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Designing Homes for Hotter Summers

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Designing Homes for Hotter Summers

July 16, 2026
2:18 pm

From foundational architectural tips to newer solutions, we look at how homes in the future can be designed to withstand hotter summers.

From Asia to the Mediterranean, holiday homes are facing longer, hotter summers. Architects have to design holiday homes for a hotter future. LUXUO investigates the architectural innovations, high-performance materials, and intelligent design solutions that help luxury residences stay cool while reducing their reliance on air conditioning.

When Luxury Means Staying Cool

The image of a summer holiday home has long been associated with open terraces, sea breezes and afternoons spent escaping the heat. Yet across many of the world’s favourite destinations—from Phuket and Bali to Mallorca, Mykonos and the Côte d’Azur—the hottest months are becoming noticeably warmer and lasting longer. Comfort has become more than an indulgence; it is now a design challenge.

Rather than relying solely on increasingly powerful air-conditioning systems, architects are rethinking how homes respond to the climate itself. The shift marks a return to principles once embedded in traditional tropical and Mediterranean architecture, now enhanced by advanced materials capable of reflecting heat, improving insulation and managing solar gain with remarkable precision.

The result is a new generation of holiday homes designed not merely to withstand hotter summers, but to remain comfortable through intelligent, passive design. Luxury, increasingly, is measured not only by aesthetics, but by how effortlessly a home performs under a blazing sun.

Stop the Heat Before It Enters

The brise-soleil solution shades windows before sunlight enters the house. Image: Anderman Architects.

The simplest solution often remains one of the most effective: prevent sunlight from reaching the glass. Architects have long used brise-soleil, deep overhangs, operable shutters and external aluminium louvres to shade windows before solar radiation penetrates the building envelope. Once sunlight passes through glazing, interior blinds or curtains can reduce glare but cannot stop much of the heat already trapped indoors. Today’s luxury villas are adapting this century-old principle with contemporary detailing. Adjustable aluminium fins, timber screening systems and automated external shading now respond to the sun’s movement throughout the day, preserving panoramic views while reducing cooling loads. Instead of treating shading as an afterthought, architects increasingly integrate it into the home’s identity.

The Roof Becomes the First Line of Defence

High-albedo paints on the roof can significantly reduce heat from mid-afternoon sun. Image: Houzz.co

During summer, the roof absorbs more solar radiation than almost any other part of a building. Traditional dark roofing materials can become extremely hot by mid-afternoon, transferring heat into bedrooms and living spaces below long after sunset.

Increasingly, architects are specifying cool roofs finished with highly reflective membranes, ceramic coatings or specialised high-albedo paints. These surfaces reflect significantly more sunlight while emitting absorbed heat back into the atmosphere, reducing roof temperatures and easing the burden on air-conditioning systems. According to the US Department of Energy, reflective roofs can remain around 28 degrees Centigrade cooler than conventional dark roofs under the same summer conditions. The technology has evolved beyond white rooftops. New pigments now allow darker architectural finishes to reflect infrared radiation without compromising contemporary aesthetics.

A Roof That Breathes

Double roofs and ventilated roof cavities. Image: Wallflower architecture, Qanvast.

Many tropical homes appear to have floating roofs. The visual effect is deliberate, but the hidden engineering is even more important. Double roofs and ventilated roof cavities create an air space between the outer roof and the ceiling below. As solar heat builds up beneath the outer roof, warm air naturally escapes through the cavity before reaching the living areas. The concept has been used for generations across Southeast Asia and is now being refined with modern construction techniques and improved insulation. Luxury resorts throughout Indonesia, Thailand and northern Australia continue to demonstrate how naturally ventilated roofs can maintain comfortable interiors despite intense solar exposure. Rather than fighting heat mechanically, the roof quietly dissipates it throughout the day.

Smarter Glass, Cooler Interiors

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows benefit from better glazing to reduce heat from sunlight streaming in. Image: Stone Real Estate.

Glass has become synonymous with luxury architecture, framing uninterrupted views of oceans, mountains and forests. Yet large expanses of glazing can also become one of the biggest sources of unwanted heat. The latest generation of glazing addresses that challenge through spectrally selective coatings, Low-E technology and high-performance double glazing. These systems admit abundant daylight while filtering much of the sun’s infrared energy, reducing solar heat gain without darkening interiors. Smart glazing is increasingly replacing heavily tinted windows, preserving both natural light and visual clarity. The result is a brighter interior that remains noticeably cooler throughout the day, allowing architecture to embrace openness without sacrificing thermal comfort.

Nature On the Roof

Green roofs and living walls help to absorb or dissipate heat. Image: Patrick Bingham-Hall.

If the roof has become the first line of defence against the sun, some architects are choosing to soften it altogether. Terence Gareth, a trained architect from TVCI consultants, shares the sage advice of adding greenery to your roof top, “It’s the same basic science of sitting under a tree when the sun is out. The temperature under the tree can be cooler by 2 to 8 degrees Centigrade! Not many people are aware that vegetation offers natural cooling properties. Effectively, roof tops can be gardenscapes with trees to absorb heat.”

Green roofs and living walls have evolved far beyond decorative landscaping. To the uninitiated, layers of vegetation can be used to shade the building while cooling the surrounding air through a process called “evapotranspiration”—the natural process by which plants release moisture into the atmosphere. The effect can noticeably reduce roof and wall temperatures, particularly during prolonged periods of intense heat. For holiday homes, the appeal is two-fold. Besides improving thermal performance, planted roofs visually reconnect buildings with their landscapes, allowing architecture to blend into coastal cliffs, tropical forests or Mediterranean hillsides. Singapore has become a global recognition for integrating greenery into buildings (i.e. ParkRoyal Collection Pickering by Woha Architects and CapitaSpring by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group and Carlo Ratti Associati), while luxury resorts across Southeast Asia increasingly use vegetated roofs to improve both comfort and biodiversity.

Paint That Does More Than Protect

Roof tiles with special radiative cooling coatings help to reflect heat. Image: The Economic Times.

Paint has traditionally been chosen for colour and durability. Increasingly, it is also being specified for its ability to manage heat. Manufacturers such as Nippon Paint, Jotun and Sherwin-Williams already produce high solar-reflectance roof coatings that reflect a significant portion of the sun’s infrared radiation, helping to keep roofs noticeably cooler in tropical climates. Beyond these commercial products, a new generation of radiative cooling coatings—developed by researchers at Purdue University and now being commercialised by US start-up SkyCool Systems for rooftop applications—goes a step further by reflecting almost all incoming sunlight while radiating heat into the sky. Although still in the early stages of adoption for residential architecture, the technology points towards a future in which exterior coatings become an active component of passive cooling rather than simply a protective finish.

Walls That Breathe

The exterior wall is no longer expected merely to keep rain out. Ventilated façades, also known as rainscreen systems, create a narrow cavity between the structural wall and its outer cladding. As sunlight heats the façade, air circulates through this gap, carrying away much of the accumulated warmth before it reaches the interior. The principle has become increasingly common in hotels, high-rise apartments and premium homes, particularly in warmer climates where west-facing walls can absorb intense afternoon sun. Architects also value the system for its durability, helping manage moisture while extending the life of the building envelope. Rather than adding more insulation alone, ventilated façades improve performance by allowing the building to breathe.

Cooling Begins Before the Front Door

Cool pavements with high-albedo concrete reflect and dissipate heat well. Image: Homebriefings.

The hottest surface around a holiday home is often neither the roof nor the walls, but the driveway. Traditional asphalt and dark paving absorb solar radiation throughout the day, then slowly release that heat after sunset, creating a lingering warmth that affects outdoor terraces and adjacent rooms. New paving materials seek to reverse that effect. High-albedo concrete, permeable pavers and reflective aggregates absorb significantly less heat than conventional surfaces while allowing rainwater to evaporate more efficiently. Besides improving outdoor comfort, cooler ground surfaces reduce the surrounding microclimate, easing the heat load on nearby buildings. Landscape architects increasingly view paving as part of the home’s cooling strategy rather than simply a finishing material.

Designing Beyond the Thermostat

Luxury holiday homes have always promised escape. Increasingly, that promise depends not only on spectacular views or generous living spaces but also on how well a building responds to the surrounding climate. Many of the most effective solutions are neither futuristic nor complicated. Shading, ventilation and thoughtful orientation remain fundamental, yet they are now reinforced by smarter glazing, reflective coatings, ventilated façades and landscape materials engineered to perform under rising temperatures.

