Tag: Hermès

SIHH Standouts: Highlights from the Geneva-based haute horology fair

No matter how nice a watch you got for Christmas or just which top timepiece you wielded as you ticked down the dying seconds of 2018 in Victoria Harbour, your head was probably half-elsewhere – almost certainly more than 9,500km away in Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland and – far more importantly – home to the annual Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH). An event that almost every true haute horologist across the world looks forward to, more than 20,000 of them make an annual pilgrimage to the Salon to see just what the world of watches has in store for the coming year…

Best watches from SIHH

As ever, the 2019 edition – the 29th iteration of the event – saw hundreds of dazzling dials, burnished bezels and marvellous movements all unveiled for the many keen acolytes of accurate timekeeping in attendance. While, in truth, every one was a wonder of watchmaking wizardry, seven superb, collector-friendly chronographs particularly stood out…

Cartier Libre Collection Baignoire Allongée Black
Cartier Libre Collection Baignoire Allongée Black

In a knowing nod to the rise of watch-minded women everywhere, Cartier opted to use the event as the launchpad for the latest additions to its Cartier Libre Collection. Multicoloured, multi-faceted and bejewelled to the hilt, each of these distinctly avant-garde timepieces was an apt celebration of the beauty of non-conformity, complete with a selection of unconventional bezels and dials that proved both sophisticated and playful.

Piaget Altiplano – 36mm
Piaget Altiplano – 36mm

Piaget, meanwhile, opted for a subtler approach, with its undeniably understated Piaget Altiplano – 36mm boasting a classic dark blue-white gold combination, while a selection of baguette-cut diamonds proved fine enhancements to its bezel and hour markers. With an ultrathin Calibre 430P movement as standard, this 36mm watch was made for the wrist of a truly femme fashionista.

Jaeger-LeCoultre's Master Ultra Thin Moon Enamel
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Ultra Thin Moon Enamel

Debonair gentlemen looking for a similarly uncluttered conceit were best steered towards Jaeger-LeCoultre’s elegant Master Ultra Thin Moon Enamel. Once again, a blue-and-white gold colour scheme dominated, with the watch’s handcrafted guilloché blue enamel dial an apt showcase of the marque’s artisanal skills. Just over 10mm in depth, its crowning jewel is undoubtedly its reworked 6 o’clock moon-phase setting.

Arceau 78 by Hermès
Arceau 78 by Hermès

Another fine example of the ‘less is more’ conceit was Hermès’ Arceau 78. A model first made public in 1978, this latest incarnation features a fetchingly grained anthracite dial, intriguingly ringed by a matte beat-blasted bezel. In a break from tradition, its numeral hour markers are slightly italicised, giving the look of a horse at full gallop. Dubbed a Very Large Model (40mm) and fitted with natural Barénia calf straps, this is minimalism to the max.

Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “Le Petit Prince” by IWC
Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “Le Petit Prince” by IWC

Moving to the somewhat sportier end of the spectrum, IWC had on offer a very special limited edition – the Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “Le Petit Prince”. Created in collaboration with the estate of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (the author of The Little Prince), just 10 such items will be made. The product of a truly unique partnership, it is both the first pilot watch ever to feature a constant force tourbillon and the first to be fashioned from a special, ultraresistant red gold. In another plus, its perpetual moon phase complication won’t require any adjustment until at least 2595.

Panerai Submersible Chrono – Guillaume Néry Edition
Panerai Submersible Chrono – Guillaume Néry Edition

Eschewing outer space for deep sea depths, Panerai introduced a timepiece co-authored with Guillaume Néry, the French free-diving champion – the Panerai Submersible Chrono – Guillaume Néry Edition. Combining performance, strength and reliability, its robust and waterproof titanium case, its unidirectional rotating bezel and its luminescent hour markers have all been designed with the safety of underwater explorers very much in mind.

Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “Camo”
Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “Camo”

And finally, rounding out this year’s list of SIHH standouts were the latest additions to Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore collection – the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “Camo”. Of the three new versions, it is perhaps the company’s first-ever brownceramic chronogram that merits most approbation. Crafted in pink gold and mounted on caramel-and-brown camouflage rubber straps, an extra-large Mega Tapisserie chequerboard guillochéd dial completes this 44mm watch’s rugged appeal.

