I expected jewels at Van Cleef & Arpels’ The Art of Movement exhibition in Sydney—but I didn’t expect to be greeted by a breathtaking wooden sculpture that appeared to float. Inspired by the maison’s 1937 Flower Clip (itself a tribute to the fluid lines of Alexander Calder), the dramatic ribbon-like structure elegantly unfurls through the space, guiding visitors through the exhibition with intention. Though it’s not made of gold, it feels like the glowing heart of the entire showcase—every gallery and jewel leading out from its centre.
As you wander through the thoughtfully curated rooms, it becomes clear that movement—literal and poetic—is the cornerstone of the maison’s design philosophy. The exhibition unfolds across four themes: Human Odyssey, Nature Alive, Elegance, and Abstract Movements. Each segment reveals a reverence for rhythm and fluidity—whether it’s a flower caught mid-bloom, delicate golden tassels ready to sway, ballerinas captured in mid-flight, or a remarkable gold aeroplane necklace, its chevron mesh creating an illusion of speed.
The deeper you explore, the richer the stories become. That very aeroplane necklace? It was commissioned in 1956 by Marcel Dassault, a French engineer and aircraft manufacturer, for Jacqueline Auriol—France’s pioneering woman test pilot who had just broken her own speed record.
And my personal favourite piece? A lace-like gold necklace so intricate and diaphanous it defied belief—it was hard to comprehend that something so soft in appearance could be crafted from solid gold.
While the jewellery naturally takes centre stage, the exhibition design is a masterpiece in itself. Curved suede walls gently direct the flow of foot traffic, while origami-inspired pleated panels add subtle depth and softness, further underscoring the theme of graceful movement.
Open until May 8th at Watersedge at Campbell’s Stores in The Rocks, The Art of Movement is a must-see. And as if the jewels weren’t enough, the opening night concluded with a candlelit dinner and a spellbinding performance by The Royal Australian Ballet—an exquisite tribute to the power of movement in all its forms.
