Crux of Luxe
Cartier united artistic talents from the East and West to redesign the brand’s Southeast Asia flagship boutique in Singapore—transforming it into a modern, culturally-relevant house of luxe
Get an insight to the refinements that enrich the Cartier’s Southeast Asia’s flagship boutique
Even before we arrived at ION Orchard Singapore, it was easy to spot the stunning Cartier Ferris wheel in front of the mall. Clearly, all resources were channelled by the jeweller-watchmaker towards the shout-out of its remodelled store touted as the region’s flagship boutique. “We are investing in the renovation for our flagship of Southeast Asia in the Garden City, with the sole aim to create a delightful client experience across the triplex retail unit,” said Jérôme Metzger, Cartier’s regional managing director for Southeast Asia and Oceania. The chief mastermind behind this overhaul was Bruno Moinard, a Parisian artist, designer, scenographer, painter and photographer who brings his French art de vivre to the Red Dot and adapts it to the city-state’s cultural sensibilities. Here, we present a rundown of the myriad of refinements that adorn the triple-storey boutique.
THE FACADE: A LUSH CITY GARDEN
Inspired by Singapore’s tropical climate, Moinard incorporated palm tree designs to the store’s glass exteriors, measuring 20-metres in length. As you zoom in closer to the store, the raindrop details that are meticulously included in the facade become more prominent. Inside, Peranakan attributes are visible with artefacts and displays to further elaborate the Singaporean heritage.
INTERIOR TOUCHES: STEP INTO PARADISE
Moinard honoured Cartier’s French legacy with expert flair. Whitewood, beige carpet, and wall hangings create a delicately balanced environment. Handmade in Paris and made of solid polished brass, Mydriaz chandeliers hang at differing levels across all halls and helps set a light colour scheme that finishes off nicely against the imported, handmade wooden panels, plaster work and champagne bronze. Serene and luminous, the space evokes a sense of relaxation in contrast to the bustling scene of Orchard Road through the windows.
IN TRANSITION: MEET THE CATS
Living up to its image as the mascot of Cartier, the panther takes centre stage in the triplex store. At the entrance on the right side on streettreet levellevel, there is one panther lurking in majesty amid tropical leaves and fauna, carved in bas-relief on a plaster panel. Layers and layers of plaster are sculpted atop each other to create the panther’s shape—a sculptural work of art. More panthers lay in repose at the stairwell between the first and second floors, depicted in playful poses that are often translated in Cartier’s renowned Panthere collection. I personally recommend you take the escalator to every floor to see the plaster sculptures from top to bottom.
TOP SECRET: A POCKET OF PRIVACY IN THE CITY
At the top floor is the maison’s private apartment (Le Salon), a haven created for Cartier’s most discerning clients. Comfortable furnishings are put in place to create a cosy, homey feel. There is a dining area decked with a wine cellar and a cocktail/coffee bar furnished with European equipment. There is even a dressing space for you to get ready for events. Here, you can also expect one-ofa-kind exhibitions that showcase the best from Cartier’s private vaults; during my visit, I viewed beautiful jewels once owned by Cartier’s legendary creative director Jeanne Toussaint as well as those belonging to the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson.