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Reconnect With Nature At Fauna Allegoria Exhibition

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Reconnect With Nature At Fauna Allegoria Exhibition

December 16, 2021
1:48 pm

From architect to art show curator, we talk to Marina Oechsner de Coninck on her journey as an artists and her upcoming Fauna Allegoria show.

By Sarah Ridzwan

Marina Oechsner, Art curator and organiser with team Olal`Art — Artworks by Emi Avora and ceramic by Charlotte de Charentenay

When did you first get interested in art and how did it lead you into the business of being an “art show curator”?

My passion for art started at an early age. After studying at Ecole Boulle, the college of fine arts in Paris, I begin my career as a scenographer in Paris working with architects on the renovation of the Egyptian Antiquities in Le Louvre. Most of my experience in Visual arts, design and scenography is coming from collaborating with international beauty brands in Asia such as Giorgio Armani, Shu Uemura, Helena Rubinstein, Elizabeth Arden.

The world of beauty brought me to Asia 20 years ago as an international architect. Making a pause with the cosmetic industry in 2020, gave me the opportunity to develop the art consultant activity in Asia. I always wanted to propose cross-cultural experiences related to art and heritage in Asia.

My experience of artistic collaborations and creative platforms begins with Guerlain LVMH and the launch of historical pop-up stores in China. I have learned through these various experiences the importance to adapt the concept and palettes to the audience in Asia.

The exhibition Fauna Allegoria will be staged in Singapore from December 12, 2021 to January 3, 2022. Tell us more about the concept of the show and what visitors can expect to see?

Fauna Allegoria is an exhibition featuring 14 artists from Asia and Europe. The concept is about the reconnection to the fantasy of nature from within. Living a period of sudden immobility, with the universal desire to discover the world, the artists explore the genuine and free-spirited sense of nature in an enclosed environment.

Who are the participating artists and what is their respective background?

We are collaborating with Olal`Art Chinese Art club, two ladies from Hong Kong and Shanghai who arrived in Singapore during the lockdown. Together we have selected Chinese and Singaporean artists who represent a new generation of dream-like and pop art artists in South East Asia with their most iconic series.

Visitors will have the chance to discover the iconic series of Shi Lifeng, the Peach Blossom landscapes, new works of the Singaporean artist Andy Yang, the textile artist Lilia Yip, the Greek Emi Avora, and the ceramist sculptor Charlotte de Charentenay. Inessa K will be showing for the first time — she is a Russian artist based in Singapore, with a poetic approach to Perakan collages. Helene Le Chatelier will exhibit installation sculptures and her series, Natural Memories. Delphine Rama will be showing a new series of engraved leather artworks.

We are also proud to participate with two Chinese artists with pop art influences Shen Jing Dong and Leo Liu Xuan Qi, a Chinese artist who won a UOB award in 2012. His abstract ink and clouds series is inspired by nostalgia of his country of origins the mountain and the fields in China. The renowned Singaporean artist Justin lee will show his iconic pop art Happy girls series with porcelain faces, a touch of positive energy, and humour.

Is the need for nature-related topics in art much stronger following the past lockdown periods?

Fortunately yes! With the art world shifting to virtuality and the natural materials being rarer to source, there is a new desire for “Renaissance” and concerns to reconnect with nature. The “dream-like” trend is growing in Europe and is echoing in the Asia art market with contemporary artists re-exploring ancient techniques such as ink, ceramic art, experimenting with upcycling and holistic experiences in their artistic practices. This experience of rebirth is building the future for the new generation of art lovers and is engaging the audience in an artistic community with concern for sustainability and to preserve the environment.

What are the top five reasons to visit Fauna Allegoria?

