News
L’ÉCOLE Middle East has unveiled their Men’s Rings, Yves Gastou Collection in Dubai, a unique exhibition that brings together an extraordinary selection of 705 rings. The exhibition was inaugurated at L’ÉCOLE’s campus in Dubai Design District (d3) and attracted prominent figures from the arts, design, and jewellery sectors.
Launched in sync with the 10th Dubai Design Week — a major regional design event and a d3 initiative — the exhibition represents a connection between L’ÉCOLE’s dedication to jewellery arts and Dubai’s dynamic creative community. The Men’s Rings exhibition delves into the history and cultural resonance of men’s jewellery, focusing on the ring as an age-old symbol of power and wealth.
“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 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.”
– Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East
The exhibition offers visitors a thematic journey through the collection, which spans History, Gothic and Christian Mystique, Vanitas, and Eclecticism. This vast array of rings reflects the late Yves Gastou’s passion for collecting rare and meaningful pieces over his 40-year career as an esteemed French antique dealer.
His son, Victor Gastou, commented, “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.”
Originally launched in Paris in 2018, this collection has since travelled to cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, expanding with each iteration. In Dubai, new pieces make their debut, offering a fresh perspective on the craftsmanship and history of rings from ancient Egypt to the modern day.
The exhibition’s design enhances the experience, with minimalist scenography in black, red, and white to showcase the intricate details of each ring. Each room conveys a unique ambiance: the Dark Room, with its nighttime street atmosphere; the Red Room, evoking Gastou’s flair for provocation; and the White Room, representing his eclectic collecting ethos.
To learn more about the exhibition running until April 26th, 2025 (free registration), visit L’ÉCOLE’s website.
