TOILE DE JOUY – GENEVA EDITION : GIFT THE SPIRIT OF GENEVA THIS CHRISTMAS

This holiday season, Caran d’Ache can reveal the Toile de Jouy – Geneva Edition collection, which brings together the worlds of drawing and writing with Genevan heritage. Inspired by the renowned Toile de Jouy, it pays tribute to the city of Geneva and its heritage. To mark the end-of-year festivities, Caran d’Ache is celebrating the artwork of textile illustrator Suzanne Pinon which features on a range of Caran d’Ache creations, from iconic writing instruments to drawing and colouring essentials. A previously unseen collection that brings together writing, colours, poetry and Genevan expertise.

FROM TOILE DE JOUY TO GENEVA, A TALE OF ART AND HERITAGE

Easily recognisable with its richly detailed monochromatic scenes, Toile de Jouy has been telling stories through drawings for over two centuries. For this end-of-year collection, Caran d’Ache has drawn inspiration from this artistic heritage and its design codes, while adding a personal twist, as we are taken on an illustrated walk through the heart of Geneva. The city and its cultural heritage form the pattern of the Toile de Jouy – Geneva Edition collection, which has a distinctive palette made up of blue, burgundy and ivory.

A collection of fountain-pen illustrations by Suzanne Pinon

To design the pattern for the Toile de Jouy – Geneva Edition collection, Caran d’Ache has called upon Suzanne Pinon, textile illustrator and winner of the Prix du Public du Prix Toile de Jouy 2025 (Public's Choice Award for the 2025 Toile de Jouy Award). Her drawings, entirely drawn using a Léman™ Ebony fountain pen, celebrate several Genevan landmarks, such as the Jet d’eau water fountain, the Horloge fleurie flower clock and Lake Geneva, as well as the botanical gardens, monuments and landscapes. The illustrations and their distinctive style are present throughout the collection and combine the Maison's attributes: technical mastery, use of colour and Genevan expertise.

WHEN ICONIC CARAN D’ACHE CLASSICS MEET TOILE DE JOUY

The designs imagined for Toile de Jouy – Geneva Edition adorn several iconic Caran d’Ache creations. The motifs, colours and finishing touches vary from one instrument to another, each revealing its own take on the city.

Writing instruments inspired by Geneva

Available in both ballpoint pen and fountain pen versions, the LÉMAN™ Toile de Jouy instruments feature a distinctive pearlescent burgundy lacquer and a guilloché cap, the design of which is inspired by the cobblestones on the place Bourg-de-Four, in the heart of the old town. The fountain pen version features an 18-carat rhodium-plated gold nib. The Ecridor™ Toile de Jouy ballpoint pen also gives pride of place to guilloché work: its hexagonal body is adorned with a pattern inspired by Toile de Jouy, depicting Geneva’s Jet d’eau water fountain and the Horloge fleurie flower clock. As for the iconic 849™ pens, these come in two versions: burgundy monochrome, and a cream-coloured background featuring a blue Toile de Jouy motif. A box set containing both a ballpoint pen and a mechanical pencil, as well as a matching A5 notebook, complete this range. The collection also draws on other senses with a new edition of the scented Crayons de la Maison, developed with Mizensir. Their Bois d’Or scent combines notes of cedarwood, sandalwood and patchouli, with hints of clove and incense.

The story continues with drawing and colour

The spirit of Geneva can also be found in the selection dedicated to Fine Arts. For the occasion, the water-soluble colouring pencils come in a colour palette of pastel and metallic hues inspired by Genevan winters. The same colours are also available in a multi-media set containing water-soluble colouring pencils and Neocolor™II Aquarelle water-soluble pastels, for infinite combinations of texture, colour and visual effects. Through this collection, everyone is invited to commit their thoughts to paper, designing and creating a unique world. Even the iconic Caran d’Ache pencil sharpening machine that has been a feature of the Maison since 1933 is getting a makeover with a burgundy finish and gold highlights.

GENEVA TAKES ON A NEW DIMENSION WITH HAUTE ÉCRITURE

With its Prestige and Limited Editions, Toile de Jouy becomes part of Caran d’Ache Haute Ecriture. Here, the Genevan setting takes shape in lacquer, gold and engravings, the result of the meticulous work of the Maison’s artisans. The Prestige Edition is made-to-order with only 10 pieces available per colour, and isthe result of nearly 300 hours dedicated to its research and development. A delicate 18 carat gold cage, inspired by the greenhouses in Geneva’s botanical gardens, surrounds the burgundy or black Chinese lacquer. The “Horloge fleurie” flower clock, clouds and a hot air balloon appear in relief creating subtle depth, while a choice of a garnet, onyx or tiger’s eye cabochon completes the creation. With the Limited Edition, it is theengraving that brings the landscape to life. The Jet d’eau water fountain, le Pont du Mont-Blanc bridge and the place Bourg-de-Four all take shape in the pearlescent burgundy lacquer, the gold appearing in touches. Nearly an hour is dedicated to the execution of the design on each instrument. Available in both fountain pen and rollerball versions, the number of instruments is limited to 60 of each.

Our tips for looking after your luxury writing instruments.

GIVE A LITTLE OF THE SPIRIT OF GENEVA THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

As the end-of-year celebrations draw closer, why not celebrate the magic of Christmas and Caran d’Ache’s Genevan heritage with Toile de Jouy – Geneva Edition. For enthusisatic writers, lovers of drawing or collectors, each creation is a gift that encourages the telling of new stories through words and illustrations. Discover the Toile de Jouy – Geneva Edition and find the perfect Caran d’Ache creation to gift others, or youself, this holiday season.

And for those who still need some gift ideas, look here for ideas on how to find the perfect gift this holiday season.