As climate extremes become more frequent, the most successful holiday homes are likely to be those that work with nature rather than against it. Instead of relying solely on mechanical cooling, the architecture itself quietly assumes a greater share of the task. In that sense, the future of luxury may not be defined by how much energy a home consumes, but by how effortlessly it stays cool.

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The Zero Bang Tao: A new benchmark for contemporary living in Phuket

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The Zero Bang Tao: A new benchmark for contemporary living in Phuket

July 8, 2026
6:23 pm

Located on Phuket’s west coast, The Zero Bang Tao offers homes designed around efficiency, wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

For decades, purchasing property in Phuket meant choosing between two distinct lifestyles.

Private pool villas offered space, privacy and prestige, yet often came with the realities of ongoing maintenance and long periods sitting unoccupied between visits. Conventional condominiums provided convenience, but rarely delivered the architectural integrity, craftsmanship or sense of permanence increasingly sought by today’s international buyers.

That distinction is beginning to disappear.

Along Phuket’s sought-after west coast, where Bang Tao Beach stretches for almost 6km beside the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, a new generation of boutique residential developments is redefining modern island living. Designed for permanent occupation rather than short-term tourism, these residences place equal emphasis on architecture, wellbeing and long-term value.

Among them, The Zero Bang Tao has quietly established itself as one of the island’s most distinctive addresses.

From the outset, the vision was refreshingly simple: to create a home that delivers exceptional design, effortless ownership and enduring value while responding to the way people increasingly want to live.

Only later do visitors discover what truly sets it apart.

Behind its architecture lies one of Phuket’s most forward-thinking sustainable residential concepts, designed around energy efficiency, responsible materials and lower-impact living. Rather than asking residents to compromise, the development demonstrates how intelligent design can enhance everyday comfort through naturally cooler interiors, abundant daylight and reduced operating costs.

It is an approach that places quality, longevity and thoughtful innovation at the centre of contemporary residential design.

Living at The Zero

To understand The Zero Bang Tao, it helps to imagine a typical day.

Morning begins with soft natural light filtering through expansive glazing designed to maximise daylight while reducing heat gain. Fresh air moves naturally through carefully considered layouts, while high-performance insulation helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment throughout the day.

Stepping onto a private terrace, the surrounding landscape feels intentionally preserved rather than imposed upon. Tropical planting, shaded walkways and open green spaces create a sense of retreat, even though Bang Tao’s restaurants, cafés and beach clubs are only moments away.

This is where the philosophy behind the development becomes tangible. Sustainability is not presented as a feature list but as something quietly experienced through cooler living spaces, lower energy consumption and an environment designed for everyday wellbeing.

The materials selected throughout the development reinforce this philosophy. Durable finishes have been chosen for both their aesthetic quality and longevity, creating homes that feel refined, timeless and built to last.

Designed for effortless ownership

One of the development’s greatest strengths is the simplicity it brings to ownership. Unlike private villas, where maintenance can quickly become an ongoing responsibility, The Zero Bang Tao offers a professionally managed environment where landscaping, building maintenance and shared facilities are carefully maintained year-round.

For international owners, this consistency is invaluable. Whether visiting for a few weeks or residing for several months, homes remain ready to enjoy from the moment residents arrive.

Equally important is the sense of permanence the development creates. Rather than feeling like a transient holiday complex, The Zero Bang Tao has been conceived as a genuine residential community, attracting owners who value thoughtful design, privacy and long-term living.

A lifestyle connected to Bang Tao

Location remains one of Phuket’s greatest assets, and Bang Tao continues to evolve as one of the island’s most desirable residential destinations.

Residents enjoy immediate access to one of Phuket’s longest beaches, where mornings begin with walks along the shoreline and evenings end with sunsets over the Andaman Sea.

Within minutes are internationally recognised beach clubs, acclaimed restaurants, wellness centres, boutique shopping, golf courses, international schools and marinas, making the area equally suited to permanent living and extended seasonal stays.

What distinguishes The Zero Bang Tao is the way it complements this lifestyle rather than competing with it.

Communal spaces have been designed to encourage relaxation and connection without sacrificing privacy. Landscaped gardens, carefully considered amenities and generous open spaces create an atmosphere that feels calm, understated and distinctly residential.

Looking towards the future

As buyer priorities continue to evolve, homes designed around efficiency, wellbeing and environmental responsibility are becoming increasingly attractive.

The Zero Bang Tao reflects this shift through a considered approach to architecture, construction and environmental performance, incorporating energy-efficient design principles, responsible material selection and systems intended to reduce long-term environmental impact.

These decisions offer practical benefits that extend beyond sustainability alone. Lower operating costs, improved thermal comfort and durable construction contribute to a more rewarding ownership experience while supporting the long-term appeal of the development.

The development’s approach has already attracted industry recognition, receiving the Best Sustainable Residential Development – Phuket award at the 2025 Dot Property Thailand Awards. Alongside its EIA approval, the accolade reflects growing recognition of developments that place equal emphasis on design quality, environmental responsibility and long-term liveability.

A new chapter for residential living

The Zero Bang Tao represents more than a single residential development. It reflects a broader evolution in how buyers define quality living.

Today’s purchasers increasingly value thoughtful architecture over excess, lasting craftsmanship over short-term trends, and homes that support both wellbeing and responsible living.

In this context, The Zero Bang Tao feels both contemporary and enduring. It demonstrates how intelligent design can create homes that are comfortable, efficient and beautifully connected to their surroundings, while offering an ownership experience that feels refreshingly uncomplicated.

For those considering a home in Phuket, The Zero Bang Tao presents a compelling proposition: a residence where architecture, sustainability and lifestyle exist in quiet harmony, creating a place designed not only for today but for the decades ahead.

thezerobangtao.com

Four Seasons Istanbul: A Week Between Two Worlds

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Four Seasons Istanbul: A Week Between Two Worlds

July 2, 2026
2:00 pm

Luxury is a love language, and nowhere is that more obvious than at Four Seasons Istanbul. From the mesmerising view of the Topkapı Palace to the hidden alleys, its an experience that stays with you.

By Lucas Raven

There are cities that belong to the present, and then there is Istanbul. Where a sixth-century cathedral shares a skyline with contemporary art galleries; where ferries zigzag between continents as casually as commuters crossing town; where the scent of roasting chestnuts drifts past Roman columns and Ottoman fountains.

It is a place perpetually suspended between eras, refusing to settle on a single identity. Which is perhaps why I felt so at home here. Most luxury hotels attempt to transport guests somewhere else. In the crossroads of civilization, Four Seasons does something more interesting. It transports you deeper into the city itself.

The experience begins on the Bosphorus.

Approaching Four Seasons at the Bosphorus feels less like arriving at a hotel and more like being granted access to a private residence that just happens to have belonged to Ottoman royalty. The restored 19th-century palace stretches elegantly along the water’s edge, its pale façade mirrored by the strait that has shaped empires, economies and destinies for centuries.

Inside, there is none of the intimidating grandeur often associated with palace hotels. Instead, the atmosphere is one of effortless confidence. Fresh flowers tower over marble floors. Light dances through vast windows. The Bosphorus remains the star of every room, every corridor, every meal.

And what a backdrop it is. The water never stops moving. Ferries shuttle between Europe and Asia. Fishing boats trail seabirds. Private yachts glide silently past Ottoman mansions whose timber façades have weathered generations of change. The view feels cinematic, but more importantly, alive.

From a table at Aqua, breakfast arrives as a celebration of Turkey itself. Sun-ripened tomatoes. Local cheeses. Honey still fragrant with wildflowers. Olives in shades of green and black so beautiful they look curated by an art director. Beyond the terrace, the Bosphorus performs its endless choreography. This is where Four Seasons understands something fundamental about Istanbul: luxury here is not separation from the city. It is proximity to it.

The hotel’s greatest achievement is that despite its polish, it never feels detached from its surroundings. The city flows through it. Istanbul’s social set drifts in for long lunches by the water. Families gather for extravagant Sunday brunches. Business magnates negotiate over coffee. Guests become spectators to a city that continues unfolding beyond the palace gates.

Yet there is also a palpable sense of history. Not the kind trapped behind glass, but history that remains woven into daily life.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the hammam. Beneath marble domes and rising steam, centuries collapse. The ritual remains largely unchanged from the days when Ottoman sultans inhabited these shores. For a brief moment, the distinction between traveller and resident, between modernity and tradition, disappears completely.

