Van Cleef & Arpels launches new collection at French castle
By Vivian Chen
EVENT Van Cleef & Arpels Peau d’Âne High Jewellery Launch
WHERE Château de Chambord, France
HAPPENINGS: To launch its latest high jewellery collection, Van Cleef & Arpels created a dream of fantasies and fairy tales for VIP guests flown in from across the globe. The French jeweller chose the Royal Château de Chambord, an iconic French castle, as the venue for the extravaganza. An extravaganza may well be an understatement for Van Cleef & Arpels' soiree.
To launch the collection inspired by French filmmaker Jacques Demy's fantasy film Peau d'Âne, the high jeweller recreated a splendid excerpt from the film of a royal wedding. Mythical and magical creatures gathered for the night - think the likes of unicorns, fairies and owls. There were plenty of period costumes and meticulous details - even the invitation looked like a cut-out storybook.
The highlight was models donning multicarat diamonds and precious stones arriving in medieval carriages and rickshaws. After the jewellery show, guests were whisked away to wine and dine in a lavish tent decorated with gold traceries. Vintage Pauillac Château Mouton Rothschild was poured and exquisite dishes served by white-tied waiters. The night ended as the sky was lit up by spectacular fireworks.
CHIC CHAT with Catherine Rénier
As president of Van Cleef & Arpels, Asia-Pacific, can you tell us why a story like Peau d'Âne is inspiring?
Van Cleef & Arpels has always been associated with the worlds of arts and culture. Peau d'Âne is a well known French fairy tale and contains all the favourite themes of our brand - the fairy, the charmed nature, the delicateness of couture, and, of course, love and romance. With this high jewellery collection, the maison wants to pay homage to this literary classic and interpret it through poetic expression with each item in the collection.