Archi Dior set for Biennale des Antiquaires at Paris’ Grand Palais
Along with its haute couture fashion showing in Paris last month, the house of Dior unveiled a preview of 23 dazzling pieces from its latest Archi Dior high jewelry collection. No matter that prices range from approximately $383,225 to a lofty $3.15 million, all but four of the precious pieces were snapped up within days, according to representatives of the fashion house.
But another chance to buy — or dream of buying — is coming up when the full 45-piece Archi Dior collection debuts at the Grand Palais in Paris Sept. 11 during the Biennale des Antiquaires, one of the world’s most prestigious antique, art and jewelry fairs. Clients can view and purchase pieces there or, for more information, contact the Dior boutique in Beverly Hills, (310) 859-4700.
The name Archi Dior refers to architecture, a passion of Christian Dior’s, evident in his focus on line and silhouette. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings appear to be cinched, pleated, draped and spiraled like fabric, some with flowing movement “to imitate the movement of the hem of a dress, which lifts as a woman walks,” according to Dior Joaillerie artistic director Victoire de Castellane.
The designs include 21 one-of-a-kind creations and are inspired by some of the most memorable couture fashions by the house of Dior. The Bar en Corolle Émeraude bracelet — boasting more than 4,500 stones, including 30.59 carats of diamonds — evokes the nipped-waist shape of Christian Dior’s 1947 Bar ensemble, from his first collection. Undulating curves of the Trompe L’Oeil Diamant Jaune earrings mimic the Marly dress from spring-summer 1949, and a lattice pattern on the Verticale Godet Saphir ring is derived from the Panier Percé dress introduced in 1950.
Handcrafted with painstaking detail, the collection took nearly three years to complete.
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