Lifestyle

McLaren Replaces Mercedes In 2022-23 Formula E

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

McLaren Replaces Mercedes In 2022-23 Formula E

May 19, 2022
12:22 pm

In the first season of the Formula E Gen3, McLaren buys out Mercedes EQ and will be painting the tracks with its papaya orange starting next year.

By Cleo Yong

Yet another rumour confirmed on the motorsport grid. British racing team McLaren has officially announced its involvement in Formula E in 2023, adding to the racing division which already has Formula 1, IndyCar and Extreme E, three of which use electric power. Best known as a Formula 1 constructor and the second most successful team after Ferrari in F1, McLaren is on the fast track to an electrified future.

Formula E, an all-electric series, is the first to use the new Gen3 car and will be in its ninth season next year. McLaren will reportedly be racing with Nissan provided powertrains for the first two seasons of its existence. Replacing the Mercedes EQ team, ‘Team Papaya’ — named so because of its iconic orange hue — will use the reigning championship-winning Mercedes team alongside some of McLaren’s technical resources.

Rolex and its Timeless Connection to the Cinema

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Rolex and its Timeless Connection to the Cinema

May 12, 2022
2:54 am

Rolex watches have played their own role on the wrists of legendary characters in numerous films, including multiple Oscar-winning masterpieces. And today, by its support of artistic and technical excellence in filmmaking, Rolex itself has become an acting participant in its own right.

By Andreas Arphan

For over a century, Rolex has accompanied explorers and achievers around the world. Today, the brand is present at the most prestigious events in golf, sailing, tennis, motor sport, and at equestrian tournaments while also making a unique and lasting contribution to global arts and culture, science and exploration.

One of the key partnerships within the arts and culture space is with the world of Cinema. They both share a similar vision: creating masterpieces. For one, masterpieces of timekeeping; for the other, cinematic masterpieces. On the surface, it seems hardly comparable, watches and films being two entirely dissimilar products. However, Rolex has been a feature of the film industry for decades.

Film is a very visual medium, and the smallest detail on screen could alter the whole meaning of a shot. When an actor chooses to wear a Rolex watch, its presence on their wrist adds information to the plot. The personal effect lends the character a possible history, past and destiny. It reveals something of the temperament, taste, values, aspirations and mindset of the person who wears it. Famous examples would be the various versions of Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner worn by Sean Connery and Roger Moore in Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun; a gold Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date by Bill Paxton in Titanic; an Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master accessorising Marlon Brando’s stellar performance in Apocalypse Now; and Paul Newman confidently wearing an Oyster Perpetual Datejust in The Color of Money (which was later handled by Tom Cruise).

Decade after decade, a growing cast of celebrities would wear a Rolex onscreen. As their watch of choice, the greatest actors and directors would, in turn, reflect on the watch and bestow it with their own charisma and flair. But after being a guest star on their wrist, both in front and behind the camera, Rolex would soon take on a starring role.

In 2017, Rolex cements its longstanding association with the film industry by entering a formal partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, becoming the Proud Sponsor of the Oscars, and Exclusive Sponsor of the Governors Awards.

The highlight of the film season is the Oscars, and it begins with the Governors Awards which honour great names of cinema and are presented in recognition of a lifetime of remarkable achievements.

This is followed by the Oscars ceremony which celebrates inspiration and emotion as well as the production process, the technical expertise and all else that goes into the making of a film. To borrow a favourite expression of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, it is an ode to “a work done handsomely”. Cinema is at once an art, a science and an industry, and the Oscars ceremony shines a light on every one of its facets. Since 2016 Rolex has designed and hosted the Greenroom for the Academy Awards as a convivial space where nominees and presenters gather before and after stepping onto the stage. The inspiration for this year’s theme comes from Hollywood and its major studios. Decorative wall panels in an Art Deco style arrange elements from Rolex watches into mosaics to reproduce the skyline of cinema’s home, Los Angeles.

Rolex encourages the preservation and transmission of the cinematic arts, promotes excellence and celebrates progress with its partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the institution, the awards and the museum in Los Angeles), by accompanying living legends as well as budding talents through its Testimonees (Martin Scorsese and James Cameron), and the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.

The brand became a Founding Supporter of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened its doors on 30 September 2021 in Los Angeles. The first of its kind in the United States, the Museum is devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. Among its 50,000 square feet of galleries is the Rolex Gallery, a permanent exhibit featuring “Stories of Cinema”, described as “a three-floor exhibition presenting the diverse, international, and complex stories of moviemakers and the works they create”. One of the exhibits in the Rolex Gallery is Paul Newman’s Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, given to him by his wife Joanne Woodward when he embarked on a race car career in 1969. The watch is inscribed with the phrase ‘DRIVE CAREFULLY ME’ and is now owned by a private collector.

Exemplifying the shared qualities and values of Rolex and the film industry, both Rolex Testimonees and exceptional filmmakers James Cameron and Martin Scorsese represent the industry at its best, crafting masterpieces. James Cameron has helmed classics such as The Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986), The Abyss (1989), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Titanic (1997) and Avatar (2009); and Scorsese being behind Mean Streets (1973), Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990), and The Departed (2006).

Beyond producing Oscar-winning films, Scorsese pays tribute to filmmaking acclaimed auteurs while maintaining a creative dialogue with younger generations through artistic collaborations and played the role of a mentor in the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. Launched in 2002, this initiative has paired mentors and protégés in dance, film, literature, music, theatre, visual arts, architecture and an open category covering interdisciplinary pursuits. Out of the 58 mentor and protégé pairs established, eight were from film. As part of his efforts to perpetuate cinematic arts, Scorsese is also behind The Film Foundation which is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of world cinema, an endeavour that has the support of Rolex.

So, what is a masterpiece? Whether a masterpiece of timekeeping, or a masterpiece of cinema — such as the films by James Cameron and Martin Scorsese — a masterpiece is something crafted lovingly and meticulously to be the best. It is the power to bring history to life and to explore every possible future, both collective and individual. Like a Rolex watch, cinema is ingrained with our memories and aspirations. It is witness to our ambitions and to our determination to overcome any obstacle we may find along our way. More than simply 24 frames per second, or 24 hours within a day, it embodies the very essence of our emotions.

Louis Vuitton showcases 200 trunks, 200 visionaries

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Louis Vuitton showcases 200 trunks, 200 visionaries

April 29, 2022
6:15 pm

As part of continual plans to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of founder Louis Vuitton’s birthday, the House has invited 200 visionaries to realise 200 trunks in their own distinct visual language with a special exhibition.

Louis Vuitton is best known for its luggage trunks. Navigating the past decades in endless flirtations with various creative directors (as if lost in a surreal, splendorous dream), its original canvas leather body and metal frame have always triumphed against the test of times. It is, after all, the founding product that made the mark of 16-year-old Louis Vuitton who arrived in Paris by foot and started apprenticing under Monsieur Maréchal in 1837.

At the time, horse-drawn carriages, boats and trains were the main modes of transportation, and baggages were handled roughly. Therefore, custom design boxes and trunks had to be crafted according to clients’ wishes. They were an instant success in the beginning — a hallmark of a name that would continue to whisper along the streets of Paris, before making its mark of privilege and honour across the rest of the world.

For the 200th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Louis Vuitton invited 200 visionaries to realise 200 trunks in their own distinct visual language. Part of this line-up sees creative names — from some diverse fields in art and fashion, the sciences, sports, global causes and beyond — contributing perpetually mutating responses to the historic fashion item and reshaping what the accessory means in today’s saturated landscape of sound and vision.

They were all given a metaphorical blank canvas measuring 50 x 50 x 100 centimetres — approximately the dimensions of the original trunk that Louis conceived in 1858. This resulted in iterations that allowed the trunk to become more over-the-top and in-your-face, dispelling wonders of 200 separate and distinct ideas, each reflecting their humanity.

These pieces began exhibiting in Asnières, France (the Louis Vuitton family house and atelier) before it starts touring across the world, with Singapore as its first pit stop.

Part of the line-up includes curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, who is currently the artistic director of the Serpentine Galleries in London. Obrist conceived labour of work that expands on the ‘The Art of Handwriting’ — his Instagram project “intended as a conflation of analogue and digital”.

“It was the late novelist, critic, philosopher and semiotician Umberto Eco who spoke to me about the significance of handwriting, professing his concern that we are on the verge of losing it as great art. He told me that the art of handwriting teaches us to control our hands and relates to hand-eye coordination. It makes us compose the phrase mentally before writing it down. The resistance of pen and paper slows us down and makes us think. The unfortunate disappearance of handwriting is concurrent with the digital velocity that characterises our contemporary environment.”

“This endeavour to record, remember and reaffirm the idiosyncrasy of handwriting began when Ryan Trecartin and Kevin McGarry downloaded Instagram on my iPhone, whilst I was at Trecartin’s studio in Los Angeles. The overwhelming image potential that Instagram opened up prompted me to find a structure for its use. It was during a holiday with the artist-poet Etel Adnan, artist Simone Fattal and my partner, the artist Koo Jeong A, that this constraint became clear. On a stormy day, in a café, Etel was writing poems in a notepad, which I found incredibly beautiful.”

“It soon became evident that the preset should be the written word – a celebration of handwriting rather than lamenting its disappearance. Since then, I have posted photographs of handwritten notes on Instagram at least once a day, each containing a message from individuals I meet.”

Others looked towards history as a way to challenge our ideas as the world collectively navigates life during a pandemic. Creative director Ben Ditto “worked with scientists Marisa Zuk and Kenneth Robinson to revisit a previous pandemic; Cholera in 19th century Paris, during Louis Vuitton’s youth.”

“We sourced bacteria from the Vibrio cholera genus and used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to insert genes from two fluorescent protein plasmids into their DNA to express a bespoke glowing colour. We coated the trunk in horse blood agar, a bacterial nutrient, then painted the LV pattern on to the trunk using a suspension of the glowing bacteria.

After documenting the resulting glow, we denatured the bacteria using formaldehyde and encased the trunk in a vacuum-sealed package. To illustrate pathogenicity at the cellular level we also used a fluorescent dye conjugated to a cholera toxin subunit to tag the membrane of hamster ovary cells for view under a microscope.

A vital part of the molecular machinery that enables cholera toxin to bind human cells, this part of the toxin can nowadays be used as a delivery vehicle for pharmaceuticals and vaccines. The piece is a statement on the influence of infectious disease on culture, representing the possibility that biotechnology can transform a contagion into an aesthetic medium, or tool for future therapeutics.”

But even the exhibition calls for the serene, with fashion stylist Ibrahim Kamara contributing a vision of the trunk through the lens of nature. “I used the black base for the box to push ideas that I have already been experimenting with. The birds on the box feel as if they are returning to their nest.”

Others, like fashion designer Shayne Oliver, dabbles with fantasy. “Paying homage to the Caribbean sound systems I grew up with, and building on my distinct approach of transforming CDJ’s into an instrument to generate new soundscapes, Anonymous Club’s trunk takes the form of a music box in the modern age. Offering a more bespoke nature to the music box through electronics while preserving the charm felt through the classic object.”

Visit: www.24s.com/en-us/women/brands/louis-vuitton

Panerai Expands Sustainable Initiatives

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Panerai Expands Sustainable Initiatives

April 28, 2022
1:50 pm

The brand pledges its commitment to combat the realities of climate change.

By Terence Ruis

Panerai — a brand that is so closely linked to the oceans and seas — has recently expanded its sustainable initiatives to combat the ever-present reality of climate change. These range from internal operations, to external outreach as well as educational initiatives.

Over the years, the iconic dive watchmaker has adopted a suite of initiatives in favour of sustainability. Leading the charge is the building in which Panerai houses its operations. The modern structure is designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to zero by cleverly utilising several recycling processes — this includes the reuse of rainwater, of which Panerai says it saves 225,000 liters each year, and 100 per cent hydroelectric electricity to power the manufacturing plant.

Materials

It’s a well-known fact that Panerai has been a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) since 2012, and has been championing sustainable materials processes. The brand’s eSteel material is one such byproduct of its sustainability initiatives. The next-gen metal is obtained from pre-consumer recycled steel scraps (up to 95%) from different industries. According to Panerai, its production ‘significantly reduces CO2 emissions’.

Watches

 In 2021, Panerai launched the eLAB-ID, a concept watch that features numerous sustainable features. In its efforts to champion the cause, Panerai also shared information surrounding its suppliers and collaborators to expand opportunities for sustainable watchmaking. According to the brand, by 2025 30 per cent of its collection will be designed and produced using recycled materials.

Education

 Panerai has long since been committed to underwater exploration and improving the health of the ocean. With that in mind, Panerai teamed up with IOC-UNESCO — the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO — to develop the Ocean Literacy Programme. This two-year collaboration will shed light on education, as well as citizen science and industry involvement. In the area of education, Panerai launched a global campaign among 100 universities to educate students on luxury’s involvement with sustainability.

 “As a company, we have the responsibility to be active and support the urgent need for change and help protecting our Planet, empowering everyone to take direct action to take care of it,” Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué said in a statement. “The more we can work together, the better.”

Top 5 Personal Aviation Trends in 2022

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Top 5 Personal Aviation Trends in 2022

April 21, 2022
10:57 am

From an increase in private jet ownership to a push for sustainability here are the top personal aviation trends this year.

By Terence Ruis

It’s no secret that the personal aviation industry is booming right now. In our recent chat with Zean Nielsen, the Chief Executive Officer at Cirrus Aircraft, he shared with us that the market is on the rise and his company, in particular, “broke all sales records in the United States” in 2021. Covid-19 has forced aircraft manufacturers to think outside the box and equip themselves with solutions to help their businesses prevail.Nielsen shared that a major reason we’ve seen an uptick in personal aircraft ownership is the desire to continue personal or business travel in a safe and efficient way during these times. “Owning an aircraft opens new doors and provides people with the freedom to safely travel the world,” he said.So, as the industry continues to flourish we’re taking a look at the top five trends in personal aviation. We’ll be seeing these trends continue for the foreseeable future, as the personal aviation industry reaches new heights of luxury and tailored experiences.

Increasing private jet ownership

Like Nielsen mentioned in our interview, the industry is currently seeing and increasing rate of private jet ownership. Since the pandemic began, private aviation has become one of the more popular modes of transport so this comes as little surprise. Like Cirrus, other small aircraft and private jet builders have seen a spike in sales thanks to consumers desiring a safer, convenient and more customised travel experience.According to Nielsen, Cirrus managed to break sales records even during the pandemic. “Cirrus Aircraft SR Series is the best-selling high-performance piston aircraft for 19 consecutive years and our Vision Jet is the best-selling jet in general aviation for two years,” he said. “In 2020, we delivered 346 SR Series aircraft and 73 Vision Jets. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association recently released its report on general aviation aircraft shipments stating Cirrus is a market leader with a total of 195 SR Series and Vision Jets delivered in the first six months of 2021.”

Sustainability drive

The push for sustainability is not new for the aviation industry. Considering the impacts of aviation on our environment and the effects of climate change, it has become one of the top concerns for manufacturers and authorities. The fact that more private jets are taking to the skies makes this issue that much more imperative.

One of the biggest moves in this area is the push for aircraft running on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). Unlike fossil fuels made from petroleum, SAFs are derived from sustainable sources such as non-fossil CO2, agricultural residues, and waste oils.

Apart from fuel, aircraft manufacturers are also incorporating design aspects to improve efficiency. The Gulfstream G400, for example, equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW812GA engines and an aerodynamic clean-wing design is set up to consume less fuel while traveling greater distances. The HondaJet Elite S is another such aircraft that prioritises sustainability by increasing fuel efficiency. It boasts one of the lowest CO2 emissions in the industry, while maintaining a smooth and luxurious ride.

Improved safety features

Covid-19 may have pushed travellers towards private aviation, however, the need for safety measures against the virus remains a major concern. In this regard, aircraft manufacturers have stepped up measures to safeguard their customers by improving aircraft designs. One particular system that has seen massive upgrades in recent years is cabin air filtration. The Gulfstream G800, for example, features plasma-ionising technology touted to neutralise 99.9 per cent of bacteria, allergens, and odours.

Where private jet charters are concerned, a greater focus has been placed on sanitation efforts to safeguard passengers as well as staff. Apart from social distancing, these charter companies are likely to continue cleanliness standards even post-pandemic. This includes wearing masks, using hand sanitisers as well as diligent testing.

Rimowa X Porsche Hand-Carry Case: Best of German Craftsmanship

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Rimowa X Porsche Hand-Carry Case: Best of German Craftsmanship

April 13, 2022
7:08 pm

Rimowa and Porsche unite class and function — unveiling a sophisticated Porsche 911 inspired collector’s case, with only 911 numbered pieces.

By Cleo Yong

Slated to launch on 21 April, Rimowa Porsche have collaborated on a limited-edition handheld case, dubbed the Rimowa x Porsche Hand-Carry Case Pepita.

The two historic German companies are known for their relentless pursuit of perfection — both stay true to their rich cultural heritage while focusing on functional design, technical innovation and high performance.

Thrilled in seeing the momentous collaboration brought to life, Emelie De Vitis, Chief Marketing Officer at Rimowa shared: “Our partnership celebrates the unparalleled quality of German design as we both poured our wealth of expertise into a one-of-a-kind piece.”

“The partnership with Rimowa felt natural for both teams right from the start for me, this is always an indicator that our brand values align in a great way,” Robert Ader, Chief Marketing Officer of Porsche AG said, hoping that fans of both brands will be excited about the collaboration.

Made in Cologne, Germany, the sleek case pays homage to the brands’ most iconic design elements. It is crafted from Rimowa’s signature grooved aluminium and draws design cues from the first generation of the Porsche 911. With its highly functional wheel-free design, which features TSA-approved locks and a gleaming aluminium handle, the case can fit neatly in a Porsche car’s boot.

The high-gloss accents and details of the Hand-Carry Case reflect the silver mirror finishing of a first-generation Porsche 911. Clad on the sides are black leather straps attached by polished crest-shaped holders that echo traditional hood straps. And proudly placed on the case’s front is the authentic Porsche crest.

Inside the ultra-durable case is a zipped U-pocket and an X-strap to keep belongings secure while in transit. To complete the 911-inspired aesthetic, the Hand-Carry Case also has Houndstooth Pepita fabric, black leather accents, an imprinted Porsche crest, and a yellow instructional label similar to the engine compartment labels found in a Porsche trunk.

During the launch party on 8 April, the German luxury labels also premiered a faux spy thriller spotlighting the Hand-Carry Case Pepita. Shot by Dimitri Basil across Germany and Los Angeles, the retro spy film includes five distinct parts. Enjoy the videos on Rimowa’s YouTube playlist.

The exclusive case will be complemented by co-branded luggage tags. A Rimowa x Porsche Pepita Sticker Set featuring a trio of retro stickers will be sold separately.

With only 911 numbered pieces produced, the Rimowa x Porsche Hand-Carry Case Pepita will be available starting 21 April at €2,250 (US$2,468). The case can be purchased at select Rimowa stores, across Porsche’s global network of dealerships, and at shop.porsche.com.

PALACE highlights waterfront properties

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

PALACE highlights waterfront properties

April 7, 2022
2:03 pm

Palace Magazine, Asia’s Elite Property Showcase, releases a new issue profiling the most exciting waterfront residences around the globe.

Issue 28 of Palace, Asia’s Elite Property Showcase

Palace 28 provides an array of interesting waterfront properties across the globe to invest in. After two long years on hold with lockdowns, vaccinated travel lanes are opening, so buyers are retreating to the water’s edge. A home by a lake, sea or river is a way to live luxuriously.

The latest issue of Palace Asia’s Elite Property Showcase, includes experts weighing in on the pros and cons of owning a waterfront property, plus features exploring the innovative design trends for these high-end domiciles.

To read Magzter version, use the free coupon code PALACE28 at:
www.magzter.com/coupon/redeem

For more property content, visit:
www.luxuo.com/category/properties

Watches & Wonders 2022: Rolex Launches New Models
Introducing the new Oyster Perpetual Air-King, Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, and Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42.

Watches & Wonders 2022: Rolex Launches New Models

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Watches & Wonders 2022: Rolex Launches New Models

April 7, 2022
12:43 pm

Introducing the new Oyster Perpetual Air-King, Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, and Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42.

By Terence Ruis

Rolex has pulled the curtains back on its catalogue for this year’s edition of Watches & Wonders, and it’s no surprise that the collection is superb. Ranging from the Oyster Perpetual Air-King to the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, there’s a bit of something for every watch fan in this new release. Here’s a quick rundown on three of our favourite models.

Oyster Perpetual Air-King

Designed as a tribute to the pioneers of aviation, the Air-King is certainly worthy of its name. Featuring a completely redesigned case with crown guard and straight sides (like the majority of Professional category models), the new model exudes quality and class.

Proportions have been given a slight tweak as well, with the most notable change being a broadened center link. The new Air-King is also equipped with calibre 3230, a well-loved movement at the forefront of watchmaking.

Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

A guaranteed favourite amongst travellers, the GMT-Master II was built to go places. On this model, the crown and crown guard are placed on the left side of the watch. Another marked difference are the date aperture and Cyclops lens which have been moved to the 9 o’clock position.

These significant changes prompted Rolex to make several technical changes on this GMT-Master II. Made from Oystersteel and fitted with an Oyster bracelet, this GMT-Master II features a classic aesthetic and a two-colour monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert in green and black ceramic. This colour pairing is another first for this model.

Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42

For the first time ever, Rolex is offering the Yacht-Master 42 in yellow gold — a nod to refinement. Previously offered in 18 ct white gold, the new model will be offered in 18 ct yellow gold. Like the original — which was first launched in 1992 — this Yacht-Master 42 will also include a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a Cerachrom insert and a raised graduation.

The watch is also fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet, and features calibre 3235. The Yacht-Master is the embodiment binding Rolex to the world of sailing, and this new release blends functionality, luxury and nautical style seamlessly.

Maven Global Releases Utility NFT Art Collection

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Maven Global launches Drunken Monster utility NFT art collection

March 31, 2022
1:21 am

Singapore’s first NFT community creates a collection of AI-generated art NFTs – each with a drink in hand.

By Joseph Low

The Drunken Monster Maven Club is wholly owned by Maven Global, Singapore’s first NFT community where artists, entrepreneurs, and CEOs from various leading industries such as art, finance, technology, and hospitality have collaborated to create an enabling environment for Asia’s greatest minds and innovators.

MAVEN’s co-founder & Art Director Sophy Zhang said, “We are building a close-knitted community not just for artists to display, NFT and auction their works, but also for collectors to mingle and network with financiers and CEOs from both traditional industries, as well as new emerging technology sectors like blockchain.”

MAVEN is not your typical art-based NFT platform, but is instead an ecosystem where the classical intermingles with contemporary, the East meets West, and traditional finance merges with new, decentralised Finance in a truly holistic lifestyle. MAVEN offers an exceptional hospitality service through their Virgin Palate bistro bar concept, developed at the hands of co-founder & Head of Hospitality, Mark Tay.

By collaborating with top-end galleries and for talented artists to showcase their artwork in the digital realm, MAVEN assists these artists in promoting their artwork via NFT published on its proprietary MAVENArt NFT marketplace and metaverse gallery. Members through the MAVEN membership app can also enjoy attractive deals, and place auction bids for these artworks using their MAVEN coin.

Drunken Monster Maven Club (DMMC) on the other hand is created by MAVEN co-founder Dave Cheng and his team of NFT advisors. “In MAVEN community I always enjoy having networking session with all the innovative entrepreneurs over a drinking session. This DMMC come across my mind where I think this Avatar can be symbolic, like us, a group of talented and high energy individuals who still spar ideas, concepts and enjoy quality conversations over a quality drink!”

Every Drunken Monster NFT has alcoholic beverage in his/her left hand as well as its own traits and rarity, affording each NFT different levels of utility from access to voting rights in the MAVEN metaverse, which is a collection of alternate digital realities where people work, play, and socialise. MAVEN wants to play a vital part in building this metaverse and create a realm for those seeking to raise their artist and/or collector profiles.

“Aside from the tangible benefits that we provide to all our DMMC NFT holders, we also prioritise service in digital assets management, whether it is about setting up an NFT wallet, crypto trading account to offering crypto concierge service in various Over-the-Counter (OTC) facilities. We offer crypto/digital assets advisory to reduce risk of mismanagement and maximise returns on their digital investments as long you are part of our community,” highlighted MAVEN co-founder & Chief Concept Architect Mr. JK

In a nutshell, DMMC does not just provide DMMC NFT holders with digital ownership and voices in the metaverse; we also provide our NFT holders with exclusive real-world privileges like exclusive access to rare collectibles, luxury events, art auctions, and future MAVEN projects.

#DMMC NFT Utility and Benefits

1. Earn passive income by owning DMMC NFTs (yields MAVEN Coins in accordance with rarity)

2. Networking and social interactions with artists, rare alcohol connoisseurs and collectors

3. Priority for rare art/whisky/wine/alcohol private auctions

4. Access to luxury brand launches and events globally

5. Access to launch of real world private equity deals and tokens

6. Access to exclusive MAVEN NFT owner merch stores

7. Ability to contribute up to 20 per cent of minted revenue into community fund for MAVEN supported social causes and engagements

8. Voting rights in future MAVEN metaverse

Native, A Premier Lifestyle Concierge: Explore Singapore In A New Light

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Native offers Singapore residents and visitors new ways to enjoy the city

March 31, 2022
1:05 am

A premier lifestyle concierge, Native’s website and App offers a wide range of curated experiences and exclusive events across the lifestyle, F&B, wellness, arts and culture sectors.

By Joseph Low

With the announcement that Singapore will be opening up in the coming weeks, it is the perfect opportunity to start planning for an exciting day in the Lion City. Explore Singapore with a fresh pair of eyes with the help from Native, a premier lifestyle concierge that helps you discover and get inspired. The young, fun-loving company has a wide range of curated experiences and exclusive events tailored for well-traveled millennials and those who like to have a good time.

Originally founded in 2018, Native is a Singapore-based travel booking site that has undergone a revamp in 2022. It was during the pandemic that Native’s co-founder Kevin Chow decided to expand the company’s product offerings, and shift its focus to elevated experiences and events within the tiny city-state. For Chow, Native is a conduit that links lifestyle partners (think restaurants, bars, art studios, yacht companies, and more) to like-minded individuals seeking an escape from reality. Similar to his dynamic nature, the company keeps up with what’s trending and in-demand to curate its selection of offerings.

In celebration of the lifestyle company’s revamp, it has launched a campaign to “Make your ordinary, extraordinary”. The #LikeANative campaign features exclusive events alongside specially curated activities in unique collaborations with top players across the lifestyle, F&B, wellness, arts, and culture sectors.

“The pandemic has forced us to a standstill, but who is to say we can’t find a little magic right at home? We still want to celebrate life, and Singapore has all we need. Get messy at a NFT art-jamming session, enjoy exclusive culinary adventures, or try out a simulated golfing experience for the first time. The Native audience will be surprised at the wide variety of activities we can do right at our doorstep,” says Kevin Chow, partner and co-founder of Native.

Handpicked by Native’s team of global citizens, guests can have the chance to discover all the exciting and under-the-radar activities in their own neighbourhood. Who knows? There might just be a hidden gem located two streets away!

Some of the ongoing events and experiences include: A Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Flow Bar for the alcohol-lovers, conducted by award-winning mixologist Ricky Paiva; an exclusive Chef’s Table dining experience at Sake Labo, with front-row seats of the kitchen to witness culinary magic; and a hand-ons Rug-Tufting workshop at Studio An, where attendees can flex their creative muscles.

Image: Tammy Kwan / Native

What’s even more compelling about Native’s curated offerings is that they are seasonal. This means some of its events are available for a limited time only, so you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for all the latest happenings. You can access Native via wegonative.com and mobile app to get inspired, and book your next convivial outing.

The Breguet Marine Hora Mundi 5557 Thrills With Its Ingenious Complication

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

The Breguet Marine Hora Mundi 5557 Thrills With Its Ingenious Complication

March 30, 2022
4:30 pm

Travel at a click. The Marine Hora Mundi offers an instant-change dual-time function with memory function.

On the cusp of Watches & Wonders 2022, Breguet (politely, as we would imagine) threw down the gauntlet to its esteemed horological counterparts for the GMT watch of 2022 with the release of the Breguet Marine Hora Mundi 5557. Having decided to revamp the Marine collection five years ago, the Marine Hora Mundi 5557 joins the likes of the time-only Marine 5517, Marine Chronographe 5527, and Alarme Musicale 5547 that were released in 2018. This introduction will not only see Breguet’s vision for the sporty outlier slowly coming to fruition but also allay lingering fears as many thought the initial move was a huge gamble by Breguet.

While the Hora Mundi is not entirely new to Breguet (having made its first appearance in the Classique Hora Mundi 5717 in 2011), this new piece signals its maiden foray into the Marine collection. In a nutshell, the Marine Hora Mundi 5557 allows the owner to cycle between the current and a preset time zone on demand. At the heart of the self-winding calibre 77F1 lies an instant-change dual-time display with a mechanical memory wheel responsible for this snappy action.

An additional module with programmable and reprogrammable mechanical memory wheels accounts for the time differences between the various cities. Actuating the pusher at seven o’clock changes not only the time but also the retrograde date and day/night indicator without interrupting the basic timekeeping mechanism. Kudos to Breguet for gatekeeping this bit of innovation as four patents were previously filed to ensure this is a well-guarded secret. While no details about the module were disclosed, we will not be surprised silicon components are in play given they have excellent shape retention and do not require lubrication.

Though much of the calibre remains relatively untouched since the Classique Hora Mundi 5717, the aesthetics have been reinterpreted to match the sporting elegance of the Marine collection. Many will be thrilled to know that water resistance has been vastly improved as well. Inspired by Abraham-Louis Breguet’s ties with the French Navy which began in 1814, a world map set against the seven seas serves as the dial for the Marine Hora Mundi 5557. The base layer is crafted from gold, with the wave motifs first hand-guillochéd being adorned with a shade of abyssal blue. A sapphire plate is later superimposed, depicting the meridians, parallels and continents with a turquoise outline representing the coastlines.

Beyond the masterful dial, creation lies intricacies waiting to be discovered. The continent plates feature subtle horizontal brushing while the photorealistic renditions of the sun and moon are hand-hammered before being set in rose-gold and rhodium respectively. A “u-shape” hand indicating the date at 12 o’clock is finished with brouillage — an updated ancient watchmaking decoration that creates a matte yet shiny effect. True to the Marine collection is the luminous Breguet handset and Roman numerals set on the flange supporting the various dial elements. All of these are set in either a 43.9mm white or rose gold case with the emblematic case side decors and paired with either a leather strap, rubber strap or gold bracelet.

Gooding Marks New Milestone With $13.4M 1937 Talbot-Lago

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Gooding Marks New Milestone With $13.4M 1937 Talbot-Lago

March 24, 2022
12:04 pm

This coveted US$13.4 million 1937 Talbot-Lago is now the most expensive French car ever sold at an auction.

By Cleo Yong

1937 Talbot-Lago Teardrop Coupe, Amelia Island Auction 2022

On 4 March 2022, the Figoni et Falaschi-bodied 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS Teardrop Coupe became the most expensive French car in existence. The coveted vintage vehicle was expected to exceed US$10 million last month by the car world. Instead, it was sold for a whopping, record-breaking US$13.425 million in Florida during the Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company.

The 1937 Talbot-Lago

In the realm of cars, the Teardrop is touted as “one of the most enduringly beautiful automobiles of all time”. Only one of two cars sport an impeccable all-alloy Modèle New York coachwork. The elegant Talbot-Lago was the brainchild of three Italian visionaries in the late 1930s, who redefined the Parisian automotive scene — Anthony Lago, Joseph Figoni and Luigi Chinetti.

This 85-year-old car, chassis 90107, has been the star of several automotive shows, including the prestigious Concours d’Elegance. Today, it remains a mechanic marvel, exceptional elegance and real personality car — without a doubt, one of the true masterpieces of industrial design with the French school of streamlined styling.

The Talbot-Lago had been repainted in dark red by the heir to Don Lee Cadillac, Thomas Stewart Lee. The car was also taken out to desert flats in east Los Angeles, where it timed at over 117 mph. Then, French car collector Lindley Locke acquired the car in 1956 and painted it white. By the early 1960s, the vintage beauty had retired to its Santa Monica garage, hidden from view for four decades. According to Robb Report, the 90107 was “treated to fastidious restoration work in the early 2000s” and returned to its original finish in blue with grey fenders.

Below the hood is a 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with overhead valves and three Zenith-Stromberg carburettors, capable of 140hp at 4,1000 rpm. Additionally, the Teardrop is equipped with a Wilson pre-selector gearbox, four-wheel mechanical brakes, a live rear axle, and a front independent suspension with an upper wishbone.

The Auction

1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT, Amelia Island Auction 2022

The Talbot-Lago was not the only gem at the auction either. A 1991 Ferrari F40 sold handsomely for US$2.4 million. Meanwhile, the sale of the US$2.5 million 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT made international headlines and set the world records for the most valuable Toyota sold at auction and the most valuable Japanese car ever purchased at public auction.

1959 Porsche 718 RSK, Amelia Island Auction 2022

German automaker Porsche comprised one-third of all cars sold during the auction. The entirety of all the marque’s lots offered was sold, with the US$2.9 million 1959 Porsche 718 RSK at the lead after a bidding war. A 2005 Porsche Carrera GT proved the current uptick of value and demand for Porsches produced in the 1990s and after by eclipsing the US$2 million record achieved earlier this year.

David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding & Company, said in a statement that the auction house brought some of the world’s most remarkable and most unique automobiles to which the market responded accordingly.

“Our targeted offerings reflected the tastes and interests of our buyers at this moment in time, and also reiterated recent trends in the market, especially with increased demand in rare, desirable, and customised Porsches and competition cars.”

California-based Gooding & Company realised over US$69 million in a day. It marked a milestone as its most successful and profitable Amelia Island Auction to date in 13 years of history. Indeed a spectacle, the firm achieved a 94 per cent sales rate from 93 out of 99 lots sold.

The Next Step

Later this Spring, on 28 March, Gooding & Company will be conducting a two-week, online-only auction with prized automobilia lots. Its signature two-day sale as the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will happen on 19 and 20 August live. The company is also the official auction house partner and sponsor of the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace on 3 September.

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