Stay on trend this summer with Christie’s

Whiteout conditions

White monochrome is the hot hue of the moment in a trend British Vogue has dubbed ‘white noise.’ ‘Designers signalled a clear shift away from the euphoric shots of colour and frothy pastels that come around every spring,’ explains the magazine.

Stay à la mode with help from Hermès’s all-white Clemence Birkin, which is named for its durable yet soft clemence leather material. For a pop of the maison’s signature colour, the Faubourg Birkin is one of its most sought-after bags. Available in matte Béton alligator with white and orange accents, the design pays homage to the store’s flagship boutique on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

In addition to a whiteout, ‘a brown renaissance’ is upon us, says House Beautiful. ‘Not only will this be seen in fabrics and textiles but also in cabinetry and casegoods,’ the designer DuVäl told the magazine.

If you’re not quite ready to commit to chocolate or chestnut walls, trying enhancing your shelves with brown objects and accessories. Books, like this complete set of Jane Austen’s six novels, are an especially practical way to add style and substance. Finely bound with gilt edges, it includes favourites such as Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice and Emma.

For lovers of statement-making accessories, this summer is for you. ‘This season, it’s all about investing in those everyday classics like…bold chain necklaces,’ says Elle. ‘Prepare to put those dainty little chains to the side, these ones are meant to be seen.’

Worn alone or layered, striking link chains and bracelets are a must-have for any jewellery enthusiast. A set of Cartier jewellery from the collection of American actress Nancy Olson Livingston features an 18-karat yellow gold necklace and bracelet — epitomizing the glamour of a Golden Age of Hollywood starlet. Meanwhile, a Tiffany & Co retro bi-coloured bracelet mixes rose and yellow gold for an unforgettable and colourful look.

While dressing in minimal, well-made investment pieces isn’t anything new, the style has been given a new life thanks to shows like Succession. For those looking to steer clear of bold gold jewellery or high-contrast timepieces, Christie’s auctions also include more subtle designs.

For example, F.P. Journe's Octa Réserve de Marche features movement calibres with baseplates and bridges crafted from 18-karat gold and complemented by a pink gold dial. Meanwhile, the Franck Muller Pink Gold Chronograph marries the two sides of early Franck Muller: considered expressive design and bespoke classic touches.

That’s so ‘90’s

According to British Vogue, it’s ‘time for a ’90s redux.’ With the decade’s ‘discreet chic’ and ‘cool-headed minimalism’ gracing the runways, what better time to raise a toast to the classics?

Bring back the ’90s with a coveted Domaine de la Románee-Conti 1995 Assortment Case. This assortment features 12 bottles comprising six wines across DRC’s stable, from Echézeaux to the mythical Romanée-Conti. This is the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable side-by-side tasting at one of this summer’s soirées thanks to one of the most celebrated domaines in the world.

The Canadian Tuxedo has never been chicer. ‘The best way to style a pair of jeans this summer is to commit to a full look —,’ writes Marie Claire, ‘or “denim on denim, on denim, on denim,” according to Beyoncé on Cowboy Carter’s track “Levi’s.”’

Who are we to disagree with Bey? The iconic Chanel Flap Bag, a brand mainstay first designed by Coco Chanel in 1955, gets a casualwear spin in quilted denim. For those looking to take the jeans trend to the next level, this bag is the perfect capstone.

‘Call it the Cowboy Carter effect: Fashion is taking a big trip out West this season, and we’re following,’ says Glamour about the resurgence of the Western aesthetic.

It’s not just fashion that’s ‘taking cues from the American West’ this season with its embrace of fringe and denim. Artists are also drawing inspiration from the Western frontier. Now you can own a piece of cowboy legacy with works by artists known for pushing the boundaries of digital technology. Jeremy Booth, beloved by the Web3 community for his romantic takes on the Wild West, lends his signature cinematic style to Over the Ridge. Meanwhile, the American multimedia artist Bruce Nauman offers a glimpse into his life in New Mexico with Setting a Good Corner.

‘Watches never really go out of style, but this summer is all about the jewellery watch,’ declares Elle. Chic and versatile, bracelet watches instantly elevate a casual look, while also complementing more formal ensembles.

The ‘Divas’ Dream’ from Bulgari blends the Italian jeweler’s eye for design with the practicality of a wristwatch. From bright pink tourmalines to turquoise plaques, keep time with a rainbow of glitzy colour on your arm. For those who prefer gold, this Piaget necklace watch is an excellent choice. Its vibrant tiger’s eye hardstone dial matches the embellishments along the gold case and necklace. With very few necklace watches produced by Piaget, this timepiece is a rare work of art.

