Louis Vuitton strides forward with a jewellery collection that takes the maison in a brave new direction. Delicate and dainty makes way for a strong and streamlined look in outsized volumes and attention grabbing forms offering a new talisman for the Vuitton tribe. The famous Monogram star-shape flower motif as found on Louis Vuitton’s famous steamer trunks since 1896 is at the heart of B BLOSSOM. But this flower that has graced past Blossom collections finds a new life in the hands of recently arrived Creative Director Francesca Amfitheatrof.
The high impact chic of the B BLOSSOM is for women who aren’t afraid to make a statement with edgy jewellery that packs a punch. Think power jewellery with an air of 1950’s glamour and an elegant self-confidence, where less is more as long as it’s big and it’s bold and it’s fearless.
The genius of the B BLOSSOM collection is that it effortlessly transforms the star-shape flower from a merely decorative element into a powerful emblem, emphasising the graphic simplicity of the flower and its ability to change with the times. From a Belle Epoque anti-counterfeiting device for steamer trunks to a global signifier of luxury, the Monogram is a cross-century phenomenon and Francesca Amfitheatrof cleverly taps into its enduring power.
In signet-rings and the more playful and colourful carved stone stacking rings, the diamond-set flower now shines bright atop spheres of malachite, onyx, white agate, pink opal or gold. It adorns the sumptuous gold bracelet with black diamond-set onyx studs that exudes a tactile sensuality balanced with an edgy street look. It is emblazoned on weighty spheres that swing wrecking-ball style from big-link chain bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The strength of its shapes and strong use of colour is tempered with the voluptuous and tactile quality of each jewel. This is a game of seduction in which the woman is setting down the rules.
As well as the spherical reincarnation of the star-shape flower, a second interpretation offers a geometric opposite in the form of a flat, square pendant. In contrast to the soft curves of the stone and gold spheres, here the star-shape flower set with mother of pearl is amplified by a large gold square frame. Slightly off-centre, the flower shimmers with self-confidence and is the perfect ally to its rounder counterpart. The square pendant hangs from long necklaces and bracelets as well as earrings. The collection is crafted in both yellow and pink gold and seen together the B BLOSSOM resonates with Louis Vuitton’s fashion concepts. Personalisation through stacking, layering and mixing and matching make this a very contemporary take on jewellery.
Buzzing with the energy of a confident woman, the B BLOSSOM has a swagger in its step and I believe that these jewels are something that women will really, really, really want.
