Louis-Francois Cartier was a watchmaker who went from apprentice to master when he bought the small Parisian store belonging to his mentor, Adolphe Picard, in 1847. From those humble beginnings, Cartier has evolved into a multinational luxury goods business with more than 270 boutiques across the world.
Cartier is perhaps best known for its jewelry and watches, but it has also forged successful niches in leather goods and perfumes. It became part of the Richemont Group in 1988 and still lives by the motto of its original driving force, Louis Cartier: “Never imitate, always innovate”.
In this special feature, and to celebrate our ongoing friendship with Cartier and other brands within the Richemont family, we chart the history of the maison through 10 hand-picked objects that each tell their own unique story.
With thanks to Cartier for their help in creating this article – for more information visit cartier.com
Main photo credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
