Gucci's bringing some sparkle to Paris's 1st arrondissement with the brand's first foray into the world of high jewellery.
The new Hortus Deliciarum line, which is influenced by the colourful and multi-faceted visions of Alessandro Michele, contains over 200 pieces (many of them one-of-a-kind). The collection's inspiration stems from interpretations surrounding the mythical gardens of Eden, Arcadia, and Xanadu, while also drawing from the organic hues and symbolism of nature.
Three primary themes guide the narrative of Hortus Deliciarum: eternal love, the animal kingdom, and solitaires. Tiger, lion, and Ouroboros serpent iconography make appearances alongside pink and blue sapphires, white diamonds, yellow beryls, mandarin garnets, honey-coloured topaz, pearlescent opals, and glittering aquamarines. According to Michele, the gemstones are purposefully mismatched in honour of the spirit of imperfection, therefore creating a sense of “dis-cordant symmetry.”
Gucci also pulled from a variety of opulent, historical artistic movements, such as Rococo, Baroque, and Georgian, to cultivate a sense of luxury and refinement in every brooch, necklace, and ring. The collection is an ode not only to Gucci's rich history of imagery and ingenuity, but also Michele's uninhibited maximalist aesthetic and inventiveness.
The line will be sold at a brand new 16 Place Vendôme location, which situates the boutique amongst some of the finest jewellery retailers in the world. The interior of the store exudes a muted, old-Hollywood sort of glam: dark-panelled wooden display cases are paired with luxurious, turquoise green satin upholstery, which allows the colour palette of the jewels to speak for itself.
Along with creating the covetable collection of high jewellery, Gucci has committed itself to responsibly sourcing the gold it utilises. Additionally, many of the materials used in Gucci's collection are ethically sourced with the aid of initiatives such as the Kimberly Process and the Kering Responsible Gold Framework, which strive to combat corruption and inequality in the mineral mining industry, underscoring the fact that luxury doesn't have to be at an environmental and social cost.
Gucci Hortus Deliciarum high jewellery is now available at the 16 Place Vendôme boutique.
