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Balenciaga’s 52nd Couture Collection is a Choreography of Past, Future, and Modernized Tradition

Balenciaga’s 52nd Couture Collection is a Choreography of Past, Future, and Modernized Tradition

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Balenciaga’s 52nd couture collection embodied a brilliant interplay of historical charm and futuristic artistry, intertwining craftsmanship in a seamless voyage that bridged the realms of past and future. The fashion house unveiled the collection within the lavish confines of 10 Avenue George V in Paris with ethereal soundscapes of Maria Callas’ operas, and compositions by BFRND. 
Photo: Tarek Mawad
Some of the trademark elements of Balenciaga’s legacy — the playful swinging sleeves, and the nonchalantly shrugged-off collars, iconic grand cocoon backs, cagoule coats, and even sweatshirts — were showcased. Danielle Slavik, the distinguished house model who collaborated with Cristóbal from 1964 to 1968, commenced the event by showcasing a flawlessly crafted tribute: a replica of the iconic black velvet Cristóbal Balenciaga haute couture dress she had first adorned for the fashion house in 1966. The off-the-shoulder evening gown was accentuated with two jet-black lacquered rosettes positioned gracefully at the scapula. A string of pearls adorned the gown, paying tribute to the timeless styling of Balenciaga’s original gown. 
Photo: Tarek Mawad
Slim fit tuxedos took the spotlight in the initial segment of the show, appearing in variations tailored for both men and women. The range spanned from ultra-rigorous black-tie formality to seemingly conventional business suits. For women, there was no missing the guipure lace sculpted into gowns, and dresses materialized through 3D printing.
Taking center stage as the most luxurious piece in the collection was Look 53, a mesmerizing red tulle bustier dress that drew inspiration from the timeless couture of Cristóbal Balenciaga.  The embroidered garment, a striking lipstick-red creation, featured an array of corkscrew ribbons meticulously hand-cut and folded with precision. Each of the look’s 800 ribbons came secured by a sequin head, taking the whole ensemble 160 hours to complete. 
Photo: Tarek Mawad
The Joan of Arc metal ball gown, the grand finale of the collection, embodied a profound sense of sentiment and served as a defense against criticisms. Demna stated, “Making clothes is my armor. I’ve endured a lifelong struggle due to my personal style and the messages I aimed to convey through my creations.” This timeless notion that clothing serves as a form of armor has persisted through the ages and he depicts this remarkably in his 52nd collection for a striking contemporary interpretation.
Photo: Tarek Mawad
Photo: Tarek Mawad

Photo: Tarek Mawad
Photography: Tarek Mawad Style: Amine Jreissati Hair: Alan Antoine Makeup: Andrey Sebaoun Set design: Arnaud Laurens Casting director: Troy Westwood Producer: Danica ZivkovicModels: Emmanuelle Lacou at Silent and Marie Loridan at Women360 
Video:Director: Mathieu Spadaro Art director: Tarek MawadStyle: Amine JreissatyHair: Alan Antoine Makeup: Andrey Sebaoun Set design: Arnaud Laurens Colorist: Erwan Le GeldonCasting director: Troy Westwood Producer: Danica Zivkovic Models: Emmanuelle Lacou at Silent and Marie Loridan at Women360 Production coordinator: Oriane PlaynerLighting assistant: Santiago Hendrix

10 cosy knit dresses for work and play this fall

10 cosy knit dresses for work and play this fall

Fashion

by Ruman Baig
2 hours ago

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, it’s time to embrace the cozy charm of fall fashion – enters knit dresses.
Knit dresses are the ideal choice for this season as it effortlessly combines comfort and style. Whether you’re headed to the office or attending social events, a well-chosen form-flattering dress can be a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
Fall weather can be unpredictable, and knit dresses are excellent for layering. You can add tights, boots, cardigans, or jackets to adapt your outfit to changing temperatures.
How to style knit dresses for work?
Choose Classic Colours: Opt for neutral or muted tones like black, gray, or deep burgundy for a polished office look.Add Structure: Belted knit dresses create a defined silhouette and a more formal appearance. Pair them with a tailored blazer for added sophistication.Tights and Ankle Boots: As the weather cools down, wear opaque tights and ankle boots to keep your legs warm while maintaining a chic look.Minimal Accessories: Keep jewelry and accessories understated for a professional look. A simple pendant necklace or stud earrings can enhance your outfit without being distracting.
How to style knit dresses for social events?
Play with Colours and Patterns: For social gatherings, embrace bold colors and patterns. Fall-inspired hues like mustard yellow, deep green, or rich plum can make a statement.Layer with Statement Outerwear: Choose a statement coat or a leather jacket to add a trendy edge to your outfit. These layers can also provide warmth when you’re out in the evening.Boots and Heels: Depending on the formality of the event, pair your knit dress with ankle boots for a casual look or high heels for a more glamorous appearance.Accessories Galore: Feel free to accessorize with statement jewelry, scarves, and clutch bags to elevate your style for social events.
Planning to make knit dresses your go-to wardrobe staple this fall? Here’s our editor-approved list of styles you can pick from:

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Images: Net-A-Porter & Feature Image: Instagram @rosiehw

Only Watch 2023 Favorites: Hublot 

Only Watch 2023 Favorites: Hublot 

We continue to highlight a few of our favorite watches from among the more than sixty watchmakers that have created timepieces for the Only Watch charity auction, which commences Sunday, November 5, in Geneva. Christie’s will auction these incredible one-of-a-kind watches to raise funds that benefit research in the battle against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
While you may have seen a few of the watches set for auction earlier this year when Only Watch announced them, we thought you’d enjoy seeing many of these impressive designs again just ahead of the event.
The watches are currently touring the globe. After concluding their U.S. visit at Christie’s in New York on September 17, the tour will visit Monaco next, followed by stops in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai and back in Geneva. See the Only Watch website for tour dates and details.
In this post we highlight The MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Only Watch (pictured above) by Hublot and the artist, another exceptional piece in the auction this year. Like many in this year’s auction, it glows with bright color and requires a high technical level of workmanship.
This sapphire-cased watch showcases a unique central tourbillon especially conceived for this watch. In addition to showing Hublot’s technical acumen, the idea here is to show that the tourbillon represents the heart of the person who buys it at the auction.
Murakami explicitly requested the inclusion of a central tourbillon, which is now Hublot’s very first central tourbillon.
In this design, the cannon pinion and the hour wheel had to be pivoted around the tourbillon support by creating a co-axial construction. This was made possible thanks to the central flying tourbillon that is seemingly suspended in mid-air with two hands passing under its cage to indicate the hours and minutes.
These hands gravitate towards twelve luminescent indices that echo the colors of the 2023 edition of the Only Watch. And with two barrels, the manual movement offers an incredible 150-hour power reserve. Mounted in series but on a single plane, these barrels can be admired through the sapphire case back.
Estimate: CHF 350,000 – CHF 400,000.

Saudi Arabia’s Amy Roko Becomes New Balance Ambassador to Champion Women’s Empowerment in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia’s Amy Roko Becomes New Balance Ambassador to Champion Women’s Empowerment in the Middle East

Photo: Courtesy New Balance
New Balance, the internationally acclaimed sportswear giant, is teaming up with the incredible Saudi cultural sensation, Amy Roko, making her its newest brand ambassador. Amy Roko’s charm, wit, and unique personality have won over millions of hearts, making her a standout figure in Saudi culture. Her journey embodies the spirit of self-expression and determination, values that New Balance has stood for over the years.
Photo: Courtesy New Balance
Amy’s forward-thinking vision and unwavering commitment resonate with young men and women in the region who are eager for transformation and embrace a progressive mindset. Her influential presence across digital platforms has ignited important conversations on topics like gender equality, self-expression, and breaking conventional stereotypes through open and honest dialogues on sensitive topics. She serves as a beacon of inspiration for numerous women on their quest for motivation and the self-confidence to be their authentic self.
Photo: Courtesy New Balance
As New Balance’s ambassador, Amy will take center stage in a series of exciting local campaigns, shining a spotlight on iconic sneakers like the 550 and 530. Her mission? To amplify New Balance’s powerful message of self-expression, encouraging women to break free from conventions, rewrite the rules, and flaunt their unique style. This partnership is set on challenging the status quo and igniting inspiration in women to unlock their full potential. It’s safe to say that all her followers will be thrilled to witness this collab, as it paves the way for a future where women are truly celebrated, empowered, and given the opportunity to lead transformative change.

Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024: All the Highlights from Days 3 and 4

Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024: All the Highlights from Days 3 and 4

Days 3 and 4 of Milan Fashion Week were a sight to behold, featuring collections from some of Italy’s top fashion houses. From the flamboyant designs of Gucci to the classic styles of Armani, here’s a lowdown on the highlights.
Read on for all the highlights from Day 3 and 4 of Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024
Gucci

Gucci, under the creative direction of Sabato De Sarno, stole the spotlight with its globally-inspired collection. In the run-up to Sabato De Sarno’s first Gucci show, you couldn’t miss the banners in deep oxblood with the word “Ancora” everywhere, meaning “again” or “still” in Italian. Sabato De Sarno’s journey from working behind the scenes in fashion to presenting his very first show as the creative director of Gucci marked an extraordinary moment in his career. His mission was clear: “I want people to fall in love with Gucci again.” The show began with a reinterpretation of Gucci classics: the Jackie bag, the Horsebit loafer, the GG belt, and the men’s overcoat, each subtly transformed under De Sarno’s generational touch. The loafers were given a platform twist reminiscent of Clueless, and the Jackie bag appeared in De Sarno’s signature red, the “Rosso Ancora,” paying homage to Guccio Gucci’s past as a bellboy at The Savoy. This revival of Gucci’s heritage pieces exuded a fresh vibe for the brand. As De Sarno explained, the focus was on materials, shape, and silhouette, aiming to establish a novel aesthetic for Gucci. De Sarno also unveiled a Gucci art book spotlighting a fresh wave of artists. Just as his show featured largely unknown models, this art book symbolized his commitment to sharing the spotlight he enjoys at the iconic brand with other creative talents. It marked the inception of something entirely new.
Versace

Versace, on the other hand, continued to pay homage to the ’90s, a decade that played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity. The collection prominently featured a sorbet-colored palette, a deliberate choice that Donatella Versace explained as an embodiment of a powerful yet sweet femininity. Among the eye-catching pieces were cotton tweed suits and chainmail dresses adorned with her brother Gianni’s iconic chequerboard motif from his spring/summer 1982 collection. The collection, in essence, represented a shared wardrobe that resonated with the contemporary era. It mirrored the recent fashion trends, particularly the Barbiecore style embraced by the younger generations, characterized by bubblegum-chewing aesthetics. The chequerboard pattern ruled the runway, asserting its dominance throughout the collection. Additionally, the show introduced a fresh lineup of brand-new handbags. In a spectacular finale, Claudia Schiffer brought the Versace show to a close.
Dolce & Gabbana

The Dolce & Gabbana show, titled “Women,” paid a heartfelt tribute to women of all ages and body types, celebrating diversity in its spring/summer 2024 collection. They brand drew inspiration from its dedicated female clientele, which included both emerging talents and seasoned models like Naomi Campbell, Ashley Graham, Irina Shayk, and Mariacarla Boscono. The collection was influenced by the ’90s, building on previous explorations of the era’s archives. Dolce and Gabbana aimed to capture the timeless elegance of well-dressed Italian women, emphasizing personal style over passing fashion trends and highlighting Italy’s exceptional craftsmanship. Naomi Campbell, the catwalk queen herself, closed the show with a memorable moment.
Giorgio Armani

The Giorgio Armani show drew inspiration from the serene ebb and flow of ocean waves and the captivating beauty of the sea, adorned with its enchanting hues of blue and green. The runway paid tribute to the sea’s shimmering embrace when gently kissed by the sun’s rays. This artistic direction aligned seamlessly with the designer’s well-known passion for the maritime lifestyle, highlighted by his recent hosting of a grand reception aboard his cherished yacht during the Venice Film Festival.
Bottega Veneta

