Tradition, Innovation, Fun

Marie-Laure Cérède, Cartier’s creative director of watchmaking, on the philosophy behind new creations and old icons.

- Wei-Yu Wang

AS CARTIER’S CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF WATCHMAKING, Marie-Laure Cérède has the task of balancing contemporary designs with historical ones, which is no mean feat considering that Cartier is one of the most celebrated watch-and-jewellery maisons to ever exist. It had become a powerhouse by the early 20th century on the strength of iconic watches such as the Santos and Tank as well as an indelible association with the golden age of Hollywood. “It was a time of beauty in a way. The first part of the 20th century was a very rich path in terms of design – it was the art deco period, after art nouveau, so there were so many things, so many new trends,” Cérède muses. “I think these trends became a DNA for many, many