A panther in the harbor city: from the Sizihwan sunset to the panther art wall, Cartier’s Kaohsiung Hanshin boutique is a must-see

Key highlights

• Cartier’s boutique at Hanshin Department Store in Kaohsiung has been newly renovated and expanded into a two-story flagship space spanning 1F and B1 and covering about 180 ping. It includes four VIP viewing areas and a private elevator for guests.
• The store design draws deeply on the aesthetics of the port city. Inspired by the sunset and waves at Sizihwan, the exterior features an art wall on the first floor by a French artist, cleverly bringing Cartier’s iconic panther together with two Kaohsiung landmarks: the Great Harbor Bridge and 85 Sky Tower.
• Created by France’s Tollis Studio, the high jewelry area uses golden petal-like decorative panels, flowing wave-like curves, and handcrafted flowers to evoke nature. B1 draws on the colors of the kapok, Kaohsiung’s city flower, to create a relaxed lifestyle setting for watches, leather goods, diamond rings, and wedding bands.
• Combining the finest French craftsmanship with the city’s spirit, the new boutique brings together Kaohsiung’s light and shadows, natural scenery, and Cartier’s classic design language to create a refined luxury viewing space that stands out in southern Taiwan.

Since opening at Hanshin Department Store in Kaohsiung in 1995, Cartier has built a presence in southern Taiwan for more than 30 years. Now, Cartier’s Hanshin Kaohsiung boutique begins a new chapter, expanding for the first time into a two-story space spanning 1F and B1 and covering about 180 ping. With four VIP viewing areas and a private elevator for guests, it has become one of southern Taiwan’s standout luxury boutiques!

• Related reading: Just how profitable is Cartier? Richemont’s 2026 financial report shows its jewelry division far ahead of the pack

When the panther meets Kaohsiung’s landmarks

The new store design incorporates Kaohsiung’s distinctive harbor culture, urban light and shadow, and lifestyle. Inspired by the sunset at Sizihwan, the off-white, three-dimensional facade resembles rolling waves, while its gold-lined glass windows evoke ripples of sunlight across the sea, offering a prelude to the port city’s aesthetics before you even step inside.

On the first floor, visitors are greeted by areas dedicated to Cartier’s signature collections, high jewelry, and fragrances. The highlight is an art wall exclusively painted by French artist François Mascarello, which brings Cartier’s classic panther together with two of Kaohsiung’s major landmarks, the Great Harbor Bridge and 85 Sky Tower, where the panther’s graceful form meets the harbor’s shimmering waters.

The high jewelry area was created by leading French decorative arts studio Tollis Studio. Golden decorative panels that seem to fall like petals, flowing wave-like curves, and hand-painted floral motifs reflect Cartier’s pursuit of exceptional craftsmanship. The space also continues the brand’s signature flora and fauna motifs, lending jewelry viewing a delicate, lively atmosphere.

An immersive experience from watches to the art of living

Down the stairs on B1, the space shifts into a more relaxed lifestyle setting. This floor is home to watches, leather goods, lifestyle art pieces, and dedicated viewing areas for diamonds and wedding bands. Beige, copper-gold, and soft kapok hues echo the passion and resilience symbolized by the kapok, Kaohsiung’s city flower. Abstract panther wall features, hand-blown glass pendant lights, and several VIP rooms make the viewing experience feel more private and comfortable.

To celebrate the newly reopened Hanshin Kaohsiung boutique, Cartier is bringing its “Watchmaker of Shapes, Master of Crafts” new-watch showcase to Kaohsiung for the first time, from June 26 to July 3, 2026. The exhibition brings together nearly 100 pieces, including this year’s new watches making their Taiwan debut, several classic limited-edition creations, and three new additions to the Cartier Privé Les Opus series, much anticipated by collectors: the Crash Skeleton watch, Tortue Monopusher Chronograph, and Tank Normale watch.

Discover Cartier’s “Watchmaker of Shapes” aesthetic

The showcase unfolds across sections including Watchmaker of Shapes, The Eye of the Jeweller, and Shaping Movement. From classic watches and fine watchmaking to high jewelry timepieces and the Cartier Privé collectors’ series, it shows guests how Cartier has shaped a watchmaking language spanning more than a century through bold forms, precise movements, and jewelry craftsmanship.

Beyond watches, the exhibition also presents rare Cartier Vintage modern and contemporary timepieces, a geometric-style chess set, jewelry boxes, and jeweled evening clutches, extending Cartier’s fine craftsmanship from the wrist into the art of living. From the port city’s light and shadows to its shaped watches, Cartier’s Hanshin Kaohsiung boutique is more than a place to view luxury pieces; it is a sensory journey woven from the city’s spirit, French craftsmanship, and the brand’s classic aesthetic.

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