There are plenty of reasons why this Patek Philippe timepiece is all kinds of handsome. There’s the sunburst blue dial showcasing the baguette-cut diamond hour markers; the navy alligator leather strap; the centrally focused design with the double day/month aperture, date aperture, and subdial with moon phase indicator... When it is this good-looking, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work with the rest of your ensemble.
When Louis Vuitton launched its first shopper tote (it looks like a padded version of its paper bag but in leather) it clearly had the markings of a cult favourite. Since then Louis Vuitton has rolled out many variations. The Spring/Summer 2025 version though looks less like a paper bag and more like a top-handled briefcase with personality. The exterior is completely decorated with the season’s reworking of the Damier and comes with a leather tag nodding to the theme of the collection.
Loewe updates its Ballet Runner sneaker. While the original has more of a ballet shoe silhouette, Ballet Runner 2.0 has a more pronounced build with an asymmetric toe that gives more room at the front. Its textured rubber outsole also now extends to the toecap, giving a more ’70s running shoe look. All that to say, this version upgrade is a definite winner.
The Il Conte chore jacket is a great for travelling. Thanks to its cashmere, silk and linen composition, the jacket is incredibly lightweight yet still holds its shape well. Its minimalist design instantly elevates a T-shirt or shirt when the need arises. And that leather slip pocket within the right patch pocket is a brilliant detail that speaks to Zegna’s design ingenuity.
In less than two years, Tsu Lange Yor has grown to be quite a presence in the niche fragrance universe. Its latest release follows through with the brand’s unique blend of scents that are intimate and sensual. By Your Side is a balanced eau de parfum with a warm body that strikes first with the subtle sharpness of peppercorns before drying down to a pleasant woody finish. The best thing is, By Your Side doesn’t feel heavy.
In skincare, a product that does more than just one thing is a boon. Drunk Elephant’s latest concoction is a cream cleanser containing one per cent colloidal oatmeal rich in soothing antioxidant compounds to address skin redness. It also contains marula seed oil that helps to moisturise and nourish the skin. Couple all that with the Mello Marula cream cleanser’s low-lather formula, and you have a cleanser that can double up as a shaving cream while also caring for your mien.
While a full-length trench coat is classic, Burberry’s shrunken design gets points for its more modern sensibility. The look stays true to the brand’s signature design, including double-belted cuffs that are functional and add a touch of sartorial flair. The short trench is made for a slim fit, but you can size up and cinch the waist with a belt for styling options.
RIMOWA’s aluminium cardholder has a rather sexy mechanism that swivels to reveal its contents. It’s not exactly the most roomy of cardholders with the capacity to fit six standard-sized credit or business cards, but then again, who needs that many physical cards in this day and age? Consider this as a style flex—sleekly crafted with RIMOWA’s signature grooves and in the same material that’s made the brand a household name.
Since its launch in 2019, the Clash de Cartier has quickly become a recognisable staple for the brand. The unisex, punk-esque designs are now reimagined in yellow gold with the addition of the small model that features finer iterations of its clou carré studs and mobile picot studs. This means there’s now more ways to pair the Clash de Cartier pieces for an even more dynamic stack.
It’s not often that Hermès’ tableware feature illustrations that aren’t in the equestrian realm or realistic flora and fauna. The Kaorumi series of 15 pieces—plates, platters and a bowl—is designed by Japanese artist Ryo Takemasa, featuring a range of fruits in a play of symmetries. The colours are vibrant and the illustrations are so cool, you’d be torn between just displaying them or putting them to good use.
Photography: Jaya Khidir
Styling: Asri Jasman
Conceptualised by Louis Vuitton men's creative director Pharrell Williams, the Speedy P9 is a reimagining of the Maison's icon. While still respecting the lines and silhouette of the timeless original, the Speedy P9 is the more colourful iteration and crafted with supple leather that gives it its already-signature slouchy look. And that only means that the bag is perfect for just about anywhere and everywhere—making versatility speedy and easy.
