Friday, April 13, 2007

Immerse in the splendor of Van Cleef and Arpels

Next month, France's prominent jeweler to the stars and royalties around the globe, Van Cleef and Arpels, will open its doors to the fine jewels connoisseurs of Malaysia at the swanky Starhill Gallery.

Founded by Alfred Van Cleef and his father-in-law Salomon Arpels in 1986, the first Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry workshop a
nd store was opened at 22, Place Vendome in Paris, and for generations, the store remains at the same location with new facelift given to it.

Its pre-1920's collection comprises of designs characterized by line fluidity, graceful curves, and a poetic sense of movement, an evidence inherited from the influence of Art Nouveau movement that swept Europe at that time.

Among its important clients were Hollywood silver-screen siren and pre-war icon Marlene Dietrich as well as Maurice Chevalier. Even the coronation crown that former Iranian empress Farah Pahlavi wore was made by Van Cleef and Arpels and it took them six months to complete the creation.

In fashion scene, the vintage Van Cleef and Arpels jewels made their presence ubiquitous through fashion shows held by famous European designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Viktor and Rolf, and Julien McDonald to name a few.

At the recent 79th Academy Awards, a number of actresses chose to bedecked themselves with the glitzy pieces from Van Cleef and Arpels, and they were Anne Hathaway, Catherine Deneuve, Reese Witherspoon and Liv Tyler.

Although Van Cleef and Arpels have its presence felt in Malaysia for a long time, the range of product is limited to timepieces and the decision to open its first store in Malaysia was made a right time. The Starhill Gallery boutique will be carrying complete Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry, timepieces and exceptional pieces collection.

*Photos courtesy of Van Cleef and Arpels

Van Cleef and Arpels - Adorn Floor, Starhill Gallery, 180, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

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