On December 15th, 2021, Van Cleef & Arpels unveiled its inviting new home in CDFG Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, bringing together an enchanting array of elegant delights from France in a prestigious travel retail space, just in time for an extraordinary New Year celebration. The occasion is another milestone that marks the successful synergism between the French Maison and CDFG following the exclusive Pop-up store, whose opening in the past August caused sensation among visitors to the southernmost tourist destination in China.
It’s the first time for Van Cleef & Arpels to open boutique in Hainan, offering a spacious yet intimate shopping space at the crossroads of strong Art Deco sensibility and the poetic world of nature. The ultra-modern location greets visitors with an exquisite Murano glass chandelier, whose undulating lines echo the curved forms of the showcases inside which Van Cleef & Arpels’ timepieces and jewelry creations shine. The entire space is meticulously defined by a symmetrical layout, allowing an eloquent narrative to flow out from each of the precious works on display as they enter into a dialogue about esthetics and creativity. Gold leaves give the elegant floral motifs on the hand-painted wallpaper by De Gournay a lustrous depth that complements the warm glow of the Maison’s ensemble. The main salon is hemmed in by Claire-Voie latticework panels, taking customers back to an age of originality through a whirlpool of geometrical Art Deco patterns as they embark on a journey into the creative world of Van Cleef & Arpels in a cozy setting.
The legend of Van Cleef & Arpels began with the love story between Estelle Arpels, daughter of a precious stone dealer, and Alfred Van Cleef, son of a lapidary. The Maison pays homage to this beautiful romance with the intimate ‘Bridal Salon’, where customers discover the scintillating wonders of the bridal collections from wedding bands to solitaires. Awash in muted tones and warm hues, the harmonious atmosphere of this exclusive space is anchored in a ceramic Art Deco wall installation inspired by the Minaudière from 1924, contributing to a differentiated experience with enhanced privacy.
Warm, elegant and delicate, the CDFG Sanya boutique is an invitation to a journey into the myriad iterations of watch and jewelry-making excellence and craftsmanship expressed through the creative universe of Van Cleef & Arpels.
Capitalizing on the new zero-tariff policy at the heart of Hainan’s development blueprint that drives the transformation of the island into one of China’s most popular tourist destinations, CDFG has been consolidating its strengths, including merchandizing, operation, channel expansion, digitalization, and marketing, with a view to enhancing its service quality and expanding its market share. Thanks to its supply, service, and branding excellence, the Group has built constructive relationships with 1,000 world-renowned brands in the prestigious position as the favored partner of international brands in their venture into China’s duty free markets.
Looking forward, CDFG will continue to build on its partnership with international brands, as well as strengths in merchandising and operation, with support from its parent company China Tourism Group. Meanwhile, the Group will step up its effort in crafting new development opportunities, as it pursues its vision of contributing to a more sophisticated travel retail experience and eventually, a burgeoning travel retail industry in China.