The countdown to the reopening of new remodelled Cartier flagship boutique at ION Orchard begins.
7 Things You Must Know
- Reopening on 24 November 2018, Saturday, the Cartier flagship boutique at ION Orchard is the largest Cartier boutique in Southeast Asia with an inclusive retail space of 688 square metres.
- The new architectural concept of the Maison is conceived in collaboration with Parisian artist, designer, scenographer, painter and photographer Bruno Moinard.
- Being located in the “Garden City”, the boutique will bear unique Singaporean culture symbols, in the spirit of French art de vivre (art of living, the French way).
- The 20m external glass facade of this three-storey flagship boutique is patterned with palm trees and raindrops, enveloping the space in exclusivity.
- In-store, in the stairwell between the first and second floors, a custom-made sculpture of art, the Cartier panther – carved in bas-relief – nestles amongst the tropical environment on a plaster panel.
- An exclusive Le Salon Cartier – for bespoke client treatment – decorated with multiple Peranakan artefacts is housed at the highest floor.
Artist’s impression of Le Salon Cartier on level three of Cartier ION Orchard
- An exceptional exhibition titled “Cartier, Icon of Style” highlighting the birth and evolution of the signature panther through selected historical and extraordinary Cartier Collection pieces will be held in celebration of the boutique opening.
“Cartier, Icon of Style” Exhibition (text and archive images by Cartier, all rights reserved)
Cartier was the first jeweller to adopt the panther. The elegant feline was used for the first time on a wristwatch in 1914 with the setting of onyx recreating the animal’s fur.
Jeanne Toussaint
When Jeanne Toussaint was appointed as Creative Director for Cartier in 1933, the panther became even more as an emblematic motif for the Maison.
Jeanne Toussaint worked closely alongside Louis Cartier and was nicknamed “La Panthère”, presumably due to her freedom, strength of character and love for panther in her lifestyle.
One of her most outstanding inputs lies in the search on volumes and attitudes of the animal. For Jeanne Toussaint, and thus for Cartier, the panther now an iconic motif is clearly the emblem of femininity unfettered by convention.
Louis Cartier and Jeanne Toussaint also had a mutual interest in, not to say a fascination with, other cultures.
Cartier Panther Clip Brooch 1949, sold to the Duchess of Windsor in Platinum and white gold, featuring single-cut diamonds, two pear-shaped yellow diamonds (for eyes), one 152.35-ct Kashmir sapphire cabochon, and sapphire cabochons (for spots)
This has helped shape not just the aesthetic of one or other object, but the entire Cartier style; a visual language, which has extended to every creation and whose “vocabulary” has been constantly expanding with new forms, volumes, and combinations of colours, materials, carved gems, cabochons and more.
To understand the rich Cartier history towards the evolution of decorative arts, as well as the beginnings of its signature emblem, Cartier puts together an exhibition of selected iconic Cartier Collection pieces.
The “Cartier, Icon of Style” exhibition, held at the Cartier flagship boutique at ION Orchard is open to all interested members of the public.
From 24 November 2018 to 6 December 2018
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 9.00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 10 .30 am to 9.00pm
The exhibition highlights, among other things, the origins of the panther and its rich connections with some of the most well – known figures, such as the Duchess of Windsor and Barbara Hutton, just to name a few.
Cartier snake necklace 1968, made as a special order for María Félix. In platinum, white and yellow gold, featuring 2,473 brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds weighing 178.21 carats in total, two pear-shaped emeralds (for eyes), and green, red and black enamel.
As viewing slots are limited, pre-register for an appointment here.
Note from the Editor: this post is updated on 26 November 2018 to include shot of the boutique’s external facade after the official opening.
All images courtesy of Cartier.
