What do you see?” Christian Selmoni’s question to me from the previous day still rings in my mind. We had met at Hôtel de Crillon in Paris for a private viewing of the new Métiers d’Art timepiece collection, which Vacheron Constantin had created in partnership with the Louvre as a tribute to four great ancient civilisations.
He embodies his title as the manufacturer’s style and heritage director. Yesterday, he had worn a dapper broken suit in complementary gemstone hues, and tonight, as we dine under the glass pyramid of the Louvre for the international unveiling of the Métiers d’Art collection, he sits handsomely in a pressed black tuxedo and bow tie.
So, what do I see? The Louvre transformed into a gala venue: rows of tables decorated with vases of wildflowers; white chiffon curtains billowing next to towering walls inscribed with text and symbols from the four chosen ancient civilisations (Greek, Persian, Latin and Egyptian); and above us, beyond the glass and metal of the Louvre Pyramid designed by Chinese-American architect IM Pei, a clear night sky littered with stars.
“We have always been able to maintain a high level of watchmaking together with a high level of decorative crafts,” Selmoni had said, in response to his own question. “And there’s a lot of diversity in Vacheron watches—from men’s and ladies’ timepieces to sports watches— so what is the style of the Maison in this context? If I had to summarise it, it would be elegant, sophisticated and refined.”
Tell us about the genesis of this unique collaboration between Vacheron Constantin and the Louvre.
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Vogue Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Vogue Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Some Like It Haute
Audemars Piguet and Tamara Ralph create a fashion watch of the highest order
The Little Chain That Could
Hermès has staged an exhibition dedicated to its Chaine d'ancre jewellery that highlights how far a simple idea can go.
HAKKEN
Meet HAKKEN, the model, cosplayer and sartorial savant who is redefining gender norms. For their first Vogue cover shoot, the Malaysian enigma showcases an all-new side by transforming into revered American model and fashion icon TINA CHOW, intertwining their shared facets of duality, valor and inimitable grace.
The Double SHIFT
Three women from different walks of life reflect on their relationship with domestic labour.
Paradiso ITALIANO
The abode of Sunny Han and Junny Lee charms with its distinct Italian inflection and bravura celebration of food and family.
Modern MIRACLE
Conrad Shenzhen is part of the changing face of China's fastest-growing city, and its contemporary charm is apparent from the get-go.
Top SHELF
Plunge into the world of translated fiction with a diverse curation of eight titles from different corners of the world—each carefully brought into the English language by dedicated literary translators.
STATE of the ART
As our local art scene grows, it is the people and spaces prioritising community and inclusivity that prove most invaluable. Three independent collectives shaping the future of art in Singapore share what it means to truly embrace the community and spark change.
Soft POWER
Boucheron's creative director Claire Choisne explains her latest high jewellery collection, which plays inventively with ceremonial trappings.
Full Metal ALCHEMY
A slate of new timepieces proves that a gold watch on the wrist can indeed be a graceful statement.