2018 - 50th ANNIVERSARY of the ALHAMBRA

[Cavalier Girl]

I've truly wanted something from the 50th anniversary collection, but so far, I haven't seen anything I love. I find the rock crystal vaguely interesting, but no real excitement. I've held off other purchases waiting for something special from VCA, but think I may be wasting my energy. And frankly, am getting a little irritated by their offerings.

Sorry, I'm just in an old lady "Get off my lawn!" kinda mood today.

 

[Bethc]

I've truly wanted something from the 50th anniversary collection, but so far, I haven't seen anything I love. I find the rock crystal vaguely interesting, but no real excitement. I've held off other purchases waiting for something special from VCA, but think I may be wasting my energy. And frankly, am getting a little irritated by their offerings.

Sorry, I'm just in an old lady "Get off my lawn!" kinda mood today.

I know exactly how you feel! I love my SA and she was straight with me telling me that no matter how much I’ve bought it’s not enough to be approved for one of the lapis pieces. It was just my bday and I was saving for one of the special pieces... hubby just asked me what I want to do now so I was thinking of getting the diamond Love. I was going to get a Perlee, but I don’t want to associate my present with all of the frustration I’m feeling right now. Sounds like I’m not alone.

 

[Cavalier Girl]

Beth, you are not alone! There are a couple of VCA pieces I'd like, but the whole 50th anniversary thing has really left a bad taste in my mouth.

 

[HADASSA]

@Bethc , @Cavalier Girl, I understand the frustration only too well. I too have been so looking forward but I agree it has indeed been quite the letdown

Beth, I applaud your SA for being honest - a rare Gem in the VCA Stand alone boutique world. Happy "CARTIER" Birthday - what else can I say

 

[texasgirliegirl]

I've truly wanted something from the 50th anniversary collection, but so far, I haven't seen anything I love. I find the rock crystal vaguely interesting, but no real excitement. I've held off other purchases waiting for something special from VCA, but think I may be wasting my energy. And frankly, am getting a little irritated by their offerings.

Sorry, I'm just in an old lady "Get off my lawn!" kinda mood today.

I relate to this. After having held off purchases for a very long time with great anticipation for the 50th, I can only feel a bit of a disappointment right now.
The only branded jewelry I have seriously collected is VCA, having a genuine love and appreciation for Van Cleef and Arpels pieces.
Over the years I have collected 32 pieces of VCA jewelry.
Gray mother of pearl is something that I have always wanted. I turned down the two 10 motif necklaces offered to me at my home boutique (prior to the 50th reveal) only to have those pieces immediately offered to another customer and for VCA to then announce the gray/pave combination for the 50th within weeks.
The timing feels very off, the marketing strategy feels off. These 50th pieces are not truly limited (the gray and the onyx), and the ones that are (lapis/turquoise/rc) aren't within reach of many of VCA's most loyal collectors. I am not the least impressed with Rock Crystal...I already have turquoise. I am not collecting lapis....so where does this leave a customer like me? In no rush to purchase....because none of this is going anywhere and as unpredictable as VCA has been lately, something else could be released..who knows?
The SA's don't seem to have clarity either. Mine is a true sweetheart and I am certain that it has been difficult to keep customers happy while attempting to operate and abide by VCA's guidelines/current offerings.
Social media hasn't helped.

 

[HADASSA]

@texasgirliegirl, I called the NYC boutique today. Spoke to an SA who has been there for over 40 years. I asked outright about the Lapis and Turquoise pieces - my question totally ignored and told me about the Grey MOP/Onyx/Malachite with Pave offerings. What got me irked was the fact that she took me for a fool. She said that was in a magazine and not for purchase.

I haven't bought as many pieces as you have but spent a lot on my diamond pieces. So, where does that leave us? Not worth their business?? And those of us who purchase at NM - our purchases may not even show up in their system. VCA's selective process has certainly turned me off the brand.

 

[texasgirliegirl]

@texasgirliegirl, I called the NYC boutique today. Spoke to an SA who has been there for over 40 years. I asked outright about the Lapis and Turquoise pieces - my question totally ignored and told me about the Grey MOP/Onyx/Malachite with Pave offerings. What got me irked was the fact that she took me for a fool. She said that was in a magazine and not for purchase.

I haven't bought as many pieces as you have but spent a lot on my diamond pieces. So, where does that leave us? Not worth their business?? And those of us who purchase at NM - our purchases may not even show up in their system. VCA's selective process has certainly turned me off the brand.

