Cover Solange Knowles
Solange Knowles
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The extraordinary cognac house has engaged Solange Knowles, Guo Pei and Mati Diop to celebrate time
The secret to any masterpiece is the passage of time. From the rise and fall of empires to the greatest musical compositions and the human innovations, each decade brings about a new era of change as humankind progresses.
Whether it’s the birth of our universe or the seismic events that began and ended geologic periods, the aftermath of such events have resulted in the present conditions of our world.
Believing that time is its rawest material and wanting to pay tribute to it, Louis XIII has sought out the brilliant minds of three women: Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix winner and French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop of Atlantics, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Solange Knowles, and Chinese couture designer Guo Pei.
Together, they worked on an exciting film project, directed by Diop and starring Knowles who wears a stunning look that Guo spent two years to complete.
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The Film
The silhouette of Knowles as Mother Earth as she walks into the light, symbolising planet Earth turning towards the sun.
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The question of time is always in my container of consciousness while creating. In most of my own work, whether it be music, film, or sculpture, I try to give thought on how future generations will discover it.
Developed by award-winning creative agency Fred & Farid Los Angeles, Diop and Knowles combined their expertise in elevating the emotional depth of the film called Believe in Time. It aims to evoke the spiritual energy of Mother Earth. The score, composed by Knowles herself, was done in real time, beginning with one instrument and layering it with another to create a textured thrum that echoed the sheer power of their muse.
“The question of time is always in my container of consciousness while creating. In most of my own work, whether it be music, film, or sculpture, I try to give thought on how future generations will discover it,” the artiste states.
“And so, to be aligned on these ideas gave me great interest in the type of projects Louis XIII has been creating. I’ve been a huge fan of Mati's Atlantics and Guo Pei’s incredible craftsmanship and jumped at the chance to collaborate with them. Being able to bring all these facets of creation by composing an original musical score really brought this project to life.”
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Avant-Garde for Mother Earth
Guo Pei
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I aim to create heirlooms to be handed down from one generation to the next. With posterity in mind, I picture my creations as eternal, and precious objects that will connect our present with the future.
Inspired by Mother Earth’s entire being, the designer used gemstones such as tourmaline for Knowles’ sculpted bodice, the beautiful striations of blue, purple, green and gold evoking a strong sense of energy. Guo Pei explains that the bones of the earth are actually “the stones, gems or rocks”, making them the most powerful.
Known for her intricate detailing and sculptural works, the couturier translated that very skill into two spectacular pieces of art—a metallic globe surrounded by a bed of golden vines that curled skywards with delicate flowers blooming from the globe as well as a golden aura she embroidered with Chinese ancestral techniques.
“For the aura, I used gold. Gold represents light, energy, life and time,” she explains. “I aim to create heirlooms to be handed down from one generation to the next. With posterity in mind, I picture my creations as eternal, and precious objects that will connect our present with the future.”
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The Treasure of Time: Louis XIII
Above The Louis XIII decanter
The Louis XIII decanter
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And how does Louis XIII fit into all this? Since its inception in 1874, Louis XIII has always made it a point to always think a century ahead. Crafting only the most exquisite products, each decanter is the life achievement of generations of Cellar Masters. Today, Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau is setting aside the brand's finest eaux‐de‐vie as a legacy to his successors for the coming century.
The cognac is an exquisite blend of up to 1,200 eaux-de-vie sourced from Grande Champagne, the first cru of the Cognac region. It features exceptional aromas that evoke myrrh, honey, dried roses, plum, honeysuckle, cigar box, leather, figs and passion fruit. Last but not least, the legendary decanters have been mouth‐blown by some of the most skilled master craftsmen for generations.
For more information, email Cheryl.XIE@louisxiii-cognac.com.
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Credits
Images: Courtesy of Louis XIII
Usually found at home and one with her couch, Koy Yi would either crack open a good book or game in her spare time to wind down after a long day. She also loves to scour art conventions and book fairs alike when she's able, collecting art books of all regions to gain inspiration for her own illustrations. With a keen interest in people and the stories they tell, she enjoys a good talk and a good laugh (preferably over food). Follow her on her Instagram @peiyi57.
