THE FRENCH High Jewelry Maison, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to celebrate the immense success of the founders’ reflections on Art of Movement with a special exhibition, open from 23 September to 20 October with nearly a hundred creations from their patrimonial collection on display to the public.
Renowned for its craftsmanship of luxury jewellery, the house has always given the most precious materials a sense of lightness and vitality. Unravelling the Art of Movement manifesto, the three-dimensional volume of the design compositions reflects the idea of the pieces being “shaped and brought to life by the wind”.
The eclectic sources that influenced the Maison’s designs come from various inspirations, including a love of travel, the arts, a fascination with the natural world, a fondness for fluid textiles, and a penchant for the abstract. The intricate pieces honour the movement of light and showcase how it can float freely between the stones.
Dancer clip (1941) Van Cleef & Arpels
Bellflower clip (1969) Van Cleef & Arpels
Detachable Double clip (1941)Â Van Cleef & Arpels
This free exhibition commands respect to the Maison’s constant quest to impart movement into precious materials. The artistic journey is divided into four themes: Nature Alive, Dance, Elegance and Abstract Movements. Each one shines a spotlight on a different aspect of motion that the Maison has investigated since its inception in 1906.
An abundance of archival materials are presented on display: gouache illustrations and lender masterpieces will demonstrate the plethora of expressions of the founders’ creativity and invite visitors into a dreamlike world of movement and harmony. The scenography presented further echoes the theme of movement.
A floating matte ribbon welcomes the visitors as they enter the universe of Van Cleef & Arpels. Its shape is inspired by the Silhouette Flower clip, a symbolic design imagined by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1930s. The textiles folds and curves echo the structures of the pieces and reflect on every aspect of the motion the house has investigated since its inception in 1906.
Zip necklace transformable into a bracelet (1952 Yellow gold) Van Cleef & Arpels
Gold Necklace with Diamonds (1958) Van Cleef & Arpels
The exhibit is undoubtedly a fantastic chance to dive deeper into the history of the brand and discover how the jewellery has continued to strive for new realms of elegance for over a century – it is not to be missed.
by Zlata KriukovaÂ
23 September – 20 October 2022
224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG