Take a peek at Cartier's by-invitation-only Nature Sauvage high jewellery showcase
SINGAPORE – The past week, Singapore played host to global stars and millions of dollars worth of exquisite jewels.
On April 21, journalists and celebrities descended on the historic Former Command House in Kheam Hock Road to preview the third and final chapter of Cartier's Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection.
A visual feast of fauna realised in precious stones and metals, the collection draws from the animal kingdom while blurring the lines between figure and form. In a game of hide and seek, panthers, elephants and tigers playfully reveal and conceal themselves in forms both abstract and naturalist.
Nature Sauvage premiered in Vienna in June 2024, with a second chapter unveiled in Shanghai in November, before making its way to Singapore.
By invitation only for top clients, the showcase marked 30 years of the French luxury jeweller's presence in Singapore.
The choice of Former Command House was fitting too. Once the residence of British military officers, the historic site was transformed to house the pieces across six curated universes, each one inspired by a facet of Singapore's Peranakan culture.
No expense was spared in outfitting the space with 10 private viewing salons – as well as Les Moments Cartier, a dedicated room for discovering the brand's savoir-faire – designed in collaboration with local and regional artisans.
Home-grown furniture retailer Rooma supplied the rattan and wood furnishings handmade by Indonesian craftsmen.
Les Moments Cartier, a dedicated room for discovering the brand's savoir-faire.
PHOTO: CARTIER
Singaporean artist Mike Tay from Onlewo, known for its storied patterns inspired by the Republic's local cultures, created unique fabrics that were applied on soft furnishings ranging from ottoman seats to woven wall panels.
And in a tribute to batik's role in Singapore's rich textile heritage, Cartier commissioned Malaysian sisters Swee Lin and Swee May from Maneknya to create a bespoke batik print that playfully conceals the Cartier fauna. The resulting print adorned cushion covers and silk square wall art in three colourways.
The maison capped off the week with an intimate gala dinner for its top clients at National Gallery Singapore, which was graced by global stars including South Korean actor and Cartier ambassador Byeon Woo-seok, and British actress Gemma Chan.
South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok (left) and British actress Gemma Chan at Cartier's Nature Sauvage gala at the National Gallery Singapore.
PHOTOS: CARTIER
The Straits Times got a peek at the showcase, which runs till May 3, and its highlights.
A high jewellery adventure
The journey through Cartier Nature Sauvage opened with Thrill with the Wind, a room inspired by the island breeze sweeping through Singapore's shorelines.
PHOTO: CARTIER
The journey opened with Thrill with the Wind, a room inspired by the island breeze sweeping through Singapore's shorelines.
Curved, textured walls echoed the flowing movement of sand, and served as a backdrop for show-stopping pieces including the Red Astralis necklace, in white gold set with a centerpiece rubellite, moonstone, rubellite beads and diamo nds (price upon request for all pieces).
Eagle-eyed visitors might have flitted to the Chryseis necklace that hid black-and-white butterfly wings within its intricate play of onyx and diamonds, anchored by a 63.76-carat rubellite.
The Red Astralis necklace (left) and the Tutti Karonda necklace.
PHOTOS: CARTIER
But all eyes were on the Tutti Karonda set, a modern take on Cartier's Tutti Frutti glimmering with rubies, emeralds and sapphires – and the most expensive piece in the showcase.
Around them, rising from the landscape were towering Super Flowers woven in rattan, a not-so-subtle nod to i conic symbols of Singapore's cityscape – and a poetic marriage of old (the organic craft of rattan) and new (the man-made Supertrees).
Leaving the coastal winds behind, visitors entered Treasures of Land, a room highlighting the urban jungle's mix of nature and structure. Drawing from Singapore's architectural vernacular, the room reimagined angular lines and geometric silhouettes in conversation with sculpted rattan pebbles, soft curves and a graceful orchid.
Treasures of Land highlighted the urban jungle's mix of nature and structure.
