Picture this: you are ensconced in a plush carmine red sofa, admiring hand painted maison de Gournay wallpaper that reflects the diversity of Australian flora, while you sip a beautifully balanced French martini.
To your right, a romantic chandelier holds court over a circular display of fine jewellery. There you can peruse pieces from Cartier’s iconic collections, from Love to Trinity to Clash.
Setting a new standard in “experience retail”, Cartier’s new address at George and King streets, Sydney, encourages guests to not only shop but stay and luxuriate in the carefully crafted living spaces and elegantly appointed VIP suites from November.
As you walk through the curved glass façade you can’t help but notice nods to Australia’s landscape. Plush carpet in tones of beige echo the sandstone cliffs of the Australian coastline, while the towering walls panelled in corrugated wood are reminiscent of the nation’s quintessential rural roofing material.
Upstairs, exquisite rooms are bathed in the ochre-orange of the desert and shoppers are invited to escape the aching heat of summer in the perfectly cool cocktail lounge atop the sweeping staircase.
But don’t let the chilled temperatures and frosty diamonds deceive you. The boutique is one of the maison’s most eco-friendly worldwide, with the added ambition of showcasing the expertise of artisans through locally sourced and produced furnishings by Australian designers.
The result? Cartier’s new home allows you to immerse yourself in the fashion fantasy of fine jewellery but with a distinctly Australian sensibility.
“After enjoying a longstanding presence in Australia for more than 45 years, the opening of our new Sydney flagship marks a thrilling new chapter in the relationship between Cartier and Australians,” said Alban du Mesnil, Managing Director of Cartier Oceania.
“The new Sydney flagship will embody Parisian elegance whilst paying tribute to Australia’s rich culture and natural beauty, featuring the savoir faire and style Cartier is renowned for around the world. We look forward to welcoming our clients and offering them a unique experience full of discovery.”
You can visit Cartier’s new Sydney flagship store at 388 George Street.