Bejewelled BOUNTY

CEO Catherine Rénier deep dives into the mesmerising Treasure Island by Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewellery Collection to unpack it for us.

- TAN SIOK HOON

Two months into her new role as CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, Catherine Rénier kicks into high gear, hosting the global launch of the Treasure Island by Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewellery Collection. The collection was unveiled at the historic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami, enveloped by the balmy and tranquil atmosphere of Biscayne Bay with its picturesque mix of turquoise-clear waters, lush mangrove forests and diverse marine life. Rénier’s homecoming to the Maison where she spent most of her career in various postings and locations equips her to helm and lead Van Cleef & Arpels, Richemont Group’s prized heritage jewellery brand. In this face-to-face interview after the High Jewellery collection’s discovery session at the iconic beachfront Faena Hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, she graciously embarks on a voyage across the landmark collection to share insights on its exciting narrative and significance.

L'OFFICIEL: The Maison typically launches its High Jewellery collection mid-year usually in Europe. How was this one different? CATHERINE RENIER: We moved the launch to be in the perfect place at the perfect time to pay tribute to the collection in the best setting: close to the Caribbean in the tropics next to the ocean. We wanted to have this proximity with what we felt was somewhat the origin of the story.

LO: Tell us about the inspiration behind the Treasure Island by Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewellery collection.

CR: The collection is inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Treasure Island, published in 1883 and written originally for his stepson as a bedtime story to encourage a young child to dream about adventure and discovery. The Maison borrowed from this artistic expression to enrich our creations for this collection, paying tribute to Stevenson's story while injecting our expertise and heritage.