ROX Magazine 24/25

HIGHLAND FLING FASHION’S ENDURING LOVE AFFAIR WITH SCOTLAND

OPEN SEASON WEARING YOUR TICKING HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE BLINDED BY THE LIGHT BELLA HADID’S FIRST CAMPAIGN FOR CHOPARD

EDINBURGH ROCKS

WHERE TIMELESS ELEGANCE MEETS URBAN COOL

THE ART OF FUSION

BIG BANG UNICO BLACK MAGIC

Black ceramic case. In-house UNICO chronograph movement.

Since 1988, Chopard has been World Sponsor and Official Timekeeper of the legendary 1000 Miglia , the world’s most beautiful car race. As the ultimate embodiment of our passion for endurance rallies and the competitive spirit, the 40.5 mm-diameter Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph combines a sporty design with chronometer-certified precision. Proudly developed and handcrafted by our Artisans, this exceptional timepiece showcases the finest expertise and innovation cultivated within our Manufacture.

MILLE MIGLIA CLASSIC CHRONOGRAPH

WELCOME

Our last year’s printed celebration of all that glisters, sparkles and ticks may have had anyone north of the Watford Gap twitching. For very good reasons, since ROX Magazine’s rare show of London bias was another celebration, with ROX at Battersea Power Station bringing Diamonds & Thrills to the banks of the Thames by the magnum. However, the twitchers can relax. This year’s magazine switches its gaze firmly back to the UK’s brisker climes, as Scotland is enjoying something of a ‘fashion moment’, ever since Dior landed in the Highlands for its Cruise 2025 catwalk show, it’s first in the country in almost seven decades.

Lynne Coleman, fashionista historian and author, will tell you this is nothing new, of course. From the 18th century’s ban on tartan (then Vivienne Westwood’s punk-inspired Eighties reimagining), to Coco Chanel’s ongoing obsession with Harris Tweed, and now domestic breakout labels such as Iseabal

Hendry (see Far Flung Treasures p.38), Celtic style is a thread woven through any genre you care to mention.

Elsewhere, we’re bringing all the usual moves and shakes in watches and jewellery. The former including fashion’s own trajectory up to ‘haute’ horological altitude (see 'Tutti Gucci' p.133), plus a recent penchant for the establishment to dial-down and derobe (see ‘Open Season’ p.140).

Gems-wise, with vapours around laboratory-grown diamonds now dispersed, jewellery’s high-end hasn’t wasted any time. Incredibly innovative uses of the technology are resulting in ever-more fabulous creations, fit for garments used to more ‘natural’ accessorisation.

With much more besides, we hope you enjoy the issue.

Alex Doak and Laura McCreddie-Doak Editors

EDITORS’ PICKS

18 WISHLIST

This season's must have fashion, accessories and watches.

49 CATWALK AGENDA

A season of endless style possibilities. Here is our round of the standout trends defining the new season.

58

EDINBURGH ROCKS

Embrace the heritage of Edinburgh's national monument at Calton Hill with ROX Code.

104 BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

Bella Hadid has shot her first campaign as global ambassador for Chopard.

126 THE LUXURY WATCH EDIT

Here's what your wrist needs to be rocking right now.

134 OPEN SEASON

Roll up your sleeves for an architectural descent into centuries-proven microengineering genius.

143 RUNWAY REPORT

A season packed with bold style choices. Here's our breakdown of the standout trends shaping the latest men's fashion.

149 TURBO, CHARGED

Porsche hands the (keyless) keys to Ben Barry for a taste of the 911 GTS’s electrified switch-up.

163 GIFTS

You may not need convincing to spend that cash on a flashy must-have, but just in case, here’s a selection of treats to tempt you.

WISH LIST

Our top must-have picks this season.

TAG HEUER Carrera Chronograph £6,100 (82569), Aimé Leon Dore Waffle Knit Polo, HUBLOT Square Bang Unico £35,800 (79149), ROX Platinum and Rose Gold Ring £1,695 (74227), Garrett Leight California Optical Sunglasses, HUBLOT Classic Fusion £10,600 (82298), Celine Homme Sac De Voyage Weekend Bag, CHOPARD Mille Miglia £8,420 (83117)

ROX Love Bangle £4,950 (71325), BULGARI Octo Roma Chronograph £8,550 (80940), Le Labo Thé Matcha 26, TAG HEUER Formula 1 £3,300 (82578), Loewe's Cubi Messenger Bag, ZENITH Defy Skyline Chronograph £12,100 (82793), Nike Air Max 90 Drift, TUDOR Pelagos FXD GMT £4,000 (83768), Maharishi 5285 Articulated Tech Cargo Crew Sweat

Maharishi 4050 Asym Track Pants, Gucci GG Marmont Bracelet £245 (83691), GUCCI Interlocking £1,750 (83152), Goyard Victoire Wallet, Bulgari Octo Roma £6,800 (80937), ROX DNA Ring £3,400 (83422), Zenith Defy Extreme Diver £10,200 (82794), Represent Storm Runner, Prada Re-Nylon and Saffiano Leather Backpack

Gucci Signature Necklace £320 (83649), TAG HEUER Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport £7,350 (83573), Represent R5 Hooded Denim Bomber, HUBLOT Big Bang Unico £17,900 (70073), ROX Adore Ring £4,295 (76178), Aimé Leon Dore Queens Crest Loafer Loewe SlimFit T-Shirt, TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT £3,960 (82849), Louis Vuitton Ombre Nomade

Miu Miu D-frame Sunglasses, ROX Code Ring

£7,900 (77778), TAG HEUER Carrera Date £4,200 (82571), ROX Cosmic Bangle £5,400 (83404), Loewe Belted Shirt, ROX Code Necklace £1,280 (82483), Dolce&Gabbana Embroidered Bralette, GUCCi G-Timeless £1,560 (82686), ROX Code Ring

£5,800 (83106)

(79803),

(83315),

(78876),

ROX Code Necklace£8,900

ROX Cosmic Earrings £3,400

BULGARI Serpenti Seduttori £7,250

Saint Laurent Missy mesh and leather sandals, ZENITH Chronomaster Sport £15,800 (79188), ROX Tennis Bracelet from £2,795 (80602), Prada Arqué Leather Bag, CHOPARD Ice Cube Earrings £5,450 (83546), HUBLOT Classic Fusion £7,200 (82807)

TUDOR Black Bay 31 £3,270 (80977), Stella McCartney Oversized Wool Blazer, ROX Cascade Ring £3,400 (75449), Bottega Veneta Andiamo Small Envelope, Miss ROX Initial Necklace from £650 (76365), ROX Code Ring £8,900 (83130), ROX Rubover Bracelet £3,100 (83304), ROX Love Ring £3,200 (81777), Loewe + ON Cloudtilt 2.0 Sneakers

CHOPARD Happy Diamonds Bracelet £3,870 (83373) , MIU MIU Camisole Bralette, HUBLOT Big Bang One Click £12,200 (76271), Chopard Happy Sport £9,940 (83383), ROX Cosmic Necklace £1,980 (83316), Miss ROX Clover Motif Earrings £580 (83332), ROX DNA Ring £4,200 (83424), ROX Hoop Earrings £4,900 (83119), Saint Laurent LE 37 Small

CULTURAL RADAR

A dystopian future underground, Tom Hanks and his latest movie, plus a must listen podcast from the distributor behind every cool film and TV series of the last decade. Here’s all you entertainment options sorted.

Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

THE NIGHTSTAND

Before We Forget Kindness

Directed by Robert Zemekis, starring Tom Hanks

Adapted from the graphic novel of the same name, this ambitious film all takes place on the same patch of land in New England. The timeline of the film takes us from the beginning of time to far into the future, though the main focus is on a couple, played by Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, who occupy the house built on this patch of land, taking them from Vietnamgeneration teens to octogenarians. It has been described as a breathtaking and revolutionary odyssey through time and memory and will also reunite the team – Eric Roth (script) Zemeckis, Hanks and Robin Wright – who made Forrest Gump 30 years ago. It is a film full of interesting quirks most notably that the camera has been placed at a fixed angle for the entire running time, never moving, allowing the lives of the characters to unfold around it.

THE STREAM

Silo Season 2

Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Pan Macmillian, £14.99 Apple + November 15

The first book in this series, Before the Coffee Gets Cold was a million-copy bestselling story of a small café in Tokyo where customers can travel back in time asking the question – if you could revisit your past, would you? There were conditions. The customers must sit at the same seat, they cannot leave the café and they must travel back to the present before their coffee gets cold. It was enthusiastically received with its gentle plot hiding more powerful musing on regret, nostalgia and romance. This is the fifth instalment with a new group of people – a father who forbade his daughter’s marriage, a woman who couldn’t give Valentine’s chocolates to someone, a wife holding a child with no name and a boy who wants to show his smile to his divorced parents – with more life-affirming results.

First season went under the radar, buried under a pile of (to this reviewer’s mind) undeserved praise for Slow Horses. It is set in a dystopian future where an environmental catastrophe has caused humanity to retreat to giant underground silos comprising 144 levels. Those floors delineate the community in terms of class and occupation and at the series’ heart is a central mystery – why, when people who have broken the rules, are sent outside do they feel compelled to clean the lens of the external cameras that are the occupants only link to the outside world? It is twisty, boasts an amazing cast including Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, David Oyelowo, and Common, and the world building is incredible. Season two looks to explore the world beyond the original silo, with new characters and a failed rebellion.

PODCAST

The A24 Podcast

Films become cult, distributors don’t. Unless you’re A24, that is. Founded in 2012, A24 is behind every cool film and TV series of the last decade. Netflix’s Beef, HBO’s Euphoria? A24. Awards’ season darling, Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, Adam Sandler heart attack of a film Uncut Gems, Greta Gerwig masterpiece Ladybird? A24. elevated horrors Midsommar, Hereditary (or “her head hit a tree”!) and The Witch? You get the idea. And it also has a podcast that manages to be both nerdy and cool at the same time. Previous episodes include Past Lives’ director Celine Song in conversation with Sofia Coppola to discuss their careers to date and what genres they’d like to direct in future and Emma Stone and writer and comedian Julio Torres going down some weird and wonderful conversational avenues. A must-listen whether you have an “A24” tattoo or not.

THE COFFEE TABLE BOOK

Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh Assouline, £115

It was a mere six years ago that Virgil Abloh took his first bow for Louis Vuitton. On a sweltering Parisian afternoon in the Palais-Royale Gardens, he redefined the brand’s sartorial lexicon. With theme “colour as metaphor”, it was a multicultural, multicolourful riot of luxurious normcore. Three years later, he was tragically dead – a career in its comparative nascency cut short. This book honours his bright but brief tenure at Louis Vuitton. With over 250 stunningly iconic images and personal reflections from Abloh’s inner circle, including Nigo, Naomi Campbell, Luka Sabbat, Kendall Jenner and Kid Cudi, the book is the definitive chronicle of a partnership that redefined not only dress codes but their very vocabulary.

