Description
There are subtle undertones of rebellion this season. Whether it’s Givenchy (p. 41) or Fendi’s collab with Stefano Pilati (p. 28), the concepts of subversion are alive and well. In a sense, they even connect with the contrasting philosophies of “quiet luxury” – what was once quietly (thus courteously) enjoyed in historical times and gave way to psychological prestige needs as luxuries became “status indicators”, has now come full circle as both mindset and aesthetic (p. 48).
Even timepieces are not spared with the stylistic push towards elegance and sophistication (p. 82) rather than overt displays of grandeur. It is against this backdrop that now, the global traveller, with his retinue of accessories and myriad of options, discovers that travel isn’t just the act of getting to one’s destination but also the trappings of that nomadic lifestyle – think Tumi (p. 106) and Rimowa (p. 108). We have begun to consider how our possessions affect us more than it influences those who perceive us.
Finally, consider Shawn Thia, our cover star. A young chap who took a bold direction in creating memes with SGAG eventually launched a career in acting (p. 52); what an allegory for Bulgari, a brand which in the last 12 years has become a recognised and beloved name in watchmaking – an industry that plies its trade on the back of a legacy of centuries.
