Chantilly Necklace

Lenka Suchanek

Dimensions

250 x 480 x 30 mm

Materials

Neckpiece: bobbin lace using black enamelled copper wire with Swarowski crystals; centrepiece made in gold-plated wire

Artist statement

‘I fell in love with Chantilly lace at first sight. I love its irregular free flowing patterns and shading of fine black silk. I love the feminine beauty and sensuality of the designs. In my own work, Chantilly lace continues to be the most difficult technique. The traditional patterns were designed for extremely fine silk, and it is a true challenge to adapt them for metalwork.

The bee design was inspired by the Alençon lace commissioned by Emperor Napoleon I on the occasion of his marriage to Marie Louise in 1810. It featured the golden bee, one of the emblems of France.’