Ashley Graham and Friends Dish on the New Omega Aqua Terra Timepiece
Ashley Graham
Omega had a big to-do in Kyoto—a shindig for the release of the new Aqua Terra 30-millimetre timepiece. At the Shogunzuka Seiryuden Temple, overlooking the city skyline, the Swiss watch manufacturer crafted an evening that highlighted the artistry and precision it shares with Japanese craftsmanship. In honour of the release comes a campaign of female ambassadors: model Ashley Graham, actress and singer Ariana DeBose, K-pop star Danielle Marsh, BAFTA-winning actress Marisa Abela, Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Tems, and Sunday Rose Kidman Urban (whose mother, Nicole Kidman, is also an Omega ambassador).
Omega posed questions to the ambassadors, and herewith their answers.
Ashley Graham
What was your first memory or impression of Omega before you became a campaign ambassador?
Omega is a leader in the luxury space, so I’ve always thought it’s such a beautiful company and brand, and obviously I’m a James Bond fan. I recently got to go on the St. Moritz trip and learned the fun fact that Omega was the timekeeper for the bobsled! Knowing how much Omega has put into the effort of making watches for women is really telling about the brand and why they’re everlasting. I’m honoured to be here with this brand, especially in a luxury space that typically does not accept women of my size.
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Ariana DeBose
What unexpected pairing or styling choice have you discovered works surprisingly well with your Aqua Terra?
The Aqua Terra goes with everything—specifically, this stainless steel model. There’s something sleek about it that it doesn’t matter if I’m wearing a suit or if I’m wearing a very loud print. The Aqua Terra that I wear has diamonds and a grey dial. Grey as a colour for me is has become kind of a cornerstone.
As I said in my Oscar speech, “For anyone who’s ever felt that they were living in the grey spaces, I promise you this, there is indeed a place for us.”
I don’t look at life as black and white. I look at it as grey, because there’s always going to be this balance of this and that, and somewhere in the middle is where we all thrive and where we live. Nine times out of 10, the timepiece that I wear has a grey dial, because it is a reflection of my being, and it also goes with everything.
I think that’s really important to have your accessories ground any look because then I can play. I can be as loud or as classic as I want if my timepieces are grounded in the energy that I personally want to evoke.
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Danielle Marsh
Do you think a watch can say something about who you are? If so, what is your current AT 30mm saying about you?
I believe that a watch can capture and portray a subtle touch about who you are. So I think that my Aqua Terra would be saying, “Dani, I am going to bring out a little light and happiness from within you so that you can enjoy this day further and have an amazing time.”
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Marisa Abela
The Aqua Terra collection represents precision and reliability. How important is precision timing in your professional life?
To me, it is the simplest way of showing respect to people, being on time as well as making sure that you do your job within the time allocated. It’s the most easy, simple, peaceful way of showing people that you care about their time and value the sacrifices that they make to be with you, working.
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Tems
What are you most looking forward to discovering in Kyoto?
Definitely the food. I’m a foodie. And I can’t wait to see the town—it’s just so beautiful. I’m an anime fan, so getting to see the origins of so many of the drawings and illustrations in their real-life locations is such an amazing experience.
