LET’S MEET IN THE SPACE WHERE CHANEL AND LAGERFELD COMMUNE: MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ CHANEL SAATCHI GALLERY LONDON
When CHANEL is in town, the whole world comes out to party! Me included! How could I resist visiting the Mademoiselle Privé exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London. It’s almost as if they planned it perfectly around my trip to CHANEL Paris next week. Can you feel the excitement!
If the sparkle of celebrity that poured in through these doors on opening night wasn’t enough to get your attention, then Mademoiselle’s “Bijoux de Diamants” Haute Jewellery collection ought to do it. That was my guiding star as I made my way up the King’s Road in Chelsea.
This magical journey begins outside in an Antoinette garden, comprised of three parts – Liberty, Boy Capel, and Leo. Inspired by British landscape designers Harry and David Rich, the garden captures the very essence of Gabrielle Chanel’s life.
I-wear-all-CHANEL fans flocked to this exhibit from all over the world.
The walk up the silver granite path through autumnal golden hues, with the sound of birds singing in the trees was enough to whet the appetite.
The attention to detail, the use of technology, the fusion of classic and modern made for a very memorable experience. Even my boyfriend enjoyed the exhibit!
Twelve Haute Couture dresses fill this next room. They seem to float as if suspended in that timeless space where Karl Lagerfeld and CHANEL commune.
Embroidery from the House of Lesage, feather work from the House of Lemarié, some of these dresses took 1200 hours to create, like this chiffon and organza floor-length gold embroidered evening gown from the Spring/Summer 1996 Haute Couture collection.
But the real jewel of the show had to be the complete re-edition of the original 1932 “Bijoux de Diamants” High Jewellery collection.
In 1932 the international guild of diamond merchants contacted me. In the middle of the depression they wanted me to make diamonds special again. I was amused by this idea, I created my one and only high jewellery collection. I must have women in constellations, stars. I imagine their skin shimmering in stars – COCO CHANEL
These new designs re-imagined by Lagerfeld are stunning, and capture Coco Chanel’s elegance and audacity. The perfect marriage between designer and muse.
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket! Do you think anyone would mind if I slip into this glamorous number!
Imagine what you could do with a bucketful of Chanel bag chains!
I love the tactile experience of this part of the exhibit. Silks, tweeds, all the luxurious fabrics used by CHANEL.
Up on the second floor, a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and savoir-faire of the House – embroidery from the House of Lesage, feather work from the House of Lemarié.
CHANEL invites you to take a seat and enjoy one of the many workshops available during the show.
Learn the delicate art of Lesage embroidery, or work with leather and feathers to create one of Lemarié’s beautiful camellia flowers.
Lesage became part of CHANEL’s Métiers d’art in 2002.
The iconic camellia, so loved by Chanel, is beautifully rendered by Lemarié – experts in feather and flower creations.
Chanel’s love for the camellia began with a single flower and a gift from a charming man known as Boy Capel.
Lemarié joined CHANEL’s Métiers d’art in 1996.
Just one look at this floral creation will give you an idea as to the complex composition of CHANEL N°5. You can learn more about scent and how it affects our emotions and memories by signing up for one of the CHANEL N°5 Olfactive Workshops.
Who knows! We might even bump into each other, because I’m definitely coming back after I return from CHANEL Paris next week.
The Mademoiselle Privé exhibit will come to an end on November 1st. So don’t delay! Gallery opens from 10 AM till 6 PM (Wednesday until 10 PM), 7 days a week. Admission is FREE!
Visit: MADEMOISELLEPRIVE.CHANEL.COM and check out #mademoiselleprive online.
I am extremely happy to announce that my new jewelry book – GEMOLOGUE: Street Jewellery Styles & Styling Tips – is now on Amazon. I’m so excited. It’s the first book of its kind solely dedicated to jewellery.
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GEMOLOGUE jewelry blog by Liza Urla is a celebration of fine, fashion and vintage jewellery featuring talented jewellery designers, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews. This jewellery blog’s goal is to encourage and educate about jewellery online in a fresh and original fashion to inspire women and men across the globe in a fashion and travelling context.
Jewellery blogger, writer Liza Urla, the founder of GEMOLOGUE, is a London-based and NYC-educated gemologist, who has travelled to and lived in many countries. She is now one of the most influential digital jewellery tastemakers. Her jewellery influence has been acknowledged by Financial Times, The New York Times, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
*Styling and art direction by Liza Urla. All photos and videos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.
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