Dior laid out a dove grey carpet across the entire Place Vendôme to celebrate the re-opening of its high jewellery boutique at number 8. Men in frock coats held lanterns along the carpet as celebrity guests, including Catherine Deneuve and Isabelle Huppert, walked from the boutique to the 'hotel particulier' next to the Ritz where a cocktail and dinner was hosted by Bernard Arnault, Founder and Chairman of LVMH. The boutique has been completely refurbished to showcase Dior's ever growing collection of jewels and watches. A special edition Christal watch with a world time function was made to commemorate the opening. Only eight pieces will be made of this unusual complication with a textured palladium dial. The Dior rose was the star of the jewellery collections with Bois de Rose rings shimmering away in the pretty display cabinets that look like very smart doll's houses, complete with miniature lampshades and curtains. Victoire de Castellane's abundant creativity was evident in the Coffret de Victoire rings and earrings bursting with colour sitting on the miniature grey Medallion chairs and sofas in the lilliputian displays. Architect of the cool grey interiors, Peter Marino was there on the night wearing all-black leather biker gear, RayBan aviators and one of Victoire de Castellane's black stone and diamond "Roi" pendants. An eclectic mix of people and styles but the Dior boutique is restrained elegance through and through. A silver Damian Hirst painting of monochrome butterflies dominates the central atrium illuminated by a central chandelier by Lee Bul. The most memorable moment was being offered a "scallop ring" canapé: a hoop biscuit 'set' with a slice of scallop topped off with gold leaf. And yes, it tasted as good as it looked.
