L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen
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CHOPARD – L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen

L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen

Swiss Haute Horlogerie meets Chinese zodiac tradition

Steeped in the aesthetic codes of Chinese culture, the L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen is the first L.U.C timepiece to display the traditional Chinese timekeeping system, Shí Chen. The animals of the zodiac that symbolises them parade slowly by on an Urushi lacquer disc, accompanied by the symbol of prosperity and its god Lu Xing. This creative new complication exists as an 88-piece limited edition. Its L.U.C 96.29-L Chopard Manufacture movement is housed in a 40 mm ethical 18-carat rose gold case of peerless symbolic and physical finesse.

Carved from a block of ethical 18-carat rose gold, the L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen is a talisman timepiece, an allegory of beliefs related to the Chinese zodiac and luck. It represents the first time that an Haute Horlogerie watch displays Shí Chen, the traditional Chinese time system, as a complication. It consists of twelve two-hour units, each one represented by an animal from the zodiac cycle. The day thus begins at 11pm with the hour of the Rat and ends with the hour of the Pig, while noon is in the middle of the hour of the Horse.

L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen

chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen

The Chinese zodiac bestiary enhanced by the art of Urushi

The procession of 12 animals slowly parades through a large aperture at 12 o’clock, enabling a dual time read-off: one traditional and the other based on the international system. This succession of zodiac signs also underlines the creativity and mastery of the Chopard Manufacture artisans. In addition, the dial and Shí Chen disc of this timepiece are made of Japanese lacquer. Faithful to Asian traditions, Chopard has worked right from the start with the finest Japanese lacquer artisans, who craft dials using the traditional Urushi lacquer technique.

The 88 dials of the L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen are produced by the workshops of the century-old Yamada Heiando company and crafted by Master lacquer specialist Minori Koizumi. In accordance with the distinctive Maki-e technique, gold flakes sprinkled between the layers of lacquer illuminate the 40 mm ethical 18-carat rose gold case from within.

A creation placed under the protection of the god of prosperity

At the centre of the L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen dial is the golden, embossed emblem of the god Lu Ying, who is one of the three deities – together with Fu Xing and Shou Xing – respectively dedicated to prosperity, happiness and longevity, symbolically summing up the characteristics of a full life. This star of prosperity also refers to fame and influence and is an omnipresent sign in Chinese culture, where auspices, symbols and representations playing on the nature of ideograms are essential.

 

A timepiece endowed with great technical refinement

To equip the L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen, Chopard has created the L.U.C 96.29-L calibre, an exclusive variation of the 96 family, featuring a disc that completes a full rotation in 24 hours. This mechanical movement with automatic winding is just 3.97 mm thick thanks to its micro-rotor, a small oscillating weight neatly integrated into the calibre. Made of ethical 22-carat gold, it boasts high inertia enabling it to wind the two barrels efficiently. The latter are stacked in accordance with Chopard Twin Technology and are capable of storing the energy necessary for the L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen to offer a total 65-hour power reserve. Once off the wrist, it will remain on time and accurate for more than two and a half days, the duration of a long weekend.

chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen

chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen

Chopard’s in-house approach to Haute Horlogerie

Chopard is a family Maison with a strongly ingrained philosophy of independence. The manufacturing stages of L.U.C. timepieces are carried out in-house at its production sites in Geneva and Fleurier.

Movement development, finished product design, gold casting, stamping and cases machining, movement parts and bracelets, as well as traditional handcrafted finishes, surface treatments, polishing, assembly, adjustments and quality controls: such is the comprehensive range of watch production operations fully mastered by Chopard and involved in the making of each creation in the L.U.C collection.

The result of meticulous craftsmanship, Chopard’s exceptional L.U.C timepieces meet the aspirations of today’s gentleman, speaking to him without the slightest artifice or pretention, and unequivocally conveying an ideal blend of artisanal skill and emotions.