And then there is the journey to Sultanahmet.

The complimentary boat transfer between Four Seasons’ two Istanbul properties may be one of hospitality’s most inspired gestures. Not simply because it bypasses traffic, but because it transforms transportation into storytelling.

As the palace recedes behind you, Istanbul reveals itself from the water—the perspective from which Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans and generations of traders first encountered the city. The destination could not be more different. If the Bosphorus property embodies Istanbul’s grandeur, Sultanahmet embodies its soul.

Set within a former Ottoman prison, the hotel occupies one of the most extraordinary addresses in the city. Hagia Sophia rises moments away. The Blue Mosque punctuates the skyline. Topkapı Palace sits within walking distance. Yet inside the ochre-coloured walls, tranquillity reigns. It is one of Istanbul’s most delightful contradictions, a former prison transformed into a sanctuary.

The building carries its history lightly. You sense it in the architecture, the proportions, the atmosphere. But Four Seasons has softened every edge. Courtyards bloom with greenery. Suites feel like the private residences of an old Istanbul family. Service is so discreet it borders on invisible. Here, opulence whispers rather than announces itself.

The magic of Sultanahmet is not merely its location but its perspective. Staying here places you at the intersection of civilisations. Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman and modern Turkish histories coexist within a few city blocks. Every walk becomes an act of discovery. A hidden courtyard, centuries-old hammam, contemporary gallery tucked behind ancient stone walls
— the city reveals itself in layers.

From the rooftop terrace, with Hagia Sophia dominating the horizon, Istanbul feels less like a destination and more like a conversation between centuries. The call to prayer drifts across the rooftops. Seagulls circle overhead. Past, present and future coexist in a single glance.

Perhaps that is the true luxury they offer in this dynamic city. Not merely exceptional rooms or impeccable service, though both abound. It offers access — access to the Bosphorus at its most glamorous. Access to the historic peninsula at its most intimate. Access to the city’s rhythms, rituals and contradictions. Access to Istanbul itself.

Because this is not a city that can be understood from a checklist of landmarks. It must be tasted, walked, sailed, listened to.

And when the day ends, whether beside the Bosphorus or beneath the shadow of Hagia Sophia, Four Seasons provides the rarest luxury of all: a sense that you are not simply visiting Istanbul. For a fleeting moment, you belong to it.

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World Cup 2026 History Points to a Familiar Shortlist

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World Cup 2026 History Points to a Familiar Shortlist

June 25, 2026
2:05 pm

With informed insights, LUXUO delves into the discernable data to determine which nation could end up winning the 2026 World Cup.

By Joe Lim

The countdown to the crowning of a winner at the World Cup rarely begins with the opening match. Long before a ball is kicked, conversations gather momentum in cafés, offices and living rooms across the globe. Predictions are exchanged, favourites debated and dark horses identified. Every tournament arrives with a sense of possibility, yet history suggests the list of genuine contenders is often smaller than it first appears. The 2026 FIFA World Cup may be approaching its centenary, but it remains a surprisingly limited dataset. Since the inaugural tournament in 1930, only 22 men’s World Cups have been played. Two editions were cancelled during the Second World War and the tournament takes place only once every four years. Compared with annual sporting competitions, the sample size is remarkably small.

That scarcity gives historical trends unusual weight. Over almost a century of competition, winning teams have shared several common characteristics. Past performance cannot predict the future with certainty, but it can provide a useful framework for assessing the expanded 48-team field heading to the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

The simplest route would be to focus exclusively on previous winners. Only eight nations have ever lifted the trophy. Italy, a four-time champion, failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament. Uruguay, winner of the first World Cup and again in 1950, enters as a long shot despite a proud footballing tradition. The remaining former champions — Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany and Spain — all sit among the leading favourites according to bookmakers and predictive models.

The Game Has Become More Competitive

No nation entering a World Cup outside the top 17 Elo rankings has ever won the tournament. In reality, the threshold may be even stricter. Uruguay’s victory in 1950 remains the only championship won by a team ranked lower than fifteenth before the tournament began. 15 of the 22 World Cup winners entered their tournaments ranked in the top four.

The implication is significant. Football frequently produces surprise results over 90 minutes, but World Cups are rarely won by genuine outsiders. Sustaining success across seven matches against elite opposition requires a level of consistency that underdogs have historically struggled to maintain.

Applying that benchmark immediately removes several ambitious challengers. Paraguay, Austria, Scotland, Czechia, Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina all fall outside the traditional winning range. Host nations Canada, Mexico and the United States also sit beyond the historical threshold despite enjoying home advantage.

Host Nations Usually Win

World Cup 2022 Winner, Argentina. Images: Julian Finney, Getty Images.

Hosts have historically performed well. Six host nations have won the World Cup, and four secured their first title on home soil. None, however, entered the tournament as a surprise contender. Geography may provide an edge, but elite quality remains a prerequisite.

However, individual excellence offers another revealing clue. Among European champions, every World Cup-winning nation has produced multiple Ballon d’Or winners. The award, first presented in 1956, remains football’s highest individual honour and serves as a useful indicator of sustained elite talent production.France leads this category with six different Ballon d’Or winners. Germany and Italy have produced five each. England has four, while Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands have each produced three.

The pattern reflects a broader truth. Nations capable of producing the world’s best players over multiple generations tend to possess the depth, infrastructure and footballing culture necessary to compete at the highest level.

The Process of Elimination

This trend eliminates several respected European sides. Belgium’s highly regarded golden generation failed to convert talent into major international silverware. Croatia’s achievements, including a runner-up finish in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022, remain remarkable but do not align with the historical profile of previous champions. Norway continues to emerge as an exciting prospect, powered by one of the strongest groups of attacking talent in Europe, yet the nation lacks the track record associated with World Cup winners. Attention then shifts from players to the technical area.

One of the tournament’s most fascinating historical quirks concerns managerial nationality. No team has ever won a World Cup under a foreign-born manager. The statistic may be partly self-reinforcing. Football’s strongest nations have traditionally developed elite coaches alongside elite players, while national federations have often preferred domestic appointments. Correlation does not necessarily prove causation. Even so, the record remains intact after almost a century.

The trend creates complications for several leading contenders. Brazil enters the tournament under Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most accomplished coaches in football history. England is led by German manager Thomas Tuchel, while Portugal continues under Spanish manager Roberto Martínez. Uruguay, Colombia and Ecuador are also managed by foreign-born coaches. At some point, the pattern is likely to end. Modern football is more international than ever before, and coaching expertise increasingly transcends borders. Yet historical evidence remains a powerful consideration when narrowing the field.

The Final Five

After applying these filters, only five nations remain: Argentina, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. None represents a surprise. Argentina enters as defending champion, carrying the confidence and experience that accompany recent success. France continues to possess one of the deepest talent pools in world football, supported by a development system that consistently produces elite players.

Germany’s presence reflects a remarkable ability to reinvent itself across generations. Four World Cup titles have arrived under different tactical philosophies and in different footballing eras, reinforcing the country’s reputation as one of the sport’s most resilient tournament teams.

Spain has emerged as the consensus favourite among many analysts, bookmakers and predictive models. Recent international success, technical consistency and a squad blending established leaders with exceptional young talent have strengthened confidence in another deep run.

The Dutch team for World Cup 2026.

Then there is the Netherlands. No nation has experienced more heartbreak without winning the World Cup. Defeats in the finals of 1974, 1978 and 2010 remain defining moments in football history. Yet Dutch football continues to produce technically gifted players, influential coaches and a clear footballing identity. Among countries still pursuing a first title, few possess a stronger claim.

Of course, the World Cup has never been decided solely by trends, rankings or historical precedents. A tournament that unfolds over four weeks inevitably produces moments beyond prediction: a decisive save, an unexpected breakthrough star, or a single goal that alters football history.

Historical Shortlist

History points towards a familiar shortlist heading into 2026. Spain and France sit at the front of the queue. Argentina seeks to defend a title. Germany continues another cycle of renewal. The Netherlands pursues a long-awaited breakthrough. The names may feel familiar, but that is precisely the point. Nearly a century of World Cup history suggests that football’s biggest prize rarely strays far from its established centres of power.

Yet anticipation persists because certainty remains impossible. Every tournament begins with data, trends and forecasts. Every tournament ends with a story. The nation that lifts the trophy in North America next summer will add another chapter to football’s most enduring narrative — whether history repeats itself or takes an unexpected turn.

