Cartier Explores a Century of Panthère Design with “Into the Wild” in Miami

Cartier presented Into the Wild in the Miami Design District, an immersive exhibition that explored the evolution of the Maison’s panther emblem. The experience brought together more than a century of design history across jewelry, watchmaking, craftsmanship, and contemporary artistic interpretation.

The exhibition opened with a historical overview of the panther, including its 1914 debut on a watch accented with onyx and diamonds and its first figurative appearance in 1917. A High Jewelry brooch served as the central highlight of this introductory space.

A subsequent gallery examined the influence of Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s Creative Director beginning in 1933, whose vision defined the Panthère universe. Visitors encountered rare pieces from her tenure—such as a 1944 emerald bird brooch and a 1967 yellow diamond tiger bracelet—displayed alongside contemporary creations that continued her design principles.

Another section focused on three stylistic approaches to the panther: naturalistic, graphic, and abstract. Historic works from the Cartier Collection were paired with modern pieces, illustrating how the Maison revisited and reinterpreted the motif over time.

The exhibition also featured a dedicated space on savoir-faire, with workbenches demonstrating key processes such as sculpture, glyptics, fur setting, and Métiers d’Art. These presentations were accompanied by vitrines showcasing examples of each technique.

Into the Wild concluded with a look at Cartier’s broader fauna universe. An installation by artist Clare Celeste—featuring oversized botanical forms—surrounded displays of jewels depicting animals both real and imagined, positioning the panther as the central figure.

The exhibition ran from December 5 through 7 at 23 NE 41st St., with complimentary timed reservations available.

By ML Staff. Photos: Cartier.