As the fashion world flocked to Paris for Haute Couture Fashion Week, the world’s most prestigious fashion houses showcased their latest high Jewellery creations. From romantic and illusory to intricate and ambiguous, we take a look back and reflect on some of this year’s most coveted collections.
DIOR
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Dior Joaillerie, Victoire de Castellane created Gem Dior – the largest and most extensive High Jewelry collection from the house to date. The collection acts as a chromatic fairytale that tells a unique story of colours and stones and includes ninety-nine pieces with designs ranging from architectural to abstract. The almost natural clash between colours and precious stones proves as a testimony to the skill and expertise of the French label’s ateliers.
CHANEL
As a tribute to the different Russian inspirations that fed the creation and imagination of Gabrielle Chanel, Le Paris Russe De Chanel contains 63 pieces created as memories and dreams of the country she never visited. Multiple variations of traditional folklore motifs from Russian decorative arts inspired the ogive cuts of the necklaces and head ornaments, paying tribute to the lost allure of Imperial Russia as seen through the legendary designer’s eyes.
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
In a contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Van Cleef & Arpels translates the eternal passion of the star-crossed lovers into a collection of High Jewelry with pieces representing the background and setting of their love. The collection, mostly dominated by red and blue colour palettes is inspired by the coat of arms by the Capulet and Montague families respectively. Hints of mauve also appears in the collection, with the colour representing the passion between the eternally intertwined couple.
MESSIKA
In upkeep with Messika‘s savoire-faire and expertise, the house debuted an innovative collection this couture week filled with coloured diamonds, extravagant designs and new types of wear. Perfect for the woman with a sensual but libertarian attitude, Messika continues to push boundaries with their innovative, desert-inspired collection, highlighting free flowing jewellery without strains of conformity.