Who said hot and sticky can’t also be sexy and romantic? For your summer romance, here are six of our favourite scents.
Maison Margiela : On A Date
Sweet wine, grape candy or rose water? Well, this eau de toilette from Maison Margiela’s Replica fragrance collection inspired by a date in Provence smells like the acidity and sweetness of sparkling wine blended with the woodiness of barrels used to age salty balsamic vinegar. Call it a skin scent if you will as its sillage radiates sensually across the collarbones and neck.
Dior: Jasmin des Anges
Jasmine was used in ancient times as a scent for seduction with its heavy, sweet, tar-like pungency. La Collection Privée Christian Dior presents its contemporary take in the form of Jasmin des Anges, lightening the heaviness of the jasmine by blending it with bergamot for crispness. As for its packaging, it’s part of the Dioriviera capsule collection that celebrates all things summery and bright.
Diptyque: Eau Nabati
Conjuring the romance of a leisurely summer stroll with your partner somewhere in Europe is Diptyque’s Eau Nabati, one of 2023’s most stand-out fragrances so far. Think the zestiness of bergamot, the warmth of petit grain and a refreshing burst of immortelle flowers. Its sillage too is stunning for such a lightweight fragrance — up to eight hours in this summer heat.
Dolce & Gabbana: K
Dolce & Gabbana’s K by Dolce & Gabbana is as enigmatic and sexily mysterious as its name suggests. It might not seem as summer-like when compared to Light Blue, but if you’re looking for an aquatic fragrance with some seductiveness, this is it. Expect the classic Dolce & Gabbana notes of fresh oranges, berries and geranium but with a syrupy fig nectar which makes it voluptuous for the season.
Mugler: Angel Elixir
How does the 2023 version of Mugler Angel stand up to 1992’s? Frankly, the latter will always be an undisputed original but for anybody who wants an equally feisty yet androgynously sexy eau de parfum, Mugler Angel Elixir is at once woody, gourmand, and floral. This romantic scent will have your date thinking about the next meet-up already with just one spritz.
Penhaligon’s: Solaris
Penhaligon’s Solaris might be peak summer nostalgia for some with its notes of juicy blackcurrant, floral neroli, and sweet vanilla. Think lazy days by the beach, bathing in the sun while the ocean softly kisses the shore.
From crystal-clear turquoise waters to warm sand underneath your feet with a delightful ocean breeze, here’s how The Six Senses Laamu tantalises each of the five senses.
Six Senses Laamu The Maldives
As I stepped off the seaplane onto the wooden dock, my heart skipped a beat with excitement. I had arrived at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, and from the very first moment, it felt like I had stepped into paradise on Earth. The gentle breeze carried the scent of salty sea air mixed with tropical flowers, and I knew this would be an experience like no other.
Sight:
Six Senses Laamu The Maldives
The moment I laid eyes on the resort, I was mesmerized by its beauty. My overwater villa stood above crystal-clear turquoise waters, and from my private deck, I could see colourful fish swimming gracefully beneath me. The lush green palm trees swayed in harmony with the ocean breeze, and the sunsets painted the sky in a breathtaking canvas of warm hues each evening. The sight of the endless ocean meeting the horizon was both humbling and invigorating, reminding me of the vastness of the world and the wonders it held.
Six Senses Laamu The Maldives
Sound:
Six Senses Laamu The Maldives
As I walked along the sandy pathways, the soft crunch of sand beneath my feet welcomed me to this idyllic haven. The gentle lapping of waves against the stilts of the villa lulled me into a peaceful trance. Each night, the soothing melodies of the resident musicians playing traditional Maldivian music by the beachside bonfire created a magical atmosphere. And when I submerged myself into the underwater world during a snorkelling adventure, the sound of silence below the surface was enchanting—a symphony of tranquillity.
Taste:
Six Senses Laamu The Maldives
The dining experiences here were nothing short of divine. The resort’s culinary team skilfully crafted dishes using the freshest seafood and organic produce. Each meal was a delightful journey of flavours that danced on my taste buds. From the tangy burst of ripe mangoes to the creamy richness of coconut-infused curries, every dish was a celebration of Maldivian cuisine. The resort’s signature “Island Breakfast,” served on a secluded sandbank, was a feast of tropical fruits, freshly baked pastries, and sparkling champagne—a breakfast fit for royalty.
Touch:
Six Senses Laamu The Maldives
Every surface I touched at the resort felt like silk against my skin. The softness of the cotton bed linens, the plushness of the beach towels, and the smoothness of the polished wooden furniture all contributed to the luxurious experience. The silky ocean water caressed my body during leisurely swims, and the warm sand moulded to the contours of my feet as I strolled along the shoreline. Even the spa treatments were a sensorial delight, as the skilled therapists eased away tension with gentle touches and aromatic oils.
Smell:
Six Senses Laamu The Maldives
The scents of the Maldives surrounded me at Six Senses. The fragrance of frangipani flowers adorned my villa, infusing the air with a sweet and floral perfume. At the spa, the aroma of essential oils like lavender and ylang-ylang relaxed my mind during massages and facials. The ocean breeze carried the faint scent of salt, a reminder of the vast seascape that embraced the resort. Each inhalation was a sensory journey, connecting me deeply with the natural wonders of this tropical paradise.
Six Senses Laamu The Maldives
In the embrace of Laamu, my senses came alive, and I found myself attuned to the beauty and magic of the world around me. This resort in the Indian Ocean truly transcended any expectations I had of a dreamy vacation, and it became an experience etched in my heart forever. The place where sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell combined in perfect harmony to create an enchanting symphony of sensations—a paradise on earth I will never forget.
Beauty Fanatics, Rejoice: This Luxury Skincare Range Has Finally Landed in Singapore
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Loved by celebrities like Jodie Comer and Christy Turlington, the sustainable beauty range makes its grand entrance to South East Asia.
There’s no shortage of skincare products on the market that claim to be the holy grail for anti-ageing. However, there’s only one in the world that was founded by a bonafide Noble Prize winner.
Backed by the research of chemist Sir James Fraser Stoddart — who won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry – Noble Panacea represents a new frontier in beauty innovation. And, you don’t even have to travel all the way to Europe or the US to try their award-winning skincare in person. The range has officially made its debut in Singapore, with an exclusive pop-up event at TANGS department store.
At the pop-up, you can get a complimentary skin consult and sample the brand’s four key collections. Featuring clean formulas, green chemistry and sustainable packaging, each range has been thoughtfully designed to achieve your specific skincare goals.