PHOTO: CARTIER
The treasures held here were of the feline kind. Taking centre stage were statement necklaces featuring Cartier's emblematic panther.
Pantheres Versatiles, which debuted on the neck of American actress Zoe Saldana at the 2025 Oscars, is a modular collar necklace which – with the help of a matching bracelet with a twin panther head – transforms into a piece of shoulder jewellery.
Also prowling within the display was the Panthere Canopee, which features a diamond panther lazing on a bed of foliage while guarding a 26.53-carat Ceylon sapphire.
The Cartier Pantheres Versatiles necklace (left) and the Cartier Panthere Canopee necklace.
PHOTOS: CARTIER
For fans of purses, there was Panther in the Jungle, a Singapore-exclusive satin evening clutch with a detachable jewel that doubles as a brooch.
The thematic rooms ended in Shapes of Water, a deep cerulean zone anchored by an installation depicting the ebb and flow of water.
Shapes of Water was anchored by an installation depicting the ebb and flow of water.
PHOTO: CARTIER
The subtle, dancing movements of the piece caught the light reflecting off the brilliance of the room's creations – including Eusuchia, a set of lifelike crocodile earrings and ring in yellow gold with light blue tourmalines, emeralds and diamonds.
Another highlight was the Echina necklace and earrings, crafted with coral-studded emerald ribbed beads and juicy sapphires to resemble sea urchins. Lying surreptitiously in the corner and not to be forgotten was the White Hana, a milky quartz brooch later worn by Lovely Runner (2024) star Byeon.
The Cartier Echina necklace.
PHOTO: CARTIER
Beyond high jewellery, the other three rooms showcased the brand's artistry and expertise.
Celebrating the maison's cherished designs over the years, Cartier Tradition offered vintage pieces – acquired, documented and restored to preserve their craftsmanship – for sale to avid collectors.
Horology enthusiasts got their kicks in the intimate cove adjacent, which held Cartier's fine watchmaking universe.
The rounded architecture of the room was meant to evoke the perpetual motion of time, while arches adorned with straw marquetry in a radiant sunray motif paid tribute to the sunray dial. The watches themselves perched on woven bamboo pillars that stood as metaphors of resilience and grace.
Horology enthusiasts got their kicks in the room which held Cartier's fine watchmaking universe.
PHOTO: CARTIER
In the final Special Order room, imagination took flight as clients were invited to co-create bespoke pieces with their choice of loose stones.
Paying tribute to culture and individuality, the room was inspired by colonial residences and Peranakan shophouses, with colourful ceramic tiles depicting Cartier's fauna.
Amanda Chai is style correspondent at The Straits Times, where she covers all things fashion, beauty, luxury and retail.
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Straits Times
Happy Meals featuring BTS-inspired toys to launch at McDonald's US outlets from Sept 3
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Starting Sept 3, customers in the United States will be able to collect TinyTan toys in their Happy Meals. McDonald's is bringing back a dose of K-pop magic in September as it teams up once again with BTS, this time through their animated alter egos, T inyTa n. Starting Sept 3, customers in the United States will be able to collect TinyTan toys in their Happy Meals, the fast-food giant announced on Aug 19 . TinyTan characters are animated versions of the seven members of BTS, the wildly popular South Korean boy band behind global hits such as Dynamite and Butter. Since their debut in 2013 , BTS – comprising Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook – have become one of the biggest musical acts in the world, with a fan base spanning continents and a presence on global charts such as the Billboard Hot 100. This marks the first time that McDonald's will include two different sets of toys in its Happy Meals for the same promotional campaign. The Throwback Edition, available fro m Sept 3, f eatures each TinyTan figure dressed in outfits from the group's previous McDonald's collaboration in 2021, when the popular BTS Meal launched worldwide, comprising Chicken McNuggets, fries, a drink, and limited-edition Sweet Chilli and Cajun sauces. A second wave of toys, known as the Encore Edition, will roll out from Sept 23. These figurines will sport fresh outfits paying tribute to the group's 'second legendary collab' with the Golden Arches. Interactive features such as the TinyTan Power Up game will be available on accessible via a QR code on each Happy Meal box. McDonald's called the launch a 'rhythmic collab' that brings together music, dance and the brand's signature World Famous Fries. When contacted by The Straits Times, McDonald's Singapore said: 'Stay tuned to our socials at @mcdsg… Exciting details will be shared soon!'
