The Reign In Spain

The beauties of the world, captured in the imagination of Cartier’s finest ateliers and festooned with precious gems and gold, make up its new high jewellery collection that was showcased in the sultry splendour of Spain. Kenneth Goh reports from Madrid

As I stepped offthe plane in the capital of Spain, Madrid, it felt strangely cathartic. It was the final leg of my month-long sojourn in Europe to experience the very best in haute joaillerie, and the continent was in the throes of an unprecedented onslaught of revenge tourism since the opening of global borders. Everyone was everywhere but home. Plane, trains and automobiles were whizzing around the world, carrying tourists and holidaymakers keen to travel again after being cooped up for nearly three years. I, on the other hand, having experienced flight delays, missing luggage and heaving airports, was relieved to set foot in a country where life takes on a slower pace and where siestas are still de riguer.

The city seemed bathed in a constant golden light and the skies the bluest of blue. I was here to experience a voyage with Cartier: The launch of the Beautés du Monde high jewellery collection, which would be showcased at the former British embassy, restored for the occasion and an apt setting for a collection that celebrates beauty in its diverse forms. Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier, put it best: “Housed in a unique venue in Madrid called The Embassy, this Sixties building’s shape and modern style, imitating a bullring, stands out among the surrounding palaces—much like how Madrid’s tree-lined avenues, which are bordered by exquisite architecture, contrast with the narrow streets of the old city, which are paved with arcades and ancient street signs. Madrid is one of those cities whose beauty shines through its diversity.”