Inside The New Van Cleef & Arpels Five-Floor Boutique On Madison Avenue
Van Cleef & Arpels just unveiled its third New York City boutique. Located at the corner of Madison Avenue and 62nd Street, this stunning five-level boutique is housed in a historic landmark, blending the Maison’s illustrious heritage with modern sophistication. This new location joins the Maison’s iconic flagship on Fifth Avenue and West 57th Street, further cementing its longstanding relationship with New York City.
Helen King, President & CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels Americas, expressed her excitement at the boutique’s opening:
“The Maison has a long and rich history with New York City, and this new boutique is a crucial part of our future here. Every detail honors our dedication to craftsmanship, design, and enchantment, marking a special moment in our New York story.”
The boutique’s meticulously restored façade accentuates the building’s historical significance, featuring brickwork and lighting that highlight its architectural details. A metallic screen, inspired by the Maison’s iconic Ludo design, graces the exterior windows.
The boutique’s design spans five levels, each offering a distinct and immersive experience. The first floor welcomes visitors with a grand entrance featuring double-height ceilings and a majestic Veronese chandelier, setting the tone with an ambiance that captures the energy of New York City. Curated artwork and Fresco murals, with poetic textures like feather motifs and skies, enhance the space’s enchanting appeal. Moving upward, the second floor takes inspiration from a New York penthouse, incorporating lush greenery and hand-painted floral wallpaper by Fromental to create a serene and intimate atmosphere. The private salons on levels three to five, accessible by invitation only, provide an exclusive journey through Van Cleef & Arpels’ world. The third floor showcases High Jewelry collections in a sophisticated Art Deco setting, while the fourth floor celebrates one of the Maison’s cherished themes, nature, with floral-inspired decor. The fifth floor, a first-of-its-kind private events space, features a lounge, cocktail bar, and fireplace, all adorned with bespoke wallpaper crafted from local minerals, offering a refined setting for hosting exclusive gatherings.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ deep connection to New York began in 1939 when the Maison presented its creations at the World’s Fair in the city. Following its resounding success, it established its first boutique at Rockefeller Center in 1942. The Maison’s enduring relationship with New York has been defined by its ability to blend Parisian elegance with the dynamic spirit of Manhattan seamlessly.
The new Madison Avenue boutique showcases this synergy, offering an extraordinary selection of archival and contemporary pieces. Visitors will encounter masterpieces such as the Torch of Liberty clip (1944) and Marlene Dietrich’s Jarretière bracelet, alongside the mesmerizing Éveil du Cyclamen automaton, an exquisite example of Van Cleef & Arpels’ High Jewelry artistry and craftsmanship.
The boutique showcases Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature collections, offering a captivating glimpse into the Maison’s rich legacy. The Snowflake Collection, inspired by the flocon motif introduced in the 1940s, pairs the brilliance of diamonds with the luminosity of platinum or yellow gold, epitomizing timeless elegance. The Perlée Collection celebrates the Maison’s craftsmanship through delicate golden beads, presenting joyful and graphic designs that exude harmony. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Christmas roses, the Rose de Noël Collection combines glittering diamonds with ornamental stones to create pieces that bloom with charm and sophistication. Completing the showcase is the iconic Alhambra Collection, a symbol of luck and elegance since its inception in 1968. The boutique introduces a stunning new variation featuring guilloché yellow gold and blue agate, adorning necklaces, earrings, and rings with a contemporary touch of enchantment.
Every corner of the boutique invites visitors into the enchanting world of Van Cleef & Arpels, where timeless elegance and innovative design converge. From its thoughtfully curated private salons to its stunning High Jewelry collections, the Madison Avenue location embodies the Maison’s commitment to artistry and sophistication.