Expensive Rolex, classic watches and more

Donato Emilio is a passionate watch enthusiast and journalist in this field. Every Sunday on his YouTube channel, he offers in-depth reviews of luxury watches and new products on the market, as well as useful tips and tricks and debunks watch myths. Many celebrities invest in watches, even superstar Ed Sheeran is a watch collector! In this interview, Donato Emilio tells us what to look out for when buying a watch and why Rolex is the world’s number one luxury watch brand.

Tip! At the end, Donato gives the ultimate tip between style and price.

• Donato Emilio YouTube
• Donato Emilio Instagram

The perfect watch? Look, quality, technology … Price

FIV: Hi Donato, you have a great taste in watches, what qualities does a watch need to have to appeal to you?

Donato: First and foremost, a watch simply has to look good for me. If that’s the case, then things like quality or technology come into play – but these points are also related to the price of the watch.

With a luxury watch like a Rolex, it’s not just the exterior that has to be right, but also the inner values – after all, you don’t buy something that special every day. With a comparatively inexpensive Swatch, on the other hand, looks are the only criterion for me to like a watch and add it to my collection.

Rolex Submariner and Breitling Navitimer: classics for decades

FIV: And what features make a watch a timeless classic?

Donato: First and foremost, it’s the design. Many well-known watches such as the Rolex Submariner or the Breitling Navitimer have been around since the early 1950s. Although their appearance has been slightly adapted to today’s wearing habits and they have modern technology, the basic design is still essentially the same as it was back then. The most popular and best-known watches have a certain durability and can look back on an exciting history.

Speedmaster “Moonwatch”: 6 moon landings later

The Omega Speedmaster “Moonwatch”, for example, not only has an iconic design that has remained virtually unchanged since the late 1960s, but has also been used as the official watch of Nasa on all manned space missions and has 6 moon landings behind it.

FIV: Do you sometimes go for trends with your watches or do you stay true to the classics?

Donato Emilio: I am generally open to everything. Watches should be fun and everyone should wear the watch they like best. That’s why I would certainly indulge in trends if I liked the watch, why not? At a concert or a party, I would rather wear a cool, casual Swatch than a typical classic.

Rolex? Love Brand! What Donato Emilio loves about Rolex

FIV: I’m just assuming you’re also a Rolex fan? How is it that it is the most coveted watch brand on the market?

Donato: Yes, I am a big fan of Rolex watches. There is no one reason why the brand is so popular. It’s certainly the poor availability and the fact that you can’t just walk into a Rolex store, plunk down a few bills and walk out with your dream watch on your arm. This makes the brand highly sought after, but there is more. The designs are timeless and with watches such as the Submariner, the Datejust, the Day-Date and the Daytona, Rolex has some of the greatest watch icons of all time. Rolex sets trends like no other watch brand.

Rolex comes with the complete package!

Let’s take the Submariner: it is the most replicated and copied watch in the world, which is no coincidence. In addition, the quality and feel of the watches is great, they not only look good, they also feel flawless when you interact with them. There are more exclusive and also more expensive watch brands in the watch world, but Rolex is the perfect mass product and offers the best complete package.

In my opinion, there is no right or wrong!

FIV: We can already guess what you’re going to say, but we’d like to ask you again: do you prefer your watch to be slim or flashy and pompous?

Donato: In my eyes, there is no right or wrong and no rules as to what a high-quality watch should be like. I can get something out of all watches. But if I had to choose, I would go for a jewelry watch rather than a “tool watch”. If you’re going to fulfill your dream of owning a luxury watch, you can have a little bit of sparkle and glitter – but everyone should decide that for themselves.

FIV: Right, everyone as they like it! Thank you for the great overview you were able to give us of the watch market. The clock is ticking, we don’t want to take any more of your time, because it’s more precious than any Rolex!

Find out more about models, reviews and more here.

• Donato Emilio YouTube
• Donato Emilio Instagram

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

• Read now: FIV Magazine #32

More about luxury watches!

If you’re looking for the perfect accessory that combines elegance and style, then you’ve come to the right place. Luxury watches are more than just timepieces – they are a statement. Discover the world of top luxury watch brands and find out which models will really make you shine.

• Top luxury watch brands: The best watches that will make you look stunning

Bedroom cozy furnishings: Here’s how

A comfortably furnished bedroom is of great importance. A pleasant and inviting atmosphere in the bedroom can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality and increase overall well-being. But what is important when furnishing the bedroom?

A soothing color choice: Soft basic tones

The choice of colors for your bedroom is a crucial aspect of its design. Calming and soft shades such as pastel blue, soft green or warm beige tones create a relaxing atmosphere. Avoid bold and intrusive colors, as they can affect the quality of sleep. Also experiment with different color combinations to give your bedroom a personal touch.

These are the best colors for the bedroom:

• Pastel blue
• Delicate green
• Warm beige tones

Cozy furniture and efficient storage solutions

The bed is undoubtedly the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom. Invest in a quality mattress and comfortable bedding to promote a restful night’s sleep. Choose a headboard upholstery that matches the style of your bedroom. You can decorate the bed with cozy pillows and a warm blanket to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

If the room offers enough space, a small seating area in the bedroom can be a nice addition. A comfortable armchair or chaise longue invites you to read, relax or meditate. Place a small side table and a reading lamp to create a cozy corner where you can switch off. Since a tidy bedroom contributes to a relaxed mind, you can also use smart storage solutions to keep your personal items neatly organized.

Tip: A cozy seating area invites you to read and relax before bedtime

In addition to a cozy interior, it also depends on the right decoration.

Decoration: colorful accents and personal accessories

Stickers for bedrooms, atmospheric lamps & Co. – Through clever decoration ideas you can give your bedroom a personal touch and create an atmosphere of peace and coziness. From strategic lighting to personal accessories, there are many ways to beautify the bedroom and make it an inviting space of relaxation.

Wall sticker for bedroom as accent

Bedroom wall stickers are a great way to add a personal touch to a room without having to make permanent changes. There are a variety of wall stickers available in different designs, patterns and sizes that are easy to apply and remove. Choose a wall you want to highlight and place an eye-catching wall sticker there for your bedroom. Whether it’s an inspirational quote, a nature motif or abstract patterns, wall stickers can beautify the room in a creative and playful way and create an individual atmosphere.

Atmospheric and well-designed lighting

Well-designed lighting can significantly affect the ambience in the bedroom. Use a combination of dimmable ceiling lights, bedside lamps and indirect lighting to create a pleasant and moody atmosphere. You can also experiment with different lampshades to add a touch of personality.

This is what you should pay attention to in terms of lighting in the bedroom:

• Dimmable ceiling lights adjust the brightness in the room
• Indirect light creates a moody atmosphere
• Bedside lamps and wall sconces serve as decorative light sources
• Strategically placed mirrors reflect as light
• Curtains and blinds regulate daylight

Natural elements and personal touches

Incorporating natural elements into bedroom design can have a calming effect. Plants are a great way to bring freshness and life to the room. Choose low-maintenance plants like a houseplant or succulents to create a relaxing atmosphere. Wooden furniture and accessories will give the room a natural and organic aesthetic.

Finally, add personal touches to the bedroom that reflect your personality. Hang artistic wall art, place family photos on the nightstand, or display mementos on a dresser. Individual elements create a familiar atmosphere and make the room a retreat that’s all yours.

Tip: Bedroom as a technology-free zone

Also, to promote restful sleep, make your bedroom a technology-free zone. Avoid using televisions, computers or smartphones in the bedroom. Instead, you can use an analog alarm clock and read a book as a bedtime ritual. This helps to calm the mind and create a relaxing sleep environment.

Inspiration: Furnishing styles, better sleep & Co.

In what color should the wall be painted? Where should the bed be placed? And how can you improve the quality of your sleep? Find out here which color accents are best suited for the bedroom and how Feng Shui can contribute to a restful sleep.

Feng Shui for the bedroom: harmony between the elements

What should you pay attention to the position and orientation of the bed in the bedroom? And what colors, shapes and materials are best suited for the bedroom? Feng Shui as a style of furnishing is about creating a harmonious balance between the elements and at the same time taking into account the desired effect on people. Find out how to decorate your bedroom in Feng Shui style here.

Setting individual accents with trend colors

The choice of color has an enormous impact on the atmosphere and mood of a room. Through targeted color selection, you can visually change a room and achieve different effects. How you can set clever accents through different colors, that and more you will learn in this video.

5 tricks for restful sleep

Quality sleep affects many aspects of our well-being, including our cognitive function, mood, immune function and ability to manage stress. Galileo has tested the latest gadget for a more restful sleep.

What are the latest trends for spring 2021?

Oversized sweaters, seductive bralettes and cleverly combined bike shorts – spring fashion is innovative, fun-loving and suitable for everyday wear. While we can look forward to new trends that allow us to let our creativity run free, old classics are returning to our wardrobe.

