Under Pierre Hardy’s eyes, Artcurial’s exceptional objects reinvent their history

The summer season arrives, Artcurial will soon settle in its second home in Monte-Carlo for its prestigious sales, which have become a must for Monegasque collectors from all over the world. Three specialities are in the spotlight for this new edition: jewellery, watchmaking and an exceptional collection of unique pieces from Hermès Vintage (the Hermès Vintage speciality remains one of the emblematic components of Artcurial’s summer sales). For the second time, the house has entrusted a French talent with the mission of selecting and collecting the pieces that will be auctioned from July 17 to 19 under the hammer of François Tajan. While Elie Top took up the challenge last year, Pierre Hardy is taking up the torch this year for this high-flying mission, and thanks to his sharp aesthetic eye, the designer has gathered a selection of luxury objects and has had fun recreating a story on collages in the image of modern vanities. Among the most remarkable pieces, a rare Van Cleef & Arpels corsage clip representing a ballerina decorated with diamonds (piece to be found among the 557 jewellery lots put up for auction), a set of twenty watches from Arman’s collection, or the Kelly d’Hermès bag, a unique piece decorated with a silk-screen print on canvas of a portrait of Princess Grace, a gift to Princess Stephanie of Monaco. Thus collectors and friends of Artcurial met this Wednesday in Paris to discover the exceptional collection of objects, before they fly to the Riviera to meet their future buyers.