Inspired by Dior’s finest couture gowns, with metal that has been shaped to mimic the draping, pleating and gathering of the sumptuous fabrics, the Archi Dior jewellery collection caused an instant sensation when it was launched at the Biennale last year.
So rapturous was the reception that the Parisian Maison is now recreating the distinctive flowing lines and curves in diamond-studded white and rose gold, as part of a new medium-level Archi Dior jewellery collection.
Read more about other couture-inspired Dior collections
The term "medium" jewellery seems to be a new category adopted by jewellery houses that want to distil the design DNA of their high-end ranges into more affordable collections. For example, Chaumet recently launched both medium and entry-level versions of its Hortensia high jewellery collection.
One of the world’s most famous couturiers, Christian Dior once harboured dreams of becoming an architect. While his professional life took a different direction, he continued to follow what he calls the “laws and rules” of architecture when creating his voluminous, seemingly gravity-defying haute couture gowns.
See other jewellery inspired by Christian Dior's passions
Victoire de Castellane took the essence of these iconic designs and transformed them into a high jewellery collection where a voluminous dress becomes a Dior ring with pavé swirls, and a nipped-in waist inspires the diamond band around a coloured gemstone Dior bracelet. “I wanted to create each piece with the same mind-set that Christian Dior had, as though the jewellery were made of fabric that is sculpted, gathered, pleated, belted or draped,” says Victoire de Castellane.
In white or rose gold and set with white diamonds, prices for the new medium Archi Dior jewellery collection start from £5,000.
