Celebrity Life

Coco Chanel's star sign marks the reopening of the flagship boutique at one of this city's most exclusive addresses – the Peninsula Hotel.

In September this year, following extensive renovations, Chanel reopened its flagship boutique at The Peninsula Hong Kong. The French luxury brand and The Peninsula hotel have a long history of partnership. Chanel first opened at the hotel some 42 years ago, a testament also to the brand’s long-standing presence in the city. Its boutique at the legendary address also demonstrates its commitment to constant innovation, so as to provide the ultimate luxury retail experience.

As with all Chanel boutiques, the maison commissioned New York-based architect Peter Marino to redesign and upgrade the store. Marino did not disappoint, once again capturing Chanel’s allure and timeless contemporaneity by harnessing the luxury brand’s codes of unbridled creativity, savoir-faire and the celebration of exceptional materials.

Spanning three floors, the revamped 7,900-square-foot store is dedicated to all things Chanel, from ready-to-wear to handbags, shoes, costume jewellery and eyewear, along with a selection of fragrances and watches, as well as high and fine jewellery.

The revamped store embodies the archetypal Chanel aesthetic. White and black marble lines the hotel’s ground-floor corridor, where the accessories section is located. Here are showcased seasonal bags and small leather goods, along with a full display of shoes, including the emblematic two-tone slingbacks and ballerinas.

A white-marble carpeted staircase, visible from the facade window, connects the ground floor to the mezzanine and the basement. On the latter, more accessories and bags are on display – including special collector’s bags – while the mezzanine floor houses three ready-to-wear salons. Here, styled looks are matched with seasonal bags and shoes against a backdrop of hand-made wall finishes, bespoke silk, and wool carpets in beige and black that evoke Chanel’s famous tweed. The three ready-to-wear salons are furnished with Coromandel-style glass mirror walls, custom warm-toned tweed sofas and unique coffee tables in black and gold, by Belgian artist Fernand Dresse; two bronze sculptural table lamps in a patina gold finish by French artist Laurence Montano intensify this inviting ambience. The dressing rooms are decorated with gold-tone artworks by Italian artist Gianfranco Zappettini and Belgian artist Johan Creten.

From the ready-to-wear section a sweeping staircase, with an eye-catching balustrade of 22 sets of rock crystals and brass soaked in gold. and designed by the goldsmith Goossens Paris, leads up to the Watches and Fine Jewellery boutique. Here, a Fine Jewellery VIP Salon features antique furniture and modern artworks, all specially chosen for this location. This intimate space enables guests to enjoy utmost privacy while perusing fine- and high-jewellery pieces that include Les Signatures creations, a unique capsule collection designed and created specifically for the opening of The Peninsula Hong Kong flagship boutique.

The collection, which comprises five pieces, is inspired by the mighty lion, the astrological sign of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, whose birthday falls on August 19. Throughout her life, Gabrielle Chanel – a devotee of astrology – believed in horoscopes and predictions. As such, lions and celestial motifs featured prominently in her work. Buttons, embroidery, buckles and, of course, jewellery featuring the lion’s noble face and other cosmic motifs can be found in many of her creations, as well as in the brand’s modern collections to honour her.

One of the most significant pieces in this tribute collection is the Constellation of Leo emerald signet-style ring. Inspired by the bold rings worn by Gabrielle Chanel, it features a magnificent octagonal emerald that echoes Place Vendôme in Paris. Once home to Gabrielle Chanel and now to one of the brand’s boutiques, this famous square has always been a source of inspiration for the French luxury house.

The vibrant emerald is surrounded by diamonds, while baguette-cut emeralds line the side to evoke The Peninsula’s opulent facade. What makes this ring extraordinary is a secret detail – a frontal face of a lion – which is only visible through the emerald.

Another majestic piece is the Constellation of Leo malachite necklace with a central medallion featuring a lion’s face crafted from a profusion of diamonds with a pear-shaped diamond on its forehead. Surrounded by intense green malachites, the swirling patterns and distinctive colour of this gemstone contrast beautifully against the silhouette of the star-studded diamond encrusted chain. A round diamond embedded in a gold star anchors this piece, providing an exquisite finishing touch.

Besides the signet ring, another ring in the capsule collection features a central pear-cut diamond that sits atop a diamond-encrusted lion’s head that’s supported by dazzling malachites and tsavorites at the side. By adapting materials and techniques, Chanel shows a new facet to Gabrielle Chanel’s favourite beast.

An interesting piece in this collection is a pair of mismatched earrings. This unique asymmetric pair almost mirror each other yet differ just slightly through the shape of a hanging diamond. One features a 1-carat pear-shaped drop diamond, while the other has a smaller round shape diamond set within a gold star. Both hang below a cascade of seductive malachites and tsavorites to make this an obvious statement piece for the ears.

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We take a look at some zodiac-inspired high jewellery, perfect for winter this year.

Our long-established fascination with the stars has led us to some celestial fine jewels and more...

