Cartier Unveils New South Coast Plaza Boutique

The renovation was led by the Moinard Betaille agency, which looked for inspiration from Orange County’s diverse landscape.

Cartier has completed the renovation and expansion of its South Coast Plaza boutique.

Located at 3333 Bristol Street in the South Coast Plaza shopping center, the boutique’s expansion and new design was led by the Moinard Betaille agency which, according to the French jeweler, looked to Orange County’s diverse landscape for inspiration — from its local vegetation to the shimmering waters at Laguna and Newport beaches, and from the nearby Mojave Desert’s sweeping sand dunes to the cracked earth at Joshua Tree.

“We are thrilled to reopen our doors and invite new and familiar faces to visit Cartier South Coast Plaza,” said Walter Bolognino, president and chief executive officer of Cartier North America. “The boutique feels like an extension of the stunning Orange County landscape and is reflective of the casual elegance of its community.”

Offering the brand’s full range — including jewelry, fine jewelry, watches, leather goods, fragrance and Art of Living, and special collections — the space’s overall design pairs modern shapes with the house’s signature design codes and touches of whimsy. A Livatz glass canopy light inspired by the region’s ubiquitous skateparks brings a playful touch to the accessories and care service areas, while custom-designed chandeliers in the shape of dahlias — a symbol of eternal love —decorate the bridal area’s ceiling. The bridal area is also home to a lacquer and mother-of-pearl panel by Atelier Midavaine, which was inspired by a high jewelry brooch in the shape of an orchid native to Southern California.

“The expansion and redesign of Cartier South Coast Plaza will give us the opportunity to better welcome, serve, and inspire Cartier enthusiasts. In the last several years we’ve moved toward a more experiential model, where each space should evoke creativity and encourage discovery,” Bolognino explained. “We want there to be novelty about each boutique, regional flair, while remaining true to the maison.”

Approaching the boutique, customers will notice a unique three-dimensional facade, the first of its kind for the French brand in North America. Handcrafted in aqua resin with plaster details, it is intended to evoke a soft sea breeze wafting through the window, gathering the curtains in gentle pleats.

Upon entering, customers are met with Cartier novelties set against a large panel depicting a panther by François Mascarello, fashioned in wood, straw and mother-of-pearl marquetry. Local flora can be found throughout the boutique, including the handcrafted staff columns inspired by palm trees and the hand-painted Moss + Lam mural depicting a hyper realistic portrait of local vegetation in dusty desert tones.

“Cartier South Coast Plaza is a love letter to craftsmanship and a paradise for storytelling,” Bolognino said. “Every detail — large and small — is intentional and was crafted with the oceanfront region and its community in mind.”

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