Of THIS WORLD

Francesca Amfitheatrof, Louis Vuitton’s artistic director of watches and jewellery, delves into the second chapter of the house’s Deep Time high jewellery collection.

- GORDON NG

The most exotic trip? Try time travel. Far from reality, of course, but that’s the brilliant conceit behind Louis Vuitton’s Deep Time collection of high jewellery. The maison unveiled its second chapter earlier this year in Paris, before bringing the range to Phuket in March, with a showcase held at a private villa in the Amanpuri resort.

The collection, as its name suggests, is inspired by Earth’s momentous history—its tectonic shifts, and the miraculous happenstance of life and evolution. Chapter Two adds 50 new pieces across 10 different themes. These themes begin with geological concepts such as the ancient supercontinents of Gondwana and Laurasia, and continental drift; and conclude with cradle of life ideas such as DNA, skin, bones and plants. A soupedup, sped-up journey through our planet’s history, if you will.

This trip way back in time comes from the mind of Francesca Amfitheatrof, the house’s ingenious artistic director of watches and jewellery. She was on hand in Phuket to offer some insight into how she arrived at this audacious interpretation of travel in jewellery.

Your high jewellery collections for Louis Vuitton always have a strong narrative framework. Deep Time has an almost nature documentary feel to it. How did you envision it?