Virgin Atlantic Retail Therapy

JEWELLERY & WATCHES

PEARLS ALOUD Complete your outfit with a touch of retro charm

Cocktail hour

Small, ‘cocktail’ watches are back in vogue. Is it time to downsize on your dial?

MODERN GLAM

Shine bright with this sun-inspired pearl chain necklace – an edgy twist on old-school pearls.

Marlay Solar Pearl Set (p66)

ONE & DONE Keep things understated but

The era of wrist real estate is shifting – again. After years of smartwatches and face-sized chronographs, there’s a quiet resurgence in scaled-down elegance: the return of the cocktail watch. Petite, vintage inspired, and often more jewellery than timepiece, these tiny tickers are no longer just for gala-goers or your great-aunt’s velvet-lined drawer. So why the downsizing? For one, small watches play well with others. A dainty piece like the Sekonda Monica Classic Two-tone Watch (p67) will layer seamlessly with bangles, friendship bracelets, or that heirloom chain you haven’t taken off in three summers. It can add polish and old-money elegance without trying too hard, and offer just enough shine to catch the light (and the occasional compliment).

classy with a simple pearl pendant on a Sterling silver chain.

This new fad for minimalist watches has a practical element, too. In an age of screen fatigue, a pared-down dial can feel like visual relief – time told without a thousand push notifications. Plus, whether it’s sweltering temps or tight tailoring, lighter watches are just… nicer to wear. Need proof? Look no further than celebs like Zendaya or Paul Mescal opting for increasingly diminutive watches for their recent red-carpet looks. The message? A smaller dial doesn’t mean less impact. Sometimes, restraint reads louder than anything with a crown.

Kyoto Pearl Pendant (available to pre-order p73)

PERFECT MATCH

Pearls and sparkles have always gone hand in hand, and this set is your ticket to double chic.

All-American icon

This year, Tommy Hilfiger celebrates its 40th anniversary – and four decades in, the brand remains a masterclass in preppy polish with a pop-culture pulse. From varsity jackets to red, white and blue staples, it continues to bottle that crisp, confident, coast-to-coast energy. Timeless, but always ready for now. Check out the Tommy Hilfiger Cool Core Gent’s Bracelet (p69).

Kyoto Pearl Bracelet and Earrings (available to pre-order p73)

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