FASHION TO KNOW

The latest iteration of Bvlgari’s signature B.zero1 charms with a studded update.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

The Icon That’s Ready to Rock

The latest iteration of Bvlgari’s signature B.zero1 charms with a studded update.

Celebs love C it. Michelle Obama’s worn it. Zaha Hadid designed a version of it. Known for its sinuous spiral lines inspired by the circularity of the Colosseum, Bvlgari’s signature B.zero1 collection shows no signs of slowing down since it first launched more than 20 years ago in 1999. 

This year, Bvlgari has unveiled a new version: the B.zero1 Rock. Inspired by Roman art and architecture, this thoroughly modern jewellery line is glamorous yet edgy. Embodying a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, its studded core is the most noticeable difference – reminiscent of the heritage Bvlgari tubogas choker with studs, which dates back to the ’80s.

The unisex collection features two versions of the iconic ring, pendants, bangle bracelets and earrings. Precious pave diamonds line the edges of the yellow gold version, while the rose gold version experiments with technology by injecting black ceramic along the edges. All designs are engraved with the Bvlgari double-logo, featuring the brand’s signature double wave. - DK

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Pearlescent Dials

For something that’s truly one of a kind, pick a timepiece with a mother-of-pearl face – the unique iridescence and natural patterns of the shell ensure that no two will ever be the same.

Premier Diamond Second 36mm white gold watch with diamonds and mother of pearl; Tulip platinum and diamond necklace and matching bracelet, Harry Winston. Cotton shirt and matching skirt, Ralph Lauren Collection.

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Limited to 28 numbered pieces, Breguet’s Classique Dame 9065 has a Tahitian mother-of-pearl dial enhanced by 88 brilliant-cut diamonds on the rose gold bezel.

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Launched in 1952, Omega’s iconic Constellation has been given a facelift with the elegant stainless steel and yellow gold 29mm Constellation Manhattan Co-Axial Master Chronometer ($16,500).

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Chopard’s 18K white gold Happy Sport Oval features five sapphires and two dancing diamonds around the textured mother-of-pearl dial with a guilloche centre.

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Vintage lovers will love Longines’ Legend Diver watch ($3,200), which pays tribute to its 1960s 42mm Super Compressor. The white leather strap complements the soft glow of the mother-of-pearl dial.

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Tag Heuer’s Carrera Lady has a 36mm case that’s larger than the average ones for women, but it’s ideal for showing off its mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds on the bezel.

Prices unavailable unless stated

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Caroline Issa’s Approach to Style

The fashion director, editor and regular Fashion Week fixture shares her love for jewellery, and her philosophy of buying less, but better.

She’s a darling among street style photographers, but Caroline Issa is much more than an influencer. The London-based chief executive and fashion director of Tank (a biannual magazine on contemporary culture) and editor of online magazine Because exudes an effortless style that’s comfortable yet chic. Perhaps, it has something to do with how she did not start out in fashion. 

The former management consultant (she graduated from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree) used to spend her days in coordinated navy, brown and black suits. After meeting Tank founder Masoud Golsorkhi by chance, she left consulting for the world of publishing. 

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The journey from boardroom to street-style star is something that Caroline regards as pure serendipity. “There was a convergence of street photographers and blogs,” she says. “Images of us just doing our jobs attending the shows were increasingly reproduced, and editors like me were suddenly brought to the forefront.”

Trends come and go. So if you have just one great piece of leopard in your wardrobe, you’re pretty much set – you don’t need 25 of those.

In August last year, she added another feather to her cap, teaming up with designer Monica Vinader on an exclusive jewellery collection. Here, she shares her love for jewellery, how she approaches fashion, and the secrets to her style.

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Everlane

Jewellery from day to night

“I love jewellery and I use it to play up an outfit. I am also a big believer of day to night dressing. So I’ll go to office in a black suit, but dress it up at night with big cocktail earrings. I have no time or ability to put makeup on – I just need easy things to fit into a really busy day. And a lot of times, that means not even changing for my dinners. So jewellery is a great way for me to add a little more zing at night.”

Play with layering

“I love a maximalist approach to jewellery. I usually stack my rings, but now I’m also stacking my necklaces, which is quite fun. I like playing with lengths – layering long necklaces with short ones. Another thing: Don’t be too precious about mixing metals. Now I’m wearing rose gold with gold and a little bit of silver. A lot of people think there’s a rule that you can’t mix and match metals, but I actually don’t think that’s true.” 

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Mother of Pearl

Build a jewellery wardrobe

“Having a really great jewellery wardrobe is as important as having great classics in your (clothes) wardrobe. Two things I wear every day: huggie earrings and a long necklace. I’m wearing this gold huggie with a small, tiny aquamarine and citrine. I also wear this long double gemstone necklace – it goes over shirts and sweaters to add some colour.” 

Singapore as inspo

“My mum was from Singapore and I love Singapore (she lived here for a year in 2001). You guys taught me some good styling tips. It was always about layering, so that even in that cold air-conditioning, you look sharp. It’s about putting a smart jacket over a fun, flowy dress.” 

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The Monica Vinader x Caroline Issa collaboration is available in all Monica Vinader outlets.

Buy less, but better

“It’s fun to experiment with trends, but one should invest a little time – the same way we invest in health – to think about the clothes that make you feel good when you wear them. Invest in those, then use things like a new pair of shoes to play them up. Many of us are getting into this mindset of buying less but better, and I think that’s important, seeing what’s going on with our climate.” – VW

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Allbirds

THE STYLISH ECO-CONSCIOUS BRANDS SHE LOVES

Caroline is all for sustainability in fashion. “They can be eco-conscious brands that are made with real quality. They might be more expensive, but I think they will last longer. There are certain things that if you buy, you would never have to buy another like that again,” she says.

Allbirds: The New Zealand-American sneaker brand prides itself on being all natural, with uppers made from Merino wool, soles from sugar cane, and laces from recycled plastic bottles. 

Everlane: Known for its “radical transparency” (which allows you to see how much each item costs to produce and how big the mark up is), the American label is all about making sustainable basics through ethical production.

Mother of Pearl: Founded in 2002, the British brand focuses on contemporary womenswear that uses organic and natural materials.

Monica Vinader: The British jewellery brand was awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury for its commitment to sustainability. Caroline teamed up with it in 2019 to design a jewellery collection.

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