KHAMSA was on the ground in Istanbul as Cartier roared into town to celebrate the legendary Panthère de Cartier, and what a celebration it was. Over two glittering nights, the Maison brought its iconic feline to life across some of the city’s most exquisite settings, mixing glamour, mystery, and show-stopping style.
NIGHT ONE: The Chicest Jungle at Mondaine de Pariso
The festivities kicked off at Mondaine de Pariso (@mondainedepariso_istanbul), the iconic French restaurant that just opened its Istanbul outpost inside Aliée (@alieeistanbul), a new hotel from the Rixos group that oozes contemporary cool. What better place to channel the elegance of the Panthère?
From the moment guests stepped inside, it was clear: this wasn’t just a dinner, it was a Cartier universe. Think lush red décor, golden panthers, candlelit tables, and a dash of Parisian drama. Even the restaurant’s permanent design echoed the Maison’s bold codes.
The night opened with a parade—yes, a parade—of Cartier bellboys, adding a surreal, theatrical twist that set the tone. One by one, a lineup of live performers took the stage, building the energy until the entire room was up on its feet. It was sensual, fun, and unmistakably Cartier: glamour with a wink.
And of course, the guest list sparkled. Arab and Turkish celebrities brought their star power to the soirée: Razane Jammal, Ahmed Malek, Tara Emad, Yousra, Tuba Büyüküstün, Raya Abirached, Anas Bukhash, Saba Mubarak, Mohammed Al Turki, Kenza Fourati, and Summer Shesha, just to name a few.
Panthère de Cartier bracelet in rose gold, onyx, emeralds and diamonds | Panthère de Cartier bracelet in rose gold, onyx, tsavorite garnets | Panthère de Cartier ring in rose gold, onyx, tsavorite garnets
Panthère de Cartier earrings, yellow gold, black lacquer | Panthère de Cartier necklace, yellow gold, onyx, tsavorite garnets | Panthère de Cartier bracelet, yellow gold, onyx, emeralds, with diamonds | Panthère de Cartier ring, yellow gold, onyx, tsavorite garnets
Panthère de Cartier earrings in white gold, onyx, rubellites and diamonds | Panthère de Cartier bracelet in white gold, onyx, emeralds and diamonds
Panthère de Cartier earrings in yellow gold, tsavorite garnets, onyx and diamonds | Indomptables de Cartier Tiger and Giraffe bracelet in yellow gold, tsavorite garnets and onyx | Panthère de Cartier ring in yellow gold, onyx | Indomptables de Cartier Panthère ring in yellow gold, tsavorite garnet and onyx | Panthère de Cartier chain pouch in black satin and black bead embroidery
NIGHT TWO: Sunset, Surprises, and a Panther’s Prowl at Esma Sultan Palace
The second night took everything up a notch. Guests arrived by boat, just in time to catch the Bosphorus bathed in golden sunset hues—a dreamy start to an unforgettable evening.
Awaiting them at the Esma Sultan Palace was a full Cartier takeover. Greeted again by the signature bellboys, guests discovered a playground of surprises: a secret champagne curtain, vintage-style food kiosks, interactive installations, and a photo-booth fit for a queen.
Hollywood vibes hit when Glambot director Cole Walliser began filming dramatic slow-motion portraits, Cartier-style. But the real show began when the palace’s façade lit up with a 3D-mapped animation—a visual journey through the Panthère’s history, elegance, and power.
Then came the catwalk: models, panther-like in their stride, showcasing dazzling high-jewelry pieces from the Panthère collection. Each wore looks designed by Iman Coccellato, a rising Tunisian-Sicilian star based in Dubai, whose pieces blended fierce femininity with couture craftsmanship.
And as the grand finale? A dramatic reveal of Tokio Myers, whose performance brought the house down, pulsing with rhythm and drama. The energy was electric, and the night stretched on with dancing, laughter, and endless sparkle.
The Panthère Lives On
These two nights were more than a party, they were a living tribute to a symbol that has defined Cartier since 1914. Bold, elegant, wild, and free: the Panthère isn’t just a motif. It’s an attitude. And in Istanbul, KHAMSA witnessed it leap off the jewelry case and into real life.
Cartier didn’t just celebrate history, they gave it claws.
