Gabrielle Chanel revolutionized women’s fashion by incorporating unconventional fabrics and silhouettes into her designs. An avid sports enthusiast—she enjoyed horseback riding, skiing, tennis, and golf—Chanel translated her passion for physical activity into her clothing, prioritizing ease of movement. This innovation was marked by the introduction of jersey fabric, which paved the way for her first sports atelier in 1921.
Patrice Leguéreau, director of Chanel’s Fine Jewellery Creation Studio, draws inspiration from Chanel’s legacy of streamlined silhouettes in the brand’s new high jewelry collection, Haute Joaillerie Sport. This collection reflects Chanel’s approach to sportswear, featuring supple designs that drape comfortably rather than restrict. True to the essence of the brand, the collection showcases a striking mix of materials, including lightweight aluminum, carbon fiber, and vibrant lacquer in hues of black, red, and blue, paralleling the bold colors of precious gemstones.
These colorful stones highlight some of Chanel’s signature motifs, such as the lion and the star. The collection is rich in distinctive design elements, including a carabiner shaped like the number ‘5’ and a swivel clasp reminiscent of the iconic ‘2.55’ handbag. Even the humble sports cord is reimagined as a tube chain adorned with diamonds, while the classic Chanel quilting pays homage to the flexibility of performance fabrics, taking on a fluid mesh form.
Additional pieces draw further inspiration from the athletic realm, featuring quick-release fittings and unique buckles and loops, adding a fresh perspective to high jewelry. Overall, the Haute Joaillerie Sport collection stands out as a remarkable fusion of luxury and sport.
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