MAGIC of Tweed

CHANEL PAYS TRIBUTE TO ITS SIGNATURE FABRIC WITH THE NEW TWEED DE CHANEL HIGH JEWELLERY PIECES

As an inspired Maison, CHANEL takes its cues not only from the style signature left behind by its eponymous founder, Gabrielle Chanel, but also her many life experiences. Gabrielle led a colourful life, one infused with vibrant landscapes, interesting people, and passionate relationships, and she used these as inspiration to express her zest for life in her beautiful and timeless designs.

Not one to shy away from a good idea, Gabrielle was a stickler for combining elegance with comfort; this she wonderfully showcased in tweed, a fabric that would eventually become one of the hallmarks of her Maison. Her

Making of the TWEED necklace interest in the woolly fabric began in the 1920s, at the height of her love affair with the Duke of Westminster, when she would borrow the

By Maria Zarah Gregorio Viado

Duke’s tweed jackets and reinterpret them in her collections.

With the passage of time, CHANEL’s examination of tweed has evolved. In 2020, the Maison incorporated the fabric into the world of CHANEL jewellery. Led by Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the CHANEL Fine Jewellery Creation Studio, the inaugural TWEED DE CHANEL collection was composed of 45 exceptional pieces. This year, the distinguished brand opens yet another extraordinary chapter in CHANEL High Jewellery with the introduction of the new TWEED DE CHANEL collection.

Now comprised of 63 outstanding pieces, the collection unveils five new tweed jewellery weaves, in five different colours and adorned with five icons dear to Gabrielle Chanel, namely the white ribbon, the pink camellia, the comet on a blue background, the yellow sun, and the lion highlighted with flashes of red. Rendered in five precious chapters, the savoir-faire of the House’s jewellers shine through in the intricate craftsmanship of each piece of jewellery.

Of particular note is the TWEED ROYAL necklace. Highlighting the mighty lion, the necklace is a glorious presentation of Gabrielle Chanel’s star sign. Adorning the representation of this feline king is a sparkling pear diamond that further enlivens the ensemble. However, the unparalleled craftsmanship of CHANEL’s artisans is most suitably showcased in the yellow gold weave of the plastron necklace, intricately crafted and trimmed with a chain.

A statement in and of itself, the TWEED ROYAL necklace is also set apart for its multifunctionality: the lion’s head at its centre can be worn as a brooch or as a necklace on the plastron, while the spectacular 10.17 carat pear-cut diamond can be detached as a ring.

Apart from this stellar masterpiece of high jewellery making, the TWEED DE CHANEL collection also includes the TWEED CAMÉLIA. In this particular piece, Gabrielle Chanel’s favourite flower is displayed in all its glory. On a base of a regular weave in rose gold, shaped stones and little camellias are swathed with pink sapphires and gathered by a camellia bloom crafted of diamond lace.

In yet another iteration of the motif—the TWEED PASTEL—crisscrossing threads of tweed are ornamented with gleaming rows of diamonds. A pristine and lustrous ovalcut diamond takes pride of place on the resplendent bracelet and lavishes it with unparalleled regal quality.

There are also a selection of exceptional rings in the TWEED DE CHANEL collection. This includes the TWEED BYZANCE, with its bright and sunshiny adornment of yellow beryls. This fascinating show of vibrancy and exuberance are offset by dazzling white diamonds that lend more dimension to the captivating play of light, reminiscent of the sun.

A true signature of the House of CHANEL, the tweed fabric has become an endearing symbol of artistry and creativity. FOR 2023, the Maison elevates the motif to never before explored heights with the enthralling TWEED DE CHANEL collection.

LIONEL A MARCA - CEO OF BREGUET