Once again, SIHH did not disappoint, allowing all attendees a tantalising glimpse of many of the latest trends in global haute horology. From marvellously minimalist designs to super-sporty standouts, from artisanal avant gardery to precision-built mechanical marvels, no technique lacked a true showpiece, no style was bereft of a standard-bearer and no complication was denied its day in the Swiss sunshine. And, take heart, the next SIHH showcase is now just over a year away.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Untamable Spirit: Four amazing animal-themed watches for the wildlife lover

The mysterious allure of the untamable animals that populate our globe have long held a certain fascination for humanity, with everyone from jewellers and fashion maisons to artists and scientists all equally in thrall. And the world of haute horology is no different. Indeed many renowned watchmakers have all dedicated a segment of their oeuvre solely to animal-themed watches. From Year of the Pig-inspired creations to wild cat-dominated designs are some of the latest standouts that caught our eye.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Pig

Jaquet Droz – Petite Heure Minute Pig

Jaquet Droz is introducing an element of handcraftsmanship with its Petite Heure Minute Pig a true homage to the brand’s renowned skill at the ‘Art of Miniature Painting’. Housed in an attractive red gold case, the star of the show here is undoubtedly a hand-engraved and hand-patinated pig applique. Limited to a release of just 28 pieces, this collector’s-item-in-the-making seems the perfect wrist-sized memento of the Year of the Pig.

Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar

Blancpain – Traditional Chinese Calendar

Another timepiece celebrating the Lunar New Year’s new zodiac sign is Blancpain in the form of its Traditional Chinese Calendar. Building on its reputation for producing precision engineered perpetual calendar movements, this newest limited-edition watch features a lunisolar calendar inspired by the classical Chinese timekeeping tradition, alongside a more standard Gregorian date display. With the two time-division systems wholly unalike, it took the marque five years of research to develop a movement capable of measuring both calendars – a true haute horological feat that solidifies its position in our round-up of must-have animal-themed watches.

Vacheron Constantin Les-Cabinotiers_Wild-Panda

Vacheron Constantin – Les Cabinotiers Wild Panda

Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has also sought inspiration from the pantheon of Chinese wildlife for its Les Cabinotiers Wild Panda. Part of the maison’s exclusive one-off “Mécaniques Sauvages” range, in this instance, the eponymous panda and bamboo forest surround it have been carefully handcrafted using long-lauded technique of wood marquetry. With more than 300 individually hand-cut wood veneers of various shapes making up its vibrant fascia, its design is a true ode to the artisanal arts.

Hermes Arceau Awooooo

Hermès – Arceau Awooooo

Another must-have in our list of animal-themed watches is the latest iteration of Hermès’ iconic Arceau watch – the Arceau Awooooo. As its name suggests, the dominant animal motif here is the majestic white wolf that encompasses the majority of its 41mm fascia. Set under a night sky punctuated with a crescent moon and twinkling stars, the entire dial is the product of an intricate process of meticulous enamel work, polishing, painting and firing. Fitted with a white gold case and matte graphite alligator leather straps, just eight pieces will ever be made.

Exterior Superior: Outdoors, out of sight, but never out of style

            

 

As the temperature decreases, our layers have known to increase, but that doesn’t mean outdoor style must be forsaken. We’ve put together some of the most glamorous looks for your overcoat overcast needs. 

Outdoor Style LOOK 1

Her: Velvet jacket by ANIRAC; Halter-neck maxi-dress with chain from Hermès’ Resort Collection; Vinny high boots, Signature belt-bag, necklace and earrings, all from Chloé’s Spring 19 Collection

Him: Leather coat by Berluti; Shirt by Diesel; Pants by Sandro Homme; Ankle boots by Jil Sander

Outdoor Style LOOK 2

Her: Hooded jacket, knitted pullover, skirt, BV Luna crossbody bag and earrings with crystals, all from Bottega Veneta’s Cruise Collection; Booties by Sandro

Him: Leather jacket, printed T-shirt and jogging pants, leather bracelet, all from Hermès’ SS19 Collection; B-Way high-top sneakers by Berluti

Outdoor Style LOOK 3

Him: Hawaiian shirt, jerseytop, large Jaw hybrid bag, all from Givenchy’s Precollection; Trousers by Jil Sander; Hiking boots by Suitsupply; Leather bracelet by Hermès