The Elemental line-up is all about the foundations, prepping and resurfacing the skin to get the most out of your other skincare. Meanwhile, The Brilliant range features hero products like the Prime Radiance Serum to achieve a radiant, dewy glow.
The Absolute range targets anti-ageing concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and moisture loss for a youthful complexion, while The Exceptional line brings in the big guns (including their best-selling Chronobiology Sleep Mask) for total transformation.
Each of the brand’s products is crafted with its breakthrough Organic Super Molecular Vessel (OSMV™) technology to create unparalleled anti-ageing results. Delivering active ingredients precisely into skin cells, it’s been found to improve their potency by up to tenfold.
Beyond its clinically-proven products, one of the things that sets Noble Panacea apart is their convenient packaging. After all, there’s nothing more disappointing than realising you’ve quickly burnt through all of your luxury skincare because you were too overzealous with your dosage.
With the brand’s single-use, Active Daily Dose packaging, you can get the precise dosage of your chosen product for optimal results. Not only does it protect the potency of your skincare over time, it also makes it super easy to travel with — no unfortunate luggage spills here!
If you’re conscious of the environmental impact of single-used packaging, rest assured that Noble Panacea has thought of that, too. The brand has partnered with TerraCycle to ensure that the Active Daily Doses are developed with materials that are 100 percent recyclable. So, not only will Noble Panacea’s revolutionary products make you look like you’ve had a professional facial from home, they’re also kind to the planet.
If you’re ready to experience the future of skincare with Noble Panacea, pop into TANGS at Tang Plaza or shop the range online today. The pop-up is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30am-9:30pm and on Sundays from 11am-9pm.
Rare European Classics to Grace 2023 Pebble Beach Auctions, Including A 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster
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Delightfully rare and heritage-rich vintage marques from Bugatti, Bentley, Alfa Romeo and Peugeot will be on offer at Pebble Beach this coming August.
Photo: Gooding & Company
Internationally acclaimed automotive auction house, Gooding & Company, has announced its newest consignments to the annual Pebble Beach Auctions taking place this August, including a highly sought-after 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster. This marks the American auction house’s 19th year collaborating with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the premier car show of the motoring world.
Live auctions run from 18 to 19 August, though hopeful buyers outside Pebble Beach, California can now make their bids online as well.
Photo: Gooding & Company
“Collectors are always in search of exceptional classics to enter into the most prestigious international concours d’elegance, and these outstanding, stylish and prewar European cars are all tickets to the very best events in the world,” said David Brynan, Gooding & Company senior specialist. “These exclusive, limited production and one-off cars are candidates for top awards at events like Pebble Beach, Hampton Court, Amelia Island, and Villa d’Este. The Type 55 Roadster, in particular, is especially desirable as it is among the best examples of an extremely exclusive Bugatti suitable for both concours d’elegance and driving events like the 1000 Miglia for which it has been accepted for 2024. This upcoming event is quite fitting for the car which served as both a motor show display and a competition car in-period.”
1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster
The1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster (Estimate: US$8,000,000 – US$10,000,000). Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1931, Jean Bugatti’s Type 55 was an ultra-high-performance machine capable of reaching a top speed in excess of 177 km/h. The Type 55 Roadster is considered the spiritual successor to the Type 43 Grand Sport, a road-going Grand Prix car integrating the mechanics of the Type 35B with sporting coachwork.
Between 1931 and 1936, Bugatti built 38 Type 55 units, of which 14 were originally fashioned with Jean Bugatti’s sublime roadster bodywork, including the unit to be auctioned come August. Of the 13 other surviving roadsters, just seven are understood to have retained their original coachwork and matching-numbers mechanical components, making them the precious few original Jean Bugatti Roadsters around today.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
Factory records state that the Type 55 to be on auction was completed in March 1933 with chassis number 55231. It was first exhibited on Henri Sagnier’s Bugatti and Talbot stand at the inaugural Foire d’Alger, a major national trade fair held in Algiers, Algeria. The roadster was eventually sold to its first private owner, Juvénal Emile Jarron, the son of prominent Algerian doctor, Juvénal Constant Jarron. Its racing debut came shortly after in the 1935 Bouzaréa Hill Climb where it was driven to an overwhelming victory.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
55231 would remain in Algeria throughout WWII, passed around several local owners before eventually coming under the ownership of Bernard Viallo who recommissioned the roadster in the late 1950s much by himself. Viallon sourced parts directly from the Bugatti factory in Molsheim, driving the Type 55 until 1960 when it entered a long period of on-and-off restoration works. This bout of restoration works would only be fully completed in March 1986, with 55231 finding itself in the personal prized collection of fashion icon Ralph Lauren himself.
During this time, 55231 was shipped to English marque specialists, Crosthwaite & Gardine, for final restoration works where it was refinished in a chic new black with dark blue coves. The roadster remained with Lauren till 2003, switching owners twice more before reaching Dutch connoisseur Ton Meijer, who commissioned a mechanical restoration performed by esteemed French automotive group, Ventoux Moteurs Engineering.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
55231 would eventually grace the stages of concours d’elegance shows around the world at Villa d’Este, Pebble Beach and notably, on Bugatti’s own stand during the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The historic roadster would finally land in the hands of Henri Chambon who repainted it in the original black and yellow colour scheme. An inspection by leading Bugatti historians, Pierre-Yves Laugier and Mark Morris, concluded that 55231 retains its original chassis frame, engine, gearbox, rear end, and coachwork, making it one of best maintained units of this exceptionally rare breed of Bugatti.
The next owner of 55231 will also be pleased to find in their possession an accepted candidate for two upcoming 1000 Miglia events — Warm Up USA in Washington, DC taking place at the start of November 2023 and the classic 1000 Miglia across Brescia to Rome, Italy come 2024 (subject to registration and entry fees).
