It’s tough to see Vienna in 48 hours, but Jenny Walton did a pretty good job. After creating special illustrations for Cartier to celebrate its new High Jewelry collection, Nature Sauvage, the artist and influencer hopped on a flight to take in the city’s rich history and famous tradition of balls. (She even found time to not only try, but make the famous Sacher torte.) Here, Walton takes us along to a silversmith shop, two museums, and the highlight: a fashion show and gala dinner hosted by the jeweler featuring actual debutantes.
Monday, May 27
9 A.M. The Chicest Wake-Up Call
My first morning at the beautiful Sacher Hotel. I accessorized with Cartier for a full day of activities exploring Vienna.
10 A.M. Visit to Jarosinski & Vaugoin
Founded in 1847, the imperial Jarosinski & Vaugoin silversmith is a site to behold. Ignore all practical items and instead momentarily fall in love with the only fashion accessory on view: this chic silver oval clutch.
1:30 P.M. Sacher Torte Class
As the story goes, in 1932, Prince Metternich of Austria requested a dessert, but it turns out, the chef he had ordered it from had fallen ill—so his 16-year-old apprentice, Franz Sacher, stepped in and created the first and now world-famous Sacher torte. I was lucky enough to attend a class on how to make the infamous cake (don’t worry Franz, your secret is safe with me!).
4 P.M. Illustration Break
Cartier commissioned me to make over 50 illustrations for the invitation to this year’s High Jewelry event. I drew everything from Viennese palaces to the Sacher torte and several street views, including this one.
7:30 P.M. Arrival at the Kunsthistorisches Museum
Attended the opening night cocktail party at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Tuesday, May 28
10 A.M. High Jewelry Collection Viewing at the Kursalon
Took a private tour of the new High Jewelry collection, which we will we see again, but on models in custom gowns at a fashion show before the gala later in the evening.
6:30 P.M. Hair and Makeup at Hotel Sacher
Almost time for the main event!
7:30 P.M. Arrival at The Museum of Applied Art
Excited to see the High Jewelry collection and attend the gala dinner in such an incredible setting.
8:30 P.M. Photo Call
Inside the event, wearing an amazing Cartier diamond and coral set with a vintage dress from my personal archive.
9 P.M. The Night Begins
…with the Viennese waltz, followed by an incredible dinner and multiple performances! It doesn’t get much better than this.