A moment to reconnect and to celebrate nature through the eye of dream-like artists from China, Southeast Asia and Europe
Get to know multidisciplinary artists who playfully re-invent crafts in a contemporary way with different mediums such as Ceramic art, abstract Ink or collage art.
A moment to celebrate nature and heritage with bold colours and texture dialoguing and connecting artists from different cultural backgrounds in a lovely shop house apartment.
A unique opportunity to discover high-potential artists at your doorway and at affordable prices.
To engage in the art community in Singapore by supporting the art scene and artistic community in Southeast Asia.

What special emotions do you want the visitors and art collectors to experience when going through Fauna Allegoria?

At a moment Singapore re-opens slowly its borders, visitors are in the energy of rebirth. We believe it is engaging to see an exhibition with artists celebrating openly nature through beautiful crafts.

Will all artworks exhibited at Fauna Allegoria be for sale?

Yes, all the artworks are for sale and at affordable prices. The art collectors are welcome to discover Fauna Allegoria art selection in the e-Catalog posted on Instagram with the link in bio. All the benefits are re-invested to organise more exhibitions and to promote local and international artists.

Will this be an annual exhibition?

In collaboration with Olal`Arts, we wish to organise more curated pop-up exhibitions with Chinese and European artists. The next one will be in a cutting-edge gallery in the Tiong Bahru district. Keep you posted in early 2022!

Which are the supporting partners and participating galleries?

On the venue, we are collaborating with our neighboured galleries Art Porters and Art Agenda Sea located in the heritage shophouses of Spottiswoode Park District. Visitors will have the chance to see three exhibitions at one time at 63 Upper Gallery, Art Porters, and Art Agenda Sea Galleries. After the “Influencers” exhibition, it is a pleasure to renew the collaboration with Intersections, Clementine de Forton, and Cuturi Galleries who have contributed to launch the artists like Helene Le Chatelier, Thierry Bisch, Delphine Rama, and Didier Jaba Mathieu.

What measures are you putting in place to ensure the exhibition complies with the strictest health rules?

joy, justin lee and marina oeschner de coninck — Joy Fallenius, Justin Lee and Marina Oechsner de Coninck.

Visitors are welcome up to groups of five persons. We are ensuring all the visitors are welcomed according to safety regulations and wearing masks. The exhibition will be opened from Thursday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 7 pm until January 3, 2022.

Your favourite contemporary museum in Southeast Asia?

Without hesitation, my favourite museum in Southeast Asia is the National Gallery of Singapore. “Nam June Paik: The future is Now” is a must-see exhibition for art lovers. Thrilling to re-discover the story of the avant-garde Korean artist, Paik.

Get your tickets to the exhibition here. Follow Marina on her Instagram: @marinaoeschner, and get in touch with her at marina.calinaud@gmail.com.

Patek Philippe Goes Tiffany Blue

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Patek Philippe Goes Tiffany Blue

December 9, 2021
1:06 pm

The Patek Philippe Tiffany Blue Ref. 5711/1A, the last version of the world’s most desirable simple wristwatch, is only available via Tiffany & Co in the USA.

By Ashok Soman

Image: Patek Philippe

Perhaps no brand is as synonymous with gifting as Tiffany & Co. — the famous blue box might as well say “you have a present!” As the season rolls around in 2021, it is the US jeweller — and new owners LVMH — who are getting a present in what is sometimes called Tiffany Blue, thanks to Patek Philippe. As it happens, Patek Philippe has a long-standing relationship with Tiffany & Co., as its oldest retail partner in North America.

We opted not to open with the watch itself because you already know it. Even non-watch people already know it. So, by extension, even if you are in the right cities — New York, San Francisco and Beverly Hills (not a city but you get the picture) — you have probably already missed your chance. For those of you who have one, or more, stop hoarding. Seriously. It is bad form. For the record then, we are discussing another very special edition of what might be the world’s most powerful and desirable time-only wristwatch: Ref. 5711.

Image: Patek Philippe

Yes, the saga of this now-discontinued reference continues and begs an explanation. Even when a give watch model ends its run, brands sometimes create one-offs and various limited editions for special occasions, partners, retailers, causes and so on. You will recognise that this is not a practice exclusive to watchmaking.

