Keeping up with Quincy Jones requires a lot of stamina and now, a set of handcrafted leather luggage and eyewear that bears his name.
The legendary music, film and television producer was fêted Saturday night by Maybach – Icons of Luxury as the company honored him as their 2014 Icon of the Year and unveiled its Quincy Jones Icon Collection.
The exclusive event was held at a private home in the hills above Sunset Plaza and featured a raw seafood bar, a caviar and blini table and full dinner for invited guests who mixed and mingled with Mr. Jones and some of his family members including daughter Kidada and friends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, author Ethan Brown, photographer Greg Gorman and actor Colin Egglesfield.
In a poolside ceremony with the sparkling lights of Los Angeles below and the clear, starry sky above, Maybach executives Uli Schmid-Maybach, Wolfgang Thelen and Jutta Kahlbetzer honored Q, as he is often known, for his vision and creativity which inspired the accolade.
It was one of several he has received in just the past week–including Ebony Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Los Angeles Press Club Visionary Award. They are course added to his 27 Grammy Award wins and 79 Grammy nominations.
Maybach – Icons of Luxury, a German-based boutique luxury brand, teamed up with Jones to create a collection of custom-designed bags and eyewear that evoke his six decades of contributions to music, culture and improving the lives of others through his philanthropic and charitable work for many organizations including his own Listen Up Foundation.
The collection was displayed in the house as Q held court poolside. The luggage is made from naturally tanned leathers and handstitched by craftspeople who embrace each piece’s unique characteristics to create items reflective of the bespoke values and exquisite designs of Maybach – Icons of Luxury.
Mr. Jones’ personal set of luggage– ready for his next international trip – was hand-painted by award-winning artist Nate Giorgio.
In another highlight of the evening, one of his protégés, Jacob Collier performed at a grand piano as Mr. Jones proudly looked on.
The music went late into the night, as one might expect, and Quincy Jones was among the last to leave.
For more information about the Quincy Jones collection, visit www.maybach-luxury.com.
–Hillary Atkin