1930 Bentley Speed Six Sports Saloon
1930 Bentley Speed Six Sports Saloon (Estimate: US$2,250,000 – $2,750,000). Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
With the introduction of the Speed Six in the late 1920s, Bentley promised speed, comfort and reliability all in a single marque, instilling in the driver a level of confidence unmatched in its day. A total of 182 Speed Six units were built during its two-year production run, with three chassis lengths available to accommodate running coachwork ranging from Le Mans tourers to formal saloons.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
To be auctioned is a 1930 Bentley Speed Six Sports Saloon, chassis LR2778. It is a handsome coupé originally bodied with coachwork from English H.J. Mulliner & Co. and first owned by Sawai Man Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur, India. LR2778 remained in India until 1937 when it returned to London to join the collection of Dennis Becker. The Becker family enjoyed the car on many travels in the coming decades, including a 1950 European tour. LR2778 would remain with the Beckers until 1974, when it was purchased by Ian Finlator who owned the car for nearly 30 years. Finlator participated in various events with the Speed Six, including the 1985 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique and the 1994 opening ceremonies of the English Channel Tunnel where it served as the British automotive representative.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
LR2778 would pass through several hands before making its way to its current owner in 2010. The consignor embarked on an exhaustive restoration of the car, beginning with an extensive documentation process overseen by a foremost voice of authority on Bentley history, Dr. Clare Hay. The works were carried out by Vintage Bentley specialist Graham Moss of R.C. Moss, who restored the Speed Six to its original specifications.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
LR2778 finally made its post-restoration debut at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, claiming three awards including a Second in Class win, the Montagu of Beaulieu Award for the most historically significant British car, and the J.B. & Dorothy Nethercutt Award for Most Elegant Closed Car. This iconic Bentley comes to the auction equipped with its original chassis, engine and coachwork, making it a car fit for the most sophisticated collections.
1958 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe
1958 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe (Estimate: US$1,600,000 – $2,000,000). Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
The Bentley S-Type was introduced in 1955 following the successful R-Type, incorporating significant improvements which now stand as notable features to the Vintage Bentley collector’s eye, such as a longer wheelbase, electrically adjustable rear shock absorbers, lighter steering and a four-speed automatic transmission. A total of 3072 S1 units were built until the line ceased in 1959, with around 150 units equipped with custom coachwork. 431 of the S1s were built as high-performance Continental model utilising a lighter aluminium coachwork with slightly under a quarter of them fitted as drophead coupés — the ultimate Bentley S1 Continental body style.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
The 1958 Bentley S1 Continental, chassis BC42LDJ, to be auctioned is one such drophead coupé, configured specially for a left-hand drive by the now defunct English coach builder, Park Ward, which was then backed by Rolls-Royce. BC42LDJ was part of a special 31-unit production with this now collector’s edition left-hand drive configuration. It is also believed to be one of just three fitted from scratch with both powered steering and soft top.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
Upon completion, the BC42LDJ was first displayed at the 1958 Amsterdam International Motor Show where it was purchased by a buyer going by the family name of Mayne in Brussels, Belgium. It remained in Europe till 2005 when it was imported to the United States by Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist, Vantage Motorworks. Vantage Motorworks’s documentation file at the time indicated a history of extensive maintenance work including new paint and plating and an engine rebuild.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
BC42LDJ would finally reach the hands of its current consignor in 2014, and has since been carefully maintained and regularly exercised by their team of in-house technicians. Presented beautifully in its original shade of Steel Blue, this 1958 S1 Continental Drophead Coupe will be the ultimate mid-century British luxury cabriolet on auction come August.
1937 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Turismo Cabriolet
1937 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Turismo Cabriolet (Estimate: US$1,250,000 – $1,500,000). Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
Engineered by Alfa Romeo’s brilliant Vittorio Jano in 1934, the 6C 2300 was originally intended as a more affordable alternative to its cousin, the 8C — the “C” stands for how many cylinders the engines had. The 6C 2300 featured a 2.3-litre twin-cam inline six engine, while its 1935 “B” series edition included a completely redesigned chassis with independent suspension front and rear, hydraulic brakes and an improved gearbox.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
The 6C 2300B was offered in three iterations: the long chassis (Turismo/ Lungo), the short chassis (Corto), and the high-performance short chassis (Pescara/ Mille Miglia). In total, Alfa Romeo built fewer than 900 units of the 6C 2300B through 1938.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
To be auctioned in August is a 1937 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B, chassis 814047, one of 81 of the Turismo models. Featuring coachwork by Turin-based design firm, Carrozzeria Pininfarina, the chassis was fashioned with a one-of-a-kind cabriolet body designed by Mario Revelli di Beaumont, widely regarded as one of the most influential Italian designers of his time. This Pininfarina cabriolet features a streamlined front end with bullet-shape headlamps and Revelli’s signature bow nose, visually highlighting its aerodynamic design. Upon completion, the cabriolet was photographed and illustrated in the 28 February 1938 issue of L’Auto Italiana and debuted at the 1938 International Auto Show in Berlin.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
Passed around various European collectors, 814047 resided in Switzerland for half of the century before relocating to France in the 1990s. In 1996, it was acquired by one of Italy’s foremost Alfa Romeo collectors, Dr. Luca Savoia, who had it handsomely restored to its original burgundy with red leather upholstery and a tan soft top. This one-off Alfa Romeo cabriolet of great style and distinction has never been exhibited in the US, making it a fitting entrant for the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Competition Roadster
1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Competition Roadster (Estimate: US$1,100,000 – $1,300,000). Photo: Josh Hway via Gooding & Company
Émile Darl’mat was an automobile businessman who made a name for himself working with designer Georges Paulin and coach builder Marcel Pourtout in the development of the Eclipse, a Peugeot equipped with the first technically retractable hardtop. Driven by a desire to elevate the Peugeot brand, Darl’mat became so respected that Peugeot gave him access and resources to create his own Peugeot sports car. Thus it came to be that Darl’mat would birth one of the most enigmatic Art Deco styled sports cars of all time.
Photo: Josh Hway via Gooding & Company
The Peugeot 402 Darl’mat debuted at the 1936 Paris Motor Show with several of them competing in the 1937 and 1938 24 Hours of Le Mans. From the total of 104 Darl’mats built in coupé, convertible, roadster, or competition roadster styles between January 1937 and June 1938, only 30 remain known and intact today. To be auctioned in August is a 1938 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Competition Roadster, chassis 400248, originally built with an alloy body in a baby blue finish for a racing driver by the name of Dorothy Patten. Intended for driving in the United Kingdom, 400248 is one of the very Darl’mats with a built in right-hand drive. It also has doors, which most other racing Darl’mats do not possess.
Photo: Josh Hway via Gooding & Company
Patten raced 400248 in 1939 where it charmed both English and French onlookers. 400248 was finally purchased by the consignor in 2017, its restoration entrusted to historian and restoration expert, David Cooper in Bristol, Wisconsin. 400248 was thoroughly researched and returned to the configuration as raced by Patten in 1939: an original set of competition-specification brakes were found and reinstalled and the coachwork’s stunning baby blue was faithfully reproduced. This gorgeous, classic sports car embodies the tale of Dorothy Patten’s fascinating years as a racer and carries in its design DNA the entrepreneurial spirit and creative innovation of Darl’mat from a remarkable chapter of Peugeot’s early motorsport history.
