Chanel's Haute Joaillerie Sport Collection: a dazzling celebration of elegance and athleticism

To mark the launch of the Chanel Haute Joaillerie Sport collection in Hong Kong, a glamorous private gala event unfolded last week at The Henderson. The soirée attracted a constellation of stars, including actors and athletes alike, such as Stephen Fung, Hilary Tsui, Amy Lo, Kevin Chu and Siobhán Haughey. The evening was a celebration of elegance and athleticism, encapsulated by the exquisite jewellery on display

The recent launch of Chanel's Haute Joaillerie Sport collection was nothing short of spectacular, drawing a constellation of celebrities who embodied the collection's spirit of elegance and movement. Among the attendees were renowned figures such as Stephen Fung, Hilary Tsui, Amy Lo, Kevin Chu, Tony Wu, Will Or, Hilary Fan as well as other athletic talents Siobhán Haughey, Stephanie Au, Camille Cheng, Cedric Ho and Nicholas Choi, each showcasing exquisite pieces that perfectly complemented their individual styles. 

A stellar cast of gala guests

Stephen Fung: A touch of classic elegance

Dressed to impress, Stephen Fung adorned himself with the N°5 Signature Bottle Diamond Brooch in 18k white gold and diamonds, alongside the J12 Diamond Tourbillon Watch Caliber 5. He remarked, "Wearing Chanel is not just about luxury; it’s about embodying a legacy of style and sophistication." The intricate brooch reflects the iconic N°5 perfume bottle, while the watch showcases a flying tourbillon, making it a true masterpiece of horological art.

Siobhan Haughey: A celestial sparkle

Olympic swimmer Siobhan Haughey dazzled in the Comète Saphir Pendant Earrings and the Comète Bracelet, both crafted from 18k white gold and adorned with sapphires and diamonds. She shared, "Wearing Chanel makes me feel like I can conquer anything. The design is as dynamic as my sport." The earrings echo the comet motif, symbolising speed and rhythm through their intricate chevron settings.

Hilary Tsui: Embracing freedom

Fashion icon Hilary Tsui dazzled in the Comète Harmoni Necklace, featuring 18k white gold, diamonds, and onyx. She expressed her admiration for the piece, "This necklace is not only beautiful but also speaks to my love for freedom in fashion." Its snap system allows for effortless wear, embodying both style and practicality.

Kevin Chu: A feathered touch

Kevin Chu sported the Plume de Chanel Brooch, a stunning recreation of a design first introduced by Gabrielle Chanel in 1932. "This brooch is not just jewellery; it’s a piece of history," he stated. Accompanied by a Coco Crush Ring, this ensemble reflects both elegance and a nod to Chanel's legacy.

Amy Lo: A modern twist

Amy Lo turned heads with her Graphic N°5 Necklace and matching jewellery watch. She stated, "Chanel has always been synonymous with elegance; wearing this collection makes me feel bold." The necklace's design celebrates the number 5 in a contemporary form, blending strength with grace.

The collection has stars and athletes bedazzled

The Haute Joaillerie Sport collection is a groundbreaking fusion of athleticism and luxury, designed by Patrice Leguéreau. Inspired by Gabrielle Chanel's sporty allure, it celebrates movement through refined lines and dynamic motifs. The collection features an array of gemstones that exemplify Chanel's commitment to excellence in craftsmanship. Furthermore, it ties together Gabrielle Chanel's emphasis on body awareness and freedom of movement. Her look had a sporty allure from the getgo, since she had a 'sport' atelier within her haute couture house as early as 1921. 

Each piece features streamlined lines and dynamic motifs, such as the chevron pattern, which evoke rhythm and speed. This innovative collection also introduces functional elements, including quick-release fittings and transformable designs, ensuring that each creation is as versatile as it is beautiful. 

And it is not a coincidence that Chanel has chosen The Henderson, a striking 36-storey skyscraper designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, to be the glamorous venue to launch its Haute Joaillerie Sport collection.

Located in the heart of Hong Kong's Central district, this architectural marvel stands 190 meters tall. It features a unique fluted façade resembling a blossoming Bauhinia bud, a city symbol.

Inside, the décor du soir reflects a simple yet straightforward approach, with an all-white interior and black dotted lines. Apart from its sheer crisp lines, nothing took the attention away from the stars and sparkles that eventually became a fitting backdrop for Chanel's celebration of elegance and athleticism.

Spotlight on Savoir-Faire: The Gold Slider Necklace

Among the highlights of the collection is the Gold Slider Necklace, an exquisite piece that exemplifies Chanel's commitment to artistry and innovation. Crafted from white gold, diamonds, onyx, and black lacquer, this necklace features a remarkable 5.19-carat asscher-cut diamond at its centre.

The creation of the Gold Slider Necklace is a meticulous process that begins with conceptualising its design, where sketches capture the essence of movement and elegance reflective of Chanel's sporty heritage. Artisans then craft a model from precious metals, carefully carving and sanding each detail before casting it in a furnace to achieve a sculptural volume. The selection of gemstones follows, with only the finest diamonds chosen to enhance the necklace's allure. Each component is assembled by hand, featuring an innovative sliding mechanism that allows wearers to adjust the pendant's position along the chain, offering versatility in styling - either as a double-row choker or a sautoir.

Finally, polishing and setting the diamonds require extreme precision to ensure that each stone is perfectly placed within its bezel. This results in a piece that exemplifies Chanel's commitment to craftsmanship and celebrates the harmony of beauty and functionality. 

As guests mingled amidst sparkling chandeliers and soft melodies, it was clear that this event was not just about jewellery; it was a celebration of artistry and elegance that resonates deeply within the world of haute couture. Each piece told a story - of heritage, creativity, and above all, the enduring allure of Chanel.

Also see: Chanel No 5: When Margot Robbie brings Gabrielle Chanel's vision to life in Luca Guadagnino film