Explore the World to explore ourselves
Discovering the STEFANO RICCI EXPLORER
Stefano Ricci, always placing attention on sustainability and climate change issues, after the fashion show-event at the temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor in 2022, inaugurated the SR Explorer mission program, in search of the new wonders of the world collaborating with the world’s most famous nature photographers.
©
Middle: Bong
© Steve McCurry for Stefano Ricci.
Bottom: Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia. Spring/Summer 2025
© Steve McCurry for Stefano Ricci.
Opposite page: Altai Mountains, Mongolia. Fall/Winter 2024-25
© Chris Rainier - Courtesy of Stefano Ricci S.p.A.
e new campaign has been dedicated to Mongolia. A place of impervious lands, full of poetic charm. From the Altai Mountains High snow-capped peak through the Terelj National Park and the sand dunes the Gobi Desert, a photographic journey told through the sensitivity of photographer Chris Rainier, has allowed us to uncover what was once the world’s greatest empirethe land of Temujin, globally known as Genghis Khan, and the realm of Eagle Hunters who have preserved the tradition of falconry and the protection of the rugged Altai Mountains for centuries. From this stemmed a sustainability campaign dedicated to safeguarding the survival of Kazakh falconry’s cultural and natural heritage, ensuring the preservation of the golden eagle and the delicate ecosystem upon which they depend.
e last stop to the SR Explorer’s journey takes place in Cambodia. A legendary land, a modern and international country which thrives in many areas due to the force of its natural resources,
represented for the brand by a legend of world photography: Steve McCurry. More than a journey, this new chapter it is a life-changing experience made of emotions, references to a timeless heritage, to discover the Khmer culture, which dates back to the Middle Ages and continues to speak to us through its architecture, sculptures and that extraordinary world characterised by nature, which is reconquering those ancient stones. In this case Stefano Ricci partnered with Wild Earth Allies to promote the reintegration of Asian elephants into their natural habitat, the training of personnel dedicated to monitoring these specimens and the reforestation of degraded areas by planting 5,000 trees.
Top: Preah Khan Temple, Cambodia. Spring/Summer 2025
Steve McCurry for Stefano Ricci.
Chhouk Lake, Cambodia. Spring/Summer 2025
marinarinaldi.com
marinarinaldi.com
FROM CLICKS TO BRICKS
AN ONLINE SUCCESS STORY
Over the course of the past few years, there has been a steady increase in brick-and-mortar retail stores shuttering their physical locations and transitioning to online sales. This has been in part due to necessity, as consumers living during the global pandemic were forced to find ways to make purchases from the safety of their homes. It has also been driven by the preferences of younger generations who enjoy shopping with the tap of a finger.
However, while many retailers have shifted their gaze to the digital market, there are rare exceptions that arise — brands that are instead transitioning from the digital to the physical experience of shopping. These companies are taking shoppers back in time, providing them with the chance to physically interact with a product before making a purchase.
Enter Wrist Aficionado. This luxury watch retailer, born a digital baby, has grown to adopt a hybrid model of operations, providing customers with the opportunity to interact with the brand the way they prefer.
From Digital Beginnings
Founded in 2016 as a digital marketplace, Wrist Aficionado was designed to help watch enthusiasts source rare and unique timepieces. The company quickly grew, gaining fans of exclusive brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and Audemars Piguet. Along the way, Wrist Aficionado also became the go-to spot for Hermès Birkin bags and fine jewelry for all occasions, including designers like Tiffany and Bulgari. Collectors of luxury brands flocked to Wrist Aficionado for its unique combination of accessibility, expertise, and its carefully curated collection.
As the company expanded, an opportunity arose. Wrist Aficionado recognized that customers were interested in reconnecting with a tangible shopping experience. Rather than being constrained to a digital storefront, customers expressed the desire to try on watches and speak with a salesperson face-to-face. In response, the brand decided to open retail stores in New York, Miami and Beverly Hills, becoming one of only a few companies to begin digitally and transition to brick-and-mortar operations.
A Tangible, Luxury Experience
While many retailers have closed their doors to the public, Wrist Aficionado is paving the way for the future of luxury shopping. For centuries, luxury purchases have been made with an in-person handshake, and Wrist Aficionado is bringing back this vintage experience with its curation of high-end watches in equally luxurious settings. Through the opening of its retail locations, Wrist Aficionado now provides luxury watch buyers the chance to physically see and try on watches with the help of experienced specialists in store. Additionally, shoppers can browse local artisans’ products and attend premier events.
Positioning their stores in decidedly upscale areas is part of the brand’s elevated approach to shopping, with a New York store located off Fifth Avenue adjacent to Central Park, a Miami location calling the five-star, world-rated Setai Hotel home and the brand’s newest addition at the Waldorf Astoria, in sunny Beverly Hills.
The balance of both online and brick-and-mortar options best meets the needs of 21st-century consumers. Looking toward the future, Wrist Aficionado plans to continue to expand its physical reach, opening one to two additional retail stores every year.
Whether it is through a visit to one of their premier retail locations or by visiting their digital storefront, customers will be provided with a true luxury experience when interacting with this innovative brand. Please consider Wrist Aficionado for all your buying and selling needs for luxury timepieces, fine jewelry, and Hermès handbags.
