is the greatest brand of jewelry and various luxury goods originating from France. In addition, the label specializes in the production of luxury perfumes. The variety of products produced makes you feel the grandeur and scale of the precious world of art. Further in the article you will be able to look into almost every section and find out what you can find out about this amazing and invisible world.
The history of the creation of the Cartier brand (Cartier)
The creator of the brand, Louis-François Cartier, is a skilled jeweler who left the next generations with enormous potential for the development and promotion of the business. He was born into a poor family (the situation was in the nineteenth century), which lived in a modest region of France. His father was engaged in the manufacture and sale of gunpowder horns and had his own small store. Even as a boy, Louis-François showed a great desire for art. The father, seeing the cravings and hobbies of his son, decided to send him to study jewelry making with a very good goldsmith - Adolphe Picard. Things weren't going well for them, and therefore Louis's mother was against this spontaneous decision. According to her, it is more profitable to deal with gunpowder than with gold, and all this study is a waste of time. Despite all his doubts, Louis learned jewelry making and in 1847 (then he was already 28 years old) bought a workshop from his own master and began making money by producing jewelry. The first step to success was that the young master did not repeat neighboring jewelers, but created new forms, types, and even products himself. He was the first to come up with the idea of using platinum in jewelry. According to his experiments, it was found that it was and only platinum that could hold a huge number of precious stones. Louis-Francois was the first to make his products “from insects”. Butterflies, bugs, and scorpions appeared on his counters. No one then even thought about how attractive a moth could look in a girl’s hair. Soon, Louis moved his store to a busier street - Neuve-de-Petit-Champs, very close to the Bourse and the Palais Royal. The prosperity of Louis's shop did not come only because of this alone. One day, by a lucky chance, Countess Nieuwerkerk, the wife of the famous superintendent of fine arts, came to see him. She bought three gold brooches from him! But his success doesn't end there. Not only did she buy almost his most expensive products, but she told almost all her friends about him, and among them were: Princess Mathilde (who was the niece of Napoleon Banoparte), Empress Eugenie and many other high-ranking officials. Imagine, in just three years these three friends purchased more than two hundred handmade items from a novice jeweler! Well, all this is not accidental, but very much deserved. Louis-François was an outstanding artist. No one could compare with his skill, no one can create new forms better than him, combined with ancient traditions and new fashion trends. Years passed, and his business began to take magnificent turns. In 1898, Louis, together with his son Alfred, who also already had his own sons: Louis-Joseph, Pierre, and little Jacques, opened a store on the central Parisian rue de la Paix. After the death of Louis-François, the business passed not to his son, but to his grandson, Louis-Joseph, the most talented of all. This happened when he was only 23 years old. Louis Jr. did not let anyone down, neither his father nor his grandfather, and soon after the store passed into his hands, the family business acquired a higher level. Louis created a new style, the products of which were in great demand among customers. Louis promoted his business and already in 1907 he opened several more stores, including in St. Petersburg. A year later, another store opens, this time in New York, with Pierre Cartier taking on the leading role. Pierre himself offers to make a logo for their company two years later. The proposed idea was accepted from all sides. The intertwined two letters “C”, which we are so familiar with first-hand, appeared in 1910. Later, Cartier began to produce watches of the most unusual shapes. Thus, in 1906, unique wristwatches were released specifically for aircraft operators, and in 1919, a stunningly thin “tank” watch.
The Cartier brand today
Now it is one of the most famous brands in the world, famous for the production of unique and stunning jewelry. Since 1964, the business was no longer controlled by the Cartier dynasty. It is known that the cousins (Jean-Jacques Cartier, Claude Cartier and Marionne Cladel) made this decision after the death of Pierre Cartier. Alan Dominic Perrin became the head of the brand. But soon the company was bought out by the wealthy Rupert family, which still owns it. Since the second half of the 20th century, the counter has been replenished with new products, including perfumes. Nowadays they are best known under the names “So Pretty”, “Panthere De Cartier” and “eau de Cartier”.
About the creator of the Cartier brand (Cartier)
Louis-François Cartier was born in 1819 and died in 1904. He dedicated his entire life to making his dream come true. He devoted himself to his work “without reserve.” Thanks to his work and endeavors, we are now able to use such high-quality, exquisite, unique products from the greatest Cartier brand.
