From folklore to mythology, the bee has many symbolisms, such as focus, cooperation and hard work. For the House of Chaumet, the bee is a symbol of vitality. Its representation comes in the form of its signature honeycomb and bee designs, both of which have dictated the Chaumet's Bee My Love collections. However, the maison's use of the winged insect is anything but figurative. "Bee My Love may be an abstraction of the motif of the beehive and the bee, but it is nonetheless narrative and very symbolic, as we like to do at Chaumet," explained CEO Jean-Marc Mansvelt. "Wearing a Chaumet creation has meaning; it's not just a beautiful, well-made object that's comfortable to wear, it's also a meaningful object."
At a grand age of over 240 years, Chaumet has had a storied history. In 1804, Chaumet became the official jeweller for the notable Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife, the Empress Joséphine. Among the crown jewels, which included Napoléon's Coronation Sword set with a 140.5-carat diamond, the bee was chosen as the imperial emblem for the new French royal family. While Napoléon's taste for jewellery was predominantly political, with goals of making France the centre for luxury and fashion design, his wife sought them as trinkets for expression. Up until the mid-1800s, the Romanticism movement was at the forefront, and Chaumet's designs were heavily inspired by nature, a muse that the Empress Joséphine was fond of.
Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Harper's BAZAAR 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 August 2023-utgaven av Harper's BAZAAR 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
BEYOND BEACHES
Escape Down Under for everything your heart desires a romantic intimate wedding, or a cruise along Sydney's picturesque harbour. The world is your oyster and the best thing is you can eat it too.
DOWN TO EARTH
In the spacious apartment of Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim, art, design elements and an earthy sensibility commingle in perfect harmony.
DO YOU FASHION, BRO?
As the number of male fashion influencers swells, we look at what's driving this trend.
CRUISING ALTITUDE
With his idiosyncratic Thai movies, dashing movie star good looks and frequent Paris red carpet appearances, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is bringing the best of Thailand to the rest of the world.
PUT A RING ON IT
Complete your love story with a beautiful engagement ring and exquisite bridal jewellery from storied London jeweller, GRAFF.
PERFECTING TIME
With its unique Atelier d'Antoine programme and an assembly of artisans, Jaeger-LeCoultre shows how it takes watchcraft into the next level.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
'The Shape of Colours', Hermès haute bijouterie collection, is a true technicolour dream.
HAUTE BIJOUX
The latest and most talked-about collections.
REPAIR REVOLUTION
Unlock your skin's potential.
LIKE SECOND SKIN
Arissa Ha speaks to Christine Nagel about Barénia, Hermès first ever chypre fragrance.