@voguearabia South America, South-East Asia, Russia, France, and Sicily — #BottegaVeneta‘s latest show brought together the whole world on one runway. Watch now! #TikTokFashion أمريكا الجنوبية، وجنوب شرق آسيا، وروسيا، وفرنسا، وصقلية – جمع أحدث عرض من #بوتيغا_ڤينيتا العالم بأسره على منصة واحدة. شاهدي الآن! #تيك_توك_موضة ♬ Let’s Go (Rnbstylerz Remix) – AREES

Bottega Veneta’s show was a world of its own, quite literally. The floor was painted like an abstract map of the world adding a sprinkle of wanderlust and adventure. Matthieu Blazy’s collection emphasized continuity, with the first model carrying the first look from his previous collection. He drew inspiration from diverse global dress codes, merging elements from South America, South-East Asia, Russia, France, and Sicily into an abstract, cross-cultural proposition for fashion, blending holiday wear with tribal influences and urban fashion. The collection featured abstract contrasts between body-conscious dresses and rompers and voluminous coats, all showcasing the house’s intricate craftsmanship. The designs reflected the idea of travelers exposing themselves to the world, with capes offering protection and abstract bathing suits representing exposure to the surroundings.
Tod’s

At the iconic La Scala theater, Tod’s opened a phenomenal show with a touch of theatricality to the occasion. However, the brand’s collection was far from dramatic; instead, it embraced a macro trend seen throughout Milan’s fashion presentations – a blend of practicality and elegance.The runway showcased versatile pieces such as comfortable knits, summer suits, flowing trench coats, and understated shirts thoughtfully paired with relaxed trousers. Accessories played a pivotal role in the collection, with the spotlight firmly fixed on belt bags. These functional yet stylish bags featured multiple compartments and a clever hook for hanging leather gloves, catering to the modern consumer’s desire for both form and function.

Yasmine Sabri’s Royal Blue Velvet Gown Is the Perfect Dress for the Festive Season

Yasmine Sabri’s Royal Blue Velvet Gown Is the Perfect Dress for the Festive Season

Photo: Instagram.com
From canary yellow to Barbie pink, Yasmine Sabri‘s expansive closet seems to have a dress in every hue. And her latest pick proves that there’s no color the Egyptian beauty can’t carry off seamlessly.
For a public appearance recently, Yasmine Sabri opted for a romantic ankle-grazing gown in a striking shade of royal blue. Crafted using rich velvet, the actor’s dress came with an asymmetrical off-shoulder neckline and a body-hugging silhouette. Hundreds of gathers along the bodice of the dress added texture to the look. Sabri shared a glimpse of the look on her official Instagram page by posting a video of her getting ready for the big event. Take a closer look at the video below.

Yasmine Sabri styled her blue velvet gown with delicate diamond jewelry
Given the bold shade of her dress, Yasmine Sabri chose to accentuate her look with delicate jewelry instead of chunky accessories. Her picks? A skinny diamond and gemstone choker, which she wore with a matching bracelet and earrings. To add a little more sparkle to her ensemble, the actor opted for a stack of bracelets on her other hand as well. We spotted a Cartier bangle and two tennis bracelets. As for her beauty look for the evening, Yasmine Sabri recreated her go-to: a sweet romantic look in shades of pink. The star accentuated her doe eyes with a rosy smoky eye and lush lashes, and completed the look with soft pink lips. Glossy side-swept waves added the final touch.
Photo: Instagram.com
As we step into the final months of 2023, you’re likely to see your calendar filling up with social gatherings. A formal dress in a jewel tone like Yasmine Sabri’s is bound to come in handy, be it for intimate get-togethers or festive blowouts. Below, Vogue Arabia offers up similar dresses that will help you recreate Sabri’s party-ready look with ease.
Draped satin gown, Vivienne Westwood. AED 16,080
Ruched wrap-effect satin gown, Talbot Runhof. AED 5,786
Off-the-shoulder stretch-velvet midi dress, Alaïa AED 9,800
Off-the-shoulder sequined stretch-jersey gown, Talbot Runhof. AED 6,525
Off-the-shoulder open-back knitted maxi dress, Alaïa. AED 13,900
Off-shoulder crêpe gown, Alexander McQueen. AED 19,480
Off-shoulder cashmere and silk midi dress, Tom Ford. AED 5,695

Saudi Entrepreneur Shahad Geoffrey Breaks Down Her Life in Her Best Looks

Saudi Entrepreneur Shahad Geoffrey Breaks Down Her Life in Her Best Looks

Whether speaking at fashion conferences in Paris or Saudi Arabia or flexing her athletic skills in California, Saudi entrepreneur Shahad Geoffrey promotes burgeoning fashions with finesse.