 

Technical details

L.U.C XP Urushi Spirit of Shí Chen

88-piece limited edition in ethical 18-carat rose gold

Case:

Ethical 18-carat rose gold

Total diameter:                                                                                40,00 mm

Thickness:                                                                                        8.28 mm

Water resistance                                                                            30 metres

18-carat ethical rose gold crown with L.U.C logo                     5.00 mm

Vertical satin-brushed sides and inter-horn space

Polished bezel and case-back

Glare-proofed sapphire crystal

Exhibition case-back

Movement:

Mechanical with automatic winding                                            L.U.C 96.29-L

Winding via a micro-rotor in ethical 22-carat gold

Total diameter:                                                                                34.20 mm

Thickness:                                                                                       3,97 mm

Number of jewels:                                                                           29

Frequency:                                                                                      28,800 vph (4 Hz)

Power reserve:                                                                                65 hours

Disc rotating in 24 hours, representing the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac

Twin stacked barrels, based on Chopard Twin Technology

Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif

Dial and hands:

Dial hand-crafted in Japan using the Urushi lacquer technique with shimmering decoration for the main dial and the twelve signs of the Zodiac on the lower rotating disc

Central symbol of prosperity motif in ethical 18-carat rose gold

Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands in ethical 18-carat rose gold

Indexes and Arabic numerals in ethical 18-carat rose gold

Functions and displays:

Central display of the hours and minutes

Bracelet and buckle:

Black hand-sewn alligator strap with brown alligator leather lining

Polished and satin-brushed ethical 18-carat rose gold pin buckle

Ref. 161980-5001 – in ethical 18-carat rose gold with special Spirit of Shí Chen dial

88-piece limited edition

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Chanel – Coco Mademoiselle l’Eau Privée, with Keira Knightley

Chanel releases Coco Mademoiselle l’Eau Privée, a night scent; Keira Knightley fronts campaig

  

      

  
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CHOPARD – “Magari” jewellery watch A work of art from the Red Carpet Collection

CHOPARD

“Magari” jewellery watch A work of art from the Red Carpet Collection

Among the treasures in Chopard’s emblematic Red Carpet Collection, the “Magari” automatic jewellery watch vividly testifies to the Maison’s love for the most beautiful of all diamonds drawn from Earth’s natural bounty.

The creative soul of Chopard and initiator of its Journey to Sustainable Luxury, Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele celebrates the wonders of Nature through the new Red Carpet Collection. Among the 73 Haute Joaillerie creations composing this precious casket – a number honouring the 73rd Cannes Film Festival which should have been held in 2020 – the “Magari” jewellery watch pays tribute to on exceptional gemstones. Thanks to their unique expertise, the Artisans of the Geneva-based Maison have adorned the dial of this 40-hour power reserve automatic timepiece with a subtle corolla of pear-shaped diamonds totalling over 32 carats. Respectively set at 12 and 6 o’clock, a fancy pink and a fancy blue pear-shaped diamond weighing two carats each enhance this timepiece with an aura of purity and nobility. They have been specially selected for their brilliance and unique colours, spectacularly highlighted by their association with the white diamonds with which the rest of this jewellery watch is clad.

The dial is graced with meticulous micro-gemsetting, while the bracelet is also entirely paved with diamonds, resembling a river with its sparkling reflections running along the wrist. A tribute to the beauty of Nature and a dialogue with light, the entire “Magari” jewellery watch is made of ethical 18-carat white gold reflecting Chopard’s commitment to sustainable luxury.

In Chopard’s Geneva workshops, more than 30 talented Artisans have combined their talents in pushing the limits of feasibility – from lines to volumes, from goldsmithing to precious stones – to give life to the jewellery composing the prestigious Red Carpet Collection.

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Ice Cube collection Graphic and contemporary
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CHOPARD – Ice Cube collection

The Ice Cube collection welcomes new jewellery with the arrival of a series of bangles. Composed of rows of small cubes that have shaped the success of the collection’s rings, earrings and necklaces, they are the ideal fashion accessory to wear solo or with other bracelets. Nine variations are available in ethical 18K rose, yellow or white gold, interpreted in gem-set or non-set versions.

Ice Cube collection

Ice Cube collection Graphic and contemporary

Ice Cube collection
Graphic and contemporary

Graphic and contemporary

The art of stacking

With these Ice Cube bangles, Chopard is treating one of its most emblematic collections to its very own place within the jewellery stacking trend. Aesthetic simplicity and purity ensure that Ice Cube jewellery models can be mixed and matched at will while preserving their inherent elegance and light touch.

Ice Cube collection Graphic and contemporary

Ice Cube collection
Graphic and contemporary

To provide an abundance of combinations, Chopard offers nine different versions of the Ice Cube bracelet, available in three gold colours, with the outside of the small cubes either polished or else partially or entirely set with diamonds. They play as much on the minimalism and simplicity of their design as on the light bouncing off the multiple facets of these creations – designed to adorn both women and men.

