SLEEK, STRONG AND GRACEFUL, THE panther – long associated with Cartier – is the perfect creature to embody the French luxury brand.

Since it appeared as spot motifs on a watch in 1914, the naturally elusive cat has gone from abstract representations and fully fleshed-out, sculptural felines to its latest iteration as a modern, graphic creature. At every turn, the panther, whether predatory, playful or languid in its posture, is coveted by the jeweller’s fans, not least for its distinct identification as Cartier’s alluring emblem.

It’s no wonder that La Panthere is the only one in the maison that encompasses categories across jewellery, watches, perfume and accessories. In this universe, the animal’s magnetism, independence and vitality continue to seduce, enchant and inspire.

BT Luxe takes a look at where this mysterious creature is prowling.

Jewellery

Can a piece of jewellery be as lithe and supple as the animal it represents?

Coming close are the articulated pieces from the growing Panthere de Cartier collection. Flexible yet never losing form, these necklaces and bracelets hug the wearer, thanks to a magnetic and sinuous design, and an invisible system that allows them to unfold without revealing a hinge.

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From rings to striking necklaces, two sculptural panther heads come face to face in yellow gold marked with octagonal black lacquer spots and tsavorite garnet eyes, or white gold paved with diamonds and set with onyx spots and emerald eyes.

Wild, sophisticated and highly desirable, this is not jewellery for shrinking violets.

Watches

In its latest jewellery watch, Cartier’s iconic panther comes in a graphic style with a commanding presence thanks to its modern and architectural design. La Panthere de Cartier timepieces feature the cat’s sculptural head firmly clamping its jaws on a black lacquer dial.

The sharp angles and geometric patterns of nose, cheeks, eyes and pointed ears exude a strong, majestic air, while the bracelet is fully articulated and thus, very flexible. Hand-finished, these captivating watches come in yellow or rose gold with lacquered and polished spots and tsavorite eyes, or in diamond-paved white gold with emerald eyes.

For more animal spirit, consider the La Panthere watch. Here, two panther heads hold on to the watch, suggesting the animal as a mistress of time, guarding the passing hours. Available in yellow or rose gold with black lacquer spots, diamonds and tsavorite eyes, or in white gold with diamonds, black lacquer spots and emerald eyes, the timepieces are just as suitable for stacking with other jewellery pieces as worn alone.

If a more subtle representation of the panther is what you’re after, then look to Panthere de Cartier. The watch takes its name from its bracelet, which is made of a series of curved and polished links such that, when worn, the ultra-flexible structure brings to mind the feline’s movements.

Since its launch in 1983, the iconic Panthere watch has won a loyal following for the way it comfortably slinks onto the skin. Elegant and understated, the timepiece is now available in rose or yellow gold and steel, with a silky dial in shades of golden plum, midnight blue and black.

This is La Panthere in stealth mode.

Fragrance

Created in 2014, the irresistible olfactory power of La Panthere de Cartier’s perfume is driven by a new floral-feline accord comprising a historic chypre, a mythical animal musk and a fresh, vibrant gardenia.

But just as remarkable is the eye-catching bottle in which this alluring scent comes – each one is cut and sculptured from the inside, so the block of glass reveals the panther’s majestic, faceted facial features in counter-relief.

Wear the fragrance, but set the bottle in a prominent place for dramatic display.