KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 — As it reopens its flagship boutique at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, French luxury brand Cartier has unveiled a new façade, just in time for the festive season.
The redesigned duplex showcases an interior infused with notes of Malaysian culture. The moment is complemented by several animation spaces around the shopping mall titled Magical Encounters.
To celebrate the store reopening, Cartier recently threw a glamorous morning party. It was attended by local celebrities and social media influencers such as Datuk Nicol David, Scha Al-Yahya, Daiyan Trisha, Nadhir Nasar, Eyka Farhana and Ameera Khan.
Along the boutique’s façade, shoppers will catch a glimpse of what awaits them inside. Intricate bunga raya motifs are hand-carved onto a large piece of limestone, transforming it into a tribute to the national flower. Meanwhile, larger-than-life silhouettes of the brand’s emblematic panther welcome those entering the mall.
Cartier has incorporated local craftsmanship one step further by commissioning Malaysian pewter brand Royal Selangor to produce a set of golden-finished hibiscus flowers and leaves for its three-storey tall feature wall.
“Royal Selangor and Cartier share a strong commitment to precision, quality and a rich heritage we proudly celebrate. Balancing tradition and innovation, our designs are timeless and focus on enduring beauty and value, which transcends generations,” said Royal Selangor Marketing executive director Chen Tien Yue.
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The boutique’s floors are made of marble slabs locally sourced from Ipoh that feature motifs inspired by prints found in Cartier’s archives.
Shoppers can explore the Feminine Universe which houses women’s accessories and leather goods, as well as creative designs such as Juste un Clou, Panthère de Cartier and Clash de Cartier.
References to local craftsmanship are found throughout the boutique. Its Icons Universe features a semi-open library with decorative panels in straw marquetry and shelves with rattan elements inspired by the traditional anyaman weaving style.
The same weaving technique is used to produce rattan panels that adorn drawers in the Masculine Universe where darker tones and richer fabrics are used. Right across is the Watch Territory, featuring iconic designs from the Santos de Cartier to the Tank collection.
The redesigned boutique features three VIP salons, each decorated to pay tribute to Malaysia’s unique culture.
The salon on level three features a wall showcasing local flora and fauna scenes, while peacock feather carvings line the ceiling cove.
The ceiling of the VIP salon on the lower floor is decorated with a motif inspired by patterns found in Masjid Negara. Encircling the room is a lace-like wainscoting in natural wood with intricately carved bunga raya motifs.
Shoppers can also enjoy a beverage at the Cartier Lounge, located right in front of the boutique on level three.
For its Magical Encounters, selected areas around Pavilion KL have been transformed, featuring Cartier’s temple boutiques, a flying zeppelin and the iconic red boxes.
For its ‘Magical Encounters’, selected areas around Pavilion KL have been transformed, featuring Cartier’s temple boutiques, a flying zeppelin and the iconic red boxes. — Picture courtesy of Cartier
From the fountain area to the mall’s main entrance, installations featuring Christmas trees, Cartier logos and architectural elements aim to transport guests into a magical world.
“This celebration of our boutique reopening and the Magical Encounters end-of-year animation represents Cartier’s commitment to cultural fusion and unparalleled luxury,” said Cartier Singapore, Asean and Malaysia managing director Anne Yitzhakov.
“We invite our guests to embark on this extraordinary journey, where opulence, heritage and enchantment converge to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience this festive season,” added Cartier Malaysia country manager Antoine Berardi.
Magical Encounters is open to the public from now until January 7, 2024.