Chanel is a luxury fashion house known for its timeless designs and exquisite craftsmanship. While the brand is perhaps best known for its iconic couture clothing and handbags, Chanel's costume jewellery is also a coveted aspect of its heritage. Throughout the 1990s, Chanel produced a range of costume jewellery that is now highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts. In this blog, we'll explore the history and design philosophy of 1990s Chanel costume jewellery.

The History of Chanel Costume Jewellery

Costume jewellery, also known as fashion jewellery, is a type of jewellery that is made from non-precious materials, such as base metals, glass, and plastic. It is often used as a less expensive alternative to fine jewellery and is designed to complement fashion trends rather than stand alone as an investment piece. Chanel first introduced costume jewellery to its brand in the 1920s, when Coco Chanel designed a range of jewellery that was made from inexpensive materials such as faux pearls and glass beads. These pieces were designed to be worn with her simple, elegant clothing designs, and helped to establish Chanel's signature style.

Throughout the decades, Chanel continued to produce costume jewellery collections that reflected the trends and aesthetics of the times. In the 1990s, the brand produced a range of collections that were characterized by their bold and innovative designs, incorporating a range of materials and techniques.

The Design Philosophy of 1990s Chanel Costume Jewellery

In the 1990s, Chanel's costume jewellery designs were characterized by their bold, statement-making designs. The brand incorporated a range of materials, including gold-plated metals, resin, enamel, and glass, and often used intricate detailing and finishing techniques to create a range of textures and finishes.

One of the most iconic collections from this era was the "CC" collection, which was introduced in the mid-1990s. This collection was characterized by its use of the iconic Chanel interlocking "CC" logo, which was incorporated into a range of designs, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The pieces were often large and oversized, and incorporated a range of materials, such as resin, enamel, and gold plating.

Another notable collection from the 1990s was the "Gripoix" collection, which was introduced in 1992. This collection was characterized by its use of glass beads and stones, which were set in a range of gold-plated settings. The pieces were often inspired by traditional jewellery-making techniques, such as Byzantine mosaics and Venetian glasswork, and incorporated a range of colors and textures.

Chanel also produced a range of pieces that were inspired by natural forms, such as the "Comete" collection, which was introduced in 1993. This collection was characterized by its use of star and comet motifs, and incorporated a range of materials, including rhinestones, pearls, and gold plating. The pieces were often delicate and refined, and incorporated a range of textures and finishes.

Influence on Fashion

Chanel's costume jewellery from the 1990s has had a lasting influence on contemporary fashion. The bold, statement-making designs of the "CC" collection and the intricate detailing of the "Gripoix" collection have both been emulated by other fashion houses, while the natural motifs of the "Comete" collection continue to inspire contemporary designers. The enduring popularity of Chanel's costume jewellery from the 1990s is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, as well as its ability to adapt to the changing trends of the times.