The life of Gabrielle Chanel continues to influence the collections put forth by the luxury brand after her name. From her childhood that helped inspired the dials of Chanel’s timepieces to matters of the heart, the decades of life spent as one of the most influential women in fashion continues to leave her mark. For its latest High Jewellery collection that was presented at the recent Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris, the luxury brand turned to one of the most significant men in her life, Hugh Grosvenor, the second Duke of Westminster.

The collection, “Flying Cloud” was named after the yacht owned by Grosvenor and carries a strong link to the nautical world. The luxurious four-mast vessel was where Grosvenor, a former lover of the designer, introduced her to the nautical world and the Riviera. Split into two parts, the collection was inspired by seafaring equipment, essentials and the nautical world while also channelling the nautical summer wardrobe that is commonly associated with life at sea. With a colour palette that ranges from white to intense blue and hints of yellow, there is no question that the sea was one of the many sources of inspiration. While diamonds and sapphires are the stars of the collection, cultured pearls that were cherished by Gabrielle Chanel are also featured in the designs.

Comprised of five lines, the collection also utilises various precious gems to bring to life the beauty of the ocean. In Precious Float, the brand has introduced life buoys in white gold, lapis-lazuli and cultured pearls. Sparkling Lines features ropes in white gold and diamonds while Yachting Day is made up of anchors that come in white gold, sapphires and pearls. Summer Cruise — stripes of sapphires, white gold and cultured pearls or yellow and white diamonds — joins Sunny Rope with its knotted gold and diamond ropes to round up the lines.

Of course, no high jewellery collection is complete without a standout piece and the ‘Flying Cloud” collection does not disappoint. Featuring not one but two standout pieces, Chanel showcases its expert craftsmanship perfectly. The first is a bib necklace that has a woven design in white gold, sapphires and cultured pearls and is joined by a supple rope necklace in white gold and diamonds.