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Straits Times
S'pore bands mark milestones with gigs: Silver Strings at 60, Mel & Joe at 55 and Lovehunters at 40
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox (Clockwise from left) Brothers Mel and Joe, members of Silver Strings and members of Lovehunters. SINGAPORE – For Singapore music acts Silver Strings, Mel & Joe and Lovehunters, age is nothing but a number. Veterans and trailblazers in the home-grown music scene, all three are staging concerts to mark milestones in their music careers. Silver Strings will stage a 60th anniversary concert – likely to be their last gig – Mel & Joe will celebrate their 55th year with a show, while Lovehunters' upcoming concert marks their 40th year anniversary. The Straits Times catches up with the three local music stalwarts to find out more about their plans for their landmark shows. Silver Strings at 60: Saying goodbye with one last show Silver Strings played their first public show opening for British icons The Rolling Stones in 1965. PHOTO: SUPREME MUSICAL CONNECTION Six decades after they made their debut, Singapore band Silver Strings are calling it a day. The rock band , which played their first public performance in 1965 – the same year Singapore gained independence – will stage their final concert at RELC Hotel International on Sept 6. Band leader and bassist Audie Ng, the only member from the group's founding line-up who is still performing, tells the Straits Times: 'I'm already 83 years old and I don't foresee being able to perform another five years from now. Silver Strings typically do concerts every five years, so at my age, I feel this will likely be my last major performance with the band.' Besides Ng, the current line-up of Silver Strings comprises singer Percival De Silva, 80; lead guitarist Johnny Yeow, 76; keyboardist and vocalist Nicholas Stravens, 70; drummer Michael Cheng, 68; and rhythm guitarist and vocalist Andrew Fleury, 62. The multi-act concert, featuring opening sets by fellow seasoned acts such as Jerry Fernandez and Neu Faces, will last 3½ hours. The Silver Strings' headline set will be two hours long and will feature covers of pop and rock hits from the 1970s to the 1980s, including evergreen songs by acts such as British bands Queen and The Kinks. They will also perform two originals released in the 1960s – You're The Boy (1965) and I'll Remember Today (1967). Both were sang by their former lead singer Shirley Nair, who moved to the United States and died in the 1980s. The four original band members – Ng, lead guitarist David Chan, rhythm guitarist Merlin Lim and drummer Danny Boy – had the same music teacher, the late Harry Martinez, and first played music together in 1963 as teenagers. They made their debut public performance at a major show – an opening set for English rock icons The Rolling Stones at the Singapore Badminton Hall in 1965. In the same year, they also performed in front of their largest audience – 20,000 people at the 1965 Miss Universe Malaysia pageant. They would go on to secure regular gigs at local venues such as the now-defunct National Theatre as well as in Hong Kong and Malaysia. 'I remember we were treated like superstars by the local audiences wherever we played,' Ng says. Silver Strings also wrote the theme song for 1964 Malay comedy Mat Tiga Suku, produced by film company Cathay-Keris Studio and starring veteran comedian Mat Sentol. The band members had cameos in the film. The band's fluid line-up through the years included many singers, including entertainment icon Anita Sarawak, who first sang with the group when she was 16. Ng says one thing that made Silver Strings stand out from their peers is their versatility. 'We were not the No. 1 band, but we can play all kinds of music. We can play songs by The Shadows, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks.' The band split up in 1971 after Ng decided to focus on the business side of music, such as organising shows, managing bands and running an instrument rental company. Over the years, Silver Strings have reunited several times for standalone shows, including gigs, also at RELC International Hotel, in 2014 and 2019. Ng takes pride in maintaining connections with the band's fans throughout the years. For example, instead of using a ticketing agency, those who want to buy tickets to their upcoming show have to message him on his personal number and meet him to collect their tickets. He says: 'We've become friends. Even those from 50 years ago, I'm still in touch with them.' Book it/Silver Strings 60th Anniversary Final Concert Where: Auditorium, RELC Hotel International, 30 Orange Grove Road When: Sept 6, 7pm Admission: $60. To buy tickets, send a WhatsApp message to Audie Ng on 9818-4198 Mel & Joe at 55: Nostalgic trip to decades past The Ferdinands brothers Joe (left) and Mel published a self-penned coffee-table book about their life in music, I Play & Sing, in 2011. The photo was taken the same year. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN When Mel & Joe first made their public debut on television in the 1971 Talentime singing competition, older sibling Mel Ferdinands was 12 while younger brother Joe was only nine. More than half a century later, their musical bond is stronger than ever, the duo known for English cover versions tell ST in a Zoom interview. Mel, 66, says: 'What makes it interesting about Mel & Joe is this understanding we have when we're on stage. W e don't even have to say anything . I give Joe one look and he knows what we're doing for the next line or who's doing the harmony, stuff like that.' On Aug 23, the brothers will celebrate Mel & Joe's 55th anniversary with a show at the Esplanade Concert Hall. It will be a nostalgic trip for their audience, with covers of popular hits from past decades, from country and Western tunes to songs by classic pop and rock acts such as Bee Gees, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Chicago. 'The idea is for the people who lived through that era with us to rewind those years. And for the younger audience, it's also an introduction to some of the great stuff we used to have,' says Mel. Even though they are cover songs, the duo will put their own distinctive spin to their versions. Joe, 63, says: 'You do a little bit of different things here and there, you don't lose sight of who you are. That's the most important thing.' The 90-minute show will focus on different periods in their career, including the 1980s and 1990s when they were part of popular rock/pop/country band Gypsy, whose line-up included older brothers Dixie and Don. The gig will be a family affair. Don, who now lives in Perth, Australia, will fly in for a tribute performance for their brother Dennis, who died of cancer at the age of 69 in 2024. Mel's daughter Gabby, who is in her mid-30s, will sing at the show. Mel, who teaches guitar, keyboards and other instruments at a local music school, is grateful to have spent much of his life making music and entertaining audiences all over Singapore. 'We've performed to crowds of up to 50,000 at the Padang and the old Police Academy. We had our own television specials. It's been a great 55 years and I'm looking forward to another 55,' says Mel. One thing that has not changed in the last five decades, Joe adds, is their dedication to their stage craft. 'I think Mel would agree with me on this, that when we perform, even if it's just to one person in the audience or a 50,000 crowd, everyone matters. They all deserve to be entertained and that's what we've always believed in.' Their concert is part of A Date With Friends 2025, an annual series by the Esplanade that highlights artistes and music from the past. It includes performances by Rock Rosettes at Esplanade Annexe Studio on Aug 22, Hanafie Warren at Esplanade Recital Studio on Aug 24 and a tribute concert to Hong Kong music and film icons Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui at Esplanade Concert Hall on Aug 24. Book it/Mel & Joe Ferdinands' 55th Anniversary Party Where: Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive When: Aug 23, 7.30pm Admission: From $28 via Sistic (go to or call 6348-5555) Lovehunters at 40: Back with a bigger sound Singaporean band Lovehunters' (from left) Yazid Abu Bakar, Salahuddin Mohamad and Saharudin Jalil will perform with an extended line-up that includes classical and traditional musicians. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI To mark their 40th anniversary, Singaporean rock stalwarts Lovehunters are attempting something they have never done in a live show before. Their concert at The Theatre at Mediacorp on Sept 13 will see the band – best known for their Malay songs – boost their usual three-piece line-up with classical and traditional musicians. These include gamelan players from arts group Telung Turonggo, an eight-piece string section and a percussion ensemble led by percussionist and National Arts Council's Young Artist Award recipient Riduan Zalani. Lovehunters might have made their name through their hard-hitting live repertoire, as well as rock ballads that have become Malay radio staples, but the band have always had a bigger musical vision, they tell ST in a sit-down interview. Says singer and bassist Yazid Abu Bakar, 62: 'Lovehunters aren't just a rock or metal band. We've always considered ourselves in the 'world music' category because we play a lot of different kinds of music – we have funk, a bit of jazz and reggae. There's rap too.' Adds drummer Saharudin Jalil, 62: 'We've added elements like orchestral music in our recorded songs, but we've never had the chance to replicate them live. The fans will finally get to hear the songs the way we recorded them in the studio.' Set to run for more than two hours, the set list will comprise at least 20 songs. The concert shares the same name as their 2005 album, Renaissance: 1987 Till …, which mostly comprises re-recorded versions of their hit songs. Some arrangements in the show differ significantly from the original studio versions that fans are familiar with. For example, Demam (Fever), a reggae song from 1993 album Terima Kasih (Terima Kasih), will be fused with gamelan music, just like it was in the re-recorded version found in Renaissance. The concert will also feature the return of Salahuddin Mohamad, 51, in place of founding guitarist and long-time member Moliano Rasmadi, who will not be playing at the concert due to personal commitments. Salahuddin played guitar on the Renaissance album. And while the members have been gigging individually, the upcoming concert will be the first full concert by Lovehunters since 2011, when they played a sold-out show at the Esplanade Concert Hall. The band also performed at The Ground Theatre @ *Scape in 2014, but that show mostly comprised covers of classic rock songs. Lovehunters first came into prominence in the mainstream Malay music scene here and in Malaysia with the release of their 1987 debut album, Sehari Dalam Hidup (A Day In The Life), which included radio hit Ku Ukir Nama Mu (I Carve Your Name). Prior to releasing the album, the band were active in the local club scene. While all three members have been playing in different rock, blues and funk outfits in the nightclub scene since the 1970s, they started playing together with two others as a quintet, which went by various names such as Jukebox and Mirror Mirror, only in the early 1980s. In 1985, two of their members left and they carried on as a trio under the name Lovehunters, inspired by a 1979 album and song by English rock band Whitesnake. Over the years, they racked up more hits such as Berpindah Minda (Moving Minds) from 1991 album Blues Untuk Rakyat (Blues For The People) and Sambutlah Kasihku (Receive My Love) from their 1999 album Kembali (Return). They released one English album in 1995, which produced Angel In The Night. The song won the Favourite Local Song award on Mediacorp radio station Perfect 10, now known as 987FM. Saharudin recalls that in their early days, rock music was often portrayed in a bad light and associated with vice activities such as drug abuse. But the members of Lovehunters have always avoided perpetuating typical rock stereotypes, and include socially conscious and anti-drug abuse messages in their songs. He says: 'In all our albums, there isn't a single song that glorifies negative values. With every lyric that we write, we try to promote a positive message.' The band are eager to reconnect with their fan base. Yazid says: 'It won't be just our fans from Singapore at the show. Our fans from Malaysia and Brunei have also told us that they will be there for the concert as they have not seen us perform live in a long time.' And while he acknowledges the band's longevity and ability to outlast their peers from the 1980s, the frontman is not comfortable when he hears fans describe them as icons or legends in the local rock scene. 'For me, music is about expression and honesty, not titles.' Book It/Concert Lovehunters Renaissance
Vogue Singapore
14 hours ago
- Vogue Singapore
Lara Stone on breaking every rule and shaping fashion's unfiltered vision of beauty
