Velvet by Massaro is a line designed to reveal the visionary facet of femininity. It epitomises the creative muse, the revolutionary passionaria, exploring the fascinatingly eccentric side of women who are fearless in revealing their true selves.
When imagining the Roger Dubuis world at the SIHH 2016, Creative Director Alvaro Maggini was determined to create a glamorous stage recalling the golden age of Hollywood and the rise of the first global stars who dominated the 1930s and 40s in the major film studios.
As an extension of this creative vision, the idea of working with a master of feminine luxury led Roger Dubuis to the prestigious Parisian doors of shoemaker Massaro that has been totally dedicated to the world of fashion and feminine glamour for over 130 years. The Maison Massaro is acknowledged by the greatest names on the haute couture planet as capable of setting the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.
Massaro is just as dedicated to hand workmanship as to the use of innovative materials and original designs, as well as the kind of subtle details that create an unmistakable and powerful allure. Small wonder that these footwear gems should have appealed to Roger Dubuis, the “jeweller of rare artistic masterpieces”.
The idea was to bring the distinctive beauty of creative shoemaking to the wrist through an instantly recognisable yet unequivocally original line. Gold, silver, feathers, beads, woven motifs, cinema costumes… but absolutely no spangles nor bling: such was the creative brief perfectly grasped by Massaro.
SIHH 2016 brings the big reveal of this line and – in tune with the craze carried by a number of contemporary stars – it’s a case of redheads first with a model named… Rita, in tribute to Rita Hayworth. Nicknamed “The Love Goddess”, she exuded a powerful and provocative presence as well as a taste for living both passionately and dangerously that chimes with the Roger Dubuis vibe.
The highlight ‘feature’ of this charismatic watch is of course the pleated Haute Couture leather strap evoking the beauty, elegance and originality that Roger Dubuis shares with the Parisian shoe designer.
Secured by a white gold adjustable folding clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds, this unique strap glows in warm gold tones that are picked up in the yellow gold barrel-shaped dial centre typical of the Velvet collection.
The radiating applied hour-markers – including two yellow gold ones at 6 and 12 o’clock – are arranged on a satin sunburst exterior and also reflect this shining, luminous theme. The bezel, lugs and decor of the dainty 36 mm white gold case are set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The selfwinding calibre beats at 28,800 vph and delivers a 48-hour power reserve. In tune with the rare nature of such a creation, this model is issued in an 88-piece limited edition.
For those longing to know the names of the blonde and brunette Hollywood icons who inspired the other two Velvet by Massaro creations in this unique trilogy, stay tuned!
