A new wave
Inspired by the city of light, Cartier’s Paris Nouvelle Collection consists of seven lines that take cues from 1930s Parisian architecture and its namesake French film movement. Designed to embody the freethinking, joyful and mysterious spirit of Parisian women, each line represents a Parisian femme, from “Glamorous” and “Sparkling” to “Voluptuous” and “Mischievous”.
The collection includes bracelets of black lacquer, and diamonds and rings bedazzled in cabochons of lapis lazuli and aquamarine. Our personal favourite is the Vague ring in 18-carat white gold, set with blue chalcedony and 93 diamonds. $POA; www.cartier.com
Planting the seeds of time
Rendez-Vous Ivy Secret is the first jewellery watch to join Jaeger-LeCoulture’s Rendez-Vous Ivy line of timepieces. Inspired by an original model from the 1960s, the exquisite 304-diamond, white gold watch exudes the collection’s feminine qualities, while remaining faithful to the heritage of the grand maison.
The gently domed cover is encrusted with a dazzling array of brilliant baguette- and marquise-cut diamonds outlined in the shape of a flower, and opens to reveal the time. The dial is engraved with the collection’s distinctive ivy motif (symbolic of loyalty and respect), with each leaf painted by hand. US$280,415; www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
A fragrant brew
Even perfume houses can’t seem to stop at one cup of tea. Thé Bleu is the fourth fragrance in the tea series from Bulgari, which includes Thé Vert, Thé Blanc and Thé Rouge. Signed by master perfumer Daniela Andrier, the unisex cologne is an airy, floral aroma from China’s Fujian Mountains with notes of lavender and iris.
Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert marked the start of Bulgari’s unexpected entry into the world of fragrances and it stands the test of time, bursting with freshness inspired by Japanese green tea, citrus and floral aromas. One spray or two? 150 ml bottle, US$175; www.bulgari.com
Treat yourself
Chopard’s Temptations Collection looks good enough to eat - bursting with a kaliedoscope of mouthwatering colours, from rubellites, amethysts, kunzites, emeralds and tsavorites, each piece is crafted in sovereign precious stones by the maison’s Geneva ateliers.
These white gold earrings, set with two pear-shaped aquamarines and a smattering of delectable diamonds, are pretty irresistable. $POA www.chopard.com
Delicate beauty
Porcelain is no longer reserved for tea time. Or at least that’s the case with Van Cleef & Arpels’ new limited-edition Alhambra pendant. Reincarnated every year, this edition combines pink gold, light pink Sèvres porcelain and diamonds.
The delicately feminine vintage piece is the result of a collaboration between the maison and historic porcelain specialists, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, which painstakingly crafted the porcelain using some 20 techniques. For an extra-special touch, you can even personalise the pendant with a name, date or message. $POA; www.vancleefarpels.com
Chanel crush
Fans of Chanel’s iconic quilted bags will be drooling over the luxury brand’s latest jewellery line, Coco Crush, inspired by the matelassé stitching technique, a signature feature in many Chanel products.
The six-piece collection features five rings and a chunky cuff bracelet in 18-carat yellow and white gold, each delicately engraved with diamond quilting. And for the first time in Chanel history, the limited-edition capsule collection will be available to buy online as Net-a-Porter launches a dedicated pop-up shop three weeks prior to its official debut in Chanel boutiques. Get clicking. US$POA; www.net-a-porter.com
Time flies
The limited-edition Breitling Navitimer AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) is the ultimate timepiece for aviation enthusiasts and collectors. Designed as a tribute to the 1950s original, the watch is limited to just 500 pieces worldwide with only seven pieces available in the Middle East.
The cult pilot watch was originally developed as a navigation watch for pilots, and is now the official watch of the AOPA, which is coincidentally celebrating its 75th anniversary. Honouring the original design, the timepiece features a circular slide rule allowing it to perform all the necessary calculations a pilot might need, along with an engraved stainless steel case bearing AOPA’s winged logo. US$7,455; www.breitling.com
Crystal clear
Developed with the Middle Eastern climate in mind, Oros eau de Parfum for men blends special aromatic ingredients and natural oils allowing for longevity in hot and humid conditions. The high-end French fragrance is a fresh aromatic and woody scent that opens with citrus tones and pink pepper and leads into a sensual blend of jasmine and musky base notes, encapsulating the intrepid spirit of active and adventurous men.
Presented in an elegant handcrafted bottle and encrusted with Swarovski elements, this is one way to get a man to sparkle. US$100; www.debenhams.com
An element of style
Add some finesse to a formal suit or upgrade your favourite shirt with these sophisticated rhodium-plated cufflinks, newly launched by French fashion powerhouse, Lanvin. The elegant, hexagonal pair is set with obsidian stones (a naturally occurring volcanic glass), which have a subtle, yet refined two-tone black and grey finish. It’s j’adore in a rather dapper presentation box. US$277; www.mrporter.com
Masterful design
Assembled and stitched entirely by hand, this made-to-order, fine grey leather humidor combines time-honoured craftsmanship with modern techniques. Created in Montblanc’s Pelletteria near Florence, the distinguished box – which is as decorative as it is functional – is made from the finest Spanish cedar, which helps to preserve the quality and flavour of the tobacco.
It also uses the famous sfumato technique pioneered by Leonardo da Vinci, whereby multiple fine layers of paint are applied to the soft leather panels. The treasure box has even been fitted with a state-of-the-art hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels inside. Now all you need is a smoking room. $POA; www.montblanc.com