“I wore this outfit by Ukrainian brand Valery Kovalska to attend a white party pre-wedding event in Marbella. I’m always happy to use my platform to support up-and-coming designers.”

“In 2021, for the first Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, I wore a metallic abaya with a modern twist, and Casadei heels.”

“A moment captured by my husband in my favorite city, Paris, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. I’m matching this pink summer dress with a red Bottega Veneta bag – one of my favori color combinations.”

“I wore an edgy suit with comfortable Repetto shoes to speak at the Saudi Fashion Commission’s first roadshow in Paris about the latest innovation in the fashion industry. I was thrilled to unveil Amira, a trailblazing AI-powered fashion stylist – the first of its kind in the Mena region.”

“I love spending time outdoors and doing sports. I chose athleisure for this 100-mile-long bike ride in the Bay Area, California.”

“It’s the first professional photoshoot I did with my co-founder in Silicon Valley for our company Taffi. I’m wearing a color block vibrant formal look that expresses my personality and Taffi.”

“This Saudi kaftan abaya with Arabic embroidery was my choice for a suhoor night hosted by Vogue Arabia and Art of Heritage during Ramadan in Riyadh. Wearing it made me feel empowered, authentic, and confident in presenting my culture.”
Originally published in the September 2023 issue of Vogue Arabia
Read Next: Step Inside Saudi Labels ArAm Designs and Atelier Hekayat’s Special Showcase During London Fashion Week

5 Saudi Gen Z It Girls Decode Their Style, from New Labels on TikTok to Favorite Shopping Spots

5 Saudi Gen Z It Girls Decode Their Style, from New Labels on TikTok to Favorite Shopping Spots

From left: Areej wears jacket, Magda Butrym; top, skirt, Areej’s own. Gaia wears top, Okutyr fashion house; skirt, Cecilie Bahnsen; shoes, Christian Louboutin; sunglasses, Oakley. Jouri wears dress, scarf, Otkutyr fashion house; shoes, Mango. The Noura wears dress, Prada. Nour wears cape, dress, Otkutyr fashion house. Photo: Ankita Chandra
Saudi Arabia’s fashion landscape is rapidly evolving. As local influencers, models, and other creatives continue to rise, the way the nation consumes fashion is changing. With greater access – be it through social media content, particularly TikTok; or retailers – the Kingdom’s already fashion-forward women can express themselves in ways like never before. With a recent wave of social reforms, Saudi women aren’t afraid to share their style, especially on social media, and to play around with it.
Photo: Ankita Chandra
Additionally, large-scale events like film festivals, the Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda show (held in AlUla), and the upcoming Saudi Fashion Week in October further amplify the Kingdom’s love for fashion. With a large part of its population being under 30, the next generation is tech-savvy and well-researched when it comes to style – be it regarding sustainability, seeking out cool homegrown labels, or simply experimenting with different trends.

