This month’s news roundup is all about exciting collaborations and demonstrations of artistry in the form of exhibitions and a film. Check them out!
High Life, High Jewellery
Sartoro Genève, renowned for its fine and high jewellery, captivated guests with its exquisite craftsmanship and ingenious designs during an exclusive private viewing at Alfardan Jewellery’s boutique in Qatar. The maison’s stunning creations reflect its commitment to style and artistic excellence, offering a glimpse into the world of luxury jewellery. The event was graciously hosted by Aisha Alfardan, one of Qatar’s most esteemed businesswomen. Her influential presence added a touch of sophistication to the gathering, where distinguished guests had the privilege of experiencing Sartoro’s exceptional collection up close.
History in Mobility
The Hermès Heritage – In Motion exhibition, hosted at the National Museum of Qatar in Doha until November 9, marks the final chapter of the brand’s Heritage series. Following the success of Once Upon a Bag in 2022 and Harnessing the Roots in 2023, this exhibition explores the evolution of Hermès, founded in 1837, from its origins as a harness-maker to a symbol of modern elegance. In Motion celebrates the spirit of travel and mobility, showcasing pieces from the Émile Hermès collection, Hermès archives and contemporary creations. Highlights include the first Hermès scarf, inspired by a carriage-themed board game, and the Flâneur d’Hermès bicycle. The exhibition also features clever designs like the Pippa writing desk and Inversables glasses, underscoring Hermès’ legacy. The showcase is curated by Bruno Gaudichon and designed by Laurence Fontaine.
Jewels of Nature
This autumn, Maison Chaumet, in collaboration with M7, Qatar Museums and Qatar Creates, presents Chaumet & Nature: Nature-Inspired Jewellery Since 1780. Running until December 19, the exhibition showcases the brand’s dedication to capturing the beauty of nature in fine jewellery over its 240-year history. Visitors can explore 107 pieces of jewellery and 111 visual works from both the maison’s and Qatar Museums’ collections, including rare pieces never shown before. The exhibition, Chaumet’s first in the Middle East, highlights the maison’s use of botanical motifs and natural elements, from flowers and leaves to pearls, which hold special significance in the country’s heritage. The collaboration between France and Qatar is further celebrated through exclusive commissions, such as a new piece by Qatari artist Shouq Al Mana, paying homage to pearl diving, and the new Arabic logo, designed by local talent Zainab AlShibani.
Timeless Scents
Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils three exclusive fragrances by French perfumer Nicolas Bonneville as part of its Made of Makers programme. Known for blending rare ingredients with innovative techniques, Nicolas has created ‘The Timeless Stories’, ‘The Celestial Odyssey’ and ‘The Precision Pioneer’ to reflect the craftsmanship of the maison’s iconic watchmaking. Each scent embodies a minimalist approach with high concentrations of noble ingredients, ensuring a refined, long-lasting sillage. Drawing inspiration from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s heritage, these olfactory signatures evoke the same precision and creativity found in horology. This partnership further enriches the Made of Makers programme, which celebrates the intersection of art and craftsmanship across diverse disciplines.
The Fabric of Survival
Burberry has recreated the iconic garments worn by Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew during their 1914 Antarctic expedition for National Geographic’s documentary Endurance. Shackleton and his men were equipped with Burberry gabardine, a fabric invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879, which was both lightweight and weather-resistant. This durable material helped the team survive the harsh conditions of Antarctica after their ship was trapped in ice. The documentary, directed by award-winning filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin and Natalie Hewit, tells the story of Shackleton’s historic voyage. As part of the film, Burberry produced replicas of the original garments, highlighting the brand’s longstanding connection to explorers and their quests.