Lifestyle

One Sydney Harbour launches second tower

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

One Sydney Harbour launches second tower

May 12, 2021
4:45 pm

Apartments in the 235-high Residences Two tower ‘Australia’s most exclusive address’ have been formally launched for sale, while an exclusive display suite has also been unveiled.

One Sydney Harbour is set in Bangaroo South

Lendlease has announced the formal launch of its Residences Two tower at One Sydney Harbour and simultaneously unveiled an exclusive display suite.

Designed by legendary Italian architect Renzo Piano with interiors by UK-based studios State of Craft and Darling & Associates, the waterfront property in Barangaroo South features the 250m-high Residences One, the 235m Residences Two and the 107m Residences Three.

A Signature Collection render from Residences Two

One Sydney Harbour is scheduled to be completed by 2025 and has already earned a reputation as ‘Australia’s most exclusive address’ following the sale of the Residences One penthouse for A$140 million (about US$110 million), making the three-storey, 1,600sqm apartment the country’s most expensive home.

Residences Two features 322 homes across 68 levels and includes one-bedroom apartments starting from A$2 million, two bedrooms from A$3.5 million and three bedrooms from A$5 million, to the dual-level ‘Skyhomes’ penthouses.

A Signature Collection interior on show in the new Display Suite

The apartments are offered in three interior finishes including the Luxury and Signature schemes by State of Craft. In London, State of Craft collaborated with Piano on the Shard Residences in The Shard – the UK’s tallest building at 310m – and Shard Place.

In Sydney, the design firm has focused on capturing the essence of Sydney and the project’s iconic harbourside location, responding to the natural surrounds whilst maintaining focus on the views and apartment flow onto the external ‘wintergardens’, which provide extended living space.

The Luxury Collection by State of Craft

Daniel Goldberg, founder and Creative Director of State of Craft, said: “For us, luxury is in the beauty of nature and displaying the grain in the timber, the veining of the marble or granite. I think a lot of it is about responding to the site, making it specific to the climate, the context, the architecture.”

The interior schemes also include the Harbour Collection by London-based Darling & Associates. “Our inspiration was drawn from the moment the harbour meets the horizon,” said Managing Director Chris Darling. “By emphasising the horizons in our design, we have created beautiful, calm space.”

A gym is among extensive common facilities

One Sydney Harbour offers world-class amenities including a Residents Lounge, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, both an internal and external pool, private dining room serviced by a commercial kitchen, billiards and wine room, gym, pilates, yoga and treatment rooms. All are accessible to residents through special link bridges between Residences One and Residences Two.

To register interest or for more information, visit:
www.onesydneyharbour.com

1471 Forest Knoll Drive – Property Gem of Los Angeles

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

1471 Forest Knoll Drive – Property Gem of Los Angeles

May 6, 2021
11:53 am

A striking Los Angeles property where premium amenities, manicured gardens, arresting architecture and creature comforts are all rolled into it.

By Joe Lim

1471 Forest Knoll Drive’s striking pitched-roof architecture

With panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, living at 1471 Forest Knoll Drive makes every day seem like living at a private resort. Perched on a prominent hillside location above the famous Sunset Strip, the building’s archetypal design draws from the aesthetics of a farmhouse with three pitched roofs.

The home blends its design with ample open-air spaces to deliver a variety of lifestyle experiences. Providing about 11,184 square feet of living space, homeowners are pampered with six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a zero-edge infinity pool, gym, home theatre, and, of course, towering walls of glass that look out to the unobstructed city and ocean views. The ample land area offers privacy and security, while the style of the home is minimal but warm. Elegant and high-tech appointments in the home cater to every whim and fancy.

The architect’s use of simple forms and materials, fused with a restrained palette, and the location on a promontory with 270-degree views, helps create a modern Californian lifestyle for a young family or hip newlyweds. The project’s interior, furnished by Minotti Los Angeles and MASS Beverly, offers an elegant sophistication. If you’re keen to invest in a home in Los Angeles that provides privacy, a commanding view, tranquillity, and a bespoke sense of style, then 1471 Forest Knoll Drive should be your next home.

All photos: Mike Kelley Agents: Sally Forster Jones, Tomer Fridman, Tyrone McKillen. For more information: http://www.theviewpointcollection.com

Hermès H08 Comes in Hot

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Hermès H08 Comes in Hot

May 6, 2021
12:10 am

A new watch for men, this one hits all the right notes as it straddles the divide between formality and casual chic.

By Ashok Soman

New for 2021, the cushion-shaped Hermès H08 watch has nevertheless already garnered tonnes of attention. It feels quite like a brand new frontier for Hermès Horloger but it is not quite introduced as a fresh collection. There is only one Hermès H08 watch, in terms of functions and size (39 mm x 39 mm), but there are 10 versions, if you include all the options. We found this watch so intriguing that we will dedicate the bulk of this story to it, with a minor digression into fine watchmaking. You can actually discover it for yourself right now as it is already in stores.

The brand had been teasing Hermès H08 for a little while, telling us in advance that it was not about whimsical complications, like the Heure de la Lune is, for example. That is certainly true, with the movement powering the Hermès H08 being the familiar automatic H1837 it offers time and date indications with a slightly idiosyncratic truncated second hand. However, we submit that the lack of complications does not mean the watch is not of interest to timepiece aficionados. On the contrary, we think all the little details in this new design will earn the Hermès H08 a place in most collectors’ mental watchmaking cabinet (or whatever space we use to mentally file away notable pieces for future reference).

By now, you will have heard some such aficionados address this as a defacto sports watch, but La Montre Hermès does not call it that. The press notes do use the word sporty a few times though. To be fair, the Hermès H08 does look the part, right down to the curious fact that it is not offered with a leather strap. It is also water-resistant to 100 metres, and that is better than certain legendary sports watches managed on their debuts. Of course, the Hermès H08 is not really about utility – it might be best considered a contemplative study of the concept of the tool watch. To this writer, it seems entirely meta, which is reinforced by all the little useful touches here, including a brand new clasp and the (almost) unprecedented bracelet.

