With all of this year's Carolyn Bessette Kennedy talk and her signature Selima Optique sunglasses everywhere, I've been thinking about forever pieces that never really go out of style. It made me wonder, if you could only have one item per category in your closet, what would you choose?

My mind immediately goes to Jane Birkin and her Birkin—the pieces we reach for again and again that become part of our personal style. Other items that come to mind are Manolo Blahnik's Callamu 50 Mules (or alternatives like Stuart Weitzman's Minimalist Slide 50 Sandal and Aeyde's Black Vero Sandals), Ferragamo pumps, the Cartier Tank Louis Watch, and classic Prada and Chanel bags. I also think of brands like The Row, Khaite, Toteme, Rue Sophie, and St. Agni.

I asked our editors to share what they consider truly timeless. Judith Jones and Anna LaPlaca both mentioned Ray-Ban's Wayfarer styles, which continue to stand the test of time. Below, see all the accessories they swear by.

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While the crook of the elbow has always played host to a designer bag and our décolletages are home to a piece of jaw-dropping jewellery, it’s the wrist that has emerged as the stage to show off the latest opulent accessory coveted by the chicest dressers around—luxury watches. From Zoë Kravitz to Zendaya, this unsung joint has been reclaimed by style savants as prime real estate for showing off this hallmark of savoir faire and refined taste.

“There's just something about watches that feel elevated in a way that other fashion items don't,” says Brynn Wallner, a watch expert, writer and founder of femme-forward resource Dime Piece.

Wallner is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to horology, providing everything from exclusive insights to leading industry events to dropping the names of the latest trending style to grace a celebrity’s wrist and translating the craftsmanship of these heritage pieces into a digestible, quippy and accessible language. Most of all, Wallner has the inside scoop on the luxury watches that are rising in popularity, selling the most and soon to be the item du jour, which means that you can count on her advice to steer you in the right direction when purchasing your first investment or simply adding to your collection.

And as a fashion writer at Who What Wear UK, this is something that especially resonates with me. Watches are set apart in the way that they are incredibly symbolic. Sure, they will keep you on track and mark the passage of time, but they’ll also serve as a permanent reminder to stay present and that true elegance is eternal. A luxury watch is something that, when chosen well, will serve you through all seasons of life, and there is truly no time like the present to start building an arsenal of your own.

As Waller so aptly puts it, “there's a lot of pressure on that one item to go with a lot of different outfits”. She continues: “Your watch needs to look just as cool when you’re going to the grocery store as it would be to a work cocktail event.” With so many watch brands on the market, from heavy hitters like Cartier to more contemporary and design-led fashion maisons like Chanel, it’s also hard to know where to begin. Allow this, then, to be your comprehensive guide to the best luxury watches for women. From the styles of note to professional advice and the factors to keep in mind when shopping, uncover everything you need to know about the best luxury watches for women, ahead.

The 11 Best Luxury Watches for Women:

1. Cartier de Panthère

Style Notes: Sleek, feline and sinuous in shape, the Cartier de Panthère watch is one of the French house’s most iconic silhouettes. Created in 1983 by Michèle Kanoui, the design boasts a fluid bracelet that curves around the wearer’s wrist—much like the eponymous jungle cat the creation derives its name from—and a demure, mini square face. While its devotees include Princess Diana and Gwyneth Paltrow, the appetite for the piece has intensified in recent years, with the watch spotted everywhere from Kylie Jenner in Venice to Timothée Chalamet courtside at an NBA game. (Couples who share dress watches, stay together, right?). There's a reason why Cartier is so prevalent,” Wallner says, and that’s built on literal centuries of work, their famous clientele, their imagination, the way they position themselves and their prowess as both watchmaker and jewellery maker”. “They just know what they're doing,” she adds.

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2. Chanel Première

Style Notes: To know Chanel is to know their hallmarks—soft ribbons of leather that weave through a chain strap, candy-coloured woven tweed, a slingback that curves at the front and features a contrasting front cap. Of all the luxuriate’s signatures, however, it’s their watches that remain the most underrated. In 2022, Chanel proved just why their timepieces were amongst the most desirable with the release of the Première Édition. The watch was inspired by an original design from 1987 and paid homage to the brand’s most iconic motifs, with the octagon face calling back to the stopper perched on a bottle of No.5 perfume and straps evoking the braiding of the Flap bag. Now, Chanel is expanding their haute horlogerie category with a jewellery-forward iteration dubbed the Première Galon. A true cocktail watch, the style is accented by a gilded, twisted bangle that fuses sophistication with functionality. It’s already earning the endorsement of It girls, too, with Gracie Abrams, Devon Lee Carlson and Blackpink’s Jennie already wearing this style on repeat.

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3. Longines Mini DolceVita

Style Notes: Living life “la dolce vita” might be a calling card for those looking to emulate the serenity and sweetness of the azure Mediterranean, but for luxury Swiss watchmaker Longines, the phrase takes on a different meaning. The brand’s Mini DolceVita watch is a rectangular shape marked with a silver "flinqué" and blue steel hands. An extension of the original style which was first released in the 1920s, hence its similarity to the Cartier Tank, the piece is considerably more elegant than the average everyday watch, yet is still perfect for quotidian affairs. Of course, if you take cues from the watch’s starry wearers like Audrey Hepburn, Kate Winslet and Jennifer Lawrence, these everyday activities include galavanting down the Boulevard de la Croisette for the annual Cannes Film Festival. A life well lived, indeed.

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4. Bulgari Serpenti

Style Notes: Historically, snakes have always served as an object of temptation. Fitting then, that Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch is such a coveted fixture within luxury spheres. The piece first rose to prominence in 1962 when the original showgirl, Elizabeth Taylor, wore it while filming Cleopatra in the Italian capital. (An incredibly apt appearance given Bulgari’s Roman roots.) Watches truly don’t get more decadent than this, especially when you consider the Tubogas—the most recognisable style in the Serpenti family—and its spiral band that winds up the forearm or cabochon cut pink rubellite crown. More discrete dressers can also enjoy this iconic motif with the Seduttori, a timepiece that incorporates a python print through the form of tessellating stainless steel, rose gold or yellow gold scales.

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5. Rolex Lady Datejust

Style Notes: When you think of luxury watches, Rolex is likely the first name that springs to mind. That was the case for Wallner, too. “Watch brands kind of missed me in their marketing, and when I say me, I mean someone who is representative of a millennial woman with a good job and disposable income,” she said. “I didn't have any context or know about watches at all, and the only watch brand I knew was Rolex.” Now, as a certified expert on the topic, Wallner still cites Rolex as one of the most prolific luxury watch brands in the world. However, of all the watch styles Rolex has forged over its century in operation, it’s the Datejust that Wallner recommends the most. Not only is it the Geneva-based watch brand’s highest-selling model, as Wallner tells me, but the one she personally sees the most of chic dressers. (Which is saying a lot, considering how many watch aficionados and professionals she interacts with on a daily basis!) Oh, and did I mention that Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna and Carmela Soprano? Talk about a powerhouse line-up.

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6. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Style Notes: There are certain luxury brands that aren’t typified by an ostentatious logo, but rather recognised through a specific stitch, diminutive thread or strategic fabric choice. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one such example of this in the watch world, with a captivating octagonal case, grid-esque grande tapisserie dial and a folding bracelet subtle indicators that identify the piece to eagle-eye enthusiasts. On the contrary, AP is also a house that doesn’t hesitate to flex its horological finesse, either. “Iced out”, as Wallner describes it, versions of the Royal Oak are becoming increasingly popular, with some styles dripping in brilliant-cut diamonds and set in an 18-carat white gold case. "There is the quiet luxury element, but there also is like the flashy element, too," Wallner says. "We saw Aryna Sabalenka, who is an AP brand ambassador, wearing her big rose gold Royal Oak with the diamonds on it after she won the US Open. That is not a subtle watch, it's flashy and has ‘wow’ factor." Perennial tastemaker, Hailey Bieber, also has both iterations and wears them regularly, proving how a watch really does help set the mood. "I feel like there is the more subtle way of wearing a watch, but there's also the flex way and we're seeing both," Wallner adds. "We're seeing women flex in the way that men have historically, especially when they're like on their like next level of collecting."

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7. Patek Philippe Nautilus

Style Notes: A watch that has Beyoncé waxing lyrical about it on a song is enough to have us sit straight up and pay attention. But it’s safe to say that the Patek Philippe Nautilus doesn’t require much to pique our interest. Just look at it! Launched in 1976 as an elegant sports watch for maritime pursuits, the porthole shape has served as the ideal canvas to showcase the bounds of high-end Swiss watchmaking. A bezel encrusted with spessartite baguettes that create a halo of gemstones ranging from deep cognac to light champagne? Of course, that’s possible! How about a full gem-set finish with 2,364 brilliant-cut internally flawless diamonds placed in a wave pattern across the dial? Consider it done. These pieces are so coveted that there’s even a waitlist that spans half a decade at minimum in order to purchase one. Funny how time flies…

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8. Omega Constellation

Style Notes: If timepieces were measured on the chicness of their ambassadors alone, Omega would certainly be leading the charge. With endorsements from every corner of the entertainment world, Omega’s lineup includes Hollywood dynasties like supermodel mother-daughter duo Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber, Australian actress Nicole Kidman and her nascent model scion Sunday Rose and the formidable former James Bond, Daniel Craig. This starry group is becoming for the brand that brought us the Constellation, a watch that features slender curves, graceful claws and a dial that’s marked by a mother-of-pearl face and diamonds that delineate the hour.

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9. Tissot SRV

Style Notes: Tissot was born in the heart of Swiss horology—a region regarded and renowned as the best in the business. With an origin story like that, it’s truly destiny that they should be revered for creating one of the best luxury watches for women. Of all the designs to choose from and covet, it’s the SRV. Inspired by Art Deco design, the face subverts the classic eight-sided convention by elongating the structure with a sleek and geometric lens.

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10. IWC Schaffhausen Portofino

Style Notes: The turquoise harbour, pastel houses and sprawling hillside of Portofino, a quieter coastal enclave tucked in along the Italian Riviera, is a place that’s ripe to be mined for inspiration. IWC Schaffhausen did exactly that, choosing the jet-set destination as the name for one of their most recognisable shapes. Inspired by a pocket watch, this design features a larger watch face for a more imposing and dominant design that evokes the essence of styles popular in the late 20th Century. “These larger styles trickled down from ‘90s supermodels wearing these big Rolex Daytonas and inverting the gender norms and labels associated with watches,” explains Wallner. “It's cool for a woman to wear a big man's watch, like a sports watch, a chronograph or a diver watch, and challenge what's being sold to them.”

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11. Hermès Cut

Style Notes: Hermès can be viewed as a barometer of what’s in taste. Poetic and refined, but never sombre or austere, the brand is the pinnacle of what it means to be a modern, luxury fashion house. And while the leather goods like the Hermès Birkin or Kelly often steal the spotlight, Wallner has put me onto their watches. “I love what Hermès is doing, I think their watch programme is amazing,” she says. They released the Cut watch two years ago, which was a sports watch designed for women with an automatic movement, which is just like androgynous and cool,” she adds.

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What Luxury Watches are Trending for Women?

Now that you’re familiar with the precise best luxury watches for women, it’s high time we discuss the specific trends that are currently dominating. The most apparent is the rise in the cocktail watch. These styles are more minute and double as a piece of bijoux. (Think: Cartier Baignoire and Tiffany HardWear.)

As the name suggests, these designs are more suited towards early evening soirées and pair perfectly with a chilled dirty martini or opera glove. Delicate in nature and evoking the essence of high jewellery, these are styles that are considerably more dramatic when compared to slightly larger and softer shapes. Yet at a time where purveyors of the arts and trips to cultural institutions like ballets, galleries, galas and theatres are dwindling, these delicate pieces are actually resonating outside of these arenas.

In fact, smaller watches, like the Cartier Santos Dumont, which Taylor Swift wore during her engagement to Travis Kelce, are on the rise and speak to a trend of practicality over pompousness. Speaking to me about her first investment watch, the Cartier Tank Francaise, Wallner tells me that she gravitated towards this style because of its ease of wear and versatility. “I wanted something daintier that I could stack and would go with every outfit without being such a statement, especially for my first watch,” she says. “I think that this new wave of female enthusiasts are oftentimes looking for their first watch, and I think it's just a safer bet not to buy a huge one.”

“We are seeing a rise in more jewellery-forward pieces; gem sets, cocktail watches, for instance,” she continues. “If you can't afford the high jewellery or the iced-out watch, it is an exciting category to look at on the secondary market because, for a long time, those watches have been really undervalued.

“Part of the reason why we've been seeing a rise in small watches for men and women is because they're kind of different from what's on the primary market, so you see people going to thrift stores and scouring The Real Real to find these really edgy and individualistic pieces.

"If you open your mind and your heart to more creative, design-forward pieces, and if you have the patience to really look online, there are deals to be had."

What to Consider When Buying a Luxury Watch?

When it comes to actually making your first luxury watch purchase, it can often feel like you’re weighed down by decision fatigue, which isn’t the most ideal mindset to be in when making a decision that will set you back hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Therefore, it’s imperative that you factor every element in—metal, size, weight, quality, heritage, everything!

“You should also think about what metal you wear. If you’re more of a white metal person, you would go with steel or yellow gold,” Wallner says. “Size does factor in, too,” she continues. “It might be nice to buy a really, really huge watch, but practically, you should consider how it sits on your wrist. You want to buy something that feels comfortable, so you need to strike the right balance. I always tell people to just stay within their means and not like go crazy."

What are the Best Brands for Luxury Women's Watches?

When it comes to luxury watches, it’s really important to note that the best brands are the best simply because of the history and legacy that supports their creations. The crux of the industry are the Swiss majors, including Rolex, Omega, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe.

Cartier and Bulgari are also incredible names, but they have made a name for themselves for the way they combine their jewellery knowledge with innovative horological practices. To me, however, the most exciting brands are the disruptive fashion maisons that are emerging as worthy contenders. Applying the craftsmanship of their ateliers to this category, these are brands who are shaking things up and ensuring the more established labels stay nimble and competitive, which in turn delivers the most impactful and original devices. Wallner agrees with me, citing Louis Vuitton as an example of a maison that is doing this well. “It’s really exciting because it's introducing new players as more creative and design-minded fashion houses start taking their watch programmes seriously”

“I think it's opening the eyes of more standard and heritage watch brands,” she adds. “It's just kind of like a cradle of innovation going on, and it's not just innovation focused on the movement and what's inside, but also design coming from the expertise of the fashion houses. I think it's bringing more women, too, because fashion brands get women. The customer base is already there, they're already switched on and engaged.”

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. However, if you look attentively at the most prolific watch and jewellery designs, you’ll notice that these creations weren’t spurred on by obligation. Instead, these iconic silhouettes derive inspiration from everyday objects that might go unnoticed to the untrained eye.

The Cartier Baignoire watch is one such icon that starts with this rudimentary pretence. Translating to "bathtub"| in English, the recognisable oval outline takes influence from the curved contours of these soaking hotspots, transforming this regular space of respite into something far more sophisticated. Because who amongst us doesn’t believe that the ultimate form of luxury isn’t an act of self-indulgence?

But the Baignoire isn’t necessarily about pampering oneself. There are plenty of other Cartier pieces that express this notion better. (The screw-sealed Love is amongst this set, though someone like Dakota Johnson, who is known for her passion for bathing, might certainly see it this way. As she told the Wall Street Journal, "I will get in a bathtub at any moment, any time of the day.")

Instead, like the vessel it mimics the shape of, it’s a masterclass in passing time. Quite an apt description for a chronometer, no? Or, as Brynn Wallner puts it, a "proof of concept of watching and eyeing off what people are talking about and intentionally creating something specific from it."

What Is the Cartier Baignoire Watch?

The Cartier Baignoire watch is a style that dates back over a century, yet it really only found its place in the annals of horology over the past few years. The watch itself boasts soft curves, a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, a silvered dial and a quartz movement.

With a smaller model and delicate finish, the discrete elegance inherent to the shape makes it a ripe choice for stylish dressers interested in something both conspicuous and contemporary.

Yet, when compared to the Cartier Panthère or Tank, it's a style that certainly flew under the radar for decades.

Wallner is a writer and watch expert who serves as a "femme-forward resource", as she says herself, under the name Dimepiece. Launched in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, Wallner disrupted the industry through her insightful, approachable and colloquial commentary at a time when horology wasn’t necessarily pandering to female consumers. This scarcity left space for Wallner to fill, which she did with wit, humour and an eagle eye for celebrity watch-spotting and identifying the next most covetable style.

Despite never owning a watch while running the account—a blight she swiftly corrected with the purchase of a Cartier Tank Française to commemorate the platform’s first anniversary and her 31st birthday—Wallner tells me over Zoom from her apartment in New York that it was the infrequently discussed Baignoire that piqued her interest.

The History of the Cartier Baignoire Watch

Created in 1912, the Cartier Baignoire was born into obscurity after Louis Cartier, the grandson of the brand’s founder Louis-François Cartier, designed the shape for Russian Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna. The rounded edges and petite face were quite revolutionary for the time, and in 1958, it went into production before being officially baptised as the Baignoire in 1974, earning the support of early adopters like French New Wave actress Jeanne Moreau by direct consequence. These endorsements certainly helped the Baignoire remain as Cartier's best-kept secret—a reputation that followed it through to the 2020s.

"A year and a half before starting Dimepiece, a friend of mine who I worked with at Sotheby's introduced me to Alan Bedwell, a professional watch dealer who goes by Foundwell," Wallner explains.

"He’s been in the business for 20 years, and on our first watch 'date', he came with a little pouch of ladies' watches to do a show and tell. Amongst those watches was the Cartier Baignoire, which I had never seen or heard of before, even though I had done a lot of research. I was like, 'What is this watch? It's so cute. I'm obsessed.' He explained it was a Cartier Baignoire and that it was named after a bathtub. I looked into it and was so surprised by the fact that, despite Catherine Deneuve wearing it and having this cool '60s design, nobody was talking about it.

"So, I started posting about it being like, 'Oh my god, the Cartier Baignoire is so cute, how come nobody told me!' Other people started to notice it, too, after I started calling it out. At the time, those watches were so undervalued on the secondary market. Nobody really cared about them or wanted them, which is why Alan had his collection for, like, ever."

Wallner’s publicity for the Baignoire certainly bolstered its desirability in the space, and it was a little over a year later that Cartier cemented this online fervour with a splashy release.

"Cartier was kind of watching what was unfolding online, and so in 2023 at Watches and Wonders [an annual trade event held in Geneva], their big release that year was the Baignoire on the bangle. It was also like the reintroduction of the Baignoire into the Cartier stable. That watch just took off after that. The Baignoire got the wait-list treatment a lot of popular men's watches get. It became really hard to purchase. You couldn’t just go into the Cartier store and buy the watch because it's sold out, so all these people were like, 'How do I get this watch?'

"That moment was the first time in recent history when a lady's watch was so coveted. The Baignoire bangle has all these elements that nod to Cartier’s history as a jewellery maker, and when [it was unveiling] it, the brand explained that it was designed to be stacked, which was surprising to hear because stacking is almost a taboo subject in the watch industry. So I thought, 'Oh, they really thought about women and how women like to wear watches when they were creating this."

Is the Cartier Baignoire Considered a Dress Watch?

To that point, one of the most impressive elements about the Cartier Baignoire is the way in which the watch exercises constraint. The design is considered a dress watch, which comes down to the slimmer profile and minimalist appearance. But as with so many things in the watch world, the rules about who, where and when someone can wear a timepiece are constantly being rewritten.

Given the cult following the Baignoire has received, the exclusive few who are fortunate enough to call themselves owners of this style aren’t just restricting themselves to wearing the watch during formal occasions; they're wearing it peeking out from the cuff of a polished top or stacked with another Cartier signature.

Which Celebrities Wear the Cartier Baignoire?

Cartier’s most ostensible promoters have been those at the forefront of style, and the Baignoire is no different. However, as this watch is a quieter display of taste and elegance, the celebrity sightings require a little more deft to identify. For instance, French actress and musician Lou Doillon has tactfully been wearing one since receiving a Baignoire as an 18th birthday present from her mother, Jane Birkin.