Outdoor Style Look 4

Her: Checked suit and heels, both from Givenchy’s Pre-collection; Leather with ruffled top and miniskirt, both from Prada’s Resort Collection; Mini Roy bucket bag by Chloé

Outdoor Style Look 5

Her: Leather jacket and shorts, patterned cape-jacket, Miu Crystal suede bag, all from Miu Miu’s Cruise Collection; Leather long boots, earrings and cuff with crystals, all from Bottega Veneta’s Cruise Collection; Pendant necklace by Hermès

Him: Leather jacket with fur collar, shirt with jeans and shoes, all from Bottega Veneta’s Cruise Collection; Leather bracelet by Hermès

Outdoor Style Look 6

Outdoor Style

Her: Embroidered tartan shirt by Sandro; Leather jumper by Claudie Pierlot; Knitted collar by Jil Sander; Sweater by Diesel Pumps from Prada’s Resort Collection; Effervescence Gems Collection earrings and rings in 18K yellow gold vermeil with amethyst, both by Links of London

Him: Coat by Diesel; Down jacket by Canada Goose; Trousers and hiking boots, all by Suitsupply

Outdoor Style Look 7

Her: Jacket with skirt with fringes, both from Chloé’s Spring 19 Collection; Leather shirt by Claudie Pierlot; Heels by Givenchy; Ovals collection necklace and rings in silver, all by Links of London

Him: Checked coat from Hermès SS19 Collection; Sweater and suede boots by Suitsupply; Charm necklace by Givenchy; Pants by Sandro

 

Photos: Neville Lee
Art Direction and Styling: San Wong
Model: Rose @ Model One, Fedor L @ A1M Management
Makeup: Margaret Wong
Hair: Catherine Au-Yeung

Silk and Cuffs: Our top picks for men’s New Year’s Eve accessories

We’ve got the need-to-know for New Year’s Eve parties and ladies wear down, but worry not dear gentlemen, we haven’t forgotten about you. In a time where the suit is considered the lingerie for men, it can be almost too easy to dress to impress; throw on a tuxedo and your venture is done– we think not. That is why here at Gafencu we believe in the importance of a little frill in order to thrill, and New Year’s Eve accessories are in plenty with our marvellous selection of Gucci embellished belts and Hermès silk losanges to help you look dapper as you usher in the new year.

Christmas Spree: Affording you the greatest glee this festive season

           

As we draw closer to Jolly Old Saint Nick’s annual visit to our beloved city, it’s now the time to be rockin’ around the Christmas spree. Carefully selected by Gafencu’s staff are the perfect little prezzies to slip into your loved ones’ stockings, or perhaps even under the mistletoe to guarantee an extra holiday smooch.

Look 1:

From left: Confession refillable lipstick set by Hourglass; Provocateur eyeshadow palette from NARS’ Holiday 2018 Collection; Sunglasses by Alexander McQueen; Miu Cleo bag by Miu Miu; Cadogan Engine billfold wallet by Dunhill; Leather headphone case by Bottega Veneta; The Only One eau de parfum by Dolce & Gabbana; Valeria cuff by Chloé; J Box clutch with crystal stars by Jimmy Choo; Bunny Macrame charm in calfskin by Loewe; Evening slipper in patent leather by Dunhill

Look 2

From left: Cho Real Barocco mule by Roger Vivier; Varina ballerina and mini Vara Bow flap bag with crystals, both by Salvatore Ferragamo; Hot Tryst cheek palette from NARS’ Holiday 2018 Collection; Red Edition N°5 eau de parfum by Chanel; Panthère de Cartier sunglasses by Cartier; Talia sandal with crystals and feathers by Giuseppe Zanotti

Look 3

From left: Dice game in leather and wooden dice by Berluti; Duke zipped folio in metallic calfskin leather by Dunhill; Garden of Paradise parfum by Chopard; Villeret Grande Date Jour Rétrograde watch in 18K red gold case by Blancpain; Billfold wallet in multi-coloured intrecciato leather by Bottega Veneta; Leather case by Hermès

Look 4

From left: Multipouch in nappa leather, iPhone case in nappa leather, three glass orbs, all by Bottega Veneta; Zipped tablet pouch by Hermès; Foxley tasselled slippers by Jimmy Choo; Leather box with mouse motif by Loewe; Leather cardholder by Hermès

Christmas Spree

Look 5

From left: Grand Attelage gold-plated cutleryby Hermès; Barocco box clutch with crystals and stones by Roger Vivier; The Empressa Collection X’mas box gift set with Empressa eau de toilette and body cream by Penhaligon’s; Sequined Mary Jane pumps by Miu Miu; Twenty~4 Automatic watch in 18K rose gold set with diamonds by Patek Philippe;  Goldomania nail colour and Goldomania Loubilaque lip lacquer from Christian Louboutin’s Goldomania holiday collection.