So Patek Philippe has opted to do a special series of 170 pieces of the Tiffany Blue Patek Philippe Ref. 5711/1A in honour of the 170th anniversary of the two brands’ relationship. The watch will be inscribed with the words “170th Anniversary Tiffany & Co – Patek Philippe 1851 – 2021” on the exhibition caseback. According to the New York Times and Hodinkee, it really is curtains for Ref. 5711/1A after this.

Image: Patek Philippe

To be fair, this relationship is a big deal, with a variety of news organisations paying heed to it over the years. It triggered the emergence of a special class of collectable editions at auction that crossed over into the general public’s awareness, perhaps because of the power of both Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co.

With that in mind, this might be the fitting farewell to Ref. 5711/1A, dressed as it is in a Tiffany blue dial. We think the colour looks just fine, and since we will never see this watch in real life, we will leave it at that. LVMH supreme leader Bernard Arnault must be beside himself with joy, especially when he looks at the number 1 in 2021 on the caseback. We hope he is getting one for himself, and that he wears it at Watches & Wonders.

Danny Minnick: A Serendipitous Artist Who Found A New Calling In Art

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Danny Minnick: A Serendipitous Artist Who Found A New Calling In Art

November 25, 2021
1:31 pm

The journey of an artist takes up different forms but for Danny Minnick, it took an unexpected turn and now he revels in it.

By Joseph Low

Image: Danny Minnick

The path towards becoming an artist varies from one individual to another. For the majority, it starts from an early age. Most would have had their first taste of making art through formal education such as art classes and that becomes the starting point for many. For Seattle-born artist Danny Minnick, drawing is second nature and he could easily sketch out his favourite cartoon characters when he was only in third grade.

However, an unfortunate event with a teacher in his younger days left Minnick feeling despaired and wronged. He was told to draw an image of his hand freestyle and because his artwork was perfectly drawn, his teacher asserted that he cheated. Minnick did not and the incident made him feel guilty, resulting in him drawing less over time. After the incident, he would still doodle but that passion he once had was no longer there.

Image: Danny Minnick

Another of Minnick’s most fond experiences is skateboarding. With his natural aptitude for the urban sport, he competed professionally and enjoyed a successful career from it. On top of that, he was also acting as a stunt double. In 2010, he tore his Achilles tendon and the incident altered the course of his life. The injury meant Minnick could no longer partake in competitions and he shifted his focus to recovering.

Two years after his injury, fellow professional skateboarder Chad Muska introduced Minnick to his studio space and the concept of making art. Muska was already dabbling in contemporary art, similar to other skater-turned-artists such as Mark Gonzales, Ed Templeton and others. Minnick spent most of his time at Muska’s art studio and that was when he renewed his fervour for painting.

He uses an array of art materials like oils, acrylics, oil sticks, Krinks, sharpies and spray paint to create his body of work. Eventually, he held his first show titled “17 pieces” and the rest is history. Minnick’s artworks can be described as a medley of colours, thick paint, highly pigmented, fragments, splinters, brush and splatter work.

Lazarus

Oftentimes, art connoisseurs and collectors would mention Keith Haring, Willem de Kooning and Jean-Michel Basquiat when commenting on his art. Minnick tells us he is humbled to be compared with these artists who are widely celebrated in the contemporary art scene.

“I strive to shine the shoes of such titans,” he says. “They have without doubt influenced and inspired me in everything that I do. If I can come close to such legends then that will be a special day.”

A quick search online for Minnick’s artworks online and one will see the resemblance to these big names — bold brushstrokes of Willem de Kooning, cartoon figures of Keith Haring and the graffiti-style painting of Jean-Michel Basquiat. The medium of which Minnick’s art is conceived is through large-scale canvasses. Using that allows him to create pieces on a grander scale that can have a formidable presence and bold, visceral impact.

