L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai, proudly opened its latest exhibition, Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection, bringing an extraordinary collection of 705 rings to the Middle East, the largest to be unveiled to the public. The opening event, held at L’ÉCOLE’s campus in the Dubai Design District, was attended by key figures from the arts, design, and jewelry communities.
The opening coincides with the 10th edition of Dubai Design Week, the region’s leading design festival, in strategic partnership with d3, a global creative ecosystem by TECOM Group. This partnership bridges the connection between L’ÉCOLE’s commitment to jewelry arts and the broader design community. The Men’s Rings exhibition perfectly captures this dynamic spirit, highlighting the extraordinary topic of men’s jewelry and particularly the ring, one of the oldest jewels, worn since ancient times to display wealth and power.
Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, emphasized the significance of bringing this iconic exhibition to Dubai, stating, “We are honored to share the ‘Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection’ with our Middle Eastern audience. This collection not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of jewelry 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.”
During the preview, L’ÉCOLE’s guests had an exclusive viewing a of variety of rings from the Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection’s different thematics: from History, Gothic and Christian Mystique to Vanitas and Eclecticism. These pieces reflect the late Yves Gastou’s 40-year journey of collecting men’s rings from all over the world, with each piece carrying a unique story and symbolism. Gastou, survived by his son Victor and daughter Mathilde, was an esteemed French antique dealer who spent decades amassing these treasures, driven by his passion for extraordinary objects. His collection reflects his personal taste and love for jewelry as both art and expression.
“My father was always amazed by the ring,” commented Victor Gastou. “It was very avant-garde of my father to take the idea of men’s rings and explore notions of femininity, masculinity, context, and power in such a tangible way. He understood that offering someone a ring is very different to gifting a necklace or a bracelet. It is a promise of a strong connection, it elicits a reaction; there is magic in rings. When you have a beautiful ring, you touch it, and it becomes a part of you. My father’s collection is a way to keep him alive. I’m so grateful to L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts for giving me the opportunity to share his passion, collection and his name.”
The exhibition, which originated in Paris in 2018, has traveled to major cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. With each edition, the collection has expanded, and the Dubai exhibition features newly added rings that had not been showcased in previous editions. Visitors will have the chance to explore the intricate craftsmanship and fascinating histories of rings from ancient Egypt to contemporary creations.
The exhibition scenography is meticulously crafted to align with an environment that revolves around contemporary art, fashion, and innovation. The minimalist lines and restrained color palettes of black, red and white aim to balance the intricate details of the rings with a simple, abstract space. Light plays a crucial role in capturing attention, guiding the viewer, and adding a dramatic flair to the materials and texts displayed. The scenography presents three varying themes with three different atmospheres: the “Dark Room” which offers a space for free exploration, evoking the ambiance of a nighttime street; the “Red Room” where endless reflections, a bold red palette, and distinctive ring displays embody Gastou’s extravagant spirit and flair for provocation; and finally, the “White Room”, a representation of Yves Gastou’s mental space – his eclectic collection and his fascination with accumulating rings.
A Public Open Day will take place on Saturday, November 9th, inviting the whole community to experience L’ÉCOLE’s activities for free with course demonstrations, kids workshops, exhibition guided tour, and “Jewels of Cinema” movie screening in collaboration with Cinema Akil. These exciting events bring together two pillars of the cultural landscape, offering an unprecedented opportunity for visitors to explore the intersection of jewelry, art and design.
In addition to the exhibition, L’ÉCOLE Middle East has resumed its rich program of jewelry courses. New additions include “The Making of a Jewel” and “Discovering the World of Gemstones”, offering a deeper understanding of jewelry-making techniques and the history of gemstones. These courses are open to all, from beginners to enthusiasts, and support L’ÉCOLE’s mission to share the art of jewelry with a wider audience. Limited seats are available, please register for the courses through our website.
L’ÉCOLE Middle East is also proud to continue its partnership with Dubai Cares, a UAE-based global philanthropic organization. All proceeds from the public courses, talks, and conferences will be donated to support youth education programs through Dubai Cares, underscoring the school’s commitment to social responsibility and youth empowerment.