Photos: Neville Lee
Art Direction & Styling : San Wong

Furry Fashion: Our top outerwear and wraps to embrace winter

With winter all but knocking on our doors, it’s time to bring out those jackets and coats for that perfect wrapped up look. But before you pull out last year’s outerwear, check out this season’s top outerwear looks. Maybe it’s time to invest in that outré outerwear you have been eyeing!

Choose from our top outerwear looks this season…

 

 

Behind the Scenes video

Photos: Neville Lee
Art Direction: San Wong
Video: Lai Ty Yeung
Models: Sylwai@AIM Management; Diogo@Primo
Make-up: Zoe Fan
Hair: Catherine Au-Yeung

Checkmating: The right way to wear clashing patterns

Wearing clashing patterns is like walking a tightrope, one false step and you land yourself in disaster land. But fret not, we have carefully curated a look-book for gentlemen which may prove to be a handy guide while navigating the tricky terrain of clashing patterns.

Look-book

Making Video

            

 

Photos: Neville Lee
Art Direction: San Wong
Video: Lai Ty Yeung
Model: Jo Y @Quest
Grooming: Chris Yu @Morphologique

 

Folly Bergère: Gallic-bred garmentry for the true Francophile

Europe, and especially France has always been considered a venerable mecca of high fashion, with more informed buyers always on the look-out for the latest trends from the ramps and showrooms of the European high fashion brands. This season, we bring to you a selection of the most coveted accessories to glam up your wardrobe…

 

Look the Part: Top five accessories for women this fall

After giving tips to the dapper gentlemen about this season’s top five accessories, we turn our attention to the fairer sex. It’s time for the ladies to sit up and pay attention, because we reveal the five must-have accessories for women this fall.

Moomin Marvellous

 

The Moomins X Strathberry collection is the latest offering to come courtesy of Strathberry, the Scottish luxury luggage label. Produced in association with the Finnish illustrator Tove Jansson, every item in the range features one of the Moomins, the ever-popular fairy tale characters Jansson created back in 1945. The most famous of these – Moomintrol – can be found traipsing across the collection’s East/West and Mini Crescent bags, with a series of mini-Moomins emblazoned across the more compact leather purses and pouches.

Uncommon Scents

Carat Eau de Parfum, the latest fragrance from those fine folk at Cartier, is said to charmingly encapsulate the finest and freshest floral notes from a selection of nature’s most evocative nose-pleasers, including hints of violet, iris, hyacinth, ylang-ylang, daffodil, honeysuckle and tulip. Clearly designed to not only satisfy just one sense, the scent comes packaged in the kind of cut-glass finery more usually associated with the company’s high-end jewellery. A true visual and olfactory treat, it’s a must for the dressing tables of all the most modish.

Pyramid Selling

While pyramids will always first bring to mind the long-dead pharaohs of long-lost Egyptian dynasties, nuzzling into second place, in terms of three-dimensional triangle association, is surely Hermès, the Paris-headquartered high-end, high fashion brand. Not only were these pointy promontories a recurring motif in the marque’s truly memorable Fall/Winter 2018 collection, they are now the defining element of its newly-released and elegantly eye-catching Médor Rock collection of watches, with each model coming with a distinctly pyramidesque dial-mounted gem. 

Amore in Store

 

With love always in the air among the most stylish and best-heeled, Bulgari, that most laudable of Italian luxury brands, is clearly looking to revive flickering flames of affection and to add a little added allure to any spontaneous outpourings of amore with its collection of limited-edition passion-themed handbags and heartfelt haute jewellery designs. So, if you want to declare your love with a Divas’ Dream pink gold necklace, Bulgari might well prove the middleman you’ve been looking for.

