The exhibition Cartier & Aldo Cipullo, New York City in the 70s will remain open until next May 8th

The  2^nd floor of the Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion, in New York, hosts until next May 8th the exhibition Cartier & Aldo Cipullo, New York City in the 70s. The show presents approximately 40 jewels from the era as well as archival drawings, articles and scrapbooks. There are also videos and a touch screen wall where guests can interactively access various articles and images from the seventies. The exhibition has been curated and designed by Cartier in collaboration with Stefan Beckman. Tours will take place daily Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m.

Cartier-New York in the 1970s

In 1969 two events set the tone for the next decade at Cartier in New York. In October Cartier sold to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton a diamond for more than $1 million. It was a 69.42-carat pear-shape.  This sale broke a record in the history of jewelry and made headlines—“Liz Gets That Peachy Pear”—. It also reminded the world of the exceptional gems the House purveyed.  That same year, Cartier presented the instantly iconic 1969 Love bracelet designed by Aldo Cipullo.

The exhibition at Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion, in New York, illustrates the excellence and creativity of the luxury house throughout the 1970s. In the early years of the decade Michael Thomas, the firm’s president, campaigned to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1970 to gain landmark status for the Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton entrusted Cartier with the special commission of a necklace for their historic 203.84-grain La Peregrina Pearl in 1972. It was the most expensive item sold at the recent auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels in New York City.  The exhibition that takes place now includes the original drawing of the necklace created by Cartier.

When Art Deco experienced a revival in the mid-seventies, Cartier staged two exhibitions at the Fifth Avenue flagship of its magnificent jewels and objects made during the Roaring Twenties.  Cartier’s central role in the Jazz Age was underscored on screen when it bejeweled Mia Farrow and Lois Chiles for their roles in the 1974 remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby. The exhibition Cartier, Aldo Cipullo and New York City in the 70s shares these moments of Cartier history in the making. 

Aldo Cipullo

In the vibrant seventies atmosphere, Aldo Cipullo (1935-1984) conceived the Cartier Love bracelet while working as Cartier‘s in-house designer. Aldo was a charming blond, blue-eyed Italian with movie-star good looks.  The publicity surrounding his very first design for Cartier transformed Aldo into a household name. From that moment there was eager anticipation for every one of his Cartier collections.

Cipullo conceived the first nail bracelet in 1971. Together with Cartier, they had the vision to introduce a bracelet inspired by the everyday object. His philosophy of life and changing lifestyles influenced his work. He designed for the moment while thinking of tomorrow. Raw, daring and ahead of its time – the bracelet echoed the spirit of New York City.  The designer’s range of themes reflected New York City life: modern love, the Women’s Movement, Pop Art, Minimalism, signs of the zodiac, backgammon and good luck charms.  Cipullo’s instinctual talent for capturing the spirit of the times and dazzling dexterity of the jewelry arts at Cartier will be highlighted in the exhibition.

Stefan Beckman

Stefan Beckman has been creating sets for commercial advertising and editorial campaigns for over fifteen years. He has the ability to reinterpret the traditional style of a brand while remaining true to the soul of the company’s vision. His vast lexicon of historic and modern references allows him to transition between the iconic, surreal, bohemian, luxurious, or futuristic and integrate them seamlessly if necessary. In 2009, Beckman received from the luxury house the commission to design the exhibition, “Cartier: 100 years of Passion and Free Spirit in America.” The show took place at the Fifth Avenue and Beverly Hills boutiques. It showcased one of a kind jewelry, time pieces, and iconic Cartier imagery in the American historical and cultural landscape.

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