Artistic Style

SORAYAMA MONOBALANCIER

Adding to its Urban Culture Tribe and continuing on a journey to create boundary-breaking masterpieces, Roger Dubuis delivers a new rule breaking chapter with the Excalibur Sorayama Monobalancier (MB).

Pioneer in his art, the world-famous Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama has been inspiring his peers for decades. By inventing his super-realist feminine “Sexy Robots”, he broke conventions and shook traditions. His talent has been rewarded by multiple awards and his genius led him to work with the biggest names across high fashion, technology, and music. Knowing he chooses to pursue opportunities that force him to push the boundaries of his art, Roger Dubuis invited him to the Manufacture to take on the creative challenge: to reinterpret the Maison’s astral signature.

Embracing this opportunity to infuse his realistic and expressive signature design, the innovative artist co-created a timepiece that merges one radical world with another. Hyper performing, hyper inspiring, and hyper hypnotic, the result is modern art for the wrist.

Clean cut lines on both case and movement create a heightened sense of depth, while the signature star now levitates freely above the barrel. An evolution that not only raises the timepiece to an even higher standard, but also makes it an exciting and versatile canvas for Sorayama to express himself.

Reinterpreting the Excalibur MB with hyper expressivity and sophistication, the artist chose to be provocative by breaking the Maison’s design codes. Curvy lines and a full shine finish blur the sharp design and contrasted finishes Roger Dubuis usually signs its masterpieces with. Sorayama borrowed further cues from his own iconic

creations by echoing his 3D sculptures within the polished titanium finish. This striking aesthetics required the Maison’s highly-skilled watchmakers to develop unusual processes to replicate the desired shiny effect. A first for the Maison and highly challenging task especially when it came to polish fully the titanium case and bracelet. Determined to bring even more play with light to the timepiece, Sorayama also reimagined Roger Dubuis’ micro-rotor to create a hypnotising moiré optical illusion triggered by the natural fluid movements of the wearer’s wrist. This captivating and endless rippling effect - another first for both the artist and Maison - required months of in-house prototyping seeking for the right combination of materials, decorations and finishes. The final execution associates an extremely precise and optimal distance between each line of the stamped décor, with a traditional threehour long guilloché technique on specific parts of the micro-rotor and an innovative assembly process placing a stamped sapphire dial above the reimagined micro-rotor.

As artistically inspiring as technically impressive, the Excalibur Sorayama MB houses an automatic calibre recently enhanced with a series of mechanical and aesthetic improvements.

Motivated by a desire for hyper performance, Roger Dubuis’ engineers increased the power reserve of the RD720SQ to 72 hours. They also optimised the micro-rotor to minimise vibrations and doubled the balance wheel inertia to improve stability and make it less sensitive to shocks. Better efficiency and energy transmission was further increased through the use of a new lube and by optimising the shape of the escapement wheel, pairing it with adjustable pallet-stones, and constructing both elements from diamond-coated silicon.

Such high standards of horological mastery and craftsmanship are rewarded with the Poinçon de Genève; one of the most exclusive stamps of certification in watchmaking today.

The hyper sophisticated masterpiece is also the first Roger Dubuis titanium grade 5 bracelet to feature its Quick Release

System for ease and versatility. Housed in a 42 mm case crafted from titanium grade 5 as well, this exclusive artwork is limited to just 28 pieces and at first available in Japan only.

AEROSPACE RED ARROWS

Breitling, renowned as the leading supplier of aviation watches and official sponsor of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the iconic Red Arrows, have unveiled a new limited edition timepiece, the Breitling Aerospace Red Arrows Special Edition.

Limited to just 350 pieces worldwide, the debut continues Breitling’s series of exclusive collaborations with the RAF as the only luxury watch brand granted permission to feature the distinctive emblems of its celebrated aerobatic team. The design brings together the manufactures greatest strengths in military pilot watches - innovative technology and design efficiency, a robust and light titanium case and a sleek retro aesthetic - for all round wearability.

This historical partnership with the Royal Air Force dates from the 1930s, when the brand’s precision on board chronographs were supplied to RAF aircraft to ensure precise calculations of distance and fuel during the most challenging flying conditions. Since 1965, The Red Arrows have earned a reputation as the world’s premier aerobatic display team, with their combination of speed, agility and precision flying in Hawk fast-jets in close formation manoeuvres. It’s only natural that Breitling’s collaboration with the Red Arrows has continued for over 30 years and now, the pilots wear Breitling chronographs built to ensure accuracy and reliability under the most demanding physical conditions, reaching up to 7G on any given sortie.