Kendall Jenner has often accessorised her "stealth wealth" ensembles with the design too, eschewing the oft louder and more showy approach to fashion taken by her famous sisters.

Elle Fanning, who recently became an ambassador for the Parisian House, has also made the Baignoire an indispensable part of her press-tour wardrobe for her latest project, Sentimental Value. Whilst promoting the movie at the Cannes Film Festival on the Côte d'Azur and the London Film Festival in the English capital, Fanning showed us that choosing between an accessory that doubles as both a timepiece and a piece of jewellery is actually the most opulent thing you could wear.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Cartier Baignoire has also garnered a fanbase with men interested in participating in Cartier mania without wearing something as easily identifiable. Paul Mescal wore one to the global premiere of Gladiator II in Australia, whilst The Beatles' rhythm guitarist, George Harrison, was famously gifted one by the band’s manager, Brian Epstein. (Given this connection, there’s no doubt that the Cartier Baignoire will make an appearance in Sam Mendes’ upcoming quartet of biopics on the legendary Liverpudlian musicians.)

How Much Is the Cartier Baignoire Watch?

This detail, in particular, is perhaps the most appealing thing about the Cartier Baignoire. It’s neither just a singular watch nor a bracelet, but miraculously both, making it better than the sum of its parts. So, how much would a Cartier Baignoire watch set you back?

Prices for the style begin at £7000 for a mini model with a black varnished calfskin strap, and can reach £98,000 for a style set on a rhodium-finish white gold with 1026 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 6.39 carats. On the resale market, however, styles start at £5000 for vintage and pre-loved iterations.

Is The Cartier Baignoire Watch Worth It?

It might seem that Cartier Baignoire pandemonium has reached fever pitch, but according to the experts, the desire for this style shows no sign of dissipating. "I think that it's just gotten more popular, and because it is a vintage design, it has that staying power," says Wallner. As she puts it, "I don't think it's just a trend—it's going to be one of the 'canon' watches."

Without further ado, keep scrolling below to shop the Cartier Biagnoire.

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We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

From the Golden Globes to the Oscars, there are always fantastic red carpet fashion moments during the traditional award season of January to March each year. That said, the second half of the year is certainly no slouch! The 2025 Venice Film Festival has just kicked off in the iconic Italian city, and celebrities have brought their A-game to the red carpet. Now in its 82nd year, the festival has a history of showcasing the most glamorous outfits imaginable.

Case in point? Amal Clooney. The second she stepped out of the car, all eyes were on her fuchsia dress. I could have sworn we left the high-low dress trend in the rearview mirror, but Clooney just convinced me that the 2000s staple can actually look like elegance personified. Would you expect anything less from her? She completed the look with Panthère de Cartier earrings and a Cartier Grain de Café ring. Scroll down to see all the cute photos of Amal and George Clooney at the premiere of his new film, Jay Kelly.

On Amal Clooney: Aquazzura shoes; Jimmy Choo clutch; Cartier Panthère de Cartier earrings and Grain de Café ring

If you're after the best chic watches, then you, my friend, have stumbled upon the right article.

There are accessories you throw on without thinking, and then there are those that finish a look—shoes that change your stance, earrings that catch the light beautifully and watches that somehow make even the simplest outfit feel thought-through. For me, it's the latter that always grabs my attention. There's something incredibly intentional about someone who wears a watch. A watch is no longer worn solely for the sake of telling the time, but rather for the quiet confidence it adds to the wearer's wrist. As such, the best chic watches have always stood out to me.

My mum, a lifelong luxury jewellery and watch fanatic, introduced me to the world of timepieces at an early age. I vividly remember her slipping on a classic Cartier watch before heading out for dinner, the metal links subtly shifting against her wrist as she picked up her glass or fastened her coat. It was never showy, but it always made an impact. That fascination stayed with me, and as an editor who now spends most of my days combing through runway images, new-in sections and street style galleries, watches are still the accessory I zero in on first.

Historically, women's watches were treated more like decorative jewellery—tiny, almost impractical, dainty things that adorned the wrist more like a charm than a tool. But that perception has shifted dramatically. Over time, watches became statements of autonomy and style—a symbol of taste, sophistication and sometimes, power; and through time, each generation has worn them differently.

Now, millennials tend to gravitate towards chic investment-worthy designs, whilst Gen Z is taking a more eclectic approach. The younger generation's current obsession with "cosplaying" wealth (a trend that romanticises old-money aesthetics) has seen them adopt watches traditionally worn by older generations, flipping the narrative. Think a sleek gold bracelet-watch worn with a vintage rugby shirt and DIY beaded jewellery. It's ironic, it's fun and it makes the best chic watches feel relevant again.

We also saw a strong focus on watches on the spring/summer 2025 runways. At Saint Laurent, boxy gold timepieces peeked out from under sharply tailored suits, whilst at Miu Miu, playful coloured straps added unexpected contrast to preppy pleated skirts. Even Off-White, known for its streetwear roots, embraced classic silhouettes in silver and steel. Whether worn solo or stacked with bracelets (as seen at Chanel), there was no missing the message: watches are very much back—and they're being styled in increasingly modern, unexpected ways.

Of course, Cartier and Rolex are icons for a reason, but more accessible brands are catching up fast. I've spotted polished, square-faced styles at Tissot and refined leather straps at La Californienne that wouldn't look out of place in a luxury boutique. The key? Knowing what to look for. And if you're on the hunt for the best chic watches right now, the five styles below are the ones I keep seeing on editors, fashion friends and stylish, in-the-know people. Whether you're building your first grown-up wardrobe or want to invest in a piece that will carry you from work meetings to weekend markets, these watches are more than just accessories.

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1. Cartier Panthère

Style Notes: There's a reason the Cartier Panthère has remained iconic since the '80s. It's quietly powerful, unmistakably elegant and carries a kind of fashion clout that doesn't scream for attention. It's also the first luxury watch I ever noticed on someone, specifically how it elevated their outfit. These days, I spot it on women who aren't just stylish but considered; the sort of women who live in pressed white shirts and have their tailor on speed dial.

The beauty of the Panthère is how wearable it is across generations. You'll see it on a grandmother who has worn it every day for decades and keeps it pristine, and on a 25-year-old who stacks hers with beaded friendship bracelets. Whether you go for yellow gold or a steel-and-gold mix, it's one of the chicest and most timeless watches money can buy, and its jewellery-like quality makes it the perfect finishing touch.

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2. Chunky Watches

Style Notes: For a long time, chunky watches were considered overtly "masculine" or sporty, but lately, they've become part of the cool-girl uniform, especially when styled with something unexpected, like ballet flats or a frilly blouse—there's something about the contrast that feels current.

I'm seeing oversized watches everywhere, from the Paris shows to the Pret A Manger queue near the office. It's that deliberate nod to the Y2K revival, with a bit of "my dad had one like this in the '90s" energy. Whether you're leaning into a Casio digital or a statement metal cuff version, these are the best bold watches for those who want their accessories to talk a little louder.

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3. Leather-Strap Watches

Style Notes: There's something about a leather-strap watch that always feels smart. I think of them as the analogue of fashion—slightly slower, more thoughtful, always timeless. This style dominated the "clean girl" aesthetic and has stayed strong because it works with literally everything. Whether you're heading into the office or dressing up your Sunday coffee-date outfit, it adds just the right amount of structure. It's also worth noting that a lot of these styles come in beautifully soft leathers that age so well—they tell a story the longer you wear them.

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4. Silver Watches

Style Notes: Silver watches have quietly taken the lead in recent seasons. Whilst gold feels richer and more decorative, silver has a graphic clarity that's hard to beat. I think of it like the white shirt of watches—crisp, clean and able to tie an outfit together instantly. I've noticed more and more editors switching to silver styles, especially worn with black tailoring or cream denim. Plus, they pick up on the silver hardware trend we've been seeing across bags and belts on the runways. If you're drawn to a more neutral or monochrome colour palette, this is likely where your best chic watch lives.

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5. Coloured Watches

Style Notes: Coloured watches are a bit of a wild card, but that's what makes them great. Whether pastel pink or electric green, they bring a bit of joy to your wrist. I've seen them worn in unexpectedly grown-up ways too: with beige linen trousers and a white tee, or tucked under the cuff of a cashmere jumper. This season, runways have embraced bold hues again (see Ferragamo's rust tones and Bottega's rich greens), and accessories are following suit. These aren't novelty pieces; they're the best chic watches for injecting personality without going full maximalist.

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One of the professional hazards of being a shopping editor is that you end up wanting all the new arrivals hitting the chicest online stores every week. My virtual cart and wish list are always overflowing as a result, especially in the luxury department. While my budget will allow me an investment-worthy piece from time to time, having my finger on the pulse of everything fashion leaves me coveting much more that's out of reach. A girl can dream, right?

For fun, I thought I'd round up all the luxury finds that have my attention at the moment. Think everything from elegant designer bags from Gucci and Prada to fashion-forward dresses and über-cool shoes like ballet pumps and mesh flats. Keep scrolling to see 35 incredibly chic luxury finds I would immediately buy if my salary tripled tomorrow.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

The only thing better than a new season of Emily in Paris to devour in one sitting is the real-life Emily Cooper, aka Lily Collins, tearing it up sartorially while doing press for the show. Ever since season one of the Netflix hit series, Collins has taken her press looks very seriously—as seriously as Emily does on screen, with all the same luxury designer pieces but a slightly more pared-back aesthetic.

Last time around, for season three, we saw the MaXXXine star in a mix of Saint Laurent, Alessandra Rich, Dior, and Fendi during her press tour, with highlights including the custom knotted-jersey gown by Anthony Vaccarello that she wore to the show's premiere in Paris and hyper-elegant A-line Dior dress that she and her stylists, Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, chose for an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

Naturally, though, season four's press tour looks are the chicest and most impressive yet. With the first five (of 10) episodes dropping today, we thought it was only right to highlight some of the best (and most French-girl coded) outfits Collins and her team have debuted thus far. For more, stay tuned for part two of the season, which arrives on Netflix on September 12 and will surely be accompanied by more can't-miss ensembles by the show's star.

On Lily Collins: Saint Laurent Gio Belt ($675), Pencil Skirt ($1050), Cross-Back Bodysuit ($2200), and Lee Slingback Pumps ($1190)

For the Los Angeles premiere of the fourth season of Emily in Paris, Collins didn't come to play, opting for a very office siren–esque Saint Laurent look, including a deep-V bodysuit paired with a fitted knit pencil skirt, black-and-gold belt, sheer tights, and patent-leather slingbacks. Between her sleek chin-length bob and this undeniably chic ensemble, this photo will be all over my fall mood board.

On Lily Collins: Valentino Garavani shirt, skirt, and Wool and Silk Valentie Tie With Metal V Applique ($470); Ferragamo Vidya Patent Dual-Buckle Wedge Pumps ($1090)

With the Olympics taking place in Paris this year, Collins naturally teamed up with NBC to create some buzz around the Games as well as Emily in Paris season four, shooting a spot with American track and field athlete Anna Hall in a red Valentino couture miniskirt covered in 3D florets, blue button-down shirt, and black necktie. She paired the look with black tights, red Ferragamo wedges, and a black beret (of course).

On Lily Collins: Cartier Trinity Earrings ($6550), Panthère De Cartier Ring ($11600), and Love Wedding Band ($1250); Mark Kenly Domino Tan Dasi Dress ($747); Alaïa Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats ($890)

Collins formally kicked off her press tour for season four in Copenhagen, where she co-hosted a dinner with Netflix and Vogue Scandinavia during Copenhagen Fashion Week. For the occasion, she appropriately chose a Danish brand, Mark Kenly Domino Tan, or MKDT Studio, wearing a gray sleeveless dress from the pre-fall 2024 collection. With it, she chose Alaïa's viral net flats and Cartier jewelry, including the French jewelry house's Trinity stud earrings, a diamond Panthère de Cartier ring, and a gold band from the Love line.

On Lily Collins: Celine dress; Cartier Panthère de Cartier Earrings ($32300)

This exaggerated Celine pussy bow feels like the perfect addition to Collins's Emily in Paris press tour, especially since the actress recently hinted in an interview with InStyle that we'd be getting more fall, winter, and holiday looks on her character in season four compared to past seasons that took place during warmer months. With it, she wore a black, long-sleeve minidress and Panthère de Cartier earrings.

On Lily Collins: Celine Cropped Cardigan ($1950); Cartier Love Earrings ($5450) and Love Ring ($4950)

Before the official kickoff of the Emily in Paris press tour for season four, Collins and her co-star Ashley Park went on David Chang's Netflix cooking show Dinner Time Live, for which the actress wore a simple, chic ensemble featuring a crochet short-sleeve cardigan from Celine, Cartier jewelry, and a pair of dark-wash jeans.

As one of the most iconic jewelry brands, Cartier stands apart for its beautiful craftsmanship, designs, and innovation. This includes the recent buzzy launches of its Baignoire bangle and Mini Tank Louis watches, which reimagine heritage pieces that were originally debuted over 100 years ago. Cartier also stands apart because it is a brand that champions women. Not only does the brand put women at the forefront when it comes to jewelry designs, but it also supports women outside of the jewelry space. This includes the Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI), a fellowship program launched in 2006 that drives change by empowering women entrepreneurs. Who What Wear was lucky enough to travel to Shenzhen, China, for the 2024 awards ceremony.

The 2024 fellows are changemakers who left us inspired by their innovative ideas and dedication to making a difference in the areas of equality, climate action, education, health, and more. For example, Simran Kaur of Girls That Invest aims to close the wealth gap by teaching women about investing and finance. Sadriye Görece of BlindLook uses an AI-powered platform to make products and services comprehensive to people who are blind. Isabelle Kamariza of Solid'Africa provides nutrient-focused meals at affordable prices to patients to improve the availability of food in public hospitals.

These pioneers are also impacting change in the fashion industry. We spoke with the founders and CEOs of Biophilica, No Limbits, and Linus to hear more about how they are bringing change to the fashion space.

How did the idea for your business come about?

I became deeply interested in sustainability after the birth of my daughter Nora in 2013. Increasingly alarmed by the prevalence of problematic chemicals in our everyday objects and surroundings—and the responsibility we share for our children's future—my perspective had changed. I was constantly asking myself, How does the future look for Nora and other children and their children?

This lead me to change course. After a 17-year-long career, I went back to college (the Royal College of Art). In 2018, I was inspired by the leaves that covered the pavement as I walked down Kensington High Street. I had the idea of creating a low-impact material made from green waste. This was where Biophilica began, and my motivation today remains unchanged: to be part of the solutions for a better planet for future generations to inherit.

Can you share more about the development of Treekind and how it is being used today, and tell us more about Biophilica's sustainability efforts?

Developed in the Biophilica London laboratory, Treekind combines plant waste (lignocellulose) from garden and agricultural sources with algae to create a flexible, leather-like material that is recyclable and home compostable thanks to its natural formulation, which is designed to break down in soil or water within one year, with the help of microbes. Fully scaled, one kilogram of Treekind material uses less than 0.1% of the water used in conventional leather processing, has zero toxic chemicals in its formulation, and because of its plant content, boasts a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to leather and roughly half that of PU and PVC.

While there are many plant-based leather alternatives that exist, there are very few that are truly free of PU. These partly plastic materials cannot be recycled, and fewer still are home compostable. As a result, there has been exciting interest in Treekind, and we are working with many fashion brands including ID Genève Watches, Bestseller, and Been London following pilot trials in 2022 and 2023.

Would you recommend pursuing programs like the CWI to other entrepreneurs?

Wholeheartedly yes. As a business, we believe that to drive true meaningful change in creating a more sustainable fashion future, we need to collaborate. By pursuing programs like the CWI, you can access incredible networks of like-minded innovators and changemakers who can share their own insights and learnings, as well as inspire new solutions and collaborations. The CWI has in a very short amount of time already offered an immense amount of valuable support.

What's your vision for the future of Biophilica?

Treekind was created as part of my desire to contribute to a more responsible future. I wanted to ensure we had a material that could both degrade in nature as well as have the capability to be recycled with the right infrastructure (shout-out to governments who need to develop this infrastructure further). Whilst a more circular fashion industry is certainly one part of the solution for a more sustainable industry, the reality of executing an infrastructure to handle textile recycling at scale is years away. With this in mind, in tandem with the fact that brands are not slowing down the speed and volume in which they are producing, compostable material solutions with a minimal carbon footprint like Treekind are a more immediate answer.

Our focus for 2024 is to continue scaling our material production to meet growing industry demand. As part of developing Treekind, we also developed a 100% biobased foam and Brightbond—a 100% biobased adhesive that can laminate our material without using petrochemicals. Brightbond is now becoming a really exciting stand-alone product that we're excited to accelerate the production of in the coming months.

Tell me how your business came about.

I lost my leg in 2018. I struggled with a lot of things, but dressing myself was the first challenge of the day when I got my prosthetic. It was so bulky, nothing would fit over the top, it was wearing holes in things, and I'd have to go to the bathroom and completely undress multiple times a day to make adjustments to my prosthetic. So I was 22 years old wearing sweatpants that were three sizes too large because nothing else worked for me.

I started altering my own clothing on a sewing machine. I was really involved in the amputee community and started altering clothes for friends who also struggled with clothing, and then by word of mouth, I was on a sewing machine all day and night. I realized that there was such a gap in the market for accessible clothing that I decided to start what is now No Limbits.

After launching a successful preorder campaign, we appeared on Shark Tank and got a deal with Mark Cuban and Emma Grede. No Limbits became very visible and continued to grow and launch new products and collections. Now, we serve four segments of the disabled community: people with lower-limb difference, wheelchair users, people with limited dexterity in their hands or arms, and those with sensory processing sensitivities.

Do you get to hear stories from the No Limbits community about how your designs have impacted their lives?

We get messages every day that we've impacted someone's life and independence. The ones that stick out to me are the messages when someone hasn't been able to independently wear a pair of pants in a long time, sometimes years. And suddenly, they have a pair made specifically for their needs. It seems simple, but it can be an emotional thing to be able to wear what you want to wear and present yourself how you want to present. We're on pace to impact 30,000 people with accessible clothing this year.

How has being part of the Cartier Women's Initiative impacted you and your business thus far?

The network of Cartier Women's Initiative is massive, and I've been paired with several experts in the social-impact space to grow my business. Through this mentorship, we've started to develop a new channel and gain access to new partnerships that I otherwise would not have had access to.

We've had workshops on public speaking and media training, which is such a huge part of entrepreneurship, but one that no one really talks about. I feel much more confident in these situations than I had before.

What are your expectations for the impact it will have in the future?

I am very excited to build relationships with the other Cartier Women's Initiative fellows. Entrepreneurship can be such a lonely journey, and I'm excited to have other people who are on the same journey, especially other women working in the social-impact space.

Additionally, the issue of accessibility in apparel isn't unique to the U.S. This is a global problem, and I would have no idea where to start international expansion without the help of the Cartier Women's Initiative mentors. I'm excited to increase our reach through the program.

What is your ultimate dream for No Limbits?

I have two goals for No Limbits. One, I hope that anyone who is struggling with clothing due to a disability can come to No Limbits and find options that excite them—not just something that works but options that make them feel confident and independent.

Two, I hope that we can introduce adaptive clothing as a new category within apparel. I envision every brand one day having an accessible line, and I hope that No Limbits paves the way for this reality so that people with disabilities can have the same fashion experience as their non-disabled peers.

How did you start Linus? What was the impetus?

Since childhood, sustainability has been a core interest of mine. At just 4 years old, I learned about recycling at school and immediately asked my mother if we were recycling our household waste. During the same period, I remember preaching to store attendants about the cruelty behind fur coats. As I grew older, my passion for environmental issues deepened, and early on, I understood the profound impact the fashion industry has on the ecosystem and labor relations.

After earning a degree in business administration, I gained experience in various international consumer goods industries. However, I yearned to work on something more purposeful, aligned with my lifelong interest in sustainability. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I had never envisioned starting my own business until I encountered a problem that I wanted to solve.