Photography: Kim Jaehoon
Editor: Kim Yujin
Art Designer: Choi Jihoon
Grooming: Jang Haein
Assistant: Song Jeonghyeon
Model: Kim Hoyong
Given how TUMI is internationally known for creating travel and lifestyle accessories that not only function as intended, but also look good, it's rather surprising to know that the brand has only been around for 50 years. Sure, it may seem like quite a long time, but compared to other brands in the same space, it's still considered a young, growing brand. Yet, TUMI has managed to find its niche and developed a strong identity.
You would be able to immediately tell a TUMI bag or luggage apart. The 19 Degree series with its distinct sinewy contours decorating every facet, and the Alpha collection crafted from tough FXT Ballistic Nylon, are just some of the designs that have made significant impact in the luxury travel and lifestyle space. Together with the more female-driven Voyageur series, they're TUMI icons that are synonymous with the brand and are marks of its ingenuity to suit the needs of its ever-growing clientele.
It's no surprise then that to celebrate 50 years, TUMI has decided to highlight its icons in its latest "Made for You Since 1975" campaign.
"For our golden anniversary, we wanted to honour the core collections that have been the cornerstone of the TUMI brand—crafted with the intent of perfecting our customers’ journey,” says creative director Victor Sanz. “This milestone celebrates the future while embracing what our customers have loved most about the brand for over 50 years: longevity, effortlessness, functionality and timeless beauty. Throughout the year, we will continue to evolve and innovate, shaping the future of travel and lifestyle design.”
And we're already seeing what the next step is shaping out to be.
The brand has already released an expansion of its beloved 19 Degree line with the 19 Degree Lite. Like its name suggests, the 19 Degree Lite is the lightest version of the series, making use of the lightweight and hardy quality of Tegris—a material that TUMI is already familiar—as well as functional elements with a considerably lighter make. At its biggest, the 19 Degree Lite Extending Trip Packing Case, weighs 4.87kg as compared to the 19 Degree Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case in recycled polycarbonate that comes in at 5.56kg.
While we wait for more innovative launches to come from the brand, swipe for a look at some of the existing icons that serve as teasers to what you can expect from TUMI.
You stand in front of a mirror reflecting a carefully chosen outfit—the suit fits right. Lookin’ good, you tell yourself, as you adjust your collar one last time.
It’s date night and a fancy dinner is imminent. Through the open bathroom door, you glimpse your partner at her vanity, absorbed in her makeup ritual. You’re done getting ready but you don’t rush her—you know better. So, you wait. And when she finally turns to you—makeup perfect, hair swept just so—your eyes meet in a moment that makes the wait feel insignificant. Then comes the familiar request: “Help me with this necklace?”
It's a scene that plays out in the lives of many couples—the quiet, intimate ritual of helping your SO adorn that anniversary gift from a few years back. Sure, they could manage it themselves but there’s a beautiful tenderness in these small acts. What a shame it would be to let that intimacy slip.
Cartier certainly thinks so. Their Love Bracelet is built on this very idea: a band of gold designed to be secured by two with a special screwdriver to lock its screws. As a piece born out of partnership, it’s made to symbolise love in a way that is both visible and enduring.
This tactile experience—two hands coming together to secure two gold arcs into a single piece—was first introduced by Cartier designer, Aldo Cipullo in the 1960s. More than 50 years later, the core design philosophy remains. Its iconic screws, spaced evenly around the oval shape, are a hallmark of its construction, echoing the pioneering style of the Santos de Cartier watch which popularised men's wristwatches in 1904. Available in white, rose, and yellow gold, the juxtaposition between precious metals and mechanical aesthetics lends an androgynous quality to the piece that suits all genders.
Now, alongside the Classic 6.1mm and Small 3.7mm versions, Cartier introduces the Love Medium at 4.8mm. The new sizing offers a balanced width while retaining the bracelet’s distinctive oval shape, engineered to embrace the wrist with the same comfortable precision that has defined the collection for decades.
