Robert Goossens launched his jewelry house in 1950, and was quickly tapped to create couture fashion jewelry for Paris’ biggest houses. Cristobal Balenciaga, Elsa Schiaparelli and Yves Saint Laurent all enlisted Goossens’ talents, although, his most famous works are easily the gilded bronze and rock crystal sautoirs, large Byzantine cuffs, and pearl brooches he created for Chanel. “The house was always a bit atypical. My father and Mademoiselle Chanel really created the concept of vrai/faux fashion jewelry together,” explained the house’s current creative director, Robert Goossens’ son, Patrick. (Patrick’s sister, Martine, is the hand behind the furniture and other decorative objects you see in Chanel’s flagship stores). “The thing about [our approach to jewelry] is that it’s not a matter of price: you can go to the Place Vendome and see-not so-great expensive things, or you might find something fabulous at Monoprix,” he adds.
This season, Goossens has decided to reimagine some of its iconic styles (think braided metal belts, triple-strand necklaces with semi-precious stones, and chain-link chokers), and offer them at approachable prices (about $200 for a ring, up to about $1,300 for a heavy stone and pearl piece). “I want to make sure the Goossens signature is recognizable,” said Patrick. “Both for customers now, but also for customers’ granddaughters one day.”
Goossens’ Fall 2013 collection will be available the house’s Paris flagship at 42 avenue George V, and online at www.goossens-paris.com.
—Tina Isaac
Photos: Courtesy of Goossens
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