This month, our news roundup is a dazzling blend of brand initiatives, captivating campaigns and exciting collabs.
Women Extraordinaire
Bentley Motors launched its third edition of the Extraordinary Women mentorship programme, aimed at nurturing the next generation of female leaders. Collaborating with universities in the UK and Qatar, the initiative focuses on students in engineering, design, technology and business, aligning with Bentley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Eight students will receive one-on-one mentorship from accomplished female pioneers, culminating in a visit to Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England. This year, Sara Davies MBE joins as a mentor, bringing her expertise from Crafter’s Companion and Dragons’ Den. Partnering with the University of Doha for Science & Technology reflects the car brand’s dedication to global empowerment. The initiative is integral to Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, aiming to promote diversity and inclusion in the luxury car sector and inspire women to pursue careers in the STEM and automotive fields.
Blue Horizon
Audemars Piguet collaborates with musician and watch enthusiast John Mayer to present the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar John Mayer Limited Edition. This exclusive timekeeper, limited to 200 pieces, merges the iconic Royal Oak design with the sophistication of a perpetual calendar. The musician’s contemporary vision influences the captivating Crystal Sky dial, featuring a unique deep blue hue and intricate crystal-inspired texture. The perpetual calendar complications are elegantly displayed, with subtle modifications enhancing legibility and aesthetic appeal. Crafted in 18-carat white gold, the watch showcases meticulous attention to detail, from the case to the bracelet. This collaboration marks the final edition featuring the self-winding Calibre 5134, concluding a historic chapter in Audemars Piguet’s horological legacy.
The Future is AI
Coach debut Find Your Courage, a campaign featuring virtual human imma and other Coach collaborators to introduce their spring collection. Inspired by The Courage To Be Real, the campaign explores self-expression amidst virtual and physical realms. Each chapter, directed by Valée Duhamel, unfolds imma’s journey, learning from ambassadors like Lil Nas X, who embodies rule-breaking courage. Future chapters will reveal lessons from Wu Jinyan, YoungJi Lee, Camila Mendes and Kōki, to understand risk-taking, humour, evolution and exploration. The campaign, captured by Charlie Engman, seamlessly merges CGI and AI to cultivate artistic expression while spotlighting Coach’s spring 2024 collection. Among the highlights is the debut of the Tabby shoulder bag in a fresh quilted rendition, as well as tailored silhouettes and ready-to-wear in their heritage leather and denim, with sheer slip dresses and playful charms reflecting the spirit of today’s generation.
Blessings of Love
Tiffany & Co. celebrate Ramadan with campaign film With Love, We Fly, starring the House Ambassador Nancy Ajram, the Lebanese singer, and showcasing the timeless Bird on a Rock design. The film celebrates the profound impact of love, empowerment, encouragement and togetherness during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Nancy dons the iconic pendant, featuring a 20.2-carat, cushion-cut diamond set in platinum and 18-carat gold, complemented by a ring adorned with fancy intense yellow and white diamonds, each exceeding four carats. These pieces, alongside other creations by French jewellery designer Jean Schlumberger (who created iconic pieces for Tiffany & Co. in the past), including the Flame earrings, Stitches bracelet and the Sixteen Stone ring, honour the festive period. The film is enriched by calligraphic brushstrokes in Tiffany Blue ink, by multidisciplinary artist Carla Salem, which eloquently capture familial love and stability.
Elevating Everyday Essentials
H&M unveil their collaboration with emerging brand Rokh, celebrated for their inventive wardrobe staples under Korean designer Rok Hwang, the brand’s Creative Director. The collection, encompassing womenswear, menswear and accessories, showcases Rokh’s hallmark customisable designs and quirky elegance. The line features adaptable and timeless pieces from double-layer trench coats to detachable-hem dresses, corset-style pieces, office-inspired bags and statement jewellery. Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M, praises the designer’s captivating blend of conceptuality and wearability, expressing excitement for customers to embrace the collection. “Rokh designs have a classic appearance with a radical construction for a timeless approach to design. I’m very excited to share our vision with more customers around the world thanks to this milestone collection with H&M,” said Rok.