It was August 2, 1928 and Place Vendôme, the world's cradle of jewellery-making, was abuzz with news of the arrival of the Maharajah of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh. Along with 40 servants, the entire party had booked no fewer than 35 suites at the Ritz, right at the heart of Place Vendôme. The Maharajah was known for many things, and one of them was his unbridled appetite for jewellery. Everyone was waiting, knowing it was just a matter of time before he visited a jeweller of his choice.
On that summer day, escorted by Sikh guards, Bhupinder Singh finally crossed the Place Vendôme and pushed open the door of Boucheron. Along with him were iron safes filled with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and pearls – in the thousands.
In the store, Louis, son of founder Frédéric Boucheron, welcomed the Maharajah. From this visit, Boucheron came up with what are known today as some of the brand's most historic designs – 149 of them - and translated them into emerald and diamond collars, multi-strand necklaces and belts covered in precious stones.
Today, the collection remains a historic part of Boucheron's heritage, birthed from an unforgettable encounter and forged into a legendary commission for the house. Claire Choisne, creative director of Boucheron, says of the collection, This commission by the Maharajah of Patiala seemed like a fairy tale, it is the stuff of dreams. In our archives, we have kept the 149 original designs from which I got my inspiration for this collection. I wanted to transpose these designs into the 21st century, and to reinvent them for today's Maharanis and Maharajahs – women and men who want to express their personality and their own style.
Denne historien er fra May 2022-utgaven av ELLE Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 2022-utgaven av ELLE Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
What Dreams May Come
Life as an actress can be an emotional roller coaster. Crazy Rich Asians star CONSTANCE LAU shares the highs, the lows, and everything else in between.
Just A Hint
Conspicuously More Understated Than Their Gem-set Cousins, These Subtle Rainbow-coloured Watches Are No Less Defiant In Their Insistence On Optimism And Style.
A cultural Conversation
With its Made of Makers programme, JAEGER-LECOULTRE has built a community of like-minded creatives who place innovation, craftsmanship and precision at the heart of all they do.
The Inner Lives Of Clothes
Compelling Fashion Doesn't Have To Be Ostentatious Or Overtly Conceptual, But It Does Need A Clear Identity And Character Of Its Own.
Journey to the WEST
Time to slip into some chaps and saddle up. Fashion's biggest brands are taking a turn at the rodeo.
The Mai Effect
Fresh off her cover shoot for ELLE Singapore-draped in head-turning Bvlgari jewels-Davika Hoorne radiates the charm and allure of a woman who's both wildly ambitious and perfectly content in her own skin. Here, the 32-year-old Thai-Belgian star reflects on two decades in the spotlight, and why she's not done dreaming just yet.
in Conversation
Cartier creative director MARIE-LAURE CÉRÈDE delves into the Maison’s haute joaillerie timepieces, while highlighting the importance of creativity and a happy team in her chat with CHARMAINE HO.
SPIRIT OF Samba
ENJOY A RIOTOUS NIGHT OUT WITH YOUR WELL-HEELED FRIENDS AT SUSHISAMBA SINGAPORE. COME FOR THE DRINKS AND STAY FOR THE REVELRYBUT DON'T FORGET TO DRESS THE PART.
OF WOMEN & SINGAPORE
From fashion trends that capture the cultural zeitgeist, to introspective opinion pieces about a life best lived, fashion historian NADYA WANG charts 31 years of ELLE Singapore history through its pages.
SPA AWARDS 2024
50 WINNING BEAUTY TREATMENTS TO GET YOU LOOKING FABULOUS FROM TOP TO TOE.