As New York magazine recently pointed out, art has been a better investment than stocks lately - plus it gets you into much cooler parties. So forget luxury logos. Art is the new status symbol. And while few can afford a Rothko on the office wall, business folks are taking artistic license with far less expensive, often portable pieces of great design.
Start with a pocketsize Picasso. The master's daughter, Paloma, designs exquisite silver pens for Tiffany, sure to draw attention. Or leave a lasting impression by offering a business card pulled from an abstract sculpted case.
"I feel like I shuttle between two worlds," says Sheryl Marshall, vice president in private banking at Credit Suisse Securities in Boston. "Investing people's money is my vocation, but my avocation is art." Marshall says statement-making artistic accessories can transform a tailored suit without looking garish. Just take a look at Frank Gehry's striking architectural jewelry collection for Tiffany.
Creative design is second nature to Boston Ballet artistic director Mikko Nissinen. He enjoys the comments generated by his solid wood pen made from the old stage floor at Boston Symphony Hall.
When traveling, art-smart luggage can be a great conversation starter with potential clients. Few can resist commenting on British designer Alexander McQueen's human rib cage suitcase for Samsonite. It shows you have some backbone - at least where the arts are concerned.
TINA SUTTON
