Symbols and totems were deeply important to Gabrielle Chanel, they inspired the life she lived and the designs she pioneered. Long after her passing, they have continued to inspired the House of CHANEL. These emblems have become part of the very core of CHANEL, found in virtually every collection. Camellias, Maltese Crosses, Lion heads, sheafs of wheat, gilt chains, pearls, and more adorn and inspire many a CHANEL piece. The CHANEL MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ BOUTON collection, the latest addition to the MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ watch collection, is an homage to these iconic symbols.
These incredibly special watches represent the intersection of watch making, high jewelry, and artistic crafts rooted in the world of Couture. The CHANEL MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ BOUTON collection is also a celebration of another integral component of Gabrielle Chanel’s stylistic world, the button. In the CHANEL universe, the button is more than a simple fastening. It is an essential part of the designs and pieces, and the also references Mademoiselle Chanel’s appreciation for military and nautical inspired clothing. Elevating the humble button, Gabrielle Chanel used them as bijoux to adorn her iconic suits. As such, they have become a hallmark of the House’s style.
The marriage of these two inspirations comes together in the form of seven incredible watches, two being truly exceptional High Jewelry pieces. Done as a cuff style, another nod to Gabrielle Chanel’s enduring stylistic influence, the CHANEL MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ BOUTON watches fold over and fasten by means of a button which covers a small diamond-set dial. Five of the watches feature a beautiful black tweed for the band while the two High Jewelry pieces feature a constellation of pavé set diamonds that cover the entirety of one, while the other is a striking black high-gloss enamel. For the buttons, they are shown as a lustrous pearl, a carved gold lion, a camellia shaped by sparking diamonds, the profile of Gabrielle Chanel in agate, and spectacular Maltese cross of pear shaped, solitaire, and cushion cut diamonds.
A visit to the CHANEL Mademoiselle Privé exhibit at London’s Saatchi Gallery
