Trompe l’oeil is the art of illusion, the delight of a double take. In jewellery, the challenge of illusion is often to give its hard, fundamental materials— precious metals and stones—layers of softness. For the Parisian maison Boucheron, that was exactly the challenge that it strove to meet with The Power of Couture, its latest collection of high jewellery.
Inspired by the accoutrements of ceremonial attire, the 24-piece collection casts details such as bows, buttons, collars, epaulettes and aiguillettes as jewellery. “I knew at the beginning that it would be almost a nightmare technically,” says Claire Choisne, the house’s creative director, of transmuting metal and stones into fabric. “But I loved the idea of giving the illusion.”
The relationship between the house and textiles comes directly from its founder Frédéric Boucheron. Unlike many jewellery dynasties, Frédéric’s father was a draper who worked with silks, laces and other delicate fabrics. That legacy made itself apparent in many of his designs and creations—pieces that Choisne encountered repeatedly when delving into the archives for research. “I imagine there is a link between Frédéric Boucheron being the son of a draper and the quantity of pieces around the theme of couture. There are plenty,” she says.
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Vogue Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Vogue Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Flip Side
Introducing the Fendi Flip: a sleek-meets-versatile clutch that made its debut on Milan’s spring/summer 2024 runways.
ANew DAWN
Once an illustrious nightclub of the noughties, Jiak Kim House is now a glorious beacon for modern Asian cuisine in Singapore.
COMING of AGE
At 63, former high-powered fashion executive and viral TikTok-er Gym Tan has never felt younger. In an intimate letter, the Los Angeles-based Singaporean shares why it’s worth doing things on your own timeline.
Top SHELF
They say reading is dead. Enter BookTok, the online phenomenon changing the book industry as we know it.
RING it in
Boucheron’ four-banded Quatre turns 20 this year. With countless variations on its form, the collection is the house’s modern icon of craftsmanship, imagination and stylish versatility.
Material GIRL
The J12, Chanel’s ceramic icon of watchmaking, is all grown up.
Colour VALUE
A kaleidoscopic garden blooms again at Dior with the reintroduction of a new jewellery collection.
Cosmic GIRLS
A star is born. Or in Chanel’ case, three, as it harnesses the magic of a trio of directional make-up artists now known as the Cometes Collective.
Looking AHEAD
The new Gucci Ancora campaign celebrates the individuality, modernity and timeless allure of the spring/summer 2024 collection.
Love LETTER
H&Ms spring 2024 collection celebrates contemporary femininity and romance through a rebirth of wardrobe treasures.