Icarus Bone

Minnick adopts “abstract expressionism” as his art style. This artistic movement developed and flourished in the 1940s and 1950s. Characterised by the gestural brushstrokes and an impression of spontaneity, these qualities set the ground for a clever cast of characters and hidden images that appear in the artworks of Minnick.

A common motif that is seen throughout Minnick’s works is the trademark stick-like figures, often with a “+” symbol around the pelvis area. Along with that, the colours he chose are also vibrant. Perhaps it is his multi-hyphenate professions, he approaches his works with little ego and a childlike sense of wonder and curiosity. The whimsical nature of Minnick comes through quite effortlessly and one can feel and see it in the work.

My Inner Child’s Real Singapore

When asked what emotions he hopes the viewers experience when looking at his art, Minnick says, “I would like to think they get an intense feeling of pleasure and hope.” The process to which he goes about creating is atypical — it is as though he works backwards and almost like using reverse psychology. It could be interpreted as he already has a message he wants to convey and his works are an extension of his thoughts.

Image: Danny Minnick

For other artists, the interpretation of their artworks is up to the viewers. They are free to unriddle what they see in front of them. More than that, Minnick’s ability to hone in on an emotion, stranded in an active moment of time, is what really stands out in his pieces. This unique proposition makes him a highly-sought artist for collaboration and to collect.

On the topic of collaboration, one would be remiss for not mentioning his close relationship with street art legend Al Diaz. The prolific graffiti artist is not only a school friend and close companion of Basquiat, but also the first to bring graffiti tags of New York under the name SAMO in 1977 to life.

Minnick’s partnership with Dias has had an influence on him. Al Diaz became a close friend and confidant of Minnick. “His first hand experiences of the 80’s New York street art scene and close relationship with Jean-Michel Basquiat make our collaborative work something special and unique.”

What A Year

Counting personalities such as Nick Cassavetes, Michael Citrone, Gus Van Sant, LeBron James, Jamie Hince, Cash Warren and lately Jessica Alba as his collectors, Minnick attributes his success to a “mixture of karma, fate and a lot of hard work”. He’s also thankful for the fantastic support he had received from Lionel Ritchie and BDXChange.

Making his first foray into Asia, Minnick is thrilled to be working with the Singapore-based art gallery and boutique advisory firm, Art Works. “I have nothing but love and respect for a gallery with the integrity of Art Works. They have been great to work with and really supportive in developing my following in Asia.”

Demand for art pieces in Asia has seen a growing trend as the population accumulate more wealth and this leads to the embourgeoisement of society. Economic factors become less prominent and self-expression of post-material values takes precedence. Artworks are an avenue for people to explore this new venture — and also as a form of alternative investment.

Come next year, it will be an exciting time for Minnick as he is continuing his collaboration with BDXChang. Though he does not divulge much about this exciting project, he did ask us to “watch this space”. And sure we will!

Click here to read the interview with Troy Sadler, Managing Director of Art Works Group. Follow Art Works on their Instagram: @artworks_sg and Danny Minnick on his Instagram: @dannyminnick

Veuve Clicquot x Yayoi Kusama: A Message of Hope and Optimism

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Veuve Clicquot x Yayoi Kusama: A Message of Hope and Optimism

November 25, 2021
1:03 pm

Emblazoned by the acclaimed artist’s signature polka dots and flowers, this bubbly makes a great party enhancer.

By Joseph Low

Image: Veuve Clicquot

The Veuve Clicquot x Yayoi Kusama collection is the perfect bottle of champagne to bid au dieu to 2021 and welcome the new year with new hope and optimism. The new creation is also a celebration of the Maison’s new vintage, La Grande Dame 2012.

The La Grande Dame 2012 is a tribute to Madame Clicquot and to the creative and elegant souls who have followed in her footsteps. Fitting this description is Kusama, an artist known for her immersive artistic experiences such as the “Infinity Room”.

