19 Nov 2022
On Wednesday 16 November, Cartier lit up the city to celebrate the grand opening of the new Sydney flagship boutique at 388 George Street.
Symbolising a thrilling new chapter in the lasting relationship between Cartier and Australians, the new boutique epitomises the Maison’s renowned Parisian elegance, while affectionately paying tribute to Australia’s rich culture, natural beauty, and community.
Cartier Oceania Managing Director Alban du Mesnil said, “Tonight we welcome our valued guests to an exceptionally curated evening celebrating not only the Maison, but our important relationship with Australia and the city of Sydney. Located in the heart of the city, this is a significant moment that represents the rich history and spirit of the Maison merged with the cultural fabric of Australia.”
Over 600 guests including Cartier Managing Director Oceania, Alban du Mesnil, valued clients, Friends of the Maison including International superstar Labrinth, Bella Heathcote, Jessica Gomes, Nakkiah Lui, Sophie Wilde, and Amanda Shadforth. Globally renowned actors and celebrities including Isabel Lucas, Teresa Palmer and Teagan Croft. Australian singer Ruel. First Nations Artists and Aria nominees Budjerah Slabb and Baker Boy Australia’s most recognised faces in business, media and philanthropy including Monica Saunders-Weinberg, Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic, Sophia Forrest and Merivale’s Justin Hemmes joined Australia’s most influential faces in fashion including Vogue Editor in Chief Edwina McCann, Rebecca Caratti, and Australian supermodels Victoria Lee, Montana Cox, and Duckie Thot to name a few.
The guest journey began at the red carpet, lined with the Maison’s signature bellboys, which interlaced the flagship with the 388 precinct. Upon arrival at the boutique, itself an architectural feat, guests contemplated the fac?ade enwrapped in an undulating champagne metal that evokes the glisten of Sydney Harbour. Inside, guests discovered the most significant collection of Cartier High Jewellery creations that has ever travelled to Australian shores alongside the Maison’s signature jewellery, watches, and accessories.
Champagne and cocktails were served by multi award winning Maybe Sammy mixologists, who have created a bespoke cocktail menu for the Sydney flagship, to be enjoyed by guests at their leisure during their visit to the Opal Bar, on level one of the boutique. Atmospheric music created by DJ Sarsha Simone, set the tone for the wonderous evening ahead.
From the boutique guests were transported to a surprise second location, which upon arrival revealed itself as Hyde Park Barracks as it has never been seen before – a mesmerising tribute to the Maison, with guests welcomed by illuminated surrounds and a fleet of the Maison’s emblematic bellboys.
This celebration started with a unique performance that fused mediums of dance and projection on a journey through Australia, from the red centre and the costal cliffs, through to the forest and finally to Sydney, which was bathed in Cartier’s signature red. Rafael Bonachela, a dear friend of the Maison, and Sydney Dance Company created an exclusive and moving choreography.
Inside further revealed a space of euphoria and elegance featuring by a custom bistro experience – aptly named Bistro 388 as well as a complimenting cocktail lounge and a curation of entertainment and performances.
Guests were invited to experience Bistro 388, a short order dining service with elegant wait staff and an animated oyster bar. The menu offered a synergistic fusion of Australia’s fresh coastal treasures and the ambiance of French fine dining with ingredients sourced locally. Jazz music echoed throughout with a double bass player in residence, performing in tandem to a soundtrack by DJ and producer Jono Ma.
Other culinary delights enjoyed throughout the evening included roving canapes of Moreton Bay Bug Rolls, Tasmanian Grass Fed Beef Fillet and Paris Mash, with late night snacks of mini croque monsieur and truffle parmesan fries.
A surprise reveal introduced by lighting and inspired by the iconic Cartier Panthere, led guests to Club Cartier. Guests were transported to a Cartier party with dining, drinks and light spectaculars as well as a collection of world-renowned performances from music sensation DJ Anna Lunoe which set the tone for the evenings highlight – a 40-minute set from global superstar Labrinth, a new Friend of the Maison in Sydney exclusively for Cartier. This included a medley of hits from the Euphoria album as well as the new single Iridium.
Cartier 388 George Street has officially opened its doors to the City of Sydney on the 18 November.