As an advocate for comfortable and casual styles, I often wore low-heeled shoes. After experiencing discomfort and consulting specialists, I was diagnosed with ligament laxity, necessitating shoes with arch support. During my search, I noticed a glaring gap in the market: Finding shoes that were comfortable, sustainable, and stylish was nearly impossible. This realization led me to create Linus in 2018, a sustainable lifestyle brand built on the pillars of comfort, sustainability, and timelessness.

Do you have any advice for would-be sustainable-fashion entrepreneurs?

I believe striving for maximum sustainability should be a prerequisite for any new business, especially in the fashion industry, which is one of the most polluting sectors globally. This pursuit must be genuine and ongoing because there is always room for improvement. Modern entrepreneurs need to aim to be change agents, working toward an environmentally, socially, and financially more sustainable future. Once an entrepreneur embraces this responsibility, the likelihood of greenwashing diminishes significantly because decision-making becomes clearer when guided by solid values. Moreover, with younger generations increasingly engaged in environmental issues, embedding sustainability in your business enhances long-term success. At Linus, we've found that our commitment to sustainability drives our sales, but our motivation has always been to be more sustainable for the sake of impact, not just profit.

Would you recommend pursuing programs like the CWI to other entrepreneurs?

Absolutely. The CWI's global program offers a prestigious platform to broadly showcase what our businesses are achieving. It's also a unique opportunity to connect with impact entrepreneurs worldwide, allowing us to exchange insights on our respective challenges and realities. So far, the program's mentorship sessions, the leadership courses we are having, and the INSEAD program we will have have been of immense value. Additionally, for companies seeking funding to accelerate growth, the Cartier award provides financial incentives, as do other initiatives within the program. And there are so many other opportunities that I'm still learning about. I can only highly recommend applying!

What's next for Linus?

Having recently surpassed 400 points of sale in Brazil, we've expanded our operations internationally. Our aim is to solidify Linus's presence beyond sandals, establishing it as a sustainable lifestyle brand and accelerating our global relevance, becoming a worldwide reference. We are already present in Uruguay, Chile, Peru, as well as Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania.

Is there anything else about Linus or your path to the CWI that you'd like to highlight?

Through Linus, I have the opportunity to work every day toward two interconnected goals: offering more sustainable consumption alternatives and promoting female leadership. Women, who are often the most affected by climate disasters, are also more likely to make sustainability-focused decisions when in leadership positions. This is why over 80% of our team is composed of women. Being selected as a finalist for the Cartier Women's Initiative is incredibly rewarding. It serves as international recognition that we are on the right path and that it is possible to drive positive change while maintaining financial health. We started the company with just $10,000, and all the funding since then has come from reinvesting our revenues.

For her first red carpet of 2024, Anna Diop came out with a bang in the form of a bejeweled tangerine minidress straight off Gucci’s S/S 24 runway. "I wanted to communicate effortlessness and chicness while also being in something that catches the eye,” Diop tells us following the event. Check, check, and check! The bold number was the epitome of joy. It was the perfect look to usher in an exciting new year on-screen for the actor and, more specifically, celebrate The Book of Clarence, a film that is nothing short of a good time.

Directed by Jeymes Samuel (The Harder They Fall and The Great Gatsby), The Book of Clarence is an epic biblical comedy-drama about a man struggling to make a better life for his family who risks it all to carve his own path to a divine life. The film most notably features an incredible ensemble of Black excellence consisting of Diop, LaKeith Stanfield, Alfre Woodard, Omar Sy, Nicholas Pinnock, and rising star Michael Ward. "It’s a film that does the near impossible, in that it hits the comedy nail on the head, it hits the drama nail on the head, and it hits the action nail on the head,” Diop says. "I’m excited for people to come to the theater and really be entertained in the way film is meant to.”

The January premiere in Los Angeles marked the first time the whole cast had been together since filming in late 2022 and was inevitably a jubilant occasion calling for an equally cheerful fashion moment. When Diop turned up to her fitting with stylist Jason Bolden, he had five looks on the rack. (This curated offering is standard for the duo and just how Diop likes it.) Her eye immediately keyed in on the Gucci minidress. "I’m a big color person,” she tells us. "I love wearing vibrant colors against my skin.”

Diop admits she initially had a different vision for the premiere. After the actor’s strike pushed back promotion of The Book of Clarence and canceled the surrounding events, the premiere was the press moment for the film. She wanted to go big, and in her head, that was a huge, statement-making gown. Bolden did have one of those on hand—a pink number that was massive and had an incredible silhouette—but ultimately, the Gucci dress won out. When Diop slipped it on, it brought her back to making the film. "I just gravitated toward it because, between the color and the style of it and the girliness of it and the playfulness of it, it just felt like my experience filming The Book of Clarence,” she says. "Jeymes is the most boisterous and fun and vibrant human being, and I made so many friends on this and felt so loved and had so much fun. I knew the premiere would be so much fun in that same way, so for all of those reasons, I decided to go with it.”

To complement the look, the matching bag was a must along with silver Gucci heels, Cartier jewels, and a glam look inspired by Naomi Campbell. Diop came across a photo of Campbell from an Interview shoot she did about 15 years ago, and it’s been on her vision board ever since. "I shared that with the team, and we emulated that because Naomi, to me, is and has always been an icon and such a staple of Black femininity,” Diop says. It was also a clever nod to her character Varinia, whose identity is a love story and tribute to Black femininity.

As expected, the premiere was like a big family reunion. "Phenomenal chaos” is how Diop affectionately describes it. "It was like bringing all of your favorite 30 people together,” she says with a laugh. Photographers could barely get their shots between all of the hugging and conversations happening on the carpet. Not to mention, Jay-Z (a producer on the film) and Beyoncé were in attendance. "We were all excited to see each other again,” she says. "Jeymes brought together a group of people who really melted into each other and really fell in love with one another.” By all accounts, especially stylistically speaking, it was a night to remember for Diop. 

The Book of Clarence is in theaters January 12. 

Photographer: Conrad Captures

Stylist: Jason Bolden

Hairstylist: Sabrina Porsche

Makeup Artist: Robert Bryan

Cartier may be best known for its watches and jewelry, but its bags are not to be missed. There’s something special about a purse made by a brand with deep jewelry expertise. The hardware is exceptional, the bags are considered objects in their own right rather than merely part of the overall look, and the craftsmanship perspective is ruled by longevity and timelessness. With over a century of design archives in the category and distinguished launches over the years, such as 2019’s Guirlande de Cartier inspired by the house’s iconic red jewelry box, the maison’s purses are notable for any purse enthusiast.

The new C de Cartier Embroideries collection is an exciting moment for the brand, marking its debut into monogram embroidery. The collection includes two bags that hold court in delightfully different spheres, united by a subtle and sophisticated take on the embroidered logo. The East-West bag is a study in contrasts (one of the houses favorite themes to explore), where a utility embroidered strap balances a precious metal clasp. A practical bag with a sophisticated presence, the unisex purse is meant to be worn either crossbody or over the shoulder. The Chain bag is the "lady" of the two and the definition of timeless style. The elegant evening purse features allover embroidery and a chain strap—no surprise Cartier does chains especially well. To learn more about the collection, I had the pleasure of joining the brand in Paris to experience the quality firsthand and dive into the craftsmanship with a leather workshop. Ahead, my interview with Creative Director Marlin Yuson on how the embroidery collection was developed, the construction details that make these bags true collector's items, and what’s next in the world of Cartier purses.

In an interview that you did in 2014, you hinted that embroidery was something that the maison might be exploring in bags down the line. Fast-forward to today, and here we are with the launch. Can you share a bit about the journey?

I went into the archives, including jewelry, and I started with a woven. We tried all sorts of patterns. We worked with a couple of mills in Italy, one up in Como that does really beautiful fabrics. Over a year ago, they did one for us that was a jacquard, and it was so couture and very beautiful. But when we mounted it on a bag, it became completely flat. The relief was all gone, and I thought, No, that's not working. That's when we decided to try embroidery, even though I initially thought it was going to be out of reach price-point wise. But we did it, and I’m really happy with the result. 

One element that sticks out to me about this bag is the clash of the precious embroidery and then the more utilitarian, city element. And I know that the clash is a concept that Cartier employs across the jewelry. Was that something you were thinking about with this design?

Yes. Embroidery is typically very evening, or cocktail at least. But for this bag, giving it that utility, unisex, day-to-night element makes it feel unpretentious in a cool way. It’s formal but also utilitarian with military references. 

How did that clash get represented in the Chain bag? Tell me about having the embroidery at an angle?

The bag is is quite static. It doesn’t move, and you don’t get the draping or collapsing, so this is why I decided to turn the C’s on their side. Initially I had them straight, but at an angle they start to become more of a wave rather than lines. The angle emphasizes that above all, it is motif. I don't like to consider it a monogram or a logo, because I think it actually takes away from it.

Can you share any construction details that just looking at the bag you wouldn't necessarily know?

The Chain bag is a more difficult one because it's so narrow. I love the technology behind the different kinds of sewing machines, and for this one, we use a very particular sewing machine. Not everybody wants to work on this element, because very few people can get the lines clean. There is no guide on the sewing machine keeping the stitches straight; it requires a very particular expertise. Even the slightest thread that comes out of place, you'll be able to see it. We also have screws, which is part of the Santos history. There's no machine where the screw drops in and screws itself. This kind of screw requires a very stable hand, almost like a surgeon's hand.

What percentage would you say is hand-done versus what's done by the machine? 

Pretty much everything is hand-done. For example, when you're cutting the material, it's like a cookie cutter. It gets cut, but the person that's cutting has to place it on the skin so that it’s cutting the right parts; you pay attention to the grains and the direction matching up. There's also selecting the skins, picking for color. It's all very manual; there's somebody making sure it's done properly. 

Tell me about some of the tests that you run on the bags?

There’s a quality team, and the bags go through all sorts of tough tests. Sometimes I'm like, Oh my god, we're never going to pass! We make sure the bag will perform best in all environments so it has the quality to be very long lasting. We have a climate room where we run humidity tests with a machine we call the Tropical Machine that mimics tropical humidity. We also test against sweat pH and make sure the color doesn’t transfer.

Can you share more about the decision to do a very curated assortment? 

The strategy is in line with what we do for jewelry and watches. The idea of curating a specific launch with one specific silhouette is to express the uniqueness and the preciousness of the object. It’s something that is quite unique to Cartier. It makes each bag singular, through shape, construction, or treatment.

Where do you gather inspiration from?

For me personally, what nourishes me is interiors. Everything from faucets and finishes with engraving and lighting. Every year in April in Italy, the Salone del Mobile event always has amazing inspiration. 

I'm curious how you navigate trends, how you focus on timelessness while still being aware of changes in trends.

There are definitely macro trends that happen, for example gender fluidity and street versus formal. COVID completely turned that upside down, that we went from being quite dressed up into being very comfortable. In terms of timelessness, what I aim for is a bag being classic enough that you never want to give it away. You might put it away for a few seasons, but then you come back to it. It has an enduring quality, which sometimes means actually something quite simple, but it has very beautiful embellishments or, like in this case, has beautiful embroidery. 

Can we expect more in the embroidered-bags space? I'm also curious what’s inspiring you for other future Cartier bags.

There are definitely more colors coming in our embroidered bags. There are lots of things we can do with this technique.  

As for other ideas, if you look back into the Cartier archives at the beginning of 1900s, they had these little pouches that you wore with dresses. They weren’t exactly hard but were rigid. I think the materials available at the time were limited. I'd like to explore a little more softness yet still with some form. I could see that being a very exciting direction to explore.

SHOP THE EMBROIDERIES COLLECTION

Welcome to our podcast, Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr. Think of it as your direct line to the designers, stylists, beauty experts, editors, and tastemakers who are shaping the fashion-and-beauty world. Subscribe to Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Trends may come and go, but diamonds really are forever. "The demand for diamond earrings does not go away," Will Kahn says. As a jewelry consultant, editor, stylist, and contributor to Town & Country magazine, Kahn is very familiar with the lasting power of diamonds.

Kahn has spent the majority of his career working in the jewelry industry. Whether that's at places like Town & Country and W Magazine or as Moda Operandi's jewelry director, Kahn has made a name for himself as a leading expert on all things bling. Kahn also created an Instagram account, Will's Notebook, where he shares jewelry with his followers in a unique and original way.

In the latest episode of Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr, Kahn shares his holiday gifting recommendations, the trends he's seeing in the jewelry space right now, and more. For excerpts from their conversation, scroll below.

Let's go back to the beginning of your career. I know—because I'm nosy and also have known you for a long time—that you started at W Magazine in the accessories department, but I have no idea how you ended up there. Talk to me a little bit about those days.

Not to cite other podcasts on a podcast, but when I was kind of thinking about how I got to where I got. It reminded me of that question on Las Culturistas: What moment in the culture led you to realize that culture is for you? My moment was LC [Lauren Conrad] walking into the doors of Teen Vogue in the L.A. office. From that moment on, I was like, "This is what I got to do." I don't know why. It didn't look particularly fun. Well, it kind of did. At the time, it seemed glamorous and it was just like, "This is what I have to do. I don't really understand it. I don't know what they're doing, but this is what I'm going to do."

Reading The Devil Wears Prada also in that time period, I was like, "I need to be that. I have to be rolling a rack of jeans somewhere in a glamorous office while wearing tight pants. That is what I need to do." That is kind of a very superficial way of how I got to where I am in that I just was mesmerized by that world and I had to be a part of it. I didn't really understand it, but I had to be a part of it. I just really aggressively went after internships, because I just was like, "I guess that's how you do this. I'm going to be an intern like LC." You had to work your way up, because Teen Vogue was not going to have me immediately. My first internship was at Life & Style Weekly.

I also just feel like the encyclopedic knowledge that you have to have of the market, which is always changing… What a great experience in terms of education.

One hundred percent. I still recall all of these amazing references that they pulled. If I'm doing a shoot now and I want hair, it always goes back to these 10 or so shoots that were my favorite. And I can remember all of the hair references specifically. I loved W [Magazine] and it was kind of where I thought my whole career would be. To progress in accessories, you had to become the accessories director. To be the accessories director, you had to learn jewelry. Jewelry was the master's degree of accessories departments. I figured I needed to learn jewelry and I think if you want to learn something, go to the best. Town & Country is the Bible of jewelry. There's a woman there, Stellene Volandes, who is the queen of jewelry. I just really wanted to learn jewelry from her and basically go back to W [Magazine] eventually and become the accessories director there.

Once I got to Town & Country, I ended up loving it there and falling in love with jewelry, and I ended up staying there for seven years.

Talk to me about your Instagram, Will's Notebook.

At its core, it is just a curation of beautiful things that I like. First and foremost, that's jewelry. Other things come into play, too. Home and luggage and hotels and whatever. The original idea obviously was just a snapshot into my process and my life as an editor. It was a process that I thought would kind of demystify and simplify jewelry a bit. It was basically kind of how I learned jewelry. I didn't know anything about jewelry, didn't take a jewelry class. It was just going on appointments with jewelers and asking questions like, "What is this blue stone?" It was just was all these notes that I thought that people would be interested in, because I was interested in them.

The notebook format morphed into what I consider as an online magazine or an Instagram magazine. Sometimes it's market pages, sometimes it's one necklace, and just kind of a collage of everything I like and what I think you might like.

Talk to me about [your other project] The Vintage Notebook. Have you seen any specific trends in what sells? Is it different from some of the stuff that you would expect?

The demand for diamond earrings does not go away. People just want a big diamond earring and they want the bigger the better for the lowest price. Like a stud or little drop earrings.

I've fallen in love, personally, with Victorian jewelry because there's a lot of meaning and sentimentality behind it. We sell a lot of diamond crescents at the Vintage Notebook and they're so cool.

I'm hoping you can give me just a handful of suggestions for our listeners who are looking for some help and guidance in their holiday shopping. Let's start with the big statement or investment piece. What would you recommend?

Knowing the market, I just feel like people, when they're going big and they're going investment, it's the following: It's a gold watch. Everyone wants a gold watch. You want to start out with a stainless steel watch, which is amazing. [It's] a great first gift for someone, but an entry-level gift. The gold watch is where we're at. That's the holy grail. What's the king of gold watches? Rolex. [Cartier watches are] amazing for women. Any one of them [are] amazing, gorgeous, [and] can't be beat. Cartier watches are [at] the top.

A, It's the best fashion look in my opinion, but B, it's come of age and now it's kind of the top watch. I think we've taken over as more casual watchgoers and said, "No. Cartier is the best."

You also might want a tennis necklace or tennis bracelet. Those are the other holy grails that every woman, in my perspective, wants.

What about some last-minute gifts or crowd-pleasers that are more modestly priced or moderately?

A really good gift I like that's more modest would be little drop earrings. I think there are such good ones out there. I'm picturing someone buying this for a girlfriend or a mother-in-law. It packs a lot of punch.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Next, check out our interview with Cult Gaia founder, Jasmin Larian Hekmat.

During the holiday season, more is definitely more. Our favorite way to channel this is with a standout jewelry and watch stack from the coveted Cartier collections. Because what's better than one Cartier jewel? Multiple, of course. We did just that in our most recent shoot, which is full of elegant holiday looks featuring mixed metals, playful pairings, and more moments that sparkle.

Red is the trend of the season, and we're loving coordinating colors to tie together statement-making accessories. The Tank Américaine watch's bold alligator-skin strap is the perfect partner to the cherry-red calfskin of the Panthère de Cartier bag. The curved lines from the bag's clasp mimic the same clean lines of the Love bracelet, creating a moment of harmony. It's truly full circle.

The Love bracelet is one of the Maison's most coveted pieces, and while most love to stack them together on the same wrist, we gave this classic suit an unexpected twist by placing one on each hand. Be it the new brushed finish or the 10-diamond iteration, this icon's clean design will instantly elevate any look for the holidays and beyond.

Cartier jewelry is better together, and that's because each piece is both unique on its own and perfectly proportioned to move in sync with others. Here, we played with new variations of beloved icons: Panthère de Cartier, Love, Juste un Clou, and Trinity. This rose gold Panthère watch takes on a new look with a dial in graded shades of golden plum and brown that beautifully picks up the light around it.

Drenched in golden-hour lighting, these Cartier pieces shine. We elevated one of our favorite outfits—denim and a starchy button-down—for the holidays with maximalist charm. The panther is working double time on the pendant necklace and bracelet, bringing a sense of fierceness and preciousness. Since its first appearance in 1914, Cartier's emblematic animal has been incorporated into different magnetic designs, and when paired with Love as we did here, it creates a striking contrast.

There are a few pieces in our wardrobes that we can truly cherish for a lifetime, but none more timeless than the Cartier Tank watch.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a pair of designer shoes that you save for a special occasion, a wool coat that you can rely on year after year, or maybe even a handbag so classic that it never falls out of favour.

Still, one of the items we're happiest to spend a little extra money on is jewellery, and a luxury watch is one of the most prominent purchases you can make when it comes to an investment buy that will never date.

Given that these aren't flash-in-the-pan impulse buys, you're going to want to invest in a brand and a style that you know will hold its value and look good for years to come.

The one name that keeps cropping up on the wrists of some of history's biggest style icons is Cartier. Scroll back through archival pictures and footage of the past century and you'll spot Cartier watches and jewellery on everyone from Princess Diana to Bella Hadid, Michelle Obama to Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Interestingly, Kim Kardashian purchased the late First Lady's exact gold Cartier Tank watch—a piece she was gifted in 1961, just months before her husband John F. Kennedy's assassination— by her brother-in-law Prince Stanislaw Radziwill—at Christie’s auction in 2017. The sale price? An eye-watering £304,495?

Indeed, this item has reigned at the forefront of fashion for over a century, and its popularity doesn't appear to be waning. (Perhaps it's even been a leader in the "quiet luxury" space long before the aesthetic had even been coined as such). These days, however, the Cartier Tank watch has evolved to include new colours, styles and shapes whilst staying true to its original design.

The Cartier Tank watch can trace its legacy back 100 years, making it one of the enduring timepiece icons of our time.

This decade alone, it appears the Cartier Tank watch has transcended its reputation and become one of the most desirable investment pieces of the 2020s. A report published by luxury resale platform Fashionphile revealed that searches for the timepiece doubled between 2023 and 2024 alone.

So, can you tell Cartier Tank if you spot one? Easy. The hallmarks include the curved link band, the rectangular case and a touch of Art Deco elegance. So if you're looking for an accessory that isn't ostentatious but still grabs attention, here is as good a place as any to start.

