Chanel, the iconic French fashion house, is renowned for its luxurious and timeless creations. From haute couture clothing to exquisite accessories, Chanel has always been synonymous with elegance and sophistication.
One of the materials that Chanel is famous for using in its designs is crystal. However, many people are unsure if Chanel still makes crystal items. In this article, we will explore this question in depth.
What is Crystal?
Crystal is a high-quality glass that is prized for its clarity and brilliance. It is made by adding lead oxide to molten glass, which gives it a higher refractive index than regular glass. This results in a material that sparkles and glimmers when it catches the light.
The History of Crystal at Chanel
Chanel has a long history of using crystal in its designs. The first crystal pieces were created by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel herself in the 1920s. These included jewelry pieces such as brooches and necklaces adorned with crystal stones.
In the 1950s, Chanel began collaborating with the renowned French crystal manufacturer Baccarat to create crystal pieces for their fashion shows. These collaborations resulted in some of Chanel’s most iconic designs, such as the crystal-encrusted Maltese cross brooches.
However, over time, Chanel shifted away from using crystal in its designs as it focused more on other materials such as pearls, diamonds, and precious metals.
Does Chanel Still Make Crystal?
While it’s true that Chanel doesn’t use crystal as frequently as it did in the past, it still occasionally incorporates this material into some of its designs.
One recent example is the limited edition Lesage Embroidered Crystal Bag from the Spring/Summer 2021 collection. This stunning bag features intricate embroidery and beading on a base of transparent PVC studded with sparkling crystals.
Another example is the Crystal CC Brooch, which is part of Chanel’s permanent collection. This brooch features the iconic interlocking CC logo inlaid with shimmering crystal stones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Chanel may not use crystal as frequently as it did in its early years, it still incorporates this material into some of its designs. Whether it’s a limited edition bag or a permanent collection piece, Chanel’s crystal creations are always exquisite and timeless.