2011: the “Set in Style” exhibition in New York
From February 18 to June 5, 2011, the “Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels” exhibition took place at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York, a city that has hosted the Maison since the late 1930s.
Bringing together more than 300 jewelry pieces, watches, precious accessories and other objets d’art, this exhibition, designed by Sarah Coffin – at the time Curator and Head of Product Design and Decorative Arts – highlighted Van Cleef & Arpels’ influence on 20th century design history. Showcased in a space devised by designer Patrick Jouin, the selection took visitors on a dreamlike journey through a century of creation. The itinerary revolved around six themes reflecting the Van Cleef & Arpels universe: innovation, transformation, nature, exoticism, fashion and celebrities.
View of an exhibition's room, scenography created by Patrick Jouin
View of creations inside the exhibition, scenography created by Patrick Jouin
View of the Bird clip and Walska pendant inside the exhibition
The Maison’s savoir-faire particularly came out in a Mystery Set floral clip (circa 1937), as well as the transformable necklace adorned with drop-shaped emeralds (1926-1928) that once belonged to Daisy Fellowes, a symbol of the glamor and elegance of European High Society in the 20th century. The creations on display also included the pearl and diamond jewelry ensemble (1953-1956) offered to Princess Grace of Monaco as a wedding gift by Prince Rainier.
Transformable neckalce, white gold, diamonds, emaralds, circa 1926
Set bought by H.S.H. Prince Rainier III of Monaco for his wife H.S.H. Princess Grace, as a wedding gift in 1956, Platinum, pearls, diamonds, The Princess Grace of Monaco Collection, Palais Princier, Monaco
Portrait de S.A.S. la princesse Grace de Monaco portant la parure Van Cleef & Arpels offerte pour leur mariage par S.A.S. le prince Rainier III de Monaco, 1956, Van Cleef & Arpels
