Cartier celebrates art deco era with parisian exhibition, showcases iconic pieces

Paris – A glittering retrospective of the Art Deco era has opened at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, offering a final glimpse at over 1,000 jewels, objects, and furniture before the exhibition closes April 26.

A century of glamour: cartier's art deco legacy

The exhibition commemorates the centennial of the 1925 fair that christened the celebrated design movement. Among the featured artists are luminaries such as Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, and Jean-Michel Frank. Cartier occupies a dedicated space, showcasing pieces both from and inspired by the period. A striking statue of a panther, a fixture at the 1925 event, guards the entrance, a subtle nod to the era's burgeoning fascination with the feline form. While no panther jewelry appears in the display cases, the journey to the iconic panther motif began in 1948 with a commission for Duchess of Windsor, transforming a simple wristwatch embellishment into a three-dimensional masterpiece of gold, onyx, and emerald.

The exhibition extends the panther's reign with the newPanthère Graphique leather goods collection, echoing the architectural lines of the nearby Eiffel Tower. Though predating Art Deco, the tower remains a recognizable landmark visible from the museum's exit. The collection’s sharp angles and hollowed volumes capture the spirit of the era’s design sensibilities.

Alongside the historical pieces, the exhibition presents a dazzling array of contemporary Cartier creations, including the Panthère de Cartier necklace ($90,500), ring ($60,500), and pendant, alongside a Must de Cartier small diary ($495) and Santos de Cartier pen ($550), all available at cartier.com. The sheer opulence on display underscores a design philosophy that continues to resonate with luxury consumers today.

The exhibition is a potent reminder that design transcends time, and certain motifs – like the panther – possess an enduring allure.