Reimagined in the Japanese artist’s signature flowers in vibrant colours and polka dots, the prestige cuvée is made entirely with Pinot Noir, with just 10 per cent Chardonnay added to the mix. Interestingly, the polka dots represent champagne bubbles one might see. Likewise, encasing the bubbly is a gift box emblazoned with more psychedelic dots and a vibrantly hued flower — which itself is a great collector’s item.

Image: Veuve Clicquot

The grapes used to create the La Grande Dame are of the highest quality and only specific types are used. As working with Pinot Noir demands great attention to detail due to the fragility of the grapes, the finest expertise from the Cellar Master and winemaking team are employed to ensure its consistency meets that of Veuve Clicquot’s hallmark style.

“La Grande Dame 2012, with its versatile composition driven by Veuve Clicquot’s extraordinary savoir-faire, is not only a delight today, but also a promise of celebration for years to come.”

This is not the first time the Maison and Kusama had worked together. Back in 2006, the acclaimed artist had given a new life to an original portrait of Madame Clicquot with her iconic polka dots pattern during a charity auction in Tokyo.

Madame Clicquot by Yayoi Kusama — **Image: Yayoi Kusama**

Though the Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012 by Yayoi Kusama tastes great on its own, the champagne makes a great pairing with vegetables and quail, skate wing or sea urchin. With the festive season slowly warming up, having a bottle definitely livens the atmosphere.

For more information about the Veuve Clicquot x Yayoi Kusama, click here.

Breitling Super AVI Wants To Be Your Co-pilot

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Breitling Super AVI Wants To Be Your Co-pilot

November 25, 2021
12:57 pm

Breitling introduces five exciting watches sure to appeal to aviation enthusiasts and lovers of pilot’s watches.

By Ashok Soman

Image: Breitling

The Breitling Super AVI is a new aviation-themed collection of watches from a firm that is probably best-known for its proper pilot’s watches and its aviation themed timepieces too. Yes, those are not the same thing, but that is a subject for another occasion. Where some brands are virtually synonymous with diving, the military or motor racing, Breitling has established air superiority, literally. That is true even in the contemporary brand, which has undergone plenty of changes in recent years.

The Breitling Super AVI lands with five new references, all chronographs with GMT. These are inspired by just one watch, the original 1953 “Co-Pilot” Ref. 765 AVI aviator’s watch, and four planes: the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, the Vought F4U Corsair, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and the de Havilland Mosquito. This is as hardcore as Breitling has gotten in recent memory about aviation-themed watches.

This is not to suggest that Breitling has been quiet. The watchmaker regularly boosts the conversation about its timepieces, whether it is a cool video with CEO Georges Kern travelling through time to meet the key Breitling family members, or an extensive behind the scenes commentary on a new advertising campaign. Some commentators, WatchPro for one, have wondered aloud if Breitling had forgotten its core audience of aviation-loving watch enthusiasts and collectors. Regardless of where you stand on that, you will probably agree that the Breitling Super AVI will satisfy this group; we certainly think so!

To get into the watches briefly to start, they are all 46mm chronographs with GMT central hands, and the movement is the automatic B04, as you might have guessed if you are a chronograph or Breitling aficionado. You might also recall a reissue of Ref. 765 in 2020 that shared the same characteristics. Apparently demand is so strong for that piece that Breitling responded immediately with these five references. Well, immediately is quite relative in watchmaking, but Breitling has done exceptionally well to deliver a full set of well-thought through and executed models here.

There are actually four proper models, with the Super AVI P-51 Mustang version boasting two options. As the name suggests, this watch is a tribute to what is arguably the best all-around fighter plane of its day. This model is available in stainless steel with a black dial and brown leather strap, and red gold with anthracite dial and a black leather strap.