Vogue Arabia speaks to five Saudi Arabian Gen Z girls to break down their style and understand how they shop.
The Noura, 22
Dress, jacket, Otkutyr fashion house; shoes, Nike; glasses, Cartier. Photo: Ankita Chandra
“Fashion isn’t just about wearing trendy clothes – it’s about creating a sense of identity and confidence that reflects who you are,” says The Noura. The 22-year-old, who is on a gap year ahead of pursuing a master’s degree, grew up in a family that loves fashion, and learned from her older sisters to invest in forever pieces. Case in point: Her Saint Laurent biker jacket, which she will cherish for decades. While her style identifies more with a classic aesthetic, she likes to incorporate trends in small doses. “I love to mix and match, but I prefer a classic style that highlights my feminine side. And I love labels like Alexander McQueen, Zimmermann, Adidas, Jacquemus, and Hindamme,” she says. Additionally, she’s not a fan of mixing prints or skinny jeans. When it comes to shopping, it’s the usual suspects like department stores, online portals, and vintage shops, but she also enjoys buying from local boutiques when traveling.
Jouri Barakat, 19
Dress, scarf, Otkutyr fashion house; shoes, Mango. Photo: Ankita Chandra
For Jouri Barakat, fashion is a powerful tool that allows people to connect with others on a deeper level. The aspiring lawyer often gravitates towards a tropical beach vibe when it comes to dressing but also plays around with other styles. “I enjoy exploring different aesthetics and trends, observing what catches my eye and resonates with me – this way, I can better understand what makes me feel confident and comfortable,” she says. She opts for labels that create innovative pieces from high-quality materials when shopping. “While I love exploring small markets and unique finds from around the world, I also admire international brands like Zimmermann and Louisa Ballou. Additionally, I appreciate the creativity of independent designers and emerging labels offering one-of-a-kind pieces that align with my personal style.” Barakat discovers new labels through public figures, as well as through mood boards and social media platforms.
Gaia Ataya, 22
Coat, corset, skirt, Magda Butrym; shoes, Mango; sunglasses, Balenciaga. Photo: Ankita Chandra
The model/influencer who grew up between Saudi and Switzerland firmly believes in the “look good, feel good” mantra. “Fashion enables me to feel empowered and be my authentic self,” she says, while crediting Lily-Rose Depp as her style icon. Ataya identifies her style as versatile, classic, and feminine and strongly supports Arab labels. “Saudi designer Nasiba Hafiz’s clothes have added so much pop and fun to my wardrobe this year – her pieces are truly unique and are produced mindfully,” she says. Ataya adds that she resonates with a different brand every year; for 2023, she’s bought a lot of Prada pieces. “I also love Loro Piana as it truly captures my ideal classic style – stemming away from big logos.” When discovering new labels, it’s primarily TikTok she refers to. “The specific algorithm tailored to my interests makes it easy to come across brands that would fall into my style category.
Nour Aldohni, 19
Photo: Ankita Chandra
For Jeddah-born student and model Aldohni, fashion is a creative outlet blending art, culture, and individuality that is constantly evolving. As someone who consciously practices mindfulness and sustainability, she believes in investing in quality pieces that transcend seasons versus indulging in fast fashion. Not one to conform to fleeting trends, Aldohni believes in creating a unique style identity that reflects her personality and doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Her style fuses modern elegance with culture, and she’s often inspired by the rich local fashion scene that blends traditional elements with contemporary designs. “While I enjoy international luxury labels, I also love supporting local designers that bring a unique perspective to fashion,” adds Aldohni. One of her most cherished pieces is an embroidered traditional Saudi abaya that she feels represents a significant part of her identity. Aldohni often discovers new labels through fashion events, exhibitions, social media, and magazines and likes to shop through various channels, including luxury department stores, vintage boutiques, local shops, and e-tailers.
Areej Algeem, 25
Photo: Ankita Chandra
This self-confessed shopaholic and workaholic loves adding a playful twist to classic styles. “Fashion to me is a means of self-expression – a way of telling a story, especially when I wear something new or trendy. And that’s when I feel most confident,” says the hospitality professional. The many stylists she follows on social media help her discover new labels, and currently, she loves brands such as The Frankie Shop, NA-KD, Dissh, and Lilysilk as they suit her lifestyle. She’s also not one to follow trends blindly. “I hate socks with sliders, low-rise jeans, sunglasses at night, ripped jeans, and bulky sneakers,” says Algeem. Regarding viral TikTok trends like Barbiecore and Mermaid core, while she doesn’t follow them, she does enjoy watching how creative people can get with fashion.
Photo: Ankita Chandra
Originally published in the September 2023 issue of Vogue Arabia
Style: Suhilah AlmamyFashion market editor: Mohammad Hazem RezqHair: KhadijahMakeup: Laila ShawlyStyle assistant: Wazina NizarProducer: Basamat ArabiaAssistant producer: Thanaaz Hisham 
Read Next: 15 Saudi Women to Follow for Style and Creative Inspiration

