Tag: Swiss Luxury

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Ways to wear it: Denim with 10.11 Studios

10.11 Studios • About the Brand

Luxury with a conscience: Timeless, sophisticated and sustainable jeans. Meet 10.11 Studios created by Monica Caleya in Barcelona. Their denim range has a classic cool feel. This new, contemporary brand has a distinctive European edge. I had the opportunity to discover some of the key pieces from their Fall/Winter 2020-2021 collection. One thing is for sure the quality of the fabric is apparent at the first touch! What is more 10.11 is a sustainable brand. They use organic and recycled cotton blends in their designs. There designs are exclusively available in Switzerland at Bongenie Grieder and at Le Bon Marché in Paris.

As the designer so eloquently puts it, “10.11 Studios’ collections are uniquely inspired by the union of the Mediterranean lifestyle with the sophistication of European simplicity. Blending a relaxed beach sensibility with soft, comfortable, high-end fabrics, subtle washes and only minimal abrasion to create a true premium denim look. 10.11 jeans are made for women who radiate a natural confidence and strength with fits that underline femininity & natural beauty. ”

Denim Daze • Timeless Pieces

10.11 Studios Wardrobe Staples: Denim Must-Haves

This Fall/Winter 2020-2021 trends included an endless array of flared jeans, cropped denim jackets to high-waisted skinny jeans. Denim is truly versatile as they look good with pretty much everything in ones closest.

Indeed, denim is a key part of almost everyone’s wardrobe. A timeless piece that is definitely worth investing in.

This said, with so many endless options available, it’s easy to feel confused as to which cuts and colours will suit best! So here I created some fun denim looks that are easy to wear during the winter season. A simple denim guide for 3 classic jean cuts: skinny, cropped and flared.

STYLE GUIDE: How to style your denim

3 Ways To Wear Jeans with 10.11 Studios

Check out my denim guide with 10.11 Studios below, featuring the best jeans styles and styling tips.

Look 1: 70s Chic

Seventies-inspired styles were a huge inspiration this season. With high-waisted, wide-leg, and bell-bottom jeans dominating the runways.

Wide leg jeans are without a doubt super on trend this year. Indeed the cut in itself is extremely flattering, especially if you want to create the illusion of added height.

I paired these 10.11 Studios flared, high waisted “Rose Sleepless” jeans with a white bodysuit. Layering several golden APM Monaco necklaces, platform boots and a white leather bag to amp up that boho chic 70s vibe.

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Look 2: Cool & Cozy

One of the thickest materials for the colder months is a hardworking pair of jeans. I survived most of my university years up in chilly Scotland by wearing thick high-waisted Mom jeans tucked into two cashmeres! For extra warmth you can also add a pair of tights underneath.

Sustainably dyed a dark-gray, these “Elsa Moon” jeans are stonewashed grey with distressed hems. Making them ideal for an everyday off-duty look. Designed to sit high on the waist, they fall to straight legs with cropped hems. I styled it a chunky black sweater and a pair of burgundy boots for a comfy yet cool look.

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Look 3: Double Trouble

The easiest way to master this high-impact look is by opting for two slightly different shades to ensure there is a monochrome yet stylish edge to your double denim look.

Here I channeled my inner Kate Moss rock chic by pairing the 10.11 Studio “Pia Stealth” skinny charcoal trousers with the cropped “Elena” jacket with flared sleeves. Adding a touch of glam with a sheer sequined top.

So there you have it, 3 easy looks to wear denim. I hope you enjoyed it!

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An Afternoon at Boucheron

Earlier this month I was invited to discover the jewelry creations of Boucheron in their Geneva boutique. From the Bohème Serpent to the Plume de Paon, the classic Quatre to the playful Jack de Boucheron, the creations where a spectacular array of luxurious and elegant designs. Encompassing the 3 brand pillars of Boucheron: Nature, Architecture and Haute Couture.

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Jack de Boucheron

One of my favorites was the Jack de Boucheron. Playful yet elegant in its design, this fine jewelry collection reinvents the way in which we wear jewelry. The pieces are transformable and can be worn in many alternative ways. This flexibility honors women’s freedom. The name “Jack de Boucheron” comes from the creative link to jack cables which are a key inspiration behind the design. The clasp when undone even resembles one, yet when connected the jewel is more reminiscent of the iconic architectural lines of the Place de Vendôme. Which is where Boucheron first opened the Maison in Paris.