In 1985, Breitling launched the Aerospace as one of the most innovative designs of its time - a multifunction chronograph equipped with state-of-the-art Swiss technology. The easy-to-use and easy-to-wear timepiece was quickly regarded as a quintessential tool for fast-jet pilots owing to its advanced control system, with crown activated functionality providing unprecedented simplicity of use. The titanium case, a favourite metal for aviators, combining maximum strength and lightness sealed the watches fate - It’s easy to see why when a pilot gets their wings, they often get a Breitling Aerospace to mark the occasion and wear with them on their airborne adventures.

The new Red Arrows Edition references the original Aerospace with a powerful and technical-sleek retro style, completed with the Red Arrows trademark “Diamond Nine” flight formation on the blue dial, while the Eclat crest is engraved on the caseback. Equipped with an officially chronometer-certified SuperQuartz™ calibre, it is distinguished by a user-friendly control system with crown-activated functions including 1/100th of a second

chronograph, countdown timer, second time zone, alarm, audible time signal (minute repeater), calendar, and a backlighted LCD digital display - a concentration of power and technical sophistication designed to accompany all day or night flights.

Coinciding with the launch, Breitling has minted a special commemorative coin officially authorised by the Ministry of Defence which will be gifted with each purchase of the Limited-Edition Aerospace timepiece. The large, 2-inch diameter coin, made of a pure zinc alloy, is engraved with the emblematic and unmistakable “Diamond Nine”, and the Breitling heritage “B” on the reverse, and comes exclusively with the purchase of each Red Arrows Aerospace timepiece.

HAWKER HURRICANE CLOWES AUTOMATIC

INSPIRED BY A PILOT OF SKILL AND LEADERSHIP

Inspired by the RAF’s No. 1 Squadron and the courageous Arthur “Taffy” Clowes, the Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic has been designed as a commanding, pronounced pilot’s watch to honour their incredible accomplishments during WWII.

The Clowes Automatic is defined by an unmistakable 46mm case inspired by larger pilot watches from the 1940’s. It features a distinctive, oversized conical crown and is topped by a domed, sapphire lens. The case back features the No. 1 Squadron badge as a tribute to the squadron Clowes flew for.

Despite appearing as a traditional pilot’s watch at first glance, the Clowes Automatic offers much more. A moulded dial with camo pattern drawn directly from Clowes’ Hawker Hurricane is topped with custom 3D indexes produced entirely out of high grade Swiss lume, providing an unrivalled glow in low light conditions.

As a tribute to Clowes and the No. 1 Squadron he flew in, his aircraft code is stamped at the 6H position along with a custom seconds hand counterbalance created in the form of his Hawker Hurricane.

The squadron motto In omnibus princeps (“First in all things”) is written at the bottom of the dial to reflect the squadron’s exclusive status as the RAF’s first unit.

Under the hood, an NH series Japanese automatic movement with 21,600 bph and 24 jewels delivers an ultra-reliable timekeeping experience while it rests securely on the wrist thanks to a premium, handcrafted genuine leather, vintage pilot-style strap that tapers from 22mm to 18mm.

Each timepiece from the Clowes Automatic collection is inspired by locations No. 1 Squadron was based at during WWII, delivering four individual colourways relating to Wittering; Acklington; Kenley; and Northolt.

THE BALEARIC EDIT

An exceptionally elegant addition to any wardrobe

Beauty Buys

Inspired by bestselling shade Laguna, Nars have released five permanent creamy sunkissed shade to its bronzer line up. Its silky texture seamlessly glides onto skin, delivering long-lasting, second-skin warmth with a natural finish. Scenting the cream is the brand’s signature French Polynesia Monoï de Tahiti Oil, which is also known to lock in moisture, firm, and tone complexion.

Laguna Bronzing Cream £32.00 from Nars. Available exclusively at Selfridges, Nars boutiques and narscosmetics.co.uk

Lightweight and enriched with antioxidant-packed Japanese purple rice, this dewy skin cream from cult Japanese brand Tatcha, deeply moisturises thirsty skin leaving you with an unrivalled healthy glow.

