Cartier exhibits at the Four Seasons
A breath-taking private event invited guests to view the sumptuously stunning Cartier collection that was showcased at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dubai. Absent of signs, guests were intercepted in the hotel lobby by formally dressed Cartier ushers who led the way to a plush vivid-red carpet that paved the route to the darkened corridors of the specifically designed museum-like display
Walking past the main entrance to the exhibition and even before they had laid eyes on the jewels, invited guests were gasping in surprise at the attention to detail Cartier bestowed in the lead up to the main exhibition room; from the feel of the carpet under their feet to the strategically placed cabinets, guests were transported into a royal world where the luxurious lifestyle was within reach.
Day and Night Magazine was one of the lucky few to witness the intricate patterns on the rich-coloured wall that appeared to stand out in 3D when walking past. Inside the exhibition, we found Regional Managing Director of Cartier, Mr. Laurent Gaborit, who shared his insights into the lavish world of Cartier and the new 2015 collections.
The much-anticipated exhibition showcased 300 of the Maison’s most outstanding High Jewellery creations from the 8th of March to the 12th at the world-class hotel on Jumeirah Beach Road. Only four cities worldwide will witness the astounding Cartier experience; Paris, New York, Dubai and Hong Kong. When we asked Mr Gaborit why these cities were chosen, he responded, “These cities were chosen because they represent significant importance to businesses around the world. Paris was the first stop of the exhibition as that is where Cartier originates from. We then stopped off in New York before coming to Dubai where we feel Cartier has strategic business opportunities in such a metropolitan and diverse city. We are looking forward to our next stop which is in Hong Kong and overall these locations were chosen because most of Cartier’s clientele reside there and these cities experience a great number of tourists a year.”
At first glance inside the main exhibition hall, we noticed a long aisle that was lined on both sides with perfectly lit glistening showcase cabinets that were supported on a dark coloured frame. Stepping inside the dimly lit room, our attention was grabbed by the first square glass case to the left, as nestled inside was a gorgeous choker-style necklace adorned with diamonds and rubies. Laurent Gaborit explained, “Right from the first day of the exhibition I noticed an immense interest in the Reine Makéda necklace from the Royal Collection of High Jewellery. Guests were drawn to the prominent 15.29 carat oval-shaped ruby from Mozambique that sits at the heart of the necklace. Just above the ruby is a 3.51 carat D IF round-shaped rose-cut diamond, and underneath the ruby, sits the stunning 5.10 carat E VS2 pear-shaped rose-cut diamond. The entire necklace is crafted from platinum and features cabochon-cut and faceted ruby beads, pear-shaped rose-cut diamonds, calibrated diamonds and brilliant-cut diamonds. The best thing about this piece is that the ruby choker and the diamond necklace can be worn separately.”
A high jewellery piece that is versatile…we liked the sound of that and asked for more information to which Mr Gaborit replied, “The Reine Makéda is not the only necklace that is versatile, we have some more pieces that are displayed around the exhibition, for example the Pur Absolu necklace that features a 30.21 carat D IF pear-shaped diamond. For this particular piece, the larger diamond can be removed and set into a ring, tiara or brooch – it’s really up the client how they would like to wear the jewels. The inspiration behind this concept came from the fact that women like to accessorise, they have different occasions and moods so they can choose to dress it up or wear it with a much simpler look for a simpler occasion.”
Impressed with his views, we wanted to know more about his time at Cartier and asked him what accomplishments he achieved in his year as Regional Managing Director at Cartier, to which he responded, “To date, I have spent 13 and a half years at Cartier and I have faced exciting situations here. What really impresses me is that I have managed to create a good relationship between the brand and its clients. We have been able to build impressive boutiques and organised events and exhibitions such as this one where we are showcasing the Cartier Royal High Collection for those who have a keen interest in our products, and it is through this interest that I have met many remarkable people. The biggest achievement I am proud of is the renovation of a historical building in Milan that we turned into a magnificent Cartier boutique with a historical setting and atmosphere. ”
Cartier is known for both watches and jewellery but we wanted to know which product range sells better than the other to which Mr Gaborit replied, “It’s very difficult to say which sales exceed the other. In the Middle East, Cartier as a whole is very popular. Our clients are primarily female and they enjoy both types of accessories, so for that reason, it’s hard to say which product outsells the other.”
To sum up the interview, we learnt that passion is what drives the MENA team to perform its very best and to achieve the desired results. Cultural diversity is paramount and forces the brand to adapt its product to suit the needs of the client. Taking one last look at the display, we tried to stifle the awe of the dazzling diamond encrusted jewels and timepieces that had a firm grip on us and reluctantly bid them a farewell.
