Cover A 1940 design drawing of a vanity case from the Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
A 1940 design drawing of a vanity case from the Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
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With its latest exhibition in Singapore, French jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels opens the doors to its exceptional craftsmanship of transforming everyday objects into extraordinary works of art, from swizzle sticks to evening bags
Within the storied grounds of the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore, a glittering treasure trove awaits at Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels. The French luxury jewellery house debuted the boutique and exhibition concept in February last year, and has regularly held curated exhibitions in the unique space, inviting visitors to dive deeper into its creative history.
The latest exhibition, A Glimpse of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Art de Vivre, which runs until March 23, is a showcase beyond the dazzling jewellery Van Cleef & Arpels is known for. It offers an intimate look into the rich heritage of the maison and its role in shaping the daily lives of its illustrious clientele through various precious objects since its inception in 1906. Featuring a carefully curated selection of pieces from the maison’s extensive patrimonial collection, the exhibition is a visual feast of jewellery creations, timepieces, precious objects, and accessories, complemented by archival documents that provide historical context.
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Above A Van Cleef & Arpels evening bag from 1971, in yellow gold set with diamonds
A Van Cleef & Arpels evening bag from 1971, in yellow gold set with diamonds
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One of the standout pieces—also used as a key visual in the exhibition’s marketing collateral—is a glamorous gold evening bag from 1971. The ’70s saw Van Cleef & Arpels venture into the realm of precious evening bags and this particular creation on display, inspired by textured fabrics and crafted of woven yellow gold, showcases its mastery of goldsmithing. While it appears to be supple and fastened with a drawstring near the top of the bag, it actually has a rigid shape and opens like a box, with its closure concealed under one of the scalloped flaps in the middle. This surprising piece demonstrates not just the brand’s technical prowess, but also its ability to seamlessly bridge the worlds of haute couture and high jewellery.
Van Cleef & Arpels’s long‑held ability to elevate typically ordinary, everyday objects to precious and extraordinary works of art is also beautifully illustrated by a 1932 powder box shaped like an envelope, which is part of a distinctive group of vanity cases from the 1920s. These cases were often made of three folding parts that opened to reveal a mirror and a compartment for powder, and some iterations also featured a lipstick tube hanging from a chain. This eye‑catching piece has geometric patterns accentuated by red and black enamel, with a diamond‑set triangular motif in platinum adding a touch of sparkle.
Above The Van Cleef & Arpels Shell powder case from 1957, in yellow gold set with an emerald
The Van Cleef & Arpels Shell powder case from 1957, in yellow gold set with an emerald
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Another distinctive powder case on show is the Shell from 1957. Crafted from mirror‑polished yellow gold, its beautiful gadrooned shape was achieved through the application of centuries‑old metalworking techniques traditionally used for tableware. This piece is just one of many examples of the innovative spirit at Van Cleef & Arpels; the drawing of inspiration from diverse artistic disciplines to enhance its various creations. Here, a metalworking technique was also used to enhance the gold’s gleam through relief textures. These gentle curves continued to embellish the maison’s rings, earrings and watches from the 1950s through to the ’70s.
Speaking of the brand’s innovative spirit, yet another testament to it is a lapel watch from 1922: a hybrid creation that is simultaneously a brooch and a timepiece, and one of the most fascinating pieces on display at the A Glimpse of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Art de Vivre exhibition. When worn, the suspended case can be flipped to reveal the dial hidden on the back. This duo‑functional piece boasts a recognisable art deco aesthetic with its geometric ornamentations and striking black‑and‑white contrast achieved through a combination of platinum, diamonds and onyx.
Above Van Cleef & Arpels’s yellow gold swizzle stick from 1969
Above A 1922 Van Cleef & Arpels Collection lapel watch in platinum set with onyx and diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels’s yellow gold swizzle stick from 1969
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Delving deeper into the exhibition reveals a stunning array of accessories that blur the line between jewellery and functional objects. Among these is a retractable swizzle stick from the 1960s. A curious creation that exemplifies Van Cleef & Arpels’s ability to cater to the most specific and refined tastes of its clientele, this niche accessory serves a precise purpose for the discerning champagne connoisseur who prefers their bubbly without the fizz: gently stirring the champagne with it will effectively remove the bubbles for those who find the effervescence too intense on the palate.
The piece on display, crafted entirely in yellow gold, represents a later iteration of the specialised tool. Earlier versions from the 1930s were often embellished with coloured stones, adding a touch of whimsy and luxury to this functional item. The evolution to an all‑gold design in the 1960s speaks to the changing aesthetics of the era and Van Cleef & Arpels’s commitment to adapting its creations to contemporary tastes. Within the context of the exhibition, the piece offers a glimpse into the rarefied world of high society in the mid‑20th century, where even the act of preparing one’s champagne can be elevated to an art form.
Above A Van Cleef & Arpels powder box from 1932 in platinum and yellow gold set with diamonds and enamel
Above A 1946 lighter by Van Cleef & Arpels, in platinum and yellow gold set with rubies and diamonds
A Van Cleef & Arpels powder box from 1932 in platinum and yellow gold set with diamonds and enamel
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This exhibition is a great display of how at the core of Van Cleef & Arpels’s enduring appeal is its ability to evoke emotion through carefully selected gems and the virtuosic skills of its craftsmen. Drawing inspiration from all over—nature, couture, dance and even imaginary worlds—the maison continues to create enchanting jewellery and watchmaking collections that transport the wearer to a timeless universe of beauty and harmony.
Book a visit to A Glimpse of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Art de Vivre here.
Credits
Images: Van Cleef & Arpels
Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
