Evening bag, 1971. 18K yellow gold, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.
"A Glimpse of
Van Cleef & Arpels’ 
Art de Vivre" exhibition

"A Glimpse of

Van Cleef & Arpels’

Art de Vivre" exhibition

From 25 November 2024 to 23 March 2025
Raffles Arcade, Singapore

Les Jardins Secrets at Raffles Hotel, Singapore

The Maison presents A Glimpse of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Art de Vivre at Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels, an exhibition located in The Raffles Hotel Singapore. 

On this occasion, pieces from the Maison’s patrimonial collection are showcased alongside archival documents. Jewelry creations, timepieces, precious objects and accessories from the 20th century illustrate the savoir-faire and the inspirations of Van Cleef & Arpels. Sometimes resulting from unusual commissions, some of these accessories have specific functions. Amongst them, a paper knife made of gold and crabwood, a perfume bottle or a retractable champagne swizzle from the 1960s are highlighted.

 

Since the 1920s, the Maison started creating pieces in mirror-polished yellow gold. The​ gadrooned shape of this Shell powder case echoes centuries-old metalworking techniques traditionally used for tableware. Indeed, Van Cleef & Arpels often drew inspiration from other artistic disciplines to enhance the gold gleam through relief textures. From the 1950s to the 1970s, these gentle curves kept embellishing rings, earrings and watches.

Powder box, 1932. 18K yellow gold, platinum, enamel, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Powder box, 1932

Yellow gold, platinum, enamel, diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Perfume bottle, circa 1970. 18K yellow gold. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Perfume bottle, circa 1970

Yellow gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Snail pill box, 1968. 18K yellow gold, sapphire. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Snail pill box, 1968

Yellow gold, sapphire

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Paper knife, 1964. 18K yellow gold, crabwood. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Paper knife, 1964

Yellow gold, crabwood

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Champagne swizzle, circa 1969. 18K yellow gold. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Champagne swizzle, circa 1969

Yellow gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Shell powder case, 1957. 18K yellow gold, emerald. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Shell powder case, 1957

Yellow gold, emerald

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

A significant selection of Minaudières™ and nécessaires can also be appreciated. Among the wide variety of vanity cases created during the 1920s, powder compacts in the shape of envelopes form a distinctive group. They were usually made of three folding parts that opened to reveal a mirror and a compartment for powder. Some​ models also included a lipstick tube hanging from a chain. Especially popular during the decade, these small, functional, and rectangular objects feature multiple ornaments. The powder box from 1932 illustrates this period, with a geometric patterns underlined thanks to the use of red and black enamel.

 

During the 1970s, the Maison created many precious evening bags. Inspired by textured fabrics, they were made of woven yellow gold. Their size allowed them to contain items such as the ones gathered in the famous Minaudière™ patented in 1933. The evening bag from 1971, visible at the top of the page, testifies to the influence of the couture universe on the Maison’s creation. Some examples were paired with necklaces and tassel bracelets presenting similar designs.

 

In 1950, this inspiration also gave birth to one of the Maison's signatures: the Zip necklace. This elegant piece cleverly converts into a bracelet when fully zipped. Aside from recreating the zipper itself, Van Cleef & Arpels realized filigree lacework, glittering bows, ruby ribbons and sumptuous tassels of precious stones, all honoring the craftsmanship of couturiers and jewelers. 

Press and Hold
    Zip necklace, 1951. Transformable into a bracelet. 18K yellow gold, 18K rose gold, platinum, rubies, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

     

    Zip necklace, 1951

    Transformable into a bracelet

    Yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, rubies, diamonds

    Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Finally, three pieces stand out for their association with black and white, obtained for example by combining platinum, diamonds, and onyx. Seen in the Maison’s creations since the 1910s, this duotone adjusts here to the Art Deco aesthetic, with pure and geometric ornamentations.

Pin, 1918. Platinum, onyx, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Pin, 1918

Platinum, onyx, diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Evening bag, 1929. 18K white gold, platine, rubies, onyx, diamonds, satin. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Evening bag, 1929

White gold, platine, rubies, onyx, diamonds, satin

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

Lapel watch, 1922. Platinum, onyx, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Lapel watch, 1922

Platinum, onyx, diamonds

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection

This exhibition invites visitors to delve into the history of Van Cleef & Arpels since its foundation in 1906. Through a carefully curated display of pieces and archives, attendees have a chance to discover how the Maison's innovation and expertise have accompanied the daily lives of its clients.

Location

Raffles Arcade

328 North Bridge Road

#01-02

Singapore 188719


Les Jardins Secrets at Raffles Hotel, Singapore

Opening hours

From November 25th, 2024 to March 23rd, 2025

Monday - Sunday

From 12:00pm to 8:00pm

(Last entry at 7:00pm)

Entrance fee

Free admission upon registration here