Ice Cube collection Graphic and contemporary

Jewellery with an edge

The Chopard Ice Cube is synonymous with quintessentially contemporary jewellery; and the collection’s pared-down and deliberately androgynous graphic and rectangular shapes overturn traditional jewellery-making conventions. Created in 1999 as an assembly of small graphic cubes, Ice Cube offers a range of symmetrical rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets subtly mingling gold colours and light effects.

In 2017, Chopard proved itself a trailblazer in its choice of materials by making Ice Cube the first fine jewellery collection to be crafted from 100% ethical gold. Since July 2018, this commitment has been extended to encompass all the gold watch and jewellery creations produced by the Maison.

Technical details

Ice Cube collection

Bangle in ethical 18K gold

Ref. @857702-1006 – white gold

Ref. @857702-5006 – rose gold

Ref. @857702-0006 – yellow gold

Ref. @857702-1009 – white gold partially set with diamonds

Ref. @857702-5009 – rose gold partially set with diamonds

Ref. @857702-0009 – yellow gold partially set with diamonds

Ref. @857702-1012 – white gold entirely set with diamonds

Ref. @857702-5012 – rose gold entirely set with diamonds

Ref. @857702-0012 – yellow gold entirely set with diamonds

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Carolina Herrera – Make Up Products So Pretty They Double as Accessories?

HERRERA BEAUTY

Introducing the Carolina Herrera Make Up Collection, the very first line of ready-to-wear makeup : lipsticks, powder, mattifier and highlighter. Blurring the line between makeup and jewelry, this collection was designed to be shown off, not hidden. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Fully customizable, with a wide selection of shades and colours, and made to be worn on-the-go, each piece becomes a custom-designed accessory that speaks volumes about your personal style.

Makeup Products So Pretty They Double as Accessories?

Carolina Herrera - Make Up Products So Pretty They Double as Accessories?

Carolina Herrera – Make Up Products So Pretty They Double as Accessories?

Carolina Herrera’s first foray into makeup proves. This isn’t just makeup, it’s mini works of art.

We’re talking customizable creations that double up as ready-to-wear accessories and statement jewelry pieces. Choose your print, add charms, tassels, or letters et voilà – your lipstick becomes a chic keychain or trendy earrings. In the words of the Carolina A. Herrera, the brand’s Beauty Creative Director,

“Traditionally, makeup is something that you keep out of sight, whether on your bathroom shelf or in your vanity pouch. But it’s such a personal form of expression, why shouldn’t you wear it? Literally! We wanted to give women an opportunity to wear their makeup like a piece of fabulous jewelry.”

 

And if that wasn’t enough, leading celebrity and editorial makeup artist Lauren Parsons joined as Global Makeup Consultant to bring her beauty expertise to the creation of each product.

THE LIPSTICK

Enjoy a subtle dash of timeless color with Carolina Herrera Lipsticks. Choose from eight shades and hydrate your lips with the Sheer Lipstick; twelve shades for lips that look soft and smooth with the Satin Lipstick; or sixteen shades for vibrant color with the Matte Lipstick. Choose from ten prints, cap it off with the bangle and the letters, charms and tassels you love.

THE COMPACT

Illuminate your skin with the glow-enhancing, skin-perfecting Carolina Herrera Face Powder, Sculpt, lift and dazzle your skin with the buildable radiance of the Highlighter, and with the lightweight mattifier keep your skin perfectly matte without caking for long-lasting and comfortable coverage. Choose your perfect finish and don’t forget your patterned cases. Add the beetle ring to further accessorize your case with charms you desire.

Photo: Courtesy of Carolina Herrera

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DIOR – Autumn Winter 2020-2021 Haute Couture Collection

Art will always triumph in the end, even during these unprecedented times. Defying the Covid-19 pandemic, Maison Dior presented its haute couture collection for Fall-Winter 2020-2021 in an exclusive film broadcast live on its digital channels. Drawing inspiration from female surrealists, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior women’s collections, seized the opportunity to express alternative visions of femininity through the prism of the fashion doll.

