These luxury brands have gone digital, and they have made the whole process of online shopping more enjoyable than it usually is
Even amidst the humdrum of restrictive health regulations in the city, we’re happy to report that there is some light at the end of the tunnel after all. Freedom awaits us, but that’s not to say we shouldn’t remain vigilant. For one, if you’re itching to shop but would still rather avoid the crowds, here are some luxury brands that have made online shopping more enjoyable than it usually is.
B.P. de Silva Atelier
B.P. de Silva, a local jeweller that has been around since 1872, is bringing its atelier to your home with the launch of its very first virtual concierge. To get a taste of the experience, all you’ll need to do is answer an interactive questionnaire online (this will help the jewellers get a feel of your needs and wants), and make an appointment 24 hours in advance. It’ll be a 45-minute virtual session, where you’ll meet with a specialist who will tell you everything that you need to know, from creating the perfect engagement ring to the next family heirloom. If needed, a follow-up consultation can be made to iron out the kinks, but once you’re all set, your custom-made jewellery will be ready within eight to 10 weeks.
Bvlgari
Driven by a dedicated e-concierge team, the new Bvlgari online shop brings online shopping to another level with 3D product images and AR – the latter currently enables customers to preview the bags (AR plans for jewellery, watches and more are underway) that are true to size. Think of it as somewhat of a life-like shopping experience, equipped with retail support in real-time (give them a call or hop onto a live chat), free shipping, flexible delivery (within 24 hours even) and complimentary returns. Every order will come with an exclusive hand-wrapped gift box, and if you’re one of the lucky first 30 clients, spend a minimum of S$1,000 and you will receive a celebratory gift.
Bentley
Want to customise your dream car without leaving your couch? The Bentley Co-Creation programme, which began long before COVID-19 occurred, empowers the customer with unique (daring, even) designs and has now expanded into the realm of virtual reality. The whole process involves an interactive survey, where based on a stock selection of imagery, the customer ends up creating a mood board of interests, favourite colours, materials, combinations and atmosphere.
Now, for those who want something a lot more unique, a screen-sharing session can be set up. A designer will ‘sit’ alongside the customer as they run through the options. Emails and texts are options, too, but there’s nothing like ‘hands-on work’, especially when it involves your creativity and your new toy.
Chaumet
If you’ve been dying to lay your hands on Chaumet’s jewellery collections, we have good news for you. Chaumet launched a concierge shopping service, where its complete jewellery collection are yours for the taking. That includes the Joséphine line, which revisits its 240 years of heritage with contemporary creativity, and the newer Bee My Love collection, where you’d find classy, honeycomb-inspired jewellery (as pictured).
Need help? Simply drop them an email or a call at +65 6834 4600. Someone will help you place your order and provide all the assistance that you need, even after purchase. Chaumet is also offering complimentary islandwide delivery, and will hand-deliver the goods right to your doorstep. A friend in need, indeed.
Gucci Vault
If you’ve always wanted to explore the mind of Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele, step into the Gucci Vault. The online space is equal parts a time machine, laboratory and meeting place showcasing restored and customised archive pieces alongside the creations of emerging designers. ‘Virtual shelves’ carry exquisite vintage, pre-owned Gucci pieces, handpicked by Michele and the house’s expert archivists, painstakingly renewed to a minted condition. And in the name of exclusivity, each vintage article has its own specific number and delivered in its own made-to-measure packaging, with items released periodically throughout the year in limited quantities.
IWC
Sure, you can purchase the latest IWC timepiece on an e-commerce site, but let’s face it: nothing quite compares to the boutique experience, where you can browse at leisure and discover the brand’s storied legacy through different activations. Proving once again that it is at the forefront of innovation, this time in the luxury retail space, the Swiss watchmaker has recently launched a virtual reality boutique, which is essentially a digital version of its store at Ion Orchard.
You will be invited to ‘browse the shelves’ and engage with a client advisor (a service available on weekdays from 12pm to 7pm), or even book a private e-appointment for a virtual walk-through. You’ll get to explore the six watch families of IWC – Pilot’s Watches, Portugieser, Portofino, Da Vinci, Aquatimer and Ingenieur – and the boutique’s emblematic centrepiece, the IWC perpetual calendar mechanism that was invented by master watchmaker, Kurt Klaus. Once you’re decided on a piece (or two), you will be directed to a client advisor on WhatsApp, who will assist you with payment and complimentary delivery to your home. This would take roughly three to five working days, though requests for speedy deliveries may be put through.
Michael Kors
Michael Kors’ new Chat & Shop service isn’t incredibly advanced, but it’s a great avenue if you’re not in a hurry. How it works: Simply browse through the e-catalogue here, make your enquiries with fashion stylist Ray Yap via email and once you’re decided on something, he will get your order in. Spend above S$350 for complimentary delivery, which will be done within three to five working days.
Simone Jewels
The House of Luxury is hosting a virtual fine jewellery trunk show, where you may explore jewellery designer Simone Ng’s bright and playful Jouer by Simone brand – the Edgy Bangle and Artist Macaw Ring are a couple bestsellers – among others by fine jewellery brands like Yeprem and Terzihan. Explore the VR showroom in ultra-high definition and enjoy a private consultation with an expert, all from the comfort of your home. Additionally, in a bid to support those on the frontline fighting COVID-19, all proceeds will be donated to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Look good while doing good.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Here’s a one-stop shop for all your fashion needs, including big favourites like Devialet, Loewe and Moncler. Browse through all 874 items and drop the Personal Shopping department a line if needed – retail assistants will be available to personalise the shopping experience and tend to any enquiry. To sweeten the deal, home deliveries are complimentary, too.
The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands
Tiffany & Co.
The luxury jeweller has recently launched a personalised shopping service in Singapore, which includes a dedicated client care centre. Begin by browsing their catalogue on their website. With Tiffany & Co.’s vast selection, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. If you just can’t seem to narrow down on your selection, you can get style advice from a Client Care Advisor, via telephone or live chat on the Tiffany website. They can also help to check availability and confirm prices. The jeweller has simplified the payment process by making it cashless, through email or internet banking for secure transactions. Best of all, get your jewellery delivered right to your doorstep.