Only Watch 2023 Favorites: Bulgari

Only Watch 2023 Favorites: Bulgari

We continue to highlight a few of our favorite watches from among the more than sixty watchmakers that have created timepieces for the Only Watch charity auction, which commences Sunday, November 5, in Geneva. Christie’s will auction these incredible one-of-a-kind watches to raise funds that benefit research in the battle against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
While you may have seen a few of the watches set for auction earlier this year when Only Watch announced them, we thought you’d enjoy seeing many of these impressive designs again just ahead of the event.
The watches are currently touring the globe. After concluding their U.S. visit at Christie’s in New York on September 17, the tour will visit Monaco next, followed by stops in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai and back in Geneva. See the Only Watch website for tour dates and details.
In this post we highlight Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Only Watch (above), a unique version of its groundbreaking ultra-thin tourbillon watch created using Italian green marble and given 110 facets.
The green marble, named Verde di Alpi, comes from the Aosta Valley, the natural passage linking Switzerland and Italy through the Alps. Green is offset with white veins, which Bulgari symbolizes as serpentines of alpine forests and snowy peaks.
The watch’s 40mm black DLC titanium polished case and bracelet is covered with the green marble in a layer of 0.4mm – 0.5mm.
The dial also features a thin marble wafer (0.6-mm). Similarly, Bulgari set the bracelet’s front and side links with a sliver of marble, leaving only the interior surface in black DLC titanium. Inside is Bulgari’s ultra-thin BVL 268 hand-wound manufacture ultra-thin mechanical movement with flying tourbillon. The full case measures only 1.95 mm thick.
Bulgari notes that the purchaser of the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Only Watch will be offered one night in Bulgari’s newest hotel in Roma as well as lunch or dinner with one person from Bulgari Horlogerie Top management and the visit of the Villa Albani Torlonia to see a collection of marble sculptures.
Estimate: CHF 150,000 – CHF 250,000.

This New Jewelry Collection Celebrates Artful Saudi Culture

This New Jewelry Collection Celebrates Artful Saudi Culture

Photo: Courtesy Ofa
Expanding her Ofa fine jewelry collection, Saudi jewelry designer Hala Abdullah has unveiled her latest launch to coincide with Saudi National Day. Named Foug, which means ‘above’, the collection pays homage to her Saudi heritage while seamlessly embracing contemporary aesthetics. The collection includes 12 pieces, featuring delicate necklaces adorned with intricate filigree patterns, and chic statement rings. The elegantly understated pieces use mesmerizing emeralds, dazzling diamonds, and mountain-sourced onyx stones, set in 18K gold. With a nod to the designer’s Saudi roots, the designs incorporate elements from the traditional fabric patterns woven by the Bedouin, and Islamic architectural designs.
Photo: Courtesy Ofa
Aiming to create authentic yet modern jewelry designs, Abdullah is inspired by her Saudi heritage, leading her to collaborate with her local community and craftspeople. Describing the launch as “vintage elegance with a modern twist”, Abdullah says she intends for Ofa to be known for its authentic jewelry, personalizable designs, and wearable pieces for every occasion, capturing the essence of modern Saudi culture. “I’ve always been so proud of my Saudi heritage and my Foug collection signifies and celebrates that feeling for me,” she says. Part of Abdullah’s mission includes working to ensure that every step of the production process adheres to strict ethical standards, from sourcing conflict-free gemstones to supporting local craftsmen, she says.
Photo: Courtesy Ofa
The former Vogue Arabia model has previously championed the aesthetics of traditional Saudi designs, featuring in the June 2023 issue of Vogue Arabia, adorned in the country’s vivid Al-Qatt Al-Asiri patterns. “I was once lucky enough to be featured in a Vogue Arabia beauty shoot,” she recalls. “One of the reasons why I love working with Vogue is their unwavering support for Saudi Arabia and its local artists and creatives like myself”.
Photo: Courtesy Ofa
The Foug collection is available at ofaofficial.com

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