THE EXHIBITION

Inked Up – Printmaking in Scotland

Sept 14 2024 – Jun 1 2025, City Art Centre, Edinburgh

Printmaking is one of the most richly diverse areas of the visual arts. For centuries, artists have employed different printmaking techniques and processes to create a variety of effects – experimenting with line, tone, texture and colour. In Scotland this potential has long been recognised and embraced, with Scottish printmakers offering valuable contributions to the discipline. This exhibition celebrates this versatile artform, presenting a selection of works from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection of fine art. The exhibition showcases both historic and contemporary prints, with examples of relief printing, intaglio printing, lithography and screenprinting. Featured artists include Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Muirhead Bone, and, Victoria Crowe (pictured, Jenny and Feeding, 2000).

Kelly Lee Owens

Dreamy, woozy and somewhat ephemeral, Kelly Lee Owens eponymous debut album announced this Welsh musician, singer, and producer, as an interesting new name on the dream-pop scene. Since then, she has opened for Depeche Mode, collaborated with Bjork, and remixed St Vincent. Dreamstate, her fourth album, feels more substantial than previous releases no doubt a result of working with the likes of Bicep and Tom Rowlands from The Chemical Brothers. Sunshine is a “hands in the air” techno track with major remix potential, while Love You Got feels very Ibiza sunset but with a dark undercurrent that stops it feeling cheesy. Lee Owens has described this album as the sound of a person letting go. She’s certainly letting go in the right direction.

Dreamstate

THE ALBUM

THE EDINBURGH ESCAPE

Discover The Edinburgh Escape: where to see, do, eat, and stay in Scotland's most enchanting city— from iconic castles and hidden alleys to cutting-edge dining and stylish boutique stays, this guide has everything you need for an unforgettable Edinburgh experience. Words by Arabella Keogh.

EDINBURGH CASTLE

Commanding the city skyline from Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a testament to Scotland’s storied past. Walk through grand halls, ancient chapels, and Scotland’s Crown Jewels, all with views that stretch over Edinburgh to the Firth of Forth. Early birds avoid the crowds and enjoy a private-feeling stroll through the castle's winding pathways. And if you’re here at one o'clock, don’t miss the daily gun salute—a tradition that’s as thrilling as the views.

A short walk from the bustling city centre, Dean Village feels like stepping into a postcard. This riverside oasis of cobbled streets, charming cottages, and the meandering Water of Leith will have you feeling like you’ve discovered a hidden Scottish hamlet. Stroll through its peaceful pathways, snap photos by the quaint stone bridges, and explore the gardens—it’s the ultimate spot for a peaceful escape and scenic views without ever leaving the city.

DEAN VILLAGE

THE KITCHIN

Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin brings the “nature to plate” philosophy to life with creative, seasonal dishes that showcase Scotland’s finest produce. Nestled in a stylish space in Leith, The Kitchin serves up seafood straight from the North Sea, venison from the Highlands, and foraged wild mushrooms. Each dish is an artful blend of flavours and textures that celebrate Scotland’s land and sea. The tasting menu is a must-try for the full experience, with expertly paired wines that make every bite sing.

Located on Cockburn Street, this tiny, photogenic coffee shop is set in a restored old milk bar. The Milkman serves up seriously good coffee with a side of nostalgic charm. While it’s a popular spot for a grab-and-go latte, the intimate atmosphere, complete with window seats overlooking the cobbled streets, tempts you to linger and soak in the laid-back Edinburgh vibe. It’s a must-visit for a cup of coffee that’s as memorable as the setting itself.

THE MILKMAN

FRINGE FESTIVAL

Come August, Edinburgh transforms into an artistic playground with the Fringe Festival, the world’s largest celebration of creativity. The city buzzes with street performers, comedians, musicians, and avant-garde acts from around the globe. The lineup is vast, from hilarious stand-up to deeply moving theatre, but don’t miss mentalist Colin Cloud’s mind-bending show—he’s known for guessing your thoughts with eerie precision. Be spontaneous and wander the city for pop-up performances on every corner, each more intriguing than the last.

ARTHUR'S SEAT

Edinburgh’s most famous outdoor experience, Arthur’s Seat, is a volcanic hill offering unparalleled views of the city. This moderate hike is perfect for morning adventurers or those looking to catch the golden glow of sunset. Reaching the top feels like conquering a mini-mountain, with the cityscape stretching below and the blue sea beyond. Bring a picnic or simply bask in the natural beauty—it’s the city’s best spot for an unforgettable vista.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

When the holiday season hits, Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets fill Princes Street Gardens with festive magic. Think mulled wine, artisan stalls, and twinkling lights against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Stroll through the charming wooden stalls, try a Scottish gin hot toddy, and pick up handcrafted trinkets or cosy tartan scarves for holiday gifts. With an ice-skating rink and a Ferris wheel lighting up the night, the markets bring a whimsical winter wonderland right to the city centre.

THE W HOTEL

A sleek and stylish addition to Edinburgh’s New Town, the W Hotel’s modernist architecture and luxe interiors make it the place to see and be seen. Each room boasts breath taking city views, with decor inspired by the Scottish landscape in cool greys and moody blues. The highlight? Their rooftop bar with a wrap-around terrace, ideal for sipping signature cocktails as you take in the Edinburgh skyline at sunset—a perfect blend of urban chic and historic charm.

MORE THAN JUST A HIGHLAND FLING

Fashion has had an enduring love affair with Scotland. We chart its influence from political acts of the 18th century to the ateliers of modernday Paris. Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

On a cool June evening with the scent of lavender in the air and the sound of bagpipes on the wind, the gardens of Drummond Castle, in Perthshire, were transformed into a catwalk. Under the gaze of such A-listers as Jennifer Lawrence and Lily Collins, models resplendent in tartan, fashioned into off-the-shoulder dresses, bomber jackets and floor-length trousers presented Dior’s 2025 Cruise collection. Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri was inspired by Clare Hunter’s book Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power, which details how Mary Queen of Scots used embroidery, while imprisoned, to send political messages. This is most prominently seen in the Oxburgh Hangings, now permanently displayed in Oxburgh Hall, in Norfolk. Intended as bed hangings and produced between 1569 and 1585, while Mary was living in the custody of George Talbot, 6th

Earl of Shrewsbury, they use a series of veiled symbols such as animals, mythical beasts such as a phoenix, and depictions of natural occurrences, such as a yellow rose being attacked by a group of cankerworms, to demonstrate “the resistant pride of a woman with few other ways to assert control over her position”, according the Victoria and Albert Museum.

This was not Dior’s first time in Scotland. In 1955 Christian Dior presented a collection, based on the Ecosse look from Fall 1947, at Gleneagles Hotel, also in Perthshire. Speaking about the evening in his autobiography Dior by Dior, he says, “After the show there was an unexpected contrast which delighted my French eyes: the parade of the girls in their delicate evening dresses was succeeded by Scottish reels danced by magnificent Scottish gentlemen in their kilts… I lingered a little in Scotland. I had heard so much about its beauty that I feared to be disappointed – on the

contrary, I was even more struck by the beauty of the country, the castles, and the moors, than I had expected.”

Dior is by far the only designer to be inspired by the beauty of Scotland. Mlle Chanel spent time on the Reay Estate when she was the lover of Hugh Richard Arthur Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster, known affectionately as Bendor. Chanel not only took to country pursuits with aplomb – according to the Reay Estate fishing records she was a more than competent fisherwoman – it was here, while staying at Lochmore and borrowing Bendor’s clothes and making his tweeds into her own that her so-called “English Look” emerged and with it a life-long love of tweed, which she reworked in the Paris style into boxy jackets and slim-fit skirts.

“Something’s been happening with Scotland and fashion since tartan was banned in

1746.”

“Every season people go ‘look it’s new’,” says Lynne Coleman, stylist, columnist, one of the leading experts on textiles, and author of, among others, How Scotland Dressed the World, “but it isn’t. Something’s been happening with Scotland and fashion since tartan was banned in 1746.” Coleman is referring to the Dress Act of 1746, when the British Parliament made wearing the “Highland Dress”, including the kilt, illegal for boys and men in Scotland, from north of the Highland line running from Perth in the east to Dumbarton in the west. It was repealed 26 years later, in 1782, but the whiff of rebellion never left this particular textile. Coleman book is nothing if not granular in detailing how, in her words, “every fashion river flows back into the Scottish sea”, not surprising seeing as Coleman is not only brand guardian of DC Dalgliesh, the oldest artisan tartan mill but also, by her admission has the largest personal library of tartan on the planet. The book is a treasure trove of stories about fashion, popular culture and of course Scotland. Take, for example, the one about Kurt Cobain, Dennis the Menace, and Marc Jacobs.

“In the summer of 1992, Nirvana played at the King’s Hall in Belfast. That night, a local lad called Chris Black from Whitehead went to the gig wearing a black and red Dennis the Menace jumper,” Coleman writes. “Courtney Love clocked it and began bartering to buy it. She loved it and wanted to gift it to Kurt. Reluctantly, Chris parted with the sweater for £35, selling it to a jubilant Love. The tale has been retold in newspapers and radio programmes ever since.” But that wasn’t the end of this jumper’s story. Winter rolls around and

a young Marc Jacobs presents his first collection for Perry Ellis; the collection credited with kickstarting grunge as a fashion concept. “He’d been brought into Perry Ellis fresh out of Parsons [School of Design in New York] to inject some youthful ideas into their stuttering sportswear line,” explains Coleman. “Things weren’t really running to plan. The final nail in his coffin came when he sent Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss down the catwalk in Cobain-inspired clobber. Looking at it today, the collection was utter genius. Bias-cut tartan skirts teamed with cute cartoon t-shirts and finished with loose shirts and knitted beanies; it looked like Scotland-the-chic, but fashion writers condemned it.”

It's not just the obvious trends of gothic, romantic and punk that have been inspired by Scotland, it also was the birthplace of American Preppy. That Ralph Lauren collegiate aesthetic was born in the Scottish Borders where Pringle of Scotland originated thanks to Grace Kelly. Kelly loved Pringle’s cashmere twinset so much that, as

Coleman says, “every time she had a momentous occasion she would say ‘fly me to New York’ and would purchase a celebratory twinset from Pringle’s store.” Scottish influence on preppy is even more recent that that. Remember the tartan three-piece skirt suits worn by Cher and Dionne in the 1995 film Clueless? “That's how we went to school every morning,” says Coleman. “Add in the white socks and black shoes and it's a Scottish dance uniform.”

It says everything that, in the New Year, Scottish broadcaster and journalist Kirsty Wark will be making a documentary on Scottish fashion and its far-reaching influence. Wark was inspired to make the documentary after her daughter showed her a copy of Coleman’s book. The likes of fashion designer Christopher Kane, musician Sharleen Spiteri, and actor Alan Cumming will take part. Once again, Scotland and how, quietly and almost unobtrusively, it has been a major player in every major fashion trend, will be part of the conversation again. But just remember, this is nothing new.

