L’ÉCOLE Middle East Presents A Rare Collection of Historic Rings in Dubai
A private collection of rings curated by the great late antique dealer Yves Gastou arrives at Van Cleef & Arpel’s School of Jewellery Arts, celebrating Dubai Design Week
L’ÉCOLE Middle East, founded with Van Cleef & Arpels, has presented another unmissable collection of rare jewels for magpies to discover and delight in. The Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection exhibition comprises a remarkable collection of 705 men’s rings, and is launched alongside the 10th edition of Dubai Design Week, in partnership with d3. The Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection explores the wider themes of men’s jewellery, delving into the power dynamics, inspirations and provenance behind each jewel, along with the rich history and symbolism associated with these potent pieces.
Divided into captivating chapters including Gothic, Christian Mystique, Vanitas and Eclecticism, the exhibition presents the 40-year journey of its collector; the late Yves Gastou, a French antique dealer who collected pieces from his travels all over the world. Yves is survived by his son, Victor, who has championed the exhibition since 2018, presiding over its travel from Tokyo to Hong Kong, on to Shanghai, and now to Dubai. “My father was always amazed by the ring,” says Victor. “It was very avant-garde of my father to take the idea of men’s rings and explore notions of femininity, masculinity, context, and power in such a tangible way. He understood that offering someone a ring is very different to gifting a necklace or a bracelet. It is a promise of a strong connection, it elicits a reaction; there is magic in rings.”
Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, elaborated on the importance of such an exhibition. “This collection not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of jewelry but also resonates deeply with Dubai’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. The overwhelming response to our opening event is a testament to the vibrant art and design scene here, and we are excited to continue this journey.”
The exhibition’s minimalist scenography is striking, with dramatic lighting and a dark colour palette serving as the perfect canvas for each ring to truly shine. “When you have a beautiful ring, you touch it, and it becomes a part of you. My father’s collection is a way to keep him alive,” says Victor. “I’m so grateful to L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts for giving me the opportunity to share his passion, collection and his name.”
The general public will be able to visit the exhibition on Saturday November 9, where attendees can sample some of L’ÉCOLE’s activities for free, including course demonstrations, kids workshops, guided exhibition tours, and a ‘Jewels of Cinema’ movie screening, in collaboration with Cinema Akil.
For more information, visit lecolevancleefarpels.com
Imagery supplied
