From revolutionary caviar leather to iconic pave rings, the power CHANEL holds over the fashion industry is just as inspirational as it is mythical. Whilst its influence can certainly be attributed to its creativity, CHANEL’s success is also a result of core generational values, all of which have been beautifully captured in its Reach for the Stars collection. Revolving around celestial themes, including that of the comet, wings, and the lion, the beguiling collection showcases its strong beliefs in a blend of 20th century American luxury and modern take on glamour.
Led by the Director of the CHANEL Jewellery Creation Studio, Patrice Leguéreau, the Reach for the Stars collection exquisitely portrays ideas and values that are paramount to everlasting success. As if created by founder Gabrielle Chanel herself, each piece defies the “normal” practices of luxury jewellery- making and conveys her perseverance in the craft. The Reach for the Stars collection would not be named as such without the comets that decorate its sphere. Used as a symbol of freedom, the theme was first featured in Gabrielle Chanel’s only High Jewellery collection unveiled in 1932. The Bijoux de Diamants has now inspired the CHANEL Jewellery Creation Studio to create a plethora of starry jewelleries its wearers can wish upon. From the luminous Twin Stars Necklace to the Dazzling Star choker, CHANEL’s comets bring a fresh take to today’s High Jewellery.
Among CHANEL’s many enthralling creations, one theatrical Wings of CHANEL necklace is sure to catch everyone’s attention. Cradled in a diamond-studded teardrop frame is an enchanting Padparadscha sapphire, which is valued at 19.55 carats. The cushion cut sapphire gleams a bright pink hue only a precious gem of its quality can attain. Acting as the centrepiece of the necklace, the vibrant sapphire extends its majestic wings high towards its wearer’s shoulder line. Through a mix of elegant lines and differently cut diamonds, as well as a dash of abstract shapes, the Wings of CHANEL necklace hints at the Maison’s whimsical personality.
Whilst its wings spread upwards, a glistening arrangement drops down the centre. Capturing Gabrielle Chanel’s bright spirit and fascination with the cosmos, the hanging line alternates between star-shaped and circular diamond-encrusted white gold. Left as it is, the Wings of CHANEL necklace can be worn as the enthralling artwork it was designed to be. For an alternative look, the ornate hanging line can also be unclasped from the main necklace and worn as a bracelet instead. Be it together or apart, the Wings of CHANEL necklace artistically imparts Gabrielle Chanel’s wise words, “If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing.”
As the Wings of CHANEL necklace take flight, CHANEL’s lioness stays rooted on the ground. The Maison presents the emblematic figure in various arrangements starting with frontfacing portraits to side-profiles. For the Strong as a Lion and Be the One sets, this begins by capturing the lion’s undeniable aura using bursts of white and yellow diamonds. In contrast, structure is found in the winged figure in the Sky is the Limit set, albeit still exuding the same level of aura as the former two. Whilst the choice of gems played a key role in expressing its audacious nature, CHANEL also leveraged on the lion’s roars to achieve this, as seen on the Embrace your Destiny necklace. After 13 years of appearances, the famed lion continues to command the room and remind its wearers to have courage in the face of trials. Like a lioness herself, Gabrielle Chanel’s figure in The Silhouette Clock instils hope for a life bigger than one can ever possibly imagine.
