Chopard - 150th anniversary at the Cannes Film Festival
The love story began in 1998, when the President of the Festival asked Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard, to redesign the Palme d'Or. Ever since, through adorning the stars on La Croisette with a collection especially created for them, rewarding young talents, and taking part in the major events of the festival fortnight, Chopard has become the symbol of the world's most glittering and glamorous movie event.
Renowned for its original and refined creations that successfully highlight feminine charms without undue ostentation, Chopard is a recurrent sight on red carpets. Whether at the Cesars awards in Paris, the Baftas in London or the Oscars in Hollywood, the Geneva-based firm is present at the most prestigious dates in the movie-world calendar. It was thus natural that it should blow out the candles on its 150th birthday cake just paces away from the famous steps where it causes a yearly sensation.
A dazzling partnership
Thirteen years ago, as the legendary film event was preparing to celebrate its 51st anniversary, Chopard opened a boutique on La Croisette. The following year, when the time came to honour the best film in the competition, the audience discovered a Palme d'Or of unprecedented beauty: as the creator of this new trophy, Chopard had lent its own inimitable touch to the award. Entirely rethought by Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele and meticulously crafted in the Geneva workshops of the House, a new stylistic and technical ideal of the Palme d'Or was born. Twin icons of absolute glamour, Chopard and the Festival were thus united through this splendid work of art and have remained inseparable ever since. In 2000, two "mini-palmes" for Best Actor and Best Actress made their entrance. The emblem of the most prestigious film festival in the world is now inextricably entwined with the history of Chopard.
The Trophee Chopard - May 13th 2010 - Martinez Hotel
Since 2001, Chopard has been fostering youthful talents by awarding a trophy to two up-and-coming movie stars. As a first-rate partner of the Cannes Film Festival, the watch and jewellery firm thus actively contributes to the artistic influence of the event and confirms its support for film-making creativity.
The award ceremony will be followed by an exclusive evening on the terrace of the Chopard Lounge. Located on the top floor of the palace hotel, the Chopard Lounge will be open throughout the entire festival. This exclusive and elegant venue will welcome numerous well-known personalities in enchanting surroundings: a splendid suite leading out onto a huge terrace overlooking the sea.
150th anniversary party - May 17th 2010 - V.I.P Room
Founded in 1860 in Sonvilier, a village in the Swiss Jura, the small company that has since acquired international stature is celebrating its 150th anniversary on the mythical La Croisette. To toast this extraordinary anniversary in due style, the family firm is organising a gala event at the V.I.P Room. The site of an exceptional concert to be given by Lionel Richie, the top nightclub in Cannes will welcome a whole host of A-list celebrities including friends of the company: Eva Herzigova, Emmanuelle Beart, Naomi Watts and many more…
The "Green Party" by Muzo International and Chopard - May 19th 2010 - Martinez Hotel.
Muzo International which owns the world's largest emerald mine is linked with Chopard throughout the Festival and particularly during a memorable evening reflecting the fabulous colour of Muzo emeralds through an entrancing decorative theme.
amfAR - May 20th 2010 - Hotel Du Cap - Eden Roc
Each year during the Festival, the movie world gathers for a charity evening to raise money for amfAR (American Foundation for AIDS), an association dedicated to fighting AIDS. This is always one of the highlights of the fortnight, and one of the most eagerly anticipated events. Deeply committed to various charitable causes, especially those engaged in the struggle against serious diseases, Chopard is proud to support this exceptional event. Once again this year, the jeweller and watchmaker will be co-sponsoring this charity gala held at the Hotel Du Cap-Eden Roc.
Closing ceremony - May 23rd 2010 - Palais des Festivals
On this evening, as always, the real star of the show will be the Palme d'Or itself! Secured to a crystal cushion, its stem delicately unfurls its slender leaves. Redesigned by Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele and crafted in the Chopard workshops, this precious trophy, rewarding the best film in the competition, is definitely the most coveted "gem" of the entire Festival.