FAR-FLUNG TREASURES

Iseabal Hendry is using thoroughly modern luxury objects to bring Scottish traditional crafts into your home. Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

Iseabal Hendry is talking about basket weaving with the kind of enthusiasm you get when someone saw their favourite band in a secret gig at Glastonbury. “I’m absolutely over the moon,” she is saying about her Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust award – a programme dedicated to supporting talented craftspeople in order to preserve traditional skills – to study basketry that she has recently received. “It was such a ‘vision board’ thing but I held off applying for the last two years. Then I did a residency at Atlas Arts [a visual arts organisation on the Isle of Skye] and became very interested as part of the residency. There was a basketry meet-up on the Isle and it was a ‘eureka’ moment. It just felt so right. That night, with just three weeks to go until the deadline, I applied.” Now she will go on to study this skill with five weavers across the UK. Traditional crafts are part of Hendry’s DNA. Raised in the Scottish Highlands, she was often to

be found in her father’s workshop lending a helping hand. “Dad made all our furniture,” she explains. “There were no shops nearby so making things was easier than getting it delivered.” A lack of a local Ikea certainly proved to be a help rather than a hinderance despite Hendry’s ambivalence as to where this would all lead. She even took a year’s course in traditional clinker-boat building while still at school, just for the sheer love of it. “I never thought I’d do anything with any of this,” she says, still sounding somewhat surprised as to where her life has taken her.

However, it was going to Glasgow School of Art where things started to solidify, particularly when Hendry’s class were assigned their leather project. “At Glasgow, if you studied textiles, it was either focussed on fashion or interiors,” she says. “I flirted with both ideas, but mostly fashion.” Hendry’s signature style of intricately woven leather, either incorporated into handbag designs or coating

steam-bent wood for her curved, free-standing storage units, was made on the day her class were allowed to choose their leather. The materials were supplied to the School by Aston Martin and Jaguar as a way of repurposing offcuts from their car interiors. “The offcuts were huge, with these tiny shapes cut out of them,” remembers Hendry. “There was a stampede for the largest pieces but there were also these slivers piled up, small in size yet huge in quantity. I set myself a brief to use them. I reweaved them, stitched them together. I loved the intricacy of them and how they made the leather into something delicate.”

After School, taking this delicate leather and turning it into a business reality was far from straight forward. The Aston Martin/Jaguar project with its focus on turning trash into treasure, as well as her respect for traditional craftsmanship, meant that sourcing suppliers who were small family-run concerns and as close to home as possible was difficult. “I graduated in 2016 and spent until 2020 sourcing,” Hendry says. “It was such a long process because there is no fast track.” Her years of research has translated into an impressive roster of suppliers. The leather is vegetable tanned, strictly a by-product of the meat industry, and currently sourced in Scandinavia and tanned in Tuscany by a family-owned business, though Hendry plans to use UK-based suppliers who work to regenerative farming practices. The cotton is woven in Scotland by a company founded in 1900 and uses looms over 100 years old. Even the zips have provenance and are sourced from Switzerland by a company founded in 1936 who patented the first-ever diecast zipper on nylon.

Interestingly for someone so concerned about their environmental impact, the word “sustainable” is not part of Hendry’s lexicon. “I feel like it’s a word that isn’t quantifiable,” she says. “It can come across as greenwashing and doesn’t tell me anything.” She prefers, instead, to talk about zero waste and how she is naturally constrained by the fact that she doesn’t order in large quantities, so everything is used. In a world where luxury brands constantly use powerful words casually, it is refreshing to see someone so thoughtful about their work; something that is reflected in the quiet beauty of what she creates.

What creations will come out of Hendry’s new adventures in basketry is still nascent. Hendry wants these skills to lead to something that is a continuation of her current designs, though not entirely separate. She’s thinking big baskets, maybe using leather. Either way, they will, no doubt, be as beautiful and mysterious as the landscapes in which they were made.

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

Experience off-grid life in the lap of luxury with a Wingbeat Escape kitted-out camper van. Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

Day 1: Collection and Off-Grid stay at the exclusive Stanhope Estate Glen

Begin your journey in the heart of Scotland's rugged beauty at the exclusive Stanhope Estate Glen. Nestled in rolling heather moorland of the Southern Uplands, this secluded haven offers the perfect start to your trip being off grid in a private glen. Enjoy the tranquillity of your secluded surroundings, with the opportunity to experience wild swimming in a natural plunge pool just steps from your van and hills of varying difficulty to climb. This is an ideal location to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene landscape, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Day

2: Scenic Drive to Mellon Udrigle, Wester Ross

Your second day takes you on a scenic journey through the Cairngorms, with a recommended stop at The House of Bruar, renowned for its selection of quality Scottish produce. Alternatively, stock up on essentials at Tesco in Inverness before heading west. The drive to Mellon Udrigle via Loch Glascarnoch is stunning, with panoramic views at every turn. Pause for lunch at the Aultguish Inn, a charming spot to sample local fare. End your day at the Mellon Udrigle Beach campsite, where you'll find a beach reminiscent of a Caribbean oasis—perfect for a sundowner.

Day 3: Exploration of Torridon via Loch Maree

Head south from Mellon Udrigle to the picturesque village of Torridon, with a trip along the shores of Loch Maree. Along the way, consider stopping at the Badachro Inn in Gairloch for a leisurely lunch, where you can find fresh, local seafood. The road from Kinlochewe to Torridon offers some of Scotland's most dramatic landscapes, with ample opportunities to explore on foot. As the day concludes, make sure to reserve a table The Torridon’s Bo & Muc restaurant, known for its refined Scottish cuisine. Park up by Loch Torridon for a peaceful overnight stay.

Island Born • Fearless Spirit

Multi award-winning spirits from the Scottish Isle of Barra

Day 4: The Legendary Applecross Pass and the Isle of Skye

Take in the beauty of Loch Torridon from the comfort of your van. If time permits, make sure to have lunch at the Shieldaig Coastal Bar and Kitchen before setting off on an epic road. Today’s drive is a highlight, taking you over the iconic Applecross Pass (Bealach na Bà), known for its thrilling switchbacks and awe-inspiring views, making sure to visit the village of Applecross, known for its cosy coffee shop and welcoming pub. The day’s journey concludes on the Isle of Skye, with a recommended stop at The Shellfish Shack in Harrapool. For an overnight stay, parking up on the shore of Loch Slappin offers a picturesque setting and the perfect place to cook your fresh fish in the van overlooking the sea loch.

Day 5: From Skye to Port Appin via Mallaig

Start your day with a ferry crossing from Armadale to Mallaig, a gateway to some of Scotland’s most stunning beaches, including Camusdarach. This could also be the perfect time to take in the views and go for a paddleboard. The drive south takes you past the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, a must-see landmark. As you approach Port Appin, be sure to reserve a table at The Pierhouse (usually at least few weeks in advance), a renowned dining destination favoured by discerning travellers. For overnight parking, consider using the Park4night app to find a local spot or head to Creagan Station Tourers, just a short drive away.

Day 6: The Majestic Glencoe and Glen Etive

No tour of Scotland would be complete without a visit to Glencoe, a glen of staggering beauty and historical significance. Spend your day exploring the many trails, taking in the dramatic scenery, and perhaps even a wild swim with views of the glen. Just south of Glencoe, Glen Etive offers another opportunity to experience Scotland's natural grandeur, famously featured in the film Skyfall. For the night, choose from a variety of parking spots in or near Glencoe, with options ranging from wild camping to designated campsites.

Day 7: Return to Wingbeat

On your final day, take a leisurely drive back to Wingbeat, reflecting on the unparalleled experiences and breath-taking landscapes you’ve encountered. This journey through rural Scotland has not only provided a luxurious escape but also contributed to the local economy, ensuring the sustainability of these remote communities for future generations.

Wingbeat Escapes

Stanhope, Broughton, Biggar, South Lanarkshire ML12 6QJ www.wingbeatescapes.com

CAPITAL CUISINE

With all the precision of a sous-vide, Hublot’s ‘Art of Fusion’ philosophy perfectly blends a constellation of Michelingarlanded London chefs. Words by Alex Doak.

It took Swiss watchmaking’s Nineties revolutionary, JeanClaude Biver to coin ‘The Art of Fusion’, when – having saved Omega and reinvented Blancpain – he made Hublot the millennial’s ‘Rolex’.

To be fair, in launching the beefy ‘Big Bang’ version of Hublot's titular ‘porthole’ in 2005, Biver paid due diligence acknowledging the daring of Italian originator Carlo Crocco back in 1980, ‘fusing’ rubber with precious metal (let alone dreaming up that outré circle/octagon case design).

But Biver’s ‘fusion’ philosophy proved to be more than mere sloganeering. It underpinned a breathless embarkation of branded coming-togethers, from FIFA to Usain Bolt to Berluti shoes. (All the while pioneering remarkable in-house capabilities on the actual watchmaking front, it should be said, from 3D tourbillons to scratchproof gold and coloured sapphire cases.)

So far so multi-platformed and cross-pollinated. But in Hublot there’s a refreshingly potent alignment of values in fine dining. If you’re making a pilgrimage to ROX’s most exciting new door-opening, at London’s redux

Battersea Power Station, we urge you to bear in mind that a mere hop, skip and a jump away are two partners in Hublot ‘fusion’, both of which demand an evening out.

The notion of ‘fusion cuisine’ is, mercifully, outmoded enough to avoid being wrestled with Hublot’s credo (their crack marketeers would never be so gauche) but gastronauts would concede that in fairness it is because it’s a given with modern haute cuisine – hence the perfection of Clare Smyth at Core and Anne-Sophie Pic at La Dame de Pic, their own ever-shifting seasonal fusions enjoying long-established crossover with the Hublot universe for years now.

Uncompromising precision through mastery of every craft, plus a passion for fine artistry, blended with timeworn innovation and a respect for past masters, are the ingredients of both gourmet cuisine and haute horlogerie. And to anyone who finds that trite, we’d suggest that at the very least, the most important aspect binding both and at the heart of both individually is: time. You can’t deny the vitality.

Precise timing is essential for chefs and patrons alike from the moment of ordering, plating up on the pass, and

through to service. On entering the dining room, guests at three-starred Core by Clare Smyth in west London’s Notting Hill will see proudly displayed in the centre of the kitchen a Hublot Classic Fusion wall clock; the heart of the restaurant beats to Hublot time.

The notion of ‘fusion cuisine’ is, mercifully, outmoded enough to avoid being wrestled with Hublot’s credo but gastronauts would concede that in fairness it is because it’s a given with modern haute cuisine

Clare joins Hublot’s growing family of culinary partners, with three Michelin star chef Yannick Alléno, Andreas Caminada and Paul Pairet partnering with the Swiss luxury watchmaker. Clare Smyth was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2013 for services to the hospitality industry, and it says everything that this was in no small part down to her reinvention of the potato in her signature dish, 'Potato and Roe’, elevating a humble staple of British produce to the pinnacle of haute cuisine. An ethos that Hublot is keenly attuned to in comparably, seemingly simple things like bringing the chronograph works of its Unico movement forward, dial-side – not necessarily in improvement but in celebration. Similarly, Anne-Sophie Pic is much more than a sum of her stars. The most garlanded woman in cooking, her journey from the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne to serving £195 tasting menus at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Square Mile has always nurtured a human identity at its own ‘core’.

