Interview with Arnaud Bamberger
This exclusive interview with Director and Executive Chairman of Cartier
Arnaud Bamberger was conducted by Nicola Linza and Cristoffer Neljesjö in
Paris, 2011.
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is classical, with a little french flair. The palette of my wardrobe is simple - blues, greys, whites... I inject a little personal twist in the finishing touches, a flash colour with an Hermes tie or silk handkerchief, my vintage Cartier bracelets ...
Cartier is legendary for
innovation and fine design but moreover the marketing has been selective and of
the highest order - how do you plan new campaigns?
For a Maison such as Cartier, the message of quality, authenticity and know-how
has always been at the core of our communication. Cartier has a highly
recognisable style and which has over time become identifiable by our icons.
These icons are the foundations of the Maison's style and our campaigns will
evolve using modern settings and playing with contemporary codes.
Contemporary art while
often a one-trick pony, has provided the few items that work, that tend to be
very powerful and meaningful. Would you say that is very much like jewellery
and accessory design? And the reason that Cartier and Contemporary
presentations have worked well together because of the balanced refinement
inherent in the combined showings?
We certainly hope that our jewellery creations are not considered one trick
ponies... I certainly hope not. Our jewellery and watch designs have really
lasted a lifetime - take the Tank watch for example - a Maison classic that
dates back to WW1 and a design that has continuously evolved over the past 90
years. You must remember that Cartier is a dynamic Maison which, after 160
years is still lead by its creativity and inspiration - a Maison that is in
perpetual motion. The fine balance in our creations comes from the combination
of tradition, innovation, elegance and exclusivity.
What is the sexiest item
of a businessman's uniform?
Monogram initials in a custom shirt - the devil is in the detail.
Where do you reside
during vacations and how do you spend your time?
With my family in Mykonos - taking photographs.
What is genuine luxury
to you?
Genuine luxury to me is something rare. In my case this is the luxury of Time.
It is 1970 and we are
meeting in Rome for a private party hosted by Luchino Visconti. What are you
wearing? In addition, whom do you want to meet?
White suit, open shirt, mocassins. Who do I want to meet? I prefer to wait for
the surprise.....
The interview with Arnaud Bamberger 2011 © Manner of Man Magazine. All
rights reserved. Reproduction is strictly prohibited without written permission
from the publisher.
