Between SPACE & TIME

Chanel captures the beauty and whimsy of space, science fiction and time travel in its Interstellar capsule collection.

- ABDUL AZIZ DRAIM

When in 1932 Gabrielle Chanel created the first high jewellery collection in the world, the Bijoux de Diamants, she turned to the cosmos for inspiration, capturing the twinkling of its stars in oodles of diamonds. The galaxy played muse once again for last year’s 1932 high jewellery collection, an ode to that first collection, with earrings, necklaces and rings inspired by the sun, the moon and comets.

This year, the Maison’s love affair with the universe beyond our stratosphere continues with the Chanel Interstellar capsule collection—although this time around, it’s less about celestial bodies. The Chanel Watchmaking Creation Studio is more interested in investigating the infinite possibilities of space and the digital age, taking on an exploration of the worlds of science fiction and time travel through exclusive, limited-edition versions of the brand’s signature timepieces.

And oh, what a fun collection. Trust Chanel to find the right balance between elegance, innovation and a touch of whimsy. So we see new creations of the J12, Première, Boy Friend and Code Coco watches in designs that are either sophisticated or adorable (or both) as they carry an exciting array of themes ranging from pixellated motifs, circuit board design and phosphorescent effects to the solar eclipse, star charms and the cutest 3D robot.