Whether it helps that she’s also Swiss? Well, you’ll have to get Monsieur Biver out of retirement to ask that question…

La Dame de Pic London, Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ

Core, 92 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2PN

Nestled in the heart of Loch Lomond, our 5-star resort offers an extraordinary escape where nature’s beauty meets unparalleled luxury.

Discover elegant accommodation, a variety of bars and restaurants, two golf courses, an award-winning spa and a collection of unforgettable, land, loch and sky activities.

CATWALK AGENDA

A season of endless style possibilities. Here is our round up of the standout trends defining the new season.

RETROFETE

SIRIANO

GUCCI

RALPH LAUREN

REBELLIOUS TARTAN

No longer reserved for the traditional, this season’s tartan pieces scream attitude and individuality taking on a punk-inspired twist. From slouchy tartan trousers to oversized jackets and even full dresses, the classic pattern is getting a modern-day makeover. Pair with chunky boots and bold jewellery for a daring look that plays by its own rules.

CHOPARD

BOTTEGA

OX BLOOD OBSESSION

Deep, seductive, and utterly irresistible—Oxblood is the statement colour of the season. From statement jackets to a pair of killer heels, this colour embodies strength and sophistication making it the ultimate choice for those looking to dominate the fashion scene. Accentuate with gold diamond jewellery for an extra edge and let your look do the talking.

SHORT & SWEET

Get ready to show some leg this season as these aren't your average shorts—think structured, ultra-tailored, and undeniably chic. From tailored wool to leather and satin, these short shorts are crafted to perfection, combining playfulness with sophistication. Style them with an oversized blazer or a sleek court heel perfect for a daring day or a bold night out.

HUBLOT

ROX Miss ROX Earrings

ROX

ROX Miss ROX Bracelet

ROX

JIMMY CHOO Love Pointed

POLÈNE

ROX

FUTURISTIC BABYDOLL

Get ready for a playful yet futuristic take on femininity with the puffy dresses with exaggerated volumes dominating the runways, blending innocence with avant-garde edge. This trend brings a fresh, whimsical vibe to your wardrobe, with just enough futuristic flair to make it feel new.

SIRIANO

SIRIANO ZENITH

VALENTINO

SHEER TEMPTATION

Transparency is making waves with its unapologetically daring approach. From delicate transparent detailing to fully see-through silhouettes, this look brings an air of ethereal sophistication. Layer your sheer dress with bold undergarments or keep it simple and sleek for an ultra-glamorous night out. Add some sparkling jewellery and sleek heels, and you’ve mastered this high-impact trend.

ROX

Ring

CHOPARD

Cube Ring

ALAÏA

CELINE

TAG HEUER

Date

MUGLER

GUCCI

COPERNI

STATEMENT STRUCTURE

Oversized blazers, exaggerated shapes, and wide-leg trousers—this style takes the power suit up a notch. Mix bold structure with effortless cool to redefine classic tailoring. Keep accessories minimal by adding sparkling diamond jewellery and a bold watch to elevate the impact.

TOM

HUBLOT

STELLA MCCARTNEY SAINT LAURENT

METALLIC DREAM

Shimmer and shine—metallics are here to captivate. Dazzle with liquid silvers, reflective golds, and holographic textures to create an unmissable, luxe vibe. Perfect from dawn to dusk, metallics bring an electrifying edge to every look. Step out ready to turn heads in high-glam style.

BULGARI

SOPHIA WEBSTER

VALENTINO GARAVANI

VERSACE

RALPH LAUREN

SCHIAPARELLI

Code Drop Earrings £9,800 (79800), Code Collar £19,000 (79796), Code Necklace £6,400 (83403), Code Bangle £5,900 (79806), Code Bangle £13,800 (79807), Code Bracelet £14,950 (79798), Code Ring £3,400 (83397), Code Ring £8,900 (83130), CHOPARD Happy Sport Watch £4,690 (83052)

EDINBURGH ROCKS

Embrace the heritage of Edinburgh's national monument at Calton Hill with ROX Code. A harmonious balance of timeless diamond cuts it echoes the city's beauty—where modern sophistication meets classic refinement.

Art Director: Arabella Keogh

Photographer: Iain Lim

Photographer assistant: George Rabe

MUA: Stacey Toner

Hair Stylist: Pamela Docherty

Stylist: Danni Timperley

Model: Mary Malika

Videographer: Daniel Odoom

BTS: Subhaan Saleem

Honour Hoop Earrings

£3,100 (83120), Honour Collar

£8,900 (83204), Honour Collar

£8,900 (83205), Honour Necklace

£1,850 (83454), Honour Cushion Ring

£4,500 (83139), Honour Ring

£5,900 (83577), Yellow Gold Diamond Ring

£1,695 (70841), Honour Ring £8,500 (83673), Honour Earrings

£3,950 (83450), DNA Pave Bangle £9,600 (83421), DNA Pave Bangle £9,600 (83680), DNA Pave Skeleton Bangle

£11,400 (77769), HUBLOT Spirit of Big Bang Watch £14,100 (81029)

SUIT YOURSELF

Step out on Castle Street with Edinburgh Castle as your backdrop, showcasing oversized tailoring and stacked diamonds. A powerful blend of strength and sophistication for the new age of power dressing.

FESTIVAL GLAM

Dare to dazzle with ROX Adore radiant diamonds that mirror the energy of Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival. Perfect for those who dare to stand out amidst the colorful charm of Victoria Street in Edinburgh's Old town.

Adore Earrings £1,680 (76895), Love Collar £6,200 (83196), Adore Necklace £2,900 (76900), Adore Dress Ring £5,800 (77738), Adore Bangle £7,800 (77840), Adore Bangle £4,500 (77841), Adore Ring £7,400 (82326), ZENITH Defy Skyline watch £11,100 (80471)

CITY COOL

Unleash your inner sport-chic with effortless elegance. Diamond earrings, layered bracelets and stacked necklaces redefine casual style with Miss ROX playful sparkle in Edinburgh's new town.

Miss ROX Hoop Earrings

£1,380 (82911), Miss ROX Cover Motif Necklace

£780 (83493), Miss ROX Necklace £680 (81773), Bespoke Personalised

Name Necklace POR, Miss ROX Clover Motif Bracelet

£2,900 (83327), Miss ROX Stacking Bracelet

£1,380 (80730), Miss ROX Stacking Bracelet £1,380 (80731), Miss ROX Stacking Bracelet

£1,490 (80727), Miss ROX Stacking Bracelet

£1,380 (80726), Miss ROX Stacking Bracelet

£1,180 (80729), Miss ROX Stacking Bracelet

£1,180 (80728), Miss ROX Ring

£1,380 (81791), Miss ROX Clover Motif Ring

£1,100 (83330), Miss ROX Ring £760 (81685), Miss ROX Ring £780 (83250), Honour Ring from £2,200 (82087), BULGARI Aluminium Watch

£2,980 (83042)

CASCADES OF DEAN

Inspired by cascading streams and serene landscapes, diamonds flow in perfect harmony with nature, reflecting the rustic beauty and elegance of Dean VillageEdinburgh's mystic hidden gem.

£17,200 (83406), Cascade Drop Earrings

£8,600 (79648),

£1,890 (77595),

(83305),

£3,200 (79362),

(79712),

(79644),

(83302),

Cascade Collar

Cascade Bracelet

Cascade Bangle £10,500

Cascade Dress Ring

Cascade Dress Ring

£4,700

Cascade Bracelet

£3,100

Cascade Bracelet £4,100

Cascade Ring £3,600 (83681), Cascade Ring £3,600 (83682)

Cosmic Earrings £3,400 (83315), Cosmic Collar £14,000 (83623), Cosmic Bangle £5,400 (83404), Cosmic Bangle £9,800 (79682), Cosmic Ring £4,500 (76009), Adore Ring £8,500 (82943), BULGARI Serpenti Watch £14,200 (78879)

AFTER DARK

Dance the night away in true ROX style at Edinburgh’s Coco Boho nightclub—daring, bold, and unforgettable. Channel ROX Cosmic allure with diamonds that sparkle like the city itself. This is where high fashion meets high energy and where you own the night.

BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

Bella Hadid has shot her first campaign as global ambassador for Chopard with a collection that started life as a watch. Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

Young, beautiful and a little bit controversial, Bella Hadid has been signed by Chopard as its global ambassador. It’s a clever move for the brand Hadid is a formidable force in the fashion world. She has 61.3m followers on Instagram, has appeared on at least

26 Vogue covers internationally, was named Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council and has walked for numerous luxury fashion houses both pret-a-porter and couture. When she wears an item, such as cargo trousers or a corset, searches increase to record levels, in some cases 1,900%. After she

wore the mini-platform Ugg boot, they immediately sold out after appearing on TikTok. Chopard is no doubt looking to capitalise on some of that magic with its new campaign.

It is shot by Charlotte Wales, a British photographer who has shot for Vogue, Dazed and the Face and done campaigns for such brands as Chanel, Cartier, and Hèrmes, and who is known for creating magical, whimsical atmospheres playfully suspended in gravity. This campaign features Hadid surrounded by an urban scene with night sky repeated in a play of mirrors with the geometry of the buildings reflected in the geometric forms of the jewellery.

Young, beautiful and a little bit controversial, Bella Hadid has been signed by Chopard as its global ambassador.

The original source of inspiration for the Ice Cube collection was a watch created by Caroline Schuefele, the brand’s creative director, in 1999, its case and dial constructed from tiny perfectly formed precious metal squares. This new line in the Ice Cube family is called “Sculpted by Light” possibly as a reference to the highly technical machining process, that was six years of R&D in the developing, that enables perfect milling that create taut lines on minute surfaces. The precious metal is machined to the nearest 100th of a centimetre, then hand-buffed to achieve the ultimate shine. The diamond setting is also done by hand, with each stone subtly faceted to achieve maximum light refraction.

“Bella is beautiful, elegant and strong – and we are excited to collaborate with her on this current project as she makes a triumphant return to the fashion stage,” says a Chopard spokesperson when asked why Hadid was the Maison’s next choice for its ambassador. “Did you see her in Cannes? She is simply stunning!” They are also confident that any controversy that may come with the model’s vocal support for Palestine won’t harm the brand. “The agreement with Bella for the current campaign was in place in 2022, well in advance of the current conflict in the Middle East, and we remain confident that Bella will well represent our Maison.”

That said, as Oscar Wilde once remarked, “there’s one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” A little controversy might be no bad thing for Chopard’s bottom line.

ICE CUBE

RED-CARPET

READY

As the party season approaches, we scan the Cannes red carpet to see what lessons we can learn from the celebrities. Tip one – always wear Chopard! Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

A simple neckline requires extravagant jewellery

While it might be tempting to decorate your decolletage with a substantial necklace, the chicer solution, as illustrated by Eva Green, is to keep that area bare and bring the drama to your hands and ears instead. If you’re wearing black opt for bold colours and plenty of volume.

