Cartier reopens its boutique in Paris with 3 watches and 5 exclusive pieces of jewelry
Since the opening of its boutique in 1899 at 13 rue de la Paix in the second arrondissement, Cartier 's identity has been closely linked to this building. It will once again welcome customers after a two-year renovation. On this occasion, Cartier will present five high-end jewelry pieces and three limited-edition watches (Tank Asymétrique , Cloche, and Tonneau).
Cartier rue de la Paix in Paris: a historic place
This is where Alfred Cartier and his eldest son, Louis, established the family business, near Place Vendôme and the Opéra Garnier. This address was the last of Cartier's three flagship boutiques, its temples (the others are in New York and London), to benefit from a complete renovation . Closed since June 2020, the store's facade was obscured by a giant trompe-l'oeil cover. The renovated store will reopen on October 28.
“ Cartier is not anchored to a city or a period, ” said Cyrille Vigneron , president and CEO of the house since 2016. “ We draw our inspiration from many sources, such as the Islamic world, the Indian maharajahs, European Art Deco and much more. All these elements blend together in the architecture of our house. ”
Cartier Paris: the facade was not affected
The building's neoclassical-style facade, with the Maison's signature black and gold Portoro marble accents, has remained unchanged. But when the 3,000-square-meter interior is unveiled, it will showcase not only Cartier's Parisian roots, Vigneron said, but everything universal about its identity and style .
“ This renovation is a metamorphosis, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly by recomposing the same molecules in a new way, ” said Vigneron. “ We rebuilt this site with elements of history and time, to create something new and different. ”
What does Cartier’s “13 Paix” look like?
Gone are the imposing central staircase, the row of small rooms with dark wood paneling and the opaque glass dome ceiling, in place since 2005. These elements have been removed to make way for a vast central open space . The upper 5 floors are visible through the glass ceiling of the atrium . The staircase, more discreet, is attached to a wall. There are also 2 additional levels, used as offices, in the basement.
“ Adding light and inviting visitors to move freely across all floors of the store was a priority, ” said architect Bruno Moinard, who worked on the project. “ The new staircase is also an invitation to stroll. ”
Twelve master craftsmen and 40 workshops specializing in lacquer, woodwork, stone, mosaic, ironwork, and stucco joined forces to create the decorative elements and custom furniture. “ By inviting them to work together, we pushed many of these talented artisans to transcend their own imaginations and create dreams that will transport the visitor, ” said Moinard.
The upper floors of the building house repair and customization workshops, fine jewelry, and the Cartier archives . The top floor houses the Residence . This is a living room with a dining area and a winter garden for receiving clients and friends of the House.
Exclusive jewelry by Cartier for the reopening of its boutique on rue de la Paix in Paris
Cartier has created a number of exclusive pieces to mark the reopening. These include five high jewelry creations and three limited-edition watches: a Tonneau, a Tank Asymétrique, and a Cloche. Each of these Cartier watches bears the number 13 at 12 o'clock on the dial and the word Paix at 1 o'clock.
Mr. Vigneron said the newly renovated building represents more than what he calls " nostalgic heritage ." " It's a source of memory, " he said, " a temple where we contemplate the past so that it may serve as a source of inspiration for the future. "
