The bright and breezy shoot follows Josephine Skriver and Ning Chang as they immerse themselves in a relaxed day on the Mediterranean coast, in the Italian village, which inspired the collection’s name. It is imbued with a laid-back sense of style, reflecting the same easy-going elegance the Swiss watchmaker instils within the Portofino line. Photographed dipping toes in the sea, taking a boat and a classic car out for a spin, and tasting gelato on the quayside, the campaign depicts a glamorous pair of friends enjoying a picture-perfect day.
Available from August 2019, this year’s new editions each feature an inventive easy-to-use strap change system, which allows the wearer to customise their own watch with up to 13 different strap options. Crafted by the Italian leather goods maker Santoni, hand-coloured shades include grey, light grey, black, blue, dark brown, bronze, orange, burgundy, raspberry pink, aubergine, green and indigo blue. A Milanese stainless steel mesh bracelet is available too. The new watches also have a feminine 34mm dial size - the smallest in IWC’s current collection.
Josephine Skriver, who has modelled for countless fashion houses around the globe, and Ning Chang, who has appeared in over 40 films and television series in Asia, were both delighted to be asked to become the faces of the Portofino campaign, and wear the new designs.
“I couldn’t imagine beginning my relationship with IWC in a more perfect place,” said Josephine Skriver. “Portofino is a magical location, and I have had such a great time with Ning Chang. One of the true joys of being a model is that I can encourage people to be bold in their fashion choices, and the new Portofino designs really represent this philosophy, as they can be adapted to fit your look or your mood.”
Ning Chang added: “Exploring Portofino with Josephine has been such a wonderful experience. I was so happy to be asked to become part of the IWC family, and to start in this beautiful place has been incredible. It is so exciting to work with such a creative brand. A Portofino watch is chic and elegant; it is the perfect addition to any outfit.”
The new watches remain loyal to the signature Portofino codes, with their sleek style and uncluttered dials, but IWC has also sought to introduce a dash more colour, and a more feminine spirit into the line. “We wanted the new campaign to be light-hearted and fresh,” said Franziska Gsell, CMO of IWC Schaffhausen. “The watches are elegant and modern as ever, and Josephine and Ning Chang are great representatives for this ethos. We are pleased to have them both on board as brand ambassadors [...].”