What Is the Cartier Tank Watch?

Inspired by the design of a military tank seen from above, the Tank watch was first designed in 1917 by Louis François Cartier, a distinct and bold move away from the popular round watch faces of the time. Instead, this delicate and linear shape references the feat of engineering behind the Renault tanks, mimicking the treads and cockpit of the vehicle's cabin.

Since its original design, you can now shop the Tank Must and Français, chunkier, metal-based styles, the Amércaine, which is a dressier, slimline style with a leather strap, and the newest and most pared-back style, the Tank Louis Cartier, which now also comes in rich burgundy and emerald green along with the classic colours.

Those with a real eye for engineering may also be drawn to the Cintrée and Asymétrique watches, as the exposed mechanisms (and angular shape, in the case of the Asymétrique) make these both high on the wish lists of watch aficionados.

How Much Does a Cartier Tank Watch Cost?

Given the level of design and craft that goes into Cartier watches, the Tank doesn't come cheap.

You can expect to find prices for the Cartier Tank watch ranging from just over £3000 for the more demure Tank Must styles to over £109,000 for the rarer Tank Cintrée watches, coming down to around £51,000 for the diamond-encrusted Tank Américaine.

Where Can I Buy a Cartier Tank Watch?

You can find the Tank watch in Cartier stores and online, as well as in a handful of other jewellers and fine jewellery retailers like Goldsmiths, NET-A-PORTER, Harrods, Selfridges and Watches of Switzerland.

To see and shop our edit of the best Cartier Tank watches, keep scrolling. After all, these chic timepieces come with a very fashionable (and royal) stamp of approval.

Shop the Cartier Tank Watch:

The day before Sabrina Carpenter’s "Feather” music video breaks the internet, the 24-year-old enters our Zoom call flush with apologies. She’s forgotten to redownload the app after deleting it to save on data (IYKYK), making her a few minutes late. "My phone has been out of storage for like all of eternity,” she declares. After settling into a spot on the floor between her coffee table and sofa—which is currently decorated with an Ariana Grande pillow, a keepsake from her stint as the artist’s opening act on the Dangerous Woman Tour back in 2017—she props her phone up, and we dive into a 90-minute conversation.

During this time, she’s refreshingly open about everything from the proven difficulties that come with growing up in the spotlight and what happens when the internet turns on you to how it feels to experience all of the emotional roller coasters that come with teenhood years later than your friends because you were simply too busy at 15 to join them. Her lyrics often live in the grey zone, leaving her fans to search for breadcrumbs alluding to their meaning or who they’re about, but her ultimate conclusions to my questions are surprisingly black-and-white. "This was the trajectory of my path,” she says. "I can’t change it now.”

Letting past regrets or grudges eat away at her doesn’t exactly fit into Carpenter’s busy schedule, which hasn’t eased up in more than a decade. When I ask the singer-songwriter and actress if she’s had a day off in 14 years, she laughs, saying, "You know, it sounds dramatic if I say no, but definitely not like a super day off.” For Carpenter, keeping her sights firmly set on her next move is precisely what’s gotten her to where she is today. "My brain works in ways where I’m like, ‘Oh, I want to do this. … It’s gonna take a long time … so I [have] to start now,’” she explains. "Even in those moments of free time, I feel like I’m always just visualising something in the future.” It’s this mindset that’s produced five studio albums, two Billboard Hot 100 hits, and three Platinum singles. "It’s a blessing and a curse,” she says. "I would love to be on a boat somewhere, though.”

Even with the heavy workload, nothing can take away the fact that Carpenter is living out her lifelong dreams. "There was never really a question. Music was always the thing as a child that made me feel like I understood more about life,” she says. As for convincing everyone to take her seriously, she attributes that to her conviction. "Not to be the person that brings up their astrology, but I’m a Taurus, and I think that might have something to do with the fact that I’ve always just been very driven. Some people like to call it stubborn. I like to say driven,” she explains.

Unlike other kids who woke up one morning wanting to be a pop star and a doctor or fashion designer or astronaut the next, Carpenter’s interests never varied. "I wouldn’t start things and not finish them. That wasn’t really my MO,” she says. "I ate, slept, [and] breathed singing and would be at the piano all day, or I’d be practicing or doing my warm-ups. Even if I had nothing to do with singing in the coming weeks or months, I would try doing it every day just to practice and get better.” All these years later, I get the impression that Carpenter is still this way—never quite satisfied. "The only way I’ll make it through this is if I never actually fully feel established because I’ll always just keep working,” she adds.

Carpenter was 12 when she first signed with Hollywood Records, a label under Disney Music Group. In addition to granting her the ability to record her own songs and perform them, it meant she’d be sent into boardrooms with men many times her senior telling her about her future. "That was probably the weirder thing that I had to experience from a really young age,” she says. 

Then there was social media, which nobody, Carpenter included, could have predicted would be such a requirement of the job when she started in 2009. Today, she sees it from two sides. "It’s heartwarming if you think about it in the way that it provides togetherness,” she says. "It’s scary if you think about it in the way that you’re like, ‘Oh, people think they know me from videos on the internet.’” For Carpenter, there are ups, and there are "down, down, down, downs” when it comes to social media and the role it plays in her career and personal life. That’s when she reminds herself just how fortunate she is. "I literally get to sing into a microphone. That’s my job,” she says. "It’s everything that I’ve always wanted. I’m really lucky that my childhood thing… I stuck with it, and, you know, we’re hand in hand through this.”

Writing her own songs also contributes to her calm and collected nature and her ability to move past any road bumps that have and will continue to arise as she navigates her life as Sabrina Carpenter: pop star. "I really feel like I disconnect and fall off the face of the Earth [when I’m making music],” she says. It’s through this process that she found her voice and fearless disposition. (She does admit to being "a sarcastic little snippy ass” since, well, forever, which is presumably why she’s never really been walked all over.)

It’s through music that Carpenter is able to turn off from the online world, where everyone has an opinion and heaps of time to share it. "Sometimes, I bang my head against a wall repeatedly,” she says of hate comments online. But at the same time, she can’t harp on them. She adds, "If someone says, ‘Oh, she’s ugly,’ what am I going to do with that? Okay, well, bummer. I have to just move on with my day, regardless of whether you think I’m ugly or not.” Sitting at her piano, no matter what the situation on hand may be, escape and resolution are only a few keys away. "It is so satisfying when you can take a negative situation in your life and turn it into a positive memory with a song,” she says.

As she’s gotten older, her music has evolved—getting more vulnerable and emotion driven. In 2021, the "Nonsense” singer left her longtime label to join Island Records, an organization that she says trusted her vision as an artist first and foremost. "I didn’t sit down with them and go, ‘This is the album that I’m making. It’s called EmaiIs I Can’t Send. It’s very blunt and very forward,’” she explains. "They didn’t know just as much as I was still figuring it out. But they had a lot of faith in what I was creating and let me experiment and create something really special.” 

Because of this freedom, Carpenter was able to speak her truths on the album without all the outside noise. "When you’re worried about [music] appealing to people and making sure that everyone likes it, I don’t know if you make anything that feels authentic,” she says. Putting out the album left Carpenter exposed. "[It is] borderline too personal,” she admits. But not once since its release in 2022, and subsequent deluxe edition that came out earlier this year, has she felt an ounce of regret. Being on the Emails I Can’t Send Tour and hearing the voices of her longtime fans singing along only reassured Carpenter that she’d made the right decision. 

Now, she’s performing those same songs in front of an even larger fan base: Swifties.

In June, Taylor Swift announced the first round of international shows for her record-breaking Eras Tour, revealing Carpenter as her opening act for the Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil dates. Carpenter will also return for Swift’s seven Australia and six Singapore shows. "I’m not gonna say I peed my pants because that sounds really graphic and maybe not sanitary, but I think it really just caught me off guard,” she says of hearing the news. "It was very much a childhood dream come true.” For her tour debut in Mexico City, Carpenter opened her performance with her first-ever YouTube upload, a video of her nine-year-old self singing Swift’s "Picture to Burn,” exhibiting just how long she’s looked up to the 12-time Grammy winner. "I still probably have not processed it if I’m being completely honest with you,” she says. 

The duo first met backstage at a show when Carpenter was 17 years old. "She had her cats with her,” she recalls. (Carpenter herself has two white British shorthairs at home, so their shared love of felines bonded them for life.) "I have older sisters, so if anything, it felt like that type of a relationship.” According to Carpenter, Swift’s support of her music has been significant, but perhaps more impactful has been the "All Too Well” singer’s championing of Carpenter as a human being. "To work with someone [who] cares about you as a person as well as an artist … that’s been the biggest gift for sure,” she says. Carpenter recently released a pared-down version of Swift’s 2012 track "I Knew You Were Trouble” on Spotify, with many on TikTok sharing how the cover made them completely reinterpret the song, a pop hit with deep lyrics. Carpenter chose to cover the track because of how similar the perspective is to "Feather,” the song Carpenter rereleased alongside "I Knew You Were Trouble.” Like her cover, "Feather” got the chilled-out treatment, making them a perfect match. Swift’s reaction to the cover was direct and to the point: "She nailed it.”

Despite her experience performing on the road, touring with Swift is a whole new ball game for Carpenter. "When you’re doing your own shows, you have this assurance [that the audience] is there for you,” she says. "They know the songs, they came to see you, and I feel very lucky in that sense that I’m like, ‘Whoa, I have this crowd of people that dedicated their Friday night to come sing these songs with me.’” On the Eras Tour, however, there’s a little more pressure for Carpenter to work the room. "I go into it with a little bit more excitement, being playful and just really singing and interacting with the crowd as much as I possibly can,” she says. "There’s so many of them—I can’t see them all.”

Her costumes, likewise, contribute to her energy onstage. "I want to feel as confident as humanly possible so I can be up there and not worry about what I’m doing,” she says. "It helps me perform better.” She ended up donning custom Swarovski-crystal minidresses by the Ukrainian brand Frolov, a favorite of Beyoncé for her own shows. She paired the dresses with her signature white go-go boots. "The go-go boots have been there for me in hard times,” she says. 

Fashion played a pivotal role in Emails I Can’t Send, more so than it did in any of her previous albums. "[The record], to me at least, feels like the first album cycle where I really felt like there was a style connection to the music,” she explains. "I haven’t always felt that way in the past because I was young and didn’t know who I was.” By getting to know herself better and finally gaining firsthand experience of the themes she’d long been singing about, everything just clicked. "This theme of hearts [is] sprinkled throughout the music and different visuals,” she says. "It made so much sense to me because [the album] was so deeply surrounded by this infatuation with love and the lack of love and [how it helped to shape] me into the person that I am right now.” Scrolling through her Instagram feed, the symbol is ubiquitous in her looks. "There have been a lot of little heart cutouts,” she says. "I’ve pretty much done it everywhere.”

Her style outside of the album has also seen a shift as she’s learned more about who she is. "The things I feel really confident in now, maybe five years ago I probably would have never worn [them], but that’s the beautiful thing about evolving with fashion,” she says. Though she’s most known for her hyper-romantic aesthetic laced with soft pastel shades, micro hemlines, and ethereal fabrics, Carpenter’s found herself experimenting outside of that look. (Don’t worry—it’s not going away entirely anytime soon.) "I’m constantly exploring and figuring [things] out,” she says. One look at her recent ensembles from Paris Fashion Week—where she wore a runway look from Schiaparelli’s F/W 23 collection to the French couturier’s S/S 24 show and a completely sheer black slip dress to Givenchy—is proof enough of that. 

Her stylist Jason Bolden—whose client list also includes Yara Shahidi, Storm Reid, and Vanessa Hudgens—has contributed significantly to that exploration. The duo first teamed up when Carpenter was just 17 around the same time that her breakout Disney show Girl Meets World wrapped. "The first thing he put me in was a red Loewe dress,” she recalls. "That was so out of left field for me because I don’t think anyone else would have done that at that time in my life.” Just then, she knew he was perfect for the job. "We started with taking some of these more daring fashion risks that I probably would have never seen on the rack and been like, ‘That’s the one for me,’” she says. "He was really good at pushing me in those ways.” They’ve been together ever since through each of her different musical and style eras, collaborating seamlessly to communicate her ever-changing story via clothes. "It sounds so silly to say that so much of my life is the little outfits I wear, but it kind of is,” she says.

Carpenter’s style is but one of many aspects of her life that revolve around music. She launched a second perfume a few months ago—Sweet Tooth: Caramel Dream—which she describes simply as an emotional extension of her music. She’s preparing to head back out on tour with Swift this month, followed by multiple shows on the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour. She is releasing a new holiday EP titled fruitcake on November 17. And yes, she has plans for a sixth album. "There’s definitely more coming,” she says with an air of mystery. Everything she does remains firmly planted in her singular childhood dream. "I sometimes look at that as such a phenomenal thing to think about,” she says. "Why, for some reason, you just have something, this idea in your head when you’re put on this Earth and how it happens, you have no idea, but you have this blind faith and just wake up every day and make it happen.” Perhaps that explains the black-and-white manner in which she deals with those areas of her life that fall outside of her control. When she’s needed it most, music has come through for her, stepping in and helping her overcome every obstacle life’s thrown her way. Why question its powers now? 

Photographer: Dennis Leupold

Stylist and Editorial Director: Lauren Eggertsen

Hairstylist: Scott King at The Only Agency

Makeup Artist: Allan Avendaño at A-Frame Agency

Manicurist: Zola Ganzorigt at The Wall Group

Set Designer: Ali Gallagher at 11th House Agency

Producer: Luciana De La Fe

Video Director: Stephanie Romero

Cinematographer: Amusement Productions

Video Editor: Collin Hughart

Sound Mixer: Jason Flaster

Executive Director of Entertainment: Jessica Baker

VP of Creative: Alexa Wiley

VP of Social: MacKenzie Green

This story originally appeared on Who What Wear US.

The day before Sabrina Carpenter’s "Feather” music video breaks the internet, the 24-year-old enters our Zoom call flush with apologies. She’s forgotten to redownload the app after deleting it to save on data (IYKYK), making her a few minutes late. "My phone has been out of storage for like all of eternity,” she declares. After settling into a spot on the floor between her coffee table and sofa—which is currently decorated with an Ariana Grande pillow, a keepsake from her stint as the artist’s opening act on the Dangerous Woman Tour back in 2017—she props her phone up, and we dive into a 90-minute conversation.

During this time, she’s refreshingly open about everything from the proven difficulties that come with growing up in the spotlight and what happens when the internet turns on you to how it feels to experience all of the emotional roller coasters that come with teenhood years later than your friends because you were simply too busy at 15 to join them. Her lyrics often live in the gray zone, leaving her fans to search for breadcrumbs alluding to their meaning or who they’re about, but her ultimate conclusions to my questions are surprisingly black-and-white. "This was the trajectory of my path,” she says. "I can’t change it now.”

Letting past regrets or grudges eat away at her doesn’t exactly fit into Carpenter’s busy schedule, which hasn’t eased up in more than a decade. When I ask the singer-songwriter and actress if she’s had a day off in 14 years, she laughs, saying, "You know, it sounds dramatic if I say no, but definitely not like a super day off.” For Carpenter, keeping her sights firmly set on her next move is precisely what’s gotten her to where she is today. "My brain works in ways where I’m like, ‘Oh, I want to do this. … It’s gonna take a long time … so I [have] to start now,’” she explains. "Even in those moments of free time, I feel like I’m always just visualizing something in the future.” It’s this mindset that’s produced five studio albums, two Billboard Hot 100 hits, and three Platinum singles. "It’s a blessing and a curse,” she says. "I would love to be on a boat somewhere, though.”

Even with the heavy workload, nothing can take away the fact that Carpenter is living out her lifelong dreams. "There was never really a question. Music was always the thing as a child that made me feel like I understood more about life,” she says. As for convincing everyone to take her seriously, she attributes that to her conviction. "Not to be the person that brings up their astrology, but I’m a Taurus, and I think that might have something to do with the fact that I’ve always just been very driven. Some people like to call it stubborn. I like to say driven,” she explains.

Unlike other kids who woke up one morning wanting to be a pop star and a doctor or fashion designer or astronaut the next, Carpenter’s interests never varied. "I wouldn’t start things and not finish them. That wasn’t really my MO,” she says. "I ate, slept, [and] breathed singing and would be at the piano all day, or I’d be practicing or doing my warm-ups. Even if I had nothing to do with singing in the coming weeks or months, I would try doing it every day just to practice and get better.” All these years later, I get the impression that Carpenter is still this way—never quite satisfied. "The only way I’ll make it through this is if I never actually fully feel established because I’ll always just keep working,” she adds.

Carpenter was 12 when she first signed with Hollywood Records, a label under Disney Music Group. In addition to granting her the ability to record her own songs and perform them, it meant she’d be sent into boardrooms with men many times her senior telling her about her future. "That was probably the weirder thing that I had to experience from a really young age,” she says. 

Then there was social media, which nobody, Carpenter included, could have predicted would be such a requirement of the job when she started in 2009. Today, she sees it from two sides. "It’s heartwarming if you think about it in the way that it provides togetherness,” she says. "It’s scary if you think about it in the way that you’re like, ‘Oh, people think they know me from videos on the internet.’” For Carpenter, there are ups, and there are "down, down, down, downs” when it comes to social media and the role it plays in her career and personal life. That’s when she reminds herself just how fortunate she is. "I literally get to sing into a microphone. That’s my job,” she says. "It’s everything that I’ve always wanted. I’m really lucky that my childhood thing… I stuck with it, and, you know, we’re hand in hand through this.”

Writing her own songs also contributes to her calm and collected nature and her ability to move past any road bumps that have and will continue to arise as she navigates her life as Sabrina Carpenter: pop star. "I really feel like I disconnect and fall off the face of the Earth [when I’m making music],” she says. It’s through this process that she found her voice and fearless disposition. (She does admit to being "a sarcastic little snippy ass” since, well, forever, which is presumably why she’s never really been walked all over.)

It’s through music that Carpenter is able to turn off from the online world, where everyone has an opinion and heaps of time to share it. "Sometimes, I bang my head against a wall repeatedly,” she says of hate comments online. But at the same time, she can’t harp on them. She adds, "If someone says, ‘Oh, she’s ugly,’ what am I going to do with that? Okay, well, bummer. I have to just move on with my day, regardless of whether you think I’m ugly or not.” Sitting at her piano, no matter what the situation on hand may be, escape and resolution are only a few keys away. "It is so satisfying when you can take a negative situation in your life and turn it into a positive memory with a song,” she says.

As she’s gotten older, her music has evolved—getting more vulnerable and emotion driven. In 2021, the "Nonsense” singer left her longtime label to join Island Records, an organization that she says trusted her vision as an artist first and foremost. "I didn’t sit down with them and go, ‘This is the album that I’m making. It’s called EmaiIs I Can’t Send. It’s very blunt and very forward,’” she explains. "They didn’t know just as much as I was still figuring it out. But they had a lot of faith in what I was creating and let me experiment and create something really special.” 

Because of this freedom, Carpenter was able to speak her truths on the album without all the outside noise. "When you’re worried about [music] appealing to people and making sure that everyone likes it, I don’t know if you make anything that feels authentic,” she says. Putting out the album left Carpenter exposed. "[It is] borderline too personal,” she admits. But not once since its release in 2022, and subsequent deluxe edition that came out earlier this year, has she felt an ounce of regret. Being on the Emails I Can’t Send Tour and hearing the voices of her longtime fans singing along only reassured Carpenter that she’d made the right decision. 

Now, she’s performing those same songs in front of an even larger fan base: Swifties.

In June, Taylor Swift announced the first round of international shows for her record-breaking Eras Tour, revealing Carpenter as her opening act for the Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil dates. Carpenter will also return for Swift’s seven Australia and six Singapore shows. "I’m not gonna say I peed my pants because that sounds really graphic and maybe not sanitary, but I think it really just caught me off guard,” she says of hearing the news. "It was very much a childhood dream come true.” For her tour debut in Mexico City, Carpenter opened her performance with her first-ever YouTube upload, a video of her nine-year-old self singing Swift’s "Picture to Burn,” exhibiting just how long she’s looked up to the 12-time Grammy winner. "I still probably have not processed it if I’m being completely honest with you,” she says. 