Don’t be afraid to coordinate

If you’re wearing a bold pattern the temptation can be to stick to diamonds so that the dress is the star. However, as Demi proves, sometimes it’s fun to match the colour of your jewellery to your dress. Keep it simple, though. Too many colours and you risk looking like a tinsel-covered Christmas tree.

Sequins are still stylish

If you don’t want to do “girly” but still want something a little bit disco, then take inspiration from Greta Gerwig and go for structural sequins. The deep v might not be for everyone, but the shoulder pads most certainly are. Pair with diamonds, naturally.

Ties are optional. Watches are not…

We’ve seen men playing fast and loose with suiting over the past few years from loose ties to no ties to sometimes no shirt. Ditching the tie, as Mr Hemsworth has, gives an insouciance to tailoring that makes it seem less serious. As for which watch to wear, that’s up to you.

Sheer is not going away anytime soon

Every starlet worth her red-carpet appearance will, at some point, go sheer. We’ve seen sheer skirts with obligatory Bridget-Jones style knickers underneath at Venice, see-through tops (a particular favourite of Florence Pugh, and barelythere dresses (reality stars at TV awards). This “underwear as outwear” on Isabelle Fuhrman taps into the trend without the need for nipple covers.

Mix classic suiting with a bold watch

As an older gent, Kevin Costner has wisely made the decision to keep it classic on the red carpet until it comes to his watch. This L.UC Heritage Grand Cru has an interesting tonneau-shaped pink-gold case, rather daring fusée style hands, and a movement that is perfectly shaped to the case; something that is very rare in watchmaking.

Black and white is always right

Whether you need to be dressed to the nines or just keeping it chic, you can’t beat this combination. It works at every age. It can be easily adapted to any occasion and means your jewellery can take centre stage. Go big on the diamonds like Viola Davis, or keep it simple, like Peggy Gou, with bold sapphire earrings, a subtle bracelet stack. And an old festival band…

LAB-GROWN LUXURY

No longer just an alternative to natural diamonds, jewellers are now exploring the potential of lab-grown stones wiith some rather amazing results. Words by Laura McCreddie-Doak.

When lab-grown diamonds first made their appearance on the jewellery scene, they were touted as a more ethical, more environmentally friendly option. They were the ideal choice for marrying millennials who cared about the planet. Then it was discovered that, as with the fashion industry, their green credentials weren’t as pristine as they at first seemed. Combine that with volatile stone prices, it seemed as though the honeymoon was over for lab-grown stones. However, that isn’t the case. Whereas when these stones originally entered the market, they were seen as a way of getting more carat for your cash, now jewellers are turning these stones into a luxury proposition by using the fact that they are grown to offer sensational stones you’d never find in nature.

The first sign of this came from an unlikely quarter. TAG Heuer unveiled its Carrera Plasma. The dial was blasted with diamond powder, the case set with diamonds especially created to fit its bevels, even the indices were diamond. However, the piece de resistance was a diamond grown in the shape of a crown. Speaking to Hodinkee ahead of its launch, then CEO Frederic Arnault said: “Once we understood that we needed to use the shapes that only lab-grown diamonds could produce, it unlocked creativity to do something entirely new. This was the approach we took to create the watch.” And he’s not the only one. After investing $90m in Israeli-based lab-grown start-up Lusix, it used its investment to start exploring the potential of growing stones. It chose its Parisian luxury jewellery brand Fred as its experimentation ground

and grew a blue diamond in an exclusive shade reminiscent of the French Riviera and in a proprietary cut. The blue was chosen because late found Fred Samuel loved the sea and the “Hero cut”, as it was called, had 36 facets and the shape of a boat sail mixed with a shield. To celebrate this new stone, it created a collection called Force 10 Duality, which used the buckle motif from its Force 10 collection, with the centre of the buckle filled with this unusually shaped blue diamond. The estimated value of this capsule collection was around $509,808 – the same as if Fred had used natural diamonds.

ROX too has elevated its lab-grown diamond creations to ever-more luxurious heights, exploring the possibilities in both out-and-out statement and beautiful stones, pure and fabulous

Fred hasn’t been the only brand to use a laboratory to grow creatively shaped stones. Prada recently introduced its proprietary cut to its Eternal Gold collection in the shape of its own logo. One of the pieces using it – a made-to-order ring in white gold – has a price tag of £26,000. ROX too has taken its lab-grown diamond jewellery into a more luxury space, exploring the possibilities these stones can offer to create statement jewellery with beautiful stones that would be prohibitive from both a price and sourcing perspective if made using natural diamonds. There are fabulous drop earrings totalling over three carats of stones with a matching necklace in its appropriately titled Love collection. The Honour collection contains an elegant tennis necklace comprising five carats of diamonds, hoop earrings, and, because this is ROX, plenty of engagement rings in a variety of cuts from ovals, emeralds and brilliants to more unusual shapes such as the radiant – an elongated rectangle shape – and sizeable pears. In keeping with the luxury status of these stones, they are set in platinum, white gold or yellow gold.

Lab-grown stones have, in a comparatively short space of time, meant numerous things to the world of jewellery. They have been branded as a better ethical choice. Then they were seen as the cheaper alternative; used by companies such as De Beers as a way to get a younger audience into buying diamonds. This latest incarnation seems like its best yet. They are being prized for the creative possibilities they offer from cut and colour to shape. Maybe it’s time to stop pitting mined against made and realise that they offer different possibilities to designers and customers. It’s time to play with fire. And ice…

BIG BANG ONE CLICK

Stainless steel case set with diamonds. Self-winding movement. Interchangeable strap using patented One-Click system.

HAPPY SPORT

THE FUTURE OF SWISS WATCHMAKING SINCE 1865

THE LUXURY WATCH EDIT

For him, or for her? Does it really matter any more..? Even sheltered Switzerland is peeping above its parapet of surrounding Jura mountain crests, growing less and less categoric in cataloguing a watch these days – as our select of crowd-pleasing horological arrivals attests. Words by Alex Doak and Laura McCreddie-Doak.

ZENITH

Defy Extreme Diver

The Defy has come a long way from simply reviving a funkadelic Seventies case design – it’s quickly established itself as Zenith’s core sports star, with the standout feature of 2024’s titanium water baby being a blue ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel, glowing with SuperLuminova for deepsea clarity. Its versatility shines, too, with an interchangeable strap system: blue rubber, blue fabric or metal bracelet, all included and catering to every stage of your day off, from the deck to beach to bar.

82795 | £10,200

HUBLOT

Big Bang Unico Orange Ceramic

A clockwork orange that, unlikes Anthony Burgess’s protagonists, represents another joyous, deceptively effortless exercise in alchemy from the materials scientists toiling in the Hublot labs, by Lake Geneva. Not so long ago, zirconium-oxide ceramic could only be evenly ‘sintered’ at around 900ºC in black and white, but now the flawlessly consistent case and bezel can be rendered in the first two shades of the rainbow, and more besides. Richard of York may have given battle in vain, but his mnemonic comes in handier and handier chez Hublot. Indigo’s done, so just violet (not Burgessviolent) to go.

82814 | £25,400

BULGARI

Octo Roma Automatic

Powered by the house’s ‘BVL 191’ workhorse calibre – crafted up in the Vallée de Joux ever since LVMH doubled down on Bulgari’s Swiss watchmaking autonomy – this monumental tribute to Roman classicism features a case cleaved from a single block of steel as artistically as anything from the Italian jeweller. In this case, enhanced by a black ‘diamondlike carbon’ (DLC) coating that’s virtually unscratchable, thanks to its frozen fusion of graphite sheet and diamond lattice..

82931 | £7,700

TAG HEUER

Carrera Chronograph

Back down to period-perfect 39mm in diameter, the original motorsport chronograph dreamt up by Jack Heuer in 1963 to singlewristedly revive his family firm (while kitting-out his F1 buddies with all the utility they could possibly want), the Carrera adopts race-ready ‘panda dial’ configuration for a modern twist on a classic design. It features a unique domed ‘Glassbox’ sapphire crystal with double antireflective treatment for instant readability while hugging every bend.

82569 | £6,100

GUCCI

Interlocking 41mm Chronograph

A synthesis of elegance and functionality from watchmaking’s unlikely new master – operating out of its crack new Swiss facility. In racy cobalt, the Interlocking operates on a reliable quartz movement and boasts an analogue display with distinctive features such as the signature Gucci interlocking ‘G’ logo, a small seconds display, plus precision stopwatch, or ‘chronograph’ functionality. The black ceramic bezel even includes a tachymeter, should your speed/distance/time arithmetic be up to it.

83153 | £1,750

CHOPARD

Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph

Like the vintage cars and the road race itself, Chopard’s sponsorship of Italy’s 1,000-mile ‘Mille Miglia’ is seemingly immortal, and that goes for the watchmaker and jeweller’s annual celebration in chronograph form. Powered, as always, by the rocksolid Valjoux automatic movement, adapted in-house by Chopard’s boffins in Meyrin near Geneva, 2024’s edition gleams in partupcycled ‘lucent’ steel with Nero Corsablack dial, obtained by galvanic treatment.

80970 | £8,230

TUDOR

Pelagos FXD

It doesn’t take many attempts at retroengineering some extra vowels to realise this nigh-on-perfect modern diving watch is named after its ‘FiXeD’ strap bars –extensions of a monocoque case construct in titanium, in turn retro-engineered for the elite frogmen it once supplied in the Sixties: France’s Marine Nationale navy. Now even-fitter for 2025’s breed of combat swimmer, the ‘manufacture’ Calibre MT5602 ticks solidly inside for a full 70 hours on a single wind, to unwavering ‘chronometer’ precision. 83179 | £3,590

CHOPARD

Happy Sport 30mm

Diamonds are the LBD of the jewellery world. Timeless, classic and make you feel like a million dollars when you wear them. This Chopard is the horological equivalent. Everything about it is stylish. There’s the 18-ct rose gold accents of the numerals, crown and either side of the strap, which complements the deep black of the lacquered dial. The dancing stones are an absolute joy to watch. It’s called “Happy” for a reason.

83052 | £4,690

HUBLOT

Classic Fusion King Gold

There is something incredibly luxurious about the combination of colours on this watch. The warm tones of Hublot’s proprietary precious metal, King Gold, which contains platinum, perfectly complements the deep blue, with sunray lines of brushed dial drawing the eye to the diamonds that twinkle on the bezel. The rubber strap stops this all from being too ladylike, countering all this opulence with a shot of subversion.

82812 | £15,000

BULGARI

Aluminium 40mm

We tend to associate Bulgari with flamboyance and serpents, however, it does do a nice line in understated as well, as this timepiece demonstrates. Although there is something of the Rivera about this design, the idea of white for winter is incredibly chic. It is automatic, has a 40mm case, and would look fabulous with camel full-length overcoat for the ultimate in East coast “eat the rich” luxury.

