The Magnificent SEVEN
Seoul was treated to French chic when Cartier launched its new Paris Nouvelle Vague collection, which reflects seven different moods of Paris, and the Parisienne. By Cai Mei Khoo.
Shimmying with every move of the hand, the gold bead frills on a ring dance in the light, with added sparkle from diamonds and pink sapphires embedded within. The ring is from a range called Pétillante, which means ‘ sparkling’ in French, from Cartier’s latest jewellery collection, Paris Nouvelle Vague. Inspired by the extravagance of Parisian nightlife (imagine a burst of fireworks), the ring perfectly embodies the atmosphere of the Paris Nouvelle Vague launch party in Seoul, where an intimate look at the spectacular jewels was afforded.
Spotted at the scene were A-list celebs to make a Korean drama fan’s night. Among them were actress Kim Hee Sun, actor and singer Choi Siwon, actor Lee Seunggi, and actress Ha Jiwon, who was wearing the aforementioned Pétillante ring.
The Vista Hall at Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel was transformed into a little slice of Paris, boasting a mini park complete with manicured trees, street lamps, and a park bench at the reception area. Past the smartly dressed doormen, we entered a large exhibition hall with an inverted view of Paris. Buildings, townhouses, and even the Vendôme Column – an homage to the Cartier store in Place Vendôme – were suspended from above, creating a fun, dreamy landscape for the dazzling jewels encased within.
Cartier and Paris are inextricably linked, and the Paris Nouvelle Vague collection is a celebration of the city in which the legendary jeweller was born. For its new collection, the house was inspired by the Parisienne and her many moods and nuances.
This multi-faceted persona is encapsulated in seven ranges: Espiègle (Mischievous), Voluptueuse (Voluptuous), Impertinente (Impish), Affranchie (Emancipated), Pétillante, Délicate, and Glamour. Each range fits her mood and personality perfectly for different times of day, in various parts of Paris. The collection is a love story between the Parisian woman, Cartier, and Paris – a story that unfolds through the different neighbourhoods with each piece, an imaginative and emotive discovery of the City of Light as seen through her eyes.