Van Cleef & Arpels has been a first class address on New York’s Fifth Avenue since the 1930s. Following necessary renovation work, the designers at the Jouin Manku Studio set about refurnishing the legendary jewelry store, drawing inspiration from New York Art Déco in their planning.

Accordingly, the swanky folded brass panels above the entrance and the windows exude the luxurious flair of days gone by. In the sales rooms the theme is repeated in the formal idiom of the winding staircase, the ceiling lights and in the choice of materials used. Together these fuse to create the perfect backdrop for the precious items on display. The timeless jewelry is showcased in custom-made display cabinets, whereby the lit base of each vitrine imbues them with a light, fleeting appearance. This form of presentation, which is known as the “princess” among the experts, accommodates only single items of jewelry, meaning that each of them takes center stage. The large presentation table in the center of the room is another eye-catcher. Despite the heaviness of the display cases it appears to float; its slender legs are in perfect harmony with the armchairs by Pedrali. In the form of ESTER Patrick Jouin has created an item of furniture that is light as it is comfortable. A success in any case. The result is a precious monolith made of leather complemented by die-casted aluminium legs. The seat is made of polyurethane foam with elastic belts on a steel structure. It is available in real leather or fabric, satin aluminum legs or brushed bronze or black nickel.

Ester armchair won the Good Design™ Award 2013in the Furniture category.