Power To The People

Boucheron creative director Claire Choisne's latest high-jewellery creations are stylish statements of authority and achievement.

- LYNETTE KOH

How does one harness the intricacy of haute couture, the highest form of fashion, while giving it a sense of power and cool modernity? For Boucheron creative director Claire Choisne, the answer lay in viewing haute couture through the formal prism of ceremonial attire - and realising her creative vision in icily monochromatic diamonds and rock crystal.

That's the origin story behind The Power of Couture, the latest high-jewellery range by French luxury jewellery house Boucheron. It was launched in January as part of the maison's Histoire de Style collections, which feature designs inspired by its 166-year-old history. In June, the brand unveils its Carte Blanche collections, where Choisne was given unbridled creative freedom.

In an e-mail interview with Prestige, Choisne, who joined Boucheron in 2011, shares how The Power of Couture harks back to the beginnings of the brand. Born in 1830, maison founder Frédéric Boucheron was the son of a draper who grew up with precious materials such as silk and lace. His environment helped him develop an appreciation for rare textiles, as well as the fashion of the times.

Choisne says, "In the archives of Maison Boucheron, we have many creations taking inspiration from the world of couture – knots, tassels, pompoms, and more. I wanted to approach the theme of couture in a different way, without the fuss, so to speak, and with a modern and powerful reinterpretation."