The Middle East exhibition features 705 extraordinary rings.
L’ÉCOLE Middle East, the School of Jewelry Arts, has launched the “Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection” exhibition in Dubai, marking its Middle East debut. On November 7th, 2024, the iconic showcase displayed 705 rings—the largest collection of men’s rings ever shown publicly. Additionally, the opening event at L’ÉCOLE’s campus in the Dubai Design District welcomed key figures from the art, design, and jewellery communities.
The exhibition was unveiled in time with the 10th Dubai Design Week, emphasizing the connection between L’ÉCOLE’s jewellery focus and the region’s design community, highlighting men’s rings as symbols of wealth and power throughout history.
“We are honoured to share the ‘Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection’ with our Middle Eastern audience. This collection not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of jewellery but also resonates deeply with Dubai’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. The overwhelming response to our opening event is a testament to the vibrant art and design scene here, and we are excited to continue this journey.”
– Sophie Claudel, Director L’ÉCOLE Middle East
Guests previewed pieces from Yves Gastou’s collection, spanning themes like History, Gothic and Christian Mystique, Vanitas, and Eclecticism. Gastou, a respected French antique dealer, spent 40 years collecting men’s rings, each with its own story. His son, Victor Gastou, complemented his father’s collection as an exploration of masculinity, power, and emotion. He mentions that such an opportunity to share his work keeps his father’s legacy alive.
The exhibition originated in Paris in 2018 and has travelled to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, adding new pieces along the way. The Dubai show features a unique setup with three rooms that capture different sides of Gastou’s creative spirit.
Dark: A room for open exploration, capturing the feel of a nighttime street.
Red: bold red colours, and unique ring displays that reflect Gastou’s bold, provocative style.
White: A glimpse into Yves Gastou’s mind, showcasing his diverse collection and passion for gathering rings.
Running until April 26, 2025, the exhibition includes a public open day on November 9th with free tours, workshops, and a jewellery movie screening. L’ÉCOLE has also resumed jewellery courses, like “The Making of a Jewel” and “Discovering the World of Gemstones,” open to all with limited seats. Proceeds support Dubai Cares’ youth education programs. To register for these workshops, click here.
To register and learn more about this exhibition, click here.
