The Look of Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel’s personal style followed a very simple rule: dress with high quality basics and combine them with an outstanding accessory. These were her ‘ingredients’ for an elegant and timeless look.
In some of her most famous portraits you will see Coco Chanel wearing strands upon strands of pearls layered over a simple black blouse, giving a feminine touch to her modern, slightly masculine designs. Pearls were Coco’s favorite jewelry pieces and they were often artificial rather than real. This was a clear statement against the then-prevalent idea that having style meant adorning yourself with rare and valuable gems – the more the better. In this manner Coco actually revolutionized the concept of modern fashion and style, by becoming the first high-end designer to wear and sell artificial pearls as haute couture accessories.
Inspired by this concept of style, this fall we are introducing a lavish new creation of multi-strand ‘Waterfall Pearls’ to our collection. They come in both fresh water pearls and imitation pearl combinations (which Coco would probably have preferred). We combine various sizes of lustrous white pearls – from large marble pearls to small pebble size – into hand-strung, individually knotted strands, and secure them with sterling silver clasps that will keep your pearl strands safe and comfortable; for as Coco herself said, ‘Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury’.
Our multi-strand Waterfall Pearls are a stunning accessory for any formal occasion. You can find them, along with many other classic and original pearl creations, at our Shanghai store or at the ‘Exhibition Room’ of the MET Store in Bangkok.
Coco Chanel and Pearls – trends continued
It is well known that Coco Chanel undeniably loved pearls and became a trendsetter adorning her attire with her pearl creations. As Christian Dior so eloquently described her saying: “Coco with a black pullover and ten rows of pearls, she revolutionized fashion.” Her preference was to wear them in “Rope Lengths” of 45 inches or more (see our service page about pearl lengths), dripping with elegance and looking sensuously sexy. For those looking for the complete pearl wardrobe, this length is a must. This look confirms as she so inspirationally says; elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress. Pearls continue to be very much in fashion also since the recent film on the ‘Grande Dame’ of fashion.
Our Coco Chanel style pearl necklaces are perfectly white subtle shimmering freshwater pearls (8 mm) strung up to a 1.5m necklace offering you endless styling possibilities. You will see because of the versatility of pearls how they will become a long time companion in your styling accessories.
One of the many stories – it is said that Chanel was dancing the Charleston in the 20’s and her two meter long necklace broke scattering pearls all over the floor requiring a dozen men in smoking jackets scurrying to get them for her. Our pearls are meticulously strung and individually knotted, so you can dance, dance and dance
Beyond the White Plain Sphere – pearl trends
A bohemian spirit has infected the staid pearl family: Lustrous colorful clusters, ‘misshapen’ blobs and very organic shapes had a ‘bad’ influence on the usual spare white strands.
With the emerging of countless shapes and colors proposed by explorative Chinese pearl farmers, pearl jewelry has definitely lost its ‘grandmother’-image and is one of the major jewelry trends this season
Baroque and organic shapes help pearls look great with denim – the 2009/2010 winter jewelry trends lean towards the ‘statement’-necklace and one of the best pearl styles is to wear multiple strands.
For several years chocolate pearls have been riding a popularity wave reserved only for those who could afford their pricey status. Recently, these beauties are being made available with the mainstream crowd at more affordable prices. These delights are actually freshwater pearls that have undergone an organic dyeing process that transforms them into that delicious chocolate hue. Read the rest of this entry »
