CARTIER ‘Panther’ Bracelet (sold for £4.52 million)
We can credit the late Duchess of Windsor for popularising animal-themed jewels. Hew opulent panther bracelet, designed by Cartier for their “Great Cat” series and gifted to her by Prince Edward, caused quite a fashion stir in 1952. Needless to say, every woman wanted the bracelet (and her own Prince too). Soon after, designers like Kenneth Jay Lane began making pieces inspired by the famous cat. Her Cartier panther was recently sold at an auction for £4.52 million and rumor has it that it was purchased by Madonna.
Duchess of Windsor (early 80s); photo at the auction of her jewels
Our Kenneth Jay Lane’s Leopard and Lion Head bracelet was worn by Leighton Meester in L’Officiel’s March issue and his other animal cuffs have many celebrity fans like Rhianna, Jennifer Lopez and Hilary Duff.
In Sophie’s Closet: KENNETH JAY LANE Leopard Bracelet
Leighton Meester wearing the KENNETH JAY LANE Pearl Double Lion Head Bracelet
In Sophie’s Closet: KENNETH JAY LANE Double Lion Head Bracelet
Adding to the cat craze is the ‘Panthere’ ring, also designed by Cartier. First introduced in 1912, it’s been having a major comeback in the recent years. As seen on style mavens like Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Eva Mendes, Diane Kruger, Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway and stylist Rachel Zoe, this little guy may just be the most coveted jewel in Hollywood. We loved its casual styling on Kirsten Stewart in Vanity Fair.
CARTIER ‘Panthere’ Ring ($15,000)
Kirsten Stewart wearing Cartier “Panthere’ ring in Vanity Fair
Of course, not everyone has $15,000 to spend on a giant panther head! No worries, Noir has its own affordable version and a selection of other animal friends to choose from, like pigs, hippos (worn by Katie Perry) and elephants (did you know that Cartier has an ‘Elephant’ watch?).
In Sophie’s Closet: NOIR ‘Panther’ Ring
Kenneth Jay Lane Lion Head Ring
Thanks Duchess of Windsor and Cartier for making our animal friends so fashionable!