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Century of the Impervious Shell: Inside Rolex’s Oyster Story Exhibition in Shanghai

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Century of the Impervious Shell: Inside Rolex’s Oyster Story Exhibition in Shanghai

June 18, 2026
3:13 pm

Marking 100 years of the Rolex Oyster, the Oyster Story exhibition in Shanghai traces the evolution of one of watchmaking’s most influential innovations.

By Ashok Soman

What does the future hold for the Rolex Oyster? Well, to look forward in time, you can sometimes look back for clues. So it is with the centenary of the Rolex Oyster, and it is the general idea behind the Oyster Story Exhibition in Shanghai. Opening June 10, 2026, at the West Bund Dome, Shanghai and running till June 28, the exhibition not only goes back to the roots of Hans Wilsdorf’s vision, it also points the way to the future.

Stepping into the West Bund Dome, visitors are immediately enveloped in a narrative of constant motion; the exhibition is meant to ensconce one in a different reality. One of the aforementioned clues, this one from the very recent past as the event flagged off, was the remarkable drone show. A person going about his or her business around Shanghai would have been surprised on June 9, at around 2100, as strange shapes took over the skyline, thanks to a powerful drone show. Just as a stranger’s experience of the city might have been indelibly marked by the appearance of Rolex imagery in the night sky, so too was the world forever changed when the Rolex Oyster debuted in 1926.

Even if that seems a claim by far too strong, it is certainly a fact that the Rolex Oyster deeply impacted the world of watchmaking – and continues to do so up to the present and beyond. The landmark Shanghai event marks the premiering chapter of a broader global centenary tribute to the iconic watch, celebrating a foundational invention that permanently redefined the landscape of modern watchmaking.

The Past

At the Oyster Exhibition, the journey begins with an exploration of Hans Wilsdorf’s original, audacious intuition: the belief that a wristwatch could be entirely waterproof, dustproof, precise, and unshakeably reliable under any condition. After some experimentation (which we may yet return to in another story), in 1926, the founder’s belief materialized into the very first Rolex Oyster case – a breakthrough achieved by a meticulous system of screwing down the bezel, case back, and winding crown against the middle case. Five years later, the concept evolved with the arrival of the self-winding system, famously known as the Perpetual rotor, granting the watch autonomy and its wearer total freedom of movement.

Inside the exhibition’s main pavilion, this evolutionary timeline is given physical form. Rare heritage collector pieces and striking contemporary creations are showcased side-by-side with authentic components, patents, documentation and period advertising. On the pavilion’s first floor, the human element takes centre stage through an exclusive gallery of 100 portraits highlighting the iconic wearers who helped forge the brand’s reputation. To add depth, the display features highly rare timepieces generously loaned from private collectors specifically for this Shanghai premiere.

From the highest mountain peaks to the deepest ocean trenches and even into the vacuum of space, these instruments have accompanied humanity’s greatest feats. This epic history is further romanticized in a dedicated cinema room screening a film on the pioneers, athletes, and conservationists who pushed boundaries with an Oyster on their wrist. For those wanting to delve deeper, an adjacent Library Lounge offers a curated selection of publications spanning the manufacturer’s diverse history in sports, culture, and environmental preservation.

The Future

While the exhibition heavily honours its roots, it anchors itself firmly in tomorrow within the “Superlative” pavilion. Here, every modern aspect of the integrated Swiss manufacture is revealed: from the initial design phases of cases, bezels, and dials, to casting proprietary gold alloys at its Swiss facilities, all the way to final inspection.

The absolute highlight of this space is an immersive experience dedicated to a pinnacle of horological infrastructure: the Rolex Rubidium Optical Atomic Clock. Developed in-house as an ultra-precise reference standard, this instrument harnesses laser-stimulated rubidium atoms to determine the exact length of a second with astonishing accuracy.

This atomic reference point serves as the backbone for the newly expanded Superlative Chronometer certification. Introduced in 2026, this updated in-house standard goes far beyond traditional testing. While continuing to guarantee stringent precision, power reserve, and waterproofness, the testing parameters have now evolved to strictly certify a timepiece’s resistance to intense magnetic fields; long-term everyday reliability; and structural durability

As large, cyclical, colour-themed screens encircle the dome galleries to weave unexpected connections between watchmaking, nature, and sport, Oyster Story makes its point both succinctly and expansively. It proves that for Rolex, looking back at a century of achievement is simply the most reliable way to chart the next hundred years of innovation.

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Jonathan Rouanet of Devinci Cars on Devinci’s Electric Collector Car Strategy

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Jonathan Rouanet of Devinci Cars on Devinci’s Electric Collector Car Strategy

June 11, 2026
2:18 pm

Devinci Cars commercial director Jonathan Rouanet explains how the French marque is seeking a different approach to luxury motoring.

By Florence Sutton

Founded in France in 2016, Devinci Cars occupies a niche segment of the automotive market, producing electric collector vehicles inspired by pre-war and mid-century automotive design. Manufactured in small series and built to order, the company’s models combine classic proportions and open-air driving with modern electric powertrains, allowing owners to enjoy the visual appeal of vintage motoring without many of the maintenance, reliability and regulatory challenges associated with traditional collector cars.

Devinci positions its cars as highly personalised luxury vehicles. Clients can customise everything from paintwork and interior materials to bespoke design details, with each vehicle produced in limited numbers. The company has also developed a private owners’ club centred around road trips, rallies and exclusive events, reflecting a broader focus on lifestyle and community alongside vehicle ownership. Unlike most collector vehicles, Devinci emphasises the experience of driving itself, particularly open-air motoring, simplicity and a closer connection to the surrounding environment. The company also appeals to a clientele that extends beyond traditional automotive collectors, attracting owners drawn to design, aesthetics and personal expression as much as mechanical engineering.

LUXUO speaks to commercial director Jonathan Rouanet on the origins of Devinci Cars, the company’s approach to design and manufacturing, the growing market for electric collector vehicles and why the brand believes electrification can offer a new future for classic automotive forms.

How was the idea of Devinci Cars conceived and what is the core DNA of the brand?

Devinci Cars was born from a desire to revive the elegance and emotional appeal of classic automobiles while adapting them to today’s world. The core DNA of the brand lies in three pillars which are craftsmanship, timeless design and modern technology. We aim to create vehicles that respect automotive heritage while offering a new vision of sustainable mobility.

Would it be fair to say that Devinci Cars delivers authentic classic cars with contemporary technologies?

Yes, this is exactly our philosophy. We reinterpret iconic automotive lines with a contemporary approach, integrating modern electric powertrains and current technologies. The goal is not to replicate the past, but to elevate it.

What advantages do electric collector vehicles offer over traditional classic cars?

Our electric collector vehicles combine the charm and emotional design of classic cars with the comfort, reliability, and environmental benefits of electric mobility. They offer silent driving, reduced maintenance, and a more sustainable footprint, without compromising on driving pleasure or aesthetics.

What are the key models in the Devinci collection today, and what distinguishes them from one another?

The Devinci range is currently composed of four models of bespoke electric vehicles, all inspired by classic automotive design. Each model is highly customisable and built in limited series, making every car unique.

Devinci’s founder once described the marque’s vehicles as “the most ecological four-wheeled road-approved vehicles in the world.” What underpins that claim?

Our approach focuses on minimising environmental impact through full electrification and responsible manufacturing processes. Beyond emissions reduction, we also emphasise durability and long-term usage, ensuring that each vehicle is designed to last and avoid unnecessary consumption.

Devinci frequently highlights the bespoke nature of its vehicles and customising collectors’ electric vehicles. Can you elaborate more on this?

Customisation is at the heart of Devinci Cars. Clients can personalise almost every aspect of their vehicle, from exterior finishes, any body colour, interior materials, stitching colours and fine design details, to even specific personalised elements such as numbers or symbolic references. Each car becomes a unique expression of its owner’s identity, crafted down to the smallest detail.

Can you share some examples of particularly distinctive or unexpected commissions that clients have requested?

Yes, you could say that each one is a unique creation, since every vehicle is designed with specific personal tastes and stories in mind. One of our more unusual projects was a collaboration with an artist where we essentially created a masterpiece on wheels for the client. We approach every project as a unique collaborative creative endeavor.

Your website does not publish a price range. How do you address pricing discussions with prospective buyers?