There is, however, a new evolution elsewhere. In today’s fast-paced world, where our partners might not always be physically present, screwing on your Love bracelet can be tenfold more difficult. Therefore, the latest versions of the bracelet now come with a hinge and a functional screw for solo wear, making it easier to put on and remove independently. For those who prefer the traditional approach, the original locking system is still available on the Classic variety.
At first glance, this new feature seems like a departure from the bracelet’s essence but, we think, it speaks to a deeper truth. Undeniably, romance is one of the most precious things in the world, although the self-love we have with ourselves is equally vital. The ability to secure the bracelet independently doesn't diminish its romantic significance; rather, it adds another layer of meaning: that the bracelet remains what it has always been—a beautiful embodiment of connection. Only now, it also celebrates the strength found in self-love, making it perhaps an even more powerful symbol of modern love.
You can still partake in the intimate ritual of securing the bracelet for your partner, just as you would her necklaces. Ultimately, it is the choice to engage in these small acts that carry true significance—not the obligation. Wouldn’t you agree?
When duralumin was first discovered by German metallurgist Alfred Wilm in the early 1900s, no one could have predicted that the aluminium alloy would change the course of aviation. And certainly none could have foreseen it becoming the hallmark of a German brand for decades to come.
Successfully claiming a colour or a unique design or even a motif is quite common for brands, but not many can claim a material like RIMOWA has.
Legend has it that in the 1930s, a fire completely engulfed a RIMOWA factory leaving nothing save for the aluminium. This incident inspired second-generation owner Richard Morszeck to turn to aluminium as a replacement for subsequent RIMOWA creations, instead of its foundational wooden designs. Morszeck had already toyed with the idea in the 1920s, having created the brand’s first aluminium trunk.
The thing about claiming something as part of one’s branding is the need for constant innovation in order for the association to stick. A brand can be known for one thing (let’s face it, RIMOWA isn’t just about aluminium) but it doesn’t mean doing the same thing over and over again.
Much like how air travel has changed since, RIMOWA’s aluminium creations too have evolved. Initial aluminium suitcases were trunk-like with no wheels (the horror!) before wheeled luggage became mainstream in 1972; RIMOWA introduced its first Roller suitcase with removable wheels in the very same year. Eventually, the brand streamlined its aluminium offerings into three series: the super sleek Original, the Classic with leather handles, and the polycarbonate-based (another RIMOWA invention) Hybrid framed by aluminium accents.
The brand’s iconic grooves became part of RIMOWA’s design language in 1950. Taking inspiration from the all-metal (duralumin, of course), made-in-Germany Junkers F 13 plane that was a significant aviation milestone, the grooves run parallel to the length of every RIMOWA piece. And while the grooved design remains as an identifying element to a large majority of the brand’s creations, it had experimented with other decorative treatments for aluminium. The limited-release Hammerschlag collection for example, was inspired by a Hand-Carry Case from 1966 that featured a “hammer hit” exterior. The textured surface reflects light in ways its flatter predecessors don’t while at the same time, minimises any obvious nicks and bumps of prolonged use.
Over the years, RIMOWA’s presence in luxury has been strengthened not only by its distinctive aesthetic, but also by its steely determination to stick to it while innovating. It’s no longer just a luggage brand; it’s a luxury mobility brand with the aim of creating pieces for every and any movement. The brand’s use of aluminium evolved from protecting travel necessities to keeping just about anything that matters to an individual. Aluminium has been shaped into specific functionality such as vanity cases, an attaché solely for mahjong, and a watch case fit for three timepieces.
Aluminium’s more wearable, everyday functions have seen it being transformed into a number of bags and accessories. The crossbody Personal bags—a crossbody and a sling clutch iterations—have become known for their mini-sized similarities to RIMOWA’s trusted suitcases, but cleverly designed with unique locking mechanisms adapted for heightened ease of use. The brand has even crafted aluminium into a sleek cardholder that opens with a rather sexy swivel, and protects against RFID and NFC technologies.
