A Special Boutique for the West Coast
The new boutique, located at 3333 Bristol Street in suite 1501, covers 4,200 square feet and features an Art Deco-inspired facade that was originally designed for a 1937 Van Cleef & Arpels minaudière. The facade is composed of geometric patterns and precious materials, such as gold leaf, mother-of-pearl, and lacquer.
The interior of the boutique is divided into two display rooms, five salons, five libraries, a bridal salon, and a private “Poetic Salon” where guests can browse Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations in a cozy and intimate setting. The boutique showcases the brand’s long-standing collections, such as Alhambra, Perlée, and Frivole, as well as new releases like Brume de Saphir, a collection inspired by the misty landscapes of Asia.
Helen King, president and chief executive officer of Van Cleef & Arpels Americas, said in an exclusive statement to WWD that the South Coast Plaza boutique is very special to her. “I began my Van Cleef & Arpels career there in 2003, and it has been both personally and professionally thrilling for me to see this exceptional boutique grow and evolve over the years. This new chapter is a milestone for the maison on the West Coast, and I know it’s the home that our precious both current and future truly deserve.”
A Winter Garden by Marianne Guély
The highlight of the new boutique is the “Winter Garden”, a 39-foot installation by French artist Marianne Guély that hangs from the ceiling of the main display room. The installation is composed of hand-sculpted plants and flowers that evoke the French house’s history as well as the Californian scenery.
Guély said that she was inspired by Van Cleef & Arpels’ archives and collections, especially the floral motifs that have been a signature of the brand since its founding in 1896. She also said that she wanted to create a contrast between the coldness of winter and the warmth of spring, using materials such as paper, silk, metal, and resin.
The installation took six months to complete and involved a team of 15 artisans who worked in Guély’s studio in Paris. The installation was then shipped to California and assembled on site by Guély herself.
The “Winter Garden” is not only a beautiful piece of art, but also a tribute to Van Cleef & Arpels’ savoir-faire and creativity. Guély said that she shares the same values and vision as the maison: “To create emotions through beauty and craftsmanship.”
A Destination for Jewelry Lovers
The new Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in South Coast Plaza is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The boutique welcomes jewelry lovers who want to discover the brand’s universe and its high jewelry, jewelry, engagement, and watchmaking creations.
The boutique also offers personalized services, such as engraving, gem-setting, polishing, and repairs. The boutique’s sales assistants are at the disposal of the guests to assist them in the selection of a piece and to share with them the maison’s sources of inspiration.
The new boutique is part of Van Cleef & Arpels’ expansion strategy in North America, where it has 14 boutiques across the United States and Canada. The brand also plans to open a new flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City next year.
