Fuelled by an inextinguishable desire for autonomy—from men, the status quo, and restrictive fashion—Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel set out on her mission to create a wardrobe for women that truly reflected their vitality. What she proved, early in her career, was that elegance was beyond the flashy exterior it had been sold as. From the use of unconventional materials to her uncompromising craftsmanship, Chanel showed the world that the ultimate luxury was found in comfort and the freedom it brings. In 1921, this culminated in the revolutionary establishment of her Sport atelier, which introduced fluidity and ease of movement to dressing.
In the century since, the Maison has continued to uphold its history with Sport, drawing from its founder’s attention to how artistry mimics life. Now, this connection is realised in the Haute Joaillerie Sport collection, a masterful union of athletic elegance and technical brilliance. Designed by Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the Chanel Fine Jewellery Creation Studio, this collection is a spirited ode to mobility. Crafted from an exquisite array of gemstones—including rare Kashmir sapphires, the result of years of research—pieces like the Sweater earrings, Quilted Stars ring and the Graphic Line necklace demonstrate the power of refinement in transforming the audacious into timeless statements of style.
Haute Joaillerie Sport’s streamlined forms evoke the ease and sophistication of trained action, where dedication and honed skills yield breathtaking movement. Volumes are tapered, contours clean, and chevron motifs summon the rhythmic grace of a woman on the go.
True to Chanel’s legacy of premium artistry, the collection introduces a new level of technical innovation. Aluminium, known for its lightness and durability, takes on bold, unexpected hues, while carbon fibre creates ultra-lightweight, ergonomic cuffs. Chanel’s iconic quilted motif is reimagined in supple openwork designs, allowing for structure and flexibility. Elsewhere, redesigned karabiners shaped like Chanel’s signature N°5 and sleek swivel clasps borrowed from the iconic 2.55 bag elevate the pieces into symbols of motion and constant progress.
With the Haute Joaillerie Sport collection, the Maison’s achievements redefine luxury and materiality. Just as its sportswear transformed fashion by offering choice and the liberation of functionality all those years ago, Chanel continues to innovate for a life in motion. As the luminary herself noted, our accoutrements should evolve as fluidly as we do. “Jewellery is not unchanging,” Chanel once mused. “Life transforms it and makes it bend to its requirements.”
Photography Natasha Kot
Stylist Anna Castan
Hair & Makeup Jean Luc Amarin
Senior Producer Steff Hawker
Communications Manager Johana V. Dana
Lighting Assistant Valentino Bianchi
Model Iidjima Masrangar / Makers By Metropolitan Models
Words Pema Bakshi
READ MORE
Chanel Takes Over Marseille for its Cruise 2024/25 Campaign