Younghee Suh reimagines Van Cleef & Arpels’ butterflies in a series of dreamscapes

Over the years, the maison has transcribed the butterfly’s lightness of flight and its infinite hues through the use of lacquer, enamel, mother-of-pearl, precious stones and beyond. These endless combinations of colours and materials are perfectly illustrated in the series of dreamscapes drawn up by Korean artistic director Younghee Suh in which the butterflies can be seen fluttering elegantly amid vibrant, blossoming flowers.

“For me, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Butterfly clips echo the creations of a famous Korean painter from the Joseon dynasty. In her paintings, butterflies were in harmony with enchanting flowers and fruits. I wanted to connect her world with the maison’s graceful creatures,” said Suh in a statement. Given free rein to work out the details, she characterised the scenery with poetic compositions on handcrafted hanji paper by way of traditional painting techniques.

Among the Butterfly pieces on display are the ones from the Lacquered Butterfly collection. Created in partnership with Japanese lacquer master Junichi Hakose, the clips fit especially well with Suh’s vision as they are rendered using a traditional lacquering method called “Urushi” that dates back to the 18th century. These instances not only showcase a different side of the Butterfly but also demonstrate Van Cleef & Arpels’ propensity for creative collaborations.