*See the new gallery of photos below!* The annual Cartier Benefit hosted by Emilia and J.Pepe Fanjul took place last Thursday evening at the Fanjul’s Casa de Campo estate, Casa Grande. They welcomed guests at sunset with a lovely cocktail hour and silent and live auction. A spacious, wooden living room which looks out onto the ocean transformed into the setting of the Cartier Boutique. In line with Cartier’s signature color, a red curtain hung as the backdrop while elegant display cases stood showcasing the season’s latest collections.
Cartier Paris Nouvelle Vague Necklace
Ladies sipped champagne while perusing the jewels. I myself falling in love with a necklace from their Amulette de Cartier collection. A lapis lazuli stone set in yellow gold with a diamond at the center. A helpful Cartier model explained the collection carries luck and symbolizes a myriad of wishes; a perfect piece to wear in the new year.
Guests made their way to the outside terrace where J.Pepe Fanjul presented the live auction and served as the auctioneer. Featuring six items, destination getaways were an exciting theme of the evening. The auction opened with a 5 night say for two in a sea view room at Ermitage Du Riou (Domaine de Barossi, Cannes), donated by Mr. and Mrs. Iskiander and Clara Safa (estimated value: US$3,200), followed by a 7 day cruise for two at the Divina Caribbean 2017, donated by MSC Cruises from Fort Lauderdale to various Caribbean ports (estimated value US$1,200). Cartier in Santo Domingo donated the third item, the Tank Solo XL watch (estimated value US$4,071), and was followed by the highest ticket item of the live auction: a 4 night stay for two in a sun pool Sanctuary which included breakfast and dinner at Jade Mountain in St. Lucia, donated by Mr. Yash Betzkoy (estimated value US$12,000).
Two American Airlines first class tickets to any destination within the United States, donated by American Airlines (estimated at US$6,000) followed, and the auction completed with the traditional bidding on a Dinner for 6 at Le Cirque’s Chef Table in New York, with the Chef’s Special Tasting Menu and wine pairings for each course, donated by Le Cirque and the Maccioni family (estimated value US$1,800).
A silent auction took place inside, and guests chatted amiably throughout the evening and stood for photos, often in large parties as many family members came together to celebrate the holidays in Casa de Campo. The generous donations of everyone present helped both the Fundación MIR and the Hogar del Niño charities. Their annual weekends are coming up soon with the Fundación MIR Magical Splendor Gala on Saturday, January 14th and the Hogar del Niño Weekend on the 17th and 18th of February. Save the date and we hope to see you all at both gatherings!
The following collection of photos were taken by Wilfredo Alvarez during the Cartier Benefit 2016, at Casa Grande, Casa de Campo:
and by Mairobi Herrera: [nggallery id=2784]
