Swiss Style – Page 8 – Anna Blachut

Posted on September 27, 2020March 14, 2022 by — Leave a comment

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.

Posted on September 9, 2020February 5, 2025 by — 1 Comment

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Hermès

Hermès: From family legacy to the story behind the iconic orange packaging. Here are five fashion facts about the iconic French luxury brand.

Often regarded as a status symbol, the epitope of style and success – Hermès stands proudly between Chanel and Patek Phillipe on the Rue du Rhône overlooking the Lac Léman in Geneva, Switzerland.

Known for the unparalleled quality, craft and precision, their iconic luxury handbags include the Kelly, the Birkin and the Constance.
So if you’re fashion fanatic, here are 5 little known facts about Hermès.

1. The Stores

Throughout the world, each Hermès boutique houses a unique concept window that showcases an intwined connection between the brand with the location. What’s more the Hermès store on rue de Sèvres has a café and bookstore inside of the store. The Paris store is also the only Petit h dedicated space.

2. The Iconic Orange Boxes

In total there are 188 sizes of the Hermès boxes. But did you know that orange was not the original color of the Hermès packing? They were originally cream colored with gilded mustard edging. It was only in the Second World War that the iconic orange packaging was introduced due to shortages in supplies. This happy accident went on to win the packaging Oscar in 1994.

3. The Color counts

Did you know that pink, blue and red handbags achieve the highest values at auction? Notable shades include Rose Azalée, Rose Sakura, Bleu Saphir and Rouge H.

4. Hermès The So-Black

Today, one of the most desirable ones on the market was by Jean Paul Gautier in 2010. It is The So-Black collection which features PVD coating so that the padlocks, strap brackets, swivel clasps, keys and base studs – are all a dense, shiny black.

5. The Collectors Intel

Lastly, when an Hermès bag is emblazoned with a horseshoe stamp, it means that the bag was a special order. A rare collection piece, especially for those who can immediately identify an Hermès simply by its shade or leather.

There you have it, five fun fashion facts about the luxury French brand, Hermès. For more luxury facts click here.

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Posted on September 1, 2020January 13, 2021 by — 1 Comment

Dior des Lices in St Tropez

A gourmet garden when fashion meets food.
Situated in the heart of Saint Tropez, the street is lined with luxury boutiques from Saint Laurent to Gucci. The Dior des Lices café is a little oasis for fashion lovers in need of a quick pick me up. Created by the multi-Michelin French chef Yanick Alléno of the Pavillon Le Doyen in Paris, and LVHM (backed 1948 at the Cheval Blanc in Courchevel), the Dior café is light and elegant.

The café echos the aesthetic of haute couture. Located in a beautiful garden of the Christian Dior flagship store, (designed by Peter Wirtz). It was previously only open and accessible to the fashion elite who can afford something more than just an éclair.

For me, having written my thesis on Dior couture and the renowned fashion illustrator René Gruau (also know as the the Count Renato Zavagli Ricciardelli della Caminate), it was like stepping into a fairytale garden. Everything down to the silverware was branded by Dior. Even the waiters were decked in Breton tops, light chinos and white sneakers from Dior. It was without a doubt one of the most fashionable breakfasts I’ve ever had. Dior des Lices truly knows how to pamper their well dressed clients.

We enjoyed their breakfast which begins everyday at 10 am. I had a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, a Dior stamped cappuccino coffee and eggs. As of 11 am they also serve the famous Dior choux pastries. My personal favorite was the green pistachio with praline.

For the occasion I wore a white lace eyelet dress, armfuls of bracelets and orange heels to add a pop of color.

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Posted on August 14, 2020February 5, 2025 by — Leave a comment

A Pop of Pastel

Pastels are really big makeup trend for SS20.

With the arrival of summer it’s a great time to switch up your usual makeup routine and be a bit more playful.

Anna Blachut POP of Pastell Makeup look2

I received a gorgeous selection of makeup from Beauty Palast. They are a Swiss online makeup store with over 11 000 products including some of my favorite brands like Makeup Revolution which I usually only find when I go to London!

So, with the recent bright days, a spring summer look that was seen all over Fashion Week was pastel eyeshadows. From icy mints, pale pinks to baby blues, it’s a baby doll trend that first hit big back in 1959 when the Barbie doll was launched wearing pale blue eyeshadow. This makeup trend remained popular from the 1960s to the 70s; then it was revived in the 00s and is hitting us hard this summer! It might seem like quite an advanced and intimidating makeup look but it is actually super simple, fun and easy to do!

So here is my take on the pastel pop makeup trend:

1. First I applied a little cream eyeshadow on my lids to have a base. I love Eye Glisten in Adored By You from Makeup Revolution as it’s got a gorgeous finish (it also looks great just on its own)

02. Next, taking the pastel shade of your choice, blend it all over each lid. I chose an icy blue shade from Makeup Revolution Glass Shadow Palette in Mirror. Focusing on the crease and blending it up and out with a fluffy brush.

3. Taking a slightly darker shade, add depth to the crease and along your lower lashes. Creating a shadow, almost like a cloud of color around your eyes.