To speak of Lara Stone is to reflect on a career that has always resisted neat categorisation. Since her emergence in the early noughties, the Dutch supermodel has embodied an unfiltered vision of beauty, one that sidesteps traditional glamour in favour of an It factor far more covetable, undeniably striking and yet softened by an undercurrent of authenticity. Over the years, this quietly radical stance has allowed her to shape the sartorial zeitgeist, leaving her mark on countless fashion and runway moments. The Dutch supermodel reclaims her space this season, returning to the spotlight with her signature offbeat charm. Camilla Åkrans It takes a rare kind of force to debut at an haute couture show and that is precisely what she did, gracing Riccardo Tisci's 2006 runway with razor-sharp cheekbones, puckered lips, feather-light hair and an era-defining smile. It is, after all, that very quality which earned her the moniker of 'anti-model'. Soon after, Stone ascended to even greater heights, securing a first-of-its-kind contract with Calvin Klein. With it, she propelled not only a defining aesthetic of her time, but ironically, an equally powerful message: the strength of unapologetically being oneself. Versace dress; Cartier ring; Falke tights; bow, stylist's own. Camilla Åkrans Now, in fall/winter 2025, as the fashion world stands at a precipice—caught between reckoning and renewal, with a sharp shift in creative direction looming—the energy of the season still resounds. 'There has been a lot of musical chairs in fashion lately. I'm excited to see what comes out of all that change,' notes Stone. Prada Montone Cashmere coat and bow. Camilla Åkrans It pulses through punchy hourglass silhouettes, oversized pearls and deliciously plush faux furs. Stone's presence hums in harmony with that rhythm, returning once more to the couture runways in a jaw-dropping Elie Saab creation just this July. 'He's such an icon and makes everybody look incredible. It's fun to dress up like that every once in a while,' she shares, in true model-to-muse fashion. And after all these years, what draws Stone to her projects? The company she keeps. 'For me, it's all about having a nice day at work with people I trust and enjoy being around,' she says. Prada shirt, skirt, bow and bag. Camilla Åkrans Lately, that's meant bringing shoots to life alongside industry powerhouses like Nick Knight and Carine Roitfeld. The latter is whom she names without hesitation when asked whose wardrobe she'd most like to raid. Her most defining role of late, however, has been that of mother to her two children. 'I've always found juggling parenthood with work and travel really difficult,' she says, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges behind the spotlight. Amid the sharp edges of her fashion life, she recently stepped away to travel with her family through Mexico and Belize. 'It feels really good to be on an adventure again,' she shares. Prada dress, shoes and bow. Camilla Åkrans As with all fashion luminaries, the truly cool ones at least, Stone is in no rush to plan her next move. 'It's the little things, like running through the park and seeing the absolute joy on my kid's face. Moments like that remind me to slowdown, live in the present and find beauty in the simple things.' Loewe dress; Alaïa shoes; bow, stylist's own. Camilla Åkrans In the meantime, she plays the part of observer, quietly noting the changes as they come. It is perhaps most succinctly captured in the answer she gives when asked what fabric might reflect her soul. 'Maybe a cosy cashmere.' And it couldn't be more fitting. Soft, relaxed, yet cuttingly glamorous in its own way, it is a perfect reflection of Stone in her entirety. Editor-in-chief Desmond Lim Photography Camilla Åkrans Styling Konca Aykan Hair Sophie Jane Anderson Make-up Lisa Houghton Manicure Sabrina Gayle Production JN Production Executive producer Helen Salin Junior producer Carolina Santos Set design Georgia Currell BTS photographer Jhenyfy Muller/Werth Represents Hair assistant Britini Campbell Set assistants Paula Salinas and Louis Toledo Fashion assistants Juli Molnar, Andreea Georgiana Rădoi and Felicity Flick Production assistant Angela Ogunfojuri Model Lara Stone/The Lions Management The September issue of Vogue Singapore—themed 'The Big Fall issue'—is available to pre-order online and will be on newsstands from 4 September.