I’m not surprised. VCA does not always take into account availability. For example, there was a beautiful photo spread in one of their catalogues that featured turquoise long after it was no longer available.
Inspiring sales is ultimately the goal.
The currently offered pieces are beautiful but this lack of transparency/ trust/ (whatever one would like to call it ) does impact the mood for some clients, many whom were most loyal collectors.

 

[chaneljewel]

Agree that this whole anniversary thing hasn’t been that great for me. I think the pieces are beautiful, but I’m not in the mood to play VCA’s “game”. Why can’t they understand that exclusivity isn’t helping the brand. It’s the “real”person who loves the brand and wants to wear it. Don’t put it so over the top that we can only “look” at photos.

 

[HADASSA]

Agree that this whole anniversary thing hasn’t been that great for me. I think the pieces are beautiful, but I’m not in the mood to play VCA’s “game”. Why can’t they understand that exclusivity isn’t helping the brand. It’s the “real”person who loves the brand and wants to wear it. Don’t put it so over the top that we can only “look” at photos.

Never played the "H" games and certainly will NOT be playing VCA's

VCA made it quite clear that they have separated their clients into two categories. And even though it has been mentioned that these pieces didn't necessarily go to the biggest spenders, I would like to know what criteria was used to allocate said pieces.

 

[HADASSA]

Just wanted to share a pic of the Lapis/Pavé bracelet that was shared on Instagram by Swedishandstylish on May 22nd.

At least we are getting a feel for the other category of clients.

 

[texasgirliegirl]

Just wanted to share a pic of the Lapis/Pavé bracelet that was shared on Instagram by Swedishandstylish on May 22nd.

At least we are getting a feel for the other category of clients.

View attachment 4086708

Perhaps a more flashy aesthetic?
For me, part of VCA’s appeal has been how under the radar it is. Beautiful craftsmanship, timeless design. Elegance with a touch of whimsy.

 

[HADASSA]

Perhaps a more flashy aesthetic?
For me, part of VCA’s appeal has been how under the radar it is. Beautiful craftsmanship, timeless design. Elegance with a touch of whimsy.

Does VCA really think that targeting a different audience (customer base) will bring in the clients they hope to attract? Then they don't even realize that the Alhambra Ligne sells itself and they don't need all this hype.

I could have never understood the appeal of "celebrity" endorsements - such a waste of a thought and money on VCA's part. This is like having celebrities with their b**bs hanging out, who have never suffered a day in their lives, doing Breast Cancer Awareness.

 

[texasgirliegirl]

Does VCA really think that targeting a different audience (customer base) will bring in the clients they hope to attract? Then they don't even realize that the Alhambra Ligne sells itself and they don't need all this hype.

I could have never understood the appeal of "celebrity" endorsements - such a waste of a thought and money on VCA's part. This is like having celebrities with their b**bs hanging out, who have never suffered a day in their lives, doing Breast Cancer Awareness.

I agree.
There was a time when I was obsessed with the flower lace earrings...then I saw a photo of KK wearing them. Turned me off entirely.
I purchased the pave frivole instead.

 

[westcoastgal]

Never played the "H" games and certainly will NOT be playing VCA's

VCA made it quite clear that they have separated their clients into two categories. And even though it has been mentioned that these pieces didn't necessarily go to the biggest spenders, I would like to know what criteria was used to allocate said pieces.

They always had their haute jewelry but it seems like they are trying to treat these pieces as extremely exclusive too. I’m glad for those that got them, but I find it a turn-off too. It’s an unpleasant feeling when loyal customers can’t even get information about the products.

 

[Zais5]

@texasgirliegirl, I called the NYC boutique today. Spoke to an SA who has been there for over 40 years. I asked outright about the Lapis and Turquoise pieces - my question totally ignored and told me about the Grey MOP/Onyx/Malachite with Pave offerings. What got me irked was the fact that she took me for a fool. She said that was in a magazine and not for purchase.

I haven't bought as many pieces as you have but spent a lot on my diamond pieces. So, where does that leave us? Not worth their business?? And those of us who purchase at NM - our purchases may not even show up in their system. VCA's selective process has certainly turned me off the brand.

If you like to know exact criteria of vip, my SA told me that it’s necessary to buy for 1-5M per year to support this status