Authenticity, creativity and simplicity are the cornerstones of Parmigiani Fleurier's philosophy - and these values apply to more than just their watches: they guide each and every decision the brand takes.

When the ladies' collection was launched in 2006, Parmigiani Fleurier embarked on its Women of Exception project to recognise women from around the world who have devoted their lives to fields as diverse as science, medicine, business, sport, art and culture. These women have been the architects of their own success; they have excelled in their field of expertise through selflessness, creativity and independence of spirit, tirelessly employing their qualities to the full day after day. Simply and without arrogance, these women have reached the top of their discipline without ever losing their sense of curiosity and the original passion, which took them to such heights. 

Parmigiani Fleurier wishes to pay tribute to these exceptional women and their accomplishments, which resonate perfectly with the philosophy so dear to the brand. This title has nothing to do with celebrity, fortune or status; it is a distinction that recognises merit – an expression of admiration.

Today, Parmigiani Fleurier is very proud and honoured to welcome a new Woman of Exception as one of the brand's precious ambassadors: Sara Kay, art dealer, independent curator and Founder of the Professional Organization of Women in the Arts (POWarts).

Sara Kay is to art what Haute Couture is to clothes – a bold vision, an innate understanding, a supreme capability. She is the new Parmigiani Fleurier Woman of Exception.

As a child, Sara Kay spent so many happy hours at the Guggenheim Museum with her artist mother that it became her second home. Her original interest was in architecture, but she developed a passion for art, becoming a Specialist in drawings. After five years at Christie’s, she was employed by the renowned art dealer, Jan Krugier, to run the Fine Art division of his gallery in New York. There, she was entrusted to work with the estate of Marina Picasso, as well as Mr. Krugier's personal collection, among others. A spell in London followed, during which she acted as Director in Sales for the famous White Cube contemporary art gallery. After this, her life was spent flitting between the UK and US capitals. Today, Sara Kay has her own businesses, representing contemporary artists, curating exhibitions and privately handling the sale of historic artwork. With a wealth of experience behind her, Sara Kay is the Founder and Honorary Chairwoman of the Professional Organization of Women in the Arts (POWarts), which champions the role of women working in the visual arts. Following its success in the USA, POWarts is set to extend its activity to Europe.

In Sara Kay's unique, not to mention visionary, focus on women and the arts, Parmigiani recognised the qualities it holds so dear. She is respected by her peers for her expertise, which goes hand in hand with a pure spirit and a generous heart. The Fleurier Manufacture is honoured to count Sara Kay as one of its Women of Exception.

Sara Kay has chosen to wear a Tonda 1950 set with mother of pearl. This timepiece suits her particularly well since it combines the discreet, refined elegance of rose gold, diamonds perfectly integrated in the bezel and the iridescent sheen of white mother of pearl, with the horological expertise of an ultra-flat automatic movement featuring the remarkable finishes unique to Haute Horlogerie.

SARA KAY – BIOGRAPHY 

Art has always been an integral part of Sara Kay's world. After excelling in her studies in art history, obtaining a degree Magna Cum Laude from Columbia University, she then continued her studies at the Florence University of the Arts, where she was awarded a certificate in fresco conservation. Her studies also included Medieval Art. Several years later, she received a prestigious scholarship from Christie’s, which opened the doors of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, where she studied their collection of drawings.

Her career in the USA began at the Museum of American Folk Art in New York. She then ran Artists Talk On Art (ATOA), an organization that offered an unprecedented platform for expression in the field of visual arts. Sara then joined the New York branch of Christie’s, the world-renowned auction house. There, she acted as a Specialist in the department of Old Master Drawings. At Christie’s, she met the legendary art dealer, Jan Krugier, and six years later accepted his invitation to take over running the Fine Art division of his gallery, where her duties included the sale of unique estates, such as those of Marina Picasso and Joaquin Torres-Garcia. Later on, Sara began selling impressionist, modern and contemporary art under the name SK Fine Art in New York. However, she could not resist the offer to join the prestigious White Cube gallery in London.

Today, Sara Kay has her own businesses in New York representing contemporary artists, curating exhibitions and privately handling the sale of historic artwork. She is also the Founder and Honorary Chairwoman of the Professional Organization of Women in the Arts (POWarts). An organiser of exhibitions and events and a speaker on subjects as diverse as outsider art and responsible business practices for art galleries, Sara Kay's expertise is universally acclaimed.