Cate Blanchett (wearing a Van Cleef & Arpels “ The Passe -Partout” necklace) at arrivals for Set In Style The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels Opening Gala, Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, New York, NY February 16, 2011. . . . The Passe-Partout necklace Back Patented in 1938, the Passe-Partout is one of the first examples of the transformative pieces pioneered by Van Cleef & Arpels. Designed to adapt to its wearer’s mood, it was the perfect accessory for modern women who wanted to be able to match their jewelry to different clothes and different situations. It was one of the Maison’s best-known pieces throughout the late 30’s and 40’s. The Passe-Partout is based on an ingenious technical innovation. Hidden by two flower clips, a system of metal rails enables a flexible yellow gold snake chain to slide in and out, transforming the piece into a necklace, a choker, an opera-length necklace, a bracelet or a belt. The flowers can also be worn alone as clips and in some cases, can even be worn as earclips. . . . Hélène Arpels wearing The Passé - Partout Jewelry, 1939. #passepartout #helenearpels #vancleefarpels #cateblanchett #choker #gold #history #timeless #vintage #style #operalength #smithsonian #smithsoniancooperhewitt #nationaldesignmuseum #newyorkcity #actress #beauty #maison #jewelry #highjewelry #luxurious https://www.instagram.com/p/B9gt08KFT-q/?igshid=k1mkts6bza3s