The most intriguing version for our money is the graphene filled composite one, which fits in entirely with themes we will be exploring this year. The case construction is also very intriguing, allowing for a ceramic bezel and a ceramic crown, of all things. There is also a full titanium version, with a properly distinctive bracelet that integrates all the brand’s codes. About that note about 10 versions, well Hermès Horologer actually comes up with this via just three case variations – two in titanium (DLC and satinated) and one in the aforementioned composite.

There are many elements we have yet to get to – Watch Advisor has a 40+ minutes video on this collection, believe it or not. Well, you better believe the Hermès H08 deserves it, and we will be doing our best to cover this in more depth in print and online.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar: World’s Thinnest

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar: World’s Thinnest

May 5, 2021
11:06 pm

Serial horological record-breaker Bvlgari has done it again with its first perpetual calendar in the Octo Finissimo collection.

By Ashok Soman

Another year and another record broken by serial offenders Bvlgari as the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar becomes the world’s thinnest automatic perpetual calendar (with micro rotor), at 5.80mm, with the thinnest automatic (micro rotor) movement, with calibre BVL 305 measuring just 2.75mm thick (or thin as Bvlgari watchmaking boss Antoine Pin noted in his presentation). We caught this news at the same time as everyone else, of course, but in the couple of days since that reveal, the Internet has done its thing and spread this news far and wide. Knowing we were reserving Bvlgari coverage for the weekend made us seriously consider leading with something else, but the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar has earned its leading news position. We will end with a bit of coverage on one other highlight that we hope to come back to later in the year.

Not exactly a plain vanilla perpetual calendar, Bvlgari has put its own spin on things with this 40mm Finissimo Perpetual Calendar even as it opted for somewhat traditional construction. We can actually truncate the name this way because the Finissimo collection never housed a perpetual calendar before this, which is surprising in itself. So what is on the dial here? It is pretty busy, with the top half of the dial occupied by retrograde date. This means the bottom half of the dial includes day of the week and month subdials, while the leap year indication is at 6 o’clock, also in retrograde format. The retrograde indication simply means that when the hand finishes traversing its sundial, it jumps back to the start. Bvlgari has a lot of experience with this sort of indication, thanks to the old days of Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth. The know-how of both manufactures is thus evident here.

We love this tremendously, but we do wonder if the leap year could have been excluded here, or executed as a window, because it crowds the dial a bit. Another thing that might bother some collectors is the lack of a moon phase display, but we think this is perfectly acceptable here (so says WOW Thailand Editor and moon phase enthusiast so ‘nuff said for me). Honestly, with this dial configuration, including a moon phase display seems impossible. It is worth remembering that ultra-thin movements are complications themselves (according to everyone who matters, but also the mighty Jack Forster at Hodinkee), and one could even make the case that the retrograde indicator is a complication (we will not be leaping down this rabbit hole today).

Something interesting here is that there are two versions from the get-go here, one in titanium with matching bracelet, and another in platinum with a leather strap. Mr Pin says the brand might consider offering the platinum watch with a matching bracelet, which would be exciting indeed. Finally, we reserve a sentence or two for the other masculine offering from the manufacture, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tadao Ando. This is the second collaboration between the Japanese architect and the watchmaker, and this one features a pseudo moon phase display. It is actually a representation of the crescent moon ala Mikazuki, and represents Ando’s feelings of hopefulness about the light at the end of the tunnel that we are all inching slowly towards.

All images courtesy of Bvlgari.

Be the Master of Your Own Scent at Maison 21G Paris

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Be the Master of Your Own Scent at Maison 21G Paris

May 5, 2021
9:23 pm

This Parisian haute perfumery brand enables you to create a bespoke scent that’s uniquely yours… including your home.

By Joseph Low

Tucked in a quaint district along Duxton Hill is a Maison dedicated to the olfactory senses, this new establishment is called Maison 21G Paris and it is the brainchild of Johanna Monange, who has over two decades of experience under her belt as a fragrance designer for numerous brands and companies like Lancôme, Armani and the International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF). In 2019, Johanna left her job at IFF to launch her bespoke perfumery house, which she’s confident will be a disruptor within the industry.

If you were to buy a bottle of fragrance, where would you go? Chances are, you will probably head to a mall along Orchard Road to make your purchase. Places like these are packed with numerous brands and you will be spoilt for choice. From fragrances with floral scents to woody undernotes, there’s bound to be one that will appeal to you. But that poses a problem as well. We are bombarded with too many different perfumes and that can confuse our sense of smell, thus, inhibiting us from picking up a scent.

For Johanna, the essence of perfume making lies in the creation of a scent that’s uniquely yours. Many famous brands, in pursuit of appealing to a wide range of consumers, are not particularly adventurous with adding distinctive perfume ingredients, one of such is orris, as it will segment the consumers into two different camps—they will either hate it or love it. It is almost impossible to create a revolutionary perfume that holds as much character as the Chanel No.5.

“The scent is like the soul, it’s ethereal and an important component of what makes a person whole,” Johanna shares as she explains why she has named her new start-up Maison 21G Paris, a process that took a year long. “When we die we lose exactly 21 grams, and that represents the weight of the soul that has presumably left the body.” Johanna wanted “21G” in the brand name to represent the idea of encapsulating the scent of our souls.

Stepping into the Maison is like entering a cosy space, a home almost, where you will be put at ease to embark on a journey of discovering different scent combinations. But before you start on your scented adventure, an artificial intelligence-powered personality quiz will guide you towards learning what your favourite perfume ingredients are. Then, different scent combinations will be suggested which you can further explore with the staff present at the boutique, who are aided by the brand’s La Source technology, a patented machine designed by Johanna. The proprietary machine works just like a Nespresso coffee maker; pop a perfume capsule in and it will distil the concentrate into the perfume bottles, the entire process takes just 30 seconds. Else, you could have it hand-mixed by the boutique staff.

