In his renovation of the prestigious Cartier Maison in New York, located in one of the city’s most famous streets, Fifth Avenue, architect Thierry Despont above all wanted to convey a sense of history. To preserve an architectural and company legacy that has been carved in time, it took over two years of work, an extraordinary blend of past techniques and contemporary technology and a sort of reverential respect for a majestic milestone with an almost fairy-tale history.
Indeed, Cartier purchased the building in 1912 in exchange for a pearl necklace of the same value. Now the space, returned to its former glory, gives visitors the feeling of being in a luxury mansion coupled with an improved experience for customers, who can admire and discover jewelry, watches, accessories and many other Cartier accessories in spaces that are four times larger than before and in private areas reserved for special purchases that require maximum privacy.
Its interior design has been almost completely personalized and in addition to carefully chosen antiques, a notable presence is Molteni&C which, through its Contract Division, has combined the most advanced industrial production with ancient artisan expertise. Notably, for the four floors of Cartier Mansion, Molteni&C Contract Division made chairs and tables and bronzed brass display cases fitted with sophisticated and exclusive opening, security and lighting mechanisms. This ensemble, combined with the new collection of classic-style seats designed by Thierry Despont creates unique and different sensory experiences in every single room.