Waldorf Astoria, Beverly Hills 9850 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The FUTURE of LUXURY
NEW YORK
HILLS
PUBLISHED BY Freecom Luxury Art Book, LLC.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Frederic Fournel
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Charlene Laskin
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Ludmila Lacerda Barros
BRAND MANAGER
Sacha Fournel
PHOTOGRAPHER
David Benoliel
HAIR & MAKE UP
Michelle Vanderhule @beautybymichellev
STYLING
Kirsten Reader
TALENT
Kristina Sheiter - Source Models
Sean Gulian - LA Models
Perfectly located in the heart of one of the world’s most glamorous cities, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills exemplifies the very best of the California good life. From the moment you step inside, you’ll know you’ve arrived at the center of extraordinary.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COOL MEETS CONTEMPORARY LUXURY
Shirt and Pants by Escada Sunglasses by Krewe Bracelets by Shay Jewelry
His Knit Sweater by Stefano Ricci
Her Knit Top and Pants by Marina Rinaldi Necklace and Ring by Shay Jewelry
Coat, Knit Top and Pants by Marina Rinaldi Necklace and Ring by Shay Jewelry
Knit Top and Pants by Marina Rinaldi
Necklace and Ring by Shay Jewelry
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
His Knit Tracksuit and Sneakers by Stefano Ricci
Her Knit Top and Pants by Marina Rinaldi Necklace and Ring by Shay Jewelry Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Knit Top by Marina Rinaldi Necklace and Ring by Shay Jewelry
Earrings, Necklace, Ring and Watch by Harry Winston Dress by Escada Sandals by Jimmy Choo
Earrings, Necklace and Watch by Harry Winston Dress by Tory Burch
Earrings, Necklace and Watch by Harry Winston
Dress by Tory Burch
Watch by Harry Winston Jacket, Shirt and Jeans by Stefano Ricci
Earrings, Necklace and Watch by Harry Winston Coat, Dress and Bag by Tory Burch
Knit Tracksuit and Sneakers by Stefano Ricci
COASTAL MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
Watch by Harry Winston Suit, Shirt, Tie and Pocket Square by Stefano Ricci
Her Necklace, Earrings and Watch by Harry Winston
Gown by Escada
His Watch by Harry Winston Suit, Shirt, Tie and Pocket Square by Stefano Ricci
Necklace, Earrings and Watch by Harry Winston
Gown by Escada Bag by Tyler Ellis
His Watch by Harry Winston Suit, Shirt, Tie and Pocket Square by Stefano Ricci
Her Necklace, Earrings and Bracelet by Harry Winston
Necklace, Earrings and Bracelet by Harry Winston
Cami by Honor
PANORAMIC CITY VIEWS
His Sport Jacket, Knit Polo and Jeans by Stefano Ricci
Her Blouse and Shorts by Escada
Both Watches by Richard Mille, Bag by Hèrmes and Jewelry all at Wrist Aficionado
Gown by Escada Sandals by Jimmy Choo Necklace by Shay Jewelry
His Sport Jacket, Knit Polo and Pants by Stefano Ricci
Her Knit Dress and Cardigan by Escada
Both Watches by Patek Philippe and Jewelry at Wrist Aficionado
Both Watches by Patek Philippe and Ring at Wrist Aficionado
PRESIDENTIAL PENTHOUSE
A SKY-HIGH OASIS
Both Watches by Jaeger-LeCoultre
His Sweater, Jacket and Pants by Zegna
Her Dress by Marina Rinaldi Earrings by Veynou
Watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Sport Jacket and Knit Polo by Stefano Ricci
Watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Dress by Marina Rinaldi Earrings by Veynou
Both Watches by Jaeger-LeCoultre
His Suit and Shirt by Thom Sweeny
Her Dress by Marina Rinaldi
Watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Gown by St. John
VILLA SUITE ARTFULLY APPOINTED
BEVERLY HILLS SUITE
EFFORTLESS LUXURY
HOLLYWOOD SUITE
DISTINCTIVELY TIMELESS
DELUXE CORNER JUNIOR SUITE
EXQUISITE DESIGN
DELUXE
KING EXCEPTIONAL DETAIL
POOLSIDE PARADISE
FLOAT AMONGST THE CLOUDS
Watch by Rolex at Wrist Aficionado
Sunglasses by Krewe Shorts by d.RT
Watch by Rolex and Jewelry at Wrist Aficionado
Sunglasses by Krewe
Earrings and Necklace by Wrist Aficionado
Swimsuit by Agent Provocateur
Watch by Rolex at Wrist Aficionado
Sunglasses by Krewe Swimsuit by Agent Provocateur Slides by Milaner
His Watch by Rolex at Wrist Aficionado
Shorts by CODE 22
Both Sunglasses by Krewe
Her Bikini by Antoninias
Earrings and Ring by Wrist Aficionado
Bikini by Antoninias
ENTER A WORLD OF REJUVENATION
ASTOR BALLROOM & FOYER SPECIAL OCCASIONS
His Shirt and Pants by Dunhill
Her Earrings, Necklace, Bracelets and Ring by Shay Jewelry Dress by Adiba, Sandals by Jimmy Choo
Earrings, Necklace, Bracelets and Ring by Shay Jewelry Dress by Adiba Sandals by Jimmy Choo
