Cartier’s latest bag silhouette speaks of sensual fluidity – one that recalls the flexibility of a panther in motion.
The panther – lithe, agile and powerful, has become emblematic in Cartier’s creations over the years. Making its first appearance as early as 1914 in the form of a spotted motif on a women’s Cartier watch, it made its way into the Maison’s leather goods, elevating their style appeal. In 1925, Cartier presented a pouch with a clasp featuring a spotted pattern. On another 1960 model in gold lamé fabric, the feline is seen in the form of sapphire and diamond panther heads positioned at the ends of a gold and platinum closure system. Featured as a subject of designs in the Cartier’s line up, in both figurative and abstract forms, the panther has become synonymous with the brand.
Following the success of the Panthère de Cartier bag launched earlier this year with a charming clasp featuring the panther arched into the shape of a C, Cartier launches yet another masterpiece with a jewellery clasp inspired by the Maison’s signature feline. Created together with a High Jewellery sculptor, this radical panther head clasp is an architectural piece adorned on its flat surfaces with eleven leather inserts, to create depth and perspective. A tab on the inside depicts a stylised panther’s head in reference to the panther. The clasp opens by pulling the flap down, revealing the signature mirror pocket within.
It is through this jewellery clasp that this encounter between the wild and the precious takes place. It synthesises the combined expertise of jewellery and leather and, through the dialogue of the craftspeople, enables us to advance our understanding of leather goods. Like an extension of femininity, demanding and refined.
– Marlin Yuson, Director of Accessory and Leather Goods Design
Presented against the finest grained leather of the Panthère de Cartier bag – in rich, intense colors of black, navy blue, red, pale yellow, creamy white, beige and petrol – the result is striking yet complementary.
The bag’s chain follows through on the jewellery aesthetic; its links faceted like a precious stone. As beautiful in form as it is versatile in function, the chain can be adjusted to two lengths, such that the bag can be carried two ways: as a cross-body and on the shoulder. Finished in gold or palladium, it is equipped with a leather shoulder strap where it rests on the shoulder, for extra comfort, and to balance out the generous volume of the bag.
From the curvature of the bag at every angle – with no sharp edges and no visible seams, right down to the sound of the links clinking together, every detail is covered. Available in two sizes – small or mini, the bag exudes an attitude of style, sensuality and sophistication.
Images courtesy of Cartier, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related Link:
Panthère de Cartier: Structured in Style