Photo: Josh Hway via Gooding & Company
Alongside these offerings, the Pebble Beach Auctions will present a sporting 1927 Bentley 6 1/2 Tourer (Estimate: US$900,000 – $1,200,000), a bespoke 1932 Bugatti Type 49 Roadster (Estimate: US$900,000 – $1,200,000) featuring one-off coachwork by Henri Labourdette and a 1928 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A S Landaulet (Estimate: US$500,000 – $700,000) with multiple CCCA First Place Awards and two Pebble Beach Concours d’EleganceClass Awards. The Pebble Beach Auctions will be broadcast live. Bidders can register now.
Setting sail in style: Maison 21G bespoke scenting services to elevate your yacht journey
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Craft your captivating scent for extraordinary adventures on sea, electrifying yacht parties, and unforgettable romantic escapades.
Ignite the spirit of adventure as summer’s embrace draws us towards the vast sea. Amidst this maritime allure, why not enhance your yacht experience to new heights? Discover the essence of true luxury by immersing yourself and your guests in a bespoke fragrance, meticulously crafted to create an ambience as unique as your own journey.
Maison 21G, the pinnacle of bespoke fragrance expertise, invites you to indulge in their unparalleled personalised design scenting services.
From creating a signature scent that captures the essence of your floating vessel to crafting custom scented decorations and bath amenities adorned with your yacht’s name, Maison 21G delivers a lavish new dimension of luxury to your maritime sanctuary. Step on board and prepare to set sail on an exceptional sensory voyage.
Dare to Create
At Maison 21G, the creation of scents is an art mastered to perfection. Guided by our expert scent designer and visionary founder, Johanna Monange, we embark on an exhilarating journey to design a signature fragrance that encapsulates the very essence of your yacht’s character, exuding masculinity and irresistible allure.
Through intimate consultations, Johanna delves deep into your unique style and preferences, weaving an olfactory masterpiece that harmonises flawlessly with the intricate details of your yacht’s design, materials, and ambiance. At Maison 21G, we craft scents that ignite desire and leave an indelible mark on your maritime domain.
Redefining Luxury Personalisation
The brand’s dedication to curating an exceptional yacht experience extends beyond crafting your signature fragrance. Their talented graphic designers meticulously weave your boat’s name and personal branding into a handpicked selection of bespoke objects, elevating exclusivity and refinement to new heights.
From exquisite reed diffusers and alluring oil burners to luxurious room sprays and tantalising scented candles, each decorative piece exudes an air of sophistication and elegance while discreetly diffusing your yacht’s captivating fragrance.
These scented home objects seamlessly merge with your yacht’s identity, embodying your distinctive personal branding and leaving a sensorial imprint on your seafaring sanctuary.
Luxurious Bath Amenities
Immerse yourself in a lavish bathing experience, courtesy of Maison 21G’s opulent bath amenities. Meticulously handcrafted, our bespoke collection of scented natural soaps, invigorating shower gels, sumptuous body lotions, captivating colognes, and exquisite Eau de Parfums are imbued with the essence of your yacht’s fragrance.
Each shower becomes a sensory voyage, every moment of self-care an indulgent oasis, leaving an everlasting impression on both you and your esteemed guests. With Maison 21G, your yacht’s distinctive scent permeates every corner, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable scented experience that transcends boundaries.
Leaving Lasting Impressions
As you glide through the pristine waters and host gatherings aboard your yacht, let the bespoke fragrance crafted by Maison 21G weave its magic, leaving an everlasting imprint on all who steps foot on your vessel.
Whether it’s a glamorous soirée suffused with laughter and champagne or a serene moment of solitary reflection, the fragrant symphony will envelop your guests, whisking them away to a world of opulence and allure.
With a deep understanding of scent’s power to shape memories, Maison 21G ensures that every instant aboard becomes a masterpiece of sensory delight. Unveil your yacht’s unique scent with Maison 21G, where fragrance meets luxury and pleasure! create@maison21g.com www.maison21g.com
The three-acre Beverly Hills estate includes 13 bedrooms,19 bathrooms, two gyms, two motor courts, a resort-sized pool – and a football pitch!
Photo: Architectural Digest
Raspy-voiced rock legend, Rod Stewart, is letting go of his Beverly Hills home of nearly 30 years with a befitting price tag of US$70 million. The entire estate spans a little over three fully landscaped acres, with the main house at 2648m2 and the guest house at 418m2, sharing between them 13 bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, two gyms, two motor-courts, a sheltered garage, a resort-sized pool and a 37-by-18 meter soccer pitch. The estate sits in North Beverly Park, a gated community on a hill for celebrities and the international ultra-rich including the likes of Justin Bieber and reportedly several Saudi princes.
Photo: Architectural Digest
The former Stewarts’ residence is part of rock history in itself, being the place where London-born Stewart recorded his first two Great American Songbook albums. Stewart had Canadian mansion specialist Richard Landry custom build the estate from scratch in the early 90s on a then US$12 million vacant lot. With all but one of the eight Stewart children raised and grown, the mammoth of the mansion is ready to bid farewell to the rockstar and welcome its next billionaire owner.
Stewart recruited renowned Los Angeles-based interior designers Thomas Allardyce and Illya Hendrix in the 2000s to bring alive his vision of a grand manor imbued with his love of art nouveau. Allardyce has been quoted revealing that Stewart had a vision of “an English country estate”. “To us, that meant creating the home of a well-traveled individual who has amassed a collection of very fine antiques, art and decorative arts over a lifetime, and combining them in a Neoclassical-style interior,” Allardyce shares.
Photo: Architectural Digest
The estate seems to take after its owner, flamboyant from start to finish. Past the grand gates is a long driveway leading to a royal nine-meter tall fountain in the centre of a roundabout. Swathes of manicured lawn flank you as you walk up to the ornate double front doors.
Inside is a complex puzzle of acanthus and egg-and-dart mouldings, striéd walls, Axminster carpets, illustrious tapestries, polished marble and parquetry floors, all bathed in a warm golden hues. “I must have 200 of the great European houses in my head,” Allardyce describes. The attention to detail in the house is razor sharp, from the glazed chiaroscuro on every egg and dart moulding to each individual chair upholstered in a specific colour of silk velvet and its own animal print. “It’s a house, but you also have to think of it as an environment,” explains Allardyce.
Photo: Architectural Digest
How A Rockstar Hosts
Each living room is lavishly adorned with custom furnishing and collectors’ oil paintings, leaving just enough space for framed Stewart family pictures. The French crystal chandeliers and cascading taffeta curtains add that extra bit of class, while the marble fireplaces return a sense of comfort and warmth into the air.
Photo: Ryan LahifThe gourmet kitchen is flanked by two sitting rooms. One is the main dining room which seats up to 20 guests on its long Regency-style table and high-back gilt chairs. It connects to the extensive network of loggias around the perimeter filled with plush outdoor sofas and ample reading corners.
The second sitting room functioned as the Stewart family tearoom — “What can I say? It’s bred into the English. Every day at four o’clock we have to have our tea. We don’t do cucumber sandwiches and all that. But we will have a biscuit,” professes Stewart.
The main bar features several renaissance nudes on the walls, enjoying ample sunlight from the floor-to-ceiling French windows. A rockstar’s house, however, cannot come without its own hidden speakeasy. The speakeasy is done up with Brèche de Vendôme marble floors and cheeky emerald green wooden walls, possibly an ode to Stewart’s Scottish heritage. It also connects to a movie room which Stewart shares is the most lived-in room on the estate.
Back in the entrance atrium, a grand double staircase leads to the master bedroom with dual bathrooms. The first one is dressed in beautiful jade green marble struck with white veins and a darker, more mature looking wood for the cupboards and pillars. A yellowed striped sitting couch with zebra print cushions sits right in the middle, giving the bathroom the look of old country clubs.
Photo: Ryan LahiffThe second bathroom is contrastingly bright with the cupboards and walls painted white and a stunning pink marble for the counter tops and bath.
Photo: Ryan LahiffThe bedrooms open up to a balcony with views of the estate grounds, the pool and rest of the neighbourhood. Supersized walk-in closets hold Stewart’s extensive collection of clothes and shoes from his years as a rockstar and former Faces frontman.
Patek Philippe Unveils Ref. 5330G-010 At The 2023 Tokyo Watch Art Grand Exhibition
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The release is one of six limited-edition timepieces and it is the first World Timer with a date display that is synchronised with local time
By Ashok Soman
Do not let that plum dial of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5330G-010 fool you into thinking this is a mere novelty with a twist because it does something no other wristwatch with world timer can do. With Ref. 5330G, Patek Philippe adds a date function to its signature World Timer complication, with the added bonus of the date being synched with the local time; it adjusts backwards or forwards when a different time zone is selected, which is just really cool. Ok, so a date with a Patek Philippe World Timer, is something probably very few collectors asked for; we ourselves have never wondered why these two complications never appeared on a wristwatch before. However, the manner Patek Philippe has done this, with a patented world-first, makes Ref. 5330 properly notable. That means this is a historically significant wristwatch with a new movement to go with that glorious purple dial, which the Geneva manufacture does call ‘plum.’
To backtrack a little before getting into the automatic calibre 240 HU C, Ref. 5330 made its surprise debut at the recently concluded Grand Exhibition Watch Art Tokyo 2023. The watch is a limited edition of 300 pieces, which is an unusual move for Patek Philippe; the manufacture prefers to let editions run their course, although most of the watch collecting world will remember the green dial Ref. 5711 as a prominent exception. Ref. 5330 one-ups this thought because it is only available in Japan, which casts the whole release in a different light. Seen as a promotional release to support the Grand Exhibition, or Grand X as the cool kids call it, Ref. 5330 is even more impressive. Collectors no doubt swarmed into Tokyo for the event just for shot at Ref. 5330. Well, maybe. Our man in Tokyo did not report any disturbances at the event, but that is probably because Ref. 5308P stole the show. Importantly, Patek Philippe is unlikely to have invested in such a watch to only sell it in one market so look out for some version of this reference in future.
Moving to Ref. 5330 itself, this version is a 40mm white gold piece, with a comfortable lug-to-lug length of 49.74mm. It is also impressively thin at 11.57mm, crystal-to-crystal, which is only to be expected given that Patek Philippe likes to keep things slim. The date display will take some getting used to, given the busy nature of worldtimers, not just the Patek Philippe World Timer. You will notice a scale of 1-31 on the outer periphery of the dial here (a beveled flange according to the manufacture), with a central hand with hammer-shaped head pointing out the relevant date. This hand is very interesting, being made of transparent glass; this is a first for Patek Philippe and it might be a first for watchmaking too! While the aforementioned busy nature of the dial, plus the colour and the guilloche, make the watch is a niche proposition, we are convinced by both the new colourway and the decoration. We would say more about the fit and feel but that will have to wait for the local touch and feel session (although the Japan limitation might make that impossible
Closing on calibre 240 HU C itself, here the manufacture has introduced a patented differential system for the date train that has some 70 components. While Patek Philippe has not said much about this innovation yet, it seems to be of the sort that is complex to build but easy to operate, which we respect. The power reserve tops out at 48 hours, water-resistance is 30 metres and the movement is finished to Patek Philippe Seal standards.
Rimowa and Louis Vuitton revolutionise the future of travel essentials
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While Louis Vuitton combined tech and travel with a one-of-a-kind trunk, Rimowa celebrated their roots with a global exhibition.
By Sanjeeva Suresh
A powerful luggage kit is a crucial part of any voyage. Essentially a wardrobe on wheels, the modern traveler needs a case with style and durability in equal measure. The post-pandemic era of travel is in full swing and with it, a rise in open borders and the resurgence of the travel industry and long overdue holiday escapades.
The Louis Vuitton Trunk gets a new upgrade 160 years after it was first invented. This new iteration of the classic travel staple however, is entirely virtual. Dubbed the VIA Treasure Trunk, Louis Vuitton’s first digital trunk takes the notion of travel to a whole new level, going beyond the physical into the realm of dream and ambition. The release is part of a series of drops that aims to merge craft and digital culture, showcasing limited-edition products and experiences through immersive releases which will take place progressively throughout the year. Each unique “drop” that takes place alongside the one-of-a-kind Treasure Trunk in its digital form, is twinned with exclusive access to a physical counterpart, adding another dimention to the customer experience.
While Louis Vuitton indulges collectors with a “new voyage” into the universe of the Maison, Rimowa celebrated its 125th anniversary with a 3-stop retrospective touring exhibition. Aptly titled “SEIT 1898”, visitors will be able to discover the many transformations and modernisations of travel over the last 125 years that has led Rimowa to where the brand is today. The presentation includes a series of cases displayed with evocative dioramas highlighting the brands ambition and growth over the years.
Starting in Tokyo before progressing to New York and ultimately ending up in the city that started it all – Cologne, Germany, the exhibition features pieces from Rimowa’s archives. Artwork and stories presenting the materials, craftsmanship, people, and places will be on full display highlighting the technical prowess of specialised cases and the artisans who made them.
Another noteworthy part of the exhibition is that guests will be privy to witnessing privately owned cases of public figures and notable celebrities including Pharrell Williams, Billie Eilish, LeBron James, Roger Federer and Peggy Gou, among others.
Louis Vuitton and Rimowa are both purveyors of luggage, each paying homage to their Maison’s illustrious legacies as a way of redefining both the brand and the travel pieces they produce.
“SEIT 1898” will be on display and open for visitors:
June 9th – 18th, 2023 Tokyo, Japan
September 8th – 17th, 2023 New York, USA
Spring 2024 Cologne, Germany
Gucci, Chanel, Dior and Cartier pull out all the stops.
By Zara Zhuang
Gucci
1. Gucci Allegoria
Inspired by nature and its myriad transformations from one season to the next, the Gucci Allegoria high jewellery collection communicates the ephemerality of beauty and its innately emotional qualities through jewellery divided into four themes, each channeling a particular season through its selection of gemstones and motifs.
A chromatic degradé of fancy-coloured tourmalines of green and pink set off against the maison’s Flora motif convey the subtle joy of spring; saturated emeralds, spinels and paraiba tourmalines mirror the intensity of summer; yellow sapphires and mandarin garnets, complemented by yellow gold, bring out the fiery hues of autumn; and opal and diamonds recall the icy landscape in winter.
A particular feature of the collection is the uncommon or antique gemstone cuts, from old European-cut diamonds to briolettes, from kite- to fan-shaped gems, as well as the ornate Baroque, Rococo and Victorian jewellery style seen in previous high jewellery collections from Gucci.
2. Chanel Tweed de Chanel
A new instalment to the 45-piece high jewellery collection unveiled in 2020, this range continues its interpretation of the fabric made in Scotland that Coco Chanel came into contact with in the 1920s. From a rugged cloth for outdoor life, she turned it into a signature of her brand’s elegant womenswear, and its woven texture became the basis of the new 63-piece series of what Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the Chanel Fine Jewellery Creation Studio, describes as “tweed set with precious stones.”
Divided into five chapters, each underpinned by a new tweed jewellery weave, the jewellery feature motifs of the maison—the white ribbon, pink camellia, comet, yellow sun, and lion—interpreted through gold and platinum threads, gemstones, pearls, and extraordinary openwork.
3. Dior Les Jardins de la Couture
For Les Jardins de la Couture collection, Artistic Director of Dior Joaillerie Victoire de Castellane introduces 170 creations, including three secret watches, that pay tribute to the abundance and splendour of nature, interpreted through the lens of fashion through the clever interplay of scale and perspective.
Gardens have been an enduring source of inspiration for the maison across its metiers, and for Les Jardins de la Couture, they manifest as flowers recreated with gems, a kaleidoscopic palette, and bucolic motifs that simultaneously evoke graceful ribbons. Featuring finely detailed and delicate miniature scenography, the collection combines gems, diamonds, mother-of-pearl, gold and sequins, as well as the lacquer technique, a favorite of de Castellane’s, to take one on a journey through four stories: Galons Fleuris, or floral braids; Très Cher Dior; Buissons Couture, or sewing bushes; and Mini Milly.
4. Cartier Le Voyage Recommencé
Cartier revisits its distinct style and design fundamentals with Le Voyage Recommencé, and the results are an arresting display of jewellery that’s unmistakably Cartier. Featuring the maison’s signature abstraction and figuration, gemstone colour pairings, world cultures, and emblems such as the panther, the 80 pieces (so far) evoke such conceptual ideas as freedom, harmony, symmetry and emotion. The collection also includes two parures—one spotlighting coral and onyx, and the other distinguished by emerald cabochons.
In Conversation with “The Caviar Queen” Natalie Rebeiz of Caviar House & Prunier
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From an initial distain for caviar to falling in love with these black pearls, Natalie Rebeiz of Caviar House & Prunier shares with us her journey into the world of caviar.
By Joseph Low
Playfully known as “The Caviar Queen”, Natalie Rebeiz, COO of Caviar House, was born into a family of caviar pioneers; her late father Georges Rebeiz, famous for founding the company “Caviar House” in 1950 and brother, Peter Rebeiz, current CEO.
Natalie was exposed to caviar from a very young age and was actively involved in the production from the age of eight. Natalie tells us of her distain for caviar at this age, “my father always taught us that when we packed caviar, you must always try it beforehand to check the quality, but I hated it, I really hated it!” Through Natalie’s childhood she would learn everything there was to know about caviar and grew to love and respect the black pearls. She recalled the time she fell in love with caviar, aged 19. “I remember vividly, opening a 1.8 kilo tin of Beluga from Iran, and the smell was euphoric, it hit me, and I was in love”. Her goal would be to move to London and open the first shop in the UK. When Natalie was 20, she did exactly as she had set out to do… the first of many caviar shops were born in one of London’s most prominent postcodes of Mayfair. Customers today can spend more than £1,700 for a single tin of the little grey sturgeon eggs. Its popularity grows throughout the ever-changing market.
Ahead, Natalie shares with us her journey into the world of caviar.
You are currently based in London. Can you let us know more about the fascinating story behind Caviar House & Prunier?
Since 1950, Caviar House has historically been the world’s largest importer and distributor of fine caviar. In 2004 we joined forces with Prunier — the first company to produce caviar in France in 1920, with the all but modest goal of simply producing the very finest caviar known to man. The knowledge and know-how of perfect caviar has been transmitted by Russian specialists to Prunier as early as 1921. Today Prunier caviar is still produced according to this heritage and ancient recipes. Improved techniques in recent years have allowed us to obtain a superb product, exclusive for its particular flavour and outstanding taste.
Both companies, which today under one roof are called Caviar House & Prunier have remained unwilling to sacrifice quality or any steps leading thereto and therefore stay within current market standards. We continue to believe that the only acceptable standard is your admiration, using only the very finest raw materials in every step of the way. Our caviar masters and production designers are all driven with the same goal: to offer the ultimate culinary sensations when experiencing a Caviar House & Prunier product.
A first shop in Geneva in 1968 which your father opened, then another one in Heathrow in 1983 which you opened aged only20. What specific needs did you see amongst modern travellers which airports did not provide answers to?
Luxury food retail to go and take anywhere in the world. No one dreamt of taking caviar, salmon, cheese, or any of our other fine foods with them on a flight before we opened. There was no luxury or fine food available back in the 60s and 80s. All the airport offered was duty-free goods, so we were the only other shop airside in the early days.
Making the airport part of the destination. We love this concept! How do you train your staff to make travellers feel welcomed and relaxed when airports are usually synonymous with stress?
Staff retention is key. We have a member of our team that has just celebrated her 39th year with us. She has become an ambassador for our brand. We offer strict training ensuring that all staff members are fully knowledgeable about our product. All staff have to undertake regularly updated and refreshed training of our service excellence steps. The staff feel part of a family, to live and breathe the products and love and have passion for them.
You mentioned several times that “freshness is in the DNA of Caviar House & Prunier”. Can you elaborate further on this?
Everything produced in the seafood bars is prepared in front of you. No hidden kitchens. All products are delivered daily to ensure freshness. And, all of our fish products are from sustainable sources. We continue to closely observe the progress within aquaculture, especially related to sturgeon farming of course.
What made you decide you to open a Caviar House & Prunier at the Hong Kong airport, a market rather far from your European base? What did you learn from your Chinese clientele?
Supply and demand. Our Chinese clientele are some of our best customers, craving exceptional produce.
With a world ban on wild caviar, how many varieties of farmed caviar are there today on the market? Which variety of caviar is Caviar House & Prunier predominantly using?
There are over 400 varieties. Caviar House & Prunier, unlike many other suppliers of caviar worldwide, offer their very own farmed caviar — Prunier. One of the main caviar producers in the world, Prunier was founded over 100 years ago and was the first producer to obtain caviar from farmed sturgeons (in 1994), creating a sustainable and safe alternative for endangered species in the Caspian Sea. Today, the grain selection process, as well as the recipes of the Prunier Manufacture, make it possible to produce caviars with very different flavours. There are currently seven Prunier caviars available, including three new Osciètre varieties.
The British Butler Institute has lately teamed up with luxury brands to assist students who have completed certification to apply for contract positions with luxury retail brands. One such company is Caviar House & Prunier. Can you tell us more on this partnership?
We have worked with the butler school for many years, and hosting training events throughout our venues. In turn, we have hired the butler school to offer service excellence training to our teams.
Caviar House & Prunier is also now the sole distributor of Balik salmon, which takes its name from a Russian word meaning the choicest cut of the fish. Tell us more there about this foray into the high-end salmon market?
Introducing for the first time ever in 1978 the fillet of smoked salmon, (Fillet Tsar Nicolaj) Balik introduced to the world a completely new manner of salmon consumption and preparation originating from a 150-year-old recipe used by the imperial court of Russia.
In the midst of the picturesque landscape of the Toggenburg region in Eastern Switzerland, you will find the Balik Farm nestled snugly in the hills at the end of the small village of Ebersol. One thing must be said from the outset: “Balik Räucherei” is the manufacture, where arguably the world’s most famous smoked salmon is produced. Here, our smokery master and his team process the noble Salmo Salar (salmon) according to a secret old Russian recipe into a mouth-watering delicacy, which is then shipped to all corners of the world. The four production steps — watering, salting, smoking, and dressing — are all done by hand. The only two pieces of equipment that we use in the Balik Manufacture are electronic scales and a vacuuming machine.
Considered by most enthusiasts to be the best-smoked salmon in the world, the Balik salmon traces its roots back to imperial Russia, where the art of fine dining and its quality reached unprecedented levels among the Russian aristocracy. If any smokery of salmon has ever shaken the world of smoked salmon it is without doubt the Balik Smokery in the Swiss Alps.
Where do you see Caviar House & Prunier five years from now? What are the key milestones ahead?
One day at a time.
Tell us about your amazing fishing trip in Iran on the Caspian Sea a few years back. The catch of a sturgeon there in the very birthplace of caviar must have been a rather extraordinary experience.
Back in the 90s, my brother and I went fishing with local Iranian fishermen — the bus trip from Teheran was hell and lasted eight hours. I was covered in a blue polyester abaya and didn’t wear any makeup — and it was an Osciètre that I pulled out from the sea in an old-fashioned fishing net at four o’clock in the morning. An hour and a half after catching the fish I was having tea and eating its caviar with the fishermen and looking over the Caspian Sea. It was an amazing feeling and the hospitality was heart-warming. I was also working on my book at the time, “Caviar – The Definitive Guide” (2001) and so had brought along a photographer. In one of the pictures, the fisherman’s son had placed himself in the fish’s belly, to show how big it was. It looked so macabre that I did not publish it. We learned so much from that trip and it was here that we decided we needed our own farm after seeing how depleted the stocks were becoming.
Can you reveal to our readers which variety of caviar is your favorite?
My favourite is also our hero product, the Caviar House Finest Beluga Caviar. “Beluga caviar is like no other caviar. It’s completely incomparable and unrivalled.” [Editor’s note: Beluga caviar evokes fond memories of her discovery of caviar as a young entrepreneur.
If you were to name one mentor who has inspired you in your career, who would that be?
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan “Blue Shadow”: To the Edge of Space
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This new bespoke Rolls-Royce Cullinan is inspired by the Kármán Line, the boundary between Earth and the outer space.
By Joseph Low
Black Badge Cullinan “Blue Shadow”
“Exploration is wired into our brains. If we can see the horizon, we want to know what’s beyond.” This is a quote by the former American astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the Moon during the renowned 1969 Apollo 11 mission. And since time immemorial, humans have been fascinated with what lies beyond our planet and our curiosity has only grown deeper through the ages. The race to space does not only pertain to companies or agencies like NASA; on the ground, car manufacturers are also looking towards the cosmos for inspiration.
British luxury car maker Rolls-Royce has recently unveiled the Black Badge Cullinan “Blue Shadow” Private Collection, which the marque said explores the “beauty and mystery of space” while never leaving the comfort of the car’s cabin. To create this spellbinding vehicle, Rolls-Royce’s team of designers looked towards the Kármán Line for inspiration. For those unfamiliar with the Kármán Line, it is an invisible boundary that defines the edge of space and is 62 miles above the Earth’s surface. Coincidentally, only 62 “Blue Shadow” examples have been made and are available exclusively through the brand’s Private Offices.
“Blue Shadow is a testament to our relentless pursuit of perfection and a celebration of the spirit of exploration, designed for the unique individuals who expand horizons and represent the very best of human endeavour,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
The Kármán Line is an ethereal region where the Earth’s blueness slowly fades and mixes with the blackness of space. This creates an intense dark-blue zone where darkness is visible, and more than a place for admiration, it is a mysterious world reserved for adventurous individuals who appreciate its serenity and unique atmosphere.
