There are places in the world that are synonymous with expertise. High technology is nearly interchangeable with Silicon Valley; while for high watchmaking, it’s hard to escape the hold of Switzerland. When it comes to high jewellery, the world’s hub is the Place Vendôme square in Paris. It’s a ritzy location that’s home to high jewellery savoir-faire—which is why it’s significant that the house of Chanel has a specialised space for its watches and fine jewellery division in a historic building at 18 Place Vendôme.
Chanel’s mansion sits among some heavy hitters of the sector. But it’s testament, perhaps, to how seriously this French haute couture house takes this category. To wit, 18 Place Vendôme is more than just a boutique. Sure, the first three floors—decorated with lacquer panels and a palette of predominantly black and gold—make up a fabulous flagship boutique for watches and jewellery. And upstairs are the creation studios and high jewellery workshop where pieces are designed and made.
But also upstairs and hidden from public view is where the house’s truest treasures reside. Enter the Chanel watches and jewellery Patrimoine, or archives. Here, the house has amassed and accumulated a trove of over 800 jewels, creations and objects that relate to Gabrielle Chanel’s love for jewellery and the creativity it’s spawned under successive creative directors—the present being Patrice Leguéreau.
This story is from the May, 2024 edition of Vogue Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May, 2024 edition of Vogue Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Thrown For Aloop
Ernest Hemingway compared the influence and effects of Paris to a moveable feast. Well, how about a moveable, transformable feast for the eyes?
YES, AYO!
Is Ayo Edebiri the most beloved new face in Hollywood? Alessandra Codinha meets the suddenly everywhere actor, comedian, writer, fashion darling... and soon-to-be director too?
The POET
After five years spent transforming the Singapore Writers Festival from its helm, poet, educator and former festival director Pooja Nansi is embarking on her next chapter. The title? Whatever her soul craves.
Globe TROTTER
Newly minted Tumi ambassador Mun Ka-young perfectly embodies the brand's new Asra collection.
A PERFECT 10
The hunt for sipping perfection ends with Belvedere 10, a single-estate rye vodka that takes the meaning of luxury to greater heights.
Harnessing THE WIND
How a trip to South Africa with & Beyond has changed the way I look at travel.
KIWI Beauty
There are numerous reasons why New Zealand should be your destination to visit, but for now Rosewood's trio of luxury lodges comes up on top.
Porto PORTUGAL
Lisbon's little sister may not be as reputed as the country's capital, but it certainly holds its weight with the cool cats in its stunning coastlines, elegant architecture, design-worthy hotels and a buzzing restaurant scene.
Edinburgh.SCOTLAND
Look past its reputation as a college town and you'll find a robust city with a creative soul, framed by gorgeous natural landscapes straight out of a painting.
Galle.SRILANKA
This postcard-worthy city on Sri Lanka's southern coast is a cauldron of grand colonial architecture, stunning views, delicious food and warm local culture-with a growing artist community to watch.