Here I am wearing my favourite pieces from the “Jack de Boucheron” collection. Launched in 2019, this collection can be assembled, extended, connected and transformed. A necklace becomes a bracelet, an earring turns into a brooch. As the CEO of Boucheron, Helene Poulit Duquesne puts it, “The Jack de Boucheron collection is the absolute essence of our brand DNA; it is the emblem of free spirit, as jewellery which celebrates the art of ‘multi-wearing.’ Its ultra-graphic clasp is inspired by a jack cable, a connection element which allows the pieces to connect to each other in a multitude of ways, offering any number of possibilities.”

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Serpent Bohème

Whilst the Serpent Bohème collection is dedicated to Boucheron’s iconic serpent. Initially created by Frédéric Boucheron for his wife, the serpent is a sign of protection, luck and eternal love. This iconic piece has been reinterpreted many times by Boucheron over the years – from the teardrops shaped like snake heads to the entertaining gold bracelets, twisting like two gold snakes. The collection evokes the flowing shapes of a serpent. The Serpent Bohème collection also represents free spirit and femininity.

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The Plume de Paon

One of the most impressive collections, in terms of workmanship was that of The Plume de Paon collection. It is one of the Maison’s most iconic ones as well. Inspired by a peacock feather, Frédéric Boucheron, in collaboration with the head of his atelier Paul Legrand created some of the most mesmerizing designs. Using a technique exclusive to the Boucheron, specific assembly of diamonds which replicates the supple movements of an actual feather. So that the actual jewel moves delicately.

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The Story behind The Delilah Necklace.

A key part of the Haute Couture Collection, this iconic diamond-set, 18K yellow-gold scarf has been woven as a very fine cloth to mimic the softness of fabric. The width is only 0.2mm and the thickness 0.1mm!

This is one of Boucheron’s most magnificent creations. It was initially designed for the Grand-Duc Wladimir. The story behind the golden scarf begins when Duc met his wife during a ball. She dropped her scarf, and he picked it up for her. This encounter inspired him to ask Boucheron to recreate the scarf in gold and jewels. Since then, the Maison continues to work gold to create fabric-like creations fashioned from fine strands of gold and tasseled with pearls.

It was a truly remarkable experience and I want to thank the Boucheron team in Geneva for making my visit truly unforgettable.

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Vacheron Constantin Afterwork

Swiss luxury watch brand Vacheron Constantin’s Afterwork event in Geneva.

This August, I was invited to the beautifully renovated Vacheron Constantin store in the heart of Geneva on Place Longemalle to discover their new collection of luxury Swiss watches.

Vacheron Constantin is a historically iconic Swiss brand as it is actually the world’s oldest watch manufacture. Founded in 1755 in Geneva, their heritage is deeply rooted in Helvetic quality, watchmaking precision and phenomenal craftsmanship. Vacheron Constantin has a rich heritage and record-breaking ability to create complicated watches. Along with Patek Phillipe and Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin is part of The Big Three or The Holy Trinity of Luxury watches. Which refers to the top three most luxurious grandes maisons of watchmaking in Switzerland.

Vacheron Constantin’s five most iconic watches include the Overseas, the Triple Calendar the FiftySix, the Patrimony Ultra-Thin Calibre 1731 and the Harmony Chronograph. Not to mention the Reference 57260, also known as the world’s most complicated watch ever made. The 57260 has 57 complications, 2,826 individual components, 242 jewels, 957 grams, 10 patents, 31 hands, 85 different prototypes, 16 kg of drawings, eight years all for one client!

At the recent digital Watches&Wonders show (formally called SIHH), the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie 2020, Vacheron Constantin unveiled their ten exquisite new watches as part of Watches&Wonders Novelty 2020. Which where then presented in the Geneva boutique and I had the pleasure of discovering them up close during the private Afterwork event hosted by Vacheron Constantin. Here are some of the highlights from the evening…

The intimate gathering had a live DJ set playing, delicious on-demand cocktails and drinks. The ambience was both elegant and inviting. The newly renovated store had beautiful details that echoed the brand. Even the glass cabinets formed the Vacheron Constantin Maltese cross logo.

The five new Vacheron Constantin models presented beautifully with intricate art pieces on the second floor where the following watches:

1. Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in pink gold.

2. Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton in pink gold.

3. Traditionnelle Tourbillon in 18K pink gold.

4. FiftySix Complete Calendar in pink gold and sepia.

5. FiftySix Self-Winding in pink gold and sepia.

Each one has its own personality and paid hommage to a particular aspect of the luxury watch brand.

In the spirit of casual elegance, the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin and Ultra-Thin Skeleton are sports watches. The Overseas the functions includes hours, minutes, perpetual calendar and moon phases. Timeless yet contemporary, the new Overseas convey the spirit of travel.

