For many, Van Cleef & Arpels is synonymous with luxurious Parisian jewelry and poetic timepieces. But few know that since its founding in 1906 in Place Vendôme, the maison has also transformed everyday life with elegance and innovation—not just through jewelry and watches, but also through precious objects and accessories.
Now, the brand is offering a rare glimpse into this lesser-known legacy with its latest exhibition, A Glimpse of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Art de Vivre. Running until March 23 at Les Jardins Secrets, a hidden space within its Raffles Hotel boutique, the showcase invites visitors to explore the maison’s history of crafting intimate, bejewelled creations designed for daily use. Complemented by archival documents from the brand’s patrimony collection, the exhibition is a treasure trove for history and luxury enthusiasts alike.
A Legacy of Dual-Purpose Mastery
One of the standout pieces on display is a lapel watch from the 1920s. This dual-purpose masterpiece, which functions as both a brooch and a concealed timepiece, captures the essence of the Art Deco era. Its geometric precision and striking black-and-white palette—crafted from platinum, diamonds, and onyx—reflect Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature use of refined duo-tones, a hallmark of its early 20th-century designs.
Ingenuity in Everyday Objects
The exhibition also showcases the maison’s creativity in designing vanity cases during the Roaring Twenties. A standout piece from 1932 is a powder compact shaped like an envelope. Its sleek folding design reveals a mirror and compartments for powder and lipstick, blending practicality with exquisite craftsmanship.
Craftsmanship That Endures
As the saying goes, “They don’t make things like they used to.” This exhibition proves why. Each piece on display—whether a lapel watch, a vanity case, or other bejewelled accessories—is a testament to exceptional beauty, craftsmanship, and ingenuity. These creations are more than just objects; they celebrate life’s moments and endure as timeless symbols of what it means to live elegantly.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Art de Vivre exhibition is not just a journey through the brand’s history but a celebration of how luxury can elevate the everyday. For those who appreciate the artistry of the past, this is an unmissable experience.
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