DEPARTURES STYLE RETAIL
DEPARTURES STYLE RETAIL REDUX “I feel that, thanks to high-profile celebrities choosing antique and vintage over new for their red-carpet appearances, these pieces have got their sexy back” Josephine Odet, Omnēque timepieces. “We collaborate hand-in-hand with all our current portfolio of brands, including Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Cartier and a multitude of others," says Pierre Hardouin, certified pre-owned manager at the company. “Our certified team of in-house watchmakers and specialists puts each watch through its paces with a meticulous, multistage authenticity inspection, including a thorough service of the movement and – if necessary – replacement of elements with original spare parts. Once complete, every one of our certified pre-owned watches is sold accompanied by an international two-year Bucherer guarantee,” he adds. The market for pre-owned watches became particularly fierce during the pandemic lockdowns, and there are a number of companies that are upping their game to cater to collectors. Chrono24 (chrono24.com), for instance, recently partnered with Xupes to open an expansive space in a Grade II-listed barn outside London where customers can explore the inventory and speak with the experts. Sparing no expense, The Barn by Chrono24 was furnished by the Soho Group and stands out in the increasingly crowded marketplace – at least for now. The Concierges Anyone unwilling to embark on the quest for rare-to-find trophies can either ring up the army of private buyers at major auction houses or, for a more personal experience, reach Gab Waller (gabwaller.com) and Otis On Park (otisonpark.com) on social media, who promptly offer impossible-is-nothing concierge luxury-hunting services. Besides sourcing the rarest crocodile-leather Hermès Birkin bags, bidding at auctions on behalf of her clients and securing confidential transactions between sellers and buyers, Michela Gombacci-Minoli at Otis On Park also assists with custom-made pieces made hand-in-hand with her clients. For example, a recent project she worked on was a personalised ring for Mother’s Day, featuring a precious stone in purple. “We created a stunning ring consisting of a white Marquise-cut diamond of almost two carats accompanied by two pear-shaped purple sapphires. I was told that the mother was ecstatic,” she says. “Luxury swimwear from Chanel, Dior and Fendi were all in high demand this summer, so we have hunted down a few hard-to-find vintage pieces recently,” reveals Gab Waller, who counts among her clients a handful of A-list celebrities. Another of Waller’s rare finds was two Chanel Paris Dallas flap bags from the 2014 collection. “To find one was incredible, but the second one was an absolute miracle,” she says. There might not be a better summation of high-end vintage – a thrilling chase made all the more rewarding by an unexpected find. 46 Bucherer’s certified pre-owned flagship in London’s Covent Garden ZOE ASHIOTIS
PROMOTION CELEBRATE THE SEASON ITHAAFUSHI - THE PRIVATE ISLAND Your exclusive private island escape WHERE ADVENTURE MEETS TRANQUILITY. An extension of the iconic Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, this is as exclusive and luxurious as it gets, anywhere in the world – the largest private island in the Maldives, with every aspect meticulously designed. Accommodating 24 guests across two elegant beach and overwater villas and one four-bedroom residence. Each residence boasts a refined, yet modern style accented with fine art, Maldivian charm and world-class facilities. Take a bike to explore the island, enjoy a wealth of marine activities, or take to the island’s state-of-the-art gym under the watchful eye of your own trainer. Ithaafushi — The Private Island is your disappearing act into a world you may have imagined, but never realised could exist. ITHAAFUSHI ISLAND, SOUTH MALE ATOLL, REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES - T: +960 400 0300 ITHAAFUSHIPRIVATEISLAND.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PLATINUM TRAVEL SERVICE
