Tatler+ Van Cleef & Arpels
The renovated Maison combines elements of nature with thoughtful architectural concepts for an intimate but no less impressive space to showcase its creations
Walking into a Van Cleef & Arpels store is always a special experience, whether it is to check out its famous Alhambra collection or its exquisite engagement rings. And now, with its flagship Maison at Landmark Prince’s Building revelling in a stunning new look, a trip to the store is made even more special.
Paris-based design firm, Jouin Manku Agency, designed the original boutique in 2011 and was commissioned again to design the new look of the two-storey, 2,350sqft space, located in a prime spot near Chater Garden in Central. Just as Van Cleef & Arpels blends the beauty of nature with quality craftsmanship in its jewellery, the new store combines natural elements with architectural design to create an experience that starts before you even enter the store.
See also: These Luxury Watches By Van Cleef & Arpels Come With Their Very Own Music Box
The façade for the store’s main entrance on Chater Road features an installation of sparkling glass tubes inspired by the linear beauty of a bamboo forest and the bright lights of Hong Kong. In contrast, the façade for the entrance located inside the Landmark Prince’s shopping centre feature white stone and a display of delicate paper panels embossed with a floral pattern.
“We wanted to retain the boutique’s iconic features while creating a multidimensional space that would reflect Hong Kong’s contrasting landscape,” says Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku, the founders of the design agency.
The central area on both floors feature smoked oak panelling on the floors and shelves against the walls that are reminiscent of a stately French apartment, matched with a fabric wallpaper of plant motifs against a subtle shade of leaf green. Van Cleef & Arpels’s jewellery, high jewellery and watches collections are displayed on the ground floor, while its bridal and heritage collections are housed on the upper floor. The creations are all showcased against a background of white, beige and laurel green, either under elegant glass domes on the shelves or in curved display cases atop cream-coloured tables matched with soft grey chairs. Some of the pieces take pride of place in various column-like display cases inspired by Hong Kong’s skyscrapers.
