Bringing the whimsy and wonder of Van Cleef & Arpel’s captivating timepieces to life, the maison’s Poetry of Time Exhibition — on now until the end of the month in Melbourne’s Chadstone shopping centre — delves into the storied jeweller’s history, exploring its most emblematic sources of inspiration via a dazzling display of 40 exquisite timepieces.
Here, horologists and novices alike will discover a poetic universe, encompassing three unique worlds the maison holds dear: Love Stories, Enchanting Nature, and Poetic Astronomy. Each theme is enlivened by the bespoke timepieces, with time taking on new meaning as it’s depicted by not dials dictating hours and minutes, but the enchanting, graceful movements of nature, feminine figures, and love stories.
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Fairies and ballerinas tick away the hours, while the rhythm of nature meets the cadence of the cosmos, as each timepiece relates a tale of grace and enchantment. At the crossroads of inventiveness and fantasy, VCA’s creations interpret the measurement of time as an invitation to imagine, dream and rejoice.
Beyond gazing at the watches, which is reason enough to visit, the exhibition also presents an opportunity to craft a love story of your own, with the option to write and post a heartfelt letter to a loved one whilst there, with a bespoke Van Cleef & Arpels’ postcard inspired by the striking Parisians cityscape timepiece.
This incredible watch, in fact, is perhaps the exhibition’s most striking feature, and truly a sight to behold. A watchmaking signature of Van Cleef & Arpels since 2010, the Lady Arpels Pont des Amoureux features a tender reunion, depicting two lovers as they move towards each other throughout the day to share a kiss at noon and midnight, set against a backdrop that recalls Parisian streets. The timepiece is revealed in different tableaux, depicting the kiss in daytime, nighttime and seasonal variations, offering an always changing and ever-alluring piece.
Ultimately, what sets Van Cleef & Arpels apart is the maison’s unique and captivating blend of inventiveness and fantasy. A VCA timepiece is not only a work of art in its own right, but a journey through the poetry of time; this exhibition a continuation of that vision.