And if you’re wondering, RIMOWA hasn’t stopped innovating with aluminium. In the last quarter of 2024, the brand released two new aluminium expressions. The Original bag is the brand’s first unisex, multi-carry handbag that takes on the shape of a shrunken suitcase adapted to be carried as a top-handle, a shoulder bag or a crossbody. Then, there’s the limited-edition Original Cabin Optical with a new take on the aluminium suitcase featuring a truly mesmerising interpretation of the grooved design.
Where will RIMOWA go from here? It has already built its aluminium legacy and will continue to do so. Perhaps, like its high-flying inspirations, the sky is the limit.
Understated elegance is an underrated attribute, especially when it comes to bags. This Loro Piano Bale hobo bag in extra-large size has all the makings of a timeless piece, and versatile to boot. The shape is inspired by the brand’s unparalleled cashmere manufacturing, with a suppleness that reflects the quality and care behind every Loro Piana creation. This should be the only baggage you bring over to the new year.
Moisturised lips are a universal need, so imagine finding this limited-edition Hermès creation under the Christmas tree. L’Orange en Fêtes is a lip balm housed within a folded paper ornament shaped to resemble an orange and dressed in Hermès’ signature hue. It’s a simple touch of luxury that, if anything, reminds you that life may be full of uncertainties but the condition of your lips shouldn't be one of them.
There is reason why this particular Royal Salute expression is all kinds of huat. Firstly, there’s the hue of red that in many Asian cultures signifies prosperity and success. And then, there is the use of the finest first-fill French oak casks (a first for Royal Salute) to create a complex taste profile that appeals to Asian palates. Basically, this is what you should be toasting the new year (and Chinese New Year) with.
The Rush bumbag could be considered an entryway bag—one that’s left near the doorway and constantly packed with everyday essentials ready to go. It’s easy to pair with just about any outfit and the nifty top handle (something you’d rarely see on a bumbag) adds more adaptability to an already versatile piece. The charm is removable if you don’t fancy it, but the bottomline is this: we’re all about seizing new opportunities in 2025 and having a bag that’s always at the ready is key.
Whether they are prescription or reading glasses, it’s always nice to put a stylish spin on an essential accessory. This Oliver Peoples optical frame comes in a flattering lens shape that’ll suit most faces. The gradient hue is a contemporary take on simplicity in design, showcasing the frame in its very essence and highlighting its curves. Here’s to seeing and looking (better) ahead.
It’s 2025 soon and high time to get smart about how you are travelling. This Samsonite backpack and luggage combo is perfect for those quick trips, especially with the easily accessible compartments and expandable volume. The backpack is what one would expect of a thoughtfully designed piece that’s centred around functionality, but with the added boon of design simplicity.
If you do not understand the hype behind the Labubu plushie decorating bags the world over, let this Prada combination persuade you. The leather tote bag is roomy enough to be an everyday work companion (those wide handles are a nifty design choice). And when paired with the brand’s latest bag charm that consists of an abstract robot and utility cords, what you have is a carrier with the bells and whistles, but in wholly grown-up way.
Onitsuka Tiger isn’t just about its iconic sneakers. The Onitsuka line is the formal expression of Onitsuka Tiger’s Japanese craftsmanship and comfort tech, with a twist. Take these wingtip brogues for example. They are of a classic silhouette, set on a chunky outer sole meant for durability and enhanced cushioning. They have tweed inserts that are woven in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture and combined with the glossy finish of the Japanese Kobe beef leather, making them a pair to be treasured.
Canine elegance aside, there is something particularly appealing about this Dolce&Gabbana dog collar. Made out of leather decorated with a leopard print, it comes with a dog paw charm. It's quite perfect for your non-human bestie. Or (and we won't entirely be surprised) you might actually be persuaded to adopt one.
