LET THERE BE LIGHT
Prestige Singapore|March 2023
Ninety years after the launch of Gabrielle Chanel's first and only high jewellery range, Bijoux de Diamants, comes the conception of the 1932 collection, which pays homage to the original ideals epitomised by its founder - a revolutionary spirit, the audacity of individualism, and freedom for womankind.
ALLYSON KLASS
LET THERE BE LIGHT

Three years after the Great Depression in Nov 1932, the London Diamond Corporation revealed that it'd turned to a woman to restore the diamond market to its former glory. She was a brilliant accessories designer, who applied the same design principles to clothes and whose costume jewellery had recently been lauded by international press as being more beautiful than the real thing. Head of a multi-faceted empire that was growing by the day, she was a woman of power and a friend of the arts and artists. This woman was none other than Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.

Mademoiselle Coco chose the possibility of dreams and the vitality of beauty, creating Bijoux de Diamants, the world's first high jewellery collection. So successful was the launch that it raised the Diamond Corporation's shares in just two days, boosting an entire industry and revitalising the era.

Every detail for the Bijoux de Diamants presentation was planned by the designer doyenne. The jewels would be on display from Nov 7 to 19 in a first-of-its-kind exhibition. This was preceded by a two-day private viewing in her townhouse at 29 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré on Nov 5 - a symbolic number for Mademoiselle. Dotted around were glass cases on marble pedestals that were flooded with a mysterious light. Within them were wax mannequins made up and styled by the couturier herself. Their necks and hands were adorned with precious stones, whose brilliance was multiplied by cleverly placed mirrors that allowed the creations to be studied from every angle.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PRESTIGE SINGAPOREView all
Sailing Into A Dream
Prestige Singapore

Sailing Into A Dream

Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Here Come The Sun Seats
Prestige Singapore

Here Come The Sun Seats

Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
ABSOLUMENT FAB
Prestige Singapore

ABSOLUMENT FAB

France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
Through the Director's Lens
Prestige Singapore

Through the Director's Lens

Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
THE CUTTING EDGE
Prestige Singapore

THE CUTTING EDGE

Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
Spheres of Power
Prestige Singapore

Spheres of Power

Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Prestige Singapore

Horological Masterpieces Reimagined

Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
WILD IMAGINATION
Prestige Singapore

WILD IMAGINATION

Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
READY FOR ACTION
Prestige Singapore

READY FOR ACTION

The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Prestige Singapore

THE RIGHT ANGLES

Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024