The Must de Cartier eyewear collection revolutionized the luxury eyewear industry, elevating eyewear from a functional necessity to an iconic high-fashion statement. Introduced in the 1980s, it redefined exclusivity, blending Cartier’s renowned precision craftsmanship with bold, distinctive aesthetics.
Unlike traditional eyewear, the Must de Cartier collection utilized opulent materials, including:
Solid gold & platinum detailing
Buffalo horn & bubinga wood finishes
Precious gemstones & intricate metalwork
This commitment to luxury materials and avant-garde design cemented Cartier’s position as the pinnacle of high-end eyewear, shaping the luxury accessories market for generations.
Below, we've outlined a chronological history of Cartier eyewear directly from its inception in the 1980s;
1984 – The launch of Haute Joaillerie eyewear, reinforcing Cartier’s title as the "Jeweler of Kings, King of Jewelers." These designs featured precious metals, gemstones, and meticulous detailing.
1985 – Expansion of the Must and Vendôme collections, introducing new sizes and the exclusive lacquered ‘Laque’ designs.
1986 – The debut of Romance, Cartier’s first dedicated eyewear model for women, inspired by the elegance of the Louis Cartier aesthetic.
1987 – Cartier unveils its first-ever reading glasses – the Demi-Lune collection, available in Louis Cartier, Santos, and Laque styles.
1988 – A landmark year with the introduction of:
Tank Louis Cartier – a masculine masterpiece inspired by Cartier’s iconic Tank watch.
S = Sapphire – a feminine design later enhanced with ruby and diamond variations, adding a touch of haute joaillerie to eyewear.
1989 – The birth of Lunettes Panthère, an opulent addition to the celebrated Panthère de Cartier collection, embodying power and elegance.
1990 – Cartier eyewear becomes a global symbol of luxury, ranking among the most sought-after designer sunglasses worldwide.
1991 – The launch of the Bois Précieux collection, featuring exotic hardwoods and setting new standards in artisanal eyewear craftsmanship.
1992 – Cartier introduces its first dedicated sunglasses collection, Composite Sous le Soleil, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless luxury.
1993 – Summer launch of the avant-garde Composite models Conquête and Vertigo, followed by a new generation of high-quality rimless eyewear in the fall.
1994 – Cartier expands its legacy: The Giverny model joins the Bois Précieux collection, adding another layer of refined craftsmanship. Frisson, Vitesse, and Cabriolet bring new shades to the Composite collection. Demi-Cerclés collection debuts, marking Cartier’s first semi-rimless eyewear release.
