18K BEIGE GOLD
The signature gold color of CHANEL
Introduction
18K BEIGE GOLD is not just a color. First and foremost, it is a creation inspired by the vision of Gabrielle Chanel, for whom beige was a refuge: “I go back to beige because it’s natural. Not dyed.”*
The result of an alchemy between an idea and an 18-karat gold alloy, an expression of her imagination. To design a watch or a jewelry creation in BEIGE GOLD is to give it a distinctive radiance. The fulgurant power of a signature.
* *Claude Delay, Chanel Solitaire. Paris: Gallimard, 1983
18K BEIGE GOLD is an idea
In 2015, gold and beige were fused together and transformed into an emblematic new material: 18K BEIGE GOLD.
The emergence of this color, imagined by the CHANEL Creation Studios, represents a singular vision: the idea above all else. An embrace between material and spirit, which alone can give rise to a style. The vibrant shine of 18K gold is tempered by the naturalness of beige.
Each 18K BEIGE GOLD piece conveys a sensation. The shimmer of wet sand on the beaches of Deauville, the velvety feel of suede, in which Gabrielle Chanel liked to take refuge.
Wearing 18K BEIGE GOLD is more than simply wearing a precious metal. It’s wearing the color of an instantly recognizable CHANEL creation.
18K BEIGE GOLD is a style
BEIGE GOLD was created to make each piece a statement and is used in both watches and fine jewelry creations. This color of gold was first used on the bezel of the J12-365 watch and is meanwhile used in other collections, such as the BOY·FRIEND line.
The COCO CRUSH quilting motif etched into BEIGE GOLD has elevated this collection to the status of an icon. More recently, the most famous number of CHANEL has donned this gold color for collection N°5.
Beige is a signature color
Gabrielle Chanel always drew inspiration from her surroundings, especially nature. Her fascination with beige began with the wet sand on the beaches of Deauville, France.
Natural, universal, warm. Mademoiselle sprinkled this color wherever she could. On the facade of Bel Respiro, in the furnishings of La Pausa, on the suede sofas in her apartment or on the floors at 31 rue Cambon.
“Beige is the color of wet sand when the sea recedes.”*
*Jacques Helleu, Jacques Helleu et Chanel. Paris: La Martinière, 2005
Beige is present in nearly 150 of the House’s creations: the first jersey pieces from 1913, tweed for its ability to flatter the complexion, the two-tone shoes that elongate the legs. Beige was later expanded to cosmetics. The shade lends its name to one of the LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL fragrances, as well as the LES BEIGES makeup line. Omnipresent, this color permeates all areas of the House, inspiring the idea for this new color of 18K gold.
18K BEIGE GOLD is a creation
Initially the expression of a creative gesture, 18K BEIGE GOLD is distinguished by the subtle balance of its nuances.
Hundreds of samples were developed to perfect its brilliance. Composed of 750 thousandths of fine 18K gold, this exclusive alloy stands out for its sophistication and uncompromising quality.
