The year was 1924, when the world was experiencing economic success and beginning to rebuild after World War I. Yet, the lasting effects of the post-war period were still palpable in many regions. Countries were engaged in post-war reconstruction, grappling with economic challenges, and striving to maintain peace and stability.
Art and culture enjoyed a vibrant period, with movements like Surrealism, Dadaism, and Art Deco gaining prominence. One notable project born during this time was the Cartier Trinity collection, characterised by its intertwined three bands of different colours—yellow gold representing fidelity, white gold symbolizing friendship, and pink gold embodying love.
The Cartier Trinity ring was initially designed in 1924 by Louis Cartier, the grandson of the brand's founder Louis-François Cartier. The creation of the Trinity ring was inspired by Louis Cartier's artistic and spiritual experiences, quickly becoming one of Cartier's most iconic and timeless pieces of jewellery.
In honour of the 100th anniversary, Cartier presents "The Trinity 100," an immersive experience that embodies the essence of the Trinity collection and its evolution over the years. Until July 23, the iconic Arts House, previously Singapore’s first Parliament, has been transformed into a comprehensive display showcasing the evolution of Trinity, featuring both individual designs and collaborative efforts, as well as celebrating the celebrities and personalities past and present, who have added glamour to the collection.
Covering an area of 674 sq m, visitors can journey through various rooms, starting with "Three is a Magic Number," where the three Cartier broCopythers—Louis, Pierre, and Jacques—and the Maison’s historic boutiques in Paris, London, and New York are celebrated.
See also: Van Cleef & Arpels and School of Jewelry Arts L’École join hands for an exhibition on all things ruby
Moving on to "The Creative Evolution," visitors witness how Trinity moved away from traditional craftsmanship, to explore the innovative trajectory that has defined Trinity's design aesthetics over the years.
The room "The Early Days of an Icon: Trinity and Jean Cocteau" highlights the enduring link between the Trinity ring and the poet and artist Jean Cocteau. In the 1930s, Cocteau popularised wearing two stacked Trinity rings on his left pinky, a look that became his signature.
See also: Pretty in porcelain: LOY Gallery launches Wang Xiaolin’s first solo exhibition
"The Trinity: The Icon of Icons" pays homage to the popularity of the Trinity collection, attracting Hollywood stars and café society elites alike. The narrative of Trinity continues to evolve, celebrating the diversity of bonds and universality it embodies, cherished by cultural icons across different eras, honouring icons of the past, present, and future.
"The Trinity Centenary Collection" highlights the Maison’s legacy through its signature interlocking rings in various gold shades—white, yellow, and rose. The collection showcases rare reissues of a cult design, including the XL version of the Trinity bracelet and a new ring on a bold, maximal scale.
In "Imagine Infinite Circles," visitors encounter the collaborative project curated by creative figures around the world, encompassing over 100 works from a diverse range of disciplines and backgrounds, weaving a circular narrative that represents the essence of Trinity. Curated by French art critic, Jérôme Sans the room has 30 artworks that capture the diverse facets of Trinity, reflecting love, the myriad bonds it forges, unity, and universality in an exploration of the collection's timeless symbolism and cultural significance.
Trinity 100
When: Now until 23rd July 2024
Where: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Ln, Singapore 179429
Opening hours: 12.00 to 9.00PM (last slot 7.30PM).
To book: Online registration is required, please visit https://www.register.trinity100.cartier.sg/en/trinity100/en-sg