The Dewy Skin Cream £63.00 from Tatcha. Available at Space NK and tatcha.co.uk

r.e.m.beauty

r.e.m.beauty from singer Ariana Grande will be launching into Selfridges this August. Launched straight to consumer last year and with an impressive line of high performance products, this is the first launch into store for the brand and to celebrate they have created a service menu in collaboration with Ariana Grande’s makeup artist and educator, Ash K Holm. Bringing to life the brands 60's feel and vivid dreams this menu can serve a statement or an everyday look, depending on how you feel and the look you want.

From a Cooling Blurring Undereye Balm (of which one sells every 12 seconds!) to Eclipse Cheek and Lip Sticks, these products are multi-tasking, cruelty free and vegan.

Brand founder, Ariana Grande, says: “The first time I tested and wore any of our r.e.m. formulas publicly was live on stage at The O2 arena in London during the sweetener tour in 2019, so 3 years later it’s incredibly special and meaningful to be finally launching the brand here in the UK, especially with Selfridges, who are synonymous with beauty and who is such a respected institution. So I’m beyond excited, honored and thankful. Now more than ever physical retail and having that touch-point where people can see, feel and test and experience the products first hand is so important. I absolutely adore the Selfridges service menu of looks that will be available in-store from launch. Please please come by and see the teams, or book an appointment online if you‘d like the full r.e.m beauty experience!”

Harnessing the benefits of Vitamin C, this non-greasy serum is packed with powerful skin-brightening actives such as Red Clover Extract. Over time, skin looks healthier and more even textured with the reduced appearance of dark spots, pores and dullness.

Dynamic Resurfacing Super C Serum £95.00 from Elemis. uk.elemis.com

Perfect for any last minute trips, get this exclusive 7-piece collection from Elemis in partnership with British designer, Rixo. Including the new Pro-Collagen Summer Bloom Cleansing Balm, as well as best selling Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and a full size of the Superfood Matcha Eye Dew. This delightful set is fantastic value worth £86.00.

Elemis X Rixo On-the-Glow Essentials £77.00 from Elemis. uk.elemis.com D'Otto, the exclusive new perfume brand that celebrates the infinite possibilities of art through perfume, has made its global debut with a unique refillable fragrance fountain at Selfridges London.

Featuring a refill fountain that will offer Selfridges customers the opportunity to bring their empty bottles to be refilled with their favourite D'Otto fragrance, the new retail space is bound to be a hit.

The refill fountain also demonstrates the brand’s genuine, responsible approach as well as Selfridges' on going commitment to sustainability and making circular models a core part of its offer through Project Earth.

D’Otto fragrances are available now from £225-£275 for 100ml Extrait de Parfum and customers can experience the full refill offering in store at Selfridges now.

Much loved, Parfums de Marly Delina is a classic, yet decidedly contemporary floral blend, formulated in 2017 by nose Quentin Bisch. With a soft elegance thanks to notes of rose, peony and lychee, fans of the fragrance will be pleased to know that the brand has now created a Delina-based body oil to further enhance your routine. A sensual, multi-faceted delight that, depending on skin tone and season, stirs the original notes and further modulates their seductive power, the non-greasy oil soaks effortlessly into the skin.

Delina Body Oil, 100ml £75.00 from Parfums de Marly. Available at Harrods, Selfridges and other retailers.

A delectable blend of jasmine, saffron, ambergris and cedarwood, freshen and protect hair with Maison Francis Kurkdjian's iconic perfume.

Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Hair Mist, 70ml £75.00 from Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris. Available at Selfridges.

Sunkissed

Water resistant for up to 80 minutes, this vegan and cruelty free sun cream from Sun Bum is also rich in Vitamin E.

Original SPF30 Lotion £15.59 from Sun Bum. Available at Look Fantastic and Cult Beauty.

If you're not going anywhere this summer you can cheat your way to a sun kissed glow with this bargain St. Moriz Primark range. Enriched with Coconut Oil for the perfect tropical scent, the streakfree formulation is packed with hydrating ingredients to keep your skin moisturised and glowing with radiance throughout the summer. Helping to combat the effects of blue light and pollution, this weightless SPF 30 illuminating serum from Californian brand Coola is a summer multitasking must-have.

Also from the brand are the addictively scented, organic sunscreen sprays.

Dew Good Illuminating Serum SPF 30 £44.00; and Classic Body Sunscreen SPF50 £25.00 from Coola. Available at Space NK.

AFTER GLOW

Pamper skin after a day in the sun with Sensai's white tea infused, silky body cream. Boosting radiance and softness, it also helps maintain a bronzed glow.

Silky Bronze After Sun Glowing Cream, 150ml £76.00 from Sensai. Available at Harrods.