To tell, keep and make time for all that is coming in 2025, you are unlikely to find a timepiece as nostalgically handsome as the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921. It is designed to stay true to the spirit of the 1921 original, with that iconic diagonally placed dial that allows you to make quick work at telling time.
Nothing puts you in the mood of the season quite like the smell of woody effervescence. Maison Francis Kurkdjian extends its olfactory expertise to a limited-edition scented candle that celebrates mistletoe with a subtle one-two of musk and creamy woods. It’s calming, but not overtly festive, so you can burn it any time of the year.
As its name suggests, Byredo’s Desert Dawn takes you on a journey to the vast expanse of the desert with a warmth that’s felt with every spritz. The scent opens with the sweetness of cardamom and rose before the woodiness of cedar and sandalwood sets in. A body of silk musk and vetiver, together with the lightness of papyrus rounds off Desert Dawn for the right amount of depth.
Photography: Jayden Tan
Styling: Asri Jasman
Stock Images: Unsplash
Long before fashion houses consciously co-opted colours as brand identifiers, Dior was one of the first few to have incorporated the colour grey (specifically Trianon Grey or Montaigne Grey) as part of its visual vocabulary. Grey has become such an integral colour for the house that you’d be hard-pressed to find a single collection without the use of it.
It is said that Monsieur Dior’s fascination with the hue first began when he was establishing the couture house on the now-historic 30 Avenue Montaigne address. He drew inspiration from his childhood home in Granville, which featured hues of blush pink and grey. The latter, he regarded as a practical and neutral shade that’s elegant in every material expression from wool to tweed.
Grey continues to be a core element of the House and one that Dior Men artistic director Kim Jones refreshes time and time again. Across renewed menswear tailoring, reimagined bag silhouettes as well as modern classic pieces, Jones typically includes grey as a part of an item’s colourway. We reckon it’s equal parts to honour Monsieur Dior as it is exemplifying just how elegant the pigment truly is.
As one of Dior Men’s explorations of reimagining its icons, the recently released Dior Gravity series now receives a greyed out treatment. The embossed Dior Oblique motif is achieved through a delicate technique that marks the leather with the aid of gravity—hence the name. The latest iteration of Dior Gravity adds another layer of craftsmanship with a gradient of greys beautiful executed through a hand-spraying process. Dior artisans then cut, assemble and sew the elements one by one.
A duo of backpacks and messenger bags as well as a clutch are dressed in the gradient Dior Gravity. And just as how Monsieur Dior himself had envisioned, the distinct Dior elegance is apparent despite the pieces crafted as more modern, casual accessories. The Dior Oblique motif is slightly obscured as the shift from life to dark glides over each piece, adding a sort of dramatic subtlety—a kind of intricate element you'd find on a couture piece.
These days, it's no longer enough to be produce an It bag. The 2000s and their stylings may be back and experiencing a (rather long) resurgence, but the trendy mindset of the times aren't being adopted as much. We're more cognisant of our purchases—buying designs and pieces as investments instead of fleeting of-the-moment wants.
The Hermès Birkin has unwittingly become the benchmark for this enlightened approach to luxury fashion and it's not difficult to see why. It-bag status has been replaced with a flagship investment bag so tied to a fashion house that it's bound to be a perennial hallmark unaffected by trends; the Birkin's continuously sought-after demand and distinct aesthetic has made in an icon of design as well as status.
That's not to say that a fashion house like Balenciaga hasn't had hits or isn't known for a particular style. In fact, the Balenciaga City bag by former creative director Nicolas Ghesquière was an indelible part of the noughties that the House brought it back into rotation since 2021 under a rebranded Le City tag. It also became a point of reference for the Le Cagole line, featuring the former's signature studs. But a Birkin-equivalent, Le City is not.