Whilst the two Traditionnelle Tourbillons for the Ladies echo the poetic nature of time. On the front, the bar of the open worked tourbillon carriage is inspired by the logo of Vacheron Constantin. This Maltese cross is entirely hand-bevelled. Imbued with elegance and femininity, it is the very first Vacheron Constantin self-winding tourbillon in a lady’s watch.

Whilst the two new watches from the Fiftysix Collection are deeply connected to music. In particular jazz, the saxophone and piano where each projected inside the cabinets illustrated by delicate paper decoupages. Which is a form of traditional Swiss folk art. Their Retro silhouettes are inspired by an iconic 1956 watch.

Overall this was a remarkable collection and I was honored to attend the Vacheron Constantin Afterwork event.

For the occasion I wore a mint green suit set, a silky silver top paired with my silver Bulgari Serpenti Forever bag.

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A Luxury Escape at Arosa Kulm Hotel

Arosa Kulm Hotel is a luxury, Swiss ski resort.

At the beginning of the month, we enjoyed the most wonderful, luxury escape in the Swiss Alps. I wanted to share my exceptional stay at the Arosa Kulm Hotel.

Arosa is a luxury ski resort in Switzerland, situated in the alpine resort village. The Arosa Kulm Hotel is nestled in the Schanfigg Valley, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. A real winter wonderland, this breathtaking five-star hotel dates all the way back to 1882 and has the most fascinating backstory. It is the perfect setting for a snowy getaway like the one we enjoyed.

Upon arriving, I was struck by the fairytale nature of the hotel. We were warmly welcomed into the hotel and shown to the sprawling suite which we would call home for the next few days.

The Hotel

The hotel even features ski-in & ski-out access, Alpine Spa and 5 first-class restaurants (13, 14 and 15 Gault Millau points).

The Hotel Arosa Kulm is in fact steeped in wonderful history that dates back to even before 1882. It all began when the Arosa confectioner, Hans Hold, bought the house neighboring his farmhouse. It was in 1882 that the Arosa Kulm Hotel originated when Hans’ son, Thomas connected the two houses. Thus, transforming them into a 30-room hotel named the Kurhaus. In 1894, Thomas Hold passed away and the hotel was taken over by the chef, Mr. Scherrer who renames the hotel “Kulm”. Today the hotel stands proudly at the top of Arosa, now with 119 rooms with 207 beds and a stunning Alpin Spa. What’s more, each room in the hotel is furnished differently and tells its own story. Allowing guests to have a truly unique and memorable experience at the hotel.

The Location

Arosa itself has plenty of activities. So during our three-day stay, we took full advantage of all that this snowy ski resort had to offer, including a lovely squirrel trail. The Arosa Kulm Hotel staff even provided us with peanuts to attract squirrels. The Arosa squirrel path was amazingly scenic and we even saw a baby deer on the trail.

Our Room

The hotel suite reminded me of a James Bond film set, with rustic, chalet-chic finishings and huge bay windows that overlooked the Swiss Alps. It had a wonderful glamour and grandeur to it with a fantastic view of the snow-capped mountainside was spectacular.

The suite was classically designed in a Swiss chalet style with luxurious finishes. In addition to the large bedroom and ensuite, marble bathroom, we had a spacious living room area and dressing room. The bedroom had the most comfortable pillows I’ve ever slept on and I was so pleased that the bathroom had both a shower and bath (I am a huge fan of bubble baths!). The cherry on top was that our room had a huge south-facing balcony with lovely wooden deck chairs so we could soak up the sunshine and fresh alpine air.

The Food

The Arosa Kulm Hotel is known as a gourmet destination, with 5 different restaurants we were spoilt for choice.

The first night we enjoyed the delicious, locally sourced dishes from Chef Florian Mainzger at the Mutanella restaurant.

Before dinner on the second night, we cozied up by the fire and enjoyed a little pre-dinner appetitive. I sipped my divinely made expresso martini at the K.Lounge and could not help but be reminded again of the glamour of a 007 movie set.

Then we headed down to try the famous Thai restaurant: Ahaan Thai. This restaurant also has the most fabulous backstory to it In the 1930s the Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej learned to ski in Arosa and even stayed at the Arosa Kulm Hotel itself. Today, Chef Tussanee and her team have been flown in from Bangkok and bring their authentic expertise to each dish.

The Alpine Spa

The Arosa Kulm Alpine Spa offers relaxation and the most breathtaking view of the Swiss alps. The spa is entirely made of glass windows and you can see out onto the crystal white snow slopes. With 1,200 square meters of wellness and relaxation, the heated area and indoor pool have a calm serenity to them. Indeed, this is because the concept of the Arosa Kulm spa was based on the earliest power symbols from traditional European natural healing. Even the color of the local blue-green Andeer granite in the spa forms the energetic core.

