Cartier opens “uniquely artistic” three-storey boutique with CDFG in Haikou

CHINA. Cartier has unveiled a luxurious, three-storey boutique within the newly opened cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex in Hainan province.

The 963sq m boutique features a design inspired by the natural landscape of Haikou and the craftsmanship of the Maison.

Building on Cartier’s longstanding partnership with China Duty Free Group, the opening reinforces the Maison’s ambition to offer a new era of luxury retail experiences on Hainan island.

Clients are invited to embark on a journey to discover the Cartier collection inside an interior that celebrates the blue sky, sea life and lush vegetation of Haikou.

The flagship boutique bridges Chinese and French cultures by aesthetically blending the Cartier panther emblem with elements of Chinese mythology, a fusion designed to demonstrate the brand’s artistry and design prowess.

Ground Floor: Paying tribute to the Hainan environment

Framed by custom-made terracotta tiles, the grand façade commands traveller attention from its prime location in the mall.

By carefully balancing the integration of nature, the design evokes the Cartier spirit and its values of creativity, freedom, and excellence.

Once inside, clients are surrounded by décor featuring local marine flora and fauna, where painted carps swim on the walls and sea waves flow over a woven leather wall.

Clients discover the Maison’s most renowned jewellery collections, latest novelties, and creative jewellery lines while a curved alcove under the staircase sets the stage for seasonal animations.

The prestige area, adorned with an original artwork by a Parisian artist, features a dragon holding a flaming pearl in its mouth symbolising longevity and good fortune – complementing Cartier’s most precious jewellery and diamond creations.

First floor: The natural beauty of the Maison blossoms

A bespoke chandelier hanging from the palatial staircase invites clients to ascend to the first floor. Immersed in a world inspired by the local terrain, clients discover the men’s, unisex and engagement universes.

The men’s area is highlighted by a bespoke artwork from a Parisian lacquerer that depicts the Cartier panther at the foot of a palm tree. On the left, the engagement area is decorated with lotus flower petal motifs, which symbolise love, purity and happiness, while on the right the unisex area stages Cartier timepieces. In addition, a VIP pod welcomes clients to discover more about their favourite products in a cosy and exclusive environment.

Second floor: Ascend above the clouds

Accessible by elevator, the boutique’s top floor houses Cartier’s first high-end salon in Hainan, an exclusive space where prestige clients discover the Maison’s finest jewellery and watch creations.

Set with natural materials such as bamboo and planters, and decorative plants motifs that represent the tropical Haikou, the salon exudes a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The versatile parlour houses a private gallery to view Cartier pieces, an intimate bar area and two VIP lounges. It also plays host to personalised events and celebration experiences.

Cartier Global Travel Retail Director Virginie Martignac commented: “Echoing the qualitative development of the island, we are thrilled to unveil Cartier’s second boutique in Hainan at the ground-breaking Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex with our valued partner, China Duty Free Group.

“The dynamism of the island has been a great source of inspiration for Cartier and the flagship truly sets a new standard for luxury retail experiences and services. The boutique marries together the treasured cultures of France and China through a joint appreciation of craftsmanship, creativity and individuality, and we look forward to welcoming our clients here.”

China Duty Free Group President Charles Chen added: “It is a privilege to host the uniquely artistic Cartier boutique within the cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex.

“A fitting tribute to the Maison’s commitment to creativity and craftsmanship, the Cartier flagship elevates the luxury traveller experience to new heights.

“We share our warmest congratulations to Cartier for bringing to life this amazing project in Haikou. With the strong support of its parent company China Tourism Group, China Duty Free Group is not only committed to bringing more pleasant surprises for consumers in offshore duty free shopping in Hainan but will also accelerate the pace of building Hainan into an international travel consumption centre with worldwide influence.” ✈