Following which, you can even take customisation to the next level by having your own images or designs UV printed on the bottle. and Johanna thoroughly understands this point. “A lot of brands have realised they cannot push their scent to just anyone,” shares Johanna. The old marketing tactics no longer work as consumers now are more astute and have different expectations compared to the past.

Johanna and her team are constantly developing new scents so you can expect to see more than the 35 standard, pairable, perfume essences that are currently available when you decide to pop by. Beyond creating bespoke perfume, Maison 21G Paris has recently launched their new Home Scent Collection. Each scent contains a minimum of 80% of alcohol, effectively killing germs while offering sanitation and protection in the home. Johanna even jested that we should spray more perfume, so we can stay safe and smell nice (I think that’s a great idea!). “As we are spending more time at home, it is important that we are surrounded by a scent that makes us feel good,” says Johanna. The new collection also comes as a scented candle, either as a set of two or a half-moon—both of which fit elegantly as decor for your room.

“As we are spending more time at home, it is important that we are surrounded by a scent that makes us feel good,” says Johanna. The new collection also comes as a scented candle, either as a set of two or a half-moon—both of which fit elegantly as decor for your room.

“Sustainability is the new luxury.”

– Johanna Monange

As the luxury sector reimagines itself post-pandemic, shifts in consumer behaviour have already begun to surface, revealing a newfound focus on creating a memorable experience. And what better way to commemorate this journey than to have a bottle of personalised perfume. Studies have shown that our memories are closely linked to our olfactory senses and Maison 21G Paris, with its extraordinary attention to detail coupled with a commitment to sustainability, makes it an up-and-rising contender within this closely guarded industry. No doubt, it will be a hit amongst the new generation of consumers not only in Singapore but also across Asia.

For more information regarding Maison 21G Paris, head over to their online store here or follow their Instagram page @maison21g.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5236P: In-Line Perpetual Calendar

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Patek Philippe Ref. 5236P: In-Line Perpetual Calendar

May 3, 2021
2:50 am

For 2021, Patek Philippe tops its own news with an incredible new perpetual calendar.

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5236P-001 perpetual calendar just made history as the most recent attempt to reinvent this particular complication. There is a lot to say about this development, and the new movement that goes with it, but we make a note here that this will not be an extensive dive into the piece. That will come after we have seen the watch in person, which in Singapore, will be this month. Think of this as an extensive teaser, inspired by the extensive and impressive Patek Philippe Ref. 5236P technical presentation. It is not publicly available, but some of you will no doubt have seen it. Anyway, on with the show. The Patek Philippe Ref. 5236P-001 is an impressive, newsworthy and perhaps totally unexpected watch . As a result, the world’s most famous family-owned watchmaking firm Patek Philippe gets the honour of having two same-day posts from us on their Watches & Wonders 2021 releases.

While we would like to claim that this is because the watches are simply that good, it is actually because there were two staggered releases from the Genevan brand. For enterprising PR executives looking for a logistics carnage, that is a neat trick to take note of. Of course, it goes without saying that to work this exploit, a given brand first has to have oodles of credibility and is able to generate a glorious amount of reader interest. Honestly, all Patek Philippe had to say is that there is a new perpetual calendar for 2021, and the watch-loving world would have made time for it. The brand could do it tomorrow, and we would rearrange our day (but seriously, if you are reading over there at the manufacture, please don’t). As it is, we do not have the space here for the excellent Ref. 6119 (in two gold models) or any of the novelties. It will already be awkward to adequately cover Ref. 5236P.

If you want to know at first glance what makes Ref. 5236P special, take a gander at the window at 12 o’clock. This in-line display of day-date-month is uncommon in watchmaking, and it is unheard of for perpetual calendars. That of course makes this a world’s first, but why? A natural question, to be sure, but simply consider that this display must mean there are four independent discs fighting for space in this section of the dial. Patek Philippe explained that there are indeed four discs here, one for the day, two for the date, and one for the month; all four are coplanar, which means they share the same plane rather than being at slightly different levels. The principal advantage of this architecture is maintaining a slimmer profile for the new 31-260 PS QL movement with micro-rotor (coming in at just 5.8mm). This explains how Ref. 5236P manages to measure just 11.07mm thick, which is still a little too thick to comfortably fit under most shirt cuffs we think. This no doubt fits into Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern’s keen interest in shooting for maximum elegance in the thickness of mechanical movements.

Patek Philippe has plenty of perpetual calendars in its range, including a 1972 pocket watch that inspired the 2021 Ref. 5236P. Indeed, it has plenty of contemporary wristwatches with this wonderful complication, as everyone no doubt knows. There are actually a lot of base movement improvements here, but we do not have the space to cover it yet – we have not even mentioned the day/night indicator, the moon phase display and the leap year function in Ref. 5236P. This is because just that in-line day-date-month display required 118 additional parts (compared with regular perpetual calendars), so we cannot get it out of our heads. The coplanar arrangement of the four related calendar discs also involved the implementation of a double ball bearing system, for which there is a patent pending. There are two more patents involved in the making of the new calendar system for Ref. 5236P – one for the mechanism that prevents jolts and shocks from disrupting the units wheel, and another for the system that immobilises the units disc during the transition from 31st to 1st.

We will close on that in-line day-date-month because it is certain to cause a certain degree of consternation among some collectors and the wider world of Patek Philippe enthusiasts. At the same time, at this level, a construction quirk like this is perhaps invaluable. This story continues in the coming issue of WOW, and then it will return online.

Mogol: Featherlight Mongolian Luxury

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Mogol: Featherlight Mongolian Luxury

April 30, 2021
4:58 pm

Many would question the idea of carrying a shawl around in a hot climate. However, Mogol International’s director, Donald Siegel, tells us how his featherlight shawls combine practicality with a luxurious look and feel … making them an ideal accessory to have at hand in over-air conditioned or drafty indoor situations.