The duo first met backstage at a show when Carpenter was 17 years old. "She had her cats with her,” she recalls. (Carpenter herself has two white British shorthairs at home, so their shared love of felines bonded them for life.) "I have older sisters, so if anything, it felt like that type of a relationship.” According to Carpenter, Swift’s support of her music has been significant, but perhaps more impactful has been the "All Too Well” singer’s championing of Carpenter as a human being. "To work with someone [who] cares about you as a person as well as an artist … that’s been the biggest gift for sure,” she says. Carpenter recently released a pared-down version of Swift’s 2012 track "I Knew You Were Trouble” on Spotify, with many on TikTok sharing how the cover made them completely reinterpret the song, a pop hit with deep lyrics. Carpenter chose to cover the track because of how similar the perspective is to "Feather,” the song Carpenter rereleased alongside "I Knew You Were Trouble.” Like her cover, "Feather” got the chilled-out treatment, making them a perfect match. Swift’s reaction to the cover was direct and to the point: "She nailed it.”

Despite her experience performing on the road, touring with Swift is a whole new ball game for Carpenter. "When you’re doing your own shows, you have this assurance [that the audience] is there for you,” she says. "They know the songs, they came to see you, and I feel very lucky in that sense that I’m like, ‘Whoa, I have this crowd of people that dedicated their Friday night to come sing these songs with me.’” On the Eras Tour, however, there’s a little more pressure for Carpenter to work the room. "I go into it with a little bit more excitement, being playful and just really singing and interacting with the crowd as much as I possibly can,” she says. "There’s so many of them—I can’t see them all.”

Her costumes, likewise, contribute to her energy onstage. "I want to feel as confident as humanly possible so I can be up there and not worry about what I’m doing,” she says. "It helps me perform better.” She ended up donning custom Swarovski-crystal minidresses by the Ukrainian brand Frolov, a favorite of Beyoncé for her own shows. She paired the dresses with her signature white go-go boots. "The go-go boots have been there for me in hard times,” she says. 

Fashion played a pivotal role in Emails I Can’t Send, more so than it did in any of her previous albums. "[The record], to me at least, feels like the first album cycle where I really felt like there was a style connection to the music,” she explains. "I haven’t always felt that way in the past because I was young and didn’t know who I was.” By getting to know herself better and finally gaining firsthand experience of the themes she’d long been singing about, everything just clicked. "This theme of hearts [is] sprinkled throughout the music and different visuals,” she says. "It made so much sense to me because [the album] was so deeply surrounded by this infatuation with love and the lack of love and [how it helped to shape] me into the person that I am right now.” Scrolling through her Instagram feed, the symbol is ubiquitous in her looks. "There have been a lot of little heart cutouts,” she says. "I’ve pretty much done it everywhere.”

Her style outside of the album has also seen a shift as she’s learned more about who she is. "The things I feel really confident in now, maybe five years ago I probably would have never worn [them], but that’s the beautiful thing about evolving with fashion,” she says. Though she’s most known for her hyper-romantic aesthetic laced with soft pastel shades, micro hemlines, and ethereal fabrics, Carpenter’s found herself experimenting outside of that look. (Don’t worry—it’s not going away entirely anytime soon.) "I’m constantly exploring and figuring [things] out,” she says. One look at her recent ensembles from Paris Fashion Week—where she wore a runway look from Schiaparelli’s F/W 23 collection to the French couturier’s S/S 24 show and a completely sheer black slip dress to Givenchy—is proof enough of that. 

Her stylist Jason Bolden—whose client list also includes Yara Shahidi, Storm Reid, and Vanessa Hudgens—has contributed significantly to that exploration. The duo first teamed up when Carpenter was just 17 around the same time that her breakout Disney show Girl Meets World wrapped. "The first thing he put me in was a red Loewe dress,” she recalls. "That was so out of left field for me because I don’t think anyone else would have done that at that time in my life.” Just then, she knew he was perfect for the job. "We started with taking some of these more daring fashion risks that I probably would have never seen on the rack and been like, ‘That’s the one for me,’” she says. "He was really good at pushing me in those ways.” They’ve been together ever since through each of her different musical and style eras, collaborating seamlessly to communicate her ever-changing story via clothes. "It sounds so silly to say that so much of my life is the little outfits I wear, but it kind of is,” she says.

Carpenter’s style is but one of many aspects of her life that revolve around music. She launched a second perfume a few months ago—Sweet Tooth: Caramel Dream—which she describes simply as an emotional extension of her music. She’s preparing to head back out on tour with Swift this month, followed by multiple shows on the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour. She is releasing a new holiday EP titled fruitcake on November 17. And yes, she has plans for a sixth album. "There’s definitely more coming,” she says with an air of mystery. Everything she does remains firmly planted in her singular childhood dream. "I sometimes look at that as such a phenomenal thing to think about,” she says. "Why, for some reason, you just have something, this idea in your head when you’re put on this Earth and how it happens, you have no idea, but you have this blind faith and just wake up every day and make it happen.” Perhaps that explains the black-and-white manner in which she deals with those areas of her life that fall outside of her control. When she’s needed it most, music has come through for her, stepping in and helping her overcome every obstacle life’s thrown her way. Why question its powers now? 

Photographer: Dennis Leupold

Stylist and Editorial Director: Lauren Eggertsen

Hairstylist: Scott King at The Only Agency

Makeup Artist: Allan Avendaño at A-Frame Agency

Manicurist: Zola Ganzorigt at The Wall Group

Set Designer: Ali Gallagher at 11th House Agency

Producer: Luciana De La Fe

Video Director: Stephanie Romero

Cinematographer: Amusement Productions

Video Editor: Collin Hughart

Sound Mixer: Jason Flaster

Executive Director of Entertainment: Jessica Baker

VP of Creative: Alexa Wiley

VP of Social: MacKenzie Green

There's nothing more iconic than Cartier—period. This French Maison has adorned the wrists, ears, and shoulders (hello, handbags!) of fashion icons and trendsetters for over a century. And throughout the years, it's continued to develop of-the-moment collections that are destined to become icons. This fall, some of the most remarkable decades in fashion are trending, and to take these looks into the present, we turned to Cartier for finishing touches that you'll wear forever from its most iconic jewelry, watch, and handbag collections.

We've been seeing nods to the '90s on runways for years, but this fall, minimalist silhouettes and shapes feel even more prominent. As an ode to the iconic decade, we styled this C de Cartier shoulder bag with a classic trench to perfectly complement the sophistication of the Tank Américaine watch, which first debuted in 1989 and ruled the next decade. Cartier's leather goods are not to be missed. The craftsmanship shows in every detail from the exquisitely made leather to the sculptural clasp designs. The finishing touch is this Panthère de Cartier belt, which ups the fierce factor for a decisively modern moment.

A modern take on prep style calls for equally impactful, on-trend accessories. We accented this grey textured skirt suit and knit top with white-gold and steel pieces from Cartier's collections to add a sophisticated element to stacking. This look gets to Cartier's core, channeling timeless elegance while remaining current. A flash of color comes from the vivid Panthère de Cartier bag and the graduated green dial of the Santos de Cartier watch.

Red was popping up on our mood boards for summer, and it was all over the runways for fall. This season, we're mixing up the monochrome moment with yellow-gold jewelry. The combination of gold and red feels warm and rich. The gold Tank Française watch is a showstopper, and our obsession with the Love bracelet has also grown (if that's even possible) after seeing these variations stacked together. Our favorite has to be the newest brushed-gold metal bracelet—the finish is just stunning.

A power-suiting moment, a structured top-handle bag, and a Tank Française watch? It's everything. If we had to choose a favorite look, this ode to the '80s would be it. Dramatic shapes and strong lines command all the elements of this ensemble. The Cartier pieces bring the '80s aesthetic into the present, most notably the steel Tank Française watch and the timeless leather Panthère bag. Talk about understated elegance.

Bold leather looks made a big impact on the runways for fall, and we love how the embossing on this leather skirt set mirrors the leather strap of this Tank Américaine watch, a new watch model for the storied Tank collection. The Tank has always seamlessly melded history with fashion—the rectangular case was originally designed by Louis Cartier in 1917. It's evolved over the years but still remains a chic expression of effortlessness and embodies Cartier's values of freedom and style.

Read our Fall Trend Report to shop more pieces from this story.

With Fashion Month in full swing, there's no better time to talk about this season's must-know trends. And there are a lot of them. Who What Wear's Fall Trend Report highlights the top trends spotted on the runways, but I'm here to help guide you toward the ones actually worth investing in. I'm all about finding that perfect balance between realistic and aspirational style, which was the inspiration for the fall trend shoot. I narrowed down the list to just five trends that I believe you'll want to wear over and over again this season. Trust me—you'll regret skipping these.

As a '90s kid who grew up idolizing Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow, I'm excited that the minimalistic attire they so famously wore during that decade is back in a major way. There's an emphasis on clean lines, simple silhouettes, and elevated basics right now. I chose to style these baggy jeans (opt for a low rise if you really want to lean into the '90s vibe) with a crisp button-down, timeless camel trench, and very of-the-times thong sandals. When the temps drop a bit more, I'll swap in ballet flats or heeled pointed-toe boots, but the classic leather shoulder bag, skinny belt, and classic watch from Cartier will not be going anywhere.

September always has that back-to-school energy, so it's only fitting that the prep trend is huge for fall. It's getting an upgrade with classic elements that remind us of school uniforms such as miniskirts, blazers, skinny ties, and collared shirts combined with modern styling like doubled-up sweaters and platform loafers. I love a statement accessory with a neutral look, and this structured green leather bag really pops.

Red is officially the color trend of 2023. Everyone was wearing it head-to-toe (we even saw red shoes) for spring and summer, and the momentum isn't stopping anytime soon. A matching set like this suit or a slip skirt and chunky sweater is the easiest way to tap into the trend. For a bolder look, add red accessories like this chain-strap bag and these patent pumps. I'll also be investing in red ballet flats and red socks to wear with my sneakers because more is, in fact, more.

Another decade that's infiltrating this season's fashion scene is the '80s, specifically the bold power suits women wore to the office during that era. Expect to see lots of dramatic padded shoulders, pinched waists, wide-leg pants, and pencil skirts. This pinstripe suit paired with a structured leather top-handle bag means business whether or not you're wearing this look to work.

Everyone from Saint Laurent to Khaite to Brandon Maxwell was showing full leather outfits this season, and I'm so here for it. An all-black leather look is so chic, and I like the slightly softer vibe that a cropped jacket and midi skirt add to the otherwise edgy trend. To really lean in, style this outfit with black leather boots and a handbag. (How cute is this micro bag from Cartier?)

Photographer: Emman Montalvan

Stylist: Christian Stroble

Makeup Artist and Hairstylist: Zaheer Sukhnandan

VP of Creative: Alexa Wiley 

Fashion Director: Michaela Bushkin

Welcome to our podcast, Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr. Think of it as your direct line to the designers, stylists, beauty experts, editors, and tastemakers who are shaping the fashion-and-beauty world. Subscribe to Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

A little daydreaming about your fantasy wedding never hurt anyone. That's what Who What Wear's Kristen Nichols and Eliza Huber did in the latest episode of Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr.

Nichols and Huber have already created the ultimate guide for 2023 brides, which includes everything from wedding dress trends to how couples design their table settings.

Now they're taking those insights and applying them to the dream weddings they'd plan if money was no object. For Nichols, that includes focusing on the classics. A little archival runway Chanel moment, perhaps? Huber has her eye on a Prada S/S 22 shift dress that she can't get off her mind.

For excerpts from their conversation, scroll below.

Let's say your wedding is this summer, and there's no budget. There's no spending limit. What is the ultimate wedding setting and head-to-toe bridal look that aligns with your personal style? Because I'm generous, I will allow you to choose one key piece of wedding decor as well.

Eliza Huber: I always said that if I got married, I'd want it to be pretty small. Maybe 10 to 15 people. Usually, when people ask, I always say I'd have my post-vows dinner at Lucien, which is in the East Village. It was my first favorite restaurant when I moved to New York. Because it's so small, you could really take over the whole place.

If I had no budget, I would pick Balthazar. I would take over the whole place, which is quite large. I lived in Soho for a long time and used to go at least once a week and sit at the bar and get a cup of soup or something small. It's just a really amazing vibe inside.

Outfit-wise, I've been obsessed with Prada's S/S 22 collection since it debuted. There are two looks that I always thought would be just incredible wedding looks.

They're not very traditional—and neither are white on the runway—but I've seen white takes on similar dresses from Prada. I think if I had no budget, I could get it in white. It is looks 36 and 37, and it's basically a high-neck shift minidress made of satin. One is baby pink, and one is a soft mint green. It has this long train, so it's kind of gives bridal anyway.

That with the shoes that were styled with it on the runway in white. For my decor item, I would have a giant lemon tart as my wedding cake.

[Nichols], what about you? What's your fantasy wedding?

Nichols: I had to think about it for a little bit when you asked, but it was fun to imagine. I think in terms of setting, I haven't really nailed that down. I love the idea of a destination—regardless of how far or close that might be. I feel like my friends and family live in so many places, so it would be fun to bring them somewhere special that I could return to again and relive the day. I love places that have a blend of history and also feel updated and modern. One place that comes to mind is Mezzatorre in Ischia. I feel like that feels like a really special place.

My style is a little more on the classic end of the spectrum. I think Chanel is the ultimate dream in my realm. Whether that means a vintage archival runway look, so digging something like that from the archives would be incredible.

It could also translate to a really beautiful tweed piece for a pre-wedding look, even if it's not the actual wedding day item. I think some pieces from Chanel will probably be in my fantasy wedding.

I also love this idea of a really special jewelry piece that carries some sentimental weight that you can wear on your wedding day and beyond the wedding day.

Whether that's a watch with a special engraving that only you can see when you take it off or your something blue item. I think that would be a really special piece to wear as well.

In terms of decor, I have a few ideas. My first is I love florals. There's this really beautiful florist based in Paris called Castor Fleuriste. They actually work with a lot of fashion brands. But they have this really artful but still classic and beautiful take on florals that feels really special and very different [compared to] a lot of what we're seeing out there in the floral world.

Another idea I love is taking something simple but executing it in a really unexpected and elevated way. The Row had their runway show in Paris last year. I took 1000 screenshots of guests arriving because there were waiters carrying these beautiful silver platters with just very ripe figs and fresh green juices. It was just the most simple but elegant idea.

I think adding elements like that would make a wedding feel really cool. It's that special unexpected detail that guests remember for years and years later.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Next, check out our interview with Candice Swanepoel.

At the Who What Wear offices, it's no secret we're forever fans of Cartier. While the heritage luxury brand may be best known for its iconic watches and exquisite jewelry, it also has a long-standing track record of giving back. Notably, the Cartier Women's Initiative is a program that awards financial capital and business mentorship to entrepreneurs around the globe. The initiative celebrated its 16th award ceremony this spring, and we were lucky enough to get to travel to Paris to witness the event honoring the 2023 winners.

It was our third year getting to meet some of the award recipients, and each time, we were awestruck anew by the force of these women. One example is Charlot Magayi from Kenya. Magayi founded Mukuru Clean Stoves, a company selling clean, affordable cooking stoves. As an orphan who grew up in one of the biggest slums in Nairobi, she experienced firsthand the serious respiratory issues that can come from cooking over a flame daily. She set out to positively impact the health and financial well-being of underserved communities with her product, which has since reduced the household air pollution and household cooking costs of over a million people. Other businesses spanned sustainable agriculture, mental health, and education, but no matter the category, they all have a common thread of being a "force for good." That force is only increasing, with Cartier expanding to two new regional awards this year—Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceana—and adding a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award, which is open to all genders.

Naturally, we were especially curious about the fellows whose businesses are in the fashion sector. Ahead are our interviews with SukkhaCitta, Cise, and Pantys, three brands that are bringing much-needed change to the fashion industry.

How did the idea of your business come about?

SukkhaCitta started with a simple question: What if your clothes can change lives? As a development economist, my work took me through villages across Indonesia. There, for the first time, I saw how our clothes are made by women, making fabrics with their hands. It was beautiful, yet I couldn't help but see their struggle. Without any access, most of them are trapped in poverty, unable to earn enough to care for their families. In fact, this is the reality of 98% of women who make our clothes. That was the moment I realized that behind what we wear are all these women who are kept small by the system and whose lives are impacted by our choices. What makes things worse is the industry also uses toxic dyes. Without us realizing, our colorful clothes are the second largest polluter of clean water, turning rivers the color of what's currently in season. This is the true cost of our clothes.

I started SukkhaCitta to connect consumers from all around the world with the full story of how and why something was made. We work with marginalized women in the global fashion industry who work in villages, connecting them with access to education, design, quality management, and natural dyeing. We have created a fully traceable farm-to-closet ecosystem, where you know exactly who made your clothes and what the impact is. … Through a simple choice of what we wear, we can change the lives of women while being part of the climate solution.

Can you share more about how your craft schools, fair wage standards, and sustainability efforts create ripples of impact that will create long-term change?

When you purchase a SukkhaCitta piece, the first thing you realize is that there are real lives impacted through your choice. The power of this idea is vast. You are not giving them aid; you are giving them a chance to earn a wage that allows them to support their families. The reason this is significant is that it allows these women to keep the one thing that is so often taken away from them: pride. When someone appreciates your work and you are able to make a living from it, your pride remains intact.

During one of our last field trips, I was surprised to see pieces of paper on the wall. Apparently, the women were brainstorming how they can improve the education of the children in their village through scholarships. I nearly broke into tears. I think this is the essence of empowerment—when they feel like they can change their own lives and are taking active steps to be agents of change in their own communities.

Do you get to hear stories or feedback from the Indonesian artisans you work with about how SukkhaCitta has impacted their lives?

Definitely, this really is the most fulfilling part of my job! This is Ibu Tur's story, one of our very first artisans who went from an apprentice in our craft school (Rumah SukkhaCitta) to completing her master artisan certification to now teaching the young generation to sustain our Indigenous crafts.

Do you have any advice for would-be social-impact entrepreneurs? Would you recommend pursuing grants like the CWI?

Believe in yourself. Along the journey, you will encounter so many who will laugh at your dreams, especially when you're trying to do something that was never done before [and] taking the path less taken, for when you pursue your purpose, you give permission to others to do the same.

My experience with the CWI has been nothing short of transformative, so I would definitely encourage everyone to apply! The fellowship taught me what I needed to scale our impact to the next level. And the community is so powerful. I feel so at home with these trailblazing women who are asking, "Why not?"

Being here today as one of the CWI fellows, I cannot help but to think of all the women who made this award possible. From the Ibus in villages across Indonesia, who led me to my life's purpose, to our customers, team members, and advocates all around the world. 

In Indonesian, there is a term called "gotong royong." It means working together to achieve something greater than what we individually can do. This recognition is proof that when one woman stands up for what she believes in, she can change the world.

What's your dream for SukkhaCitta?

My dream is to spark a movement that inspires communities to reconnect and to find ways to not only do less harm but to create positive impact.

Last year, we took it one step further by being the first certified B Corporation voted Best for the World in Indonesia and the first brand in the world to be certified Ethically Handcrafted by Nest. It's a huge deal in an industry plagued with exploitation and pollution, especially for women in the informal sector. In the next five years, you can expect us to do exactly what we've done so far: finding more problems and even better solutions and [giving] more than we take.

Your business evolved in the wake of George Floyd's murder. Can you share how that moment inspired a movement for Cise?

The murder of George Floyd was a profound moment that deeply impacted me and served as a catalyst for the transformation of Cise. Growing up, my family instilled in me the belief that there are countless ways to make a difference and have a positive impact on the world. Initially, I focused on helping those within my immediate network and supporting organizations that I was familiar with.

However, George Floyd's tragic death shook me to the core and made me realize that there were systemic issues far beyond my own sphere of influence that needed to be addressed. It was a wake-up call that compelled me to reassess my contributions and reevaluate how I could truly make a meaningful difference.

In that introspective process, I reflected on my core intentions and the broader goals I had set for myself. I recognized the need to expand my efforts and create a platform that not only supported the causes I cared about but also exemplified different ways to give back and uplift the Black community.

