The Chic Minimalist Timepiece That Sees Savina Chai Through Any Day

In the history of horology, there has never been an array of timepieces as wide as there is today. With a myriad of options out there, selecting a versatile watch can pose quite the challenge for budding enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. This is why we’ve narrowed down our specifications to hunt down the ideal wrist auxiliary for the modern woman: It has to be elegant, minimalist, and lightweight – able to adapt itself to suit most occasions as well as elevate any outfit without hindering movement.
With that in mind, we turned our full attention to Daniel Wellington’s offerings and set our eyes on the Classic Petite Ashfield.

Daniel Wellington Classic Petite Ashfield
 
Not just a brand that’s recognised for their signature multi-coloured NATO strap watches, Daniel Wellington is known for their sophisticated timepieces suitable for everyday wear, and the Classic Petite Ashfield is no doubt one of the most elegant the label has to offer. Featuring a matte black mesh strap merged with a sophisticated black dial, the streamlined form is accentuated by sleek slivers of rose gold to play up its poise. When you’ve got this on, you’ll notice that the ultra-thin metal strap twines itself delicately around the wrist and bears none of that hefty weight you’d expect from the gleaming stainless steel.
 

Daniel Wellington Classic Petite Ashfield (closeup)
 
A while ago, we got 4 members from the NYLON team to style their outfits around a Daniel Wellington watch of their choice, and needless to say, each timepiece managed to string our looks together no matter the mess. Of course, we’re no style mavens, which ultimately gave us the idea of reaching out to our friend Savina Chai to show us exactly how it’s done.
Now, if you follow Savina’s Instagram, you would know that she’s one busy bee. An entrepreneur, fashion stylist, and creative director, Savina is someone with an eye for fashion and keen aesthetic attention to detail, infusing minimalism with a slice of edginess when she crafts every ensemble. As the founder of Eight Slate, an independent women’s fashion label built on a contemporary aesthetic, she often styles herself around her mood and the weather, channelling tailored opulence one moment and street grunge the next.
Curious to see how she’d curate her looks with the Daniel Wellington Classic Petite Ashfield, we followed her around from day to evening and picked up a few style tips along the way.

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10AM, National Gallery Singapore

Starting her day early, Savina arrives at the National Gallery to draw some inspiration from the architectural shapes of this visual arts institution. Here, she’s gone for relaxed yet structured separates, opting for an ivory cotton blouse with perforated detailing and feminine frills, balanced out by a pair of roomy wide-leg khaki trousers with a tie-front belt to cinch in the silhouette. Black goes with everything, but when styled with a matching black leather handbag and a pair of heels, the touch of rose gold from the Classic Petite Ashfield lends an elegant edge to the outfit. 


A closer look at the watch, and you’ll notice how nicely it plays with her other accessories too, be it gold-toned or silver-plated. Savina has perched herself outdoor at Gallery & Co.’s cafe ready to get back to the grind, but not without a quick shot of caffeine to kickstart the system first, of course.

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3.30PM, The Glasshouse at CHIJMES

After squeezing in a couple of meetings after lunch, Savina makes a pitstop at The Glasshouse, a specialty coffee and toast bar tucked in a cozy corner of CHIJMES, for a quick mid-day refuel. A glass of chilled chamomile tea in one hand, she takes a moment to unwind, scrolling through her social media feeds to catch up on the world.


Keeping it casual with a relaxed romper in a dark denim wash, she tops off her second outfit with an on-trend plaid baker boy cap and a textured python leather handbag that adds the perfect pop of emerald to her ensemble. Styled with the same arm accessories, the Classic Petite Ashfield complements her picks, pulling each item together with its sleek steel form to set a polished yet laid-back vibe for the entire outfit once again.

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6PM, CHIJMES

To end off her day, Savina’s meeting up with her friends for dinner and drinks this evening. Instead of going glam for this look though, she’s sticking to a laid-back vibe with effortless touches of elegance. Here, she’s tossed on a vibrant red printed t-shirt and tucked it into a fun skirt with tassel frills to offset its basic shape, creating a flattering silhouette that still allows for movement (we predict she’ll bust out some dance moves later at night).

Swapping out her heels for a pair of flats, she’s wisely picked out these comfortable mules in metallic gold leather, complete with gold hardware to keep the look classy. To up the luxe factor, she’s also donned a pair of statement-making gold drop earrings, which goes great with the Classic Petite Ashfield. Matched with shades and a mini tote with similar black and gold detailing, the watch balances out her youthful outfit and gives it a polished impression.

Through work sessions, meetings, outfit changes, and events way past dinner, the Daniel Wellington Classic Petite Ashfield was there for it all, complementing entire ensembles while giving them a fresh, modern update. A timepiece that’s an ode to timeless minimalism, indeed – an easy one for Savina to style any outfit around.

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Daniel Wellington Classic Petite Ashfield, $219. Available now at all official Daniel Wellington stores located at Raffles City, Suntec City, Vivo City, Westgate, Tampines One, TANGS at Tangs Plaza and online at cocomi.sg.