Cartier enters a new journey in the Philippines with the unveiling of its newly minted flagship boutique, marrying the French Maison’s rich heritage with unique Filipino flair
Few names resonate with such elegance as Cartier. Be it through jewellery or timepieces, the creations from the French Maison epitomise exceptional craftsmanship—a perennial symbol of timeless luxury. Now, Cartier embraces a refreshed design direction with its stunning new Philippine flagship boutique: a tasteful marriage of Cartier’s rich legacy and unique Filipino flair.
To commemorate the occasion, SSI Group Inc. chairwoman and chief executive officer Zenadia “Nedy” Tantoco and president Anton Huang welcomed guests to the new flagship with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, the 13th of July, alongside Anne Yitzhakov, managing director for Cartier Singapore and Malaysia, and Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land, Inc director.
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Located at Greenbelt 3, Makati City, the boutique was entrusted to the Parisian interior design agency Moinard Bétaille. Having worked alongside Cartier for upward of two decades, the architects boast a profound appreciation of the Maison’s storied heritage. Step beyond the storefront’s golden facade and discover the lush world of Cartier at 321 square metre boutique, the beautiful new flagship home for Cartier’s luxury jewellery, leather goods, watches, fragrances, and even home decor.
Right at the heart of the boutique is a patchwork of Cartier’s emblematic panther in a field of sampaguita, the Philippines’s national flower, with subtle weave patterns that echo banig artistry. Similarly, the craft of basketry is subtly reflected across the store’s stone flooring, while seashell motifs are spread throughout the flagship, from the columns that line the windows to the ceiling that envelops the space.
To the left of the store, a bespoke De Gournay focus wall specially hand-painted for the new space that captures the country’s lush tropical flora and fauna. Bask in the warm, sophisticated palette inspired by mother of pearl, calling out to our pristine beaches and incredible marine ecosystem.
The Philippine flagship also features a plush VIP lounge. Fitted with another De Gournay wall inspired by the Philippines’s rich agriculture, the cosy alcove is designed to pamper guests with utmost comfort and added privacy. Finally, the bridal area is decorated with an intricate bas-relief with gold inserts by French plaster artist Del Boca—a romantic depiction of the Philippine landscape, further enhanced by the weaved basket screens.
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Above The VIP lounge decor

Above A peek into the VIP lounge area

Above Two VIP lounges
Celebrations extended to Blackbird at the Nielson Tower, where chef Colin Mackay presented a refined four-course meal exclusively curated for Cartier, complete with custom cocktails, a thoughtful wine pairing, and even Cartier’s own Champagne cuvée brut. Reflecting on the SSI Group’s longstanding relationship with Cartier, Huang shares: “We actually had dinner last night and we were reminiscing about how our relationship has developed throughout more than 40 years—it has spanned many different administrations within the Richemont group and three generations within our family.”
“It’s a relationship that we hold very, very dear to our hearts and it’s something that we’re very proud of,” Huang continues. “The culmination of all the hard work the team has put in, from both sides, is this incredible store, which pays true homage to the Philippines as a location and to Philippine culture as a whole.” “I think you’ll all agree with me that it’s the most beautiful store in Manila,” he playfully remarked, as the room cheered in spirited agreement.
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Above French plaster artist Del Boca completed the backdrop in bas-relief technique with gold inserts taking inspiration from the Philippine islands
“Indeed, it’s the first of its kind for a [Cartier] boutique in the Philippines,” declares Yitzhakov, “marrying the richness of Cartier’s DNA with the local nature, the local culture to really anchor the boutique in its environment.” “I just want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to our esteemed partners from SSI,” she adds. “It’s more than a partnership, it’s a friendship—a long-lasting friendship. So I wanted really to thank you for all the commitment because this would not have been possible without you, and of course to Ayala, Mariana [Zobel de Ayala] to you and your team, a huge thank you also for making this possible.”
Experience the brilliant convergence of Cartier’s storied legacy and the Philippines’s unique heritage at the new flagship boutique, located at Greenbelt 3, Makati City.
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Credits
Photography: courtesy of SSI Group Inc.


















