“I was born under the sign of Leo,” said Gabrielle Chanel. Symbolizing strength, the lion has always metaphorically paved Gabrielle’s journey forward in life and every time the designer would return to Venice, she used to visit her favorite animal live.

Chanel’s first encounter with the lion came about during her visit to the capital of Northern Italy in 1920 with her close friend Misia and husband José Maria Sert. After the love of her life Boy Capel passed away, Misia forced her to leave Paris in order to prevent her from further grief and travel to Venice, the city guarded by its tall golden lion statues.

One early morning, one of the statues caught Chanel’s attention at a distance while she was entering Saint Mark’s square. Located in the basilica’s pediment, it had the air and poise of a conqueror. To no surprise, Venice is filled with symbols that have always been cherished by the French fashion designer. From gold, sun and stars to lions and salty air, Coco Chanel witnessed her renaissance there.

After making its first appearance in Chanel’s high jewelry in 2012, the Lion is once again the focus of the house’s latest jewelry collection, Sous le Signe du Lion.  Its power is unveiled through its bold geometric curves, which takes the form of a single gold monolith in the Lion Arty theme. As for the Lion Pépites theme, the curved lines are more drawn out, representing the lion’s lasting strength. 

Click through the gallery to see Chanel’s fierce Sous le Signe du Lion collection in full.

Mirella Haddad