Chopard Imperiale 'Empress Jewellery Box' Collection

MTF introduces Chopard's 'Empress Jewellery Box' collection, launched at the Venice Film Festival 2015, featuring supermodel Hilary Rhoda. This piece extends beyond a simple product announcement, inviting readers to consider luxury watches as integral components of a broader lifestyle ensemble. The article delves into the historical context of Chopard's Imperiale line, highlighting its evolution and design inspirations.

Chopard and new Imperiale Muse, Hilary Rhoda, at the Venice Film Festival 2015

In a new advertising campaign, Chopard features the architectural beauty of the Imperiale jewellery and watch line; Supermodel Hilary Rhoda evokes this flamboyant femininity. American Beauty, Hilary Rhoda expresses the spectrum of emotions instigated by the Imperiale Collection for the new campaign staged by the photographer duo of Luigi & Iango. The first phase of three planned was launched during the Venice Film Festival 2015. The Star of the Show was a sequel to the Imperiale line: the 'Empress Jewellery Box'. This new capsule collection comprises five exquisite pieces - watch, earrings, ring, necklace and tiara – to be worn alone or together, a tribute to the flamboyant spirit of the Imperiale collection.  In Venice, Hilary Rhoda walked the red carpet wearing a selection of flagship pieces from the “Empress Jewellery Box”.

During cocktails, a preview of the film «  Viva Ingrid » was shown. This short film is a homage to Ingrid Bergman, an enchanting empress in cinematographic history.

Directed by her nephew Alessandro Rossellini, the film was co-produced by Chopard and Istitutò Luce-Cinecittà. The very exclusive and elegant dinner was attended by Hilary Rhoda, Juliette Binoche, Elettra Wiedemann – granddaughter of Ingrid Bergman –,  model/actor Jon Kortajarena and Roberto Cicutto – president of the Istituto Luce-Cinecittà.

PuristS Talking Point

I invite PuristS Ladies and Gentle-men to consider our watches not as isolated inanimate objects of desire but as part of our lifestyle ensemble.

Even men who crouch like Neanderthals and growling with machismo on the outside may confess to a small semblance of body image inside their heads, when they present themselves to the world. We've all grappled with lifestyle choices without realising it when we choose which watch to wear for each occasion....be it a 'beer & barbecue with the lads' or 'martini & canapes' at a PuristS cocktail party.

By the way, did you notice THAT dress on Ms Rhoda?

Imperiale History

In 1994, Chopard introduced the Imperiale Collection, redolent with the splendours of 'Empire'. Whether round, square, chronographs or gem-set, those Imperiale watches adopted an androgynous look for both men and women. The cases were sized generously for the era and the unique lugs set with cabochons ostensibly evoked Napoleonic columns. However, other design cues meant that the international clientele saw more of an affinity with Ancient Roman Emperors.

Since 2010, the Imperiale line has become a flagship range of Chopard's feminine watchmaking including mechanical and complicated movements of the highest Order. In 2011, the Imperiale watches inspired a new jewellery collection based on the interwoven three-dimensional rose or white gold lacework. The iconic gemstones are amethysts – the colour of emperors since the Byzantine era – that outline the decorative motif reminiscent of royal embroidery that embellished the insignia on hangings and cushions.

The new photos of the Imperiale campaign will be revealed in three phases so we can appreciate the passion for fashion, beauty and art, to convey all the strength and sophistication of the Imperiale universe. The muse chosen to give substance to this highly unique elegance is Hilary Rhoda. Previously, we were aware of her body of work with Sports Illustrated magazine and Victoria's Secret but now we see her in a different light.

Majestic, feminine and sophisticated, Hilary Rhoda embodies the Imperiale woman to perfection.

Originally from Maryland, on the East Coast of the United States, she has a unique ability to capture light and since a very young age has caught the attention of the greatest photographers and creators. It is therefore no surprise that Chopard has associated itself with the talent, elegance and beauty of Hilary Rhoda.

“Empress Jewellery Box”.

This capsule collection develops the iconic “Imperial” motif.
Chopard designed this jewellery version of an ideal wardrobe, where the 'empress' can mix and match the pieces to suit the occasion.

Ladies may only need to use their tiara once a year...certainly at least once in their lifetime at the wedding altar but the other pieces may suit day and night wear.
For a simple brunch, the watch and ring may suffice to create an ambiance of refined elegance.
At work, just the necklace alone can bring a little movement into play while maintaining a professional attitude.
In the evening, the addition of the necklace and earrings immediately infuse more stately majesty.

Informal events may require substitution with simpler pieces from the Imperiale Collection like watches without gemstones. This is possible because they all carry the interwoven flower embroidery theme.
The forward looking amongst us will, no doubt, have observed that Chopard is paving the way for the sculptural and precious development of the Imperiale line. It is amazing how a line of watches has blossomed into a whole range of jewellery.

The 'Empress Jewellery Box' consists of a pair of earrings, a ring, a necklace and a spectacular tiara featuring a design echoing the “Imperial” motif. With its rose gold arabesques adorned in diamonds and amethysts facetted and cut in harmony with this motif, the collection exudes an unmistakable sense of stately majesty.

Watch in 18ct rose gold, mother-of-pearl dial with Imperiale motif set with diamonds, bezel and lug covers set with baguette-cut diamonds (7cts), automatic movement, purple damask bracelet with tone on tone Imperiale motif, buckle with Imperiale motif.

The pattern is combined with diamonds delicately set on the watch crystal, admirably framing a circular-grained mother-of-pearl dial peeking from beneath its dainty curves. The exquisitely profiled hands sweep across this canvas and reveal the hour in complete transparency, infusing this object with the sublime sparkle of a jewel in the guise of a watch. The magic continues to unfurl on the case encircled by baguette diamonds, while the lugs are set with brilliant-cut diamonds picking up the “Imperial” motif. And to make this exceptional object even more unique, the strap is presented in a pleated purple damask fabric on which the collection’s emblematic motif appears in embroidery.

Earrings in 18ct rose gold set with diamonds and briolette-cut amethysts (7cts), amethysts (4.8cts) and amethysts beads.

Ring in 18ct rose gold recalling the Imperiale motif and set with a 6cts amethyst.

Long chain necklace in 18ct rose gold with an Imperiale motif set with diamonds, a 6.7cts amethyst and amethysts beads. Chain adorned with amethysts and diamonds.

Headband in 18ct rose gold with central Imperiale motif set with diamonds and adorned with a 6.7cts cts amethyst and 4 amethysts (5cts).

QUESTIONS  QUESTIONS  QUESTIONS
 

Just for my curiosity, when do ladies wear their tiaras? 

I remember a scene in 'Big Bang Theory' when Amy Farrah Fowler....oops, sorry...Dr Amy Farrah Fowler goes weak at the knees when a tiara is brought into view: "Ooo...a T-I-A-R-A; put it on me...put it on...put it on!"

But seriously, I can see this new Imperiale sequel running and running at the Box Office (sic). 

It's like building layer upon layer of the ensemble: wear just one piece to emphasise it's elegance? Spellbound? Notorious? Casablanca?

Or pair two pieces as a matched set? Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels?

Or overwhelm your audience with the Full Monty? 

Can I get away with another cinematic pun?

The best part of this is that our beautiful ladies can match their most important accessories....Chopard Gents...with our important trinkets

What do you think?

Regards,

MTF