Image: courtesy of Bottega Veneta

I HAVE A THEORY THAT, even after the alleged 10 hours of make-up that Jacob Elordi had to endure to transform into the Creature in his upcoming film Frankenstein, he’ll still be one of the most handsome men in the room-slash-on the screen. Sorry to Oscar Isaac, who plays the titular Frankenstein, but Elordi just cannot look bad.

His star has also risen to the point that he now qualifies for straight-off-the-runway new Bottega Veneta by Louise Trotter . . . someone’s come a long way from Billabong boardies in Brisbane.

At the LA premiere of the Guillermo del Toro-directed flick, Elordi arrived on the red carpet in a rich, chocolate brown suit. It was look 48 from Trotter’s debut collection for the Italian fashion brand, which showed just over a week ago at Milan Fashion Week. Only instead of the salmon-hued shirt with a wide collar, Elordi’s stylist team chose a matching shade shirt. It was a relaxed look acclimatised to LA’s temperate weather.

Image: Getty

On the wrist, Elordi continues to prove the point that the tiny watch is the chicest thing a man can wear right now. Of course, nearly any watch is going to look quite petite on the 6’5″ star, but he’s honed in on the smaller end of the design spectrum to the point where it’s now a signature (along with fellow Cartier-ite Paul Mescal). 

Known for his preference of Cartier’s iconic Tank, this time he wore a 23 mm, 18k gold and steel mini Panthère. Few watches manage to find a balance between statement and quiet luxury like the Panthère, which was originally designed during the boom era of the 1980s. Considering the current drift into boom-boom fashion and the revival of overt wealth as opposed to covert, there’s a strong case that the Panthère will become the “it” watch of the moment, replacing the Tank.

Cartier Panthère

Ref: CRW2PN0006. 23mm, 18k gold quartz movement.

While a solid gold version might set you back just over $40k, the dual metal with version of the watch comes in at $15,400.

On the other wrist, Elordi matched his golden gleam with the new addition to the Love family: Love Unlimited. The actor is known for his fondness of jewellery. At Cannes, recently, he was spotted wearing an emerald signet ring from New York-based designer Eli Halili.

But if you’re wanting to follow suit and join the itty-bitty watch committee – along with Elordi, Bieber and Mescal – take note of the ways the trend is being worn. Leather strap, wear it close-fitting. But if you opt for a metal version, keep it looser and wear it like a bracelet, allowing it to move like you would a piece of jewellery as opposed to a watch.

Related:

Justin Bieber joins the itty bitty watch committee

Paul Mescal is a certified vintage Cartier watch connoisseur