FASHION

DOUBLE CRUSH

Mathilde Binetruy

September marks a month of transition. We still have grains of sand between our toes, chlorine in our hair, and a craving for a spritzer on the terrace while at the same time feeling the need to immerse ourselves in the effervescence of the new fall season. The mood seems to be both light and serious. It's the perfect time to adopt one of the biggest style trends of the moment: the double wrap wristband. Spotted in collections over the past few years - first by Hermès on its Cape Cod, then its Nantucket, and even the Apple Watch in true signature leather - the double wrap wristband is increasingly being featured by watch brands. Nevertheless, it is out of the question to do so in a classical manner. For example, to enhance its Mini Trésor, Omega drew inspiration from the historical Toile de Jouy tapestry

and porcelain motifs - a fabric printed in the south-east of Versailles in the 18th century. The basis of its thinking? Three unique designs, each bearing the identity of the Biel-based brand: ocean flora and fauna tinged with blue in homage to the maritime heritage, a black butterfly in reference to aerial and space exploration, and a red floral motif suggesting a passion for planet Earth.

The result? A double wrap wristband paired with Moonshine™ gold and the off-white Grand Feu enamel domed dial of the Mini Trésor.

Other companies capitalise on icons of timeless values tied to the hype of the moment. In the mood for precious metal and a chic look? Yellow gold is what you need. The comeback of discreet but identifiable external signs of wealth has recently been accompanied by a return to the long-heralded ostentatious,

THE DOUBLE WRAP WRISTBAND IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST STYLE TRENDS OF THE YEAR

STRUNG AROUND THE WRIST, THESE LONG STRANDS OF LEATHER, FABRIC, OR METAL ADD A FASHIONABLE TOUCH.

flashy, and sometimes even vulgar signs of affluence on wet, tanned skin, as evidenced by a large chain bracelet. Say goodbye to flamboyant connotations and hello to refinement. The yellow gold is given a more minimalist treatment, resulting in an ultra-glamorous Serpenti Tubogas from Bvlgari. The creation that has spanned more than seven decades, coiling around the wrists of the most elegant women, continues its transformation with this sober version. The reptilian teardrop-shaped case along with a flexible wristband with a finish reminiscent of scales are back. Finally, after months without nightclubs and sleepless nights, the desire to reconnect with music, dance, and neon lights has gained the upper hand since last year. Models in fluorescent tones are making their appearance, imbued with the energy of electro music. Chanel re-imagined its Première watch in a blackened steel version with a chain wristband interwoven with multicoloured leather. Strongly evoking the summer period, memories of dance floors and wild parties on the beach to the sound of "Pump it Up", the timepiece prolongs the pleasure of sunny days. One might even be tempted to combine it with a plane ticket to Ibiza. Remind me, when is the next holiday?