Donald Siegel, director of Mogol International

Considered some of the finest fabrics in history, cashmere and Merino wool have attained near-mythical status for their lightness and comfort. These exotic materials can only be obtained from specially bred goats and sheep and the effort it takes to raise these animals, plus the sheer demand for these materials, means that cashmere and Merino wool accessories command premium prices. For example, a cashmere shawl from Hermès or Loro Piana will set you back US$1,304 (S$1,750) or more. Seeing an opportunity to bring these products to the masses, Donald Siegel founded Mogol International, a company specialising in featherlight shawls made of 100% Grade A cashmere and Merino wool, manufactured in Mongolia, and sold at a fraction of the prices charged by big fashion houses.

Arriving on Singapore’s sunny shores in the early-1970s, Siegel saw a land of opportunity. Over the years he has operated several businesses in Singapore. Before launching Mogol he ran Turning Point Concepts Pte Ltd which organised international seminars for spa industry professionals. Through these seminars, he got to know an American anthropologist who ran adventure tours in Mongolia. In 2009, she invited him to come on a family horse trek through central Mongolia. While there, the harsh beauty of Genghis Khan’s homeland sunk its claws into his heart.

Falling in love with Mongolia, Siegel made many trips back to the country and eventually started various businesses there. During his travels, he came to know about one of Mongolia’s most important industries: cashmere growing and manufacturing. Much of the world’s Grade A cashmere is produced in Mongolia and it is the nation’s most important export behind gold and copper. Throughout his time in Mongolia, Siegel came to know more about the industry and developed a relationship with its top manufacturers. Through these relationships, he learnt that there was a demand for premium quality cashmere and wool accessories, which were selling at exorbitant prices in the market place. If one could bring the same quality products to market at lower prices, this would be a fantastic business opportunity.

Mogol was thus conceived to meet this demand, specialising in featherlight shawls made with either 100% Mongolian cashmere or 100% Merino wool imported into Mongolia from Australia. Ironically, the idea to focus on shawls came to Siegel, not on the frigid steppes of Mongolia, but in the tropical urban jungles of Singapore. The climate in Singapore is hot and humid throughout the year and so most indoor locations crank the air conditioning to compensate, resulting in uncomfortably chilly offices, restaurants, and shopping malls.

In such situations, Mogol featherlight shawls are a perfect accessory. At only 50 grams, they are fine enough to fit in a purse or bag, and cosy enough for use in chilly or drafty situations. Mogol manufactures the shawls in Mongolia and designs them in classic colours, making them suitable for casual and casual-dress events in any climate or season. Mogol’s featherlight shawls are best summarised by the Company’s tagline, “a cool way to beat the chill.”

Before launching Mogol, it was important to Siegel that he select the right supplier to do business with. There were two main considerations when choosing suppliers. The specialised machinery needed to create the fine weave in featherlight shawls, and the limited number of Mongolian manufacturers with this capability. Based on these factors, he sought out suppliers based on their quality standard, consistency, reliability, and ease of communication.

Because the techniques used to produce finely woven fabrics posed challenges to sustainability, it was important to Siegel that the chosen manufacturer practiced environmental responsibility and followed the Mongolian government’s strict protocols on waste disposal to reduce any environmental impacts. Ethical treatment of animals was also a concern. Mongolian herders raise their livestock according to traditional Buddhist and Shamanist beliefs which advocates respect for the environment and all forms of life.

Having found the right supplier, Mogol was launched as an online retailer, offering brand-to-consumer (B2C) and brand-to-business (B2B) services. Payment is fast and secure using Paypal or Braintree on their website, and the featherlight shawls are shipped to customers globally in attractive gift sets with a guarantee of quality and a 14-day return policy should any of the items be damaged or different from what was ordered. Mogol also supplies bulk orders of shawls in either promoted or customer-specified sizes and colours.

Apart from its specialisation in luxurious featherlight shawls, another thing that sets Mogol apart from other brands is its Private Label service, meaning manufacturing and supplying shawls under a customer’s brand name. The service is targeted mainly at retailers, hotels and resorts.

The relatively low prices of Mogol’s featherlight shawls is also one of the brand’s selling points. By keeping production in Mongolia, Siegel was able to cut down on manufacturing costs and offer them at affordable prices despite the premium fabrics used.

As a relatively new business, Mogol’s future remains to be seen. When asked about what’s next for Mogol, Siegel remarked, “We’re just getting started.”

Mogol’s main focus at this point is on selling its featherlight shawls through online B2C and wholesale B2B, and then building Mogol into a sizeable B2B business. Apart from shawls, Mogol is also in a position to coordinate the manufacture of loungewear in cashmere as well as mixed yarns, made according to customer designs and specifications.

We will be watching Mogol’s fleece-lined journey from here on out with great interest, and trust us, you should too.

To find out more about Mogol International and their featherlight shawls, head over to their website using the link below:

mogolinternational.com

Bentley Unveils New Continental GT Speed Convertible

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Bentley Unveils New Continental GT Speed Convertible

April 27, 2021
10:49 pm

Hailed as the pinnacle of the Continental family, the new Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is perhaps the marque’s most driver-focused, performance Grand Tourer to date.

Bentley Motors’ reputation as a manufacturer of luxury automotives is legendary, with a vast catalogue of high-end performance vehicles under their hood. Their latest GT offering is no exception. Branded as their most driver-focused Grand Tourer yet, the Continental GT Speed Convertible , henceforth referred to simply as the Speed, features a meticulously handcrafted interior and novel features such as a neckwarmer, integrated into specially designed Comfort Seats, to maximise user comfort during long-distance cruises. Combined with an updated W12 TSI engine and other technical innovations, this latest addition to Bentley’s Continental GT range simply begs to be taken for long, high-speed runs on distant country roads.

