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An apex predator, a panther, loose in the manicured corridors of Makati would typically trigger a city-wide panic; but at the Cartier Greenbelt 3 boutique, the arrival of the beast is an invitation to marvel. “Into the Wild,” the maison’s latest experiential showcase in Manila, isn’t just a display of rare stones; it is creative myth-making, tracing an obsession with the animal kingdom that has defined the brand’s visual identity since 1914.
The panther first appeared in Cartier’s designs not as the sculptural creature familiar today, but as an abstract pattern of spots. Jeanne Toussaint, who became the maison’s creative director in 1933, helped bring its animal imagery into sharper focus. Over time, the panther was joined by tigers, crocodiles, and birds, each offering designers a different set of shapes, textures, and markings to interpret.
At Greenbelt 3, that history is presented through a window display, floral installations and a selection of jewellery and watches. A display centred on a Panthère de Cartier creation offers a closer look at the work behind a finished piece, including design, sculpting, wax work, stone setting and polishing. It is a welcome change from simply looking at the finished objects; the tools and techniques reveal how much of the design happens before a stone is set or a surface polished.
There is also a sound component. Five original fables, narrated by Scottish actor and Cartier ambassador Tilda Swinton, pair the Panther with other figures from the maison’s animal world: the Tiger, Zebra, Crocodile, and Lovebirds. The stories bring a more playful element to the presentation, extending the animal theme beyond the display cases.
A tea bar rounds out the experience, with five blends inspired by the animals and a tea sommelier on hand during selected moments. It is an unusual counterpoint to the precision of the craftsmanship display and a fitting way to close an exhibition that looks at the many ways an animal can be interpreted through art and design.
“Into the Wild” is on view at Cartier Greenbelt 3 through November 19.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Into the Wild” is an experiential showcase at Cartier’s Greenbelt 3 boutique, celebrating the Maison’s longstanding fascination with the animal kingdom through jewellery, watches, installations, and storytelling.
Cartier’s animal-inspired designs feature the panther, tiger, zebra, crocodile, and lovebirds, among others.
Jeanne Toussaint became Cartier’s creative director in 1933 and helped shape the maison’s animal-inspired designs, particularly its iconic panther motif.
