L’Ecole, the school of jewellery art supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, has organised the fourth exhibition in Hong Kong, reviving the exquisite craftsmanship and trendsetting designs from a forgotten Parisian jeweller Lacloche (1892-1967), as part of the celebration events for the 10th anniversary of L’Ecole in 2022.
Held at L’Ecole Hong Kong at K11 Musea, the exhibition curates 40 pieces of masterpieces from Lacloche spanning across the 70 years of history of the legendary brand including vanity cases, pendant watches, brooches, bracelets, earrings, clocks, necklaces and cuffs set in platinum or gold with enamel, precious or semi-precious gemstones.
Featured on the covers of almost all publications of the exhibition, the platinum bracelet in rose motif, for instance, is meticulously set with rose-cut diamonds and buff-top rubies and accented with tiny beads along the edges of the precious metal. The flexible bracelet was made in 1925 by the maison. A matching brooch set in platinum with rubies comes with emerald leaves is also on display. The roses seen in the jewels were believed to be the emblem of the classic Art Deco movement.
According to L’Ecole Hong Kong, the lack of archive references has come as the major hurdle for the exhibition. The organisers have made tremendous efforts in locating necessary information from libraries, auctions, collectors, etc. It took them three years to compile the 320-page book dedicated to the exhibition.
The 40-pieces were borrowed from 11 lenders across five cities in France. Among the exhibits 11 pieces are exclusively for Hong Kong, including a platinum and gold vanity case with enamel, pearls and diamonds made in 1925. The plum-blossom motif clearly shows that the piece was influenced by Japanese culture, suggests L’Ecole. An octagonal pendant necklace set with fei cui, rock crystal, moonstones, sapphires, pearls and diamonds is another exhibit dedicated to Hong Kong aficionados.
The exhibition is now open for public till 6 April 2022 at L’Ecole Hong Kong, K11 Musea. Free admission with audio guide in English, Cantonese and Putonghua. The icon of style and elegance, Joyce Ma, will walk you through the story of Lacloche and the masterpieces in English.
8-12-2021
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