The fashion brand Cartier is known throughout the world. His products are in demand among politicians, businessmen, presidents and sheikhs. And this is not the entire list of the main clients of the jewelry brand. How did she manage to achieve such success? Who created an entire family enterprise producing watches and unique accessories? Read on and you will find out what secrets of success are hidden in the history of Cartier.
Founding of Cartier and first customers
The Cartier jewelry brand has existed for 171 years in a row and during all this time its reputation as one of the most elite brands has never been questioned. And all thanks to the fact that from the very moment of its foundation, the right direction for development was set. It was identified by a talented jeweler named Louis-Francois Cartier.
The legendary manufacturer of unique jewelry was born in 1819 year in the family of a simple craftsman who produced gunpowder horns. From childhood, his father noticed his son’s penchant for drawing and creativity, and therefore decided to apprentice him to Adolphe Picard, a famous Parisian jeweler at that time. It is curious that the boy’s mother was against this decision, arguing that gunpowder is a more promising business, due to the fact that everyone always needs it, while expensive jewelry is in demand only among the rich and in small quantities. But, as fate showed, the father was a hundred times right when he sent his son to study the skill of cutting expensive stones.
Having spent a short time as an apprentice, young Louis-Francois collected money and 1847 bought the workshop from his teacher. This was the moment when he founded his own company. He began accepting private orders and some time after opening he already had regular customers.
One of the main secrets of his success was the creation of accessories of completely unusual shapes for that time. His bracelets, earrings and necklaces resembled a variety of butterflies, beetles, snakes, turtles and many other animals. In addition, he became the first jeweler in the world to use platinum to create expensive jewelry. During his numerous experiments with materials and stones, he one day realized that it had much greater strength than gold and silver, and therefore could withstand the weight of a huge number of diamonds and diamonds.
Things were going well, so 1853 year, he managed to open his own shop on one of the fashionable streets of Paris - Neuve de Petit Champs, located next to the Palais Royal and the Bourse. I must say, he was a truly lucky man! After all, 2 weeks after the opening, Countess Nieuwerkerk came to his store. She looked closely at jewelry for a long time and as a result bought herself three brooches. She liked the unusual accessories so much that she hastened to show them to her two best friends: Princess Matilda, the niece of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Empress Eugenie. The three of them brought considerable income to the happy jeweler, purchasing from him about 150 different pieces of jewelry over several years of regular visits.
Family business development
Thanks to the talent of Louis-François Cartier, his company developed at a very fast pace. His decision to turn it into a family business played an important role in this. As soon as his children grew up, he taught them his trade and handed over the reins to his son Alfred, who in turn employed his children, Jacques, Louis and Pierre.
It was under their leadership that it began to develop internationally, attracting more and more clients. IN 1899 In the year they opened their signature boutique on Rue de la Paix, where tourists and famous people from all over the world often strolled. This made it possible to introduce their products not only to the French, but also to all foreigners visiting the capital.
IN 1904 year, the Cartier brothers went to Russia, where they saw many interesting motives for creating a new collection of jewelry. Returning home, they made a number of beautiful brooches, combs and necklaces, which immediately attracted the attention of the Russian aristocracy and the royal family. Thus, already in 1907 year, Nicholas II made several official orders from Cartier. Among other royalty, frequent customers of the brand also included King Edward VII, the Prince of Wales and several rulers of India.
The famous logo, which consists of two intertwined monograms in the shape of the letter C, was born in 1910 year. This year also became the year of official registration of the Cartier trademark and the beginning of the production of legendary wristwatches.
One of the most famous models of the house was a rectangular watch called “Tank”, which was released in 1917 year. It is curious that they are produced almost unchanged even now.
After the end of World War II in 1945 In 2017, Pierre Cartier became president of Cartier International. At the same time, the company's main client has changed somewhat, as have their needs. Now the main buyers of jewelry were businessmen and Hollywood stars, who primarily valued beautiful and practical things. In this regard, the brand’s assortment has expanded significantly: from now on, fountain pens, lighters and other elegant accessories appear in its stores.
IN mid 70s XX century, the list of manufactured products was replenished with belts, bags and scarves, in 1981 year, the management of the now full-scale concern “Cartier World” decided to enter the perfume market. Some of the first iconic scents were the perfumes “Must”, “Pantere” and “So Pretty”.
