Chanel’s new high jewelry collection draws inspiration from sport

Chanel has unveiled its latest high-end jewelry collection, “Haute Joaillerie Sport,” inspired by the iconic sports style that is part of the house’s history. Designed by visionary jewelry designer Patrice Leguéreau, the collection brings a new perspective to fine jewelry in a celebration of timeless elegance and freedom of movement.

Gabrielle Chanel revolutionized fashion by introducing sportswear elements into haute couture. Her designs reflected her lifestyle, creating clothing for the “active, independent woman.” She believed that clothing should not restrict but rather enhance a woman’s natural grace and mobility. In 1921, she created a “Sport” workshop within her fashion house, introducing innovative materials such as tweed and jersey, widely used for men’s underwear, emphasizing movement, functionality and comfort in the era of corsets and bustiers.

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This new collection reinterprets this heritage by integrating for the first time the dynamism and functionality of sportswear into high jewelry. “I was inspired by Chanel’s sporty style, so anchored in the history of the house: the elegance of the line and the freedom of movement,” explains Leguéreau.

The Haute Joaillerie Sport collection symbolises the fusion of elegance and performance. Sport is synonymous with discipline, dedication and the pursuit of excellence, qualities that are also at the heart of fine jewellery craftsmanship. Each piece is created to celebrate the dynamic lifestyle of modern wearers in a blend of fashion and function. The collection emphasises ergonomic and transformable design, with pieces designed to move with the body, celebrating freedom of movement.

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Iconic symbols of Chanel’s heritage are reimagined in a fusion of art, design and athleticism. The timeless No. 5 is reinvented in a bold “Chronometer” typography, the lion set in a coat of arms and the star as a symbol of victory.

For the first time, the Chanel logo appears in fine jewelry, presented in the form of an openwork imprint, a meticulous metal cutting technique used to create complex designs that are both delicate and durable. The chevron pattern, symbolizing rhythm and speed, is a recurring element. The designs also feature tapered volumes and smooth contours, with dynamic color lines infusing energy into each piece.

The collection showcases Chanel’s technical expertise by merging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. The innovative connection systems and quick connectors are inspired by sports equipment and serve as both functional and aesthetic elements. Clasps are reinvented; the No. 5 carabiner, the swivel clasp of the 2.55 bag and a multitude of buckles and loops enhance the practicality and style of the jewelry. The quilted pattern transforms into a soft openwork knit, embellished with sporty patterns, and a specially developed tubular “sport cord” chain adds to the unique character of the collection.

The collection also features a mix of precious and high-tech materials. Aluminum, known for its lightweight and strong properties, comes in unusual colors. Carbon fiber, known for its low density and high strength, is used to create an ultra-light sports armband. Lacquer is used to expand the color palette, perfectly matching the hues of the gemstones and adding dynamism to the collection.

Offering a stunning range of vibrantly coloured gemstones, highlights include a set of five Kashmir sapphires, a remarkable achievement resulting from years of research. The collection uses two- and three-tone contrasts to enhance the brilliance of the coloured stones, while their shapes subtly emphasise the ergonomic design of the jewellery.

chanel.com

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