The secret life of the great Parisian houses truly fascinates us. What goes on behind the plush carpets and the luxury of the sales floor, in the ‘back of the house’, where passion and luxury truly live. Equally intriguing are the private residences of the eponymous founders and star designers of these legendary manufactures, open only to the nearest and dearest, while the rest of us are left to imagine the chic that undoubtedly lurks inside. Over the years and through the ages, these ever-growing Houses have recognised the value of their rich heritage and from time to time we get a glimpse into these alluringly hidden worlds.
Such is the inspiration for the latest iteration of Dior’s classic Grand Bal watch. One glance at the intricate blue-and-white patterns on this slender 36mm watch is enough to determine that it belongs to the House, thanks to the recognisability of the beloved Toile de Jouy print. Monsieur Dior’s apartments were adorned with this print, it was also used in the famous boutique at 30 Avenue Montaigne and became the emblem of the House.
The Grand Bal Toile De Jouy takes on a whole new life with this print. Leaves, flowers and branches vie for space on the dial, bursting out of their two-dimensional world and throwing themselves at the wearer as they glide forwards and backwards, driving the automatic movement. The diamond-studded bezel serves as a dazzling frame for this pastoral scene, while the white mother-of-pearl dial is the perfect canvas for the Jouy print and branches of rose gold, steel, sapphire and diamonds that form the oscillating movement.
The watch comes with two interchangeable straps – in navy blue alligator leather for the more serious moments and in calfskin Toile de Jouy for those occasions when you just want to be happy and have fun. And who can’t feel joyful when this beautiful tribute to Dior codes is adorned on his wrist.
Source: MOJEH
