Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1310803
Stellar Times M ankind has always been fascinated by the cosmos. From stage to screen, altar to scripture, we have gazed at the lights above us and wondered how to comprehend the vastness of the universe. In her second collection for Louis Vuitton, artistic director of jewelry Francesca Amfitheatrof has crafted an ambitious collection with the cosmos as her muse. Stellar Times explores seven themes through 90 pieces charting a course through space and time. The result is true alchemy, both grounded and otherworldly — a testament to the house's technical mastery and Amfitheatrof's vision, which makes use of diamonds, opals, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, spinals, and tourmalines to bring the heavens above down to Earth. Lune Bleue mixes diamonds and blue sapphires with intricate lattice work to evoke the moonlight glancing off the ocean. Apogée sees the designer zigzagging on her imaginary journey, using diamonds to create a fluid geometric line framed by tanzanites and aquamarines to invoke Vuitton's iconic V. Soleils finds Amfitheatrof turning toward the sun — the "fiery heart of the solar system and supreme catalyst for all forms of life" — via a checkerboard of diamonds and yellow sapphires, adorned with Sri Lanka sapphires. Astre Rouge looks toward the mysterious red planet, Mars, with rubies from Mozambique symbolizing light and energy amidst a fluid composition of diamonds. And that's only the beginning. The Stellar Times collection is truly otherworldly. Let's explore. At the Louis Vuitton boutique, louisvuitton.com. By STEVEn HEMpEL Louis Vuitton Stellar Times Lune Bleue necklace with sapphires and diamonds Soleils with white and yellow diamonds Apogée rings with tourmalines and diamonds 38