(Image source: Michele)
“Big Mama” and “Little Mama’s Special Little Lady” are the playful nicknames Ashley Graham has given to two watches she’s been wearing lately. Michele campaign photography. During a phone interview, I asked Graham about her favorite watch from the brand’s latest launch, and she realized she didn’t know the actual name of the watch. A quick check with PR revealed that it was, in fact, Deco 18k Two Tone Gold Diamond Watch ($2995).
“Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this watch,” Graham tells Who What Wear. “It’s mixed metal and has a little bit of bling. I’m a bling girl. I have 18 piercings in my ears and I like to wear a lot of jewelry in my ears, so it’s nice to do the same thing on my wrist. I think the mixed metal look is really chic—it can be high, it can be low. It’s the coolest.”
Scroll down to read my full interview with Ashley Graham, including her favorite fall watch trends, her experience shooting the campaign, and more.
(Image source: Getty Images)
What are your favorite watch trends for fall?
I’m really excited about the blue dial. Deco Two-Tone Clock ($2995) is the one I gravitated towards right away. I really like the blue dial because it’s a little quirky. It’s a little different and would really compliment any outfit. I think this is something to keep an eye out for for fall. We’re seeing a lot of blue coming back this fall and a little bit of a Western theme too. And that watch would go with everything for fall.
Why is working with Michele right for you?
I love what Michele stands for. They stand for empowerment, encouragement, and boldness. When you look at the history of the watch and the company and what they stand for, it just registers me. Especially because the watches are so beautiful and gorgeous and the price range is so wide. It really is for every type of woman who wants to wear a watch and want to add something really special to her wardrobe.
Why do you think watches are a good investment?
For me, when I buy key pieces for my wardrobe, I’m always looking for something that will last, that will be treasured, or that I can pass down to my children. Something that I can still wear in 20 years. I watched my mother shop that way and collect things over time. That’s exactly what Michele watches are. They are heritage pieces, which is also the name of the campaign: “Heritage Redefined.” No matter what generation you are, no matter where you come from or how you were raised, it’s all about redefined heritage and how you buy, wear, and care for your watch—the pride you take in it.
(Image source: Michele)
The campaign shoot was shot and styled by women. Would you like to be part of a female-led shoot?
The sets are always much more interesting with women. My stylist Emily Evans, who I’ve been working with for a few years now, [was on the shoot]. We have to be really creative. I worked with the photographer [Coliena Rentmeester] for a decade and a half, maybe fifteen years. It was just a really fun setting and then one day my kids showed up and we got to take pictures with them, which is always fun. I’ve taken pictures with them a few times and they’ve been on two billboards already and they’re only two and a half and four and a half. We’ll probably add another billboard. They’re the greatest joy of my life.
What timeless outfit would you like to wear this fall?
I’m really excited to wear flared jeans because I was a flared jeans girl in middle school and high school. I’m so excited for them to come back. And for me, it’s always an oversized classic white button-down shirt with a really sheer black tank top and a black lace bra. Then, a ton of bracelets and a big Michele watch with big hoop earrings. And then we’ll either wear boots or sneakers—depending on where we’re going. If we’re going to the zoo, we’ll wear sneakers. If we’re going to lunch, we’ll wear boots.
Michele Watch Store
Michele
Deco 18k Two Tone Gold Diamond Watch
MICHELE
Deco 18k Two Tone Gold Plated Diamond Watch
MICHELE
Meggie 18k Gold Plated Two Tone Diamond Dial Watch
MICHELE
Deco Madison Mid Two-Tone 18k Gold Diamond Dial Watch
MICHELE
Deco Sport Chronograph Gold Plated White Silicon Watch
MICHELE
Meggie stainless steel diamond watch