Each Devinci vehicle is made to order and pricing depends on the chosen model and the level of customisation. Our entry model, Brigitte, starts at around EUR 58,000, with final pricing varying depending on specifications. We prefer to engage directly with clients to understand their needs and build a tailored proposal.

How do you see Devinci Cars growing in the next five years?

In five years, we see Devinci Cars as a recognised reference in the niche of electric collector vehicles, with an international presence and a growing community of passionate clients and collectors.

Do you have a favourite automotive museum around the world?

After visiting the Musée National de l’Automobile – Schlumpf Collection several times with my family, one of my favourite car-related museums remains this one, as it bridges classic and modern cars. It has also left a strong impression on French automotive history, which resonates with me personally.

Devinci Cars will be present from the 27th to the 28th at its first edition event and will be participating in the Concours d’Élégance. We will be happy to meet you there and introduce you to the Devinci universe.

Is there a mentor or figure who continues to inspire you in your work at Devinci?

Leonardo da Vinci, of course, represents both the artist and the complete engineer. His way of elevating humanity through his pursuit of beauty, excellence, innovation, and of what had “never yet been achieved by man” is truly inspiring.

For more information, head to the official Devinci website here or contact commercial@devinci-cars.com

Visit Devinci’s social media platforms here for Instagram and LinkedIn

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The Ferrari Luce Triggers an Identity Crisis

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

The Ferrari Luce Triggers an Identity Crisis

June 4, 2026
2:17 pm

Ferrari’s first electric vehicle — the Luce — has critics questioning whether electrification has diluted the very qualities that made the marque desirable.

By Sanjeeva Suresh

Ferrari’s first electric vehicle, the Luce — directly translated as “light” in Italian — has sparked a backlash for what many see as a rupture in the brand’s emotional and aesthetic continuity. Ferrari’s shares reportedly fell by up to 10 percent after its unveiling, while social media saw memes, comparisons and outright rejection from Ferrari traditionalists. Rather than Ferrari’s venture into Electric Vehicles (EVs) itself, the backlash appears to stem from design critique and, more fundamentally, from questions over whether the car still “feels like a Ferrari”. Former chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo warned that the model risks “destroying a legend” — a sentiment that captures Ferrari’s current identity fault line.

The Controversy

Nissan Leaf (left) and the Ferrari Luce (right)

The pastel blue launch colour triggered immediate backlash online, where it was repeatedly compared to the Nissan Leaf — a mass-market EV that sits at the opposite end of Ferrari’s pricing range. For a brand that trades on visual aggression and immediate recognisability, the association cut directly against expectation. Rather than reading as a bespoke Ferrari identity, critics framed the imagery as flattened and commodity-like, closer to mainstream EV design language than Ferrari’s established visual code. The Luce introduces a four-door layout, a five-seat cabin and a design language shaped by product and interface thinking rather than traditional automotive proportion.

Furthermore, Ferrari has always policed its own visual identity tightly, to the point of enforcing an informal “blacklist” of modifications that clash with the brand’s codes — a stance often cited in cases like Paris Hilton’s custom pink Ferrari, which became a prime example of how far the marque is willing to go to protect its aesthetic authority.

Identity Erosion

The Luce backlash ultimately speaks to a question of identity erosion. Ferrari has spent years positioning itself for an electric transition, but in doing so it appears to have drifted away from the very traits that made it desirable in the first place: the mechanical crescendo of its combustion soundtrack and aerodynamic design, the constant tension of power delivery at the edge of grip, the deliberate instability that kept the driver engaged and the visceral sense of risk encoded in its combustion-era engineering language. Critics argue that the result is a vehicle that performs at the highest technical level, yet feels emotionally detached from the Ferrari mythos.

A typical Ferrari has a chassis behaviour that demands constant correction at the limit; the experience is unstable by design and the driver is always managing risk. The Luce removes that entire feedback loop. It is silent and digitally mediated, built around stability and control, resulting in a car that performs at an extreme technical level but removes the physical tension that historically defined Ferrari ownership. Where previous Ferraris suggested speed as danger — some perceived the Luce’s speed as a sanitised and controlled expression of performance.

Competing with Chinese EVs Was a Strategic Misstep

Ferrari’s electrification strategy is also shaped by the realities of China, now the most competitive and fast-moving market for premium EVs. Unlike Europe, where electrification is still layered onto existing combustion-era expectations, China has already normalised electric performance as the baseline. Buyers in the ultra-luxury segment expect high output, advanced digital systems, rapid charging capability and constant software iteration, often at significantly lower price points than European equivalents.

Domestic manufacturers have accelerated this shift. Brands such as BYD and other Chinese EV makers have moved into performance territory once reserved for European supercars, offering extreme acceleration, experimental features and highly specified interiors that compete directly with established luxury marques. At the same time, price compression driven by scale, supply chain integration and state-backed industrial capacity has forced global manufacturers to rethink how premium positioning is maintained in an environment where technological parity is no longer rare. The scale, pricing and design direction of the Luce signal an effort to preserve exclusivity in a market where electrification is already saturated and under sustained pressure.

Taken together, the Ferrari Luce backlash is not simply a criticism of aesthetics but rather a reflection of market concern about Ferrari’s ability to sustain its valuation through a period of identity transition. The reported drop in Ferrari’s share price following the unveiling of the Luce goes beyond short-term volatility and points to a broader uncertainty about whether the brand’s identity still holds under this new era of electrification. Ferrari has always traded on scarcity and cultural desirability as much as engineering performance. When that perception weakens — even temporarily — it translates directly into investor hesitation. The Luce may represent technological progression — but as market reactions suggest — that progress without the continuity of consumer desire introduces an erosion of belief in what Ferrari stands for.

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Franck Muller CEO Nicholas Rudaz Speaks on the Brand’s Direction and Global Presence

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Franck Muller CEO Nicholas Rudaz Speaks on the Brand’s Direction and Global Presence

May 28, 2026
1:14 pm

For Franck Muller, time is not a master, but a canvas. CEO Nicholas Rudaz dives into the brand’s latest innovations — from watchmaking to chocolate — and explains why “cool” is just as important as any complication.

By Ruckdee Chotjinda

In the gilded and frequently self-serious world of haute horlogerie, where centuries-old traditions are guarded with a near-religious zeal, Franck Muller has always ranked amongst the glorious outliers. A successful one at that. Since its founding in 1991, the brand has operated under a singular and defiant mandate: to be the “Master of Complications” without ever losing its sense of play. This is a family-owned firm that views time not as a rigid master, but as a canvas for creativity. This is not just a brand philosophy but what the watches are really like, in the metal. It is a philosophy perhaps best exemplified by the iconic Crazy Hours — a complication born from a desire to break the chronological order of the dial, reportedly inspired by the whimsical, “wacky” realisation that time is ultimately what we make of it, even in the haze of a holiday morning.

At the helm of this creative juggernaut is Nicholas Rudaz, a CEO whose own professional trajectory is as unconventional as the watches he oversees. Rudaz, who joined the company in 2007 and stepped into the CEO role in 2021, does not fit any kind of mould. Born in Switzerland but raised in England, he spent his formative years not in a watchmaker’s atelier, but in the highstakes world of luxury hospitality. His journey famously includes a stint as a barman at the Sydney Opera House in the early 1990s — a period he reflects on with great fondness.

It was there, amidst the clinking of glasses and the diverse stories of international travellers, that Rudaz honed the interpersonal skills and “dream-selling” mentality that now define his leadership at Franck Muller. To Rudaz, selling a high-complication watch is not unlike managing a five-star guest experience; it is about emotion, storytelling and the meticulous attention to detail that creates a lasting memory.

This human-centric approach is what keeps Rudaz on a near-constant global tour. Unlike many of his peers, he is a frequent visitor to Southeast Asia and Australia, often returning to his “old stomping grounds” in Sydney to open new boutiques and engage directly with collectors. His relationship with the press and the market in Thailand is particularly robust; he is one of the few chief executives who makes it a point to visit at least once a year, ensuring the brand remains visible and attuned to the nuances of local preferences.

Our previous conversation with Rudaz (Spring last year) explored his strategic vision for steering the brand’s legacy into a new era while maintaining its fierce independence. Since then, the world of Franck Muller has only grown more expansive — and more surprising. During a recent visit to “Watchland,” the brand’s fairy-tale lakeside estate in Genthod, the spirit of “always staying busy” was on full display. In a move that perfectly captures the brand’s spontaneous creativity, Watchland now houses a chocolate factory. Born from a 600-square-meter canteen space that went unused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the area was transformed into a premium chocolatier at the suggestion of Franck Muller co-founder Vartan Sirmakes. Today, Franck Muller even sells these chocolates online (Japan-only, as far as we know), often personalising them for partners and journalists — a testament to the brand’s belief that luxury should be as delightful as it is complex.

