MATERIAL PURSUITS

This weekend’s curated luxury trends

HELMUT NEWTON’S BENTLEY

In 1964, when the late Helmut Newton decided that he “had to own a Bentley,” the critically acclaimed German/Australian fashion photographer, walked in to a Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealership in Paris with a budget of 10,000 francs. But the car he’d end up falling in love with—a silver and blue, 1956 Bentley S-Type Continental Sports Saloon once owned by Madame Peugeot herself—was priced at more than double that amount. According to Newton’s autobiography, he received an agency check in that amount (around 23,000 francs) about a month later for a job he had done and “hotfooted it” over to the salesman. “He looked at me like I was crazy, but I had the car and drove it home in a state of complete euphoria." This month, some lucky buyer will get to experience that same joy as the Bentley Newton owned between 1964 and 1972 goes up for auction at Bonham’s. The vehicle features coachwork by H J Mulliner, an engine rebuilt in 2011, and numerous upgrades throughout its storied history. It’s also one of only 26 left-hand drive Mulliner-bodied S-Type two-door saloons. Bonham’s estimate this beauty will sell for at least $1 million. Find out more at cars.bonhams.com

FIFTY FATHOMS UNDER THE SEA

When Blancpain unveiled its Fifty Fathoms diver’s watch in 1953, there was nothing else quite like it. Fast forward 70 years later and underwater diving has been transformed by modern technology with divers now able to spend hours under the sea. Enter an exquisite new timepiece from Blancpain marking the 70th anniversary of its iconic Fifty Fathoms. Issued in a 555-piece limited edition, the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 is presented in a box inspired by a historic camera housing, echoing Blancpain's ocean protection initiatives and the Swiss brand’s underwater legacy. Among its many state-of-the-art mechanisms, this anniversary model features a twotone NATO strap with the color code of the original timepiece, made from fishing nets recovered from the oceans. This limited edition timepiece is priced around $32,000. Find out more at blancpain.com/en/fifty-fathoms-70th-anniversary-act-3.

ATELIER JOLIE

Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie has announced the launch of her purpose-driven fashion brand, Atelier Jolie. “I am building a place for creative people to collaborate with a skilled and diverse family of expert tailors, pattern makers, and artisans from around the world,” says Jolie. “We will use only leftover, quality vintage material and deadstock. You will be able to repair or upcycle pieces from your closet that you wish to revive, perfecting fit, breathing new life into what could have been thrown away, and creating quality heirloom garments with personal meaning.” Jolie and Chloé, led by Gabriela Hearst, have announced they are working on a capsule collection together. Atelierjolie.com