What makes a bag worthy of being exalted to Birkin status, you ask? For one, a design that's quite unlike any other with elements you'd immediately associate it with. Like the Birkin, an icon hopeful needs to have a versatile everyday appeal and practicality while exuding a sense of elegance—you should just as easily bring it to the office and still stuff it to the brim with groceries and all manner of randomness. Then, there's the potential for it to age and age well, meaning that it has to be made with stellar craftsmanship and material. And of course, there's the aspirational pricing that offers some sort of exclusivity to owning one.
The Balenciaga Bel Air could potentially be Balenciaga's answer to the Birkin.
A completely new design by creative director Demna for Balenciaga, the Bel Air made its first appearance only this year and had already appeared in a campaign fronted by brand ambassadors Isabelle Huppert and Michelle Yeoh, and Naomi Watts in August. In the latest Bel Air campaign, Balenciaga positions the bag as a gender-neutral option with the XL iteration worn by model Kit Butler and Juyeon of K-pop group THE BOYZ.
The Bel Air is in some ways a follow-up to the Balenciaga Rodeo but packed with a bit more functionality. Unlike the latter, the Bel Air is constructed with gussets at the sides that unbuttons to transform it into a roomier piece with extended sides. The front of the Bel Air (like the Rodeo) is interchangeable as well between a clean exterior and that of a more relaxed folded front that's instantly recognisable. Space-wise, the XL version (it's also available in small and medium) is massive with a wide inner zipped compartment and a fully unobstructed interior space.
There's no denying that the Bel Air is well made too. It's crafted from smooth calfskin that's also soft enough to give that supple drape at the front. Yet at the same time, it's a sturdy piece. And going at SGD10,900 for the XL size, it isn't something that's easily accessible to a lot of people.
It may be too soon to predict how the Bel Air will fare in the luxury market. But given all that it has going for it, this could potentially be Balenciaga's next big thing, and if done right, it's very own answer to the Birkin.
The fact that Tod's has been around for over a century is not lost on those who have ever slipped their feet into its shoes, myself included. Tod’s time-honed expertise and craftsmanship of its artisans are apparent in the make and feel—from the iconic classics to newer iterations developed from its archives.
The deep dives are constant, and why shouldn’t they be? The brand’s heritage is founded on craftsmanship and referencing it only serves to further emphasise the quality of its creations.
For example, the T Timeless series is characterised by the T symbol, an iconic detail that has become an instantly recognisable identifier of Tod’s. It makes its presence felt on a slew of bags, shoes and accessories, both as a mark of the brand as well as a reiteration of the item’s timeless appeal.
The series consists of true Tod’s staples. The ever iconic Gommino loafers—the pebbled sole footwear that made the brand a household name—is branded with the T Timeless hardware that sits seamlessly on the shoe’s bridge. Then, there’s the T Timeless crossbody bag (seen here on global brand ambassador Xiao Zhan) is affixed with the symbol as a sleek buckle that adds a refined character to the clean lines of the bag.
Tod’s skilful way of designing and crafting timeless pieces is exemplified in its latest T Vintage shoes. As the name suggests, the new sneaker references the sporty styles of the ’80s and ’90s, with topstitched detailing to highlight its more casual aesthetic. The wedge sole is designed to provide exceptional comfort and support, lined with the signature Gommino pebble rubber sole for that grip and durability. The T Vintage is available in a number of colourways true to its sporty inspiration, but a duo of sleek, all-leather variations are understated elegance at its best.
Our possessions do get beat up pretty easily especially if they’re continuously used. But the thing with Tod’s is you can rest easy knowing that for the entire lifespan of your item, the design will stand the test of time. T for Tod’s; T for timeless.
When Bvlgari sought to create its snake-like Serpenti design, it turned to the Tubogas technique. The origins of the Tubogas is humble—inspired by gas pipes used to transport pressurised gas in the 1920s, which were corrugated as a result of metal wrapping around them for added protection. In jewellery, the technique was practised in the late 19th century, but it wasn’t until Bvlgari that the Tubogas became popular.