But while chocolate and lifestyle expansions like the Aeternitas Tower in Dubai — the world’s tallest residential branded building, topped with a Franck Muller clock visible from six kilometres away — make headlines, the heart of the maison remains firmly rooted in technical innovation. The current collection maintains a masterful balance between what is cool, what has horological depth and what sells. The Round Triple Mystery, for instance, represents a logical yet daunting evolution of the Mystery series. By adding a third rotating disc for the seconds, watchmakers had to overcome significant energy and torque challenges, utilising a skeletonised aluminium seconds disc measuring a mere 0.3mm thick to ensure the movement remains precise and efficient. Crucially, this complication emerged at the request of one of Franck Muller’s Asia Pacific distributors…

Similarly, the use of avant-garde materials such as those found in the Vanguard Royal Bauxite demonstrates a commitment to durability and aesthetic freedom. Basically, the brand has found a way to use aluminium for cases without compromising on strength, and this unlocked a rainbow of colours, which are not possible with traditional ceramic or carbon. This focus on colour and wearability extends to the new Vanguard Sfumato Slim, which addresses the growing consumer demand for smaller and thinner timepieces without sacrificing the bold dial artistry the brand is known for.

As we sit down with Rudaz once again, he reflects on three of the “five C’s” of the brand: Creativity, Complications and “Cool” — the intangible quality that keeps clients coming back. In this interview, we dive deeper into the brand’s unique strategy for the Asia-Pacific market, the technical hurdles of its latest complications and why, for Franck Muller, the most important rule is often knowing when to break one.

All three Round Mystery watches from top, clockwise: Double Mystery, Mystery and Triple Mystery

Outside of the novelties, what is new at Franck Muller?

We make chocolate. Did I tell you that? When we built the extension at Watchland, we planned one big canteen for everyone. But because this was the middle of the pandemic, we decided that maybe it’s not a good idea to have one big canteen. So, we were left with this big space, like 600 square metres, not knowing what to do. And Vartan said, let’s make chocolate. So, we went looking for the best chocolate makers in France. We actually sell it online. We also gift it, of course, when people come and visit the factory. And we can also personalise the chocolate to the distributor, to the shop and to the journalist.

And then another thing that’s going on in Dubai: We have a tower being built. It’s the tallest residential branded building in the world, sponsored by Franck Muller. And on the top, we will have a large Franck Muller clock that is visible from at least six kilometres. It will be called Aeternitas Tower. So, you’re asking about what else we are doing other than making watches? We do a lot. We like to stay busy. You asked the right question.

Artist’s impression of the upcoming Aeternitas Tower, Dubai

Why are there more limited editions for Asia Pacific than the other markets?

I think you know more about the Southeast Asian limited editions because it’s your market. Effectively, we do other limited editions for the Middle East, for South America, for Europe. We did the Snoopy limited edition with Bamford as well. So, we do quite a lot of limited editions in various markets, but Southeast Asia is one of our biggest markets and they are the most creative as well. We work closely with Cortina and Pendulum to make limited editions. And if you have any other suggestions for a new limited edition in Thailand, we’ll be happy to consider.

In terms of materials and colours, you have been quite successful and creative. The Vanguard Royal Bauxite has so many hues, for example. Can you tell us more about the practical advantages offered by using this aluminium alloy?

Absolutely. We’ve been bringing in a lot of new materials and that allows us to make new designs. And with the aluminium, it’s being treated in such a way that it’s become much stronger than any other material. I’m comparing it with steel before anything else. And it’s actually extremely solid and light. And the exceptional (property) of the aluminium is to be able to design all the colours imaginable. With carbon, you’re limited. With ceramic, you’re limited. With titanium, you’re limited. But with aluminium, everything is possible. That’s why in our collection we have incredible colours: green, orange, pink, violet, yellow. You name it, we have it.

Let us also ask you about the size, because right now a lot of our consumers are asking for smaller watches.

Absolutely. We’ve also realised the importance of having smaller watches. And we do have smaller watches available on different markets. And today we’ve come out with this Vanguard Sfumato Slim in 41 and 43 mm sizes. The thickness of the Sfumato is much thinner. It’s a totally in-house movement with a beautiful open back and very comfortable on the wrist.

The Sfumato has proven to be a very popular new collection this year, sfumato being a term used in the artistic world to talk about the differences in contrast from light to dark, dark to light. This is in reference to the dial, which we have in four different colours. And the straps are in either suede or the combination of crocodile top and rubber lining. This makes it more interesting to wear in humid weather like in Thailand.

Vanguard model in aluminium

And your new Round Triple Mystery is simply fabulous. It is a logical continuation from its predecessors.

Thank you very much. And of course, so instead of having the hands, you have two plates, one for the hours, one for the minutes. And, yeah, the Double Mystery has been incredibly successful over the years, so now we are progressing into the Triple Mystery. So, we are adding the seconds plate, which was a big challenge technically to achieve. It’s heavier and drains energy, of course. So, the barrel has been made to give it a little bit more energy, more torque.

What would be the one quality that will enable Frank Muller to be competitive against the other brands in the coming years?

Creativity has always been in our DNA from the very beginning: in the complications, in the designs, in the shapes of the cases. We’ve always been extremely creative in our fun complications as well. I was speaking to one journalist in Sydney. He summarised it all very well. He was talking about Franck Muller and the five C’s: creativity, complications, cool, which may sound not very horological, but it’s a true reason why a lot of our clients buy… I’ve forgotten the other two things. But it was very interesting. Very true.

This story was first seen as part of the WOW #83 Spring 2026 Issue

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A Day in Saint-Tropez: The Enduring Allure of Beach Club Culture

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A Day in Saint-Tropez: The Enduring Allure of Beach Club Culture

May 14, 2026
2:03 pm

Saint-Tropez epitomises summer luxury on the French Riviera with sun-drenched beaches, renowned beach clubs and stylish villa retreats.

By Florence Sutton

With an irresistible mix of glamour and indulgence, Saint-Tropez combines French Riviera charm, stunning beaches and effortless luxury living. In summer, the destination unfolds with a distinct, relaxed rhythm that’s only conducted by those who visit. Along the coastline, on the white sands of Pampelonne beach and hidden coves neighbouring the Mediterranean’s azure waters, lies an eclectic beach club scene to which the destination holds its identity. Offering a blend of indulgence and style, they continue to attract international clientele to Saint-Tropez year after year…

Beach clubs of Saint-Tropez each hold their own identity and style, exuding a shared understanding of what makes the region extra special. A seamless fusion of beachside luxury and high-end opulence is found amongst some of the most exclusive establishments, whilst others embrace a more contemporary energy and vibrancy with live DJs blending curated playlists. Across all clubs, fashion plays just as an important factor in the entire experience for its visitors. Outfits evolve as a form of expression, with detailed and tailored pieces that reflect an unspoken dress code in this luxury destination.

Saint-Tropez, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France

On a luxury summer holiday in Saint-Tropez, mornings begin slow. Typically, visitors will indulge in the breakfast delicacies served by their private chef and team, at an exclusive catered villa rental, before venturing out to a selection of sophisticated beach clubs that line the shores of the southern French coastline. By late morning, however, the first arrivals venture to the likes of legendary Club 55, refined La Réserve à la Plage and boho-chic Loulou Ramatuelle, amongst other new contemporaries, where understated elegance remains key. Linen shirts, oversized sunglasses and woven accessories are the attire of those gradually filling tables, whilst the atmosphere builds at an unhurried pace.

By midday, the French Riviera sun and Saint-Tropez beach clubs are at their highest peaks. A backdrop of beautiful blue skies that seamlessly match the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, for long afternoons that stretch until the golden glow of evening sets in. On the tables, colourful dishes of fresh seafood and seasonal salads create a tantalising beachside dining experience, with the sounds of music to provide a subtle ambience that’s one of sophistication and celebration. Alternatively, at Saint-Tropez beach clubs, such as Nikkie Beach and Bagatelle Beach, afternoon is when the party really kicks off with frequent Champagne bottles flowing and live music lending more towards the celebration side of procedures.

