Many of the world’s most iconic moments and creations started with a simple dream. While walking along the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the silence of ageless mountains, the young doctor Paul Niehans dreamed of unlocking the secret of time.
In a stroke of brilliance, Dr Niehans realised that one could use fresh cells to repair damaged ones—regenerating like with like. After experimenting tirelessly in his laboratory, he discovered cellular therapy. By injecting fresh cells into weakened organs, you could spark the process of revitalisation and regeneration.
From his simple dream an even bigger vision was created: to not only add years to life, but to add life to years. From this discovery, more than 5,000 patients would benefit from Dr Niehans’ treatments and his works on cellular therapy were published, bringing him critical acclaim.
Products of nature
After achieving success, the good doctor decided to open Clinique La Prairie in a secluded location known to only a select few. However, when he successfully treated the critically ill Pope Pius XII in 1954, and was named by the Pope as a Member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences the year after, Dr Niehans moved even more into the world’s spotlight.
Heads of state, royalty and celebrities were soon flocking to his once secret clinic, marking a new era for the establishment. Yet it was the artists for whom he felt the most kinship, and the establishment soon became a hub of artistic effervescence. But despite the intense popularity and fame, the clinic was able to retain its strict standards of discretion and exclusivity.
From beauty to a brand
After his death in 1971, Dr Niehans left to his successors at Clinique La Prairie a treasure trove of unique medical knowledge and discoveries, one of which was a topical cream offered to clients as they left the clinic. A complete regimen was then created from this one product and the skincare House of La Prairie was born.
The formulas of the products were directly inspired by Dr Niehans’ work, with a proprietary cellular extract made with stabilised fresh cells. This would become what is now known as the first generation of La Prairie’s Exclusive Cellular Complex, its signature ingredient.
Continuing this tradition of searching for the fountain of youth, La Prairie’s scientists soon turned to the other nucleus of life: the egg. And there was no better place to start than with caviar, a symbol of sophistication. Extremely rich in nutrients beneficial to the complexion, it became the iconic ingredient in the healing and pampering Skin Caviar Collection in 1987. Believing that the best things in life are worth the wait, it is after nearly 20 years that La Prairie releases its next icon. Inspired by the wonders of nature, rare platinum is discovered to enhance the rejuvenating powers of the Exclusive Cellular Complex. From this, the Radiance collection was launched in 2006 and shortly thereafter, the Platinum Rare Cellular Cream.
Taking important cues from its founder’s legacy of innovation, each item La Prairie creates is the result of years of scientific research married with the most sublime of sensorial experiences. The user experiences beauty from start to finish, from the elegant vessels the creams are housed in to the sensual scents that envelope them as they apply the product.
In fact, La Prairie is so committed to the artistry of beauty that it continues to forge new relationships with the art world by supporting and collaborating with art fairs, cultural institutions, established artists and emerging talents. It has established partnerships with not only Art Basel, but also Shanghai’s West Bund Art & Design Fair and Frieze Art Fairs as well.
However, to the brand, art is not only about aesthetics, it is also about nature and preserving its beauty. In 2021, La Prairie began a long-term partnership with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich to help protect the glaciers of Switzerland and beyond.
Continuing the dream
Our eyes are the windows to our soul. In the same way, a brand’s logo is the reflection of its spirit and reflects its values, story, heritage and evolution. La Prairie’s logo is inspired by the Clinique La Prairie of the 1930s, with streamlined capitals and an original typography inspired by the art deco movement that was the leading aesthetic of the time. In the 1970s, the logo evolved into Helvetica Neue, which was created in Zurich by typeface designer Max Miedinger. The font is a symbol of cutting-edge Swiss design.
La Prairie has chosen to celebrate its Swiss heritage in the latest reiteration of its logo, by taking inspiration from Helvetica Neue, reimagined for the modern world. The design is sharper, more architectural and easier to read. A perfect reflection of our time.
Discover more at La Prairie’s flagship boutique at ION Orchard, #B1-15A, and La Prairie counters at TANGS at Tang Plaza, Takashimaya D.S. and Metro Paragon.
