Coco Chanel Inspired Sautoir Necklace with Iconic Charms & Versatile Length
This exquisite Chanel Style Sautoir necklace offers a delightful interpretation for those of us who, like myself, deeply admire the iconic elegance of the brand and perhaps dream of owning an authentic piece. The Sautoir necklace, a long chain that can be draped and wrapped in various ways, initially gained immense popularity during the sophisticated Art Deco period in the 1930s. It was precisely in this era that visionaries like Coco Chanel were at the forefront of making chic, yet accessible, fashion the heartbeat of Parisian style. This particular necklace's design is clearly inspired by a Chanel collection from the circa 1990s, notably reminiscent of the Karl Lagerfeld era.
While genuine Chanel pieces from that period, such as the reported 1995 Fall-Winter or 1996 vintage long chain necklaces, were masterfully crafted with gold-plated chains and often interlaced with black leather, this necklace captures that essence with its own distinctive flair. It features a charming array of beloved motifs: the classic CC Logo, the famous No. 5, dainty perfume bottles, delicate Camellia flowers, sweet faux pearls, charming clover motifs, and even elegant stiletto charms.
As a devoted admirer of Coco Chanel's philosophy, one cannot help but appreciate the nuances of this piece. Many of these charms on this necklace boast lovely enamelling, where the authentic counterparts typically featured black enamelling primarily on the CC logo. The long chain itself is fashioned from a gold-tone metal with a subtle iridescent finish, a lovely contrast to the pure gold-plated finish of the original designs, and importantly, it does not incorporate the black leather weaving. Coco Chanel herself was known for her astute observations on fashion and personal style, famously remarking on the importance of a good heel a sentiment that resonates beautifully with the stiletto charms present here, bringing a touch of her timeless wisdom to this piece.
Importantly, this piece is not signed and therefore makes no claim to be an authentic Chanel item. Instead, it unequivocally celebrates the brand's inimitable style with its own unique charm and playful reinterpretations of those iconic elements that a true fan would recognise and appreciate. Measuring approximately 210cm in total length, this necklace is in very good vintage condition with no damage, making it an incredibly versatile accessory.
Its generous length allows for a multitude of styling options, whether it's wrapped multiple times for a layered choker look, worn long as a single elegant strand, or draped in various creative configurations. This piece effortlessly blends vintage appeal with timeless sophistication, ready to become a go-to accessory to instantly spruce up any outfit. It's perfect for the discerning individual in South Africa who, like me, appreciates the lasting legacy of Parisian chic and wants to add a versatile, eye-catching element to their collection without the premium price tag of a rare authentic find.
