Chaumet’s most recent masterpiece collection ‘Attrape-moi… si tu m’aimes’ is a fun-loving and flirtatious one that maintains a connection between the contemporary and the past. Or as Nathalie Lavielle, xxx of Chaumet puts it, “The collection is in keeping with the history of Chaumet as if you look back into the archives, you will see, especially during La Belle Epoque [late 19th century until World War I] that depicting nature and more specifically insects has always been a Chaumet hallmark.” Translating into ‘Catch me … if you love me,’ this is a love story set to jewels featuring a bee, a spider and its seductive web.
The brand was founded in Paris in 1780 by Marie-Etienne Nitot and became the supplier of choice to Napoleon Bonaparte and his wives, creating gorgeous suits of diamond diadems, earrings, rings, broaches and necklaces. A century later, an affluent cosmopolitan society in turn succumbed to its exuberant and innovative style. In 1999, Chaumet was acquired by luxury items giant LVHM breathing new life into a brand that has more than proved its staying power in a very competitive arena.
But back to the latest collection in which the predominant materials are gold, diamonds, sapphires and amethysts. Symbolism is created through delicate and exquisite motifs. A tiny spider, symbolizing the man, weaves its silk in a delicate web of diamonds. The web is a metaphor of seduction, charm and love. The bee is of course the woman and represents adventure and independence. Invaluable bonds are created and multiplied. The backdrop of a beautiful love story takes shape. One that is full of games but touched by the jewels of emotions. There are dashes of the sublime in this collection; adjectives come pouring out such as ludic, charismatic and unexpected.
American author Frederick Buechner wrote, “Humanity is like a giant spider web. If you touch it anywhere, you set the whole thing trembling.” Judging from this collection, he may have a point.
