Van Cleef & Arpels, the iconic French jewelry Maison recently opened a brand-new boutique in Toronto. Located in Bloor-Yorkville, the beating heart of Toronto’s luxury, fashion, culture and art scene, the boutique is the Maison’s first flagship in Canada.
The Boutique
The street view of the boutique consists of an Art Deco inspired façade, embellished by a geometric pattern of alternating matte black and gold, lozenge-shaped tiles. This design was first seen in 1937, on a Van Cleef & Arpels’ minaudière ( a small, decorative handbag without handles or straps). Faithfully replicated on the boutique’s exterior, the design spans the entire height of the boutique, which is a first for any Van Cleef & Arpels store in the Americas.
The interior of the boutique is just as sumptuous. Consisting of two spacious retail floors, a private salon and a special events room, the boutique is an oasis of luxury and refinement. Glass chandeliers of French make, and intricately designed walls adorned with custom-fabric panels showcasing a floral motif in shades of gold and green, add soft elegance to the ambience.
The color scheme of the interior, matte gold and black, echoes that of the boutique’s façade and once again is reminiscent of the Art Deco aesthetic. “We are delighted to enhance the elegant universe of our French Maison with our new boutique on Bloor Street, designed to evoke the warmth and elegance of a Parisian apartment,” comments Helen King, President & CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, Americas about the boutique.
Iconic Jewelry Creations, Extraordinary Savoir Faire
The boutique houses some of the most recognizable jewelry creations of the Maison, alongside many new jewels.
Snowflake Collection
These include the Maison’s high jewelry Snowflake collection which is centered on VCA’s flocon or snowflake motif. First seen in the 1940s, it has since become a favorite of jewelry lovers. At the Yorkville boutique it holds center-stage. Dazzling diamonds, timeless design and precise craftsmanship, the three attributes that have come to define the Maison, are clearly seen in all the pieces of the Snowflake collection.
Ludo Bracelets
Among other distinctive VCA creations showcased at the boutique are its iconic Ludo bracelets. Named after Louis Arpels, who was called “Ludo” by his friends, these bracelets have been delighting jewelry lovers since they debuted in 1935.
Skillfully crafted and fully articulated, the bracelets drape like heavy, pure silk on the wrist. The remarkably fine hexagonal mesh pattern of the bracelet is just as immaculately crafted at the front of the piece as it is at the back. The bracelet’s clasp, shaped like a belt buckle, is made even more beautiful through features such as finely polished, calibré-cut hardstone gem material and diamonds, design elements that leave you speechless.
Perlée Collection
The boutique also showcases the Maison’s Perlée collection. The collection was inspired by and centers on gold granulation, a jewelry design motif that has been used by jewelry makers and goldsmiths since antiquity.
Gold beads have been part of the Maison’s design DNA for a long time. But the Perlée collection brings this design detail into the 21st century, by giving gold beads pride of place instead of using them as accents.
On their own or paired with diamonds and colored gem materials, the round, scintillating forms of the Perlée collection have made it a contemporary classic. Modern, and effervescent, the handcrafted Perlée pieces are a joy to behold and wear.
Alhambra
However, it is the Alhambra collection and its many iterations that bring into sharp focus the savoir faire that defines the Maison. Lucky Alhambra, which in many ways has become synonymous with VCA, drew its inspiration from the silhouette of a four-leaf clover and has been an integral part of the Maison’s jeweled offerings since 1968.
At the Yorkville-Bloor boutique, a breathtaking range of Alhambra pieces, in countless different versions, can be seen. From the familiar such as white and black mother-of-pearl, carnelian and onyx to the unique such as treated snakewood, each style is just as beautiful and alluring as the other.
Alhambra is a collection that has been reinvented time and again by VCA. It remains one of the most visible emblems of the Maison, a token of luck and a symbol of the care and precision that goes into the craftsmanship of every piece by Van Cleef & Arpels.
These are just a few collections jewelry aficionados are sure to enjoy at Van Cleef & Arpels’ new flagship boutique in Toronto.
Luxury Jewelry in TO – Van Cleef & Arpels Boutique
“We look forward to further showcasing our iconic creations and rich heritage with Toronto’s sophisticated clientele,” King remarks. Located in the heart of Yorkville, Van Cleef & Arpels’ luxurious boutique is well on its way to becoming the one of Toronto’s most beloved fine and high jewelry destinations.
Featured Image: Inside Van Cleef & Arpels’ flagship boutique in Yorkville-Bloor, Toronto
