Chanel's Latest Modern High Jewelry Collection Was Inspired by Russia's Imperial Past

It was the 1920s in Paris and Coco Chanel found herself enamored with the Russian cultural elite and nobility, who had fled upheaval in their homeland and brought a new sensibility to the city During this period, she enlisted the czar's perfumer, Ernest Beaux, to create her iconic Chanel No 5 perfume.

Chanel's fascination with Russia endured throughout her life, and today it's the impetus for the company's new high jewelry collection, Le Paris Russe de Chanel "Gabrielle was influenced by Russia's icons and symbolism, and we referenced those in jewelry designs that are symbolic yet feminine and stylish," says Patrice Leguéreau, who has been director of Chanel's jewelry studio for the past decade Those motifs, along with Coco's favorite flower, the camellia, are present throughout: The double-headed eagle is the center of a regal brooch, and intricate and colorful pieces reference the costumes in Ballets Russes, which Chanel designed.

"It's not about big stones; this is elegant, chic and feminine design It tells a story." Over a span of more than two years, he visited Moscow and Saint Petersburg, where he spent several days exploring the Hermitage Museum, taking notes on embroidered fabrics, lace, jewelry, enamel and paintings, which also informed the new collection It's rich in history and substance, and Coco Chanel would have loved it. Source