Van Cleef & Arpels has enlisted the visual expertise of French artist Arthur Hoffner in celebration of its signature Perlée fine jewellery collection.
The partnership centres around the Perlée collection’s golden beads, a now-iconic emblem of the maison, with Hoffner tasked with creating a fittingly poetic backdrop.
“The Perlée collection is an ode to the golden bead, to its brilliance, roundness, and movement,” Hoffner said of the collection.
“This is how I envisioned the series of sculptures and displays that surround it: a colourful world where a ribbon unfurls, enlivening the space with its curves and draping the shapes on which the beads evolve in a well-orchestrated ballet.”
Hoffner’s vision was brought to life in the form of sculptural contours, inspired by the stylised motifs of a mountainside village. In each image, the Perlée’s glisten against a smattering of soft snow, which Hoffner created through the use of mineral materials.
It’s not the first time the House has collaborated with Hoffner: their partnership dates back to 2018. Speaking of the decision to continue this union, Nicolas Bos, President and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels said, “I saw a kind of uniqueness in [Hoffner’s] work, particularly in how he deals with shapes, colours, and volumes.”
“I loved his objects, which are at once fun, colourful, and extremely simple, yet sophisticated, and combined to great effect. It was easy to imagine these works coexisting with a luxurious concept, as well as with a very accessible, almost childlike world. I found his vision very touching.”
The golden beads at the centre of the Perlée collection have long been integral to Van Cleef & Arpels.
“Golden beads have been a decorative element since 1948 with the Couscous and Bagatelle creations,” Nicolas explains.
“They have adorned the Alhambra collection since its birth in 1968 as well. On the Perlée creations, the golden bead is somewhat elevated from being an accessory to a central element. Its round form injects joy and dynamism into the pieces. The Perlée collection adds a playful depiction of geometry to the world of Van Cleef & Arpels.”
The Perlée collection is now available to view via the Van Cleef & Arpels website.
