Christian Paul celebrated the launch of their highly anticipated new ranges with an intimate watches and whiskey evening. The evening began with an exclusive sit down dinner. The chicken parfait entree was paired with a whiskey sours cocktail, the creaminess contrasting perfectly with the smoke and tanginess of the drink. Each place setting had a selection of LOT. 1’s Glenmorangie whiskeys to taste, beautifully presents on a place card alongside images of the new watches.
The women’s range consists of 3 watches, each featuring a unique artwork from prominent Australian wildlife artist Garry Fleming. The Alpha V men’s range boasts a variety of designs, with different combinations of watch face and hardware, as well as black, brown, or oiled leather strap options. The personalities of the watches were paired with the flavour profiles of the drinks– the oak and honey toned whiskeys paired with the lighter colours and florals of the womens’ watches, while the mens’ watches were paired with deeper, smokier flavours, as well as an Old Fashioned Inspired cocktail. The attention to detail evident in the evening was indeed indicative of the type of pedantry which elevates men’s fashion.
After enjoying our succulent twice cooked short rib main course, we shifted downstairs to join the afterparty. Held in LOT.1’s New York style basement bar, the evening was a thorough exercise in luxury, part pampering, part pop-up. Sleek bartenders worked effortlessly amongst the dim lighting and pulsating rhythms of Grace Jones remixes. A grooming corner featured staff members wielding tongs, clippers, and manicure sets for some complimentary freshening up. Pacifico Optical and InStitchu were also represented, both brands neatly complementing Christian Paul. Pacifico Optical is a Bondi based eyewear brand inspired, I found out, by co-founder Alain Guglielmino’s sifting through back-alley Italian optometrists’ stock. Earthy colours and vintage lines are prominent, and their direct-to-consumer business model allows for accessibly priced luxury.
InStitchu, a label that provides custom, tailored menswear also had a dedicated corner. It displayed some of their new season styles, as well as offered complimentary tailoring for their suits. Although they have showrooms along the East Coast (as well as in Auckland and New York), they are primarily an online business with absolutely nothing sold off the rack. Measurements are stored on clients’ profiles, bringing together the luxury of bespoke clothing and the convenience of online shopping. Hot tip, courtesy of Institchu stylist Tomasina– despite not currently advertising it, InStitchu do also cater to women!
With the latest from InStitchu projected onto the exposed sandstone feature wall, a DJ, and whiskey tasting, not to mention the drinks and canapes, the evening overall was an immersive evening into a world of taste and luxe fashion, spearheaded by Christian Paul.
– Liv S.
Liv S. is a creature of warm weather and negronis. Her interests include whiskey and watch pairings, trying new things, and triple utterances. Follow her frolics on @callmememphisjones.
