Cartier Presents Its New Panthère Handbag

Luxferity, 01.09.2022

The Panthère de Cartier Handbag

This is not just a bag, it’s an attitude. It is the three-dimensional definition of a style statement, both nomadic and urban. Combining leather with the Maison’s emblematic animal, the Panthère de Cartier bag unites leather goods and jewellerymaking savoir-faire and plays on the opposition of contrasting elements around the panther.

Curves and Volumes

First of all, there is the sensuality and curvature, which give the bag its generous volume and recalls the flexibility of a panther in motion. No sharp edges, no visible seams: everything is seen in terms of fluidity, curves and softness.

The Panther’s Head Clasp

Then comes the ferocious and the wild. The bag’s clasp says it all, with a radical panther head design. A Cartier signature, recognisable at the first glance, this panther head was created in collaboration with a High Jewellery sculptor. An exceptionallydesigned, architectural piece adorned on its flat surfaces with eleven leather inserts, creating depth and perspective. A tab on the inside depicts a stylised panther’s head in reference to the emblematic animal. Pulling the flap down, the clasp opens to reveal the interior, with its signature mirror pocket.

Precious down to the chain

The chain follows on from this jewellery aesthetic. Its links are faceted like a precious stone. It is versatile, allowing for two functions: a cross-body carry and a shoulder carry with two lengths. Finished in gold or palladium, it is equipped with a leather shoulder strap, the thickness of which is reminiscent of the sensual curves of the bag, designed to ensure comfort. Every detail is carefully considered, right down to the sound of the links clinking together.

Grained Leather and Intense Colour

The leather of the Panthère de Cartier bag is grained and made from the finest skins chosen by its designer, Marlin Yuson. Available in small or mini versions, the colour palette is bright and rich: black, navy blue, red, pale yellow, creamy white, beige or petrol blue.

“It is through this jewellery clasp that this encounter between the wild and the precious takes place. It synthesises the combined expertise of jewellery and leather and, through the dialogue of the craftspeople, enables us to advance our understanding of leather goods. Like an extension of femininity, demanding and refined,”Marlin Yuson, Director of Accessory and Leather Goods Design.

Felines and Cartier bags

The panther is the emblematic animal of Cartier creations, from jewellery to watches, and also reigns over leather goods. The animal first appeared at Cartier in 1914 in the form of a spotted motif on a women’s watch, and it gradually made its way into the world of leather goods, where it enhanced the allure and style.

Whether figurative or abstract, the panther becomes the subject of designs that feature jewellery work and combine - among other things - diamonds, onyx and sapphire.

In 1925, Cartier presented a pouch with a clasp featuring a spotted pattern. On another 1960 model in gold lamé fabric, the presence of the feline is duplicated in the form of sapphire and diamond panther heads arranged at the ends of a gold and platinum closure system. The following year, Barbara Hutton commissioned Jeanne Toussaint, Creative Director at Cartier, to create a bag adorned with a three-dimensional tiger clasp and a diamond N, the initial of its delighted recipient, Princess Nina Mdivani. A strikingly elegant creation that heightens the Maison’s long-standing passion for wild animals.

Bag, Cartier Paris, commissioned in 1961. Gold, black enamel striped tiger (clasp) and navette shaped emeralds (eyes), brilliant and 8/8 cut diamonds, black satin.On the tongue, the letter “N” and the crown. Black satin lining, six pockets, a mirror, and a black satin card holder. Ordered by Barbara Hutton.
Nils Herrmann, Cartier Collection © Cartier