In 1950, Robert Goossens opened a small goldsmith's workshop in the Marais.

coco chanel goossens Photographed by Cartier-Bresson / Courtesy of Chanel

In 1953, Goossens met Coco Chanel. Together, they revived Byzantine and Baroque style jewelry, and defied norms by mixing precious stones and metals with materials such as bronze. Meeting on a near daily basis, Chanel liked to call Goossens her 'Byzantin Barbare.'

Robert Goossens for Chanel, Steven Meisel, Vogue, May 2005

Chanel always encouraged Goossens' creativity. He continued designing jewelry for the house until her death in 1971.

LOULOU DE LA FALAISE WWD/Getty Images

In 1974, Yves Saint Laurent recruited Goossens to design his jewelry collections. With Loulou de la Falaise heading the accessories department, the fruitful collaboration lasted until 2000.

In 2005, Maison Goossens became part of Chanel's Métier's d'Art.

Chanel, 1960s

Yves Saint Laurent

'Roi Soleil'

S/S 1990

Robert Goossens "Rye" epis de ble table, ca. 1970 Gilt bronze, brass, glass

Table Épis de Blé

Commissioned by Coco Chanel

1970

Thierry Mugler

'Femme Fleur'

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