This collection, crafted under the artistic direction of Francesca Amfitheatrof, marks her sixth high jewellery collection for the luxury house and features 220 pieces divided into 13 themes.
A Fusion of Innovation and Craftsmanship
"Awakened Hands Awakened Minds" showcases Louis Vuitton’s commitment to innovation and technical prowess. Each piece in the collection is an architectural marvel, with clean lines and intricate mechanics that are integral to the design. The complexity of these jewels, particularly the larger necklaces, required thousands of hours to complete.
Inspiration from Parisian Heritage
Amfitheatrof draws inspiration from 19th-century Paris, an era of invention and enlightenment. She likens her bold approach to the spirit that transformed medieval Paris into Haussmann’s orderly vision of the future. "France in the 19th century was a phenomenal time of incredible change, and when Paris really became the centre of the world," says Amfitheatrof. "The design language of 'Awakened Hands and Awakened Minds' reflects that—all its intricacies, complications, and innovations—turned into incredible jewels."
Highlights of the Collection
The collection's pièce de résistance is the Apotheosis: Coeur de Paris necklace, a tribute to the Eiffel Tower. This piece features a 56.23-carat deep-brown pink square-cut diamond set in a gold grid, echoing the iconic structure's iron lattice.
The Victoire necklace offers a literal interpretation of the Eiffel Tower, with a 15.16-carat DIF Monogram Flower cut diamond suspended from the tower's apex. Its design captures the architectural elements of the tower in a honeycomb of gold open-work.
The Elegance tiara reflects the dawn of mechanization with its graphic, interlocking patterns and a Monogram Star cut diamond set en tremblant, representing the delicate balance between force and frailty in human progress.
The Phenomenal necklace mimics the woven textiles of Parisian factories in gold, platinum, and diamonds, with a 5.07-carat Zambian emerald at its heart. The Séduction necklace combines decorative arts with industrial elements, featuring a diamond-spangled mesh choker bound with a thick gold cord, reminiscent of the ropes used to haul Vuitton trunks.
Modern Interpretations of Historic Themes
The Perception necklace captures the illusion of speed and dynamism with thick diamond-set chevrons forming a high collar, cooled by two impressive sapphires. The Frequency necklace continues the theme of modernity with a hypnotic repetition of Louis Vuitton’s flower motif in a paving of diamonds.
The Vision necklace, a direct reference to the age of the railway, features a striking geometric arrangement of diamonds and yellow sapphires. The 'V' of Vuitton and the metal rivets of its trunks create shimmering tracks around the neck, reminiscent of steam trains. This piece required 2,504 hours to complete by five jewellers.
Embracing the Spirit of Innovation
Amfitheatrof has captured the fervor of Paris’s golden era, transforming the zeitgeist of innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship into modern jewels. "Awakened Hands Awakened Minds" is a testament to Louis Vuitton’s enduring legacy and its forward-thinking vision in high jewellery.