83042 | £2,980

TAG HEUER

Carrera Date 36mm

Last summer may have been all about the Barbie-pink Carrera, thanks to the redcarpet efforts of one Mr Gosling, but now it’s turquoise’s turn. This particular shade puts one in mind of the colour palette for Disney’s Frozen, with its icy-blue dial gorgeously snail brushed so it shimmers in the light. The 36mm case is very on trend, while the brushed and polished bracelet brings some sophistication to the sportiness.

83487 | £2,850

ZENITH

Chronomaster Sport

This is a first time a Chronomaster Sport has been given a green ceramic dial, and doesn’t it wear it well. This is a lovely, richly verdant shade, which allows the contrasting sub dials to really standout, as they can sometimes get lost when paired with more demure colours. Powering all this loveliness is Zenith’s iconic El Primero movement, which the brand debuted back in 1969 as part of the Swiss race to launch the first automatic chronograph.

82582 | £9,700

TUDOR

Clair De Rose 30mm

Tool watches have always been what Tudor is most famous. However, with it Clair de Rose collection, it shows it can also find its feminine side. This being Tudor however the pretty face hides an impressive piece of kit. The movement is in-house, it is good to 100m, has a steel case and sapphire crystal. This timepiece may look delicate, but it can take anything you can throw at it. Maybe it’s a tool watch after all.

82858 | £2,800

GUCCI

Interlocking

Gucci has had a reputation for being rather out there with its watch design, but this proves it can do pared back as well. The slight cushion of the case shape gives this timepiece a 1970s vibe, while the powderpink of the dial studded with diamonds adds a touch of romance to what can, typically, be quite a sporty look. It’s quartz and a very dainty 29mm in diameter.

83067 | £1,540

TUTTI GUCCI

Florence’s most fabulous fashion act is propelling its Swiss-made watches into the heady realms of ‘haute’ complications, as Alex Doak reports from a gleaming new atelier.

If you’ve ever flown into Geneva over Lac Léman, you’ll remember passing row after row of gorgeous Art Nouveau lakeside mansion houses, each with immaculate gardens sloping down to the water’s edge. It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic European abode, nor a more perfect setting for Gucci to showcase its ambitious new bid for hardcore, in-house haute horlogerie.

Winding up the gravel path of one of these sumptuous private residences, rented for the entirety of Geneva’s epic ‘Watches & Wonders’ trade week, you could be inhabiting an Alessandro Michele moodboard, back when the creative director shook-up the House of Gucci back in 2015 (now replaced by Sabato de Sarno). But instead of lush garments in lurid shades of patterned silk, no one expected to discover the mega-mechanical treasures on show, back in 2023.

Anyone with a keen eye on the Oscars red carpet two months’ prior might have had a sense. Gucci’s new ambassador Idris Elba wasn’t wearing his cushion-cased ‘25H’ featured in his billboard campaign. Instead, peeping from his tuxedo’s cuff: the ‘G-Timeless Planetarium’, featuring a whirring,

centrally mounted tourbillon, no less. Topped by a diamond-set flower, surrounded by 12 coloured beryl stones representing the twelve signs of the Zodiac, all rotatable when you press the crown.

DCI John Luther of Hackney this ain’t.

Nor, for that matter, was anything else gleaming from the vitrines of Gucci’s lakeside villa come April: skeleton tourbillons ‘flying’ over openworked sci-fi beams of titanium; dancing bees fluttering over green opal dials beneath shooting-star tourbillon carriages; a made-to-order ‘G-Timeless Moonlight’ whose six gemstones can form your personal astral map reflecting place, time and date of birth.

To be fair, Gucci has been straying more and more from its 50-something years of solid fashion watches. Less of the ‘Bamboo’, ‘Horsebit’ or ‘GG’ codes drawn from its inter-war luggage-making heritage and Eighties glam’; more towards finer mechanicals – like 2019’s gnarly ‘Grip’, riffing on retro West-Coast skater culture (its GG-pattern ‘deck’ still in appropriately decadent gold finish).

But that’s not to say Gucci’s fashionwatch origins were ever dismissible.

Quite the contrary: the House was serious about watches long before Chanel’s Jacques Helleu started sketching his ceramic ‘J12’ in the late-Nineties and getting the hoary horologists to reluctantly concede that if fashion could craft clothes and accessories exquisitely, then that could probably extend to ‘proper’ Swiss watches.

Gucci’s immediate dominance of this newfound dolce vita in watches can be entirely attributed to the American entrepreneur, Severin Wunderman (1938–2008). A Holocaust survivor from Belgium, he was sent to LA aged just 10, from whence he charted a tireless, ever-charismatic career, his last act in life being the purchase and revival of Switzerland’s ancient mariner, Corum.

A chance meeting with Aldo Gucci in New York in 1970 led to Wunderman acquiring the Gucci licence for watches, being written a blank cheque by Signor Gucci for advance orders, his quitting as US agent for French watchmaker Barthelay, then setting about building the most unusual watch plant in Switzerland…

Buried in the drab Biel/Bienne suburb of Lengnau, Severin Montres’ staff of about 100 sat at computer consoles. Instead of wielding tweezers, they spent most of their time hard-wired into the area’s renowned cottage industry: speccing parts made to Gucci’s exacting standards, distributing them to assemblers all over the Jura mountains, collecting the complete watches, checking for quality and shipping to agents around the world.

Crucially, Wunderman’s cleverest hunch wasn’t to supply the usual watch retailers; rather, distribute through department stores, thereby promoting the Gucci brand.

Severin Montres was soon selling a million watches as year (having to live with the 5 million concomitant counterfeits pouring out of Thailand, the interlocking ‘GG’ logo having become a global icon). Gucci’s Model 2000 even made the 1978 Guinness Book of World Records, for selling over one million watches in just two years.

It was only a matter of time before Gucci would wrest things back: In 1997, the firm moved to La Chaux-de-Fonds, where QC, assembly and gemsetting has been, ever since. Now under the same Kering Group umbrella as Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga, Montres Gucci has cut the ribbon on nothing less than 9,000 square metres of purpose-built ‘Gucci Watch Lab’ bricks and mortar.

The sleek complex is in the town of Cortaillod, just down the lakeside A-road from Neuchâtel city. It comes staffed by 140 of watchmaking’s finest, poached from the area’s sprawling cottage industry. You can certainly attribute such a bold commitment to top-end watchmaking to the previous ‘eyes’

of Gucci, Alessandro Michele, whose baroque extravagance is writ large throughout the Gucci High Watchmaking catalogue.

What you can also take for granted is the know-how and resources afforded by former Kering stablemates, Ulysse Nardin and Girard-Perregaux. Before January 2022’s management buyout as ‘Sowind’, their combined Manufacture, kitted out with batteries of bleeding-edge machinery would have been instrumental in setting Gucci High Watchmaking on its path.

To be fair, Gucci has been straying more and more from its 50-something years of solid fashion watches. Less of the ‘Bamboo’ or ‘GG’ codes drawn from its inter-war luggagemaking heritage and Eighties glam’; more towards finer mechanicals

The new factory’s star export is arguably Mr Elba’s aforementioned G-Timeless Planetarium, which has a multicolour update for 2024: two new precious versions each set with 12 rainbow-hued, rotate-on-demand gemstones such as deep-purple rubellite, tanzanite and Mandarin garnet.

The biggest news this year, however, is an epic evolution of the core ‘25H’ and its cushion-shape framework. A chiming ‘minute repeater’ variant would normally be impressive-enough, mastered by what effectively constitutes a startup. But get this: the bezel replaces the traditional case-band ‘slider’ button as your means of ‘playing’ the inner gongs. Instead, you activate the hours’, quarters’ and minutes’ ‘dings and dongs’ by rotating the bezel clockwise by 90º.

And instead of the usual two wire gongs, a ‘carillon’ or ‘bell tower’ of three, stacked audaciously closely yet unusually sonorously. One rings-out each hour (H), all three gongs the quarters (QMH), then one for each remaining minute (M). For example, at 01:51 the watch will sound: H QMH QMH QMH MMMMMM.

Montres Gucci is singing to a whole new horological tune… and a chiming one too.

GUCCI watches are available online, at ROX Newcastle and at the GUCCI watches and jewellery boutique in Glasgow.

OPEN SEASON

Switzerland’s finest are wearing their ticking hearts on your sleeve: showcasing and augmenting their finishers’ unmatched skillset of skeletonisation and flawless polish by wrenching open the dial – or losing it altogether – thus rendering the movement’s mechanics as a veritable flea circus for the wrist. Roll up, roll up, beckons Alex Doak and roll up your sleeves for an architectural descent into centuries-proven micro-engineering genius

SHAKE, SHUTTLE AND ROLL

Do not adjust your sets: for once the price is listed, and we haven’t added a zero by accident. More to the point, it’s rather good value (if you can afford the thrice-yearly service bills). Young, agile, disruptive, yet hardcore-horological Hublot and its ‘MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium’ may fall short in the nomenclature department, but never doubt the virtuoso execution of this wilfully divisive… watch? No dial, hands or oscillating winding weight, instead a roller display, a circular power reserve and an inclined tourbillon wound by two linear ‘shuttle’ weights, shrouded by a biomorphic sapphire canopy. Definitely a watch, we think.

The piece has no dial: Hublot has fused the calibre with the dial. The movement is the face and soul of the watch. The gaze is drawn directly to the mechanism to read the time. The MP-10 features a highly architectural design and a particularly expressive movement built around volume and depth. Yet, this in no way interferes with reading. Instead, it makes it simpler. The time is read from top to bottom, fluidly and naturally. The power reserve is particularly expressive, with a two-tone disc (red and green) set coaxially to the hours and minutes.

This design eliminates the traditional space constraints, which are usually dictated by a central display in a horizontal plane. The MP-10 can be easily read vertically: hours, minutes, power reserve then seconds. The movement of the eye is fluid and natural. The indications are aligned. They share the same white lacquer typography on black aluminium rollers. For each indication, the current time is read via a red triangular marker.

Hublot MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System 82845 | £238,000

HUBLOT watches are available online, at ROX Glasgow and HUBLOT Edinburgh

SWISS RACING LEAN

Just as enthral to Mexico’s notorious Carrera Panamericana road race as Porsche themselves, Jack Heuer so-named his revolutionary driver’s watch in the very same year as the German sports car marque did its rear-engined coupé.

It took over half a century for the respective namesakes to start capitalising on their shared origin story, but meanwhile each has forged a legacy of icons in their own right. As for Jack’s conception, hot on the tyretracks of Autavia and paving the way for Monaco, Silverstone et al., the TAG Heuer ‘Carrera’, like the 911 ‘Carrera’ is a family of chronographs fit for trackside and quayside besides. It was the crucible of Switzerland’s first self-winding ‘stopwatch watch’, and remains the purest of its class.

ut the titanium/ceramic case construct, integrating one container and two barrels on the side, with seamless merging of materials and… well, a merge, of chassis and engine.