Van Cleef & Arpels: Zodiaque Collection

The new Zodiaque collection from Van Cleef & Arpels draws inspiration from two of the Maison's most cherished inspirations, nature and astronomy. It also references the coloured pendants from the 1970s. The 12 long necklaces in the collection reinterpret the signs of the Zodiac, with motifs adorning both sides of the medallions in gold and rare ornamental stone.

Jessie V E: Constellation collection

Jessie V E first designed her Constellation collection back in 2014. It’s been a bestseller since then — no small wonder, given that our fascination with the heavens dates back millennia. The designs are delicate, featuring rings, glittering necklaces and little hoop earrings dotted with your choice of star sign, which makes them great for giving, either for yourself or loved ones.

Chanel: Escale à Venise collection

Paying homage to the lion — both as a symbol of power and Gabrielle Chanel’s astrological sign — the new Escale à Venise high jewellery collection features the city’s patron saint, the Lion of St Mark, in a beautiful set of rings, earrings and necklaces. This ring features a blue 30.92-carat sapphire flanked by two diamond lion heads.

Gucci: Hortus Deliciarum

There’s a whole universe captured in Gucci's second high-jewellery collection, Hortus Deliciarum, from exotic horticulture and majestic beasts to striking constellations. The Gucci nightfall necklace, inspired by a starry night sky, features an explosion of 57 fancy diamonds and 357 diamonds.

Shahla Karimi: Zodiac Reveal Rings

In Shahla Karimi’s Zodiac Reveal rings, diamonds representing stars are spread throughout the band, so ascertaining the constellation and wearer’s zodiac sign is like discovering a little secret. With a thick band of 14k ethical gold, the rings look best worn on the pinky finger.

The post What’s Your Star Sign?: Zodiac Jewellery for Winter 2021 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Gabrielle Chanel discovered adventure and joy in Venice, which quickly became her favourite destination. The latest Chanel high-jewellery collection, Escale à Venise, documents the mesmerising city through her eyes.

Chanel’s high-jewellery collections always come with beautiful narratives, inspired by founder Gabrielle Chanel’s lifestyle, travels and inspirations. We’ve seen breathtaking collections inspired by the Coromandel screens that so lavishly decorate her apartment at 31 Rue Cambon, by her favourite flower (the camellia), as well as by her star sign (Leo). This time, it’s Venice that plays a role in the Chanel Escale à Venise high-jewellery collection, which features 70 one-of-a-kind creations that capture the spirit of the floating city. Chanel first paid a visit to Venice in 1920, shortly after the death of the love of her life, Boy Capel. It was a trip organised by her dearest friends in a bid to pull her out of her grief, distracting the young woman with the best things the city had to offer: the charming canals, winding alleys, museums, restaurants and rich architecture. It’s said that Venice soon became her favourite destination.

There she discovered a new attraction to gold and found lifelong inspiration in its symbols and history – the patron saint of the city, the Lion of St Mark, no doubt resonated with her love for the Leo sign, too. Under the creative direction of Patrice Leguéreau, the Escale à Venise collection is divided into four distinct chapters that paint a contemporary look at Venice as if through Mademoiselle Chanel’s eyes. The director of jewellery creation was careful to weave all the codes of the maison into the collection, from camellias, lions and stars, to sautoir pearl necklaces and chains, creating pieces that are precious and whimsical, yet truly and distinctly Chanel.

The first theme, Sérénissime, celebrates the architectural wealth of Venice. The Eblouissante set, composed of white and pink geometrical designs, recalls the facades of the palaces and the polychromatic marble floors of the churches in delicate pink spinels, white diamonds and pearls. The Sérénissime set, on the other hand, captures the Byzantine spirit of the mosaics of the “golden basilica” in a contemporary light, using onyx, diamond squares, pink, yellow and orange sapphire tesserae, as well as spessartine garnets with a 27.09-carat oval mandarin sapphire centre stone. The Gran Canale is another major inspiration, featuring pieces that interpret the city quite literally.

Elements of the lagoon are featured in lapis lazuli and diamonds, from the blue-and-white-striped mooring poles used by the gondolas to the canotier straw hats edged with red ribbons worn by the gondoliers. When you visit Venice, you don’t just visit the city. The surrounding lagoon islands are home to some of the most beautiful Italian crafts, from Torcello’s ancient mosaics, to Murano’s stunning glasswork. The Isole della Laguna consists of three sets dedicated to these métiers d’art. The Camélia Byzantin necklace and ring set celebrates Chanel’s favourite flower in a mosaic-like design in carnelians and fire opals, and is a beautiful tribute to Torcello.

The island of Murano is represented in the Camélia Vénitien set, showcasing the camellia flower in twisting ornamental garlands of yellow gold and rock crystal.And lastly, most majestically, is Spirito di Venezia – the spirit of Venice – expressed through the patron of the city, the Lion of St Mark, which sits high above every piazza and adorns every historical building in the city. The lion motif, so dear to Chanel herself, now appears in this collection in five distinguished sets. The monochromatic Lion Secret necklace, inspired by bas-relief, displays the profile of two white gold lions set with pear and shuttle-cut diamonds, with a centre pear-shaped diamond of 15.55 carats. The Lion Céleste set features the winged lion itself, while the Constellation Astrale set is inspired by the background of the winged lion as seen on the facade of Saint Mark’s Basilica, in a striking necklace carved from lapis lazuli mosaic with yellow sapphire stars.