The most striking feature of any convertible is undoubtedly the retractable roof which opens up a new dimension of pleasure and excitement for any journey. The Speed’s Z-fold convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, even when on the move, and comes in seven finishes including a classy reinterpreted British tweed. In designing this revolutionary roof, Bentley’s designers engineered it to tackle a major problem faced by convertible drivers, unbearable levels of external noise. The roof itself is constructed using a proprietary combination of insulating materials, while the sealing system is improved and acoustically treated to reduce noise levels by three-decibels, creating a more tranquil driving experience. Its cabin is meticulously handcrafted with the most luxurious materials. Bentley even provides the option of customising your vehicle’s interior with an extensive range of main and secondary hides, and wood veneers.

The exquisitely embroidered Comfort Seats were also engineered for driver’s and passenger’s, well, comfort, with integrated neckwarmers and even a multi-mode massage function to provide blissful relaxation on even the longest of drives.

The Speed’s exterior is similarly crafted with Bentley’s meticulous eye for detail .. Its body exudes a strong masculine aesthetic reminiscent of classic muscle cars but with smoother contemporary curves. Speed models also sport unique visual features in a signature Dark Tint finish, including the radiator grille and matrix, and exclusive 22-inch Speed wheels. The Jewel Fuel and Oil Filler Cap, and illuminated Bentley display on the outer treadplate round everything off and hints at the GT’s exceptional performance.

Under the hood, Bentley’s improved 650 bhp W12 TSI engine powers the Speed and boasts some serious performance specifications. The hand built 6 litre, 12 cylinder engine was calibrated specifically for the GT Speed Convertible and provides 664 lb.ft of torque, resulting in an astonishing 0-100 km/h (0-60mph) time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph).

The pride and joy of Bentley’s third generation GT Speed Convertible is its chassis, packed with cutting-edge technology for unparalleled control and driving confidence. The amalgamation of such innovative technologies as Electronic All-Wheel Steering, Torque Vectoring, and Bentley Dynamic Ride allows the driver to effectively tame the engine’s considerable power and conquer the roads with conviction. The option of three different driving modes, BENTLEY, COMFORT, and SPORT allows the driver to select the most ideal settings for different environments and road conditions. One other notable feature is the Carbon Ceramic brakes, an advanced option adapted from aerospace technology which guarantees reliable stopping power under all conditions.

Louis Vuitton Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon Premieres

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Louis Vuitton Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon Premieres

April 22, 2021
4:08 pm

La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton has outdone itself once again with this novelty at Watches and Wonders 2021.

By Ashok Soman

Louis Vuitton Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon

Although the word curve is in the name, the Louis Vuitton Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon is not a curveball. It is a testament to the prestige and credibility of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton that high watchmaking in contemporary styles is only to be expected, and the 2021 Louis Vuitton Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon does not disappoint. The GMT Flying Tourbillon, as we will address the watch for the rest of this story (good SEO practice would call for the full name but it is rather a lot of words!), adds a new chapter to the Flying Tourbillon Poincon de Geneva launched last year, which we also covered. The GMT mechanism allows for the display of a second time zone, of course, and this adds a level of dynamic functionality to the watch, which already boasts fine watchmaking pedigree in that flying tourbillon. On the dial of the GMT Flying Tourbillon, you can see both mechanisms along the same axis, as evident in the pictures.

There is a lot happening on the dial of the GMT Flying Tourbillon, but the keen observer might wonder about those pushers. If you guessed that this must be a +/- control mechanism for the GMT, congratulations. The setting of the second time zone, often a needlessly finicky affair, is greatly simplified in this style of execution, allowing the time to be set in one hour increments both forwards and backwards. This is a great boon for travellers, and a key one for a company such as Louis Vuitton, which has such a strong tradition in the travel business. We recall fondly the Louis Vuitton Worldtimer model some years ago, but we digress. You will note that in the GMT Flying Tourbillon, there are two mobile V graphic elements. One is the bridge of the flying tourbillon, and the other is the GMT indicator. This is what adds that dynamic component to the description we used above.

As mentioned, the dial has a lot of action, and Louis Vuitton has taken advantage of the Tambour case construction to turn it into a sort of horological stage. A two-part construction with a lot of depth, we imagine that the dance of the hands, tourbillon and GMT indicator really light up; we have not yet seen this watch in the metal so we cannot confirm this. The dial is also partially openworked, with shapes and details emerging from etched out windows. Between the tourbillon and GMT indications, see if you can make out the shape hinted at there.

Now the Louis Vuitton Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon is a big watch at 46mm and 13.15mm thick but it is offered in Grade 5 titanium so that will help with the weight. There is an option with pink gold horns and pushers, and pink gold and rubber crown. The two titanium variants are distinguished by various details, but mainly the use of meteorite for the second level of the dial in one. That version is also graced by 22 baguette cut diamonds for the hour markers (it would have been 24 but for the flying tourbillon and GMT displays). There is much more to say about this watch, and another rather spooky offering from Louis Vuitton but we shall close with that for now.

All images courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Rolex Explorer and Explorer II Get Updates

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Rolex Explorer and Explorer II Get Updates

April 15, 2021
3:36 pm

It is not often we can say this but one version of the new Rolex Explorer is truly unprecedented.

By Ashok Soman

The rumours about new watches from Rolex were indeed well-founded because the big news from the brand is the launch of a new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer and Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II for 2021. If the thought of new Explorer watches did not come to mind, then perhaps you were firmly in the Milgauss camp, or you are not that concerned about new watches from Rolex. The latter cannot be true or you would not be reading this of course. Props to the observers who thought the new Explorers would happen, especially the folks at Monochrome. The 2021 Explorer and Explorer II are the leading bits of news from Rolex at Watches & Wonders, so we will dedicate this story to those watches, mainly. There are some stunning developments in terms of dials, and a glorious gem-set precious model watch, but we will only devote a few lines there.

