In the year that Roger Dubuis has proclaimed the year of the Velvet Diva, the Manufacture proudly presents the complete Velvet by Massaro trilogy: a runway-ready line-up of three 88-piece limited models embodying the treasures of creativity, inspiration and imagination shared by two Maisons with an undeniable gift for exalting feminine charm and elegance.
The Velvet Diva is in her element amid glamorous settings, bright lights and red carpets. A world in which posture and attitude steal the show – quite like those displayed by the fashion models striding down the catwalks of Parisian haute couture shows wearing unique footwear by Massaro.
Like Roger Dubuis, Massaro demonstrates a fearless air for daring and iconoclastic interpretations of its art. Other natural affinities between the two Maisons include dedication to fine craftsmanship, the use of innovative materials and a love of original aesthetics. They both know the power of subtle details that create an unmistakable and unforgettable allure.
Anything is possible is the longstanding Massaro mantra expressing a mind-set entirely in tune with the Roger Dubuis approach to the art of watchmaking – and to its self-appointed role as the jeweller of rare artistic masterpieces. Built on visionary interaction, lateral thinking and boundless enthusiasm, this is a match made in creative heaven that has resulted in an original trilogy of timepieces epitomizing the best of two undeniably interrelated worlds.
Each of the three creations is an anthem to the potent femininity of the 1950s Hollywood golden age, in tribute more particularly to three iconic Divas who personified this magic: Rita Hayworth, Greta Garbo and Lana Turner. All three interpretations bear the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, feature the signature Velvet characteristics and are driven by a Roger Dubuis mechanical self-winding movement beating. That which both unites them and sets each apart are their individual straps crafted from authentic Massaro leather used for its footwear collections. Straps that embrace and embellish the wrist in an intimate manner reminiscent of the way a show both surrounds and adorns a woman’s foot.
The strap of the model giving a tip of the hat to silver-screen legend Rita Hayworth exudes a powerful and provocative presence. It also reflects a taste for living both passionately and dangerously that chimes with the Roger Dubuis vibe and with the flame-haired Love Goddess it honors. It is graced with a pleated leather motif co-designed by Massaro in the same warm gold tones that are featured on its shoes. This glowing, luminous theme is matched by the yellow gold barrel-shaped Velvet center of the dial, framed by radiating hour-markers on a satin sunburst exterior.
The version dedicated to the Greta Garbo is instilled with an aura of mystery, expressed through black feathers delicately crafted by Laurence Le Constant and cleverly interwoven into the dusky strap, as well as the black lacquered dial with tone-on-tone charcoal markings evoking the elusive brunette nicknamed The Swedish Sphinx.
The sophisticated plumes create a delightful contrast with the warmth of the pink gold case and the sparkle of diamonds. Ice and fire, imbued with a unique touch of class and elegance typical of what one might find running down a pair of dainty Massaro heels.
The homage paid to the platinum blonde bombshell Lana Turner is entirely worthy of her femme fatale image. This model encircles the wrist with a distinctive Massaro silver strap featuring a row of pearls running down the center, evoking the shimmering luster of those its namesake loved to string around her neck, as well as the pristine whiteness of her unforgettable turban. This opalescent theme is echoed in the white gold case, appliques and brushed barrel shaped dial center.