On the one side, a hollowed structure with a sandblasted finish imparts a dynamic, yet sophisticated aesthetic – echoing the adrenaline-fuelled spirit of motorsport. Then, taking centrestage the distinctive skeleton dial, ingeniously reimagined for better legibility. The intricate pattern, now featuring bold black lines, ensures effortless readability while concealing subtle elements like a shield anchored at its centre, a subtle nod to the brand’s iconic logo. This configuration invites enthusiasts to delve deeper into its mechanical allure.

Like popping the bonnet, in other words .

TAG Heuer Carrera Chrono Extreme Sport 83575, | £7,150

TAG Heuer watches are available online and at ROX Newcastle

ROMAN JOY

As we’ve come to expect from modern watchmaking’s genuine renaissance brand, here’s another monumental fusion of Italian artistry and Swiss expertise that manages to command a lightness of touch with gravitas.

A full 110 wafer-thin facets of the ziggurat ‘Octo Finissimo’ case – rendered this time in 40mm’s worth of diaphanous rose gold, which frames an ultra-thin movement (2.50 mm thick) that nonetheless packs eight full days of punch (‘tick’). Its sinuous anthraciteblack, PVD-coated skeletonised bridges play with the warm tones of the case with woozy romantic allure.

Elizabeth Taylor would be treated to something Bulgari by Richard Burton every time they visited Rome together. But for once, this watch seems like something Burton would treat himself.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton 81017 | £35,100

BULGARI watches are available online and at ROX Glasgow

BIRD OF GREY

With Alpine Eagle, Chopard has recreated a contemporary ‘sporty-chic’ collection that moves well-and-truly on from its Eighties’ ‘St Moritz’ in all its Kodachrome glitziness with pure class. Bulked up, but sophisticated in its tension of case facets – much like Hublot’s Big Bang, only… well, Chopard – it now welcomes a new ultra-thin timepiece providing full visibility across the entire intricate mechanical workings of L.U.C Calibre 96.17-S.

This movement measures a mere 3.30 millimetres thick, featuring subtly openworked components in an elegant play on contrast in materials and all the refined hand-finish we’ve come to expect from co-President, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele’s baby, ‘L.U.C’ – a crack horological hothouse high in the Jura mountains.

The skeleton work in all its DeLorean-esque cool boasts a concentric pattern that draws your eyes into the inner innovation so often hidden from view: black rhodium-plated bridgework to create a new contrast that highlights the gilded gear trains.

The 41 mm-diameter titanium case benefits from the extreme lightness of a metal, still – in the true mountaineering spirit of Alpine Eagle – boasting tried and tested water resistance.

Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XP TT £23,900

CHOPARD watches are available online and at ROX Glasgow

SPORT

RUNWAY REPORT

A season packed with bold style choices. Here's our breakdown of the standout trends shaping the latest men's fashion.

CITY ESCAPE

Men’s fashion is all about comfortable luxury in 2024, with refined joggers, relaxed silhouettes, and earthy tones—ideal for the guy on the go. Soft fabrics, earthy tones, and effortlessly cool designs make this look perfect for the urbanite on the go. Whether paired with stylish trainers, sleek sunnies or a striking watch, this vibe is all about balancing comfort and style.

JACQUES

HUBLOT

GEORGIO ARMANI

GEORGIO ARMANI

INVERTEBRATE TAILORING

Tailoring just got looser, softer, and more fluid. Embracing non-structured shapes that allow for movement and comfort while maintaining a sharp aesthetic. Expect wide-legged trousers, elongated jackets, and shirts with a fluid drape. This trend is perfect for those who want to break free from rigid fashion norms while still maintaining a polished, fashion-forward look. Top it off with clean trainers and a statement watch for a laid-back yet luxe vibe.

BOTTEGA

SACAI

GEORGIO ARMANI

CROSSED LINES

Tartan gets a masculine update - bold, striking, and versatile. Whether it’s a full tartan suit or just an accent, like a scarf or tailored shirt, this trend adds a rebellious twist to the classic check. Pair with combat boots and a cap for a rugged vibe or keep it polished with loafers and a sharp coat. Either way, this trend is about mixing tradition with a bold, modern edge.

ROX Classic Earrings

CELINE HOMME Baseball Cap

PRADA Saffiano Leather Clutch

£1,600

ROX Platinum Ring

LORO PIANA Summer Walk Loafers £740

JACQUES MARIE MAGE Sandro Acetate Sunglasses

BULGARI

HUBLOT Big Bang

LOUIS VUITTON MOUNTAINEERING

THE NEW OFFICE WEAR

Office attire just got an upgrade. Ditch the stiff suits for relaxed fits—think slouchy cardigans, knitwear, and unstructured blazers. Comfort is king, but sophistication isn’t sacrificed. From fluid trousers to casual shirts, this look is perfect for the modern man who wants to look put-together without the rigidity of traditional office attire. Layer in chains or stack up tennis bracelets to add a subtle edge that keeps it polished yet personal.

BOTTEGA

ADIDAS

The One and Always.

DISCOVER THE NEW 911 AT PORSCHE CENTRE EDINBURGH.

When the flagship Porsche sports car for the last six decades receives a fundamental upgrade, it is time to take notice. With improved aerodynamics, optimised suspension, fully digital cockpit, expanded connectivity and upgraded performance, the new 911 (992.2) uses a revolutionary T-Hybrid system with an electric motor inside the dual-clutch gearbox for increased torque at low revs and uninterrupted acceleration. To meet this latest icon, and to view our impressive range of new and approved Porsches, visit Porsche Centre Edinburgh or scan the QR code.

Scan to learn more.

Porsche Centre Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird 4 Oversman Road

Edinburgh EH15 3BZ 0131 657 8220

info@porscheedinburgh.co.uk

www.porscheedinburgh.co.uk

TURBO, CHARGED

EPorsche hands the (keyless) keys to Ben Barry for a taste of the 911 GTS’s electrified switch-up.

ach time Porsche’s cultish 911 has to adapt to new legislation, diehard fans, well, die a little inside. Some still even bristle over the switch from airto water-cooled engines a quarter of a century ago.

Now the updated 911 is navigating another legislative speed bump – the introduction of Porsche’s T-Hybrid technology, news of which has been worrying the faithful since Porsche revealed its new model earlier this year.

They needn’t have fretted, because the new 911 Carrera GTS – Porsche’s first T-Hybrid model and the pinnacle of the Carrera range – doesn’t just seamlessly blend hybridisation into the 911 experience, it makes it better.

Driving the Carrera GTS out of Stuttgart’s city limits, I’m instantly struck by its synaptic throttle response, mid-range thump and the urgency of its top end, where two electric motors give the delivery

a manic rush, like performance is being fastforwarded. It’s so much stronger than before.

In fact, the new GTS reminds me of the 1974 911 Turbo in how it harnesses new technology and adds gobs of power while staying faithful to Porsche’s driver-centric values.

Then again, the Carrera GTS is not your typical hybrid – there is no zero-emissions mode, no plug-in capability and circa 26mpg represents only the tiniest of improvements. Rather T-Hybrid (for ‘turbocharged hybrid’) is all about massively increasing performance versus the previous GTS without negatively affecting fuel economy (which officially is 25.7-26.9mpg).

Towering total output of 534bhp is fully 60bhp up on the previous model, while torque – the pulling power you feel from low down – swells by an even greater percentage, rising 111lb ft.

Despite Porsche’s fuel-saving mission, the turbocharged flat-six engine actually increases

in displacement from 3.0 to 3.6-litres, while the 1.9kWh battery over the front axle is about a quarter of the size – and therefore lighter – than the already small batteries Ferrari and McLaren deploy in their hybrid supercars.

To that, Porsche adds one electric motor nestled in the single turbocharger to eliminate lag and increase performance by 15bhp, and another tucked away in the paddleshift gearbox to chip in an extra 53bhp. ‘Gills’ either side of the front bumper and badging are the only obvious giveaways externally.

There are traces of hybridness in the very subtle /ba-zeew/ noises you sometimes hear on deceleration, and in how the turbocharged engine cuts out early and coasts to a silent stop at traffic lights if left in default Normal mode.

But select Sport with a little twist on the dial on the steering wheel and the flat six is an ever-present companion, chuntering away charismatically and mechanically like a 911 always has.

Just stroking it around town I notice the instant muscle, plus there’s real intensity when I wind it up on

the autobahn and, well, performance simply everywhere – a sensation amplified by instant shifts from the dualclutch gearbox.

If anything it needs more stretch at the top end, because when it hits 7500rpm it’s like someone just flicked the lights on at the disco, despite it feeling happy to pull more revs. Maybe that’s a ploy to leave Porsche’s high-revving 911 GT3 with some breathing room.

Overall, though, this new T-Hybrid set-up is incredibly impressive, even more so because there are so few compromises. The entire kit weighs just 40kg, doesn’t eat into luggage space like similar systems can and is packed down so low that Porsche claims no significant alteration in weight distribution.

Indeed, this 911’s handling remains as special as ever. Snuggled down low in its perfect driving position, the GTS feels wide and stable at typical road speeds, its chassis a lovely fusion of control, compliance and precision steering.

Grip limits are sky high, but there’s agility if you dig deeper, partly thanks

to standard-fit rear-wheel steering and a playful balance when driven more aggressively through tighter turns.

Not once do I notice our car’s extra weight, though this particular example does benefit from an optional carbon roof and carbon-ceramic brakes that both trim kilos, and it only provides seating for two occupants – the 911’s plus-two rear seats are a no-cost option these days, though it seems perverse not to tick that box seeing as this is such a rounded sort of sports car.

So the Carrera GTS is a very Porsche sort of hybrid, but if you really can’t stomach an electrified 911, you could always plump for the base Carrera, which sticks with an evolution of the previous 3.0-litre twin-turbo motor. It also narrowly ducks under £100k where the GTS soars to £135,834, which is over £20k more expensive than before.

No question my pick would be the Carrera GTS T-Hybrid though. I feared it might be a 911 with a Toyota Prius complex, but it turns out to be a Porsche through and through.

W FLYING COACH

Once Ferrari’s go-to bodyshop, Pininfarina now builds first-class hypercars of its own. Words by Ben Barry

hen Italian design house Pininfarina unveiled its one-off Battista Targamerica at Monterey Car Week on the US West Coast, the all-electric hypercar didn’t just wow Generation Social Media – it resonated with serious collectors who venerate Pininfarina’s coachbuilding glory days.

But wait: ‘coach’ what?

Back when Pininfarina was founded in 1928, cars were assembled in two main pieces – the chassis, which looked much like a skateboard with an engine up front, and the body, which could be pretty much whatever the wealthy fancied so long as it fit on top. Coachbuilders took care of the latter, and Italy’s ‘carrozzeria’ remain the envy

of the world, from Bertone to Zagato. Cambiano-based (and now Indianowned) Pininfarina has designed cars for numerous car makers but is synonymous with Ferrari. Its sleek bodywork has graced everything from thousands of Ferrari F430s to one-off specials made for the likes of Eric Clapton.

