Nicknamed ‘King of the Cufflinks’, Robert Tateossian is the CEO of jewellery brand Tateossian. Born in Kuwait and educated in French schools in Rome, Robert studied international finance, embarking on a successful career with Merrill Lynch on Wall Street and in the City of London before trading in his city job to follow his love of luxury and passion for rare metals and precious gems.
Launching Tateossian in 1990, the brand rose to fame creating the ultimate range of handcrafted, contemporary and unique cufflinks for discerning businessmen. Since then the brand has expanded its offering and is now much more than a purveyor of stylish shirt sleeve fasteners for bankers and brokers.
Inspired by everything from travel and religion to art and fashion, both the men’s and women’s lines reflect Robert’s own ethos: stylish, unique and of uncompromising quality. Silver and gold are combined with precious jewels such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies, as well as fibre optic and crystals to create everything from watches and money clips, to necklaces and bracelets.
We caught up with Robert for the latest in our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
South Kensington/Chelsea – where I live. I am spoilt for choice as there are some of the best restaurants, delicatessens, at my doorstep and all within a few minutes from Hyde Park and the museum – and the best boutiques for shopping!
Favourite place for brunch:
Shoreditch House – on the top floor. Especially on a sunny day overlooking the pool. Cozy and quaint with comfort food and friendly Italian staff.
Best coffee in London:
Bar Italia, Soho – always a buzzing atmosphere and the best Espresso macchiato in town.
Favourite gallery or museum:
Saatchi Gallery – consistently holding interesting exhibitions in a space that easy to navigate. Love stopping by for a cake at the café on the way out.
Tell us a secret:
Aglio e Olio on the Fulham Road – for the best Italian at very reasonable prices. Ask for rigatoni with pink sauce, the lamb chops are the best you will have anywhere.
Favourite place to shop:
John Bell & Croyden – a mecca for toiletries, soaps, shampoos ever created under the sun. It is difficult to walk out without carrying multiple bags.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
I find all the galleries., exhibitions, shows during London Frieze Art week particularly inspiring – whether sculpture, paintings furniture or an installation.
Best London destination for a date:
Blakes Hotel: start with a drink at the bar, always served in the finest thin crystal glasses, followed by dinner. It has a cozy, warm and sexy atmosphere. You cannot go wrong. Depending on the night you can proceed to the basement where you will have a cool DJ spinning the latest tunes.
Favourite park:
I like to size the of St James Park especially with the beautiful historical landmarks along its perimeter. In summer relaxing on one of the sun loungers is bliss.
Favourite food market:
It has to be Bermondsey Farmers Market, it is the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning. Nibbling on cooked foods from the different food stalls while stocking up on cheeses, olives, fresh fish and fruits.
Your sanctuary in the city:
Sitting in my kitchen with a cup of coffee overlooking my small back garden and the Japanese maple trees.
What inspires you?
Walking along the river bank of Imperial Wharf, where my office is. There is an element of calmness and peace that helps clear the mind and allows me to see things from a different perspective.
This season I’m loving:
This season I am loving Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre – one of my favourite musicals in a while.
