Stripes, checks, tie-dye and Liberty prints, more commonly the preserve of garments, are drawn onto swirling loops of diamonds in Victoire de Castellane’s high jewellery collection, ‘Dior Print’. The artistic director of Dior Joaillerie is inspired by the intricacies of an haute couture gown for the 137 new pieces, which are adorned with playful motifs.
‘The idea was to “draw prints on ribbons or flowers”,’ de Castellane tells us of her interpretation of both classic and figurative prints. ‘Each printed pattern is thought of as a hand-stitched fabric, [on which the] positioning of the stones gives a deliberately rowdy appearance to the whole.’
The collection imbues ribbons of precious gems with delicate gradients of colour or draws the ubiquitous Liberty print in ruby, spinel and yellow diamonds. Graphic rings, cuffs and necklaces eschew traditional symmetrical silhouettes to embrace random design codes, while floral prints and stripes are imposed on gold strands which become an intricate necklace.
‘For me, colour in jewellery is very important and I like to use all kinds of coloured stones; mix them and play with gradations, contrasts or monochrome,’ de Castellane adds. ‘I have the chance to work with the best Parisian workshops, who realise my designs and adapt or develop the necessary manufacturing processes in order to achieve the design I have in mind.’
The technically accomplished Dior high jewellery collection draws on traditional watchmaking skills to create articulated lightweight links for a necklace that drapes over the collarbone, its fluid form and entanglement of multicolour ribbons more material than metal.
‘New techniques have been developed that pay tribute to the designs at the origin of the creations. The necklaces, whose necklines are formed by jewel ribbons, challenged the ateliers, who had to create fine volumes that perfectly mould with the skin.’
INFORMATION
-
The bespoke Jaguar E-Type GTO melds elements from every era of the classic sports carECD Automotive Design’s one-off commission caters to a client who wanted to combine the greatest hits of Jaguar’s E-Type along with modern conveniences and more power
-
Casa Sanlorenzo debuts in Venice as a new hub for contemporary artThe luxury yachting leader unveils a stunning new space in a palazzo restored by Piero Lissoni – where art, innovation, and sustainability come together
-
Once vacant, London's grand department stores are getting a new lease on lifeThanks to imaginative redevelopment, these historic landmarks are being rebonr as residences, offices, gyms and restaurants. Here's what's behind the trend
-
All eyes on Greek jewellery brand Lito as it launches bold new amulets to mark its 25 yearsStriking amulets, seductive stones and secret messages characterise Lito's striking new anniversary collection, an extension of its ‘Tu es Partout’ series
-
The best layering necklaces for an elevated yet casual lookHow to mix, match and stack jewellery for the ultimate high-energy, low-effort style
-
Dazzling high jewellery for statement dressersIntricate techniques, bold precious stones and designs unite in these exquisite high jewellery pieces
-
Victoire de Castellane nods to Dior motifs in a new fine jewellery collectionFor the latest additions to the My Dior collection, Victoire de Castellane turns the house’s signature cannage motif into golden wonders
-
Art takes London: Tiffany & Co, Damien Hirst and artists take over Selfridges' windowsFour British contemporary artists celebrate Tiffany & Co's pioneering history with a series of storied window displays
-
Back-to-school jewels: precious pieces for new terms and fresh startsPrepare to be on sparkling form this semester – we've got your jewellery kit sorted, from a diamond alphabet to a rose-gold pencil bracelet
-
Wild beauties: high jewellery dripping with dramaThe latest high jewellery collections are fantastic and flamboyant, drawing on a wealth of influences, from a Chopin composition and César Ritz to crocodiles and colour refraction
-
Late summer jewels: what to wear at Golden HourLate summer signals a jewellery style-shift. These independent designers have got it covered
