Words: Russell
In association with:
Nestled next to Lac de Neuchâtel and in the shadows of Creux-du-Van lies the municipality of Fleurier. It’s typically Swiss: cows, beautiful views, reassuringly peaceful, everything just so. It’s not your typical inspiration for a hip hop and R&B EP.
But then again, Fleurier is also home to luxury watchmaker Parmigiani Fleurier, and the hub of their manufacturing and creative outlets.
It was here that Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer and Harvard graduate Ryan Leslie paid a visit, one that resulted in a unique partnership with the Swiss brand, and his new EP, “Fleurier Flows.”,
Ryan Leslie: The polymath
We’d hazard a guess that Ryan Leslie’s CV is not a one-pager. On top of a career in music, producing multi-platinum records amongst other heights, the 40-year-old is a visual artist, and successful tech entrepreneur. In 2013, Leslie founded SuperPhone, an app that connects brands and celebrities directly with their fans.,
Hailing from Washington D.C, his latest venture has taken him 4068 miles as a new “friend of the brand” – a partnership that has resulted in “Fleurier Flow”, made up of four exclusive tracks: “Forever My Love”, “Top Notch,” “Gorgeous” and “Thankful”.
Why Leslie and Parmigiani?
It’s a match made in horological heaven for both Leslie and Parmigiani Fleurier, according to the artist.,
“The craftsmanship and attention to detail that it takes to make an exquisite timepiece by hand is very closely related to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that great record makers have in their approach into making a recording that lives and stands through generations.”
As well as the EP, Leslie has created a music video for “Forever My Love,” which you can watch below, and will be performing the tracks live at selected events.,
Leslie indicates his own Kalpagraphe, “In Switzerland, if you wear this watch, they know you’re a real connoisseur, and someone who truly appreciates greatness in a watch.”
Something we’re not about to argue with.
Now find out what it takes to run the most secretive luxury watch brand in the world…
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