L’ÉCOLE Middle East and d3 partner to debut Yves Gastou’s men’s rings exhibition in Dubai

Featuring 700 remarkable rings from the renowned collector, this exhibition explores themes of Gothic and Christian Mysticism, inviting audiences to engage with Dubai’s vibrant jewellery and design landscape.

Dubai: On November 7, L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts, officially opened its much-anticipated Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection exhibition in Dubai. In partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), this exhibition marks the first time Gastou’s renowned collection of men’s rings is being showcased in the Middle East. Running until April 26, 2025, the exhibition presents over 700 unique rings from the late French collector Yves Gastou, a celebrated antique art dealer known for his discerning eye and dedication to preserving historical artistry.

This extensive collection, carefully curated over 40 years, reflects Gastou’s profound interest in diverse artistic and cultural influences. The exhibition is organized around five distinct themes: History, Gothic, Christian Mysticism, Vanitas, and Eclecticism. Each theme invites visitors into Gastou’s personal journey and unique aesthetic preferences. His collection, amassed with passion and meticulous attention, offers a fascinating look into men’s jewellery, where each ring tells a story of cultural evolution, artistic expression, and the collector’s eye for rare beauty. As the largest edition of Men’s Rings ever displayed, the Dubai presentation is expected to be an enriching experience for jewellery enthusiasts, art collectors, and designers alike.

Strategically timed to coincide with the 10th edition of Dubai Design Week, the region’s leading design festival held from November 5 to 10, the exhibition also underscores Dubai’s rising prominence as a global design and cultural hub. Hosted in partnership with d3, a key player in fostering Dubai’s creative ecosystem, this year’s Dubai Design Week is a milestone event, positioning the emirate at the forefront of contemporary design, fashion, and art. The Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection exhibition adds a unique layer to the festival’s program, highlighting jewellery as a timeless form of artistic expression and a bridge between history and modernity.

On November 9, a Public Open Day invites visitors to immerse themselves in a range of interactive experiences designed to showcase the skills and craftsmanship in jewellery arts. The day will include course demonstrations, children’s workshops, guided tours, and various activities intended to deepen community engagement with the art of jewellery making. The open day represents a rare opportunity for visitors of all ages to interact with L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s instructors and discover the artistry that underpins the pieces in Gastou’s collection.

Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, expressed her enthusiasm for the exhibition, noting, “We are thrilled to present the Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection in Dubai, a city that perfectly balances tradition with modernity. Through this exhibition, we are able to highlight the incredible diversity of design disciplines and the personal stories captured in these remarkable rings.”

Adding to the excitement around the exhibition, Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District, commented, “The universe of design is vast and extraordinary. This inspiring exhibition by L’ÉCOLE Middle East underscores the versatility and depth of the design field. Through such events, valued partners like L’ÉCOLE enrich d3’s community and continue to expand the dialogue of design, fashion, and art, positioning Dubai as the beating heart of the creative industry.”

Natasha Carella, Director of Dubai Design Week, echoed these sentiments, noting, “We are delighted to welcome L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s exhibition Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection to Dubai Design District (d3) during Dubai Design Week. This exhibition not only enriches our programme but also fosters a dialogue around the artistry and historical significance of jewellery, aligned with our commitment to inspire, educate, and connect the wider community.”

The Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection is a landmark exhibition that adds depth and cultural resonance to Dubai’s art and design calendar, showcasing the city’s growing stature as a vibrant centre for creative exchange and innovation in the Middle East.

Retail Jeweller ME News