To begin this journey, I started with product development, collaborating with small businesses to offer unique and impactful solutions. As I witnessed the positive reception and impact of these collaborations, I saw the potential to extend my reach further. This led me to create clothing items for customers, with the proceeds being donated to organizations and initiatives focused on social justice and racial equality.

The experience of building this company inspired by George Floyd's murder has been transformative. It has shaped Cise into an organization that not only aims to drive change but also strives to amplify voices, support the Black community, and encourage others to take action.

Tell us more about Cise's sustainability efforts.

Cise is deeply committed to sustainability, and we have implemented various efforts to minimize our environmental impact and promote responsible practices throughout our supply chain. One key aspect of our sustainability efforts lies in the materials we use, such as utilizing recycled materials and exploring different fabric options that have a lower environmental impact. Additionally, we have taken steps to minimize waste in our operations. We have streamlined our packaging and labeling processes to eliminate unnecessary products that would contribute to landfill waste. 

Supply-chain transparency and responsible manufacturing are crucial to us. We establish personal relationships with our manufacturers to align them with our sustainability goals. Even during challenging times, such as the impact of COVID-19, we prioritize fair pricing and employee well-being without compromising our commitment to sustainability. When customers return items, we carefully assess their condition to determine the most appropriate course of action. If a product is still sellable but lacks its original packaging, we explore opportunities to repurpose it by collaborating with local artists, organizations, or other companies to breathe new life into these items, ensuring that they continue to serve a purpose.

We're proud to have featured Cise on Who What Wear previously. How can the press show up more for mission-driven brands? 

The press can show up more for mission-driven brands like Cise by engaging in inclusive storytelling by featuring a diverse range of brands and their impactful stories. Deep-dive features should go beyond surface-level coverage to provide a comprehensive understanding of Cise's mission and impact. Collaboration and partnerships with Cise can be fostered through joint campaigns, interviews, and panel discussions, as we are excited to be part of this journey. Highlighting Cise's success story and sharing case studies can inspire others to pursue mission-driven initiatives, and by providing ongoing support and coverage, the press can sustain the visibility of Cise and its progress. Collaborative reporting and investigative journalism can shed light on systemic issues that Cise aims to address, advocating for change together. Through these efforts, the press can play a vital role in amplifying Cise's voice and driving positive impact in the fashion industry.

This year, the Cartier Women's Initiative has added an award that is open to all genders. Can you share why you think this is an important step for the program?

As a member of the Cartier Women's Initiative community and a recipient of the first-place award, I am particularly grateful for the program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). The inclusion of an award open to all genders marks an important step toward creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment. I am honored and humbled to have been recognized and supported by the Cartier Women's Initiative, and winning first place further highlights the program's dedication to fostering diverse talent and driving positive change. This experience has reinforced the value of DE&I in entrepreneurship and serves as a powerful example for other initiatives, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.

What's your vision for the future of Cise?

Our vision for the future of Cise is to evolve into a leading mission-driven fashion brand and establish ourselves as a household name in the luxury space. Our focus will be on expanding our product offerings, with a strong emphasis on our mission and incorporating alternative materials and production methods. We aim to become a platform for collaboration and empowerment, working alongside local artists, artisans, and community organizations. Through all of these efforts, we aspire to inspire positive change in the fashion industry, demonstrating that style and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. 

Moving forward, we are committed to the continuous evolution of our mission. We seek innovative ways to contribute to a more equitable society, remain steadfast in our support for underrepresented communities, and advocate for social justice. The tragic event of George Floyd's murder served as a catalyst for our movement, propelling us to take bolder steps toward a more inclusive and just world.

How did you start Pantys?

We launched Pantys in 2017, and at that time, there were menstrual underwear brands in other markets, mostly focused on leakproof solutions in markets where the dominant preference for menstrual use is tampons, like the U.S., Australia, and parts of Europe. 

One big insight that we had in Latin America and Brazil specifically is that 90% of the market uses external pads or disposable pads, which is a huge number. Pads are the least comfortable and most wasteful solution for menstruation. It really inspired us to develop a liner technology that was much more absorbent—that wouldn't just be used as a backup to avoid leaks but would actually replace disposable pads.

We launched products that were much more absorbent but also comfortable and aesthetically beautiful. In Latin America, people really like having nice lingerie, and we knew that we couldn't just launch a brand that was focused on a functional solution. It had to be cool, and it had to be desirable to inspire that big change and shift, especially because a lot of consumers are concerned around functionality and hygiene.

What do you wish people knew about leakproof underwear in general and Pantys specifically?

I think for us the biggest challenge has always been that psychological barrier of switching menstrual products. Most of our first-time customers are purchasing because they want a solution that's more sustainable, and they want to stop using disposable products. But then they come back, and they purchase because the products are much more comfortable. They're seeing a huge quality-of-life difference in terms of how they relate to their bodies and menstrual cycle. It feels much more natural. They see that menstruation isn't dirty or waste from the body—it's a pure fluid. 

As menstrual underwear, you have to wash it, so you're even physically more in contact with your cycle. I think that has a huge emotional impact on our customers and helps normalize something that is very natural but for decades has been portrayed as something that is not normal, dirty, or even medical, as we saw with the blue liquid that we grew up watching on commercials.

How does Pantys differentiate itself from other leakproof-underwear brands?

I think we really focus on being best in class both in terms of health and sustainability. On the healthcare side, we are the first and only clinically approved menstrual underwear in the world. Today, menstrual underwear in every country is regulated as a paro-product, which doesn't have much regulation in terms of production and commercialization in the market. 

We went through the same processes of clinical studies that any pad or tampon or FDA-approved medical product would have to go through to meet the same level of standards. We did not only safety and functionality tests but also quality-of-life tests. We did those both in vivo and in vitro, so in lab settings but also with human trial participants. For example, 73% of our users say they forget they're on their period when they use our product, which is a huge quality-of-life impact. We saw a 100% reduction in self-disturbance. We saw reported increases in levels of productivity, comfort, and sense of hygiene. It's really exciting to see people make that switch and see the impact of that product in numbers.

I also think that because we have launched in a number of very fashionable retailers in Brazil, we have over 3000 points of sale there. But in Europe, we have a really broad portfolio of products that are really desirable and a brand that is desirable as well. For example, we launched the first leakproof nursing bra in the world. After underwear, we launched a teen line; a pharmacy line that is at a less expensive price point but uses the same technology; a maternity line with our leakproof, absorbent nursing bras; a fitness line; a swimwear line; [and] boxers for trans men who menstruate. 

We have this philosophy that co-creating with our community helps us to focus so that we're not innovating just to innovate. … We're innovating to really help solve a market need, and we're understanding those unmet needs in the market. As a natively digital brand, even if it's less than 1% of the market, if we're solving a real problem for them, we really focus on driving that quality-of-life difference and driving that value even if it's a niche consumer. So we are really dedicated to innovating with a focus on inclusivity, and that has enabled us to create an interesting and diverse portfolio that has also been a big differentiator for us.

How has being part of the Cartier Women's Initiative impacted your business?

The Cartier Women's Initiative program is so well structured, and there are so many different components to it, from the mentorship to award week to community with other fellows. For me, all of those have been incredibly valuable for the business and for me personally as a professional and for our team. I'm an engineer, and I've always been focused on building amazing product and experience and communication, but I'm not a natural salesperson, so it's been fun to work on building that muscle and better understanding the strategy behind sales. It was nice to have the resources from CWI to empower our team and engage them in our experience as well. We have really just started our journey with CWI, and I look forward to staying an active part of the community going forward.

What's next for Pantys?

We're always innovating on a number of different fronts. We have new lines of products that we're launching this year, which we're really excited about. In terms of commercial strategy, we're very focused on growing our digital and e-commerce sales. We also have new channels and partnerships that we will be launching in a few markets over the next few months, more on the B2B front, which is exciting. 

On the social- and environmental-impact front, we will be launching a platform that allows us to accept donations from companies and individuals to help donate reusable products to end menstrual poverty. We have a three-pillar approach for our projects focused on menstrual poverty: products, education, and policy. If you donate a pad, you give access for one month, but if you donate a reusable product, you give access for years. Right now, we have over 5000 girls and women on wait lists to receive products. While we are already donating part of our sales to help (we have donated more than $1 million in menstrual products), we wanted to find a way to accelerate that, so we're looking forward to doing that with this new platform. I also have a masters in public health, which has shaped a lot of our approach to take a stakeholder view of the market and recognize that as a multi-billion-dollar industry, it's also a human right. CWI has been a big highlight for us so far, and we're just thrilled that they will be together with us on this journey and help improve our impact. 

Next up, check out our interview with one of last year's awardees.

There was a time not too long ago when watches were a rare sighting in the fashion world, particularly on women. Perhaps one would show up on Instagram in the form of an #ad on your favorite influencer's feed. But for the most part, timepieces didn't take up a large part of the conversation. In the last few years, though, watches have not only reintroduced themselves to the fashion world, but they have also become a staple on every chic woman's wrist. I have the data to prove it. 

In 2022, over 170,000 luxury timepieces were listed on eBay, the resale site shared with Who What Wear. Though only one aspect of an overall booming luxury market following the pandemic (according to eBay, watches, handbags, jewelry, and sneakers of the high-end variety have seen double-digit year-over-year growth on the platform since the end of 2019), timepieces are proving to be the area to watch as long-term investments overtake high-quantity, low-quality buys and the quiet-luxury aesthetic pulls ahead of maximalism. "In eBay's three largest markets—U.S., UK, and Germany—female [and] Gen Z purchases of luxury watches were up double digits in 2022 compared to 2021," the company says. 

Since a watch that will hold its value for years doesn't often come with the type of price tag you can blindly say yes to, nine times out of 10, shoppers need a bit of preparation before moving forward with their purchase. That's why I called on eBay to gather some data around the top-selling watches right now, the buzziest trends in the space, and the next It styles for fashion people, all of which I've laid out below. Keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know about watches in 2023.

Top Sellers

Cartier Tank

Designed by Louis Cartier, Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier's grandson, in 1917, the Tank is said to have been inspired by the brand's square Santos timepiece as well as a French tank from the first World War. The first edition was named the Tank Normale, and the second was the Tank Cintrée. In the century since, many styles have been introduced to the product line and worn by icons like Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Michelle Obama. 

Shop Cartier Tank watches:

Omega Seamaster

If you're a fan of James Bond movies, you've probably seen an Omega Seamaster, which was first developed in 1948 and worn by both Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig during their days playing the international spy. These days, you're more likely to spot the classic diver watch on fashion people than Bond actors, with the likes of Alessandra Ambrosio and Zoë Kravitz both being fans of the iconic timepiece and more Omega styles. 

Shop Omega Seamaster watches:

Rolex Datejust

Rolex's Datejust style was the first-ever self-winding timepiece to showcase the date on the dial when it debuted in 1945. Arguably one of the most well-known luxury watches of all, variations of the style have been spotted on the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Hailey Bieber, Addison Rae, and more.

Shop Rolex Datejust watches:

Seiko Presage

Though the Japanese watch brand Seiko has been around for over 100 years, its Presage line hasn't had quite as long of a lifetime, as it didn't launch until 2016. Even so, the clean, Japan-inspired timepiece collection is already a fan favorite. 

Shop Seiko Presage watches:

Tag Heuer Formula 1

With Formula One at its peak right now, it's no wonder that the Tag Heuer Formula 1 timepiece, which launched in 1986, is blowing up on the resale market. Known for its sporty aesthetic and sophisticated technology, the Formula 1 is a perfect choice for sports and watch fans alike. 

Shop Tag Heuer Formula 1 watches:

Fast-Rising Styles for Women

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra

According to eBay, in the U.S., UK, and Germany, searches for Van Cleef & Arpels's Alhambra watches have seen a significant spike in the period between March 2022 and March 2023, with searches for women's styles up over 100%.

Shop Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra watches:

Bulgari Serpenti

Bulgari's Serpenti watch style has likewise grown significantly among women, with searches in the same three markets up over 70% in 2023. Of course, it doesn't hurt when Camila Morrone, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Dua Lipa are all seen donning them. 

Shop Bulgari Serpenti watches:

Top Trend: Subtlety 

According to eBay, no trend is more sought-after right now in the world of luxury timepieces than subtlety, which makes perfect sense given the rise of the quiet-luxury trend in 2023. "Searches for the Cartier Baignoire and the Cartier Santos-Dumont in North America are up triple and double digits respectively in March 2023 over March 2022," a representative from the company shares. "Searches in eBay's three largest markets for small-face watches are up nearly 25% in March 2023 over March 2022."

Shop subtle watch styles:

Coming up next: These Are the 5 Watch Brands You'll Spot on Every Fashion Person

Opening Image: @anoukyve; @camillecharriere; @tylynnnguyen

I'm approaching summer with one bold idea: More is more when it comes to jewelry. And there's one collection that exhibits exactly that. With its new double-row stud designs, Clash de Cartier has once again pushed the boundaries to create jewels that embrace contrast any way you stack them. Sharp edges (a nod to the punk aesthetic) are beautifully blended with the soft curves of the gold (yellow, rose, and white) jewelry, emphasizing the power of duality. And I must say each piece is impeccable. Keep scrolling to see my favorite looks, including one that's all about doubling down on studs for summer.

Cue the master class on clashing. I'm loving the play on proportions in this look: the yellow-gold double-stud ring, miniskirt, small pendant necklace, and oversize watch. It all just works. Larger watches that have a borrowed-from-the-boys feel are having a moment in women's fashion right now. This year, I've seen more unique watch stacks than ever before, and I know it's due to the countless number of celebs and It girls showcasing their Cartier watches (the Santos de Cartier especially). I, for one, am very much here for it. And since mixing metals is so in, this two-toned model pairs perfectly with a Clash de Cartier bracelet. Add the new double-stud Clash ring—the first piece in this collection crafted in yellow gold—for a look that's sure to earn you compliments.

While this dress makes me think of the vivid summer sunsets we get here on the West Coast, the stacks of Clash jewels catch the light like no other. One thing I love is that the striking colors in this print mimic the same contrasting elements in the Clash de Cartier collection (the sharp edges and smooth lines I mentioned). I'm gravitating toward doubled-up jewelry for summer: two necklaces, two earrings, and two bracelets. It's as if the pieces were made to fit together like a puzzle. And if you can't choose just one, then this ultra-layered situation is definitely for you.

This outfit is all about denim, diamonds, and Clash for a look that has major wow factor for days. The outfit is styled with the new double-row stud bracelet (it's a showstopper), a classic tennis bracelet, and the Clash flexible bracelet for an eccentric, layered look with a chic twist. The rest of the stacks stay pared down, but the oversize single earring paired with an understated diamond hoop is a finishing touch that really emphasizes the spikiness of the complex design.

This season, crochet is getting an upgrade with intricate hand-woven details that add a touch of sophistication, like this oversize rosette on the top. That same complex detailing can be found in the craftsmanship of the Clash collection. There's something about wearing rose gold (with hints of diamonds because why not?) with this look that feels both playful and polished. Plus, the combination of the flexible-model and regular-model Clash bracelets adds that extra contrasting element to complete the look. If you don't see me walking the sands of Mykonos (or visiting the Cartier pop-up there) in this whole ensemble, then I'm doing something wrong.

You heard it here first: Bold and bright red is the color of the summer. The red hue of the outfit and the white-gold jewelry moment play into the boldness of this eye-catching look. The combination of the two just really pops. And if your heart skipped a beat when you saw the diamonds, I don't blame you. The unexpected pairing of the two Clash rings (one in the small size and the other in medium) makes the perfect unexpected statement.

Who What Wear co-founder Hillary Kerr has always inspired me. Her business expertise, style, and passion are only a few of her aspirational qualities. To top it all off, she’s a mother of two, so she’s the perfect person to look up to when it comes to balancing motherhood and an exceptional career.

While always in the mood to open something sparkly on Mother’s Day, Kerr admits she’s hoping to spend the holiday with the ultimate luxury: sleep. In fact, that’s her first piece of advice for mothers. "You have to take care of yourself, too,” she says. This Mother’s Day, she’s excited to spend time with her family and is dropping some hints about the gifts she’s dreaming of. At the top of her list is Cartier jewelry, which makes the perfect sentimental gift that can be cherished for generations. Below, she’s sharing the pieces she’s giving to her own mother, the memories she hopes to unbox this year, and the luxe items she’s not afraid to splurge on for herself. (She deserves it!) Keep reading for her best motherhood advice and top gifting picks. 

FOR HER MOTHER 

"This Mother’s Day, I’m gifting my incredible mom, of course! As the only child of an only child, I’ve always had a really close relationship with my mom, but now that I’m a mom myself, I feel like I have a whole new appreciation for the way she raised me. As for presents (Mom, stop reading!), I always splurge on my mom because it’s something she’d never do for herself. In a perfect world, I would get her the Santos de Cartier Watch because she loves a timepiece, especially one that’s a little oversize. I also think she’d love a Love bracelet. She’s human, after all!” — Kerr

FROM HER FAMILY 

"My husband knows that I love jewelry over everything else, so that part isn’t a surprise. His interpretation of what that means, though, is always a delight because he has the most incredible taste. In a perfect world, I dream of owning anything from the Clash de Cartier collection. I also have the Panthère de Cartier Ring on my wish list. It truly is the chicest piece!” — Kerr

FOR HERSELF 

"Perhaps unsurprisingly, when it comes to splurging on myself, I tend to go for fine jewelry and watches as well. I love the idea of creating a collection of sentimental pieces that mark all my major life events and then passing those pieces down to my daughter if she wants them. The first thing I will probably share is my beloved gold Panthère de Cartier Watch.” — Kerr

With February 14 just around the corner, we've got love on the brain in a big way, and so does Laila Gohar, an NYC artist and one of my personal style muses. This Valentine's Day, she's all about celebrating love in ways both big and small. Her idea of the perfect celebration involves an at-home, intimate meal for two, so I'm sitting down with the artist in her Tribeca loft, which is filled with as much light as it is love, to talk all things food, romance, and the best Cartier gifts to celebrate love.

Gohar's knack for making things beautiful becomes abundantly clear as I watch her in action. She embodies a chic yet playful vision not only when designing her own tablescapes but also when styling herself. "I'm constantly on my feet and travel a lot for work, as well as going between my home and studio, so I like to wear things that are versatile and can carry me throughout the day," she says. "I wear my jewelry every day and never take it off."

I love the way she mixes and matches pieces with intention—it feels luxe yet wearable. "Cartier jewelry feels timeless and classic and can be dressed up or more casual—that's what I love about it," Gohar says. "I remember being a little girl and discovering the LOVE bracelet. There was no way for me to afford or access it, but I really, really wanted one. Jewelry is forever, and it can be passed down, so for that reason it makes a timeless gift."

"I worked at restaurants for a bunch of years as well as assisting artists, and over time, that evolved into what I do now," she tells me as she arranges a rainbow of lettuces with precision. 

As for what's on her Valentine's Day table, Gohar is keeping it simple. "At home, my partner and I cook together… I love cooking simple things for the people I love: a lot of vegetables, fish, and salads. I don't think it has to be really elaborate even though a lot of my work is very elaborate," she admits. Of course, there's beauty in simplicity.

As Gohar sits down to write out the evening's menu on special Cartier stationery she tells me about her and her partner's love story. "We used to be friends for many years before we got together. It was a very natural interaction, but also exciting. On the one hand, you know somebody so well, but then there's this intimate side you get to discover. We don't really do much when it comes to big milestones, but to me, every day is worth celebrating."

For more dreamy Valentine's Day gifts, discover the Cartier collections here.

Many of us associate the early noughties with the rise of the It bag, but in reality, the concept of the designer handbag as one of the more conspicuous status symbols was introduced many decades before. The iconic Hermès Birkin dates back to the 1980s, Chanel's 2.55 to 1955 and Gucci's Jackie to 1961. Tried and true, these classics remain untouchable today. But the difference was that in the Y2K era, these "must-have" bags—which, back then, were all bells and whistles—changed with the turn of each season. Although many an editor still shares a fondness for Mulberry's original Alexa or Chloé's instantly recognisable Paddington, even the wealthiest of the fashion elite began to tire of such an expensive, exhausting and wasteful cycle. What followed was an extended period of Phoebe Philo–led quiet luxury and the kind of understated leather goods that only those in the know would notice. Logos, hardware and fussy design features were out, and subtle, practical styles came in.

