Quietly romantic and imbued with nature-like references, the Diorexquis Chapter 2 Haute Joaillerie collection showcase in Langkawi was a garden of beauty.
Springtime florals, woodland creatures and little critters flock together in Victoire de Castellane’s latest high jewellery collection—the Diorexquis Chapter 2. Recounting Christian Dior’s love for enchanting landscapes, delicate natures and splendours, the collection sees bold volumes, intricate silhouettes and interplays of colours that create a profound narrative scene. Just like de Castellane’s previous collections, the Diorexquis Chapter 2 mashes up a whole universe with sumptuous couture details as a touchpoint. From opal doublets to plique-à-jour enamelling—a technique that creates a unique stained glass—and a play with gemstones, the fragile pieces entailed masterful artisans to create a delicious sentiment of exuberant gaiety.
Like any other jewelled marvels, these pieces demanded to be witnessed beyond the atelier’s white-draped walls. Dior, understanding that such ethereal beauty deserved more than hushed admiration in private salons, extended an invitation across continents and oceans to take a glimpse and try on the glorious pieces in the tropical island, Langkawi. A fitting backdrop for the nature-themed pieces, the Diorexquis Chapter 2 showcase unfurled forms of poetry in a room—housed in a spectacular villa at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi—decorated with rattan and wicker—swans, deers, rabbits and florals dancing together to create a scene.
The collection comprises fifty-four pieces, and as its name indicates, it’s an ode to the exquisite beauty of nature. The intention is personified by the Diorexquis Forêt Nacrée necklace, a group of soft florets decorated with a smorgasbord of brilliant-cut gemstones and surrounded by a deer and hare to create a graphic interpretation of the forest. Even pieces like Diorama Fleurs De Cerisier necklace hold various motifs together; squirrels nestled into a thicket of foliage and branches—set with diamonds. All of which is a rich seam of splendour.
Meanwhile, in other rooms, captivating high timepieces such as the Grand Bal Jardin Parisien and La D De Dior Buisson Couture were on display, showcasing how Dior bridges the excellence of Swiss watchmaking with the Maison’s jewellery savoir-faire. All of which had traces of flora and fauna that flowed beautifully together to create movement and beauty.
Lingering on for the whole week, Dior’s takeover at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi also welcomed the iconic Dior high jewellery prints and colour on lounge chairs and umbrellas, even on the foosball table and volleyballs, transforming the resort into a lush oasis—turning the resort into one of the most idyllic and sun-kissed settings. Even life-size woven rattan lions, cacti, palm trees and giraffe brought the wild beauty of the jungle to life. A travelling Dior café made an appearance, where specially crafted afternoon teas and dining experiences were present to indulge in. From smoked trout fingers and cream cheese with lemon zest to passion fruit cheesecakes and a “Kopi Melaka”—Melaka coffee, oat milk and palm sugar, every bite here was scrumptious.
Dior’s grand tour of high jewellery presentation culminated with a candlelit seated dinner, featuring toothfish gnocchi with truffle coulis and brown butter emulsion, accompanied by a strawberry meringue sphere with rhubarb, lemon and basil by the Michelin-starred chef, Thierry Drapean. The evening was capped off by a soirée shaking up the resort with colourful music.
Without a doubt, the whole showcase transposes De Castellane’s ebullient aesthetic into the exacting universe of haute joaillerie, designing pieces that glitter with all the excellence contained within the French ateliers. It proved that high jewellery transcends mere adornment—it becomes an immersive experience when paired with the right setting. By bringing Victoire de Castellane’s whimsical forest creatures and springtime florals to Malaysia’s tropical shores, Dior created a dialogue between French haute joaillerie and Southeast Asian natural splendour. The week-long takeover transformed the Four Seasons Resort into a living extension of the collection itself, where every detail echoed the maison’s dedication to craftsmanship and beauty. In choosing Langkawi as the stage for these exquisite pieces, Dior didn’t just showcase jewellery; they reminded us that nature’s magnificence, whether captured in gemstones or experienced in the wild, deserves to be celebrated with equal reverence and joy.
