergé tradition there will be a surprise inside — a miniature white-gold replica of the iconic Inn at Little Washington. Every pendant of the limited-edition series is numbered and will feature the seal of King Charles’ coronation year.
Shipped globally, the pieces will be sold exclusively through 2023 in honor of the 45th anniversary, and Fabergé is taking orders until December 31, 2023. First orders are scheduled to be ready by October, 2023.
Guests arriving to the house party and unveiling were joined by Fabergé’s creative team, and Curatorial Director — world-renowned historian Archduke Dr. Geza von Habsburg for tea. An exhibit of Fabergé jewelry and objets d’art including the limited-edition Fabergé x Game of Thrones High Jewelry collection was on display during the opening night cocktail reception.
On Tuesday, guests were offered a private tour of Marjorie Merriwether Post’s Hillwood Estate and Gardens, followed by a private luncheon in Hillwood’s conservatory.
That evening, guests enjoyed a Black-Tie reception and dinner in the 3 Michelin starred dining room of The Inn at Little Washington, followed by a fireworks display against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Since The Inn at Little Washington first opened in 1978, the Virginian healing hideaway has evolved from a former garage founded by self-taught chef and visionary Patrick O’Connell into an iconic Relais & Châteaux escape and the longest tenured Five-Star restaurant in the world. Today, The Inn at Little Washington is the benchmark for American fine dining and remains the only three Michelin-starred restaurant in the Washington D.C. area. Set on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 23 guest accommodations pepper the 26-acre campus in the form of charming cottages and luxurious suites, designed by a London stage and set designer, in a historic, colonial town. The 26-acre campus includes a charming sidewalk café and bar Patty O’s Café & Bakery, lush floral gardens, vegetable gardens and greenhouses, which grow most of the Inn’s produce in season, and a chicken coop with stained glass windows. In 2021, Michelin awarded The Inn at Little Washington a Green Star for sustainability. Unrivaled attention to detail in a picturesque setting of unspoiled natural beauty has made The Inn at Little Washington an iconic destination for discerning travelers from around the world.
Fabergé, the world’s most iconic artist jeweler, creates extraordinary jewellery, watches and objets d’art, as well as bespoke commissions for a discerning international clientele. Founded in 1842, Fabergé has been the most revered names in jewellery ever since Peter Carl Fabergé created the fifty ingenious Imperial Easter Eggs for the Romanov family between 1885 and 1916.
Today, Fabergé celebrates ‘A Life in Color’, taking inspiration from its storied past to create original pieces which capture the Maison’s past, present and future. By painting with the world’s finest colored gemstones, Fabergé explores the art of color through creations which are designed to become future heirlooms. Celebrating the concept of the artist jeweler in today’s world of luxury, Fabergé traces legacy of excellence in creativity, design and craftsmanship to bring about a new era of enchanting and enduring personal possessions and gifts, designed to be worn and treasured by contemporary connoisseurs.
For more information about The Inn at Little Washington, please visit the website