"Understated, relaxed items crafted with exceptional quality will always be important to the luxury client," says Sabrina Cannon, chief sales officer at Threads Styling. "Clients are definitely more considered in the way they shop. The spending power is still there, and investment in luxury is still big, but it's exactly that, an investment." And so, in 2023, we find ourselves in a zone where the best of both worlds can co-exist to great effect. Sure, you can seek out the most trend-driven handbags if you want, but there are plenty of timeless, easy styles to carry that still come with all of the pizzazz and wow of something fresh. 

From Saint Laurent to Celine, Cartier to Bottega Veneta, the new wave of key designer bags for spring 2023 is, in fact, full of styles that could last a lifetime and feel suitable for everyday wear. There is an ease that brands are aware they need to weave into the very DNA of these designs, and the bags are meant to work hard for the money. You should be able to use them without complication, with multiple outfits and for varying occasions. Most of all, these bags need to fit into your existing looks rather than compete against them. "Luxury consumers are increasingly opting to search for items that work with what they already own over buying something new or on-trend," explains Erica Wright, founder and CEO at Sourcewhere, the fashion-sourcing app used by countless industry people and A-listers.

Following a deep dive into the handbags that our audience has engaged most with across the luxury space, there are some clear themes at play. First, neutral hues are king, which perhaps comes as no surprise when we know that tan, black, brown and grey styles provide plenty of flexibility for combining with different looks. "Our customers have also been gravitating towards a more muted colour palette than in recent seasons favouring suede materials and soft, earthy tones such as browns, beiges and touches of khaki—a shift which was prevalent in A/W 23 pre-collections too," confirms Romilly Proctor, senior buyer at MATCHESFASHION.

Second, the chosen styles for readers to invest in are often anti-trend and made up of bona fide classics, like smart shoulder bags, simple leather totes or easy crossbody bags you can throw on every day—all are easy to carry in multiple ways with different-length straps and are roomy enough to fit in the essentials. Logos, clasps and details are at a minimum, with the occasional monogram creeping in in its subtlest form, such as a beige Gucci GG-woven canvas. 

Keep scrolling to discover 2023's key bag styles in more detail. And remember: An It bag isn't just for one season but a lifetime!

Gucci has no shortage of key styles: Marmont, Disco, Horsebit, Ophidia… I could be here all day. But one particular silhouette is perhaps the most important and coveted of them all: Jackie 1961. Originally created in, you guessed it, 1961 and inspired by Jackie Onassis, the Jackie was reintroduced back in 2020 when Alessandro Michele was first at the helm of Gucci's creative direction. The designer has now left the business, and the debut line from new appointment Sabato De Sarno will arrive in September. Whatever changes occur at the top, there's no denying that the Jackie will remain current and on the arms of fashion's leading lights. 

Jackie returns yet again in a subtly tweaked form for spring 2023: The bag still features the signature lock and curved-yet-structured cut, but you'll find different sizes and a variety of colours and finishes as well as adjustable straps so you can carry it as a neat shoulder bag or with a longer strap for a crossbody option. It's the small iteration in a hardy grain leather that appealed to our fashion team the most thanks to the fact it is deceptively capacious yet looks really smart, which makes it the perfect option for a diary packed full of different events. You can go one step smaller with a mini and also size up with a large, depending on your bag needs.

Loewe's Paseo—in both its jumbo and scaled-down forms—is a sure bet for the many fashion purists out there who favour minimalism above all else. Loewe and Creative Director Jonathan Anderson's schtick for cool handbags that stand the test of time is second to none. The Puzzle, first introduced in 2014, still makes hearts beat faster, as does the Flamenco, the Hammock and the Cushion… The list goes on. All feature design details that are complex, considered and incredibly complicated to reproduce (hence the very few "homages" you'll find to Loewe bags on the high street), and the Paseo is no exception. 

When translated from Spanish, paseo essentially means a leisurely stroll, something that one could do easily with this bag because it has been expertly crafted to be ultra lightweight despite its spacious dimensions. Made from super-supple nappa leather, the runway-featured bag comes in many a tempting hue, from burgundy and camel to pistachio and acid yellow, as well as versions that feature a detailed chain handle instead of the leather piped strap. My favourite? It's a tie between the Warm Desert pictured here and the Burgundy. I predict we'll see a lot of this delightful style over the coming fashion month period, but don't let that hype moment fool you: It will remain on the arms of fashion people for years to come.

Anthony Vaccarello's Saint Laurent continues its dominance over the industry as we get into the swing of 2023, influencing everything from the resurgence of maxi hemlines to the sudden desire many of us now have for an enormous quilted shopping tote—you can blame the celebrity-adored Icare, which is permanently sold out all over the globe, making it Lyst's hottest product of Q4 last year.

The Icare will undeniably continue to be popular this year, but I'd like to draw your attentions to another handbag style family at the fashion house that has the potential to provide you with a key style you'll wear on repeat for many seasons to come: Saint Laurent's Solferino range centres on sophisticated satchel styles in a variety of colours and finishes, including a range of quilted finishes that I think will be highly sought-after. Black-and-white versions play into the archive and offer something neutral without being too plain. The YSL lock features a little catch that requires you to rotate the letters away from the bottom corner of the L—it's a quirky detail to consider instead of a simple magnet fastening underneath the flap. 

Does Prada's Moon bag look familiar to you? Well, the eagled-eyed Miuccia superfans out there might recognise this style from 2002, when it was first created at the Italian fashion house. Following the success of Prada's other Re-edition pieces, such as the nylon bags that have been wildly popular over the last few years, there is yet more from the archive that feels right for today. But really, this has always been the magic of a Prada purchase—totally trend-less (despite the fact the brand basically sets the trends). You'll find that items from across the decades manage to feel relevant and work together.

The Moon is a bijou grab bag with a top handle, a slightly padded leather exterior, a chunky buckle and, of course, the signature ton-sur-ton triangle logo. It is smaller scale than many of the other designer styles featured here, but not everyone is into all-but-the-kitchen-sink totes. If you're the kind of person who likes to go about your day with only the bare necessities in tow, the Moon is a very enjoyable solution.

Although you will find shades such as black and tan, it's the offbeat hues that feel the most Prada, in my opinion, and they're worth exploring even if they feel out of your wheelhouse. For all the basic outfit formulas one can rely upon, a joyful bag in an unexpected colour will always add a layer of interest. We couldn't help but fall for this chartreuse—technically speaking, Citreon Green—leather iteration, and you'd be surprised by just how many other colours it works with. Expect to see this style all over fashion month and beyond.

Celine's Conti not only signals the return of the supersized tote but also the styling notion of carrying them in the crook of one's arm. For the S/S 23 collection, Creative, Artistic and Image Director Hedi Slimane flourished many of the models with a slick Conti toted in a way that was reminiscent of the noughties It-girl era. Walking to a Libertines track from 2004 and wearing the sort of relaxed bohemian outfits Kate Moss and Co. would've chosen at the time, the Conti was the perfect foil to a pared-back version of this era's wardrobe. 

But the Conti isn't all flashback and nostalgia. It also works for today. Considering just how useful they are in a handbag collection, there are few grown-up totes along these lines that have been given the attention and love they perhaps deserve from design houses. First up, the range of hues ticks all the bases: tan, black, chocolate suede and more. The interior contains multiple additional pockets so that the contents of your bag won't wildly rattle around. The belt fastening is functional rather than solely decorative, and it makes this roomy shopper a secure option for city folks. Although the leather is of the finest quality—it has been meticulously selected, don't you know—you shouldn't be afraid of the fact that eventually battering it in (as is de rigueur according to data from The RealReal via Coveteur) could make it an even more charming heirloom piece. 

This particular style is currently unavailable online but you can shop at Celine’s London flagship (40 New Bond Street).

Bottega Veneta's Cassette bag was first introduced in 2019 as a modern, exaggerated take on the brand's signature Intrecciato weave and became a street style hit almost overnight. The rectangular crossbody satchel joined the brand's new-guard line-up as a permanent fixture alongside other key bag styles such as the Pouch, Mini Jodie and the Loop. All share some commonalities: sumptuous leathers, exciting hues and quirky details that set them apart from more affordable brands that simply cannot execute to this standard. 

What's new for the Cassette this season is its finish. The Cassette Foulard—aka the French word fashion people use for a silk scarf—indicates the interesting technique that has been applied to this bag's woven leather finish. The textural, pinch effect adds a further layer of ASMR pleasure to paper-craft leather, making this handbag not only a practical piece of equipment but a really satisfying one too. What works so beautifully here is that the silhouette of the design is entirely classic, but the rendering is completely new and unusual. The Foulard, which has already been chosen by both Dua Lipa and Margot Robbie, comes in a range of more daring colours that you'd associate with the new era of the Italian fashion house, such as pool turquoise, avocado, a punchy sunburst orange and gold metallic. 

The Cassette Foulard is available in medium and small sizes, as well as a similar version that features a '90s-style top handle (rather than a crossbody strap) called the Brick Cassette.

Introducing Chloé's Edith for 2023, a re-edited, ultra-luxe version of the brand's popular equestrian-inspired handbag range. Under the creative lead of Gabriela Hearst, the new iteration is minimalistic in design, featuring a rectangular silhouette that is more structured than its previous, freer form. What does remain is the brand's signature top-stitching to add texture and interest to a clean handbag that could work seamlessly into many a professional's wardrobe.

Pictured here is the medium Mocha Brown tote version, which also features leather-wrapped handles (great for extra grip), a top buckle fastening for extra security and a detachable crossbody strap. It is big and roomy, ideal for someone who wants a smart style that can hold a work tablet, notepad or other daily must-haves, for example. Chloé's Edith range extends to this style but scaled down into a medium-sized zip-top version, a shoulder bag featuring a utilitarian pocket on the front, a cross-body pouch and even a collaboration with Barbour using the brand's signature wax-cotton fabric to create a laid-back kind of tote.

Cartier's edit of luxury leather goods is purposefully concise, comprising only a handful of precisely crafted, ultra-classic designs that will undoubtedly remain in the maison's collection for the foreseeable, therefore becoming iconic, collectable and well worth holding on to for the next generation. In that family, alongside the Panthère and the Guirlande, is the Double C de Cartier—an elegant selection of handbags, jewellery and more that puts the brand's serif-style monogram front and centre.

This particular pale-pink style is the Mini Model Shoulder—an elegant flap-front satchel that features an adjustable single strap, which can be doubled up to be worn as a shoulder bag. The enamel double-C clasp can be pinched at the two bottom corners to open up the middle parting and fastened back into place with a satisfying click. Unlike some other box bags on the bijou end of the spectrum, the interior has been carefully designed to feature three separate compartments, one flat pocket, one signature pocket and a removable mirror. What makes this exact version even more interesting is the use of two ever-so-slightly different shades of calf leather, lending the already graphic bag a 3D effect from different angles. The delightful coral, pictured here, will be available in March, but there are other similar options, such as the pink, that you can shop below.

And don't forget there is the option to add embossing to your chosen style either with or without foil—chic!

Creative Director Matthew M. Williams's latest Givenchy line riffs on the biker-chic style favoured by Parisians, so it's not a surprise to find a useful everyday bag at the core of his message. We actually first spied the Voyou for A/W 22, but it was when Bella Hadid took to the runway wearing S/S 23's debut look—a denim bralette, maxi skirt and matchy-matchy denim Voyou—that things really stepped up a gear.

Adorning the Voyou is a smattering of hardware details that hark back to moto references, but what I really liked about this metalwork was that it is inclusive of both gold and silver in the same bag—meaning you can easily match this to your jewellery and/or watch without experiencing that clash that can so often come with accessories. As far as ease goes, thanks to its slouchy V-form; long, chuck-it-over-your-body straps; and the overlapping opening, this is perhaps the most casual of all the styles in this article. 

There is certainly a hint of the Y2K era with the Voyou (as there is across much of the It-bag landscape this year), but I think we can all agree this is a much chicer and more restrained take, especially when you opt in for simple hues such as black. Saying that, if you want something punchier, the Voyou also comes in hot pink, crackled silver, lime green and many more vibrant shades. 

Everyone has a "first watch" story. For some, it can be a beautiful, sentimental gift for a big occasion. For others, it's a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation as a testament to time and womanhood. For others, like me, it's a plastic yellow-and-green monstrosity with a bite-sized watch face that had ears on its side. This was no Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak—it was a frog watch. My first watch was designed to look like an amphibian.

That wasn't my first "real" watch, though. The piece came later on in life as a graduation present from my parents, who promptly decided I needed a sophisticated watch to enter corporate America at the ripe old age of 23. (It's actually something I raved about to Who What Wear before I joined the staff.) They suggested a frilly, dainty watch with a rose gold band and delicate diamonds to embrace femininity. Like most impressionable young adults, I instead chose one I saw on Bella Hadid. The rest was history, and thus, I cemented my place as a cool, chic person who wears watches all the time with both sweatpants and cocktail dresses. I was thrilled. 

I'm not the only one. Instead of a five-figure investment handbag or a pair of Manolos, today's trendy status symbol du jour is a watch. If you're paying attention, it's the watch: an all-gold Cartier Panthère de Cartier. Hadid has one, and Nicola Peltz Beckham has two. Your favorite influencer has one as well. But besides every person on your #FYP, who's keeping track? Surprisingly, not the watch brands. 

Although brands are making strides to appeal to women, Brynn Wallner, creator of Dimepiece, a woman-focused online watch platform, tells Who What Wear that there are few and far pieces on the market right now that speak to what women actually want. Traditional celebrity-filled watch advertisements always felt too glitzy and frilly and unattainable for Wallner, who didn't care for the overly gendered pink, delicate, gem-set watches that were pushed toward female clientele.

"Now, thanks to social media, women are having conversations about watches that aren't so niche or nerdy or come with predisposed knowledge," Wallner explains. A quick glance at her comment section filled with New York City It girls confirms her sentiments—most of them are turning to the vintage-watch market to fuel their timepiece cravings. 

Although wristwatches primarily relied on a female clientele when first invented, as men used pocket watches to tell time, a slow, steady decline of women-first watch styles, advertisements, and marketing tactics have all but eliminated women from the watch space. Of course, female customers and collectors still exist, but they're largely outnumbered by the die-hard male fanatics who spend time arguing on Reddit forums about what nitty-gritty mechanical aspects of a watch are better, Wallner explains. 

Frankly, for the average person, it isn't very interesting. Most first-time watch buyers don't place nearly as much importance on automatic versus mechanical movements or what precious metal the crown is made out of. When buying my first watch, all I cared about was that it told me the time (even if I'm perpetually late) and looked good on. It's not that people who only care about the aesthetics behind a timepiece, especially a luxury buy, are superficial. In reality, it's because watches haven't been as heavily marketed to women as they have to men over the last 80 years. In this case, it really is the patriarchy bringing us down.

"I think brands are finally starting to catch on about the need to market to women. There's quite a bit of ways to go, but I always think about how women have some of the most spending power, but there are still missing pieces from that puzzle when it comes to education and access," says Dana Li, creator of Tell the Time, another women's watch resource. "Instead of just taking a product shot of a watch that doesn't tell you anything, brands should have women modeling the watches and styling them."

Today, it feels like more and more women are getting into watches—and not the delicate ones major watch brands have been trying to shove down our throats. Smaller watches with square faces, like the Cartier Panthère de Cartier and Tank, have been gaining popularity after a string of swoon-worthy celebrity placements. Li loves the idea of a powerful watch, one used as a milestone marker for a major event. I admitted to her that my not only was my graduation watch choice was inspired by Hadid and a fashion editor whom I admire who bought the same piece for themselves after a nasty divorce.

"You'll see women on TikTok or Instagram wear these huge yellow gold [Eye of the Tiger] Rolex Daytonas that are a bold statement on its own but then stacking it with bracelets," Li says. It's more than just a wrist shot at that point, she explains. Rather, this represents an unapologetic culture of women finally getting to flex their purchases just as men do and not being shamed for it. "It's fire," Li says, laughing. Michelle Yeoh, with her diamond-encrusted Richard Mille watch, is her watch-style North Star. Honestly, I'd break Dry January to toast to that.

Although I'm at the start of adulthood, there will come a time when my friends and I will logically advance to the next steps in our lives—career or otherwise—where most of us will have something to brag over. Perhaps it's a long-awaited engagement or a hefty promotion. Sooner or later, we'll have "fuck you" watches for ourselves, an outward sign that Gen Z is growing up, getting old, and investing in pieces that will last a lifetime. While watches have traditionally existed outside of the current fast-paced fashion ecosystem due to production timelines and limited stock, models, influencers, and celebrities are somehow all snagging the same exact watch at the same exact time, creating the ideal breeding ground for a cost-prohibitive trend to emerge.

I asked Who What Wear's resident watch girl, Eliza Huber, for her take on the uptick in interest over the last few years.

"For many, such an intense period of upheaval and uncertainty during the pandemic led to a shift in focus away from quantity and toward quality. And since hardly anything is more luxurious than a watch by a maker like Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piquet, it's natural for many to invest in their products, thus buying things that felt safe and stable," she explains. Both of Huber's watches came into her life post-2020. 

As for what Li and Wallner want to see in the watch world in 2023, it's more creativity and thoughtfulness from watch brands and how they market themselves to women, with antiquated notions of gendered watches being thrown out the window. Women look incredibly sick with oversize, bulky watches, Li says, while more men have been wearing smaller watches, an interesting change in a culture where styles, sizes, and accessibility have been split among gender lines for so long. 

Those looking to step up their watch game in the New Year, look no further. While all starter watches are different based on price point, aesthetic desires, and lifestyles, Li recommends getting a watch that speaks to you and only you—affordable or otherwise. No, you don't need an iced-out Patek Philippe that costs more than a down payment on a New York City Tribeca loft to begin your collection, despite what luxury-watch collectors will have you believe. 

If you won't take it from Hadid, take it from the experts themselves: If you're going to spend your hard-earned cash on anything this year, let it be a watch. Below, browse my curated list of It-girl finds, starter-watch gems, and timeless classics that'll go with just about anything. 

Shop my favorite watches:

There’s no denying that at Who What Wear we love the French women style. French women have mastered effortless elegance like no other–and whilst the clichè pieces such a breton tops, berets and red lipstick are all staples, there are others things in their arsenal that we look to too. Neat blazers, cute cardigans and expensive-looking denim (that always somehow seems to fit as if it was made for the very person wearing it) are other must-have wardrobe essentials. But there’s one small addition that people often overlook: Watches. 

I’ve been looking to invest in a watch for a while as I have a big birthday coming up and thought this would be the perfect excuse to treat myself. The thing is though, it’s a tough decision to make, because whilst I may change a coat, a pair of shoes or a bag depending on my outfit, the occasion or the weather, the watch I buy really needs to pair with everything. Also, despite being a shopping expert, I’m admittedly a bit of a watch novice.

Which is why I’m looking to the style set that are known for their timeless capsule wardrobes as a guide. I don’t want a statement piece or a fleeting accessory ‘du jour,’ I want a forever timepiece that will go with everything. So, from Camille Charrière to Julie Berard, I paid close attention to the wrists of some of the French girls whose style I admire the most and collated some key style lessons when watch shopping. 

1. In France, Cartier is King. 

Style Notes: When considering French-made watches, the brand that always comes to mind is Cartier. In fact, this isn't limited to France or with French women–with Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, Gwyneth Paltrow and many, many more having be known to sport the Cartier Panthère, Tank and Ballon Bleu styles over the years. 

2. Classic Metals Rule

Style Notes: Don't have a Cartier budget? Perhaps you want to try a new style but don't want to invest too heavily? No problem–there are so many affordable brands offering elegant designer-looking watches that have the same traditional silver/gold setting. From Citizen to Rotary and Tissot, to Instagram favourites, Charlie Paris and Daniel Wellington, there are plenty out there that prove you don't have to break the bank to stay on time.

