VCA - The Art of Movement exhibition

[Pomelo]

Today, I had the pleasure of going to the VCA: the Art of Movement exhibition at the Design Museum in London.

Not only did I see some wonderful VCA pieces but also met the lovely @RosieR (and her beautiful bling!).

First up, some photos of the start of the exhibition. The backdrop to the pieces is pleating from an haute couture house that sits near VCA in Place Vendome.

The first necklace we’re greeted by is the Hindu necklace featuring over 150ct of emeralds that was made for a Maharani. For me, non-faceted emeralds have such luscious beauty - the juiciness is sublime, and look at the carved emerald in the centre! There are lovely curled pave petals surrounding the emeralds.

 

[Pomelo]

The exhibition was split into four sections for four different sources of inspiration. The first section was Nature Alive, ie how nature in its living form has inspired VCA.

For me, the mystery set blue bellflower showed such craftsmanship as well as clever use of colour, cut and design.

The ribboned flower brooch is made from one continuous thread of gold, at over 1m long!

There was a funny story about how VCA created their first minaudiere. The creative director at the time was at a fancy party and an impeccably dressed lady carried her cigarettes and lipstick in a Lucky Strike cigarette tin. He was horrified at this and proceeded to craft minaudieres out of precious metals and gems.

 

[Pomelo]

The second section was about how dance and ballet inspired VCA (fairies are also in this category).

I didn’t know that VCA only uses rose cut diamonds to depict the faces of their ballerinas and fairies (if they’re using diamonds) - the effect is subtle and understated, allowing you to focus on the form of their bodies and the flourish on their tutus.

A particular highlight for me is the fairy minaudiere - that 3D effect makes it seem like the fairy is stepping out of her flower-filled slumber!

 

[Pomelo]

The third section was about how haute couture and fabrics have inspired VCA.

This includes things like delicate chantilly lace, but also rope and ribbons. And not to mention, their signature zip necklace/bracelet.

 

[Pomelo]

The last section was abstraction and about taking inspiration from the essence of things.

My particular favourite from this section was the langoustine bracelet - it looks like a chunky bangle but is actually made from articulated sections that look like the body of a prawn!

 

[Pomelo]

Of course, @RosieR and I had a hilarious and long natter about all things jewels, tried on each other’s bling and took an obligatory family photo!

I have to admit, I’d never “got” why EW was so respected on PS until I tried on RosieR’s ring today. The delicacy and detail was another level.

I also got to try on her VCA 5 motif hammered gold Alhambra bracelet - it was surprisingly comfortable to wear, drapes well against the wrist (it has been resized though) and is such a great piece for daily wear. This is goes onto the wishlist!

It was such a pleasure to meet RosieR in real life. UK PSers, hope you can join us next time there’s a jewellery exhibition on!

 

[stracci2000]

Thanks for sharing!
It is looks like you both had a wonderful time viewing all these exquisite jewels!

 

[Pomelo]

And in case anyone wants to see a short video on these pieces, they’re on my Instagram

Mary on Instagram: "Van Cleef & Arpels: the Art of Movement This exhibition took us through a journey of how movement, in sources of inspiration such as nature, dance and haute couture fabrics, have impacted VCA’s designs. From the deceptively sim

7 likes, 0 comments - mary.and.jewels on September 24, 2022: "Van Cleef & Arpels: the Art of Movement This exhibition took us through a journey of how movement, in sources of inspiration such as nature, dance and haute couture fabrics, have impacted VCA’s designs. From the deceptively simple...

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[Pomelo]

Thanks for sharing!
It is looks like you both had a wonderful time viewing all these exquisite jewels!

Hehehe indeed I think I would’ve gone back a second time if I didn’t have travel plans for the rest of the short exhibition!

 

[yssie]

Thank you so much for sharing these photos!! I saw the IG post and was enamored, so it’s extra lovely to see your pictures

I smiled at your description of not “getting” Erika’s work until you saw an example in-person. (Rosie’s ring is glorious and I’d love to see it one day!!) But I have to admit that I’m one of those people who didn’t “get” VCA at all, until I saw and felt for myself!! Needless to say - I get it now

The hammered gold is effortless. Such an easy-to-wear piece. I love that.

For me it’s these two pieces that I think I’d have been going back for a second and third look at… The delicacy and dimension and movement is really inspirational

 

[RosieR]

The second section was about how dance and ballet inspired VCA (fairies are also in this category).

I didn’t know that VCA only uses rose cut diamonds to depict the faces of their ballerinas and fairies (if they’re using diamonds) - the effect is subtle and understated, allowing you to focus on the form of their bodies and the flourish on their tutus.

A particular highlight for me is the fairy minaudiere - that 3D effect makes it seem like the fairy is stepping out of her flower-filled slumber!

The minaudiere are so delicate and beautiful! I was amazed to discover that each one is hand carved in wax. Such skill

Yes and thanks so much for the invite @Pomelo, your ring is really amazing! The facets on you OEC are perfection. I can’t comment on the previous setting, but it feels so sturdy yet comfortable on the finger - an easy wear

 

[Pomelo]

Thank you so much for sharing these photos!! I saw the IG post and was enamored, so it’s extra lovely to see your pictures

I smiled at your description of not “getting” Erika’s work until you saw an example in-person. (Rosie’s ring is glorious and I’d love to see it one day!!) But I have to admit that I’m one of those people who didn’t “get” VCA at all, until I saw and felt for myself!! Needless to say - I get it now

The hammered gold is effortless. Such an easy-to-wear piece. I love that.

For me it’s these two pieces that I think I’d have been going back for a second and third look at… The delicacy and dimension and movement is really inspirational

Now that you mention the dimensionality, I’m gutted that I didn’t take a video of everything from all angles! The inside of the bellflower (that’s just peeking out) were beautiful baguettes and for all these VCA pieces, I’m sure the back would’ve just as beautiful as the front.

I do wish the exhibition had put more of the pieces on moving displays so that we could admire them from more than just the front

 

[kgizo]

Thanks for sharing your photos! Love seeing the detail on the pieces.

 

[CMN]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[tyty333]

Swoon-worthy pieces! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Slickk]

Wow! I so enjoyed seeing your pictures of these amazing pieces. Thank you for sharing!!