Objects of desire: The splainer lust list
Editor’s Note: We’re usually very practical in our BUY recommendations—sun screens, lipsticks, men’s wear. This month, we decided to put together a list of outrageously expensive—and not very useful things—we’d buy if only we had silly money. If you’d like to contribute to the next lust list, email us at talktous@splainer.in.
Her Story Kaleido diamond band: Arunima dreams of this ring with emerald-cut diamonds in 18 karat rose-gold—patterned with lapis lazuli and turquoise. It expresses what Her Story does best: marrying minimal style with exquisite flair. It would make the perfect engagement or wedding ring. Price is available on request—and quoted to Arunima: Rs 250,000.
Anu Merton Clear Quartz bangle: Our resident jewellery aficionado Arunima is currently obsessed with clear gemstones such as polkis and moonstones. This bangle from Anu Merton is delicately carved out of clear quartz stone—and then hand-etched with gold-plated silver. Arunima is thinking ‘white wedding’ with the kada as the pièce de résistance of her bridal look. The price is Rs 40,000-48,000—depending on sizing—which is great extravagance for this so-very-fragile piece of jewellery.
Mr Jones Watches: Our watch collector Aarthi appreciates the great style of classic brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. But she has an especially soft spot for Mr Jones—with its quirky designs and watch straps you can choose in funky colours. Right now, she’s eyeing ‘Ricochet’ and ‘A perfectly useless afternoon’—which retail for £ 345 and £ 225, respectively. But it's this £ 7,500 vintage Longines that keeps her up at night. You can see why she adores the witty ‘A perfectly useless afternoon’ below.
Bonus pick: Aarthi is also dreaming about Titan’s ‘Silver Mother Of Pearl’—which is also a perfect piece of jewellery. This gorgeous timekeeper is part of the very in-trend ‘old money’ aesthetic—and who doesn’t want to look expensive? The price: Rs 33,000.
The Indian Splendour by Maharajas’ Express: Nirmal is a big fan of Agatha Christie and the Hercule Poirot mysteries. Ever since he read ‘Murder of Orient Express’, he’s been dreaming of experiencing the decadence—without the bloodshed, of course. The luxury ride closest to home is the Indian Splendour tour offered by Maharajas’ Express. Think WiFi-enabled suites, massive bathrooms, a place for a spa, separate cars for a bar and restaurants. In short, an opulent hotel experience on a travelling bogey.
The 6 nights/7 days tour starts from Delhi and travels to most of Rajasthan, ending up in Mumbai. The price ranges from nearly Rs 1,200,000 for a deluxe cabin to Rs 2,500,000 for a suite.
Black Son-Chidiya Cropped Blazer Set: Rachel’s splurge would be this gorgeous blazer set from Masaba Gupta’s recent bridal collection. She loves the fresh vibrancy of her designs—that don’t replicate the shaadi drudgery of a Sabyasachi or Manish Malhotra. The best part is that you don’t even have to get married to wear this fabulous spin on the Little Black Dress. The price of such fabulous style: Rs 75,000.
Bonus pick: This fabulous skirt set is also classic Masaba with its vibrant print and that bold rani pink colour. The price: Rs 75,000
Bhavya Ramesh’s Chhammak Sunglasses: Anannya’s lusting after these statement sunglasses aka Glare Killers—which literally look like they’ve dropped out of Alice in Wonderland. Bhavya Ramesh’s pure silver jewellery collection is inspired by Banjara artisanship—and is fairly unconventional featuring lip cuffs and nail crowns. But these sunglasses—with the pointy cat-eye with the peacock motifs and black moissanite accents—are truly one-of-a-kind! The best bit: You can choose between black or gold polishes for the frames—and between black or brown lenses. The price: Rs 22,420.
Bonus pick: Anannya’s other lust object is this Jungli Billi option—decorated with semi-precious pink Kundans.
