It's no question, Cartier knows how to make a statement. And they just proved it again with the opening of the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. It was glamour but with serious brains, all wrapped into one glittering moment that's been on everyone's lips since.

The event kicked off in true Cartier style, with a diverse lineup featuring everyone from Japanese royals to global changemakers. And the vibe? It was part TED Talk, part runway. With speeches from Cartier Japan’s President June Miyachi, Princess Takamado, and a video cameo by legendary UNICEF ambassador Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, it was a star-studded nod to how far women have come, and how far they are going.

The space itself was designed by Yuko Nagayama, and stepping inside the Women’s Pavilion is like entering an art piece. Think sound waves turned into moving visuals, traditional Japanese motifs reimagined in modern form and a finale to write home about (featuring Wadaiko drums, Heian poetry, hand-dyed costumes and a choir).

The night didn’t stop there. Guests were treated to a luxe garden dinner under Kyoto lanterns, courtesy of Michelin-starred Chef Kei Kobayashi. Noh theatre received a feminist twist, while spoken word queen Emi Mahmoud delivered an incredible performance.

With talks hosted by Sandi Toksvig and appearances by UN Women, the Pavilion kicked off six months of talks with substance on gender equality. And thanks to Cartier, Osaka just became the place where art and activism collide.

womenspavilion.cartier.com