STYLE Edit: How Coco Chanel’s feathery fascination shines through the celestial Plume de Chanel high jewellery collection

One of the most influential fashion designers of her time, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel wanted to liberate 20th century women from their stifling corsets. Her uncluttered, practical outfits were adored by women from all walks of life, and she introduced the same sense of freedom and lightness in her first jewellery collection.

In 1932, Chanel presented the Bijoux de Diamants collection at her flat on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. A stunning high jewellery line, Bijoux de Diamants was all about comets and stars studded with diamonds on precious platinum. However, the most striking of them all was a diamond-set feather piece that could be worn as a gorgeous brooch or a sparkling tiara. The feather has been a recurrent motif in Chanel’s jewellery ever since.

A metaphor for freedom and elegance, the feather enjoys a significant place in the maison’s design universe. Just like their elegant yet comfortable haute couture pieces, the Plume de Chanel collection presents beautifully crafted, fuss-free jewellery, which is now a hallmark of the revered brand. Be it the distinct feather-shaped earrings, the dainty bracelet or the splendid ring, the latest pieces in Plume de Chanel show exquisite detail and craftsmanship. Crafted out of 18-carat white gold, the ornaments are covered with brilliant diamonds and show no bulky clasps or outrageous embellishments.

A tribute to both Mademoiselle Chanel and the feather motif of which she was most fond, the new collection is perfect for special occasions where you need to make a statement with the most attractive jewellery pieces. The rings, bracelets and earrings are so supple and exquisitely crafted that they easily curl around your wrist, ears or fingers. They are not just comfortable but also timeless in terms of the iconic design. Although Coco Chanel used this motif in 1932 for her first jewellery collection, her fascination with feathers dates back to 1910. Donning a hat with a bird covered with colourful feathers, she appeared on the cover of a magazine for the first time. Later that year she was again spotted with headgear decorated with a black and white feather.

By 1925 feathers had become an integral part of Chanel’s fashion repertoire. Right from a cape swathed in rooster feathers to the trademark trompe l’oeile fabric patterns, the plume motif dominated all her creations. Even today, the Plume de Chanel high jewellery collection reminds one of Coco Chanel’s sensuous sensibilities and free spirit.

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