The time-consuming technique involves wrapping gold strips around a core structure in order to create flexible bands without the need of soldering. There is a characteristic bounce to the Tubogas, which also gives a rather comfortable fit around the wrist, as exemplified by Bvlgari’s first Serpenti watch introduced in 1948. The house’s artisans then continued to dedicate time in perfecting the technique by exploring other materials and incorporating elements as a way of experimenting with the unique intricacies.
Since then, countless other Bvlgari creations—from jewellery to timepieces—have incorporated the Tubogas technique. But it has always been just that: a technique synonymous with Bvlgari and an example of the kind of ingenuity the house is known for. That has changed with the Bvlgari Tubogas.
For the first time in more than 70 years, the technique has now been given its own collection, showcasing the distinctive striped look and its versatility across different expressions. The Bvlgari Tubogas collection takes reference from the first aforementioned creation by the house, with an almost exclusively yellow gold foundation that is added with extra flourishes. The collection’s four bracelets, for example, range from pure yellow gold at its simplest to a duo of variations decorated tastefully with diamonds—either studded or concentrated at the two ends of a cuff-styled bracelet. A tri-gold variation follows the simplicity of the all-gold but imbued with a more contemporary flair.
The necklaces are where Bvlgari takes it up a couple of notches. A majority of the designs are choker styles with the Tubogas used to create a sort of rigid flexibility. The shape of the necklaces stays fixed and contour the neck seamlessly without feeling... well, choked.
Just like the bracelets, they range from clean yellow gold to variations with diamond pavés. Three expressions up the ante by combining the Tubogas with another of Bvlgari icons, the Parentesi. Defined by the geometric motifs inspired by Roman pavements, they are set with a central precious stone—rubellite, tanzanite or green tourmaline—and surrounded by a pavé of diamonds as well as hard stone inserts. The Tubogas itself is reworked into a triangular shape that’s not only more complex to craft but visually adds volume and sophistication to the pieces.
Familiar Serpenti styles are revisited for Bvlgari Tubogas in the form of necklaces as well as a ring and bracelet. Each feature a more classic serpent head with diamond pavés echoing the coiling of the Tubogas in a sort of sinewy dance that is rather mesmerising to look at.
The final piece in the collection is a Bvlgari Bvlgari Tubogas timepiece. It combines the best of the house in a 21mm-gold case (there could very be a much larger, male-appropriate size in the future, who knows) fixed to a completely tubular rendition of the Tubogas—a nod to its humble beginnings.
Given the 16 different designs within the Bvlgari Tubogas collection, Bvlgari isn’t playing around with this new debut. The Tubogas technique is one of the markers of the house and to finally give it the spotlight that it rightly deserves has been a long time coming.
The Bvlgari Tubogas jewellery collection is now available in boutiques and online.
No, there isn’t a new artistic director at Berluti. In fact, there hasn’t been one since Kris Van Assche left the Maison in 2021. There is, however, a new CEO in the form of Jean-Marc Mansvelt.
Mansvelt has been in the LVMH Group of brands for decades. He had spent about 10 years in Louis Vuitton before moving to become jewellery house Chaumet’s CEO in 2015, focusing on storytelling to revive what was often referred to as the “sleeping beauty” of the jewellery world. And while high jewellery is far from the world of luxury fashion, Mansvelt is likely to enact a somewhat similar approach to Berluti as its CEO.
The Maison’s latest campaign is the first of what is certain to be many new directional changes for Berluti. Lensed by Bastian Archard, whose works often capture objects and people in a quiet and intimate manner, the 17-image campaign zeroes in on the Maison’s emblematic pieces. They’re treated like objets d’art—shoes and bags positioned on pedestals, while ready-to-wear pieces envelope and take on the personalities of the models they’re put on.