To begin with, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer , which we will call the Explorer for the rest of this article, is now once more a 36mm watch. That is down from the previous 39mm, and actually reflects the proportions of the watch that it had on its debut in 1953. A major change by any measure of that word, this is quite seismic when it comes to Rolex; consider the brouhaha surrounding minor changes with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner last year, for some context. The next thing to consider here is that this change is permanent, with the 39mm version now consigned to history. The editors of WOW thought the last change must have happened about 10-12 years ago, and we are pretty certain that the 39mm size debuted in 2010 (which I vaguely recall).

Now, the size is significant but the presence of a yellow Rolesor model demands attention. No Explorer model has ever been offered in precious metals, so this is a true first. It would have been like the introduction of a ceramic bezel for the Explorer II, which did not happen. So what does this mean? Well, we shall have to see but we will leave that to later this week, once we see the real watches (yes we are able to see the actual watches this week in Singapore). This is important because some details, such as the thickness of the case and the profile of the lugs, will not be clear until we see the watches in reality (and collect some unofficial feedback). To cap things off, you will have heard that the movements on both Explorer models are new for 2021. This is true, but neither movement is actually new. For the Explorer, the calibre is now the automatic 3230, while the Explorer II is powered by the automatic calibre 3285.

For the Explorer II, this now means that the model is once more powered by the same movement as the GMT-Master II. There are other details that matter here, for the Explorer and Explorer II . For the Explorer, the word Explorer has moved back to the 12 o’clock position, and Chromalight is now in play (the glow was previously blue as well but we are uncertain if it was the same Chromalight). A nice detail that Rolex fans will appreciate is at 6 o’clock on the Explorer II, and has something to do with the crown visual between the words Swiss and Made, which we previously noted in the Submariner last year. We leave this detail for the true connoisseur, because we have to move finally to those few words for the other Rolex news.

I will keep it simple and go with my initial reaction to the new dials for the Datejust 36 and the Cosmograph Daytona: it is mad. I can see plenty of cynicism here, but just from the visuals they look amazing. None of this is totally unprecedented but we must hold our tongues until we see the watches in the metal, for obvious reasons. Finally, the gem-set marvels of the Day-Date 36 and the Lady-Datejust. These are phenomenal, if only to those with a yen for the unapologetically luxurious. Again, it is the details that matter because in the Lady-Datejust , for example, the black hour markers make the watch a true standout. We will surely have more to say on these models in particular, and we will reserve our thoughts for a later date. You can be sure that this story will receive some updates once we finish our in-person viewing.

All images courtesy of Rolex.

One Sydney Harbour: Australia’s Hottest Property

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

One Sydney Harbour: Australia’s Hottest Property

April 7, 2021
8:18 pm

Residences Two apartments at One Sydney Harbour are available following strong demand for Residences One, which included the A$140 million sale of a three-storey penthouse at ‘Australia’s most exclusive address’.

One Sydney Harbour (illuminated) is in Bangaroo South, a new waterfront residential, commercial, dining and retail precinct by Lendlease

Luxury apartments at the exclusive One Sydney Harbour are now available to buyers in Asia and around the world following strong off-market sales of the 250m-high Residences One, the tallest of the three towers in ‘Australia’s most exclusive address’.

Australian developer Lendlease brought the 235m-high Residences Two to market ahead of schedule after about 85 per cent of Residences One was sold through an off-market campaign by late January, driven largely by a strong response from local buyers.

Residences Three, Two and One (left to right) are 107m, 235m and 250m high respectively

Set by the water in Barangaroo South, One Sydney Harbour has lived up to its billing as the country’s most exclusive address following the sale of the Residences One penthouse for A$140 million (about US$110 million), making the three-storey, 1,600sqm apartment the country’s most expensive home. Apartments in the first tower have sold at an average price of A$6.6 million (about US$5.2 million).

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest we’ve received,” said Ben Christie, Lendlease’s Head of Residential, Property.

A high-ceilinged lobby sets the tone for the luxurious residences

“Not only have we secured more than A$140 million with the penthouse sale but a further seven whole-floor apartments have been sold, proving there is significant depth in the super-luxury apartment market in Australia.”

DESIGNERS SUPREME

Overlooking Sydney Harbour, the high-end residential complex offers towering views of the city including Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House to the northeast and the Blue Mountains in the distance to the west.

Italian architect Renzo Piano designed the three-tower complex

Legendary Italian architect Renzo Piano has designed the residential complex, which will feature three towers – including the 107m-high Residences Three – when fully completed by 2025, coinciding with the completion of Sydney Metro and its new Barangaroo Station.

Daniel Goldberg, founder and Creative Director of State of Craft, has designed the interiors of One Sydney Harbour, the British studio’s third project with Piano, having collaborated on the Shard Residences in The Shard – the UK’s tallest building at 310m – and Shard Place, both in London.

Daniel Goldberg’s State of Craft has designed the interiors

So far, the design studios’ Sydney collaboration has captured the local market’s interest and looks set to gain global attention with the release of Residences Two, which features 322 apartments across 68 storeys and is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2024.

Apartments are available with one, two, three or four bedrooms, with interior sizes for each ranging from 62-67sqm, 96-120sqm, 149-190sqm and 204-273sqm respectively. Importantly, every apartment has a good-sized ‘wintergarden’, from 9-17sqm, allowing residents to make the most of Sydney’s fresh air and the stunning surroundings.

Each of the Skyhome penthouses in Residences Two features an outdoor Sky Terrace

However, the greatest views are reserved for the two Skyhomes, the penthouses each occupying one of the two top floors of Residences Two and each accessed by a private lift lobby.

The Skyhomes range from 540-670sqm and have 3m-high ceilings throughout. Furthermore, both will have an outdoor ‘Sky Terrace’ featuring an entertaining space and a swimming pool, and spanning 80-110sqm – a similar size to the two-bedroom apartments.

