Audemars Piguet and KAWS Release “COMPANION"

Welcome to the 64th edition of Maximalist! Dive into the ultimate guide, filled with insider insights into the world of fashion, art, real estate, travel, jewelry, and horology.

The world of luxury is never boring, and this week is no exception. Let’s dive in!

In Case You Missed it

1. Dolce & Gabbana to Collaborate With Skims

2. Why luxury brands are launching ultra-expensive fragrances

3. F1 Las Vegas GP: Mercedes remains fastest

4. Operation Cariatide Bust: Picasso, Warhol, Dalí Fakes

Markets

On this week’s agenda:

1. Audemars Piguet and KAWS Release “COMPANION"

2. Maurizio Cattelan's Banana Sells for $6.24 Million

3. Jaguar Launches Rebrand for All-Electric Future

4. Kering Announces New Leadership at Saint Laurent and Balenciaga

Audemars Piguet and KAWS Release “COMPANION"

As teased in last week’s article, Audemars Piguet and KAWS have officially unveiled their latest collaboration: the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon "Companion." This exclusive timepiece, limited to just 250 pieces, features a 43mm sandblasted titanium case and a black ceramic crown.

The watch operates on a hand-wound 2979 movement that boasts a 72-hour power reserve and pulses at 21,600 vibrations per hour. The dial showcases a sunburst titanium plate, embellished with the iconic COMPANION character by KAWS, rendered in various shades of gray that emphasize its dimensional structure. Notably, the tourbillon movement is cleverly integrated to appear like a beating heart through COMPANION’s chest.

A distinctive design element includes Audemars Piguet’s traditional eight hexagonal screws, reinterpreted with “X” motifs reflective of KAWS' artistic style and echoing the character's eyes. The grayscale theme extends to the watch’s two interchangeable calfskin leather straps, offered in light gray and slate gray, each with a textile-like finish.

Priced at 200,000 CHF (approximately $226,504 USD), the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon "Companion" is available for inquiry directly through Audemars Piguet, promising an exquisite blend of high horology and contemporary art.

Maurizio Cattelan's Banana Sells for $6.24 Million

Maurizio Cattelan’s provocative piece, "Comedian" — a banana duct-taped to a wall — has fetched an astonishing $6.24 million USD at Sotheby’s New York. The artwork, often seen as a commentary on the absurdities of the art market, significantly exceeded its $1.5 million USD estimate during a fervent 10-minute bidding session at the New and Contemporary Now auction.

Auctioneer Oliver Barker dubbed it “the world’s most expensive banana.” The piece was acquired by Justin Sun, the founder of the cryptocurrency platform TRON and a noted art collector. This sale involved the second edition of "Comedian," which first made headlines at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019, where each of the three editions originally sold for $120,000 USD. The Guggenheim Museum secured the third edition.

Sotheby’s contemporary art chairman, Grégoire Billault, likened the piece's cultural impact to that of Marcel Duchamp’s "Fountain" (1917). He highlighted the significant role digital media played in elevating the profile of "Comedian." Despite facing criticism for its simplicity and cynicism, the sale underscores its symbolic power as a representation of excess in the art world.

Jaguar Launches Rebrand for All-Electric Future

aguar has introduced a significant rebranding initiative, dubbed "Exuberant Modernism," as it transitions to an all-electric vehicle lineup. The automotive giant is embracing a philosophy marked by bold designs and original, unexpected thinking.

The rebrand features a new typeface that starkly contrasts with Jaguar’s traditional logo, adopting a thinner, rounded style that merges uppercase and lowercase letters for an ultramodern feel. This change is part of a broader update to the brand’s identity, which now includes vibrant, colorful imagery with a diverse array of models set against vivid pink backdrops, symbolizing a celebration of individuality and non-conformity.

However, the new brand identity has received mixed reactions. While some praise Jaguar for its innovative approach to redefining its image in the auto industry and beyond, others have expressed skepticism. Critiques have emerged from various quarters, including negative comments about the lack of automotive-related elements in the new imagery and messaging, with some designers labeling the mix of letter casing as confusing. Additionally, a conservative segment of the audience has accused Jaguar of excessively embracing "woke" culture, a sentiment amplified by commentary from figures like Elon Musk on social platforms.

As Jaguar moves forward with its all-electric vision, the effectiveness of this rebrand in resonating with customers, especially among younger generations like Gen Z who value diversity and bold expression, remains to be seen.

Kering Announces New Leadership at Saint Laurent and Balenciaga

Kering has officially appointed Cédric Charbit as the new CEO of Saint Laurent and Gianfranco Gianangeli as the CEO of Balenciaga, starting January 2, 2025. Both leaders will report to Francesca Bellettini, Kering's Deputy CEO responsible for Brand Development.

Charbit, who initially joined Kering in 2012 and took the helm at Balenciaga in 2016, will succeed Bellettini at Saint Laurent. His goal is to enhance the iconic Parisian brand by capitalizing on its heritage and unique market position.

On the other hand, Gianangeli, formerly Chief Commercial Officer at Saint Laurent and an experienced leader with a background in several top Italian and French luxury brands, will take over from Charbit at Balenciaga. His focus will be on amplifying the brand’s global influence and stature.

Francesca Bellettini expressed her confidence in both appointees, highlighting Charbit's deep understanding and connection to Saint Laurent and Gianangeli's extensive experience and visionary approach as ideal for leading Balenciaga forward. "Having known and worked closely with both Cédric and Gianfranco for many years, I am certain they will excel in their new roles, guiding their respective Houses toward even greater success," Bellettini remarked.

François-Henri Pinault, Kering's Chairman & CEO, noted that these leadership changes bolster the organization at a strategic level, with Bellettini focusing fully on her role to drive brand development across Kering's portfolio, which includes Jewelry Houses. Jean-Marc Duplaix, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer, will continue to ensure that Kering's corporate departments synergize to support the brands and achieve overarching strategic objectives.

Cédric Charbit's career began at Printemps in 2001, and he has since held significant positions across the luxury sector, including a pivotal role at Pucci and later at Saint Laurent, where he ascended from Product Strategy Director to CEO of Balenciaga. He joined the Kering Executive Committee in July 2019.

Gianfranco Gianangeli started at Bottega Veneta in 2006, progressing through various merchandising roles and later serving as Associate International Director at Prada and Global Retail Director at Givenchy. He took on the CEO role at Maison Margiela before his latest stint at Saint Laurent.

Kering, a global leader in luxury with a portfolio that includes Gucci, Alexander McQueen, and more, reported a revenue of €19.6 billion in 2023, emphasizing its commitment to fostering creativity and sustainable luxury.

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