Acte V by Louis Vuitton

Acte V Louis Vuitton

During Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris last week, I was invited by Louis Vuitton to explore the new Haute Joaillerie collection: ACTE V at their newly opened showroom at Place Vendôme. Old sketch books from the house were also on show as well as the high-finished jewels in diamonds and brilliant stones.

V as in the Roman numeral 5 is the leitmotif in the house’s fifth high jewelry collection. V is also the modern ideogram,the Maison’s signature stylised by Gaston-Louis Vuitton during the Art Deco period, in which he was a major player, chairing the Exhibition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in 1925.

Here are some of the most stunning pieces of the new ACTE V collection, of which each jewel is constructed on the basis of a V:

Louis Vuitton-Acte V-Necklace-Black Opal

The Genesis Necklace
The cornerstone of the collection is presenting the V as in the shape of this pixelated gem, a 87.92-carat triangular Australian black opal.
White Gold – 1 Australian Opal: 87,92 cts – 1 Tourmaline: 8,60 cts – 1 Sapphire: 5,07 cts – 2 LV Star Cut Diamonds: 1,04 ct / 1,07 ct – Diamonds

LV-Acte V-Genesis Ring Sapphire

The Genesis Ring
This is another amazing piece of Vuitton’s new High Jewelry collection. The exceptional 20.94-carat blue grey Burmese sapphire was extracted from the Pien Pyit mine in Mogok valley.
White Gold – 1 Burmese sapphire: 20,94 cts – Sapphires: 1,44 ct – Diamonds

Cuff bracelets were the star items of jewelry in the ’20s and for ACTE V, they are crafted with an avante-garde aesthetic transporting the idea of women travelling and breaking free:

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The Apotheosis Cuff
White Gold – 1 Tsavorite Grenat: 16,51 cts – Onyx – Diamonds

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The Apotheosis Bracelet
White Gold – Diamonds

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The Apotheosis Necklace
White Gold – 1 Paraïba Type Tourmaline : 7,93 cts – 1 Emerald: 0,41 ct – Diamonds

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The Metamorphosis Necklace
Platinum – 2 Panjshir Emeralds: 5,29 cts / 4,23 cts – Diamonds

Below you can enjoy some exclusive behind the scene photos of the artwork behind such a jewel.

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In this collection, Louis Vuitton brings together extraordinary gems discovered after diligent searches the world over. This know-how is crystallised in a ring with a red Tanzanian spinel weighing over 20 carats, boasting a brilliance similar to that of diamonds:

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The Metamorphosis Ring
Platinum – 1 Red Spinel: 20,03 cts – Diamonds

With ACTE V, Louis Vuitton pays tribute to outstanding and hard to find stones, their quality criteria and the emotions they arouse. They are the soul of the jewel: at the heart of the piece, they make us dream and indulge in the beauty of their colors.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht

Trend Alert F/W 2011: Spice it up!

Spices

Don’t hold back with colour and spice up your F/W 2011 season. Infuse the hues of autumn leaves straight into your wardrobe. Blast away your winter blues with spice colours such as mustard, curry, russet, pumpkin orange and gingerbread brown, sure to keep your spirits up in the bitter cold.

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I put together some of my favourite pieces for you and included some photos that I took at the spice market in Istanbul. If you like something, just click on the highlighted designer name for an immediate shopping experience!

Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

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Spices 3

This mink shoulder wool tweed trench coat by Burberry Prorsum makes an amazing fashion statement during the cold season.

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Space

This felted wool coat by Space has a great price and is a classic piece that you will keep for many more seasons to come.

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What a stunner! Make a stunning entrance in this floor-sweeping gown by Roksanda Ilincic .

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Fendi has launched many It-bags during the last years, from the iconic “Spy bag” to the “Baguette clutch”. This fall, fashionistas crave for the Chamelon colour-block tote that will stay a must for next summer.

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Pair this standalone piece by Fendi with a simple black dress for high impact, low effort style.

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Channeling fall’s penchant for all things texture, this shaggy statement coverup by Maurizio Pecoraro will lend every wardrobe a hit of directional cool straight from the runway.

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Spices 6

Keep warm in style with Paul Smith‘s striped wool knitted hat.

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Take a playful approach to this season’s ’60s-inspired style in Gianluca Capannolo‘s bright wool coat.

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Carven Dress

Make a head-turning statement at cocktails in Carven‘s merlot wool-blend dress.

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Trenchcoat

Christopher Bailey breaks from tradition with a trendy spin on the Burberry Prorsum Meniconic  trench coat.

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YSL Muse Two

Yves Saint Laurent‘s “Muse Two” is a modern classic and a wonderful addition to every closet.

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Simple design can make the boldest statement and Nicholas King‘s jewelry pieces are an effortlessly directional adornment.

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Etro

Etro‘s metallic silk-blend lurex dress is the perfect piece for the imminent party season.

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Proenza Schouler‘s iconic PS1 Keep All gets an on-trend makeover for fall in Navajo-inspired jacquard. My absolute must!

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Detailed with a signature horsebit and buckle strap, Ralph Lauren Collection‘s sleek boots will make a polished addition to your footwear collection.

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Zanotti

Giuseppe Zanotti‘s killer heels spice up every outfit!

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Tap into a ladylike retro mood with this fur stole by Diverso Italiano that is your fast-track to statement vintage appeal.

Photos (spice market Istanbul): © Sandra Bauknecht