Leave it to the house of Chanel to take you on an imaginary trip to Paris. The French fashion house, founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1913, brought one of its most iconic Parisian landmarks to Hong Kong with their 18 Place Vendôme high jewellery installation at PMQ. Gabrielle Chanel spent her life in Paris and moved into the city’s Ritz Hotel in 1937 for more than 30 years. Place Vendôme was one of her sources of inspiration and remains at the heart of Chanel high jewellery, with the Chanel Fine Jewellery boutique and workshop at number 18 directly facing her suite at the Ritz.
Instead of showcasing a new collection, Chanel’s PMQ presentation gathered some of the most spectacular pieces from existing collections. The result is a panoramic vision and a fabulous journey through a decade of diversity, creativity and craftsmanship under the helm of creative director Patrice Leguereau.
1.5 1 Camélia. 5 Allures High Jewellery Collection (2019)
More than a flower, camellias are a part of Chanel’s identity – one of the brand’s most emblematic and distinguishable icons since its origins. Gabrielle Chanel was fascinated by its simplicity and perfect symmetry. Launched in 2019, the 1.5 collection consists of 50 pieces of high jewellery, 22 of which are transformable and can be worn in multiple ways, staying true to Gabrielle Chanel’s leitmotif that women should have freedom.
L’Esprit du Lion High Jewellery Collection (2018)
As well as a fascination with numerology, Gabrielle Chanel, who was born on August 19th under the star sign of Leo, embraced the symbolism and identified with the qualities of the lion. Another prominent source of inspiration, the lion was an emblem that adorned many of her creations – from jacket buttons to handbag clasps. A figure of power and Mademoiselle’s zodiac sign, it also represents the omnipresent symbol of Venice, a city to which she had a strong connection.
Making its first appearance in Chanel high jewellery in 2012, the lion embodies the spirit of Chanel and continues to inspire the creations of the Maison. In 2013, the Sous le Signe du Lion high jewellery collection paid tribute to Gabrielle Chanel’s astrological sign and the city that changed her life, Venice. The motif came back in 2018, with L’Esprit du Lion which features 53 high jewellery pieces inspired by the lions found in Gabrielle Chanel’s lavishly decorated apartment at 31 rue Cambon in Paris.
1932 High Jewellery Collection (2012)
Gabrielle Chanel created her first and only high jewellery collection, which she simply named Bijoux de Diamants, in 1932 for the Union of Diamond Merchants to publicise their jewels during the economic slump.
To mark the Maison’s 80th anniversary in fine jewellery, the 80 pieces in the 1932 high jewellery collection feature timeless and everlasting symbols of Chanel’s high jewellery collections: fringe, ribbon, feathers, the sun and stars.
Café Society High Jewellery Collection (2014)
The Café Society high jewellery collection breaks from the Maison’s classic references and explores a new aesthetic. The Art Deco-inspired collection is reminiscent of the glamour of the roaring twenties, and the social and cultural scene at the time. The avant-garde geometry and cosmopolitan tempo illustrate the audacity, curiosity and the sense of liberty of cutting ties with tradition.
The 18 Place Vendome Chanel high jewellery presentation is a celebration of creativity and expertise, and a rare opportunity to see so many iconic and exquisite pieces together. But it is also a journey through Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel’s personal story and a reflection of how each of the themes relate to an aspect of her intense life, and how they remain an inspiration to this day.
Editor
Camila Hennessy
