Van Cleef & Arpels is set to unveil its patrimonial collection in Oceania for the first time, offering a rare opportunity to explore its Haute Joaillerie archives.
For most of history, Haute Joaillerie has been an art form few get to experience. Commissioned, bespoke, or released in exclusive collections – and tiny quantities – for elite clientele and collectors, these pieces often vanish into private vaults and behind palace walls, sometimes never to be seen again. (Princess Grace of Monaco was such an avid collector that upon her marriage to Prince Rainier III in 1956, Van Cleef & Arpels was named the “Patented Supplier of the Principality of Monaco”.) But these pieces are not merely ultra-luxury items, explains Alexandrine Maviel-Sonet, Van Cleef & Arpels’ patrimony and exhibitions director. “They are pieces of art.”
Few maisons are as committed to celebrating, sharing and preserving their heritage as Van Cleef & Arpels. In the 1970s, amid a period of cultural and sartorial revolution, Jacques Arpels, nephew of co-founder Estelle Arpels, began reacquiring vintage treasures and archival materials. His aim was not only to safeguard the maison’s legacy but to create an ever-expanding collection, one that could be presented to and appreciated by the public in the same way a Picasso would be.
“Currently, the collection includes more than 2850 works,” explains Maviel-Sonet, speaking to marie claire from VCA’s headquarters in Paris. The office, she notes, is buzzing with anticipation as the team prepares to travel to Sydney in April for the maison’s first-ever patrimonial exhibition in Oceania.
Since the initial major patrimonial exhibition in Paris in 1992, the collection has been presented to the public twice a year at renowned cultural institutions and Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques worldwide (most recently, exhibitions have taken place at Seoul’s iconic D Museum and VCA’s Dubai boutique, just moments from the Burj Khalifa). “When we saw the Campbell’s Stores – such a beautiful, historic place – we thought we have to organise an exhibition there,” explains Maviel-Sonet of the allure of the former warehouse building where the exhibition will take place, offering unobstructed views of Sydney Opera House.
Open to the public with complimentary access from April 11 to May 8, 2025, The Art of Movement will feature more than 100 creations from VCA’s patrimonial collection, organised into four themes: Human Odyssey, Nature Alive, Elegance, and Abstract Movements. This selection highlights VCA’s relentless pursuit of infusing movement and vitality into their creations – an effort Maviel-Sonet describes as “very dear to the maison”. The exhibition includes exciting new acquisitions, such as a 1945 bird crafted from yellow gold, diamonds and sapphires. “When you look at it, you can almost imagine the bird soaring through the sky, spinning in motion.” Alongside these pieces, nearly 50 archival documents will help tell the story of their creation, from initial design to final realisation. “I also really enjoy the ads and commercials we have in the archives,” says Maviel-Sonet. “They capture the tone of the time.” It’s what she hopes exhibition goers take from the experience: that these creations, which possess a certain energy and tell hidden stories, are “almost alive and moving”. To keep them locked away would be almost cruel.
The Art of Movement by Van Cleef & Arpels is at Campbell’s Stores, Sydney, from April 11 to May 8.
Children’s Workshop
Inspired by the distinct themes of the Art of Movement exhibition, paper engineer and artist, Benja Harney will expertly guide a 45 minute workshop for children that fosters creativity and artistic expression as they translate the ethos of the exhibition into their own imaginative paper based creations. This event has been designed for children, suitable for ages 5-12. Parents are welcome to stay. Make a reservation here.
Guided Tour
Enhance your experience with a 45 minute tour uncovering over 100 emblematic creations from the Van Cleef & Arpels Patrimonial Collection. Free admission. Multiple bookings required for groups larger than 2 people, including children of all ages. Register here.
L’ÉCOLE Evening Conversation
Join L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts, for an evening of discussion with historian, Patricia Zilkha, and jeweller Dorian Marty as they delve into the origins, evolution and little-known techniques required to bring a jewellery creation to life. Make a reservation here.