Hoodies, Jeans & Trouser Suit: XXL and Oversized

Whether it’s wide shirts, loose fitting suits or baggy jeans. Oversized and XXL looks are part of every wardrobe in 2021, and you can style it casually for everyday wear with a hoodie and baggy jeans. You can also rock a chic oversized pantsuit at the office (if you get to go back to the office). The XXL style has been seen in fashion shows at Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, but also at Chanel. But of course you can also shop the trends cheaper.

Bright colours, flowery prints and unusual combinations

Monochrome looks are packed away this spring as batik, patchwork and floral patterns take over the trends of the season. This spring and summer, you can look forward to combining bright colors and prints in all sorts of ways. This will keep you in a good mood and a rush of colour even on a rainy spring day. If you want to be inspired by the big designers, you should visit Prada, Dolce & Gabbana or Tom Ford.

Sleeves that make statements: The bigger the better

Statement sleeves in balloon or puff sleeve shapes were already a big trend in 2020. This trend still remain this spring. Some designers like Givenchy, Isabel Marant or Maison Margiela even go one step further and add shoulder pads to the statement sleeves. Of course, if you want to get in on this trend, you don’t have to pick the most extravagant sleeves, but the ones you feel comfortable in.

Sexy Cut-Outs á la Bella Hadid & Victoria Backham

If you thought the 2000s trends with string details were cool, you’ll be beaming with joy again this spring. Cut-outs on tops and dresses are very hot for spring 2021 and provide a little more bare skin. These trends were seen at Victoria Beckham, but also at Jacquemus. If you can’t get enough of the cut-outs, you can also check out skirts and pants with thong details. Models like Bella Hadid are showing us the way.

Sophisticated bralettes are the new crop tops

If you find sports bras and bralettes comfortable, you will surely love this trend. Because in combination with an oversized blazer or baggy jeans, bralettes are the most beautiful tops. If you don’t want to show too much bare skin, you can pull the bralette over a sweater or t-shirt to appear a little more covered. This trend has been seen at Hermès, Versace, but also at Miu Miu.

Comfortable and innovative: sports outfits for everyday life

Whether tracksuits, cycling shorts, joggers or windbreakers. The sport look is everywhere at the moment. You can wear them as a highlight piece, but also as a head-to-toe look like at Prada. The sky’s the limit and comfort is the name of the game this spring.

Classic for day and night: The trench coat

Trench coats are perfect for reinterpreting the trench coat. The classic fits all outfits and all weather conditions in spring. The timeless coat was never out, but this season it still has a great comeback. With XXL versions or different types of fabrics, the classic beige trench coat has been revolutionized. Seen this hype at Nina Ricci, Loewe, but also at Altuzarra. Jacket fans who are looking for other pieces besides the trendy trench coat will find them at ORSAY – there are jackets for every taste.

What’s “out”? Comfort over elegance

Tight clothes like skinny jeans or skin-tight T-shirts are out this season. There is a lot of XXL looks and baggy style. The fashion labels are adapting to the current situation. No one needs fancy evening dresses and high heels at the moment, the focus is on comfort. Of course, the style factor is not ignored with different patterns, colours and details such as shoulder pads. The fashion labels show that fashion can also be comfortable and practical.

How to combine the trendy fashion pieces?

Many of the above pieces can be combined together, depending on the look you want to achieve. If you want to wear the head-to-toe XXL style, you can combine baggy jeans with a windbreaker jacket and cool sneakers. If you want to be more chic on the road, you should combine a bralette with a wide pantsuit, here also fit sneakers, but also like high heels. If you like it colorful and flashy, you can combine several patterns or even the extravagant sleeves with each other, but here the accessories should remain rather simple. If you feel like a sexy datight look, you can choose a cut-out dress with high heels and elegant accessories.

Matching accessories: necklace, earrings & Co.

How can you enhance a simple spring outfit with accessories? Depending on the style you choose, accessories should be simple or particularly eye-catching. If the outfit is already very colorful and you have combined many patterns, then you should rely on simple jewelry. A filigree necklace or simple earrings are already sufficient. Bags and shoes should remain monochrome. If you prefer a basic look with your outfit, you can really let off steam with the accessories. The sporty tracksuit can be super easily upgraded by chic sneakers or big earrings. To complete the sports look, you can combine it with a bright belly swap.

Fashion tips from styling professionals – Videos

You already have all the pieces in your wardrobe, but still don’t know how to properly combine the must-haves of the season? What are the big fashion do’s and don’ts when it comes to color blocking and how do you make sweatpants suitable for everyday wear? Get inspired here!