3. Parisians Love Vintage

Style Notes: It's certainly no secret that Paris is home to some of the best vintage shops, and Parisians are some of the most experienced when it comes to second-hand sourcing. If you're looking for something unique, vintage may be the best option. From designer to lesser-known brands, Goldsmiths have an excellent vintage selection, and what's more is it's sustainable too!

4. Think Less Statement, More Understated

Style Notes: When it comes to French style–and I really can't stress this enough–less is always more. This same rule applies for watches. A timepiece doesn't need to be encrusted with diamonds to shine, nor does it a coloured face and pattern. Don't go too oversized, rather something that fits your wrist well and compliments your skin tone. The idea is to own something that blends in, or really ties together, everything else you're wearing. 

5. Plain Leather Straps Are Cute Too

Style Notes: Whilst many look to silver, gold and stainless steel link straps, leather is also a popular choice, and one I personally think is more classic. Black leather with gold hardware is a favourite, but silver and tan leather are equally chic. Again, we're talking dainty rather than chunky.

6. For More Fashion-Forward Pieces, Look to Designer Names

Style Notes: With luxury watches, you can either opt for brands that specialise in timepieces, or high-end designers that offer them as part of their wider accessories collection. Whilst some will tell you those that specialise in watches will have better accuracy, quality and technology, and luxury houses will offer have the fashion-forward 'look', nowadays you can expect the same level of accuracy and quality of material anywhere with a high price tag. And if you want to go all out on the French style, then it makes sense to invest in French brands– so look to Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Breguet and so on. 

Next Up: Trust Me: These Are the Luxury Accessories That Are Actually Worth the Money

I recently visited Paris with Cartier to meet Mathilde Laurent, the in-house perfumer for the storied brand, to visit the exhibition OSNI2 The Scented Myth. The event sees Cartier's iconic Panthère fragrance brought to life through light, sound and scent. It's an immersive 360 experience of how perfume can make us feel, tapping into all of the senses. The scented installation (which features perfume falling from the ceiling, illuminated with Cartier's panther motif) really is the meeting of art and fragrance.

"In this installation, I wanted to awaken people to the pleasure leading with your five senses," says Laurent. "Scent is what people forget or are not conscious of—but it's the most important sense. It is the only one which is directly going to centres in the brain related to instinct, emotion and memories." In other words, wearing and experiencing fragrance can help us tap into a mindset, which is why many of us might choose a perfume to suit our mood or circumstances on any given day.

Naturally, when I knew I would be sitting down with Laurent to discuss all things fragrance, you can best believe that I had several questions on the world of fragrance. After all, who better to ask than someone who knows everything there is to know about perfume?

Lately, our readers have been interested in how to smell expensive. We all seem to want to indulge in the little luxuries in life, but what does that smell like, exactly? Are there perfumes that smell more luxurious than others, and how does the way we wear our perfume affect how we are perceived? Of all the categories in beauty, it seems that fragrance ties closely into this notion.

So I put my questions to Laurent, and I've shared her insights below, including the common mistakes we're making when we choose to wear our fragrance. Spoiler: Everything you know about perfume will be turned on its head.

1. Smelling expensive is just a notion.

"Luxury is really a notion," says Laurent. There is no real way to smell expensive, because that will be open to interpretation to everyone. Sure, a viral perfume that everyone is coining expensive-smelling (and the dupes that inevitably follow them) may lure us in, but it can loose its lustre when it's suddenly worn by everyone.

"I could answer that a luxurious scent is one that has never been smelt before," she says. "But for me, what is a real luxury in perfumery is to be able to get the joy of discovering something new. Too many perfumes are too similar to others, and I’m not sure we get a lot of pleasure from them. My feeling is that these perfumes just make us smell good socially." While it is nice to get compliments on your perfume from others, it shouldn't be the sole reason for choosing it—which brings us on to mistake number two. Whether you like a men's perfume or your grandmother's perfume, what matters is that you like it.

2. Don't choose a perfume just for compliments.

Who doesn't love being complimented on their fragrance? It's a nice feeling, but when you're choosing a scent, it should be because you like it—even if no one else does. "This installation was originally meant to be called tainted aura," explains Laurent. "When you receive compliments when you wear a perfume, it’s not really about the scent; it’s your aura," she says. In other words, it's about how you wear the scent, not the scent wearing you.

"An aura is what you are radiating, the perfume and yourself," she says. "If you wear a perfume that you really love and brings you joy, then you feel really exceptional and confident it changes how you radiate, it changes your aura. This is what perfume can bring. It’s totally different from other accessories because you really carry it, it carries you, you wear it on your skin—it’s you," she says. It’s exactly how you wear the fragrance and how you choose it for yourself, without consideration for what others could think.

3. You're wearing too much perfume.

I'll put my hands up—I'm guilty of this one, especially when it comes to topping up perfume throughout the day. "What’s important is to not apply too much perfume," says Laurent. "I always advise that the first day of wearing a new perfume, you apply the perfect dose. You do four sprays, never add more. Even if you don’t smell it, other people smell it. Because it’s the best way to invade others!" Instead, she recommends experimenting with how you wear your perfume. "I will often advise to apply perfume before you shower. The alchemy of water and perfume in the shower is wonderful," she says. "You can add perfume after your shower, and you will have a perfectly refined way to wear your perfume."

4. Placement is key.

We've all heard that you should apply perfume to your pulse points, like your wrists and neck, right? Turns out that in Laurent's perfumery training at Versailles, that isn't a rule as such. "They are rather recent rules," says Laurent. "I often say that freedom is more important than rules. If you like to perfume your neck or your hair, because when they move it is also very pleasant, you can. You can perfume your knees. It’s instinctive and has to be instinctive. You can follow the rules if you like to feel secure, but you can also invent your own way to wear perfume."

And if you really want your scent to last all day, she recommends spraying on your clothes, rather than on your skin. "If you want to get the best of your perfume I would perfume your clothes because as the skin is warmer, the perfume will always evaporate quicker," she says. "To perfume your clothes is a good way to smell it and to keep it on for longer."

5. Don't top up with an eau de parfum.

It can be annoying when your fragrance seems to disappear throughout the day, but avoid dousing yourself in a heavy eau de parfum. "If you don’t smell your perfume very well—everyone gets used to their perfume—then I would advise to buy it also in the eau de toilette version and spray sometimes, just one spray, to refresh during the day," says Laurent, which avoids the risk of overwhelming your nose and the ones around you. "This can be for your own personal pleasure and to feel confident, you can spray it on a handkerchief or a little on the wrist to smell it for yourself so you’re sure you’re not bothering other people around you." 

She also recommends choosing a single-note perfume to give your fragrance a boost during the day. "These are very pure, simple and fresh scents, and you can add them on any perfume you wear," she says, recommending both Cartier's L'Heure Brillante (£250) and Eau de Toilette Pur Kinkan Les Epures de Parfum (£250). "It creates something very pleasant, and you feel fresh and confident for the afternoon or evening," she says.

6. Don't wear perfume to dinner.

"There are occasions when people think they must put perfume on. It’s really funny, in fact. Then, very often, they put a lot of perfume on because they say, 'I'm going out!'" says Laurent. And you'll know how someone else's overwhelming fragrance can be distracting. "When you go to the restaurant or you go to the theatre, don’t put perfume on. Because when you got to the restaurant, it is really to appreciate what you are going to eat," says Laurent. "If you are too perfumed, you will not appreciate what you will eat. The restaurant is a spectacle for the mouth, so you need to have your mouth free of perfume," she says. "If you put perfume on before going to the restaurant or theatre, it should be very light, or apply it before your shower so that you are very delicately perfumed with a perfume you love but very very lightly."

7. Be wary of layering your perfumes.

While Laurent is not against layering, she recommends following a few precautions. "I would say that it is a risky business. It’s like an extreme sport—very dangerous!" she says. "If you have a very heavy fragrance, then just add a sporadic note, something very simple. For example, if you have an oriental fragrance, you could add another vanilla note if it’s very simple or a sporadic note, as it will correspond," she says. "What would be really awful would be to mix perfumes that are really composed and complex composition with another complex composition of two different families. Then that becomes what we call in France 'one-thousand flowers.'" If in doubt, skip layering altogether or choose your notes wisely.

8. Being too narrow-minded when choosing your signature scent.

Finding your signature scent can be a tall order, but Laurent has some tips to find something that is uniquely yours. "I would advise to be very open to newness and maybe new shops or little shops, smaller brands or people that can help you to choose," she says. "The idea is to discover perfume brands that you don’t know. If you have not found your signature fragrance, and you are searching for something rare, you have to go towards rare brands and rare perfumes that you have never smelt," she advises. "So go smell what you have never smelt yet."

9. Buying perfume online.

There is nothing worse than buyer's remorse, so Laurent has some tips if you're planning to blind-purchase a perfume online. "I would say do not trust the notes that you can read," she says. "It’s a habit to mention natural ingredients, but everybody knows that there are not only natural ingredients. So if you see that there is rose and vetiver, it can smell like rose, but it is not necessarily what you will find systematically," she says. "You should pay attention more to images that are proposed, the text, or other information, which are important. At Cartier, we really try to give true information and all information that we are creating for the graphics for the perfume visually and trying to stay very true so people can have an idea of the ambiance, the textures and the colours that could be associated with our perfume to help their choice."

Cartier's OSNI2 is running from December 1 to 11, 2022 at Esplanade des Invalides 2 Rue Robert Esnault-Pelterie, 75007, Paris. Book your tickets here.

Shop the best Cartier perfumes:

Up Next, The Perfumers Behind These Luxe Scents Also Made These Affordable Fragrances

The holidays are the most magical time of the year—it's undeniable. I look forward to the traditions my family and I keep and the feeling of warmth that fills the air. And while celebrations vary, one thing remains constant: holding close those moments that we wish could last forever long after the celebrations end. If we're lucky, these mementos can be found inside an iconic Cartier red box. From the legendary Love Bracelet to the mesmerizing Panthère collection to divine-smelling candles, trinket holders, and more, these heirloom-worthy items can memorialize life's most important moments. This year, I turned to my stylish Who What Wear co-workers as well as a couple industry insiders for a peek at their holiday plans and the meaningful presents they're hoping to wrap… and unwrap. Keep reading to see what these stylish women have in store for the season ahead.

For WWW associate editor Sierra Mayhew, the holidays are synonymous with freshly baked cookies and other sweet treats. "This year, I'm very excited to bake cookies and sip hot chocolate with my family," she says. "Quality time is my love language, so any activity that involves spending time with loved ones instantly warms my heart. When I'm home, roping my family into my baking shenanigans is absolutely the best part of the holidays."

This year, Mayhew is hoping to gift something special from the Cartier Love collection. "I've been wearing the Love Ring every single day for years," she tells me. "So I know from personal experience how timeless yet innovative the design is. I think it'd be perfect for my mom." Of course, she's also hoping to unwrap some Cartier herself. "At the top of my personal wish list is the Clash de Cartier Bracelet. I'm absolutely obsessed with how unique it is. Since I've already invested in a few other beautiful pieces, this bracelet is definitely my next move."

"The traditions my family has created around the holiday season are what I always look forward to the most every year," says stylist Alexandra Chappelle. "We have been getting Christmas trees at the same place in Connecticut since I was little, and we still make sure everyone in our family is able to be there to bring it home together. [The day] turns into a festive evening of dancing, fireside cocktails, and opening boxes of ornaments collected over the years."

When it comes to gifting, Chapelle says, "The dream present I'm hoping to unbox this year is the Ballon Bleu de Cartier. My mother wears this watch, and I love its subtle brilliance. I've [also] had my eye on the Juste un Clou Bracelet for a while now. It's the perfect addition to my little stack. I received my Love Bracelets as gifts from my parents, and I plan to get one for my goddaughter, Daisy, this year. I'm leaning toward the white gold for her. They really do scream, 'I love you forever!'"

"I always love holiday gatherings and getting to spend time with family, but this year, I'm also looking forward to an upcoming NYC trip," says stylist and fashion illustrator Rachel Nosco of her holiday plans. "December is one of my favorite times of the year in New York, especially coming from Los Angeles. It's so fun to experience some cold weather for a bit and see all of the holiday lights and décor, including a stop at the Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion."

For the holidays, Nosco has Cartier presents on the brain. "This set of Panthère de Cartier Trinket Trays would make the cutest gift—they're the perfect addition to a nightstand or bathroom counter," she explains. "Also, one can never have too many candles, and this Les Écrins Parfumés candle is one of the chicest I've seen! I'm especially obsessing over the Panthère de Cartier Ring. It's such an amazing statement ring for any jewelry lover."

WWW sales manager Gabbie Garcia likes to carve out time for her friends around the holidays. "My best friends and I have had a holiday dinner together every year for the past six years since we've graduated from college," she tells me. "The dinners end up being around four hours long, and there are tons of laughs. It's something I look forward to every year because [we] feel like family and [it] makes me appreciate my girls that much more. The time we get to spend together is a memory I'll cherish for a lifetime."

This holiday season, Garcia is dreaming of wrapping (and unwrapping) Cartier. "Right now, I'm obsessed with iconic timepieces. The Panthère de Cartier Watch and Love Bracelet are pieces I'll wear again and again and again."

Fall always calls for a wardrobe refresh, so our latest Who What Wear Collection edit has arrived at the perfect time. This drop is all about classic wardrobe staples with modern touches: knit dresses, polished separates, and cozy sweaters, all of which you'll want to wear again and again for years to come. The same can be said about Cartier's most iconic jewelry and watch collections, which were designed with a convention-breaking spirit but remain timeless from year to year. They're classic for a reason, after all. We shot this collection in the hills of Malibu—an iconic location in its own right—with the idea that understated shapes can be elevated by unique details. Keep scrolling for an inside look at how we're mixing our new fall pieces with Cartier's legendary designs.

When it comes to jewelry, nothing says iconic quite like Cartier. The brand has been around since the 1800s, and its gorgeous designs continue to be coveted over the decades. This is especially true of Cartier's most iconic collections, a curation that represents creativity and style of the past, present, and future, so every piece is truly timeless. Iconic, no? I recently styled them at our fall Who What Wear Collection shoot and got to experience the magic firsthand. Together, the pieces turned even the most understated looks into something truly timeless. Prepare to be inspired.

I've always been drawn to the LOVE collection by Cartier (I mean, who doesn't love LOVE?), so I leaned into it in a major way with this bodysuit look. For an elevated stacking moment that felt both bold and chic, I layered on plenty of yellow gold LOVE pieces in a variety of sizes. For an impactful finishing touch, I added the Juste un Clou bracelet in the same yellow gold. Between the screw details and the memorable nail shape, these two collections are standouts that I reach for over and over again. Dating back to 1970s New York City, these two styles are designed with clean lines and precious details that can be easily elevated to create the most special looks, a concept that's both classic and modern.

An all vegan leather look calls for an equally daring stacking moment. Combining a Panthère watch (beloved by fashionable women and men alike) with the Juste un Clou bracelet takes this stack to the next level. Both collections call back to the wild decades of their original designs, but their shapes have proven to be truly timeless. Add a few LOVE rings, and these three collections make for a dream combination that represents a modern take on classic designs—the very thing the iconic Cartier collections are all about.

Playing with mixed metals is a true lesson in masterful jewelry stacking. The Trinity collection is an emblematic Cartier design that intertwines yellow, rose, and white gold in each piece, and it's the place to begin for creative stacking. This collection's tactile nature makes it feel part-jewelry, part-sculpture, and it's been in the Cartier archives since the 1920s. Talk about legendary. I started with the Trinity ring and added two pavé LOVE rings (they're even more striking when worn together) and more yellow gold as the anchor to an effortlessly luxe look.

Want to see more of Cartier's most iconic jewelry and watches? Discover all the collections here.

My grandma is a practical woman—growing up on a rural farm in Canada will do that to you. She's also incredibly knowledgeable, as grandmas tend to be. This potent combination means that you will do well to listen when she gives advice. I've made many of my most significant life decisions based on her sage advice alone. (I regret none.) And one of the lessons she's taught me and continues to stand by is that fine jewelry is a wise investment.

Flashy is not a word I'd use to describe her, but a peek inside her jewelry box would tell you otherwise. A small edit it may be, but every piece inside it is of the highest quality, with some illustrious names thrown in. One name that'll get you places in the world of fine jewelry is Cartier.

Founded in Paris in 1847, what once was a small workshop has gone on to become one of the, if not the, most iconic jewelry brands in history. Cartier worked closely with countless sovereigns and royal families worldwide, creating everything from crowns and tiaras to necklaces and earrings. The brand has since become a regular on the red carpet, with celebrities wearing its glittering creations for premieres, award season and industry events. However, Cartier isn't all about ornate pieces. (Though, it does them exceptionally well.) Some of its most recognizable jewelry, particularly the pieces that have become status symbols, have an industrial aesthetic—one of which is the Juste un Clou bangle.

The bracelet is the Cartier Love bracelet's younger and easier-to-remove sister and was inspired by the humble nail. Its name is the French translation for "just a nail." Released in 1971, the Juste un Clou bangle was designed by Aldo Cipullo, the luxury brand's jewelry designer, who had a distinct minimalist, androgynous style and love of all things nuts, bolts and screws. The Juste un Clou, along with the Love bracelet, made Cartier relevant to a younger, more fashionable audience, with the pieces commanding a cult following.

In 2012, Cartier relaunched the Juste un Clou bangle and released an entirely new collection based around it. The new Juste un Clou offering included rings as well as bangles, all shaped like gracefully bent nails, like the original but with a modern twist. Each was made in rose, white and yellow gold, and some were outfitted with pavé diamonds set into the "head" of the nail.

In 2017, the Juste un Clou collection grew to encapsulate earrings, cufflinks, tie pins, and an achingly cool torque necklace (you maybe have even seen Meghan Markle in it at the 2022 Invictus Games). That being said, it's safe to say that the piece that started it all—the Juste un Clou bangle—is still the most coveted.

"The Juste un Clou bangle was originally released in the early 1970s, and from the beginning, it was meant to be a minimalist-style piece—it is really just a beautifully bent nail! It quickly became a coveted item amongst jewelry collectors and socialites, as it represents class and status, owing to its hefty price tag," explains Regi Colomina, owner and founder of online shop Golden by Regi, which specializes in rare vintage and antique jewelry.

"I would say that the main focus for us vintage-jewelry lovers (and sellers) is really picking out the authentic bracelets from the replicas," explains Colomina. "Such high demand for the Cartier bracelet has also come with high demand for fakes and sometimes really good fakes. All in all, the simple and distinct design of this bracelet, combined with the high price tag, makes the perfect recipe for jewelry aficionados to want it."

While there are some brilliant second-hand Juste un Clou bangles to be found, Cartier continues to craft and sell the bangle, with prices for the thinnest iteration starting at $3400 and peaking at $86,000 for a thick style complete with 236 pavé diamonds. Of course, should money be no object, there are also Juste un Clou bangles that are listed as "price on request." Dare to dream, huh?

Keep scrolling to see the various interpretations of the Juste un Clou bangle. I guarantee you'll be tempted to heed my grandma's advice.

SHOP THE JUSTE UN CLOU BANGLE

Next Up: It's Official: These Are the 7 Most Popular Designer Bracelets

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Name something better than spotting Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on a hot date in New York City—I'll wait. The couple, who descended upon NYC because of Prince Harry's role as the keynote speaker during the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, followed up the event with a dinner out at Locanda Verde in TriBeCa, where Markle debuted yet another one of her many winning looks.

Just like she did for her daytime ensemble, the Duchess of Sussex opted for black, wearing a sleek, strapless jumpsuit by Gabriela Hearst. Markle added her go-to Cartier Tank watch, strappy Aquazzura heels and a dark-red braided take on fashion's most ubiquitous handbag, Bottega Veneta's Pouch bag. Her date looked equally polished, albeit slightly more casual, choosing a navy-blue linen button-down, matching trousers and grey sneakers. 

Scroll down to see the pair's after-dark looks. And while you're at it, check out a few jumpsuits for your next soirée. 

On Meghan Markle: Gabriela Hearst Vicky Jumpsuit (£4000); Aquazzura Bow Tie 105 Suede Sandals (£500); Cartier Tank Française 25mm Small 18-Karat Gold Watch (£20500); Bottega Veneta Large Intrecciato Leather Pouch (£2650)

Shop chic jumpsuits: