Louis Vuitton’s latest high jewellery collection, Deep Time, takes wearers on a journey through Earth’s history, from ancient tectonic shifts to the evolution of life. Presented in Paris and later showcased in Phuket, the collection features 50 new pieces across 10 themes, exploring geological concepts like supercontinents and continental drift, as well as the origins of life such as DNA and plants.
Francesca Amfitheatrof, the artistic director behind the collection, explained her inspiration for Deep Time during its unveiling in Phuket. She emphasized her fascination with gemology and geology, drawing parallels between the creation of the universe and the evolution of life, which she found poetically depicted in the collection.
Amfitheatrof revealed that her experience living in a cave on an Italian island influenced the collection. She and her team embarked on an inspiration trip to the island, immersing themselves in its geological and historical richness. There, they studied with experts in geology, botany, and history, incorporating their findings directly into the design process.
The environment and experiences on the island profoundly impacted the creative process, Amfitheatrof noted. Rather than relying on conventional sources like Pinterest, she emphasized the importance of emotionally connecting with the design process through firsthand experiences.
The collection features unique stones, including moonstones and trapiche emeralds, chosen for their visual appeal and storytelling significance. Amfitheatrof explained that while the collection includes precious stones, she enjoys experimenting with unusual materials to create unexpected and captivating pieces.
Amfitheatrof highlighted the popularity of pieces featuring unusual stones, citing an example from a previous collection where unconventional stones received overwhelming positive feedback. She expressed her ongoing interest in sourcing and working with unconventional materials to create innovative and memorable jewellery.
In designing for Louis Vuitton, Amfitheatrof balances the use of ultra-precious stones with the desire to offer clients something distinctive and unconventional. She emphasized the importance of sourcing exceptional stones while also exploring opportunities to create unique and unexpected designs.
Overall, Deep Time represents a fusion of geological inspiration, artistic vision, and innovative craftsmanship, inviting wearers to embark on a timeless journey through Earth’s history with Louis Vuitton’s signature style and luxury.