Chanel No. 5 sculpture in steel lace – The Essence of an Icon

The Essence of an Icon: when luxury meets metal lace

With The Essence of an Icon, I chose to revisit the famous Chanel No. 5 bottle, a symbol of timeless elegance and refinement. Using my steel lace technique, I transform this iconic object of haute perfumery into a contemporary sculpture where the strength of metal meets the delicacy of an openwork material. Light passes through the structure, reveals its lines, and gives the bottle a new presence, between transparency and materiality.

I wanted to enrich this creation with five Coco Chanel logos, each enhanced with metal leaf in silvery, golden, coppery, and rosy hues. These precious shades contrast with the steel and bring rhythm and depth to the composition. The reflections shift with the lighting, revealing different facets of the work.

With this sculpture, I seek to create a dialogue between the simplicity of an iconic silhouette, the richness of metallic finishes, and the freedom of the material. The Essence of an Icon belongs to my range Intimate Sculptures and to my Bottle Collection. It offers a personal interpretation of a mythical object, transformed into a singular work of art where the world of luxury meets contemporary metalwork.

 

Sculpture specifications

Artwork title	The Essence of an Icon
Collection	Intimate Sculptures and Bottle Collection
Artist	Philippe Buil
Type	Figurative contemporary sculpture
Technique	Metal lace
Materials	Steel and metal leaf
Signature	Engraved on the base

 

Steel base, diameter 4 in
Height 11 in - Width 11 in - Depth 5 in

Learn more about the sculpture “The Essence of an Icon”

What does the sculpture The Essence of an Icon represent?

The Essence of an Icon is a contemporary sculpture inspired by the famous Chanel No. 5 bottle. Philippe Buil reinterprets its silhouette in steel lace and adorns it with five Coco Chanel logos covered in colored metal leaf.

What technique was used to create this sculpture?

This artwork is made using the metal lace technique developed by Philippe Buil. The steel forms an openwork structure that outlines the bottle and lets light pass through, creating a contrast between the strength of the metal and the delicacy of the sculpture.

What colors appear on the Coco Chanel logos?

The five logos feature different metallic finishes, including silver, gold, copper, and rose-colored reflections. These shades add depth to the composition and reveal different glints depending on the lighting.

Are the logos covered in real gold?

The logos are adorned with decorative metal leaf. The gold finishes are metallic gilding and should not be mistaken for solid gold. This technique creates precious, colorful reflections on the sculpture.

Does the sculpture contain perfume?

No. L’Essence d’une Icône is a decorative sculptural artwork inspired by the Chanel N°5 bottle. It is not a container intended to hold perfume.

Which collection does L’Essence d’une Icône belong to?

This sculpture is part of Philippe Buil's Sculptures Intimes range and Bouteilles Collection. It brings together the world of iconic objects and contemporary metal sculpture.

Why is this sculpture considered a contemporary artwork?

It transforms an iconic object from luxury culture into an original work of art. The steel lacework, openwork structure, and use of colored metal leaf offer a personal interpretation of the bottle, beyond its usual function and appearance.

How does light enhance this metal sculpture?

The openwork structure lets light pass through the steel. The cast shadows shift with the lighting and viewing angle, while the metal-leaf logos create silver, gold, copper, and rose-colored reflections. Side lighting can particularly highlight the relief and the delicacy of the material.

Where should a sculpture inspired by the Chanel N°5 bottle be displayed?

This artwork can be showcased in a living room, office, library, or space dedicated to art and design. A neutral background and suitable lighting can highlight its silhouette, openwork structure, and the reflections of its logos.

Who is this contemporary sculpture for?

It may appeal to contemporary art collectors, design enthusiasts, fine perfumery aficionados, and people drawn to iconic objects reinterpreted through art. It can also make an artistic gift for someone who appreciates sculpture and the world of luxury.

How should a steel lace sculpture with metal leaf be cared for?

It is best to gently dust the artwork with a soft, dry brush, without rubbing the metallic sections. Abrasive products, solvents, and harsh cleaners should be avoided.