The Keeper of Icons
Tatler Singapore|August 2023
Pierre Rainero, the image, style and heritage director at Cartier for the past two decades, discusses the design style of the maison, pulling inspiration from its archives, and the philosophy that guides him in his role
Annabel Tan
The Keeper of Icons

A magnetic feline charm and innovative, unexpected motifs the likes of the screw and nail that respectively define the Love and Juste un Clou collections are but some of the design signatures that are distinctly Cartier. Timeless in their appeal, each tells a story about the maison's heritage and is revisited time and again in its various collections.

One iconic design that Cartier has brought back from its archives is Grain de Café, which is centred on a stylised motif of a coffee bean, and seen in a new jewellery collection of earrings, necklaces, brooches, rings and bangles.

The whimsical, tactile design first appeared in 1938, when Jeanne Toussaint was the creative director of the house, and soared to popularity in the 1950s, when it was worn and favoured by the then-newly crowned Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly.

Today, the collection takes shape in lustrous yellow gold creations that tremble with their wearer's movements, evoking a spirit reminiscent of 1950s glamour. But the decision to reinterpret Grain de Café is not solely a stylistic one. Pierre Rainero, the image, style and heritage director of Cartier, shares more.

Tell us about your role as Cartier's image, style and heritage director.

Since the beginning, our founder had the idea to create a specific creative language common to all our creations; a notion of style that is intrinsically linked to the idea of heritage. This is also a permanently evolving, dynamic notion of style that continues to be cultivated, so my main role today is to continue this process. This is why I call the Cartier style a living language, and our image is a consequence of this. Our image comes across in our communication, from the architecture of our store to any collateral we put out-and I have a role in all of that too.

Bu hikaye Tatler Singapore dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Tatler Singapore dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

TATLER SINGAPORE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Old-World CHARM
Tatler Singapore

Old-World CHARM

Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels

time-read
4 dak  |
October 2024
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Tatler Singapore

THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi

Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food

time-read
5 dak  |
October 2024
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler Singapore

COURAGE OF CONVICTION

Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora

time-read
8 dak  |
October 2024
INDUSTRIALI
Tatler Singapore

INDUSTRIALI

Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries

time-read
8 dak  |
October 2024
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
Tatler Singapore

THE BALL'S INHER COURT

China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey

time-read
6 dak  |
October 2024
Love Story
Tatler Singapore

Love Story

Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds

time-read
3 dak  |
October 2024
Over the Rainbow
Tatler Singapore

Over the Rainbow

The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight

time-read
4 dak  |
October 2024
Twist and Turn
Tatler Singapore

Twist and Turn

Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations

time-read
5 dak  |
October 2024
Game On
Tatler Singapore

Game On

From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other

time-read
6 dak  |
October 2024
The Wrist Taker
Tatler Singapore

The Wrist Taker

Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces

time-read
3 dak  |
October 2024