Elegant, sporty, comfortable: Combining bralettes in everyday life

What was once considered frowned upon is now stylish. Whether it’s a romantic candlelit date or a relaxed Sunday brunch with your girlfriends, you can wear your favourite bralette anywhere. Throw on a black blazer to give your outfit an elegant look, while a casual top will let your bralette peek out flirtatiously here and there.

Jogging pants in everyday life: tips from Adorable Caro

Who thinks jogging pants are only for at home, is wrong. Nowadays, the comfortable joggers are not only available in all kinds of colors, but also with different patterns, cuts and even from different fabrics. Find out how to combine your sweatpants properly here from YouTuber Adorable Caro.

Green, yellow and red: combine colors like a fashion pro

This spring, colorful is the trend. But which colours go well together? And which color combinations should you avoid at all costs? Learn all the tips and tricks about color blocking & co. from stylist Natasha Gibson.

Chrome Hearts: Meaning, Founder and Style

To give you a rough idea of why Chrome Hearts is enjoying such massive success, we’ve put together an overview that takes a closer look at the brand’s founders, history and signature style. It all started with a small custom jewellery production in Los Angeles, but it was after punk musician Steve Jones started wearing designs from the label on stage that the rapid rise began. The rock ‘n’ roll community was enthusiastic about the biker style. Especially the influence of Laurie Lynn as marketing director helped the fashion house to take off.

Richard Stark: Founder of Chrome Hearts

As a proud member of the Los Angeles biker scene and a big fan of Harley Davidson, Richard Stark had a dream in 1988 to fill the need for quality biker apparel, so he began working with John Bowman and Leonard Kamhout to create leather vests, jackets and jewelry they couldn’t find anywhere else. Thus was born the look Chrome Hearts is known for. Heavy crosses, skulls, and gothic lettering characterize the label’s image. Everything is handmade with the utmost care. This not only creates unique pieces, but also guarantees the top quality of the designs.

But this is also the origin of the price category in which jewelry, accessories and clothing lie. Best materials and craftsmanship have their price. In addition, of course, the popularity of the products also plays a role. The cooperation of the label with stars and starlets has contributed significantly to the popularity and of course to the prices.

Label Name: What does Chrome Hearts mean?

Shop fronts without names, simple interior design: Chrome Hearts is a label for real insiders. The reason is simple: it’s about a certain kind of nostalgia. Above all, the brand is against many customs that have established themselves in the fashion world with the digital age – for example, that you can read about parts of the collection and possible prices months before the actual release. Chrome Hearts doesn’t want that. The label, which finds its origins in the eighties, puts a lot of emphasis on staying true to its roots. So it also stayed with the name “Chrome Hearts”.

The title of the label itself probably goes back more to the chrome elements of motorcycles. These have found influence in various aspects of the biker scene. For example, also in the new school tattoo style. It is hard to imagine the rocker scene without tattoos – For this reason, the style has also been influenced by bike designs. The name “Chrome Hearts” can therefore be traced back to the brand’s cradle in the rocker scene. And to the label’s first major contract: production of costumes for the low-budget horror film “Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town”, which was still titled “Chrome Hearts” during the casting phase. The label’s title, however, is not relevant in itself, the brand creator said:

“Label it whatever you want. I just call Chrome Hearts, ‘Chrome Hearts’. If you have to tell somebody what you are – You aren’t.” – Richard Stark

Buy Chrome Hearts: Where can you get the label’s designs?

Getting one of the unique designs isn’t a problem in itself, but if you’ve fallen for a particular design, you’ll have to be prepared for a major search. Due to the limited nature, it is not easy to get any piece. Especially designs that were represented by stars are hardly available.

If you’re planning to hunt for your chosen favourite, don’t limit yourself to just one online flea market. Search multiple websites, Ebay and even sites like Etsy occasionally carry Chrome Hearts. The very most important rule is to look for the authenticity of the pieces. Ask for invoices or other proof that it is not a counterfeit product. That would be extremely annoying and unfortunately Chrome Hearts fakes are very common.

Clothing: Jeans, hoodies and t-shirts from Chrome Hearts

If you want to be a bit closer to the big stars, you can purchase one of the brand’s coveted designs. However, this is not that easy, as the limited pieces sell out quickly. However, the resale market of Chrome Hearts is huge, but here the prices can be much higher.

Hoodies with Off-White, Matty Boy and Co.

Chrome Hearts hoodies usually feature the Horseshoe logo and gothic lettering that the brand is known for. These hoodies are also 100% cotton and usually come in black with the label’s familiar Horseshoe logo and lettering. Editions in other colors are usually part of collaboration collections such as with Off-White. The Off-White x Chrome Hearts collection was launched in 2018 and the average resale price of the hoodie is around €1,500.

