The button, a stylistic feature that combines form and function, is also the door to the gates of time in this exquisite Métiers d’Art collection.
In the world of Chanel’s fine watches, the Mademoiselle Privé collection can be classified as one of the most exclusive and intimate. A showcase of the Maison’s exceptional savoir-faire, the collection embodies femininity and is an ode to creativity. In the words of Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of Chanel’s Watchmaking Creation Studio, it is “an extraordinary field of artistic expression”.
This year, this artistic expression led to new additions to the Mademoiselle Privé Bouton collection which was first presented in 2020. The third and latest edition pays homage to an elemental feature of Gabrielle Chanel’s stylistic universe: the button. Taking a closer look at this Métiers d’Art collection feels like walking deeper into the world of Gabrielle Chanel, where symbols that were close to Mademoiselle’s heart and the objects with which she loved to surround herself are manifested into a timepiece collection that may be worn on the wrist, around the neck, on the finger as a ring, as a cuff or in a sautoir.
Mademoiselle Privé Bouton Golden Pearl Motif Set
What’s new in this edition is the introduction of a “jewellery set” – three pieces designed around the golden pearl that reflected the depth and light of the Orient. The jewellery set is composed of three creations, numbered and limited to 5 pieces each, designed around the golden pearl. A button set with a golden half-pearl adorns a sautoir, a ring and a rigid cuff bracelet.
The sautoir, a long 18K white gold necklace set with 127 brilliant-cut diamonds, showcases a charming button made of 18K yellow gold and embellished with a golden pearl encircled with onyx. Another 46 brilliant-cut diamonds adorn the bezel, also in 18K yellow gold. In similar fashion, the ring and watch in the set, feature an 18K yellow gold button concealing the 18K white gold watch dial set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds within. The ring shank is in 18K yellow gold and titanium sheathed in black.
Mademoiselle Privé Bouton Watches
Aside from the Golden Pearl Motif cuff bracelet watch, four other stunning cuff bracelet watches with 18K white gold dials, and limited to 20 pieces each, feature in this collection. Brushed velvet is the signature feature for the straps of two new creations. The first is a burgundy velvet cuff bracelet sealed with a camellia-embellished button. Crafted by the expert hands of a skilled sculptor and a glyptician, the flower design was created by carving a meticulously detailed image into the back of a rock crystal dome where the shape of the rich bronze camellia catches light. The black velvet cuff, on the other hand, features a central cushion-cut diamond, and is adorned with an interlaced decorative motif inspired by the stained-glass windows of Aubazine Abbey, where Gabrielle Chanel spent her childhood.
Another exceptional piece is the knot motif watch in silk organza entirely embroidered with black pearls by Maison Lesage. The button is adorned with a bow set with white pearls and diamonds. Last but not least is the pink quilted leather version that has a button decorated with a Byzantine motif in tourmalines and diamonds.
Mademoiselle Privé Long Necklaces
Inspired by the intimate world that is Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment are two unique sautoirs.
The private world of Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment remains a source of true inspiration, now and forever. Baroque, timeless, witnesses to her personal taste… some of her favorite decorative objects accompanied her throughout her life…
Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of Chanel’s Watchmaking Creation Studio
The one and only of its kind, the Cage long necklace features two birds sitting opposite each other in a cage set with diamonds at the end of the chain, while the dial, in 18K yellow gold and diamonds is revealed beneath the cage.
Inspired by the Coromandel screens that lined the walls of Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment, the other unique piece in this collection is the Coromandel long necklace featuring an onyx dial decorated with miniatures in 18K beige gold and set with 50 brilliant-cut diamonds. To translate this prized possession of Mademoiselle’s into the design, a remarkably skilled engraver transcribed a detail from one of these screens onto the watch dial. The profile of Mademoiselle Chanel, delicately sculpted in gold, appears on the back.
Chanel is a House of artistic creation and its watchmaking is no exception to this rule. The freedom of its creative expression and the excellence of its savoir-faire are inseparable from each other.
Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of Chanel’s Watchmaking Creation Studio
Images courtesy of Chanel, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related Links:
Van Cleef & Arpels: A Spring Flutter
Bvlgari B.zero1 New Classic: One Step Ahead
