When you think of a grand Parisian maison like Chanel, you think of precious, finely wrought creations. The fancy frocks of haute couture, to be certain; ineffably elegant perfumery and cosmetics, of course; and of late, the house’s enchanting division of fine jewellery. Which is why it was so surprising when Chanel unveiled its latest collection of high jewellery dubbed simply, and inspired entirely, by Sport.
The inspiration, according to the director of Chanel’s fine jewellery creation studio Patrice Leguéreau, was the sporty style of Chanel. It’s an integral part of the house’s history, though an aspect that is perhaps lesser known today. Consider, for example, that Gabrielle Chanel was the designer who bucked the notion of tight, restrictive clothing for women in the 1920s.
Instead, she proposed a revolutionary straight line silhouette that embraced, enhanced and allowed for an active lifestyle. It also marked a turning point in fashion history, when the sense of athleticism and fitness became a quality of beauty for women. In fact, as early as 1921, Gabrielle Chanel created a Sport atelier within her haute couture house.
It’s all about a sense of freedom of movement and a harmony with the body. Think of it as a through line to what Leguéreau has now transposed into the form of high jewellery. Haute Joaillerie Sport is a major evolution of jewellery design at Chanel.
In the recent past, the collections have hinged on visual motifs, themes and icons from the.
