Light touch: photographer Karen Collins captures Chaumet’s carefree mood
![Pendant earrings in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8RCtkkhtxtVtwyFDoGgUBg-415-80.jpg)
The relaxed free-spiritedness and sensuality typical of New York-based photographer Karen Collins’ work chimed with French high jeweller Chaumet. Now they have collaborated on a series of images marking the launch of its new Insolence collection, unveiled during Paris Couture week.
The series of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces takes inspiration from historic Chaumet bowknot designs, including a corsage brooch from 1922, in white gold, embellished with diamonds and pearls. An 1895 gouache of a brooch with asymmetric ribbon also has a light modernity that easily translates to today.
Necklace in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds.
Historically, bowknot designs were careful symbols of eternal and binding affection, but Chaumet’s original 19th-century sketch evokes a more relaxed sensibility. It is that mood that Chaumet reflects in the Insolence collection, where bows are created with different sized loops, and twisted rose-gold rope is laced with gleaming diamond-set ribbons. That the rope appears to have been snipped with scissors in uneven lengths, like a friendship bracelet that never leaves the wrist, enhances the light mood.
Mixing precious metals gives the pieces everyday appeal, while Collins’ choice to shoot them on unadorned skin at an unspecified hour – be it morning, noon or night – perfectly captures the collection’s fresh, carefree mood.
Bracelet in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds
Left, bracelet in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds. Right, earrings in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds
Necklace in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Chaumet website
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
Phaidon’s new Graphic Classics is a lavish greatest hits of graphic design
Graphic Classics is a compendium of seven centuries of visual culture, from the everyday and ephemeral to visionary works that reshaped our world
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Birley Chocolate hits the sweet ’n’ chic spot in London’s Chelsea
The new Birley Chocolate shop, a sibling to Birley Bakery, is a confection of colour as delicious as its finely crafted goods
By Melina Keays Published
-
Feel at home at Auberge, Château La Coste's new inn for culture lovers
Auberge La Coste sits at the heart of the art-filled estate, minutes away from the joyful town of Aix-en-Provence
By Harriet Thorpe Published
-
Botany meets Chaumet high jewellery in new Paris exhibition
New exhibition ‘Végétal – L’École de la beauté’ explores the botanist’s role in art
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Through the lens of photographer Tino Chiwariro
‘Through the lens’ is our monthly series that throws the spotlight on photographers who are Wallpaper* contributors. Here we explore London-based Tino Chiwariro's vision further
By Sophie Gladstone Last updated
-
Catherine Opie and Cindy Sherman make a cameo appearance in Venice
By Georgia Dehn Published
-
Glow getter: Cora Sheibani sparks a chemical reaction at Louisa Guinness Gallery
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
There’s hidden meanings pinned to Lin Cheung’s carved brooches
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Steel pulse: a Paris exhibition homes in on the alchemic genius of Daniel Brush
By Caragh McKay Last updated
-
Milan's Fragile gallery hosts a new exhibition of jewellery, designed by bold-faced artists
By JJ Martin Last updated
-
Van Cleef & Arpels: 'L'Art de la Haute Joaillerie' exhibition, Paris
By Caragh McKay Last updated