Christophe Chassol and Lionel Sow make musical magic at Cartier’s Christmas in Paris
Paris sparkled with Christmas spirit last night as Cartier kicked off the Holiday season with a festive concert and soirée at the iconic Place Vendôme. Starting at 7 pm, guests began to gather at the brand’s boutique at number 23 (reopened earlier this year with the help of interior designer Laura Gonzales) for an impressive set-up on the Place Vendôme complete with a keyboard installed in the middle of thin, luminous columns resting upon a golden floor. Cartier’s version of Christmas featured an exceptional concert courtesy of composer Christophe Chassol who played the Holiday music he composed exclusively for Cartier this year. He was joined live by a choir led by Lionel Sow, conductor of the Orchestre de Paris Choir. The creative and poetic Christmas music added melodious magic to the scintillating surroundings. Maïwenn, Hugo Marchand, Farida Khelfa, Camélia Jordana, Louise Follain, Vassili Schneider were among the guests who enjoyed the concert on the ephemeral bleachers complete with blankets and candles overlooking the Vendôme column. The private concert echoed across the entire square as Chassol and Sow’s music pulled in passers-by from the Parisian cold to a warmth that can only be transmitted by music. The Christmas music is an experimental journey based on Chassol’s signature self-sampling, brought to life by Lionel Sow’s choir on Wednesday night with delicately playful lighting effects. After the concert, everyone gathered inside the Cartier boutique for a cocktail hosted by chef Simone Zazoni (Le George) and tasting of the traditional Christmas yule log. Cartier’s Christmas isn’t over yet: from December 5th to 19th, the House will unveil an immersive exhibit to highlight Chassol’s music. At 13, rue de la Paix, Marcel van Doorn will put Chassol’s music on display for an unique experience blending sound and visuals in the office of Jeanne Toussaint, the jewelry House’s most emblematic designer known for creating the famous panther. More magical moments await as Cartier bejewels the city with more heavenly Holiday experiences.
