SET IN STYLE The Jewelry of Van Cleef and Arpels

There is an interesting exhibition taking place at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. This exhibition features some of the most beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels creations. This brand was founded on the Place Vendôme in Paris in 1906, and since then their timepieces have been worn by most of the style icons. Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor are only some of the many of them.

The exhibition includes 350 brand’s creations, not only watches but also jewelry, fashion accessories and artistic creations. The exhibition captures the spirit of innovation and opulent contribution to jewelry design of the 20th century. The visitors will also be able to see original drawings from the Van Cleef & Arpels archives. The exhibition also highlights the revolutionary use of materials and new production methods, over a complete century. This exhibition also represents the most comprehensive overview of Van Cleef & Arpels’ masterworks, divided into the six themes: Transformations, Nature as Inspiration, Exoticism, Fashion, and Personalities.



Under the Transformations theme, you can enjoy the Radiator Lapel/Clasp watch. The watch is created in Paris, France, in 1930 and now belongs to the Van Cleef & Arpels' Collection. The claps on this watch replicate the car radiators in a nod to the development of faster, more luxurious cars. The shutters and movable and they can be opened or closed.

Another fantastic example of this collection is the Cadenas Watch, a 20th century style icon. It is created at the time when women didn't wear wristwatches. The Cadenas watch is designed in the sytle of bracelet, so only the wearer can see the time.



The exhibition is open until June 5, 2011. Take a quick gallery tour with Patrick Jouin: