It’s an invitation to break free from your usual routines and embark on an extraordinary journey into the clandestine realms of the world’s most illustrious fashion and jewelry houses. In this extraordinary 40th chapter of the European Heritage Days, a thrilling newcomer takes center stage, the l’Oréal group. For the very first time, this beauty guru graciously opens the doors to not one, but four of its enchanting domains, including the hallowed halls of its global headquarters.
But the surprises don’t end there. In an act of unprecedented audacity, 19M, the epicenter of Chanel’s fashion prowess, invites the curious public to wander through its halls, granting a rare glimpse behind the curtain of high fashion’s inner sanctum. Beyond these illustrious newcomers, a series of venues unfolds before you, each weaving a tale of contemporary significance. From the evocative studio of fashion luminary Franck Horvat, celebrated through an exquisite exhibition at the Jeu de Paume, to the elegant Parisian emporium of Bucherer, the luxury watch brand nestled under the Rolex umbrella. Not to be missed is 30 Montaigne, where its gallery unfurls a breathtaking panorama of Dior’s legacy, including the timeless creations of the venerable Marc Bohan, who recently departed this world at the age of 97 on September 6. Our editorial team, on this remarkable occasion, has meticulously handpicked a dozen extraordinary suggestions for unconventional sojourns through exclusive locales, where you can forge a tangible connection with the artisans who breathe life into the world of luxury every single day.
BALENCIAGA PRESENTS THE WOMAN BEHIND THE DRESS.
Prepare to be swept into a world of wonder as the elusive archives of the visionary Cristóbal Balenciaga spring to life in a never-before-seen spectacle. This extraordinary collection, a testament to the intersection of artistry and fashion, finds its home at the elegant 40 rue de Sèvres, the hallowed abode shared by Kering and Balenciaga in the heart of Paris.
“The Woman Behind The Dress” is an ode to the genius of Cristóbal Balenciaga, emerges as a symphony of meticulous craftsmanship and an homage to the divine contours of the female form. This is no ordinary display; it’s a reverential celebration of the intimate connection between couture and personality. These exquisite garments, more than mere “works,” are living canvases, each uniquely imbued with a kaleidoscope of transformations, a testament to the genius of this virtuoso couturier. Each stitch, each fold, each whispered secret of fabric, a dance of couture technique and artistry that reveals the innermost essence of those who wear them.
CARTIER UNVEILS ITS JEWELRY INSTITUTE.
Prepare to embark on an exclusive journey into the enchanting world of jewelry craftsmanship, where the unparalleled artistry of Cartier unveils itself to a select group of 200 fortunate visitors. Nestled within an 18th-century mansion, The Institute, a cherished gem since its inception in 2002, resides at the epicenter of Paris’s historic jewelry district. Here, amidst the echoes of centuries past, this venerable establishment nurtures and imparts its wisdom to 150 craft artisans annually, an elite among the 340 gifted artisans who grace the tapestry of French craftsmanship. La Maison Cartier shines as a beacon of innovation by birthing a sanctuary entirely devoted to the preservation and evolution of its unparalleled savoir-faire. It is a tribute to the enduring legacy of artistry, a haven where the secrets of jewelry-making are lovingly nurtured and meticulously honed.
BOUCHERON OPENS THE DOORS OF ITS BOUTIQUE-ATELIER AT 26, PLACE VENDOME.
Step into the history as you venture through the inviting doors of the venerable jeweler Boucheron, born in the year 1858 and cradled in the loving embrace of the esteemed Kering Group. Their enchanted boutique-atelier, nestled at 26, Place Vendôme in the heart of Paris, awaits your arrival. This private mansion built in 1720 under the watchful gaze of Charles de Nocé, stands as a cherished gem within the timeless heritage of the famed Place Vendôme. A canvas masterfully painted by the legendary architect Jules Hardouin Mansart. In 1893, we find the indomitable Frédéric Boucheron, a trailblazer amongst the era’s great jewelers, making his historic mark upon this hallowed ground.
Within these storied walls resides a symphony of craftsmanship—a production workshop where dreams are wrought into precious reality, a design studio where creativity flows like a hidden spring, and a private apartment, the crown jewel of exclusivity. And, just a stone’s throw away, the illustrious Ritz stands ready to extend its legendary service, completing an experience that is nothing short of regal.
BUCHERER OPENS ITS DOOR TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE REASON BEHIND ITS STRATEGIC CHOICES.
As the world reverberated with the resounding news of Rolex’s acquisition of Bucherer, the European Heritage Days extend to you a unique invitation, an opportunity to delve into the very essence of this strategic union.
In 2013, a grand celebration was underway, a commemoration of Bucherer’s illustrious 125-year legacy. In the heart of Paris, at 12 rue des Capucines, a veritable “department store” emerged, a palace of horology and haute jewelry unparalleled in all of Europe. Here, opulence and timeless craftsmanship knows no bounds. Within these hallowed halls, 36 distinguished brands stand strong, each a luminary in its own right. Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Jaeger LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne, and Panerai, among others, grace the stage with their horological masterpieces. But the crown jewel, Rolex, now under the stewardship of Bucherer, gleams as one of the rare official distributors within this opulent emporium.
In July 2023, Bucherer Paris unveiled a fresh chapter, a dedicated sanctuary for Rolex, an epitome of luxury horology. Here, you are welcomed to caress the wrists of time with the exquisite Oyster Perpetual and the thrilling Cosmograph Daytona, an opportunity to embrace the future while cradling the legacy of the past.
RUE CAMBON’S FASHION SANCTUARY 19M, REVEALS CHANEL’S MASTERFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME.
Inaugurated in the year 2019, this architectural masterpiece is the brainchild of none other than Rudy Ricciotti, the virtuoso behind the iconic MUCEM, who has earned the prestigious Grand Prix for his architectural prowess. This hallowed sanctuary spans a regal expanse of 2,500 square meters, cradling within its walls an ensemble of approximately 600 artisans. These gifted souls are the lifeblood of the 11 revered Maison métiers d’art, a congregation that includes the illustrious embroiderers, the ethereal feather workers, the master weavers, the virtuoso boot makers, and the glove artisans. Here, you’ll step into the inner sanctums of Goossens, Lemarié, Lesage, Maison Michel, and Massaro, discovering the very heart and soul of their craft.
But within this architectural marvel, secrets are not limited to the nimble fingers and creative minds alone. It’s also a vault of the company’s extensive archives, a treasure trove of the past echoing with the whispers of timeless beauty. And in a harmonious convergence of luxury, the esteemed Eres, a luminous pearl in the Chanel Group’s crown since 1996, has chosen to grace this ethereal abode with its presence. The cryptic name, 19M, unfolds like a poetic ode to the essence of artistry—where the ‘M’ stands as a sentinel for Métiers d’art, Mode, Main, Maison, and Manufacture, and the ’19’ reverberates with the spirit of both the historic arrondissement that cradles it and the very day Gabrielle Chanel graced the world with her presence, an August in the year 1883.
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