Acclaimed in the world of haute joaillerie for her long-term collaborations with luxury houses such as Chanel and Christian Dior, Victoire de Castellane’s recent creations (from the series Fleurs d’excès and animalvegetablemineral) are now on view at the Gagosian gallery on Madison Avenue in New York City.
Through her creations, de Castellane questions and challenges the etiquette of haute joaillerie, led by her own reflection upon “the modern paradox of wearable jewels that must be hidden from view when not in use.” Combining precious stones and semi-precious stones while praising fauna and flora, she plays with different styles that juxtapose rich, colorful baroque aesthetics with refined organic shapes. The uniqueness of the jewelry demonstrate a brash, fruitful, and passionate imagination.
Victoire de Castellane
Lunae Lumen Glitter Blue<2013>Yellow and white gold, diamonds, colored lacquer
3 9/16 x 2 ¾ x 3 15/16 inches
© Victoire de Castellane
Courtesy of Gagosian Gallery
Photo by Photo Vito Flamminio
For this exhibition, de Castellane’s colorful creations were shown as tabletop sculptures, blurring the boundary between the jewelry and genuine sculptures. As the designer said in a statement, “My jewels are propositions… It speaks about concept and form as opposed to objective value. It becomes sculpture.”
“Victoire de Castellane: Precious Objects” is now on view at Gagosian Gallery on Madison Avenue, until April 5, 2014.
Victoire de Castellane
Lunae Lumen Satine Mummy Blue
2013
Yellow and white gold, platinum, emerald, diamonds, and colored lacquer
2 3/5 x 6 5/16 x 8 11/16 inches
© Victoire de Castellane
Courtesy of Gagosian Gallery
Photo by Photo Vito Flamminio