Saint-Tropez, France

In the evenings, the softened light of sunset replaces what were once bright blue hues decorating the Saint-Tropez skies. In the beach clubs, the atmosphere gradually shifts from sun-drenched leisure to something more intimate. By sunset, the energy across many contemporary beach clubs becomes quieter and more reflective, as guests linger at tables deciding on whether to return to their luxury Saint-Tropez villa or move on to another venue.

A day in Saint-Tropez is an experience defined by detail and a luxury ambience that continues to captivate the international crowds that return each summer. It offers a sense of escapism, whilst maintaining a strong connection to the destination’s refined atmosphere, something that the beach clubs wholeheartedly embody. So, why settle for less in the accommodation you choose? Villas In Luxury offers an exclusive collection of the finest luxury St Tropez villas for travellers who accept nothing less than exceptional. Providing the perfect balance of space and discretion, yet still remaining close to the heart of the scene, their definitive portfolio promises an elevated villa experience like no other.

Saint-Tropez isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a lifestyle in itself.

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Antoine Salmon, CEO & Co-founder of RIVES Paris on Bespoke Tailoring and Modern Menswear

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Antoine Salmon, CEO & Co-founder of RIVES Paris on Bespoke Tailoring and Modern Menswear

May 7, 2026
2:44 am

RIVES Paris repositions bespoke tailoring as a functional, modern wardrobe tool rooted in Parisian craft tradition.

By Florence Sutton

With the rise of streetwear, sportswear and a broader casualisation of dress codes in business and social settings, the suit is no longer part of everyday dressing, but reserved for formal or professional occasions. The question many tailoring houses are grappling with is no longer how to preserve the suit in its traditional form, but how to make it feel necessary again. Enter RIVES Paris. Since 2016, RIVES Paris has showcased a respect for sartorial heritage by prioritising craftsmanship in traditional workshops. As a fashion capital, Paris continues to set the tone for how heritage and modernity can coexist within menswear. The city’s tailoring tradition still carries weight, but it is its ability to evolve that keeps it relevant.

Based in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, RIVES approaches tailoring as something lived rather than ceremonial. Each garment begins with a conversation about the client — how he dresses, how he moves, what he needs from a suit — before progressing through fabric selection, construction and multiple fittings in the atelier. RIVES uses its tailoring expertise and stylistic eye at the service of all those who wish to have a unique and memorable suit by offering a tailor-made wardrobe service. Each client, each occasion and each creation is unique, which is why RIVES tailors create a custom pattern for every order. This pattern is then preserved in the House’s archives, allowing clients to reorder or replace any part of their suit identically, using the original pattern.

In this interview, CEO and co-founder of RIVES Paris, Antoine Salmon discusses how RIVES has developed its approach to modern tailoring, how the house responds to shifting perceptions of the suit, and the role of bespoke craftsmanship within a menswear landscape in transition.

Can you walk us through the founding of RIVES Paris and how the brand has evolved since?

RIVES Paris was born from a very simple conviction: that bespoke tailoring deserved to be approached differently — with the same level of craftsmanship and rigor, but with a more contemporary eye and a more natural relationship with the client.

From the beginning, we wanted to create a house where elegance would never feel frozen or intimidating. The ambition was to combine sartorial excellence with a certain modern clarity: precise lines, strong proportions, and garments that truly belong to today.

What followed has been built very organically. We started with a clear vision, a demanding product, and a very personal way of welcoming clients. Over time, word of mouth became our strongest growth driver. Today, ten years later, RIVES dresses clients in Paris and well beyond, for business, private life, weddings, and important moments — always with the same attention to detail.

RIVES boutique, 23 rue Pasquier, Paris 8th arrondissement

What first sparked your interest in men’s tailoring?

Very early on, I was fascinated by the idea that clothing could change presence without ever needing to speak loudly. A well-cut jacket has something almost architectural: it structures posture, attitude and confidence. I was drawn not only to elegance itself, but to what elegance produces in someone.

I also grew up admiring men whose style was never demonstrative — Cary Grant, Robert Redford, Roger Moore — men whose clothes seemed obvious because they were perfectly mastered.

With your boutique and workshop located in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, how can clients connect with you or arrange an appointment?

Our house is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, a district that naturally reflects the spirit of RIVES: discreet, elegant, central and deeply Parisian. Appointments can be arranged very simply by email, phone, or through our website. Paris remains our home, but many of our clients also come from abroad, so we are used to organising appointments efficiently for people visiting the city for only a short time.

Can you walk us through the fabric selection and fitting process at RIVES Paris?

Everything starts with first conversation. Before speaking about cloth, we try to understand the person: how he lives, how he moves, what he already owns, what he is missing, what role the garment should play.

Then comes fabric selection, where we guide the client through a very broad range of houses, depending on season, usage, drape, and personal taste. Measurements are taken very precisely, but the real construction begins during fittings. This is where the garment becomes truly personal: balance, shoulder expression, trouser line, collar behavior — everything is adjusted until it feels completely natural.

What is at the core of the RIVES Paris distinctive style?

Clarity. At RIVES, we avoid unnecessary effects. We like clean lines, controlled proportions and garments that remain expressive without excess. Our style often combines sartorial discipline with a certain softness: a sharp silhouette, but never rigid; elegance, but never theatrical. The idea is always to create clothes that feel timeless while remaining fully alive today.

What is the usual timeframe at RIVES Paris between the first consultation and the pick-up day?

Usually between five and six weeks. That allows enough time for production, fitting, adjustments and final refinements. For urgent needs, we can sometimes accelerate certain projects, but our preference is always to preserve the right tempo for quality.

What would you consider an essential suit in a modern man’s wardrobe?

A navy suit with perfect balance — not too formal, not too fashionable, not too rigid. A truly well-cut navy suit can accompany almost every important moment in a man’s life: business meetings, dinners, ceremonies, travel and even occasions that were not initially planned for it. It is probably the most intelligent starting point.

Mismatching a pocket square and a tie is a common misstep. What are some other mistakes men tend to make when dressing?

The most common mistake is trying too hard. When everything is too coordinated, too deliberate, too visibly “styled,” elegance disappears. Very often, the strongest looks come from restraint: allowing one element to stand slightly apart, keeping proportions right and respecting simplicity. Another frequent mistake is wearing clothes that do not correspond to one’s own personality.

What is a key piece of advice you provide to grooms looking to investing in a tailor-made suit for their wedding day?

I always tell them one thing first: do not dress for the photo only — dress for the day itself. A wedding suit must remain elegant for many hours, under emotion, movement, light and different moments. The second piece of advice is to avoid excessive details that may age badly. The ideal wedding suit should remain beautiful ten years later when looking at photographs

Where do you see RIVES Paris evolving in the next five years?

Still independent, still highly demanding, but with a broader reach. We are working on strengthening our international presence, developing selected trunk shows abroad, and continuing to refine what we do best. Growth matters, but never at the expense of identity. The objective is not to become bigger at any cost — it is to become stronger, sharper, and more desirable.

What is your approach when greeting a potential new client in your boutique?

Very simply: welcome, please take your time. A first visit should never feel rushed. The relationship starts with listening.

Do you cater to international clients and deliveries?

Yes, regularly. We work with clients living outside France and organise fittings remotely when needed, with video calls, detailed exchanges and shipping once final adjustments are completed. France remains our home base, but many garments travel internationally.

What are the menswear brands inspiring you at the moment?

I admire houses that preserve coherence over time. Hermès for consistency, discretion and quality. Brunello Cucinelli for softness and mastery of atmosphere and certain historical tailoring houses for their discipline more than for fashion itself.

If you were to name one person or mentor who has inspired you along your life and career, who would that be?

Rather than one mentor, I would say I have been inspired by men who combined rigor with simplicity. People who never needed excess to create presence. That remains — in many ways — what we try to express through RIVES.

RIVES Paris is located at 23 rue Pasquier, Paris, France.

For more information on RIVES Paris, visit the official website or the official RIVES Paris Instagram here.

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Porsche Unveils Latest Electric Extension with New Cayenne Coupé Electric

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Porsche Unveils Latest Electric Extension with New Cayenne Coupé Electric

May 1, 2026
3:01 pm

The Cayenne Coupé Electric marks Porsche’s latest step into electrification, pairing its signature SUV proportions with a coupé roofline.