When it launched its first-ever car in 2021, Automobili Pininfarina appropriately named it in honour of its founder, Battista Pininfarina.

Limited to just 150 units and costing £2m plus, Battista owners are unlikely to suffer the indignity of parking up next to another, but one particular owner wanted to make absolutely sure. Having already acquired one example, this renowned US collector commissioned the one-off Targamerica at Monterey’s Californian

Mecca for petrolheads last year, working with Pininfarina design boss Dave Amantea to dream up the world’s first authentically coach-built EV hypercar.

Like the regular Battista, the Targamerica is based on a lightweight carbonfibre chassis and shrouded in exquisitely sleek carbonfibre bodywork. Its performance is also equally breathtaking, courtesy of one electric motor per wheel and a total output of 1900hp – enough to blitz the 0-62mph benchmark in less than two seconds, breeze past 186mph and lay claim to being ‘Italy’s fastest road-legal car’. In keeping with tradition, said chassis comes courtesy of another marque, Crotia’s Rimac – now in cahoots with Bugatti and ultimately falling beneath the Porsche umbrella, whose entire group benefits from Rimac’s blistering battery innovation.

Compared with the original design, the Targamerica’s USP lies with its roof, as the name hints (‘Targa’ was first used by Porsche to denote a car with a removable roof panel but which retains the rear screen and roof bar).

one electric motor per wheel and a total output of 1900hp – enough to blitz the 0-62mph benchmark in less than two seconds

This is no hatchet job. Both the Battista’s doors and the rear section of the roof had to be redesigned, and the carbonfibre chassis strengthened to make up for the reduction in structural stiffness. There’s also a new fabric roof section to drop in should the weather turn.

Liquid silver exterior paint enhanced with blue and black detailing nods to another sun-seeking Pininfarina one-off – a 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Spider presented to Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli –  and is complemented by ceramic-polished fivespoke alloys.

Inside, the Targamerica gets supple tan leather upholstery and contrasting black hide for the dashboard and steering wheel, plus tailored tan luggage embossed with the roofless Targamerica silhouette. All predictable enough. More startling is the bespoke cigar holder and humidor nestled between the two seats in an aluminium and glass case.

There’s no word on exactly how much this, ahem, smoking-hot one-off cost, but with the ‘standard’ Battista retailing for two-million-plus, you can only imagine what was ‘charged’ for the Targamerica.

ESTATES WITH HASTE

…but also taste? Ben Barry shoots the breeze on two epic shooting brakes.

Accepted wisdom says estate cars are for ferrying kids, shopping and dogs around sensibly. Mostly this is true.

But if you’ve got a wicked sense of humour, a penchant for supercar performance in a boxy body and perhaps need to withdraw a very large amount of money from a bank with some haste, we’d recommend two new German highperformance cars that happen to be estates – the new BMW M5 Touring and Audi RS6 Avant GT.

Both offer large V8 turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive, plus loadbays larger than some aircraft hangars.

The BMW hasn’t had the easiest introduction, being widely fat-shamed online, and to be fair it does weigh more than some big SUVs at 2,435kg. It’s the plug-in hybrid technology that plays a major part in that.

Allowing BMW to combine a monstrous 4.4-litre V8 with a lithiumion battery good for 42 miles of electric running, masses of extra performance are piled on, ‘to boot’: 717bhp isn’t just 100bhp more than the last M5, it’s more than a McLaren Artura supercar.

There’s zero turbo lag and way more punch in the mid-range than before, so overtakes are like clicking into the far distance on Google Streetview. Faces blur. Cars disappear. Horizons smash into view.

More surprising is just how dextrously the M5 Touring handles. There’s a pliant, planted feel in a straight line, but this is also a genuinely responsive car considering its size, the fast-paced steering and rear-wheel steer injecting energy to direction changes. Like a squatting sumo wrestler, it also helps that so much of that weight is so low down.

If anything the M5 Touring feels too wide rather than too heavy, but as a luxurious limo that makes insane cross-country progress, entertains its driver and doubles as a removals van, there’s much to admire. All partypieces that BMW’s teutonic rival, Audi hopes to poop with its RS 6 Avant GT.

This year’s second shooting brake on steroids boasts Audi’s turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive, packaged up in muscular if comparatively understated bodywork. There are no plug-in hybrid bits and less performance than the M5 at 621bhp, but the RS6 is also a good bit lighter, at 2,075kg.

So far, so RS6. But to this familiar recipe the GT adds special-edition sauce in the form of 22-inch alloys, adjustable suspension, plus bucket seats. Should that sound and look more ‘racecar’ than ‘estate’, then that’s no coincidence – the lairy red-grey-black go-faster stripes are a nod to Audi’s domination of the American Trans-Am championship in the late 1980s, with its ‘90’ quattro IMSA GTO (pictured here alongside its descendant).

Thankfully you can spec’ under-the-radar colours and no stickers, in which case the RS6 could almost pass for another sensible estate car. But definitely not sensible is the £176,975 price tag – about £60k more than the new M5 Touring, which should come in around £114,000 once pricing is confirmed. Still serious cash, but for my money, 717bhp sure does represent a lot more ‘broom!’ for your buck.

If

you’ve got a wicked sense of humour, a penchant for supercar performance in a boxy body and perhaps need to withdraw a very large amount of money from a bank with some haste, we’d recommend two new German high-performance cars that happen to be estates – the new BMW M5 Touring and Audi

RS6 Avant GT

ALL THE GEARS, AND AN IDEA

Just when you thought road-cycling couldn’t get more gadget-strewn, Tudor is bringing something …genuinely novel, as well as typically utilitarian: a chronograph version of its Pelagos (aka ‘the 21st century’s perfect diving watch’) specifically engineered around the needs of the Giro d’Italia riders of the Swiss watchmaker’s ‘TUDOR Pro Cycling Team’. Words by Alex Doak.

Cleaved from 43mm’s diameter of carbon composite case, with fixed (hence ‘FXD’) strap bars in monobloc – specc’ed recently in titanium at the behest of Tudor’s first-ever pro’ clients, the combat swimmers of Marine Nationale.

The ‘Snowflake’ hand is one of the hallmarks of the TUDOR divers’ watches introduced in 1969, rendered with ultramodern Grade X1 Swiss-made SuperLumiNova phosphorescent material using strontium aluminate.

A black matt dial with luminescent ceramic composite monobloc applied hour markers means the information presented is readable without distraction.

One-piece technical fabric strap in black, woven in France on 19th-century Jacquard looms by the Julien Faure company in the St-Etienne region: more than up to the sweaty, salty, ham-fisted realities of longdistance cycling.

It’s typical for the circumferential, logarithmic ‘tachymeter’ of a chronograph to be calibrated to the speeds of an automobile, allowing rough speeddistance-time calculations on the fly according to the central sweep-seconds hand. What makes this ‘Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono Cycling Edition’ special (£4,560) is that the scale is suited to the speeds cyclists sustain.

The cyclist’s tachymeter scale is ‘wrapped’ around the dial in a spiral, allowing the speeds at which cyclists routinely operate to be read at a glance – printed on a 45°-angled ‘rehaut’, or banked ‘flange’. With, say, a TAG Heuer Carrera, you start timing a car as it passes you and stop the timer when it has travelled one mile, and it took 30 seconds, the seconds hand will point to 120 on the tachymeter scale. This indicates that the car was moving at 120mph. With the Cycling Edition, it indicates 24mph.

All functions powered by Tudor’s chronometer-precision Calibre MT5813: a modern marvel of micromechanics retro-engineered from Breitling’s in-house ‘B01’ at Kenissi Manufacture, then assembled, QC-ed and distributed next-door, at Tudor’s shiny-red and cutting-edge HQ … a collective hub of horological brilliance in the otherwise sleepy village of Le Locle, high in the Jura mountains.

THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC MINI COOPER.

AN ICON UPDATED.

Get ready to jump into the vibrant world of the new all-electric MINI Cooper. With the familiar go-kart feeling we all know and love, it’s future-ready with stylish LED technology and cutting-edge innovation on the inside – making it even more charismatic than ever.

Order the new all-electric MINI Cooper today, then cruise through the streets with unmistakable spirit.

Contact Douglas Park to find out more.

All-electric MINI Cooper: Electric Consumption (WLTP combined): 4.2 - 4.5 miles / kWh; CO2-Emissions (WLTP combined): 0g/km; Electric Range (WLTP combined): 182 - 249 miles.

1

GADGET MAN

Are you a fan of all things technical and technological? Here are our top picks of the latest and most exciting gadgets to put you one step ahead of your fellow man.

TAG HEUER

CONNECTED CALIBRE E4 X ORACLE RED BULL RACING EDITION

Experience the ultimate blend of technology and the Oracle Red Bull Racing universe with this TAG Heuer Connected smart watch. Featuring a black DLCcoated titanium case, exclusive watch faces and a custom app that immerses you in the thrilling world of Formula 1 and Oracle Red Bull Racing. 83429 | £1,700

2

SEGWAY

GoKart Pro 2

Think Segways are slightly embarrassing? Think again. The GoKart Pro 2 is an electric go kart that can reach almost 30mph on the track. And when indoors you can use it as a sim rig for racing video games, complete with vibration feedback.

3

You may have seen those CGI rendered concepts of flying cars on social media, but XPeng has actually made one, a flying car prototype. It looks like a sports car and a set of propellors extend out of the rear on command. XPeng has apparently opened preorders for its Modular Flying Car, due in 2025.

4

You wouldn’t expect it from its classic design, but the XGIMI Horizon Max is a 4K long-throw projector with IMAX certification. It has surprisingly high specs so if you’re looking to host movie nights, this is one of the best exclusive tech gadgets coming soon for the job.

XGIMI Horizon Max

XPENG AeroHT EVOTL

LOTUS GLASGOW

GIFTS FOR HIM

You may not need convincing to spend that cash on a flashy must-have, but just in case, here’s a selection of treats to tempt you. BVLGARI Aluminium 81524 | £4,580

SIMPLY DAKOTA WHERE

SIMPLICITY MEETS EXCELLENCE

Enjoy an overnight stay for two, a three-course meal from our Simply Dakota menu and a fully cooked breakfast served in the Dakota Grill. Treat yourself to the ultimate Dakota experience.

GIFTS FOR HER

From glistening diamonds to the latest fashion trends and accessories, we promise this will be your go-to gift guide this season.

BOTTEGA

GUEST LIST

Each event this year has reminded us of the incredible spirit of togetherness that defines our ROX community. From glittering charity galas and awards ceremonies to our ROX London opening party in Battersea Power Station, UEFA Euro 2024 celebrations and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, we’ve witnessed a vibrant celebration of music, art and sport.

READ

ALL ABOUT IT

Enjoy our magazine online and stay up to date with all of our new season launches, jewellery trends and lifestyle inspo at rox.co.uk/magazine

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BIG BANG UNICO

18K King Gold and ceramic case. In-house UNICO chronograph movement.