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 2 years of renovation. On this occasion, Cartier will present 5 high jewelry pieces and 3 limited edition watches ( Tank Asymétrie , Cloche and Tonneau types ).
Cartier rue de la Paix in Paris: a historic place
This is where Alfred Cartier and his eldest son, Louis, set up the family business, near Place Vendôme and the Opéra Garnier. This address was the last of Cartier's 3 flagship boutiques, its temples (the others are in New York and London), to benefit from a total renovation . Closed since June 2020, the store's facade was hidden by a giant trompe-l'oeil cover. The renovated store will reopen its doors on October 28.
“ Cartier is not anchored in a city or a period, ” said Cyrille Vigneron , the house’s president and CEO since 2016. “ We draw inspiration from many sources, such as the Islamic world, the Indian maharajahs, European Art Deco and much more. All of these elements blend into the architecture of our house. ”
Cartier Paris: the facade was not touched
The building’s neoclassical façade, with the Maison’s signature accents of black and gold Portoro marble, has not been altered. But when the 3,000-square-metre interior is unveiled, it will showcase not only Cartier’s Parisian roots, Mr Vigneron said, but everything that is 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, ” Vigneron said. “ We have 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. ”
12 master craftsmen and 40 workshops specializing in lacquer, carpentry, stone, mosaic, ironwork and stucco have teamed up to create the decorative elements and custom furniture. “ By inviting them to work together, we have pushed many of these talented craftsmen to go beyond their own imagination and create dreams that will transport the visitor, ” said Moinard.
- Luxury vintage jewelry in Paris
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 winter garden to receive 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. Namely 5 high jewelry creations and 3 limited edition watches: a Tonneau, a Tank Asymétrie 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 just what he calls a " nostalgic heritage ." " It is a source of memory, " he said, " a temple where we contemplate the past so that it can serve as a source of inspiration for the future. "