There’s no distinguishing the timeless Berluti classics from pieces picked out from the latest collections. It’s a strategic and artful approach to signal this new chapter of Berluti where seasonality is seemingly obsolete. Instead, the focus is on the craft honed by its artisans. A number of the images from the campaign highlight the design intricacies and details that are easily recognisable for those already familiar with Berluti, while serving as a reminder of the hands and artistry that go behind each piece. The tone-on-tone hand-stitching of the Andy loafers, and the sliver of the contemporary on the sporty-soled Fast Track leather sneakers showcase time-honoured expertise, and are essentially a snapshot of the artisans themselves. The scuffed up and worn out soles of a pair of Alessandro lace-ups demonstrate that Berluti’s pieces are meant to be lived in and remain dependable for years to come.
Perhaps, the most drastic change is the return of the classic Berluti logo. The serif typography has been revived, given due prominence with each and every campaign image bearing the mark—even alongside the Van Assche-initiated trademark onto the sole of a pair of boots. And like the creations it’s featured against, the emblem radiates character and renewed energy, a signifier of the history and upcoming stories yet to be told with the brand.
All that is to say: Berluti is home.
Do not think of Loro Piana as “quiet luxury”. The Italian brand has been around for 100 years and remains one of the foremost producers of top-quality fabrics used by every luxury fashion house from Yves Saint Laurent to Giorgio Armani to Savile Row’s own Huntsman. Anyone with a go-to tailor would be more than familiar with Loro Piana pre-Succession, as it’s constantly name-dropped by tailors as one of their offerings as a mark of quality.
Ardent customers of Loro Piana are able to distinguish a Loro Piana piece quite easily—if not by look, by touch. The incorporation of its signature vicuña colour as trims, the hidden touches of luxurious comfort (a pocket lined with cashmere for instance), the white soles of the Summer Walk loafers, and more are all telltale signs of a Loro Piana creation.
If you are part of the camp unfamiliar with the brand’s classics, the brand is making it easier to do so. The Loro Piana Icons series is a consolidation of 12 key styles the brand has introduced over the years, each originally designed for a specific activity and then further developed into everyday classics. Collectively, the Icons embody Loro Piana’s ethos of masterfully merging functionality, comfort and versatility through the utmost attention to detail.
Consider the Icons series as a mainstay capsule collection. Pieces like the Horsey (a jacket first introduced in 1992 for the Italian Equestrian Olympic team), the formal Spagna jacket, and the impeccably lightweight and roomy Roadster jacket can each be easily worn over the Polo Open shirt or the Neopolitan-inspired André shirt. Finish with the aforementioned White Sole series—choose between the Summer Walk loafers or the Open Walk boots—or the Sergio Walk loafers, and you are pretty much set.
The Icons series is rather outerwear heavy and there is good reason for that. Not only is the brand known for its quality fabrications, it has also come up with a number of nifty design elements and technologies to enhance functionality. Designed with numerous pockets and an adaptable back and waist, the Voyager jacket is also crafted from waterproof fabric to suit the needs of anyone constantly on the move; the Traveller field jacket is similarly constructed with a waist drawstring for that added versatility. The Storm System treatment is central to the Icer jacket—a cashmere ski jacket that is waterproof and wind-resistant—while Windmate makes the Loro Piana Bomber an indispensable sailing companion as it is lightweight and teamed with the warmth of cashmere.
To complete the 12-piece offering is the Grande Unita scarf. It is the oldest design in the series as it was one of the first finished products introduced by Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana in the 1980s. The cashmere scarf is undoubtedly soft to the touch and is the embodiment of timeless elegance, functionality and comfort.
There is no telling if the Loro Piana Icons series is set to grow in the future, including more of its designs into the fold. If there is one contender that could easily find its way into being an Icon it would be the Bale bag. The leather bag was first introduced in Spring/Summer 2023 as part of the womenswear collection, inspired by cashmere bales. For the Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear collection, the Bale is reintroduced in an extra large hobo style for men while still retaining its unlined construction and bulbous shape. And of course, marked by that steely attention to detail and functionality.
So is Loro Piana “quiet luxury”? At least, only to those not in the know.