The philosophy is rooted in a source of balance and harmony embodied in our tree of life which represents vital energy and a link to the subconscious. I even practiced some meditation in the quiet room. I felt deeply recharged in both my mind and body. There was a truly calming effect that the Spa itself had on me.

This luxury escape in snowy Arosa is exactly what I needed to unwind. The food, hotel staff and service were all exceptional. The hotel staff was incredibly professional yet so warm, kind and friendly. Everyone went above and beyond any expectations and I can wholeheartedly say this was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.

Thank you so much for having me.

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How to Shop for Luxury – A Millennial Guide

A Millennial Approach to Luxury

When it comes to sustainable fashion in luxury it has become more than a buzzword; it has become a conscious necessity. In particular for millennial and Generation Z consumers.

In fashion, there has been a paradigm shift linked directly to the fact that these generations are exposed to the internet and social networks. Making them aware of social and economic issues linked to the way we consume and wanting to take action. Millennials are mindful consumers. It’s no longer sufficient to use the best quality leather for your designer handbag. Millennial consumers want the product to be made of ethically sourced raw materials that respect fair trade and use sustainable production practices.

So how are millennials are transforming the luxury market? And more importantly: how can we stay chic and sustainable at the same time?

Digital natives with a conscious, millennials like myself care about what and how we consume. 14% of consumers from the ages 18 to 24 complete their first luxury purchase online. What is more, today although millennials only represent 32% of spending in the luxury market, come 2025, millennials are expected to make up 50% of the luxury market (FORBES, 2019). Meaning that we have a direct impact on the luxury market as future consumers with a substantial purchasing power. Luxury brands aware of this are upping their green game. Conscious that luxury sustainability will become synonymous with our way of consuming fashion.

“Sustainability will continue to advance in importance,” Sarah Willersdorf, partner and managing director at BCG and Global Head of Luxury explains. “It will feed both the secondary-luxury market as well as give a lift to limited-run collaborations which show a brand’s respect for not flooding the market with too much merchandise.”

Some luxury fashion brands such as Stella McCartney are already way ahead of the game. In 2018, Gucci also eradicated fur from their collections in an effort towards ethical manufacturing their creations.

Purchase decisions are shifting and the luxury landscape with it. For example 56% of true-luxury consumers are attuned to luxury brands’ stance on social responsibility. 62% choose to do business with a brand that supports sustainability over a brand that does not, compared with 50% in 2013. Interestingly, sustainable luxury consumers are primarily concerned with the environment (37%), animal care (27%) and ethical manufacturing (21%). Whilst millennials top priorities are on the environment (42%) and animal treatment (26%), versus Boomers whose primary concern is ethical manufacturing (32%). (FORBES, 2019)

The characteristics of millennial behavior are seeping into older generations— which accounted for 73% of luxury purchases in 2016. (Bain & Company)

The stigma of second-hand luxury fashion goods is rapidly becoming a thing of the past.

“Second-hand luxury is rapidly becoming mainstream,” Willersdorf says. “And it is not just the lower price that attracts these true-luxury consumers. It is often the only way they can buy scarce, limited-edition, special sold-out collaborations missed the first time or vintage items.”

Breathing a second life into your wardrobe – traditionally considered less impressive than getting a new shiny item – is now the cool thing to do. Lending, renting and buying clothes second hand luxury goods is an eco-friendly trend in 2020 that is here to stay.

Unsurprisingly handbags make up 40% of all pre-owned purchases. The most popular and purchased pre-owned brands are the big players such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior. With Vestiaire Collective at the forefront (BCG, 2019). I can honestly say that my first purchase was indeed a pre-loved Balenciaga City Bag bought with my first paycheck. The reasons for this? Firstly, it was a classic in Balenciaga’s permanent collection and bound to stay in style for years to come. Second, I happened to have spotted the exact same petrol blue bag on the arm of my favorite fashion blogger Chiara Ferrangi. And lastly, it was a little treat from me to me without breaking the bank but still investing in a quality, luxury item that I still have, wear and love. Timeless style, the product’s qualify and prestige are all key factors Millennials take into account when purchasing a luxury good such as a handbag.

Moreover, Millennials (myself included) are known to spend time, endlessly exploring and comparing their retail options, both online and in-store. My favorite luxury resale websites include The RealReal, Ruelala and of course Vestiare Collective. Also if you are looking for a hard go find piece Lyst is amazing. Whilst Swiss equivalents include LuxuryLove and Reawake in Zurich and Vintage Garderobe and Downtown Uptown in Geneva.