By The Luxury Editorial Team
On December 4th, Cartier lifted the curtain on its immersive exhibition; an encounter with the Maison's emblematic panther in Into the Wild. First conceived in 1914 on a watch set with an onyx coat and diamond spots, the panther received renewed focus by the cultural tastemaker, Jeanne Toussaint (1887-1976), who was appointed creative director of the Maison in 1933. Inviting guests to explore the Panthère de Cartier universe for themselves, Into the Wild presents a journey of the imagination across five distinct spaces where precious archival pieces are shown alongside contemporary designs. Toussaint's legacy, inspiring a century of panther-inspired creations, now comes to life in this immersive guided tour.
In the first gallery, historic moments that have defined early appearances of the panther are displayed such as a figurative panther on a 1917 cigarette case. At the room's center is a spotlight on the Maison's High Jewelry brooch where the grace of a powerful panther becomes a prelude to the splendors inside. The next gallery is dedicated to Toussaint's inimitable sense of style and influence among Parisian creative society. It was in the early 1910s that Louis Cartier first met Toussaint and impressed by her distinct creativity, offered her a role at Cartier designing handbags. She would later became the Head of Accessories. In 1933, Toussaint rose to the creative director, affirming the preeminence of "Toussaint Taste," and becoming one of the first women to hold a prominent position in the luxury industry. In the 1940s, Toussaint revealed forms of the majestic panther that audiences will still recognize today. Pieces form the Cartier Collection during her tenure include a cabochon-cut emerald bird brooch from 1944 and a yellow diamond tiger bracelet from 1967, among a variety of contemporary jewels that bear hallmarks of her discerning taste.
Dazzling examples of the panther in graphic, naturalistic, and abstract forms which grace the Maison's métiers are found in the next room among contemporary jewelry and watch offerings. In the following room, guests are treated to a glimpse behind the curtain of the Maison's savior-faire as four workbenches reveal aspects of the panther’s composition: sculpture, glyptics, fur setting, and Métiers d'Art, accompanied by a vitrine of Cartier creations employing each technique.
Two emblematic designs from the Maison showcase ornate panther-inspired designed in exquisite detail (Images courtesy of Cartier)
Now open to the public from 11 A.M. to 9 P.M. December 5th through 7th, Into the Wild is located at 23 NE 41st St Miami, FL. Visitors may reserve a time slot for complimentary admission.
In the final gallery, 'Wild Fauna Universe,' Cartier creations peek out from assemblage among artist's Clare Celeste's art installation (Images courtesy of Cartier)