IN 1993 In 2009, Cartier entered the Richemond group, but still retained its unique style and elite high cost in its products.
Panthere De Cartier - the legendary symbol of the house
One of the brand's most recognizable lines today is the Panthere De Cartier jewelry line. The first time the panther symbol was used was in 1914 year on wristwatches - then they were decorated with stones imitating the color of this wild animal. But worldwide fame and recognition of this line was brought by Jeanne Toussaint, who worked as an assistant to Louis Cartier. Her work colleagues jokingly called her “Panther,” and she, in turn, worked to make the brand’s jewelry more feminine and graceful.
Thanks to her efforts, the brand began to produce even more attractive and desirable women's accessories, which became an categorical sign of status and influence. In one of our previous articles, we already talked about exactly what products are included in the Panthere De Cartier jewelry line. However, the latter is constantly updated and includes more and more different items.
So, in November of this year, the brand pleased its fans with the release of original cuffs and pocket linings in the form of the same famous panther.
As you can see now, not only women, but also men will be able to proudly say that their collection of accessories includes a legendary piece of jewelry with that same panther.
Cartier is a French company that designs, produces, distributes and sells jewelry and watches. Owned by the Swiss company Compagnie Financière Richemont SA.
It all started in 1819, when a boy, Louis-François Cartier, was born into the family of a modest owner of a workshop that produced gunpowder horns. The child showed a talent for fine art quite early, and his father apprenticed him to the Parisian jeweler Adolphe Picard. Louis-Francois's mother was against it. She believed that gunpowder was a more reliable product from a marketing point of view than gold. Gunpowder is always needed by everyone, but gold is needed only by kings, and then in limited quantities.
In 1847, the young artist Louis-François Cartier bought the workshop from his teacher and decided to work only on private orders. Things went in such a way that within six years Louis-François opened a new workshop in Paris on the Rue Neuve-de-Petit-Champs, not far from the Bourse and the Palais Royal...
There were many good jewelers in France, but it was Louis-François Cartier who was lucky. Less than two weeks after the opening of the shop, an elegant, heavily powdered and well-smelling lady looked in. She looked at the golden trinkets for a long time, rolled her eyes, sighed - and finally bought three brooches. It was a success! He only later learned that the lady was Countess Nieuwerkerk, the wife of the superintendent of fine arts at the court of Napoleon III and the closest friend of Princess Matilda, the niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, and by her husband Princess Demidova.
Over the course of three years, Countess Nieuwerkerk, Princess Demidova and another friend of theirs, Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, purchased a total of about one hundred and fifty items from Louis-François Cartier and were quite happy with this circumstance. They recommended the jeweler they discovered to all their friends and acquaintances. And they were not afraid to see the same brooch as theirs on the chest of a friend or rival: Louis-François Cartier did not cut corners. He created, and he did not repeat himself. Cartier's fame (and fortune) grew by leaps and bounds.
This was a well-deserved and natural turn - Louis-Francois was a real artist. He experimented, looked for new forms, combining the ancient traditions of jewelry with modern fashion trends. Diamond butterflies fluttered in the hair of important ladies, mysterious scarabs shone on the collars of nobles, scorpions adorned satin toilets - this was unheard of until then, no one could have imagined that animals and insects could be so elegant that they would be admitted to the highest light. Yes, yes, before Louis-François Cartier, using animals and insects in jewelry was definitely bad manners. But he saw: it could be beautiful. And he did it beautifully. Everyone saw it after him.
It was Louis-François Cartier (the first in the whole world!) who began to use platinum, and before him everyone was content with gold and silver. But platinum is stronger than other metals and can withstand a larger number of precious stones. And the more precious stones, the more exciting it is, the higher the breasts of their happy owner rise, and the more desirable these breasts are. A simple pattern, but it was he who discovered it, and it was him who the princesses, duchesses and empresses considered guilty of their success with the opposite sex. What else could he dream of?
His son, Alfred, worked with Louis-François. In 1898, he opened a salon-workshop on the famous Parisian rue de la Paix, where all the most luxurious shops of the French capital are concentrated. Alfred also had sons growing up. The eldest, most talented, Louis-Joseph or simply Louis - yes, that’s what everyone called him - is taken into the family business by his father as a partner. Louis was only twenty-three years old at the time. And he did not let his father down, raising the company’s reputation to an even higher level. The special chic, special aura of Cartier products is largely the merit of Louis. Louis did not like the Art Nouveau style, which became almost universal at the turn of the century. He offered his clients jewelry stylized in the “eighteenth century,” and managed to reverse the capricious fashion. The company's products, especially in the Guirlande style (when the diamonds are arranged in such a way that the fastenings are practically invisible) were in enormous demand.
In 1904, Cartier received the status of official supplier to the British King Edward VII. That same year, Cartier received another appointment as supplier to King Alfronzo XIII of Spain.
Cartier were always attentive to other people's experiences and knew how to learn from others. It is known, for example, that Louis Cartier mastered the art of enamel from the works of the famous Carl Faberge. Cartier and Faberge were rivals in some ways.
In 1907, Cartier staged his exhibition in St. Petersburg, and although the boutique workshop in Russia never opened, the French jeweler received an official order from Nicholas II and became the official supplier of the royal court.
In 1908, the New York branch of the company opened. It was headed by Pierre Cartier, the youngest representative of the third generation of the glorious dynasty.
In 1910, the Cartier trademark was registered - the same famous monogram of intertwined “Cs”. The ability and desire to indulge the refined whims of the most sophisticated ladies in the world did not prevent the company from creating the first model of wristwatches for pilots (this happened in 1906).
In 1910, Cartier revolutionized the world of watch forms. It was then that the first watches with a rectangular case appeared. Somewhat later, among Cartier models, watches appeared that showed time in London, Paris and New York - in those cities where Cartier headquarters were located.
In 1917, Cartier created the legendary Tank watch, the design of which resembles an English tank from the First World War. In 1918, in gratitude for the liberation of France by American troops, the watches were presented to American commanders (including General John Pershing). The Tank model is still on sale in its original form.
The company's strategy and style are gradually changing. The First World War, then the Great Depression of 1929 and the Second World War radically changed society. The aristocracy is being replaced by businessmen, who are attracted to things that are expensive, prestigious, but at the same time comfortable. Cartier products are becoming more functional. Fountain pens, watches, lighters made from expensive materials are produced for mass sale (although the concept of “mass” is generally not very applicable to Cartier products).
In 1945, Pierre Cartier became president of the company, now called Cartier International. In the 50s, Baignoires oval-shaped watch models were developed (this shape was first proposed in 1912). In subsequent decades, Cartier released many more beautiful watch models: Reverso, Ceintures, Crash Watches.
In 1962, after the death of the Cartier brothers, the company was divided into three parts and sold to owners in Paris, London and New York. Ten years later the company was merged again.
In 1972, Alain-Dominique Perrin, one of the leaders of the company, brilliantly restructured the distribution policy and created a new direction, called Must. Products from Cartier, with the exception of jewelry, are now sold not only in branded showrooms, but also in special departments of expensive stores. New products are being developed - bags, belts, scarves, etc. This made it possible to significantly expand the clientele, and soon the income reached a third of the company's total income.
Since 1972, Cartier began mass production of watches in Switzerland at the acquired watch factory.
In 1972, a group of investors led by Joseph Kanoui bought Cartier Paris. In 1974 and 1976, respectively, the same group of investors bought out Cartier London and Cartier New York. In 1979, Cartier's interests were merged into one company.
In 1981, Cartier began an attack on the perfume market and released Must perfume, then in 1987 - Pantere, in 1995 - So Pretty. But, of course, Cartier remains the “king of jewelers.”
In 1982, a new style from Cartier appeared - Nouvelle Joallerie, that is, “new jewelry art”. The basis is the same stylized, refined classics, a skillful combination of traditional classical forms and modern design, but without shocking geometricity and “modernity”.
In 1993, Cartier became part of the Richemond concern, a leading group of companies engaged in the production of luxury goods. It must be said that now Cartier is not one company, not even three branches. Cartier unites 14 companies, each of which is responsible for the production of individual goods - watches, jewelry, accessories. They are united not only by the name - everything that is produced under the Cartier brand bears the stamp of luxury, a special flair of wealth and power. The company itself cannot resist the beauty of its products - now it is systematically buying back its masterpieces, symbolizing one or another stage of its development.
Specializing in the production of jewelry and watches encrusted with precious stones, as well as various souvenirs and luxury items. In addition, the brand produces luxury perfume. The corporation is named after the Cartier family of jewelers, which ceased to control the brand's affairs in 1964.
Story
Led by the Cartier family
Company Cartier was founded by Louis-François Cartier (1819-1904) in Paris in 1847. It was then that Cartier became the head of the jewelry studio. Already in the 50s, the brand began to develop rapidly, and in 1856, Princess Mathilde, the niece of Napoleon I and the cousin of Emperor Napoleon III, purchased jewelry from Cartier. From that moment on, the name of the jeweler began to become more widely known, and other eminent personalities also paid attention to the brand’s jewelry.
Over the following years, Louis-François and his son Alfred opened their own shop in London and became court jewelers to the royal courts of England, Spain and France. In 1874, Alfred took over the management of the brand, but his sons, Louis (1875–1942), Pierre (1878–1964) and Jacques (1885–1942), brought world fame to the jewelry house.
In 1904, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont complained to his friend Louis Cartier about the impracticality and inconvenience of using a pocket watch while flying. In response to Louis' complaint, Cartier produced a flat wristwatch with a distinctive square band. Not only Santos-Dumont liked the product, but also other clients of the jeweler, who gladly ordered the model for themselves. This is how the first wristwatch for men from Cartier, named “Santos”, was born.
Louis Cartier retained control of the Paris branch of the brand, moving to Rue de la Paix in 1899. He had a hand in creating some of the brand's most famous products, such as the "mystery" watch with a transparent dial and a hidden movement.
In 1907, Cartier entered into a contract with Edmond Jaeger, who agreed to supply movements exclusively for their watches. By that time, Cartier branches were located in London, St. Petersburg and many other large cities. The brand itself has become one of the most successful watch manufacturers in the world.
In 1907 in St. Petersburg, at the Europe Hotel Cartier organized the first ever exhibition of their works, the exhibition of which included various jewelry, as well as Cartier watches. After this, Cartier became the court jewelers of Tsar Nicholas II.
In 1909, Pierre Cartier created the Cartier industry in New York. After finally moving there in 1917, he purchased a mansion with a factory on Fifth Avenue. Also in 1909, Charles Jacques joined the business and worked with the Cartier family for the rest of his life.
In 1912, the brand introduced the Baignoire and Tortue watches (which are still in production today), and in 1917 the brand introduced a watch called the Tank, designed by Louis Cartier, inspired by the new tank models introduced on the Western Front. This watch model has also survived to this day, and over all these years it has been presented in more than 30 different variations.
In the early 1920s, Cartier entered into an agreement with Edward Jaeger of Jaeger-LeCoultre, according to which he produced elements only for Cartier watches. During this same period, Cartier began numbering each watch sold with a four-digit code. Jacques Cartier headed the London division of Cartier.
In 1933, Jeanne Toussaint joined the Cartier team and became director of the Fine Jewelry department.
In 1942, the famous Cartier “Bird in a Cage” brooch was created. The product symbolizes Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War. In honor of the liberation of the country, Cartier made a brooch, which they called “The Liberated Bird.”
After Pierre Cartier's death in 1964, Jean-Jacques Cartier (Jacques' son), Claude Cartier (Louis' son) and Marionne Cladel (Pierre's daughter) - who owned the brand's London, New York and Paris branches respectively - sold the business.
After the Cartier family
In the mid-20th century, the Cartier brand was already represented not only in most European capitals, but also in New York. In 1969, Cartier bought the famous pear-shaped diamond measuring 69.42 carats. As you know, this gem was later sold to actor Richard Burton, who gave it to his wife, Elizabeth Taylor.
In the 70s of the 20th century, Cartier developed the concept of their signature “Les Must de Cartier”, which they opened in Hong Kong, London and Tokyo.
In 1972, a group of investors led by Joseph Kanoui bought the Cartier Paris division. Alan Dominique Perrin became the CEO of Cartier.
In 1974 and 1976, respectively, the London and New York divisions were also bought out. In 1979, all three branches were united under the common name "Cartier Monde".
The beginning of the 80s was marked by the release of the first fragrance of the Cartier perfume line, as well as the first and second collections of High Jewelry.
