As Van Cleef & Arpels celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Alhambra jewels this year, HILLARY KANG looks into the history of this emblematic collection
WHAT MAKES a piece of jewellery iconic? Be it the rich history behind it or the presence of said jewellery on a constellation of celebrities and royalty alike, Van Cleef & Arpels offers both in droves with its Alhambra jewels. Over the last 50 years since its inception, the unmistakable four-leaf clover trefoil has been spotted on the likes of Grace Kelly and Mariah Carey. Although it has undergone numerous re-imaginations, it has never strayed far from its core, inseparable tenet: Luck.
Introduced in 1968, Alhambra was the result of Jacques Arpels’ affection for four-leaf clovers he often found in his childhood garden in northern France. He would present these handpicked four-leaf clovers to his staff, accompanying each with an uplifting poem Don’t Quit by American abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier. The clover eventually found its way into Van Cleef & Arpels’ catalogues in 1968 with the first Alhambra long necklace, made up of 20 delicate clovers creased in gold and edged with golden beads.
この記事は Prestige Singapore の August 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Prestige Singapore の August 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.