Exercise in Style, Van Cleef and Arpels

This book is a gem polished by two houses, never once forsaking the ideal of excellence they embrace in their respective endeavours, chiselling stones and metal for Van Cleef & Arpels, whittling words for Gallimard. The book presents Van Cleef & Arpels through a selection of 25 words chosen for their emblematic dimension. For each word, a dictionary definition, a lyrical definition by Van Cleef & Arpels, and an artistic interpretation by a friend of the Maison: artists, designers, writers, philosophers, chefs, photographers, poets. Each chapter (savoir faire, femininity, Place Vendome, enchantment, style) is opened by a poetic "theatre" in laser cut paper. The book captures a poetic and literary happenstance, telling a story about beauty, about poetry, unleashing creation and unbridling the imaginary realm's might.