In 1982, after Cartier merged with Les Must de Cartier, the brand's first collection, Nouvelle Joaillerie, designed by Michele Kanoui, was released.
In 1984, the “Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art” (“Fondation Cartier pour l’art Contemporain”) was founded, the purpose of which was to form an association with contemporary artists.
In 1986, the French Ministry of Culture appointed Perrin to head a commission to study business patronage in the arts. Two years later, Cartier acquired a majority stake in Piaget and Baume & Mercier.
In 1989-1990, the first exhibition “The Art of Cartier” was held at the Musee du Petit Palais in Paris.
In 1991, Perrin founded the Comite International de la Haute Horlogerie for watch industry professionals, which became an annual event and took place in Geneva. The following year, the second major exhibition “The Art of Cartier” took place at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
In 1993, the parent company Vendome Luxury Group was formed, uniting brands such as Cartier, Alfred Dunhill, Montblanc, Piaget, Baume & Mercier, Karl Lagerfeld, Sulka, Hackett and Seeger.
In 1994, the company introduced the Les Charms d'or de Cartier collection ("The Charm of Cartier's Gold"), characterized by notes of Art Deco, the theme of Great Russia and decorated with pearls.
In 1995, the “Antique Collection” exhibition from Cartier was held in Asia.
In 1996, the Hermitage Foundation in Switzerland hosted an exhibition “Splendors of the Jewelery”, which included products of the brand created over 150 years of its existence.
In 1999, the next Cartier collection was dedicated to Paris and was called (“Paris, the new wave of Cartier”).
As of 2012, Cartier is owned by the South African Rupert family.
Perfumery Cartier
The first women's perfume from Cartier was released in 1981 and was called “Must de Cartier”. Its bottle, designed in the shape of the famous Cartier lighter, contained notes of vanilla, tonka bean, patchouli, jasmine and vetiver. It was a sweet "amber" scent that was re-released in 1996 in a new bottle.
In the same 1981, Cartier also released a men's fragrance under the name “Santos”. Just like the famous watch, the perfume was dedicated to the Brazilian pilot Albert Santos-Dumont.
In 1987, the brand created another women's fragrance - Panthere De Cartier, characterized by a classic floral-powdery composition with the presence of citrus notes. The fragrance was created by the famous perfumer Alberto Marillas and is the only Cartier perfume that is still sold in the brand's Parisian boutique. After many experiments and re-releases, the fragrance bottle finally took the form of the “Panther” brooch, commissioned by the Duke of Windsor.
In 1990, Cartier's second men's perfume was released, created by Jacques Cavalier and based on notes of sandalwood and patchouli. The fragrance was named “Pasha de Cartier”. The bottle, as before, was inspired by the brand's products and was a synthesis of the design of the faceted pen and the Trinity ring from Cartier. This fragrance is represented in the brand’s assortment to this day.
The fragrances “So Pretty” and “Must” were released in 1995 and 1996, respectively. The release of the first was timed to coincide with the centennial wedding anniversary of Louis Cartier and Andre Worth (Louis liked to call his wife “so pretty”). The So Pretty fragrance was very well received by customers and critics, but it was discontinued.
In the late 90s, another Cartier fragrance was created by Jean-Claude Ellena and dedicated to the “Love” collection. Unusual and different from all perfumes of that time, “Declaration” was made on the basis of cardamom, jasmine, birch tar and bitter orange. It combined absolute contrasts, caused a lot of controversy, but, nevertheless, became successful. Subsequently, three more versions of this perfume were released: “Declaration Essense” (2000), “Declaration Bois Bleu” (2001) and “Declaration Cologne” (2010).
In 2000, the company presented a men's version of the Must de Cartier fragrance - Must de Cartier pour Homme. A year later, one of the most interesting fragrances of the brand, “eau de Cartier”, dedicated to water, was released. Its author, Christine Nagel, used violet flowers and leaves, citrus fruits, musk and amber in the composition.
In 2004, Cartier released a perfume dedicated to China, “Le Baiser Du Dragon” (“Kiss of the Dragon”). Created by perfumer Alberto Marillas, it became a kind of reflection of Cartier's strong connection with the culture of this Asian country.
In 2005, the company's perfume team was supplemented by Mathilde Laurent, who headed the department aimed at creating exclusive, “custom-made” Cartier fragrances.
In 2006, the first fragrance of the Delices perfume line, created by Christine Nagel, was released. “Delices” was replenished with new products until 2008. Its distinctive feature was the notes of cherry, present in every perfume of the line in large doses.
The first fragrance of the new Cartier perfumer, Mathilde Laurent, was presented in 2008 and was called “Roadster”. The main ingredients of this complex and multifaceted perfume are mint, violet leaves and labdanum - a resin with many different shades of aroma. “Roadster” was followed by an exclusive collection of fragrances “Les Heures de Parfum”, released in 2009 and which became an indicator of the “signature” style of Mathilde Laurent, the company’s first full-time perfumer. Each of the five fragrances in this perfume collection is dedicated to a specific hour of time: I L'Heure Promise, IV L'Heure Brilliante, X L'Heure Folle, XII L'Heure Mystérieuse ), XIII La Treizième Heure (The Thirteenth Hour).
In 2010, the “Les Heures de Parfum” collection was replenished with three more fragrances: IV L’Heure Fougueuse (Unbridled Hour), VII L’Heure Défendue (Forbidden Hour) and VIII L’Heure Diaphane (Transparent Hour).
Cartier official website: www.cartier.com
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Interesting information about the Cartier brand. Background information about the Cartier brand.
Louis-François Cartier (1819-1904) founded the company in 1847, then in the form of a small jewelry workshop. In 1867, Cartier's products were exhibited at the World Exhibition in Paris, after which the company's popularity began to grow. In 1888 the company released its first watch. In 1904, the grandson of the company's founder, Louis Cartier (1875-1942), released the Santos wristwatch, named after his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1907), which brought unprecedented success to the company. Since 1906, wristwatches decorated with precious stones have been produced.
In 1917, Cartier created the legendary Tank watch, the design of which resembles a huge English tank from the First World War. In 1918, in gratitude for the liberation of France by American troops, the watches were presented to American commanders (including General John Pershing). The Tank model is still on sale in its original form. In 1925, Cartier took part in the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, where its exhibition was one of the central ones.
In 1933, a waterproof Pasha watch was developed especially for the Pasha of Marrakesh, which he could wear while swimming in the pool. The first watches were made of pure gold.
In 1962, after the death of the Cartier brothers, the company was divided into three parts and sold to owners in Paris, London and New York. Ten years later the company was merged again. With the formation of Les Must de Cartier in 1973, Cartier boutiques were opened in more than 20 countries. The largest boutiques are located in New York, Milan, Beverly Hills, Rome, Boston, San Francisco, Tokyo, Paris, Shanghai and Vancouver.
The company has boutiques in Russia and other CIS countries - Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus and Moldova. There are boutiques in Latvia, Georgia and Lithuania.
The brand’s debut in the perfume field took place in 1981 and was marked by the release of two chic compositions at once (Cartier “Must de Cartier” women’s perfume and Cartier “Santos de Cartier” men’s perfume). Both perfumes are an example of nobility, restraint and grace, both belong to the oriental family (but if Cartier women's perfume surprises with a mixture of spice notes with an accord of exotic resins, flowers and leather, then Cartier men's perfume will dizzy with a mix of spicy herbs, citruses and wood) .
The new millennium literally stunned admirers of Cartier's work with stunning news: the company is releasing its first unisex perfume. Today, Cartier's unisex perfumery consists of 12 fragrances, united in two series: the soft citrus-fougere “Eau de Cartier” (2001-2011) and the minimalist aldehydic “L`Heure” (2009-2011). The success of unisex fragrances was so great that today such universal compositions as Cartier “L`Heure Mysterieuse XII” (2009) or “Eau de Cartier Essence d`Orange” (2010) were able to move the iconic men’s perfume Cartier “Pasha Cartier” ( 1992), “Must Cartier Pour Homme” (2000), as well as classic Cartier women’s perfumes “Panthere” (1986) and “So Pretty” (1995).
Today, Cartier perfumes have combined a traditionally responsible approach to the creation of each fragrance with the latest achievements of scientific and technological progress. The new Cartier perfumes are in no way inferior to the “classics of the genre” that the brand released in the 80s and 90s.
