Whether taken as a single blossom or a delicate bouquet, the Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole offers a connection to the maison’s lifelong relationship with nature. Flowers in particular have inspired Van Cleef & Arpels since its earliest years, materialising in the form of ruby- and emerald-studded roses, chrysanthemums, and peonies, all lauded for their incredible lifelikeness.
Indeed, entire high jewellery collections have been devoted to florals and the majesty of nature, replete with all manner of fauna, transporting us into a dreamworld full of beauty, peace and harmony.
Likewise, American photographer Olivia Bee finds solace through dreamy, sometimes surrealist scenes that often exude a Seventies touch. Her images taken of dancers at the American Ballet Theater for instance reveal the beauty of ballet with a soft touch tinged with realism and movement such that you always know where to look.
For Van Cleef & Arpels, Bee takes the maison’s Frivole collection high into the frigid Swiss wilderness, and photographs them against frozen rivers and a vast spruce forest, with foliage dusted with freshly fallen snow. It wasn’t so much experiencing the cold as it was about feeling the Diamond Breeze—probably the most fantastical setting for an iced-out Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery piece.
Consider timeless creations such as the Frivole bracelet watch in white gold and fully paved with scintillating diamonds, concealing the time under a canopy of pretty blooms. This fully transformable piece can be worn also as a pendant, or a clip when mounted on a jewellery structure, and wouldn’t look at all out of place in a winter garden.
As with all its creations, Van Cleef & Arpels’ savoir-faire comes through in the Frivole. You see openwork and carefully polished filets all accomplished by hand. These mirror reflective surfaces juxtapose elegantly with sparkling brilliant diamonds, bringing such intense luminosity as to be perfect for the festive season.
Wear the Frivole as a bracelet or ring, earrings and necklaces, clips and of course timepieces to celebrate Christmas in style. Here are Vogue Singapore’s top selects.
Frivole earrings, small model in white gold
Just a touch of white gold fully paved with brilliant diamonds on your earlobes to bring a touch of frost without the whole blizzard.
Frivole between-the-finger ring in yellow gold
You’ll have the delicate Frivole blossoming around your hand, some fully paved with diamonds and others just in the centre.
Frivole bracelet, 5 flowers in yellow gold
The prettiest blooms in varying sizes and alternating paved and polished surfaces, just as nature intended.
Frivole necklace, 9 flowers in white gold
Encircle your neckline with the Frivole flower, just nine is enough to make a big statement, because everything is studded with diamonds.
Frivole pendant, small model in yellow gold
This classic single flower pendant is perfect for everyday wear. Or loop it around a white shirt collar for a fashionista’s take.
