CHANEL JOAILLERIE – PARIS F/W 2011 PRESENTATION
The Chanel Joaillerie Haute Couture collection for Fall/Winter 2011 is exquisite. The collection Contrastes,revolves through shades of contrast and brilliance. Inspired by Orpheus and his hypnotic musical gift, the presentation opens with a stunning broach displayed on a harp, which shadow reveals a ghostly hand playing it.
As you traverse into the next space, a video installation shows the cycle of the moon above a collection of cascading pearls alongside the duality of white gold contrasting yellow gold; embroidered miniscule flowers contrasting embedded diamonds; yellow diamonds contrasting pure white diamonds. The style mixes baroque with art deco in an added element of variation.
Next, a collection including a necklace, ring, bracelet and set of earrings, take on the eliptical shape of the waxing (or waning) moon. Each piece is scattered with moonstone, diamonds, onyx in a constellation of differing shapes and feel. Even the mounting takes on a discrete floral shape underneath the stones, like a web of flowers blooming secretly underneath. The evidence of life is cleverly hidden in most pieces, and overtly in the only colorful pieces, a set of emerald earrings with blue marine accents and a large pearl center.
All throughout this 33 piece collection there is the obvious light/dark comparison, but then, deeper than that, there is the contrast of flourishing life blossoming juxtaposed with death, just like in the tragic myth of Orpheus who could not save his beloved wife. Melancholy, yet still bursting with the brilliance of the perfection of each stone.
CHANEL JOAILLERIE – PARIS F/W 2011 PRESENTATION VIDEO
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Fashion week coverage directed by Indira Cesarine
Article by Amy Tabarly
Video Directed by Indira Cesarine, edited by Karc Chan
Photos by Pascale V Marquis
