Sunday, November 27, 2011

Wear it Now: An Ornate Choker by Chanel Couture

Vogue.com just did an article on the return of the ornate choker.  The writer, Chioma Nnadi, said it all started with the minimalist gilt metal version that Phoebe Philo did for Celine.  The New York based jeweler, Randi Mates of Aesa, said that "wearing a piece that fits closely to the throat, draws up your spine and changes the way you hold yourself.  It's almost regal."

Nnadi suggests wearing an ornate choker over a crisp white button shirt or as the crowning glory of a Grecian column dress."

Circa 1990 Chanel couture necklace only available at RARE vintage NYC.

This spectacular Mughal inspired bib necklace is of course made by the costume jeweler to the couture, Gripoix, for Chanel.  It is from circa 1990, is a runway piece from the couture and is in the most beautiful shades of blue.  Actually the colors remind me of the color of the sea in Sardinia.

As a woman business owner I love that sisters are doing it for themselves!  Gripoix is the story of a family of women who have, for over four generations, been at the helm of the House of Gripoix and of another woman, Coco Chanel.  Gripoix was founded by Augustine Gripoix in the 19th century who began making imitation pearls, pink quartz and rubies for Sarah Bernhardt and Charles Frederick Worth.  Augustine's daughter Suzanne worked with Poiret, Molyneux and Lanvin creating extravagant fakes.  But it was Suzanne Gripoix's relationship with Coco Chanel where the story of Gripoix really begins and continues to the present day.

Chanel had a mischievous streak and by creating jewelry made from faux pearls and poured glass and gilt instead of gold she was subtly mocking the symbols of wealth in the 1920s and 1930s, a string of pearls and a diamond and ruby necklace.  Chanel also piled it on, mixing her real with her faux.  So do as Mademoiselle did and as Vogue.com tells you and RARE vintage recommends: wear an ornate choker.

PURCHASE

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