With its thick golden chains and bold, interweaving “YSL” initials, Saint Laurent’s Haute Joaillerie collection stands out. The house's entry into the world of fine jewelry leans toward the avant-garde, and away from the dainty, minimalistic items one might typically associate with heirloom pieces. Finally, the stylistically eccentric and aloof have options they can pass down.
Saint Laurent’s creative director, Anthony Vaccarello, who has by now established his fondness for statement jewelry, employed gold, diamonds, and other precious materials for this debut collection, which features bracelets, cuffs, necklaces, and earrings.
Ahead of the launch, the house looked through its archives, weaving in a number of well-known aesthetic touchpoints. The Cassandre motif, otherwise known as the house’s vertical YSL logo, has previously appeared on high heel shoes and handbags, but can be spotted here on bracelets and earring studs. Oversized chain links, which Saint Laurent has dubbed the Maillon (the French word for “links"), appear on a super-sized bracelet.
Saint Laurent is the latest luxury fashion brand to jump into the fine jewelry market, following the likes of Balmain, Gucci, and Prada, who have all launched collections in the past few years. Prices for this latest offering range from $790 to $48,000, for an earring stud and bracelet respectively.
The collection’s campaign imagery was shot by high fashion stalwart Juergen Teller. In it, the straightforwardly ornamental intentions of the jewelry are revealed, with sharply styled models nuancing Vaccarello’s runway designs with these sleek, sober accessories. For those looking to shop the collection, Saint Laurent’s Haute Joaillerie will be available at select flagship stores worldwide and is now available for pre-order online.
