MULTIFACETED APPROACH

Hublot has been putting sculptures on the wrist, thanks to artist-ambassadors Richard Orlinski and Maxime Plescia-Büchi

- KC YAP+JONATHAN HO

AS A STRONG PROPONENT of the principle that “art is not a luxury, but a necessity” accessible to all, Richard Orlinski has made an impact across the world with monumental exhibits of his signature multifaceted animal sculptures, all designed around the theme “Born Wild” to symbolise fearlessness, freedom and power. They range from his Wild Kong gorilla sculpture on the Croisette in Cannes and his triumvirate of Wild Kong, Prancing Horse and Standing Wild Bear at the French Grand Prix, to his Crocodiles in the sunshine of the Miami Design District, and five-metretall bear on the pistes of Courchevel.

Since 2017, Orlinski has found a perfect collaborator who shares the same modern outlook and innovative spirit in Swiss watchmaker and champion of “The Art of Fusion”, Hublot, resulting in a growing collection of Classic Fusion special editions bearing Orlinski’s distinctive hallmark. At first glance, some will be drawn to the facets created by the signature folds and the iconic angular architecture of the internationally renowned visual artist. Others will be drawn by the mechanics of the Hublot chronograph dial.

Lovers of both art and extreme precision are united in the latest chapter of the collaboration, devoted to the Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski. With this unique watch comes a 41 mm case that sits perfectly on any wrist. Both utterly unique, one is worn with the iconic black rubber strap while the other extends its three-dimensional silhouette along the entire watch, a huge technical feat that combines comfort with aesthetics. In this new collection, the microblasted titanium gives the facets a matte finish for an added touch of elegance.

Over the years, you have gone from pop artist to pop icon. What do you do to engage your followers?