Autumn Winter 2020-2021 Haute Couture Collection

“Surrealist images manage to make visible what is in itself invisible. I am interested in mystery and magic, which are also a way of exorcising uncertainty about the future,” says Maria Grazia Chiuri of her Fall-Winter 2020-2021 haute couture collection for Maison Dior. Taking inspiration from the work of artists like Lee Miller, Dora Maar and Jacqueline Lamba, the Italian designer champions less conventional versions of femininity. In their work, these artists transcended the role of “muse”, going beyond its merely aesthetic dimension.

The collection is embarking on a world tour in a magic trunk replicating Maison Dior’s historic address at 30, avenue Montaigne. The pieces are presented on miniature mannequins, a poetic emblem at the heart of the couture universe, which has previously been appropriated by artists such as Cindy Sherman, who featured this near-magical object in one of her first video projects. The fashion doll is also a reference to the Théâtre de la Mode, a roving exhibition of miniature designs by the greatest couturiers of the day, which toured Europe and America just after the Second World War.

This daring presentation represented a challenge for the Dior ateliers, which had to create flawlessly executed pieces on a miniature scale. Every handmade pleat and fold celebrates the beauty of an elegant, precise gesture, which is the very essence of couture.

Many pieces from the Fall-Winter 2020-2021 haute couture collection were inspired by nature, such as those displaying spectacular gradations of red, like a coral reef swaying in the glimmer of the ocean. The luminous, dreamlike hues of paintings by Leonora Carrington and Dorothea Tanning come to life on the designs of Maria Grazia Chiuri. The finale is equally dazzling, with a sumptuous wedding gown reviving one of fashion’s forgotten traditions.

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Saint Laurent Unveils The Solferino Satchel

Blackpink’s Rosé has returned for the second installment of Saint Laurent AW20 campaign, this time to showcase the newly launched Solferino bag. The must-have accessory of the season, the classic Solferino satchel exudes raw elegance and refinement, captured in cohesion with the delicate sensuality and haunting mystique of the K-pop sensation.

After finding success with birthing plenty of It bags at Saint Laurent – cue Sac de Jour, Cassandra, Lou, Kaia et al – it is safe to say that Anthony Vaccarello is a pro at knowing what women want with their designer bags.

Rosé from Blackpink stars in the new Solferino Saint Laurent campaign

Lensed by David Sims with art direction courtesy of creative director Anthony Vaccarello, the black-and-white video features Rosé, a favoured muse of the luxury maison, wearing a ruffled white lace blouse with the beige leather Solferino bag slung effortlessly over her shoulder. Comprising a rigid silhouette for a slightly retro edge and a shortened shoulder strap providing easy access to its contents, the Solferino is finished with the house’s signature monogram in a gold-hued tone, serving as both a mechanical closure and an embellished statement.

Medium Satchel Solferino in Opium Red Box Saint Laurent Leather

Available in a choice of two sizes and either smooth box leather, supple suede or exotic skins in a timeless choice of colours including black, ivory, cinnamon, and opium red, the Solferino is both the epitome of chic and a soon-to-be cult essential.

Medium Solferino soft satchel in Black Suede and Smooth Leather

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Rimowa Eyewear Collection engineered with travel in mind.

Traditions of craftsmanship and innovation come together for an eyewear collection engineered with travel in mind.

As a new generation of travellers emerges and our ways of moving in the world shift and evolve, so too must our travel tools. The brand’s first-ever RIMOWA Eyewear collection offers a distinctive new way to enhance the experience of modern, purposeful travellers.

Remember when Rimowa partnered with Garrett Leight California Optical (GLCO) earlier this year? Together, the duo unveiled the Essential Cabin Suitcase in white gloss, one that was sold along with a pair of sunglasses, a beach towel, sticker sets, as well as an exclusive luggage tag crafted especially for the collaboration. While those were limited-edition and no longer available for sale, you can now look forward to the upcoming Eyewear Collection by Rimowa, a chic selection of sunglasses that are part of the German luggage manufacturer’s permanent line-up.

Rimowa Eyewear Collection

Much like RIMOWA‘s emblematic grooved aluminium luggage was inspired by the fuselage of early aircraft, this new eyewear collection takes its design cues from aviation accessories and pilot essentials. Featuring ultra-lightweight frames in modernised classic styles like the Pilot, Square and Pantos, the RIMOWA Eyewear collection is offered in a variety of vibrant colours each crafted to match a select favourite luggage piece for a coordinated look.

