Store Stories | Goossens

Fashion : Love

19 April 2021

Because there’s no place quite like the Great British high street – from its niche independents, to seasonal pop-ups and those expansive yet elegant department stores – Because Magazine is on a mission to champion the bricks-and-mortar of London in all its glory. Each week, we’ll beeline to the rails of our favourite retailers to scope out the must-have pieces and in-store exclusives that are more than worth making an effort for. This week, we're at the Goossens Burlington Arcade store to find out more about what we should be wearing this season.

In 1953, Robert Goossens – the founder of his goldsmith atelier in the
Marais neighbourhood of Paris – met Gabrielle Chanel, who instantly recognised the young artisans talent. Since then, the French heritage couture jewellery Maison GOOSSENS, has established itself as one of Paris' renowned jewellery houses, and now, you can also find one of the stores in the heart of Mayfair.

Having opened April 12th in Burlington Gardens, Londoners can have a taste of the French savoir-faire that the Maison exudes. Alongside their SS21 offering, expect to find new pieces from the successful Boucle, Talisman collections, as well as the iconic objet d'art that Gabrielle Chanel encouraged him to make: a trio of lions in gilded bronze that hold a rock crystal globe.

The GOOSSENS boutique manager Joanna, and their sales associate Jimi, give us a tour of the store, and show us their favourite pieces.

What... a Talisman Poppy cuff and the Cabochons bracelet

Why... "I think they are best worn together because they contrast each other's features. The Talisman Poppy cuff is very detailed and sculptural, and it goes back to an art nouveau tradition of natural designs, motives and art, which you'll see a lot of in GOOSSENS pieces over the decades. A lot of tribute pieces have been created recently as an homage to Robert Goossens, they contain a lot of leaves and floral motifs, and you can also see that in the newest Talisman pieces.

The Cabochon cut is the typical way that we cut the stone, and every season we bring new colours. You have the clear crystal and tinted resin underneath that gives it the colour. Every bracelet will be different because every crystal will have different inclusions, so it's quite a unique piece. It's handmade and one of a kind, even with the metal items, because they are cast and then they are finished by hand, then they're dipped in gold, they're truly unique. They're really beautiful objects that aren't pretentious and don't desire the spotlight, and you can see from them how GOOSSENS really pride themselves on creating the best quality work."

What... The Snake ring

Why... "This is from a collaboration with Harumi Klossowska de Rola, she is a jewellery designer and it's the second collaboration we're doing with her. The first one was inspired by nature – we had fig leaves and pomegranates featured within it – and the second one is about animals. The two main animals in the collection are the lion and the snake, which are both strong, symbolic animals. The snake is biting it's tail, which in Japanese culture symbolises rebirth and the continuous circle of life. As Joanna said earlier, none of them are identical because they are all finished by hand. This one is quite a chunky ring, and it's actually the only jewellery we have in store that is meant to be for men, but we really encourage women to try them because they're beautiful."

What... a Stones Three Rows ring

Why... "This is the only collection where we use square cut stones. This includes lovely baguettes of clear quartz, it's very textured and quite chunky but it's an incredibly comfortable fit. You can easily wear it daily, and it will dress up an everyday outfit. It's very tactile, and it's something that you can play with – that's what I love about hand jewellery; because it's on your hand, it's something you can see and enjoy as well as being a beautiful addition to your outfit. You get the additional enjoyment of being able to look at it and play with it."

Visit the GOOSSENS store at 3 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair, London, W1S 3EP.