By Alvinia Chu Jia Ying

Porsche expands its Cayenne range into fully electric territory with the introduction of the Cayenne Coupé Electric — a model that retains the silhouette and intent of the original while reworking its performance architecture for a new era. The line-up spans three variants — Cayenne Coupé Electric, Cayenne S Coupé Electric and Cayenne Turbo Coupé Electric — with outputs reaching up to 850 kW (1,156 PS) in overboost. Introduced with Singapore-specific equipment — including rear-wheel steering as standard — the model pairs a drag coefficient of 0.23 and a WLTP range of up to 669 kilometres with Porsche’s 800-volt fast-charging system, positioning it as both a high-performance and long-distance electric SUV. This model transitions Porsche’s flagship SUV into a fully electric format while retaining the Coupé silhouette, which is defined by a more aggressive, sloping roofline than the standard SUV version.

Design and Aerodynamics

The exterior design is centred around the “flyline” — a specific Porsche term for the tapering roof curve that mirrors the 911 sports car. As the Coupé sits 24 millimetres lower than the standard Cayenne, it achieves a drag coefficient of 0.23. In automotive engineering, a lower drag coefficient indicates that the car moves through the air with less resistance, which directly increases the distance the car can travel on a single charge. In practice, this translates into a longer real-world driving range and a more efficient high-speed profile.

To maintain stability at high speeds, the vehicle uses an active aerodynamic system. This includes cooling air flaps that open only when the battery or motors need temperature regulation. Additionally, an adaptive rear spoiler extends into the airflow as speed increases, creating downward force to keep the rear of the car planted firmly on the road. These systems operate continuously and automatically, adjusting airflow in response to driving conditions rather than driver input.

Technical Performance and Charging

Porsche has built the Cayenne Coupé Electric on an 800-volt battery architecture. Most standard electric vehicles use a 400-volt system, but doubling the voltage allows the car to accept electricity at much higher rates without overheating the components. This allows the car to charge at speeds of up to 390-kilowatt at a compatible DC fast-charging station. This positions the Cayenne within the upper tier of current fast-charging capability in the luxury SUV segment.

The range for the vehicle is rated at up to 669 kilometres under WLTP testing, which is the global laboratory standard used to measure how far an electric car can drive in mixed conditions. For daily use, the car includes an 11-kilowatt on-board charger for standard AC power, though an optional 22-kilowatt upgrade is available to speed up charging at home or in office buildings. The emphasis is less on headline figures and more on flexibility across different charging environments.

Power Distribution and Acceleration

The lineup is split into three performance tiers. The base Cayenne Coupé Electric delivers 300 kilowatts, while the mid-range Cayenne S Coupé Electric produces 400 kilowatts. The top-tier Cayenne Turbo Coupé Electric reaches a maximum of 850 kilowatts when using overboost, which is a temporary peak in power output triggered during a Launch Control start, allowing the Turbo model to reach 100 kilometres per hour in 2.5 seconds. Across all variants, performance is defined by rapid torque delivery rather than sustained peak output.

The vehicle also features Porsche Active Suspension Management as a standard feature. This system uses sensors to monitor road conditions and automatically adjusts the firmness of each individual wheel’s suspension. This ensures the car remains level during hard cornering and stays comfortable over uneven pavement.

Specialised Features for the Singapore Market

In Singapore, all models come standard with rear-wheel steering. At low speeds, the system turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front wheels, which effectively shortens the wheelbase to make tight U-turns easier. At higher speeds, the wheels turn in the same direction to increase stability during lane changes. This dual behaviour effectively gives the SUV the manoeuvrability of a smaller car without compromising highway stability.

The interior features a digital interface that includes a curved instrument cluster for the driver and a dedicated display for the front passenger. This passenger screen uses a special film that prevents the driver from seeing it while the car is moving, allowing the passenger to stream content without causing a distraction. The layout reinforces Porsche’s shift toward a dual-zone cockpit experience, separating driving focus from passenger entertainment.

Pricing for the new models is indicative and excludes the Certificate of Entitlement (COE). The base model starts at SGD 394,488. The Cayenne S is positioned at SGD 493,388 and the Cayenne Turbo starts from SGD 683,388. These prices include a five-year maintenance and warranty package, along with registration fees and estimated carbon rebates.

The Porsche Cayenne Coupé Electric is now available for configuration in Singapore, with customer deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2026.

For more automobile reads, click here.

Key Takeaways from Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Key Takeaways from Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026

April 24, 2026
3:23 pm

Green dials, black ceramic and stone-set textures: Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026 revealed a deeper focus on chronographs, complications and movement innovation.

By Florence Sutton

Anniversaries are always important for traditional watchmakers and there are two big ones this year. First, Rolex celebrates the 100th anniversary of the monumental Oyster Perpetual collection with three watches, the Oyster Perpetual 41, and the Oyster Perpetual 28 and 34. While the Oyster Perpetual 41 is the star, the lacquer dials of the green and blue Oyster Perpetual 28 and 34 models (respectively) are very fetching. Meanwhile, Patek Philippe has a slew of limited production Nautilus time-only models to pay tribute to the 50th birthday of that revolutionary family of watches.

Both these moves are notable since Rolex rarely pays attention to anniversaries (once again setting itself apart from its peers) while Patek Philippe actually discontinued the time-only Nautilus in 2021. On that note, perhaps the biggest news from Watches and Wonders Geneva this year is the discontinuation of the popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II with red and blue bezel (affectionately known as the Pepsi).

TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph

Beyond Rolex, TAG Heuer introduced the Monaco Evergraph, pushing the boundaries of the chronograph. Historically central to the brand, the complication is reimagined here with the support of Vaucher. The Evergraph departs from traditional chronograph architecture, eliminating components such as levers, cams, clutches and even the column wheel, while remaining fully mechanical. Building on its earlier split-seconds innovation, this model represents a fundamental rethink of how a chronograph functions.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Chronographe Mystérieux

Speaking of Vaucher, Parmigiani Fleurier’s movement maker is having a banner chronograph year because the Tonda PF Chronographe Mystérieux also present an all-new vision for the complication. While the good folks at TAG Heuer keep most of the clever thinking under the dial, Parmigiani Fleurier opted to reinvent how the chronograph looks.

Instead of reworking the internal mechanics alone, the brand focuses on visual minimalism. The chronograph is concealed beneath what appears to be a simple three-hand display, though the watch actually features five hands. With a combination of one vertical and two horizontal clutches, the technical complexity remains hidden beneath a restrained exterior.

Celestial Complications and Technical Depth

Patek Philippe Ref. 6105-001G

Patek Philippe’s Ref. 6105-001G is classified as a grand complication; it introduces several firsts for the brand, including sunrise and sunset indications and the ability to account for daylight saving time. The 47mm case accommodates a rotating night sky display calibrated to Geneva, reinforcing both its scale and technical ambition.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5840P-001 (Cubitus Perpetual Calendar)

Also from Patek Philippe, the Ref. 5840P-001—known as the Cubitus Perpetual Calendar—stands out for its shaped movement and skeletonised automatic calibre with micro-rotor. While visually striking, it maintains the brand’s signature finishing. Alongside it, a lesser-publicised reference revisits a heritage pocket watch concept with an automaton-based hours-and-minutes display, combining technical complexity with a more playful execution.

Grand Seiko SBGZ011 “Mystic Waterfall”

Grand Seiko Ref. SBGZ011

Grand Seiko’s SBGZ011, nicknamed “Mystic Waterfall,” highlights artisanal craftsmanship. Fully hand-engraved across its surface, the watch is powered by the manually wound Spring Drive calibre 9R02 from the Micro Artist Studio. Limited to 50 pieces, it continues the brand’s tradition of nature-inspired design, referencing the Tateshina Otaki waterfall while emphasising fine finishing and texture.

High Complications Return to Focus

IWC ProSet Perpetual Calendar

IWC introduced the ProSet perpetual calendar, a significant development in high complications. Building on its historic single-crown system, the new mechanism allows for both forward and backward adjustments — addressing a long-standing limitation. The removal of the traditional grand lever marks a key technical shift, positioning this as a major evolution in perpetual calendar design.

Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune

Van Cleef & Arpels presented the Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune, combining a 24-hour display with a moonphase complication. The entire dial rotates over 24 hours, with the moonphase integrated into the animation. Uniquely, the moon can be obscured by the guilloché section, with an on-demand pusher at 8 o’clock revealing the full display without affecting accuracy. The piece reflects the brand’s narrative-driven approach to watchmaking while maintaining technical sophistication.

For more on the latest in luxury watch reads, click here.

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