Like archaeologists who plough into the earth to uncover historical artefacts, jewellers are known to delve deep into their archives before revealing a new collection of sparklers made fresh and relevant for contemporary times. The House of Chanel, however, has a somewhat different approach, faithfully turning instead to the storied life of its enigmatic founder for that magical spark of inspiration.
With instantly recognisable motifs, such as her favourite camellia and the lion (she was a Leo), and relatively more obscure ones like the humble wheat (her talisman against austerity) and the coromandel screens she so loved, the atelier retells Gabrielle Chanel’s scintillating tale with each new collection it launches. Glittering chapters of haute joaillerie have even been dedicated to her impassioned a airs. The nautical-themed Flying Cloud collection of 2017, for example, was named after the magnificent yacht that belonged to her former lover Hugh Grosvenor, who ignited her love for the sea. More recently, the Escale à Venise collection released at the start of the year pays tribute to the floating city in which she sought refuge after the death of Boy Capel, the great love of her life.
This March saw Chanel launching what was arguably its most ambitious haute joaillerie collection to date: The 123-piece Collection N°5, which celebrates the centennial anniversary of the world’s most famous perfume with a storied past that rivals that of Gabrielle herself. Yet, for all the commentary and reportage that surrounds Chanel N°5, the one thing that experts all agree on is the historical and financial significance it plays in Chanel lore.
This story is from the May 2021 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2021 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FASHION IS POWER
American author, filmmaker, psychologist and educator Roberta Degnore who teaches a world-first course called "The Psychology of Gender, Perception, and Self-Expression in Fashion" at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology argues that fashion is anything but frivolous.
The Italian Who Does It Better
After fifty years in fashion, Giorgio Armani—the man and the brand is still a force to be reckoned with.
Most Stylish Women 2024
Stylishness isn’t just about being fashionable. Instead, it’s a blend of self-assurance, passion and stories that makes the idea of style so multifaceted and rich. From a mother and daughter duo who approach dressing up with equal exuberance, to an entrepreneur championing the varied tales of batik to a singer-songwriter showing her chic chops with a walking stick, meet the 10 women who inspire us with their singular takes on personal style.
CITY ON HIGH
One city, 10 collaborators, 10 collections-Moncler lit up Shanghai with its City Of Genius showcase.
PRETTY NOVEL 172
Franck Muller presents its smallest skeleton movement to date in beautiful miniaturised novelties from the Round collection.
THE JOIE
Chopard's newest global brand ambassador Bella Hadid details her appreciation for the Maison and what she loves about its jewellery.
SOUL SEARCHING
In Rajasthan, India, a first-time visitor explores two stunningly singular Aman properties and experiences the raw and powerful beauty of the northwestern state.
INTO THE BLUE
With the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, the watchmaker is on a mission to safeguard our most precious resources, including the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area in Indonesia.
LIFE IN TRANSIT
Entrepreneur and creative multi-hyphenate Sherry Ang shares how her transitional home blends elegant simplicity with the vibrant chaos of family life.
YES,CHEFS!
BAZAAR talks to three of the hottest names in Singapore's culinary scene to get the hot, hard truths of the trade.
