Switzerland – At Watches and Wonders 2024, Vacheron Constantin revealed a timepiece crafted in collaboration with fashion designer Yiqing Yin. Named Égérie, the concept watch combines haute couture, horology and perfumery, and features a strap that releases a bespoke fragrance by master perfumer Dominique Ropion as it rubs against the skin.
The partnership between the luxury watch-maker and Yiqing Yin is a fusion of craftsmanship and innovation, bringing the worlds of haute horlogerie and haute couture together. The design ethos behind the watch dial prioritises simplicity and fluidity, incorporating elements like pleating and embroidery to reflect the creative process’s fluid nature. Despite the technical challenges of harmonising couture with watch-making, the collaboration exemplifies the profound connection between artistry, craftsmanship and the eternal passage of time. It also shows how brands are innovating new products and strategies to build long-lasting and enriching relationships with their clientele – a topic we explore in depth in our Guilded Luxury macrotrend.
Strategic opportunity
Today’s luxury consumers are not looking for the newest product, instead they’re keen to become collectors and archivists. Luxury brands need to integrate one-of-a-kind experiences at every touchpoint of a consumer’s journey to tap into that mindset