The collection debuts with two sunglasses ranges, Bridge and Rim, that draw from the brand’s DNA translating its values into this first-ever eyewear line. Punctuated by signature iconic details like the groove, Monogram and rivets, the collection builds on the brand’s history of innovation while preserving a longstanding tradition of quality, engineering and craftsmanship.

Sleek and sublime are just some of the words you can use to describe the collection, and you will also be pleased to know that the sunglasses are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable while safeguarding your eyes from potential UV damage. Prices start from SGD450 for the Rimowa Rim (crafted from acetate) line and SGD480 for the Rimowa Bridge (identified by industrial-grade rivets and assembled by pins) line, which will be arriving in boutiques from 9 July 2020.

Each pair will be sold together with its very own Rimowa-branded protective case/pouch so that you can take it easily with you on your travels near and far. Because once you are allowed to travel, everyone will definitely be travelling near and far.

IMAGES: RIMOWA

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Bulgaria Summer Campaign ESTIVAL EVASION

Catch the light of Bvlgari’s most iconic collections, from the dazzling seduction outlined by Serpenti, even the feminine curves of Diva’s Dreams.

Freedom. Renaissance. Escape. After the global uncertainties and the long time spent at home, Bulgaria 2020 Summer Campaign The return of life to simple pleasures with celebrating!

Bulgaria Summer Campaign, world famous jewelry brand 2020

Happiness is always said to be hidden in small and beautiful things like the sun in your hair, the fresh air, the sensation of water on your skin or the appearance of floating flowers of colors that evoke all these senses.

Bulgaria2020 Summer Campaign. It refers to these small and simple joys that only nature can give, it takes you one step closer to freedom and it is a carefree life that we all dream of. summer feeling celebrating.

To capture the perfect moment and happiness. Bulgaria Young fashion photographer with strong women in Italy Zoe Natale MannellaSmart in collaboration with the most successful photographers, from Helmut Newton to Peter Lindbergh, iconic and stylist Alice who emphasizes confident Italian femininity the Gentilucc and Greta who captures the perfect beauty with her Varlese flaws with 2020 Summer Campaign met in

BulgariaThe source of emotions for colors. This season, when the newfound energy, excitement and vitality were celebrated, Bulgaria, charming 216 with a world-wide kaleidoscope of boutique Decorate storefront 940.

Striking, sensual and lively flowers, Bvlgari’s iconic jewel of evoking the brilliance and richness of the charming Maison’s unique color palette comes with designs. 2020 Summer Campaign lush green flowers opens the door to a world of hedonism and pleasure, as well as seeming to float on water.

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Wings of Light, Piaget’s dream

WINGS OF LIGHT

Capturing the splendor of lush jungle, Wings of Light embodies a flourishing natural utopia. Join us and discover this secret world that hides treasures that are impossible, and unforg

ENCHANTED FLIGHT

Among thick liana walls and regal palms, a universe of explosive shapes and colors awaits. Towering trunks and jeweled garlands swoop and weave like fine gold mesh. Rainbows of sparkling precious gemstones soar across feathered light. Branches flutter and fall, bedecked with lush leaves, vibrant flowers and rich fruits.

ENCHANTED FLIGHT CREATIONS

Take flight with majestic wings and vibrant feathers.

MAGNIFICENT HAVEN

Beyond cascading sapphire rivers and dense flora appears a clearing. Wild forest trunks are tamed, rough ground is pathed, fierce waters are calm pools: the heart of this jungle is a haven. A structure of meticulous skill stands, like a lasting monument to audacity and dedication. Smooth panels and clean lines mirror the balance of nature as earth, stone, and water unify in perfect harmony. Surrounded by the murmurs of jungle wilderness, here is a place of refuge.

MAGNIFICENT HAVEN CREATIONS

A moment of perfect harmony among regal trees, jungle pools and sleek structures with intense gemstones and surprising shapes.

ECSTATIC DANCE

A cool breeze softens the air as the sun melts to sizzling pink: change is on the horizon. Branches stir and whisper with excitement – while some rest for the night, others awaken. Bewitched by the lure of laughter, music and aromatic scents, curious wanderers find a sunset soiree. Future beloved memories unfold as electrifying stories echo through the night. This is shared joy: a captivating sight to behold, and one of life’s moments to savor and treasure always.

 

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