Sandra‘s Closet

Recently, I visited the Chopard headquarters in Meyrin, that is very close to Geneva. The Swiss brand that is known for its luxury watches and high end jewelry was bought in 1963 by Karl Scheufele, owner of a manufacturing company of the same kind in Pforzheim, Germany. At this time, Chopard had four employees. The Scheufele family brought their knowledge and talents to Chopard and brought the company to what it is today. An established still family-owned business – with around 2.000 selling points around the world – that produces 75.000 jewelry pieces per year, and that makes the mechanical movements and all the gold used for the creations in-house. Today, Caroline Scheufele, a gemologist in charge for the precious stones buying and the exceptional creations, along with her brother Karl-Friedrich Scheufele run the business.

Me in front of the headquarters, wearing a dress and scarf by Gucci, coat by Etro, boots by Balenciaga and bag by Céline.

After a brief introduction, the lovely team showed me around the different manufacturing stations. The photos below are taken in  the room where the beautiful Imperiale collection is made. It is very impressive to see how much work, love for detail and craftsmanship go into one piece of jewelry. And of course, the best part was, when I was able to try the stunning valuables on. My nail polish and dress matched the rose gold and the cushion-cut amethyst of the Imperiale ring (REF : 829221-5039) perfectly.

The Imperiale collection is inspired by ancient embroidered patterns and decorative elements of the East. This pattern recalls the refined craftsmanship and elegant designs of empires past, and lends an exotic twist to the jewelry pieces.

On the way to my favourite part of the visit, I spotted the famous Palme d’Or designed and hand crafted every year in the workshops of Chopard. (Do you remember when I went with Chopard to the Cannes Film Festival last year, if not, please click here).

Chopard’s diamonds have dominated the Cannes red carpet since many years. The high jewlery collections, designed by co-president and artistic director, Caroline Scheufele, are truly breathtaking. Some of my favourites are the Precious Temptations and the Harrods Disney Princesses collections.

At the artisan atelier, I spotted also some made-to-order pieces like this absolutely amazing dog necklace. The goldsmith had several sketches of a dog’s physiognomy and produced a wax model before making the final piece. It is absolutely captivating to watch the passionate craftsmen at work.

The culmination of my imperial day with Chopard was a lunch at the famous Bayview restaurant at the Président Wilson hotel in Geneva. (Remember when I was there with La Mer. If not, please click here.) Such a treat prepared by one of the most famous chef in the world, Michel Roth (MOF and Bocuse d’Or – 1991) who served a feast for the eyes and culinary delight. The dessert in the shape of a ring was so cute. Thank you, Chopard, for that wonderful experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

At the Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d’Or is awarded to the winner of the Best Film category every year.

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard, redesigned the prestigious trophy in 1998 – a delicately curved 18ct gold stem with a small heart at its base, reminiscent of the symbol of the firm. The stem is adorned with leaves appearing to have been caught in mid-motion and it rests on a crystal cushion shaped like an emerald-cut diamond. This precious detail makes each Palme d’Or unique, for Mother Nature never creates two identical crystals…

In 2000, the symbolic object was joined by two additional Palmes, identical replicas of the Palme d’Or only smaller. They are presented every year to the Best Actress and Best Actor staring in a competing movie. In 2011, the Palme d’Honneur, previously awarded sporadically, has become a yearly tradition. This sister to the Palme d’Or, mounted on a smoked crystal, is from then on awarded every year at the beginning of the Festival to an important director never before honoured in Cannes. All these trophies are hand crafted every year in the workshops of Chopard by its craftsmen. Please enjoy those beautiful photos of the making of the Palme d’Or.

LoL, Sandra

Wax Sculpting Step 1

Wax Sculpting Step 2

Opening of the Mould

Investment Casting Step 1

Investment Casting Step 2

Investment Casting Step 3

Palme d’Or Casting

Cleaning

Flame Polishing

Second Cleaning

Setting on Crystal

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard

Yesterday, I left for the Cannes Film Festival, a truly amazing adventure for me. I am invited by the famous Geneva-based watch and jewelry company Chopard, the official partner of the Cannes Film Festival for the 15th consecutive year.

The Palme d’Or, created every year since 1998 by Chopard’s craftsmen

In 1998, the President of the Festival asked Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard, to redesign the prestigious trophy, the Palme d’Or. Ever since, Chopard and the Cannes Film Festival have remained inseparable.

Caroline Scheufele drawing the Palme

You can see the details of my look on the arrival day below.
Printed satin-jersey harem pants by Balmain (please click here for a post on the print pants trend), white T-shirt by J.Crew, collarless leather jacket and studded Pyramide bag, both by Prada, black shopping bag by Chanel, studded ballet flats by Gucci and printed skull scarf by Alexander McQueen.

Stay tuned for some amazing photos of the opening ceremony last night. I could totally get used to walking on the red carpet. What an amazing event! Now, I am off to new adventures…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard and © Sandra Bauknecht