Find out more here

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Shop our selection of fine jewellery rings that anyone and everyone can incorporate into their everyday wardrobe.

Bvlgari B.Zero1 Rock

Inspired by the distinctive form of the Colosseum in Rome, Bvlgari's B.Zero1 Collection disrupted the industry at its unveiling in 1999. An ultimate symbol of self-expression, it remains a bestseller among women and men. The latest iteration, with a new studded core for a total rock 'n' roll vibe, is aptly named the B.Zero1 Rock Collection.

Chaumet Torsade de Chaumet

Who says men can’t wear high jewellery? The Torsade de Chaumet ring in white gold and diamonds are perfect complements to a black-tie look. Chaumet’s new Torsade (twist) collection is dynamic and refreshingly modern, capturing the essence of movement within its swirling silhouette.

Following the launch of the high jewellery collection, Chaumet took inspiration from it to create a solitaire ring (pictured on the right) that shows off the tight twist of diamonds in a more wearable fashion — it's perfect as an engagement ring, or just for anyone who's looking for that extra bling.

Chanel Coco Crush

Borrowed from equestrianism and popularised by the fashion world, the quilted motif is now immortalised in jewellery. The Chanel Coco Crush collection of rings in the house’s proprietary beige, yellow or white gold, and dusted with brilliant white diamonds, is a timeless addition to any wardrobe for any occasion.

Boucheron Holographique

Boucheron jewellery designer Claire Choisne has never doubted that men look as good in jewellery as women — case in point being the campaign photos for her latest Carte Blanche collection, where a male model fabulously flaunts the signet ring-like Illusion pieces featuring fabulous opals from Australia and Ethiopia (pictured above).

Boucheron has applied the same holographique technique to its main collections, including the Quatre ring, for a sensational new jewellery capsule. The ring is an absolute testament to Choisne's skills and the brand's avant-garde DNA: white gold, holographic ceramic and diamonds come together to truly stunning effect.

The post 4 Fine Jewellery Rings Designed to be Worn by Anyone and Everyone appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Mother Nature has borne us two of the world's greatest treasures, one abundant yet fleeting, the other rare yet enduring — both eternally beautiful. Here, timeless high jewellery is showcased against ephemeral blooms in a study of our planet's most precious formations.

(Hero Image: ROUND DIAMOND NECKLACE (TOTALLING 89.18 CARATS) AND MULTISHAPE DIAMOND EARRINGS (TOTALLING 26.25 CARATS), BOTH SET IN WHITE GOLD GRAFF)

HIGH JEWELLERY PHOTOSHOOT

Photography Kauzrambler
Creative Direction Stephanie Ip
Styling Karen Siu
Photography Assistant Chu Mei Kwan
Flowers Flannel Flowers

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This is probably a world first. In celebration of the 100th year of the N°5 perfume, also possibly known as the most famous perfume in the world, Patrice Leguéreau, director of the Chanel Fine Jewellery Creation Studio, has created a high jewellery necklace inspired by the design of the iconic perfume bottle, showcasing a 55.55-carat custom-cut diamond.

The fragrance, composed in 1921 by Ernest Beaux and Gabrielle Chanel as the first "perfume for women with the scent of a woman" — is ubiquitous to all, and has been a mainstay in many of our bathroom shelves. Chanel's high jewellery began in 1932, when Mademoiselle Chanel created her one and only high jewellery collection called "Bijoux de Diamants".

This 2021, the launch of the Collection N°5 high jewellery celebrates these two treasured domains by the Maison. “Gabrielle Chanel approached these two universes with the same visionary values, focusing on audacity and the quest for excellence. I wanted to rediscover that creative gesture with this collection, which has been conceived like a journey through the meanderings of the N°5 perfume’s soul, from the architecture of the bottle to the olfactive explosion of the fragrance," says Leguéreau.

The zenith of the high jewellery collection is the extraordinary 55.55 necklace, named after the exceptional 55.55-carat diamond that is crafted as the ultimate tribute to the classic perfume.

While most jewellers will cut into a diamond rough with the goal of obtaining the biggest stone possible without compromising on clarity, Chanel's team took an unprecedented approach, setting themselves the mission to cut a perfectly proportioned diamond that weighed an exact 55.55 carats.

The result is a beautiful emerald cut diamond, 55.55-carats exactly, in D Flawless quality, set in 18-carat white gold and surrounded by 104 round diamonds and 42 baguette diamonds. In a display of creativity and style, the necklace comes with a diamond-set topper, and the silhouette of the bottle is shaped out of pear-shape and marquise-shaped diamonds cut in different sizes. No detail is overlooked, even the fastener is shaped like the lucky number 5.

This unique necklace, however, is not meant for sale, with Chanel deciding to keep the necklace 55.55 in its archives.

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