Chrome Hearts also released a collection with YouTuber Matty Boy in 2020. Again, also with sweaters that were available in different colors. Additionally, the collab models do feature the brand’s logo, but it is combined with other prints. It can be assumed that the hoodies are so popular because they can be easily integrated into a casual streetwear look, but are also suitable for relaxed leisure activities. Many high-fashion labels have started selling hoodies with the brand logo in the recent past. For example, hoodies by Celine can be seen on stars like Timothy Chalamet and Rihanna.

Denim: Levis vintage jeans with patches

The patches jeans from Chrome Hearts are something very special, because each one is unique. The reason for this is that Chrome Hearts selects each pair of processed jeans individually from second hand Levis jeans. While the model is the same, each pair of pants so naturally comes with its own unique character. The pants are then enhanced with Chrome Hearts signature accessories: cross patches and Chrome Hearts silver hardware. More specifically, this means that all of the buttons on the Levis jeans will be replaced. Seams are also reinforced and leather patches are securely fastened with double stitching.

• Price: 3.520 €

T-shirts with Chrome Hearts logo

Chrome Hearts’ t-shirts, much like their hoodies, are often found in collaborations. And Chrome Hearts does a lot of that, as the limited edition and unique creations that come out of collaborations are exactly what the label is aiming for. T-shirts are also found in abundance on the resale market and are probably one of the most affordable pieces you can purchase from Chrome Hearts. Occasionally you can get them for less than 200 €.

Accessories: rings, necklaces and bags for men and women

Jewellery and accessories are the things Chrome Hearts started with, so the range has grown considerably since the eighties. Because especially the silver jewellery is something the fashion designers put their heart and soul into. Here also the reference from the rocker scene is further clearly recognizable.

Rings in gold, black and silver

Chrome Hearts rings are an absolute staple of the brand. Especially the chunkier models can often be found on the hands of the stars. However, the accessories that adorn rappers and co. are often custom-made. Nevertheless, there are a few popular models that you can get on the website or on resale:

• Silver ‘Forever Spacer’ Ring
• Silver Floral Cross Ring
• Silver/Gold CH Cross Ring
• Gold/Diamond ‘Keeper’ Ring

Chains with Chrome Hearts Motifs

Of course, chains in signature sterling silver are also offered. Daggers, crosses, stars: everything is there. Always in the style of the brand with eroded recesses and rocker motifs – As always, handmade in Los Angeles and produced to a high standard. These are the most popular designs:

• Dagger Pendant
• Cross Ball Small Pendant Necklace
• Plus Safety Pin Chain
• Cross Pendant Necklace
• Chain Mille Cross Charm

Glasses with Chrome Hearts Details

The love for fine work and design has also inspired the designers to create glasses and decorate them with silver details and the brand’s signature designs. The frames are available on resale and are priced around €1,500. The materials and careful manufacturing methods have created an uber modern frame with sleek black acetate rims and high quality silver temples and bridge.

Bella Hadid was also spotted sporting a pair of rimless square sunglasses. The side parts, as always decorated with familiar Chrome Hearts motifs. Incidentally, the model is a big fan of the exclusive designs and presents herself among others also in jeans and jewelry of the brand.

Unisex Beanies

A particularly coveted piece are the label’s beanies. As always in black and with Chrome Hearts Horseshoe or lettering. The original retail price of the headwear was 125 dollars, now they are traded for over 200€. This shows again what an incredible potential the designs have due to their position as a rarity. That’s exactly the reason why Chrome Hearts is going for crazier and crazier pieces and meanwhile also released plungers and smores-roasters, which were sold out in no time.

Video: Chrome Hearts Leather Belt and Style Tips

Black leather, shimmering silver and big buckles. Belts are always represented in the rocker scene and also form an accessory outside of this, which can perfectly complete a simple outfit. Especially the striking belt buckles help a restrained outfit on the jump. Different belt lengths, widths and colors fulfill different functions. A few tips and tricks you get in this video:

Popular bag: Duffle Bag

The Chrome Hearts Duffle Bags once again feature the use of leather and silver. The leather applications are the usual Chrome Hearts shapes and motifs in black on black. The hardware of the bags are particularly exciting: The pendants, which can also be found on chains, are cleverly used here as zippers.

Caps from Chrome Hearts: Video about “Recognizing Authenticity

The Chrome Hearts caps are also decorated with real silver details. But especially here exists a large market of fake products. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell them apart from the real thing. To make sure you don’t pay too much money for a product that turns out to be fake, we’ve put together a video that shows you what to look for when buying.