Starting from the “Blue Shadow” facade, it is painted in a new shimmering hue called “Stardust Blue”, which recalls the rich blue tones seen at the upper layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. The special Cullinan features a satin-tinted grille surround and aero bumper insert reminiscent of the thermal tiles used to protect Space Shuttles during atmospheric re-entry.
Spirit of Ecstasy
The same materials used in spacecrafts were utilised to craft the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy. The 3D printing technique involved titanium, which was then coated with a layer of blue-tinted lacquer. This added a pearlescent finish while revealing the titanium’s grained texture. The base of the Spirit of Ecstasy features the Black Badge infinity logo and the name of the “Blue Shadow” Private Collection, both of which are engraved and infilled with Charles Blue. Additionally, the wheels of Blue Shadow have been given a subtle darkening effect using translucent lacquer to complete the exterior look.
The blueish theme continues into the interior of the car’s dashboard and door panels. Specifically, the transitional shades of blue to black are captured using six layers of paint, where they are blended flawlessly to create a captivating three-dimensional effect. As with all Rolls-Royce cars, a bespoke clock is fitted and designed to reflect the Kármán Line with its blue anodised details and “Blue Shadow” engraving.
Rolls-Royce Starlight Headliner with Moon embroidery.
Looking up, Rolls-Royce’s fabled Starlight Headliner also gets an upgrade. Instead of just being surrounded by stars, an intricate embroidery of the Moon joins the celestial bodies. Sitting in the “Blue Shadow” is like one is brought to the edge of space and given front-row seats to admire these sparkling marvels up close. The embroidery comprises five different thread colours that create a distinct texture representing the Moon’s surface with its multitude of craters in three dimensions, and the embroidery process takes two full days to complete and involves 250,000 individual stitches.
The Starlight Headliner creates a soothing aura in the cabin, evoking a feeling of amazement. It boasts 1,183 stars, consisting of 799 white and 384 blue lights, meticulously inserted into the leather canvas through perforated holes that are accurately marked and punched by hand.
In a first-of-its-kind showcase, Rolls-Royce has made a unique and remarkable change by adding a perforated artwork to both the front and rear seats. This artwork is inspired by the stunning view of Earth from space and is created by using tiny perforations in luscious leather. The pattern resembles the graceful swirls of ever-shifting clouds over the continents and oceans. Each seat has over 75,000 perforations and had to undergo a meticulous design process that lasted two weeks before it was finally applied to these bespoke Cullinan.
Accompanying the “Blue Shadow” is a series of accessories the owners would need to travel to the edge of Earth. This includes a luggage set that corresponds to the colourway of the car. Furthermore, the owners can commission a 1:8 scale replica of the Black Badge Cullinan “Blue Shadow” with functional lights, coach doors, and a detailed interior. All 62 units have all found their respective owners.
After increasing annual revenue last year by 16.5 per cent to €2.35 billion, Armani Group recorded positive growth of 18 per cent across all its sales channels in the first quarter of 2023..
By Joseph Low
There is much to celebrate at Italian luxury group Armani as the fashion house reported strong 2022 and Q1 2023 results as per the press release shared on 25 May. The group’s revenue ended 31 December rose 16.5 per cent to €2.35 billion when compared to 2021, and earnings before tax and interest grew 25 per cent to €289 million. As for the first quarter of 2023, Armani Group recorded positive growth of 18 per cent across all its sales channels.
As owners of Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange, the group joins other companies like LVMH, Kering, Richemont and others in displaying resilience despite global and economic uncertainties like the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and rising prices. “Notwithstanding a global economic environment that is still characterised by multiple crises, all sales channels registered significant growth in 2022 over 2021,” shared the brand in a press release. A balanced breakdown was observed with “direct retail up 17 per cent, wholesale up 16 per cent, and e-commerce up 9 per cent”.
The group further elaborated that in 2022, its key markets were Europe and America as both were the first to relax public health restrictions and travel was reinstated. Performance on these two continents was up by 24 per cent and 19.5 per cent respectively. In contrast, Asia as a whole saw a decline of 6.3 per cent and the group “[attributed it] to extensive lockdowns and the reintroduction of strict mobility limitations, which in China were only lifted at the beginning of 2023.” Despite the shortfall, its constant focus on service quality has enabled the group to achieve a strong performance that contributed to continuous growth.
“The medium-long term strategic path I have chosen to undertake continues to prove effective as is evidenced in the results: 2022 ended with further growth that has continued into the first quarter of 2023, further solidifying the Group’s soundness,” commented Giorgio Armani, Chairman and CEO of the Armani Group.
“I am firmly convinced that operating with a vision aimed at continuity, following a concrete and consistent approach, centred on the values that have always underpinned my creative and managerial philosophy, is the only way to face the challenges and unforeseen events that characterise the current global scenario.”
“In an increasingly difficult and competitive context, I am proud to have been able to maintain my independence and the stability of the Group, also thanks to the work and commitment of my collaborators and employees.”
On the other hand, in Q1 of 2023, the geographical trends showed a significant shift when compared to 2022. Where most of the growth recorded was from Europe and America, its sales were given an additional boost from Asia. Led by China’s reopening, it reported a 14 per cent growth while Europe climbed 22 per cent and America at only 10 per cent. A slowdown in America has been on the horizon, and other luxury companies have also seen its sales from the region turn sluggish.
Just last week, LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, the world’s richest person, had US$11.2 billion wiped out after concerns about a softening US economy which will dampen demand for luxury goods. A report by Bloomberg said that LVMH’s shares fell 5 per cent, and this was amid a broader decline that erased about US$30 billion from the European luxury market. Across the board, CEOs at different companies have acknowledged US’ declining growth but most are hopeful of China’s post Covid-19 recovery to offset these differences in sales.
In a joint statement, Chief Commercial Officer Giuseppe Marsocci and COO and CFO Daniele Ballestrazzi said: “The adjustment period that followed the decision to reorganise the company’s portfolio by focusing on its three main brands, namely Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Armani Exchange may be considered concluded on a positive note with highly satisfactory sales levels, corroborated by even better growth trends in operating profitability.”
“In 2022, direct brand turnover — represented by sales of Armani branded products made directly by the group and third-party licensees — reached 4.6 billion euros, with estimated retail sales of over 6.5 billion euros. We are advancing, well ahead of schedule, towards the objectives set for 2025, the year that marks the 50th anniversary of Giorgio Armani.”
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
