BURO Spotlights: Van Cleef & Arpels’ Perlée Pop-Up Lands in Kuala Lumpur

A brand doesn’t stay on the vanguard of the industry for over a century without establishing its own instantaneously recognisable design language. Van Cleef & Arpels knows this all too well. The cluster of golden beads embellishing the Perlée creations—next to the four-leaf clover motif that has defined the Alhambra collection—has notably become a mainstay at the house. Offering a glimpse into the secret behind the motif’s staying power, the brand has brought its Perlée exhibition to town.

The travelling pop-up experience, which has taken Southeast Asia by storm over the last couple of months, shines the spotlight on the lustrous spheres that have elevated the jewellery and watches at Van Cleef & Arpels since the 1920s. Taking over the centre court of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur until 24 August 2025, the activation is propped against a playful setup by French visual artist and a friend of the brand since 2019, Arthur Hoffner.

“The Perlée collection embodies movement, playfulness, and lightness. Since the beginning of our collaboration, I have sought to embody these notions through settings designed as playgrounds for the pearl, in a suspended trajectory,” says Hoffner. “This is why most of the elements seem to be floating, almost unstable in this sophisticated arrangement and dynamic scenography, where colours reinforce the contrasts, the interplay of fullness and emptiness,” he adds.

Hoffner’s dynamic structures deliver an immersive physical and digital experience. Think golden beads gliding across a Ferris Wheel, an Hourglass, and a Fountain game. More than just eye candy, these installations are built to foster engagement with those in attendance. Guests who step into this whimsical setting are invited to play the games on site, such as Balance Maze, OXO, and Connect 4. A delectable soft-serve treat awaits at the end of the journey.

Surrounding these interactive stations are, of course, the diverse array of the Perlée creations. Featuring both contemporary and patrimonial pieces, the pop-up highlights the collection through its many iterations. From gold timepieces to secret watches, and a myriad of jewellery designs that chart the evolution of the Perlée, from clovers to couleurs and sweet, the exhibition properly embodies the remarkable craftsmanship and heritage of Van Cleef & Arpels.

Catch a glimpse of the exhibition here:

 

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