Chanel has unveiled its latest high-end jewelry collection, ‘Haute Joaillerie Sport, ‘ inspired by the iconic sporty style integral to the house’s history. Crafted by visionary jewelry designer Patrice Leguéreau, the collection brings a fresh perspective to high jewelry in a celebration of timeless elegance and freedom of movement.
Gabrielle Chanel revolutionized fashion by introducing elements of sportswear into high fashion. Her designs reflected her lifestyle, creating clothes for the “active and independent woman.” She believed clothing should not restrict but enhance a woman’s natural grace and mobility. In 1921, she established a “Sport” atelier within her couture house, introducing innovative materials such as tweed and jersey, which had been prominently used for men’s underwear, emphasizing movement, functionality, and comfort in a time of corsets and bustiers.
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This new collection reinterprets this legacy, integrating the dynamism and functionality of sportswear into haute joaillerie for the first time. “I was inspired by Chanel’s sporty style, which is such an integral part of the house’s history: the elegance of the line and the freedom of movement,” explains Leguéreau.
The Haute Joaillerie Sport collection symbolizes the fusion of elegance and performance. Sport is synonymous with discipline, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence, qualities that are also central to high jewelry craftsmanship. Each piece is created to celebrate the dynamic lifestyle of modern wearers in a blend of fashion and function. The collection emphasizes ergonomic and transformable design, with pieces designed to move with the body, celebrating the freedom of movement.
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Iconic symbols from Chanel’s legacy are reimagined in a fusion of art, design and athleticism. The timeless N°5 is reimagined 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 haute joaillerie, introduced as an openwork imprint, a technique of meticulous metal cutting to create intricate patterns that are both delicate and durable. The chevron motif, symbolizing rhythm and speed, is a recurring element. The designs also feature tapered volumes and smooth contours, with dynamic lines of color infusing energy into each piece.
The collection showcases Chanel’s technical expertise by merging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Innovative connection systems and quick-release fittings are inspired by sports equipment and serve as both functional elements and aesthetic features. Clasps are reimagined; the N°5 karabiner, the swivel clasp from the 2.55 bag, and an array of buckles and loops enhance the jewelry’s practicality and style. The qui ted motif is transformed into a supple openwork mesh, embellished with sport motifs, and a specially developed “sport cord” tube chain adds to the collection’s uniqueness.
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The collection also showcases a blend of precious and high-tech materials. Aluminum, known for its lightweight and resistant properties, is introduced in unusual colors. Carbon fiber, renowned for its low density and high resistance, is used to create an ultra-lightweight sports cuff. Lacquer is employed to expand the color palette, perfectly matching the hues of precious stones and adding vibrancy to the collection.
Offering a stunning array of vivid gemstones, among the highlights is a set of five Kashmir sapphires, a remarkable achievement resulting from years of research. The collection uses two-tone and three-tone contrasts to enhance the vibrancy of the colored stones, while their shapes subtly emphasize the ergonomic design of the jewelry.
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