OBJECTS OF DESIRE

Master craftsmanship, effortless style and timeless appeal; this month’s must-haves and collectibles

Boucheron More Is More

Boucheron’s creative director, Claire Choisne, always seems to have lots of fun dreaming up the second of her two annual high jewellery collections for the house, one free of any set parameters. That sense of freedom is conveyed in the eye-popping More is More collection, via size, shape, and materials, with pop art and its confrontation of convention an overt influence. As such, rings are not just rings but also scrunchies, joyful expressions whether placed in the hair or slipped on a finger.

Originally designed in the 1950s for the French naval air army, Breguet celebrates the seventieth year of its Type XX timepiece by redesigning the line with two new models, making it look highly contemporary while loaded with nods to its proud history. The Type

20 chronograph 2057 sees its black dial modernised and its luminescent numerals cast in mint green, as are the hands. While the appearance of the Type XX chronograph 2067 is identifiable as a direct descendant of the finest civilian Type XX from the 1950s and 1960s.

BERLUTI SPRING-SUMMER 2024

Since Kris Van Assche left his post as Berluti’s creative director — packing up his more expressive designs to take with him — the brand has retreated somewhat to the comfort of its codes, using them more and more across a full collection. Case in point is the Scritto motif. Traditionally used to enliven shoes and leather goods, now it also appears on clothes, via knitwear and, in this collection, a packable parka. Elsewhere, the collection is an exercise in the perfect fusion of fabrics and leathers.

GIVENCHY SPRING 2024 WOMEN’S RTW

Givenchy’s creative director, Matthew M. Williams, dug deep into the archives for this collection, updating Hubert de Givenchy signatures (in particular, draping techniques) but also bringing in a fresh mix of materials. Tailoring focuses on graceful lines, with unstructured silhouettes in silk twill that gives jackets, trench coats and trousers an easy refinement. For when day turns to night, Williams has created jersey dresses that have crystal-embellished 4G lace inserts, while thread-like metal chains are a feature of sheer slip dresses.

Infused with the wonder of the changing seasons, Gucci’s latest high jewellery collection reimagines Mother Nature’s glorious transformations. Spring shows in designs defined by fresh hues reminiscent of the blooms found in Gucci’s emblematic Flora motif, including a 161-carat cushion- cut pink tourmaline, encircled by multiple levels of diamonds and coloured enamel, all set on a chain bursting with 72 fancy tourmalines. While winter is expressed by the likes of an enamel and diamond necklace, defined by a milky, iridescent 92-carat opal.

JAGUAR E-TYPE ZP COLLECTION

Jaguar has honoured its legendary E-type’s first race wins with Project ZP, a collection of seven exclusive pairs of restored E-types inspired by the 1961 winning cars. Each pair consists of one Oulton Blue drophead coupe, inspired by the original car driven by Graham Hill, and a Crystal Grey fixed-head coupe. Powered by the 3.8-litre in-line sixcylinder Jaguar XK engine, unique features on each model include commemorative badging, soft Bridge of Weir leather, and a bespoke aluminium console engraved by artist Jonny ‘King Nerd’

A fresh take on the brand’s Lopez loafer, the new Bath model is supremely light and ultra-supple, while maintaining all the hallmarks of John Lobb’s expert craftmanship — an unlined, suede upper is stitched to a goodyear-welted sole, holding its shape while giving flexible comfort. In fact, so confident is John Lobb that the new shoe will fit as snugly as a glove that it has loaded the loafer with distinctive stitching to provide a handsewn finish reminiscent of working gloves.