4. Last but not least, mascara! Apply a lot to the base of your lashes to really define them. I used the L.O.V Cosmetics IllusionEYES 24H Volume & Curl False Lash Effect Mascara.

5. If you want to go full 00s, top off the look with the glittery LIPvolumizer Plumping Serum Gloss. And be sure to add some body glitter!

Want more beauty and makeup ideas? Click here!

Anna Blachut POP of Pastell Makeup look1

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Posted on July 12, 2020February 5, 2025 by — 1 Comment

5 Little-Known Facts About Cartier

With their long list of elite clientele ranging from royalty, celebrities to business tycoons, Cartier is synonymous with luxury, elegance and of course jewelry.

Here are a couple interesting facts about the French empire that was founded in 1847 by three brothers (Louis, Pierre and Jacques). Firstly, way back in 1917 Pierre travelled to New York and famously acquired 653 Fifth Avenue for two strands of the very finest pearls! It remains a flagship store of Cartier today. Whilst his brother, Louis, created some of the most iconic Cartier designs including the Mystery clocks, Tank and Santos watches.

Did you know that the Cartier Trinity rings were designed in 1924 by Jean Cocteau – the famous French painter and writer? The three interlocking rings made of different colors of gold is a Cartier classic. The three rings represent love, friendship and fidelity.

Another iconic design from Cartier is the ‘Love‘ bracelet. Created by Aldo Cipullo who joined Cartier, New York, in 1969. He also created the ‘Juste un Clou’. Both designs can be worn by women and men. Once in a place, the ´Love´ bracelet is not to be removed. Symbolizing eternal love ´locked’ in place. The design actually was inspired by chastity belts. It has been worn by many famous couples including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw.

What is more, did you know that New York City hospitals keep Love screw drivers handy? The Love bracelet is so popular, that hospitals stock Love screw drivers in their wards so they can remove the bracelet from patients’ wrists during an emergency.

More recently, Cartier’s ‘Tutti Frutti‘ bracelet became the most expensive jewel ever sold in an online auction this April. It sold at Sotheby’s auction this year for $1,340,000! The Tutti-Frutti by Cartier is a design inspired by the third brother, Jacques’, first visit to India in 1911. Known as the ‘holy grail’ of jewelry – each piece is unique and features an explosion of colored stones in the same Mughal-cut.

Whilst Cartier’s latest high jewelry collection has just been released. Named ´[Sur]Naturel’ it has an almost Alice of Wonderland-style edge to it. A mesmerizing and bold collection inspired by nature that features diamonds, sapphires and emeralds.

Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s director of image, style and heritage, says that the ´[Sur]Naturel’ collection, “offers a form of escapism through nature and imagination in these uncertain times.”

There you have it, 5 facts about the luxury jewelry brand, Cartier. For more designer and luxury facts click here.

Posted on June 30, 2020February 5, 2025 by — Leave a comment

10 things you didn’t know about Tiffany & Co.

Late last October I was honored to be invited to discover The Tiffany T collection in the Tiffany & Co.’s Geneva boutique. The new Tiffany T collection features vibrantly colored inlaid stones— from turquoise, tiger’s eye, opal to black onyx. Each piece was breathtaking and the iconic T design was echoed throughout the rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces of the collection.

After this incredible experience, I wanted to share with you ten things interesting and little known facts about the incredible jewellery design brand Tiffany & Co.

Creativity, legacy and quality: Tiffany & Co., the world’s most iconic jeweler, was founded by two school friends Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in 1837 at 259 Broadway, New York. Initially they sold small fancy goods including stationary.

The distinctive Tiffany Blue color a patented Pantone 1837. The number is a references to the year of Tiffany’s foundation. It’s used for the Tiffany boxes, bags and all promotional materials. Tiffany’s blue color was inspired by the Empress Eugenie de Montijo (the wife of Napoleon III).

Did you know that Tiffany developed the silver standard for the USA? Back in 1851, Tiffany was the first American company to institute the 925/1000 sterling silver standard which was then adopted by the United States. To this day it is used as the silver standard. Talk about innovation.

That same year (1851), Tiffany & Co. started a long relationship with the watch house Patek Philippe located in Geneva, Switzerland. Indeed, Mr. Patek visited Tiffany’s in 1855, he left with an order for 129 watches.

Charles Lewis Tiffany, swiftly became known as “The King of Diamonds” in 1887 when he purchased one-third of the French Crown Jewels. That same year he acquired what is known today as The Tiffany Yellow Diamond. One of the largest yellow diamonds ever discovered. The 128.54 carat was acquired for $18,000. Worn last by Lady Gaga at the Oscars, it’s only ever been worn by two other women – Mary Whitehouse and Audrey Hepburn.

Audrey Hepburn wore it on the run up to the film release of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The Yellow Diamond was set in a Ribbon Rosette necklace designed by Jean Schlumberger.

An American symbol of elegance and style, Tiffany basically invented the engagement ring. Introducing the Tiffany setting in 1886 it features a raised solitaire diamond with a six–prong “Tiffany Setting“. The cut is still the world’s most popular engagement ring. My personal favorite is the Princess cut.

There you have it, 10 facts about the luxury jewelry brand, Tiffany & Co. For more designer and luxury facts click here.