‘Long reserved for the preppy look, pearls are shedding their bourgeois connotations to assert their fashion potential,’ says Glamour in a story syndicated from Vogue France. More than ever, jewellery designers have been reimagining this timeless classic with modern twists.

Consider an elegant Van Cleef & Arpels pearl bracelet from the distinguished collection of American socialite Sunny Crawford von Bülow and her daughter Princess Ala von Auesperg Isham. For a touch of classic sophistication, elegantly contoured pearls with diamonds for the neck or the ear is an impeccable choice.

Jewel tones are a favoured accent this summer according to Architectural Digest: ‘The saturated hues of precious gems are giving the palette of 2024 design trends a sense of velvety mystery.’

When it comes to books, it’s hard to top the rich jewel-toned bindings and patina that historic and classic tomes can lend to a space. Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper is a first American edition printed on blue China paper, a rarity that hasn’t been seen at auction since 1994. Another jewel-toned first edition is Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, the revolutionary text that changed the course of scientific theory.

Floral fashions dominated the green carpet at the Met Gala, where designers like Thom Browne and John Galliano interpreted the Garden of Time theme through floribunda-laden fashions. As British Vogue and W wrote, roses especially blossomed on the spring 2024 runways.

Jewellers have put the petal to the metal with a bevy of floral-inspired works. Fancy a Tiffany & Co ‘Fleurage’ bracelet with multi-coloured sapphires in dazzling hues, Van Cleef & Arpels earrings featuring pear-shaped rubies arranged in floral designs or a gold Cartier flower brooch studded with diamonds? Whatever your summer plans, these pieces will give you that perennial sparkle.

To fully lean into the floral trend, being petal power to your lips with Perrier-Jouët’s 1996 Fleur de Champagne. Dressed in an Art Nouveau design that French artist Emile Gallé conceived in 1902, the lively and crips Champagne adds the perfect touch to any celebration.

We’ll also be swishing our way through the streets this summer thanks to the dramatic flair of fringe. ‘You better believe it's true!’ declares W Magazine. ‘Fringe is back in style.’

With the Fringe Birkin, Hermès adds a dash of dynamism to a classic design. The limited-edition bag is highly coveted by collectors, and features hand-stitched leather fringe woven into the side panels.

Black and gold ‘is chic but statement-making, luxurious but casual, day or night’ according to Elle. And it makes for especially eye-catching arm candy.

Christie’s offers several exquisite timepieces in this enduring colour combination. This Rolex Daytona is fitted on a solid gold Oyster bracelet enhanced by diamond indexes against a glossy black dial, while this Patek Philippe hand-engraved skeletonised wristwatch is an ultra-rare timepiece — with approximately only 200 pieces made and 20 of which are known to the market.

Add a dash of fauna to your flora. As many publications, including Vogue, have indicated, animal print is back with a vengeance. If donning leopard or zebra feels a bit too Y2K, animal jewellery never goes out of style. In addition to tried-and-true icons of their maisons, jewellery houses are introducing even more animals this season, says The New York Times.

Channel your spirit animal in emeralds, diamonds, rubies and more. Whether it be your zodiac sign or a taste of the gilded jungle, the jewels of the moment have us roaring.

‘There’s something magical about putting on a garment or an accessory that has been touched by a human hand,’ writes Harper’s Bazaar of the craft trend sweeping this season’s designer collections. Indeed, as Hermès has proven time and time again, quality workmanship elevates any item in our wardrobe.

Embodying the French maison’s dedication to craft are its Picnic bags, which require two artisans to complete: a master saddler produces the Barénia leather components while an expert basket weaver constructs the Osier wicker body. Sling a Mini Kelly across your shoulder or size down with a clutch for an unmatched summer staple.

‘There's a surprisingly fresh range of shimmering pieces that are here to transform,' says Who What Wear. ‘Between lamé and satin, brocade and leather and sequins and jewels, never before has the trend been so thoroughly explored.’

But why limit yourself at textiles? Glitz can also extends to watches, particularly those designed for evening elegance. A ‘Gondola serata’ timepiece from Patek Philippe radiates luminously while their ‘La Flamme’ includes dazzling details like engraved hands and a diamond inlay. Fitting for occasions that call for some extra shine — be it a formal gala, ball, cocktail party or a night out — these will be sure to catch the light.