Gorgeous Grisogono

In a unique celebration of its 25-year history of eye-catching creativity, De Grisogono, the renowned Swiss luxury jeweller, has unveiled a commemorative collection of 25 stunning examples of bespoke, bejeweled innovation. Ably capturing a quarter-century of unpredictable affluence, the collection is awash with unexpected contrasts and finely-crafted counterpoints, not to mention astonishing stones, startling structures, artful aesthetics and, of course, the brand’s characteristic flair for the exceptional.

 

Fall-Winter 2018 Fashion: Part 2 of our favourite seasonal looks

Last week, we delved the Part One of our favourite Fall-Winter 2018 fashion collections, ranging from Chanel to Givenchy. Below, we highlight seven more of our favourite collections from the world’s leading haute couture labels. Here, androgyny and chic asymmetrical cuts meet flamboyant neon hues and more, with a limitless array of wardrobe must-haves that are sure to suit every fashion-forward woman.

Fall-Winter 2018 fashion collections part 2

Gucci

Gucci’s latest looks are all about embracing the outré with a smorgasbord of visually striking colours, patterns and textures drawn from the contrasting cultures of the world. For creative director Alessandro Michele, it was a statement as to how people draw on their experiences to construct their self-identity. He says: “We are the Dr Frankenstein of our own lives.” The stark, almost disjointed nature of the haute couture on display – from the ethnic-inspired headdresses to the heavily brocaded overcoats – sees Michele’s vision brought to full fruition.

Hermès

The French haute couture label seemed determined to eschew all things indoors and embrace country life with its Fall-Winter 2018 collection. This more athletic inspiration was perfectly demonstrated in its sturdy pencil skirts, cigarette pants, fashionable yet durable layered overcoats and no-nonsense leather boots. Subtly sensuous shades of beige, brown and yellow are interwoven throughout the line, giving it an entirely sleek, mature tone. Hermès’s signature pyramid shape – after its iconic Hermès Watch – could be seen in the detailing of the studs and as a dress motif.

Loewe

As one might expect at the onset of cooler weather, the vast majority of Loewe’s upcoming collection is dominated by sturdy overcoats, tweed suits and extremity-cladding long dresses. But amidst more sombre offerings, creative designer Jonathan Anderson has thrown in a few surprisingly tongue-in-cheek flourishes. Take, for example, the white bra affixed to a sombre patterned gown, or the cut-out column dress held together by a tangle of colourful threads. The artistic melding of these two disparate styles perfectly demonstrates Anderson’s deft hand at creating playful yet functional apparel.

Louis Vuitton

In stark contrast to last season’s ostentatious, Baroque-inspired designs, Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquière has railed against his own typical flamboyance and opted for a more downto- earth new look. However, his outfits all offer that little bit of eye-catching detail, be it the ’80s-style shoulders of a suit jacket or the intentionally jarring pairing of bright colours and a monochrome tweed. Ghesquière’s more contained collection, inspired by the French women who surrounded him while growing up, encapsulates the sophistication of the female entrepreneurial spirit.

Prada

Femininity, sexuality and empowerment were the central motifs of Prada’s Fall-Winter 2018 collection. As a protest against how women are expected to be vanilla by day yet seductive by night, Miuccia Prada has addressed “the constant struggle between femininity and being strong” by ramping up all things feminine to an almost violent extent. Silky dresses are paired with armour-like corsets, while unassuming pastel hues have transformed into blinding neon shades, paired liberally with unapologetically loud patterns, all reinforcing the notion that pretty and powerful can, indeed, be a perfect pairing.

Salvatore Ferragamo

There’s an unmistakably androgynous air to Ferragamo’s newest designs. The latest collection – the first with Paul Andrew as creative director – was created alongside the menswear line by designer Guillaume Meilland. “We started the entire process together. Everything we’ve done from the colour palette to the fabric selection – there was a guy and a girl there all the time,” says Andrew. Small wonder, then, that his models are draped in silhouette-hiding trenches, high-waisted baggy trousers and workmen’s boots. Even the leather handbags are in monochrome hues.

Versace

Donatella Versace has exiled the Baroque prints that dominated last season’s catwalks and welcomed in another, no less vibrant pattern to punctuate her Fall-Winter 2018 designs – the Scottish tartan. From cropped jackets and slinky dresses to voluminous skirts and stiletto shoewear, this classic Highlander motif graces almost every piece. There’s also a hint of the casual running throughout, with T-shirts emblazoned with the Versace logo peeking through, lending a laidback aura to the highbrow designs.

Text: Tenzing Thondup