Dior Joaillerie, under the creative direction of Victoire de Castellane, has unveiled the first chapter of its mesmerizing Diorama & Diorigami collection, a testament to the Maison's rich heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship. This extraordinary line of high jewelry pieces draws inspiration from the iconic toile de Jouy motif, a symbol of French art de vivre and a key element in Christian Dior's original boutique, Colifichets.
Creative Vision and Heritage
Reimagining the Toile de Jouy
The Diorama collection, the first part of this enchanting odyssey, reimagines the toile de Jouy pattern as exquisite little frescoes, adorned with a captivating array of precious stones and metals. Each piece tells a unique story, inviting the wearer on a whimsical stroll through the garden of Milly-la-Forêt. From a golden rabbit leaping into a diamond-encrusted bush to majestic swans floating in a sapphire-bordered pond, the designs showcase a poetic interplay of flora and fauna.
Victoire de Castellane's artistic vision shines through in the intricate details and bold color combinations. The couture nature of the collection is emphasized by the presence of a fox, a squirrel, and a deer, each distinguished by the intense green hue of chrysoprase, a vibrant green gemstone. Yellow and rose gold foliage intertwines with lush shrubbery and flower beds, creating a sumptuous tableau that pays homage to the splendors of the natural world.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
The Diorama & Diorigami collection is representative of the exceptional savoir-faire of the Dior Joaillerie Ateliers. Each piece is meticulously crafted using the ancestral technique of glyptics, which involves engraving or sculpting precious stones to create intricate designs. The artisans' precise gestures bring the enchanting landscapes to life, with the Maison's signature lacquer enhancing the vibrant shades of emeralds, tsavorite garnets (a rare green variety of garnet found primarily in East Africa), and other gemstones. The collection also features yellow and rose gold, adding warmth and depth to the designs. The use of chrysoprase, a translucent green chalcedony known for its unique apple-green color, further emphasizes the Maison's commitment to sourcing the finest materials.
A Prelude to Diorigami
As a prelude to the second part of the collection, Diorigami, the Diorama line features a necklace, a ring, and a pair of elegant earrings that showcase flourishing greenery, further emphasizing the Maison's love for the plant world. These pieces serve as a tantalizing glimpse into the next chapter of this extraordinary jewelry journey.
A Celebration of Dior's Heritage and Identity
The Diorama & Diorigami collection is not only a triumph of craftsmanship but also a celebration of Dior's rich heritage and identity as a fashion house. The iconic toile de Jouy motif, which serves as the collection's primary inspiration, has a history that predates its association with Dior. Toile de Jouy, meaning "cloth from Jouy-en-Josas," originated in France in the 18th century. The fabric features intricate, repeated patterns often depicting pastoral scenes, mythological stories, or historical events, typically printed in a single color on a white or off-white background.
The production of toile de Jouy began in 1760 at the Oberkampf factory in Jouy-en-Josas, near Versailles. Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf, the factory's founder, popularized the toile de Jouy style, which later spread throughout Europe and the United States. In the 20th century, the motif experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in fashion and interior design.
Christian Dior, who founded his eponymous fashion house in 1946, was one of the designers who embraced the toile de Jouy motif. He used it in his boutique decor and incorporated it into his clothing and accessory designs. The motif became an integral part of Dior's aesthetic and has continued to inspire the brand's designers over the years.
By reimagining this classic pattern in the form of high jewelry, Victoire de Castellane pays homage to the Maison's roots while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of contemporary jewelry design. The collection's whimsical and enchanting nature also echoes the sense of fantasy and femininity that has defined Dior's fashion collections throughout its history, from the revolutionary New Look of the 1940s to the modern-day runway masterpieces. Learn more about the exclusive Diorama & Diorigami collection and availability at your local Dior boutique.