A bedroom in one of the Residences Two Skyhomes

While buyers of ‘standard’ apartments will be able to choose from a variety of interior design schemes by Goldberg, the Germany-born designer will work personally with the buyers of each of the Skyhomes to curate a residence that meets the vision of its owners, in the same way a superyacht interior can be customised.

“We wanted to create two unique, world-class homes in the sky that capture the essence of living high above Sydney Harbour. The experience of being in the Skyhomes was inspired by life onboard private yachts with their seamless transition from inside to outside spaces, and the feeling of freedom and elegant comfort,” Goldberg says.

A bathroom with a view over Sydney Bridge

“Our approach to luxury is very much about craftsmanship, telling the story of curation, a sense of authenticity. We wanted the interiors to be timeless, sophisticated and smart. Craftsmanship and attention to detail is really what sets these apartments apart.”

SYDNEY SETTING

Goldberg is known for designing spaces that respond to the local context and culture of a site, sourcing local materials and referencing traditions and vernacular elements to root every project in its place. From the hue of hand-cut stone to the patina of a timber that diffuses warmth through the space, each material has been chosen to create an elegant environment.

Standard apartments range from 667-2,939sqft

Piano’s work is also rooted in its surroundings and the Italian’s masterpieces are seen around the world such as the Kansai International Airport in Japan that earned him the 1998 Pritzker Architecture Prize.

For One Sydney Harbour, he has designed the three towers to offer an ethereal quality by reflecting and refracting the coastal city’s ever-changing light. Drawing his inspiration from views of the glistening harbour, especially when sun rays reflected on the waves, he set out to design elegant buildings that reflect Sydney Harbour’s sparkling waterways.

Each apartment has been designed to offer views embracing the city’s spectacular skyline, lively harbour and iconic architectural highlights like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Full-height windows offer magnificent views of the Sydney skyline and waterways

“All places have a story to tell. You just have to listen to that story – and I think Sydney has a great story to tell,” says Piano, Chairman and founding partner of Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

“We think about these buildings being like crystals, playing one to the other. In this case, I think it’s very much about this, making something that tells the essence of this city, which is about a sense of lightness, a sense of light, the sense of transparency.”

One Sydney Harbour not only offers remarkable architecture and stunning apartments with breathtaking views but also delivers on arguably any property’s key asset – location, location, location.

A swimming pool is among extensive common facilities

After all, it’s the final piece in Barangaroo South, Lendlease’s award-winning waterfront residential, commercial, dining and retail precinct. As well as access to a new Metro station, One Sydney Harbour residents can enjoy Waterman’s Cove, an amphitheatre-style boardwalk by the water, and Hickson Park, a green link across Barangaroo South.

“In just a few short years, Barangaroo South has become one of Australia’s most desirable places to live,” Christie says. “From beautiful public spaces to cutting-edge sustainability, nothing has been left to chance as we’ve worked to create one of the best precincts in Australia, if not the world, to call home.”

For enquiries, visit: www.onesydneyharbour.com

One Sydney Harbour unveils Skyhomes
Developer Lendlease has released details of the yacht-inspired Skyhome penthouses in One Sydney Harbour’s Residences Two, a 235m tower featuring 322 apartments on 68 floors.

Malakensa Is Set on Becoming the Leader of Luxury Concierge Service

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Malakensa Is Set on Becoming the Leader of Luxury Concierge Service

March 31, 2021
9:14 pm

Malakensa prides itself on a highly personalised user experience making it a hit amongst interested users even before its official launch.

In today’s age, we are flooded with countless websites that offer almost all the same services. Even in the luxury sector, where traditionally only the privileged could afford to engage services from vendors within this highly-guarded circle of insiders. To differentiate itself from competitors, Malakensa cleverly positioned selling point of creating a highly personalised consumer experience for its users makes the up-and-coming platform a hit amongst interested users even before their official launch.

Ahead is an interview with the CEO of Malakensa, Cyril Renaud, where he shares with us the beliefs he has for the brand and the services it is able to provide for its most discerning users.

Where does Malakensa’s concept come from?

This concept arose from a specific need among some of my relations who offer very high-end products in different business sectors. Many of these professionals told me that they had tried to promote their know-how on consumer and specialised platforms but these platforms did not meet their expectations and their standards.

From this premise, I had the vision to create a very qualitative digital support tailored to the needs of all professionals working with high-end goods that would precisely target a clientele likely to be able to afford their exceptional products.

Which product categories will be available on Malakensa?

Malakensa’s vocation is to offer our distinguished clientele everything they could desire in their daily life, knowing that they will necessarily invest in what does best. We also wish to keep our distinguished clientele informed of the latest happenings in the world of luxury goods with regular announcements on prestigious events.

We will have various real estate listings, ranging from luxury homes to office buildings. In addition, Malakensa will feature all the items to spruce up your properties. These will include interior and exterior design choices such as furniture, household appliances, and garden accessories. If you want to take a short break and want a change of scenery, we also offer tailor-made luxury vacations

Our offers in the world of transport will be land, air and sea. Premium brand automobiles, luxury yachts and private jets.

For the fashion-aficionados, there will be a diverse range of products to suit your varied needs. You would be able to find varied Ready-to-Wear collections, numerous fashion accessories inluding luxury leather goods, watches, jewellery, and finally, perfumes and cosmetics.

Malakensa also aims to be a platform for those appreciative of the arts. Clients will be able to buy and sell artworks as well as various collectibles if they are so inclined. Furthermore, we will cater to a multitude of hobbyists. For example, high-end sports equipment will be available for those who enjoy working up a sweat.

Foodies have a reason to rejoice as Malakensa will offer a section on gastronomy, selling high-end food products such as non-perishable delicatessen as well as exceptional wines and spirits.

Finally, we will offer unconventional services such as the services of a bodyguard, a private investigator (PI), or a home artist for example.

You focus on the prominence of the “Concierge Service”. What role will the Concierge have within Malakensa?

Yes we do. In fact, our concierge service will play a significant role, allowing us to entertain our VIP members’ most personal requests.

Firstly, our concierge service will allow VIP members who wish to sell exceptional products, to avoid the stress of submitting their advertorials. We take care of everything for them, including high-quality visuals, comprehensive valuations, detailed descriptions, and writing the final advertisement.

Secondly, our concierge service will allow us to assist our VIP customers in finding anything they might want or need. A rare model of Supercar for example.

Its third role will be to offer our VIP members the opportunity to be fully involved in their purchase by creating it to measure. There will be no creative limit for our members who want to apply for this option except for the technical limits related to the fulfilment of their wish. The wildest projects of the most luxurious nature are then made possible to the delight of our customers.

How would you describe the customer experience with Malakensa?

I believe that the customer experience in the luxury sector should be emotional by offering highly personalised and caring experiences. This entails providing high-tech tools to support each purchase. On this purely technological aspect, Malakensa will strive to set the trend by always bringing the best in the field to enchant our customers.

But the customer experience on Malakensa will not end with high-end digital service alone, as
attentions and physical experiences will complement the customer experience. Among the physical
experiences that we intend to offer our customers, we have planned to organise showrooms where
the most talented professionals in their sector of activity will meet our most loyal customers. These
showrooms will allow physical encounters to which I attach great importance.

To offer a customer service that matches our exceptional content, Malakensa will integrate physical and digital experiences using cutting edge processes.

You are currently seeking funding for the development of the platform. What are the key elements that will differentiate Malakensa? Why should investors pay attention to this platform?

Investors will find on Malakensa a wide range of exclusive products that we have selected for them. On top of that, we’ll be offering plenty of premium options to ensure the safety of every purchase. As the distribution of announcements is also open to our VIP members in certain sectors of activity, investors will be able to find many rare pieces that will be exclusive to us.

You are located in Europe. What are the advantages of Malakensa?

Much of Europe falls under the Eurozone which has established a stable currency and economy for the region. I believe this will be comforting for our users and investors. Furthermore, Malakensa will be based in France, the land of luxury “par excellence”, a trump card in terms of image and reputation. In this sense, we want to offer French savoir-vivre that lives up to its reputation

Will there be any exclusive brands at Malakensa?

I can tell you straight away that there will be brands exclusive to Malakensa. As I mentioned earlier, I know many professionals providing exceptional products and services that have attempted to promote themselves on other media platforms. However, after a few setbacks, they renounced them because their expectations were not fulfilled. They tell me they see Malakensa as the unique solution and adapted to their requirements to promote their know-how.

Other professionals who have never wanted to appear in a multi-brand space approve of our concept and its values, and are ready to take the plunge. Many are now eagerly awaiting our launch as a proprietary promotional solution.

The barriers between luxury and e-commerce are crumbling. Where do you see this sector heading over the next five years?

The divide between luxury and e-commerce is indeed falling because data security is improving every year. Additionally, e-commerce offers ever more functionalities to trigger emotions. For this reason, digital technology has a bright future. I think high-tech innovations will allow us to get closer to reality, and so, it may not be too far a stretch to think that within five years we will have access to more immersive digital tools that allow us to sublimate the most luxurious contents. I see technological innovations as added value for the luxury industry in the years to come.

However, I also think that luxury is an art of living where the careful presentation of a product or a know-how must necessarily be accompanied by magnified human relations, which is too often neglected on the web.

What is the typical profile of buyers on Malakensa?

The main target group of buyers on Malakensa will mainly be individuals that we will refer to as VIP members, but all potential buyers are welcomed. I would say our clientele will be made up only of individuals who are wealthy enough and willing to pay our high admission and membership fees to enter our Insider Club, and be able to take advantage of our full range of services

The motivations of buyers on Malakensa can be diverse and varied. It can be an individual looking for original and high-end gift ideas or a collector of works of art or exceptional cars, who will appreciate being able to find unique or limited edition pieces. The buyer can also look for a good or a very specific product, or better still solicit our network of qualified professionals to personalise as much as possible his purchase by having a unique piece designed in the image of his inspiration.

What are the benefits of becoming a VIP on Malakensa?

The first advantage of being a VIP member is being able to join an elusive circle of insiders that is promoting a way of life that is not widely seen on the Internet yet. A community with values based on consideration, respect, honesty, friendship, and a concern for the environment. The second benefit will be the access to a website that is congruent to its contents. A site with a sophisticated design, pragmatic, devoid of any third-part advertising, and with secured transactions. The third advantage is access to a diverse range of products and know-how rooted in exceptional French origins but also international allure. Our VIP Members will also have the opportunity to sell high-end products and precisely target a qualified clientele group. Under our concierge service, we will take care of everything for them.

Are you considering launching a Chinese version of Malakensa, and if so, when?

Of course, I feel that it would be a real shame for Malakensa not to pay attention to a market so fond of luxury and exceptional know-how. Nevertheless, to consider this market, I think it is necessary to take into account its specificities, culture, and language. For that, the site needs to be rethought and adapted where it is necessary. Naturally, all this requires time, as well as adapted logistics.

I think we must first establish a solid European network before thinking about the Chinese market as it requires special attention. I think that we will be able to launch our concept in China in the next 2 to 3 years if our growth allows it.

If you were to name one person who has inspired you in your career, who would that person be?

Without hesitation, I would say that it is my grandmother. This woman worked all her life for a great French jeweller who still operates today, and I was often in admiration when she spoke impassionately to me about her work. I think she instilled in me the love of a job well done, the desire for perfection, and the good manners that go with it. Values that are dear to me and that I now want to share with you on Malakensa.

Head over to Malakensa’s website to explore how you could benefit from their services.

All images courtesy of Malakensa.

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