Jul 28, 2015

Étourdissant Cartier

I haven't felt this speechless in a while in trying to start a blog post. I'm afraid, of course, that my writing won't even begin to do the experience justice. The experience being my whirlwind French Riviera trip to celebrate Cartier's High Jewelry collection, Étourdissant Cartier. My speechlessness is somewhat fitting, given that there is no real word or translation for "étourdissant" in English. It can be loosely translated as something stunning that might blow you away or make you feel dizzy or faint. And that it did. The scenes that passed by me seemed to be straight out of a dreamy world that only live on Pinterest boards and imaginations. What I can do is share with you some moments (which was incredibly hard to narrow down) from those otherworldly 48 hours or so.





Above: Setting the scene – we took countless boat rides and ended up on either beautiful islands or majestic estates.
Below: The site of the jewelry presentation (with over 400 striking pieces) was in a residence with sprawling gardens that led right out to the sea. With all the sapphires (including this head-turner of a piece), emeralds, rubies, onyx, coral, and diamonds (and more!) in one place, I walked through the rooms almost in a daze.






Leave it to Cartier to pull off a surprise helicopter adventure that took us to the top of a mountain where there was champagne and sweets waiting for us, all without a hitch. This was actually my first time in a helicopter and I couldn't have asked for a better way to see the scenery (and stalk the STUNNING homes in the area from the air).






When you think it couldn't possibly get any dreamier, it does. Because a vintage Citroën DS ride to Picasso's last residence where the sun is setting perfectly over the hills is more picturesque than anything I could conjure up in my wildest imagination. I hate to sound braggy, but my god, there's no other way to talk about this setting.










It's truly a treat to experience the level of attention and detail that a house like Cartier puts into everything they do. A big 'Merci' to them for the incredible memories and inspiring adventure.

20 comments :

  1. Wow what a dream! Looks like an absolute fairytale setting. Gorgeous way you captured light, especially in the last one. <3

    http://madelinemarieblog.com/

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  2. What an experience. It really does look magical

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  3. Dreamy indeed! Your photos feel so summery, with the light and the framing (and the convertible Citroen, of course). Makes me want to visit the Riviera even more now!

    Emily.

    Zuzankosjournal.blogspot.ca

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  4. Wow! What a fab trip! Love Cartier :)

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  5. Sigh. What is this life you live, Alice!?

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  6. Wowza! What a cool experience. Every pic was gorgeous.

    Best,
    Gigi B.

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  7. I just adore your photos and how you documented the day.

    http://xoxobella.com/

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  8. I couldn't possibly imagine your experience...Sounds so surreal! Glad you had an amazing time :)

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  9. Oh wow, the blue light in that one photo of the staircase and hall - that's breathtaking. Congratulations on a wonderful trip and photos.

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  10. At the risk of sounding trite, this entire set is absolutely beautiful Alice. The photographs you share on Instagram while you were there really beefed up the anticipation to seeing the finished visual essay wrapped with a perfect narrative. In addition to your photographs, I'm continually inspired by the equal amount of consideration you give to the writing in all your articles. Love it!

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  11. OMG those sceneries. Such a great experiences shot for Cartier. And thanks for letting us know these great scenes of France.

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  12. every photo is so clean and classic and magazine-ready... love love!
    September Rules

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  13. What an on incredible experience it must have been !

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  14. Wow, the photos are so dream-like. I hope to travel to France one day.

    ohitsjo.blogspot.com

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  15. gorgeous photos. so much life!
    xx www.nuunablog.com

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  16. Oh my gosh, the lighting there is beautiful! Great capture ;)

    http://blog.jessicapei.com/

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  17. Wow this looks incredible - the images are stunning!

    www.style-trunk.co.uk

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