Sandra‘s Closet

Graced with pearls, sequins and coloured leather, the Arceau watch appears decked out in festive finery inspired by Polish folk culture.

The Arceau watch created in 1978 by Henri d’Origny mingles classicism with singularity. Its round shape set on a stirrup lends itself to infinite expressions of creativity and expertise. Framed by this case with asymmetrical lugs, the Arceau watch embodies the Hermès style and highlights original forms of craftsmanship. Miniature painting, leather marquetry and sequins reinterpret the Costume de Fête silk scarf designed by Warsaw-born artist Jan Bajtlik.

Two versions – one in white gold, the other in rose gold – set with 82 diamonds feature a dial combining craft techniques as creative as they are demanding, expressed through colours varying according to two respective palettes. The lively, joyful equestrian motif is inspired by Polish folk culture. Illustrator, typographer and graphic designer Jan Bajtlik’s imagination is nurtured by traditional Krakow costumes and ornaments. His characters, animals and flowers draw on his native country’s popular art of paper cut-outs (wycinanki).

Miniaturised to dial size, the horse comes to life at the hand of Hermès artisans. Brightly coloured beads take shape on a sculpted metal base that is uniformly painted, a process punctuated by innumerable layers of micro-paint successively applied with a brush.

Emerging from this floral decoration, the spirited steed is revealed through equally meticulous piece of work: leather marquetry. Slim tesserae cut from different coloured leathers previously trimmed to just 0.5 mm thick are individually juxtaposed on the dial. This patient craftsmanship is complemented by delicately applied sequins. Six tiny, precisely selected shiny discs are pierced and sewn together with copper wire. As a final touch, the details of the harness are meticulously hand-painted on the leather.

Housed in a case measuring 38 mm in diameter, the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement reveals the finishing and the ‘sprinkling of Hs’ pattern adorning its bridges and oscillating weight through the sapphire crystal caseback. A sakura pink or electric blue Swift calfskin strap complements the lively tones of these two watches, respectively issued in 24-piece editions.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès
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Let’s stay home – staying home is an act of care for our neighbours, friends, family and all the public health workers who work so tirelessly to keep us safe. However, I am of the opinion that dreams and inspiration must keep a place in our daily life, especially in such difficult times. Over the past few days, I have received some disturbing and aggressive messages from people who think I should abstain from posting «normally». Respecting other opinions is a virtue I hold dear to my heart. I would appreciate the right tone, «c’est le ton qui fait la musique».

Personally, I have a different view on it. Firstly, posting is my passion and makes me truly happy. Over the last ten years it has become my profession and pursuing it during quarantine gives me comfort, a sense of normality. My mission is to share a daily dose of fashion and lifestyle with my readers and I shall continue as long as I can. Online shopping is becoming a welcome alternative to strolling down Avenue Montaigne and frankly is a way to support our economy. If you like my outfit, just click on the highlighted descriptions to be transferred directly for more information.

Being at home gives me finally the time to write about many things I never had time for. Furthermore, I have a lot of pre-shot footage like today’s post that I am so happy to be able to post now. Why spread bad vibes if we have the chance to send each other good energy… and personally speaking, I still like to dress up as it makes me feel good. And that is the most important!

My look: Striped cotton-jersey cardigan, and matching striped cotton-jersey track pants, cotton-poplin shirt, all by Thom Browne, The Pouch small gathered leather clutch by Bottega Veneta, embroidered Ace sneakers by Gucci, and stole 140 «Cosmographia Universalis» in blue/rose/vivid yellow by Hermès (design by Jan Bajtlik).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
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