Everything
No matter what you think about Valentine’s Day – marketing scam, performance art, or “just another day” – you can’t deny that there’s something quite charming about an annual event that celebrates love. It’s basically the original date night.
Plus, everyone a little extra attention and affection from their significant other. The added bonus of a little gift is just another layer to showing someone that not only do you care, you also pay attention to their tastes and passions.
So, forthwith, a little list of ICON approved luxury items that can inspire even the most humdrum of lovers.
Bottega Veneta Padded Tech Cassette Bag
Icon. The moment. Also really comfortable and the perfect bag to share should you and your partner have the same taste in accessories. The Cassette bag is already one of the most instantly recognisable silhouettes in fashion and the Padded Tech transforms it into a more surreal experience. $2159 from Bottega Veneta.
Celine Rimbaud EDP
The poet of gay Paris, literally, Arthur Rimbaud was infamous for his passionate affair with the equally fiery poet Paul Vervaine. This new fragrance by Celine captures the spirit of youthful vigour and delicacy of Rimbaud’s poetry – he wrote the bulk of his work as a teenager before giving up on poetry at 21. The ultimate Valentine’s Day patron.
“Night in June! Seventeen years old! —We are overcome by it all…The sap is champagne and goes to our head . . .We talked a lot and feel a kiss on our lips…Trembling there like a small insect . . .” indeed. $410 from Celine.
Perrier-Jouët Blason Rose
A toast to love courtesy of French champagne maison Perrier-Jouët. Their Blason Rose is a delightful vintage of fruit notes. The aroma is equally lush, consisting of ripe red and black fruit complemented by a hunt of exotic pomegranate. Hints of violets and rose petals make it a sensuous way to kick off the evening. Or morning. $125 from Dan Murphy’s.
Balenciaga Romance Ring
Love the idea of a ring but don’t want to get that ring just yet? Balenciaga might be spearheading the rave wave but beneath the gritty couture there beats a heart of gold. And you can wear it in ring form. Out for Valentine’s Day, it still possesses the signature Balenciaga take on details, looking more industrial than a traditional love ring would. And better for it. $525 from Balenciaga.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Dazzling Rendez-Vous watch
Bring back the spark(le) with a Rendez-Vous. While we may talk about how we don’t have enough time, Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre at least makes the process a more gorgeous experience. Pink gold case, diamonds in the bezel and mother-of-pearl face create a whimsical, yet utterly sophisticated piece of wrist candy. $77,500 from Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Dior B27 Low-Top Sneaker
You can only really know – and love someone – when you put yourself in their shoes. And what better pair to do so with than Dior’s classic B27 low-tops. Smooth calf-skin and Dior Oblique jacquard inserts on the sides elevate a classic silhouette into the perfect all-performer shoe. Also, it’s the perfect opportunity to visit the new Dior flagship boutique in Sydney. $1650 from Dior.
Ngumu Janka Warnti (all made from rubbish) low chair by Trent Jansen and Johnny Nargoodah
Sally Dan-Cuthbert Gallery in Sydney’s Rushcutters Bay is an anomaly. It specialises art that is functional. Or, as she also describes it, design that is collectable. The Ngumu Janka Warnti chair is a perfect example of a piece of furniture that looks like it belongs in a museum. Hand-finished with upcycled materials and hand-tanned and treated leather, it’s the sort of piece that says you’re investing in your future together. Just make sure you get two so both of you can enjoy the experience of sitting on it. Price: POA from Sally Dan-Cuthbert Gallery.
Grand Seiko ‘White Birch’ Spring Drive
Inspired by the sleek white birches of Japan, Grand Seiko’s White Birch Spring Drive delivers the kind of classic and paired back aesthetic that defines a truly timeless timepiece. Part of the new Evolution 9 series, the textured dial recalls the frost that rests on the tree’s bark in winter while power is supplied by a Spring Drive Calibre 9RA2. Mark Valentine’s Day with a truly unforgettable gift. $13,595 from Grand Seiko.
Matching NFTs
Scoff all you want – and even I did when I wrote this – but the concept of a matching set of NFTs could soon be as ubiquitous as his and hers, hers and hers, his and his bath sets. And honestly way cooler. A good place to start is probably the most consistently familiar on theme which is Bored Ape but find yourself an artist who will take your money and they’ll totally be able to whip you up something unique to you. Price: Varies.
