“This boutique celebrates our enduring commitment to exceptional savoir-faire while celebrating the richness of New Zealand’s artistic heritage, and we look forward to welcoming our clients into this remarkable new home for Cartier in Auckland.”
The boutique features bespoke painted artwork by long-time Cartier collaborator François Mascarello.
At 66 Queen St, Cartier said the location “seamlessly blends Auckland’s architectural legacy with Cartier’s timeless Parisian elegance”.
Pouhere Taonga Heritage New Zealand lists 66 Queen St, 4 Fort St and Fort Lane, the former Imperial Hotel, as a heritage building.
The building was erected in 1883 and incorporates two earlier structures dating from 1862 and 1873. It has a historic place category two listing.
Property records show 66 Queen St is jointly owned by Tattersfield Securities and Stephanie Anne Tattersfield.
The Tattersfield family also own upmarket jewellery brand Walker & Hall. Walker & Hall has traded from the property for many years.
Cartier said the space offered “an immersive destination”, where the brand could respect the building’s historic character while embracing a contemporary retail concept.
A key inspiration for the brand was Auckland’s nickname as the “city of sails”, evoking fluid architectural forms, sculptural curves and layered textures.
Clients are welcomed through a hand-carved tōtara timber portal by customary Māori wood carver Steve Solomon.
The boutique features bespoke artistic commissions from New Zealand’s creative community, including hand-blown glass installations by Auckland artist Isaac Katzoff.
The most prominent feature, however, is a bespoke painted artwork by long-time Cartier collaborator Francois Mascarello.
Cartier said the artwork “celebrates New Zealand’s native flora and birdlife, thoughtfully weaving the Maison’s iconic panther into the country’s vibrant natural landscape”.
Alongside wider display areas, the boutique features a dedicated bridal section, lounge and private salon for more personal appointments.
The boutique is now the eighth opening by Cartier in the Oceania region, as it continues to expand its retail presence.
Cartier is part of the Swiss-based conglomerate Richemont Group and has a worldwide presence through its network of flagships and boutiques, authorised retail partners, and online.
The centre of Auckland already has Partridge’s, Tiffany & Co, Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, BVLGARI, Gucci and Swarovski. Most of those are on Queen St in the same block as the new Cartier.
Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald, covering small business, retail and tourism.
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