Richemont is one of the world's leading luxury - Alle jaarverslagen

Established 184713 rue de la PaixParis FranceChief ExecutiveBernard FornasFinance DirectorFrançois Lepercqwww.cartier.comPlatinum brooch featuringthree cushion-cut sapphires(23.84 carats), natural pearls,diamonds and an emerald eyeCartier’s exacting standards and pioneer spirit are partof its founding values. The Maison’s strong identity is basedon an affirmed style, forever enriched by an indisputablesavoir-faire and exclusivity. For more than 160 years, Cartierhas been a reference in true and timeless luxury and nowstands as a worldwide leader in jewellery, watchmakingand prestigious accessories.2008 was a year marked by creativity and further reinforced Cartier’sleadership in jewellery. At the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris, the Maisondemonstrated its influence in jewellery with a spectacular presentation of70 new unique pieces at the Grand Palais and a further 250 pieces of highjewellery at the Rue de la Paix boutique. Beyond this special jewellery event,Cartier launched the black and white Hypnose collection and enjoyed continuingsuccess with diamond pieces in general, including engagement rings, as well asthe renowned Love and Trinity collections. Bespoke jewellery pieces continueto be made for distinguished clients and reinforce the Maison’s reputationas ‘The King of Jewellers and the Jeweller of Kings’.In watchmaking, high points during the year included the launch of the BallonBleu Flying Tourbillon watch, a true demonstration of Cartier’s watchmakingsavoir-faire. This is the first Cartier Haute Horlogerie piece hallmarked withthe Geneva Seal, or Poinçon de Genève, and marks the beginning of a newera for Cartier, already well known for its creative and alluring forms. OtherCartier high jewellery watches, presented during the Salon International dela Haute Horlogerie, were highly creative and in the best tradition of theMaison’s know-how in high jewellery.Prestigious accessories, ranging from bespoke perfume to leather goods,perfectly complement the jewellery and watch collections. Cartier’s Marcellocollection underlined its legitimacy in leather goods.The worldwide network of Cartier boutiques and authorised retailers remainedselective and was further enhanced through major openings and renovations,especially in emerging markets. 25 new boutiques were opened, of which fivewere in China including Beijing Parklife and Qingdao Hisense. Other openingsincluded New Delhi in India and the Dubai Mall and Qatar Villagio in the MiddleEast. At the same time, 25 major boutique renovations were undertaken aroundthe world. These boutique enhancements were complemented by the launch of apilot e-business website in Japan. The balance of boutiques between the differentregions of the world – the long-established position in Europe combined withthe network’s development in the high-growth economies of Asia and otheremerging markets – have helped to consolidate Cartier’s pre-eminent positiontoday and lay secure foundations for the future. This approach to geographicdiversity was underscored by strong commercial performances during theyear in China, South-East Asia, the Middle East and Russia, where the Maisonattracted a new clientele whose natural and historical luxury culture perfectlymatches Cartier’s values.Richemont Annual Report and Accounts 2009 7Business review