Baccarat crystallizes place in fashion spaces with latest collaboration

February 6, 2023

An expert in illuminated fashion, designer Clara Daguin joins the maison for a special showcase, one that celebrates the brand’s luxury lighting assortment in innovative ways. Image credit: Baccarat

By Amirah Keaton

By way of a first-time execution, French crystal maker Baccarat exists in alignment with the very essence of the brand’s “timeless modernity since 1764” tagline.

For 250 years, the bastion of luxury home goods has delivered fine crystal in many forms. Today, a timely design partnership modernizes the maison, bringing state-of-the-art technology and classic designs to the fore.

Haute couture creation
A new video shows off the Bacarrat’s chandelier selections, crystal capabilities and general “joie de vivre,” showcasing approaches to lighting old and new. The brand’s partner of choice is an illuminated fashion expert and designer.

“Hello, my name is Calara Daguin and my job is to combine craftsmanship and new technologies through creation,” she says, using French throughout the film.

“That takes the form of luminous interactive pieces with a little embroidery and sewing work.”

Designer Clara Daguin teams up with Baccarat for a light-filled high fashion affair

In celebration of the French American creative’s spring/summer 2023 couture collection, Ms. Daguin was invited to show at Maison Baccarat during the partnership’s setting of choice, Paris Fashion Week.

A branded movie marries the initiative with behind-the-scenes footage showing the collection as it comes together, but particularly the highlight of the designer’s presentation — an exclusive Baccarat garment.

Ms. Daguin’s spoken contributions entail an explanation of the source of her artisanry. A six-month trip to India exposed the designer to a series of textiles and prints that piqued her interest.

The addition of light adds an element of energy to Ms. Daguin’s work. As it turns out, her medium makes for the perfect addition to Baccarat's lineup.

“Light, for me in my work, is to bring a lively side,” Ms. Daguin says.

Adorning the creation are tiny LED lights, which are individually hand-sewn onto the 300 total crystals used. Image credit: Baccarat

Already because it is in motion, but also because it works completely for Baccarat too,” she says. “It's really the flow of energy.

“That’s life!”

The designer is then seen piecing together the project’s flagship Baccarat chandelier dress, the result of light work, detailed embroidery and careful precision.

Adorning the creation are tiny LED lights, which are individually hand-sewn onto the 300 total crystals used. The treatment allows the entire piece to sparkle down the runway, in an ode to Baccarat’s own lighting fixture selection.

A series of symmetrical metal branches extend from the bodice and feature dangling stones. The resulting dress is one worthy of the haute couture runway on which it is unveiled.

Bespoke point of view
As of late, the maison has been busy with bespoke creations of its own.

One of Baccarat's bespoke chandelier designs is featured in its latest film. Image credit: Baccarat

A recent iterative effort with Guerlain combines the talent of the French fine crystal manufacturer and French jeweler Lorenz Baumer, in the creation of a sculptural homage to one of the fragrance house’s venerated symbols. Mr. Baumer designed a perfume bottle for Guerlain called “The Black Bee: Prestige Edition,” which features black crystal crafted by Baccarat (see story).

Meanwhile, the house's ongoing celebrations of savior-faire can be witnessed in a 2022 release, where Baccarat uplifts employee Jordan Kautz for receiving the title of MAF, Meilleur Apprenti de France, which translates to “Best Apprentice in France.”

A short film follows Mr. Kautz as he discusses his background and how it mellifluously overlaps with the ethos of the French crystal maker. In turn, the brand is able to spotlight its world-renowned crystalware in new ways (see story).

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