Breitling Super AVI P-51 Mustang. Image: Breitling

For more tone on tone fun, the Super AVI Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair goes with a blue dial and chronograph counters. This is paired with a black leather strap; the colour scheme matches the livery of its namesake naval aircraft.

Breitling Super AVI Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair. Image: Breitling

The Super AVI Mosquito introduces mixed materials with a combination of polished steel and satin-brushed black ceramic bezel insert — it is the only one of the four models with such a bezel insert. In this model, contrast leads the way, with a black dial framing white chronograph counters. Breitling says the red and orange elements recall the roundels and markings on the plane, dubbed the “Wooden Wonder”. We shall have to see this in person, but the effect on the Super AVI is very fetching indeed, even if we have only seen publicity images.

Breitling Super AVI Mosquito. Image: Breitling

The Super AVI Curtiss Warhawk also echoes these contrasting tones, but eschews the bezel insert. It is very much like the other three models in going with a pure steel bidirectional ratcheted bezel. Here the dial is military green and the chronograph counters are in white, with similar red markings on the Mosquito. The effect is also charming, but once again we must refrain from a final judgment till we see the watches in person.

Breitling Super AVI Curtiss Warhawk. Image: Breitling

We close with the words of Kern himself. “This collection embodies that sense of nostalgia for the early days of aviation when pilots relied on their watches as onboard tools. But you don’t have to be a pilot off vintage-aircraft buff to appreciate exceptional craftsmanship and rugged design.”

Cirrus Aircraft: Leading from the top

Leaders, Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Cirrus Aircraft: Leading from the top

November 24, 2021
3:48 am

Cirrus Aircraft CEO Zean Nielsen reveals why the personal aviation industry is thriving in such turbulent times and how the US-based company is leading that charge with its SR and Vision Jet series, safety initiatives and flight-training programmes. By Terence Ruis.

Zean Nielsen, CEO, Cirrus Aircraft

Zean Nielsen joined Cirrus Aircraft as Chief Executive Officer in 2019 and is responsible for oversight of the company, working with senior leaders from across the business to transform innovation, operations and the customer experience.

With a career rooted in globally recognised lifestyle brands including Tesla Motors and Bang & Olufsen, Nielsen has brought a diverse background of strategic planning, channel diversification and ground-breaking marketing initiatives to Cirrus Aircraft.

He began his career in 1997 at Bang & Olufsen, spending almost 17 years with the luxury electronics maker including over six years as President of Bang & Olufsen North and South America. Nielsen’s work gained the notice of Tesla and Elon Musk, and he joined Tesla Motors in 2014 as Global VP of Sales Operations, responsible for all aspects of worldwide sales operations.

A Vision Jet (left) in Cobalt blue and an SR22T (right) in Bimini Blue

Immediately prior to joining Cirrus, he served as the Executive Vice President of North American Sales at James Hardie, a leading industrial building materials company.

To find out more about his intriguing career, we caught up with Nielsen to pick his brain about the current – and surprisingly positive – climate of the personal aviation industry, as well as what we can expect of Cirrus Aircraft in the near future.

Zean, tell us more about yourself and your role at Cirrus Aircraft.

I have been overseeing Cirrus Aircraft as CEO since mid-2019. I have over 20 years of professional and leadership experience in luxury manufacturing and automotive brands such as Tesla, James Hardie and Bang & Olufsen.

Cirrus Aircraft offers world-class service to global customers

At Cirrus Aircraft I spearhead the strategic and financial planning for the company, determine which new markets we need to penetrate and where we can gain the most visibility. We aim to introduce more people to aviation and are rapidly expanding across the United States and Asia.

Having come from high-end consumer companies such as Tesla and Bang & Olufsen, how are you finding the aviation industry?

I’m thrilled to be here! I find the industry fascinating and love discovering new ways to improve the aircraft ownership experience. There are several similarities between my prior ventures with Tesla, James Hardie and Bang & Olufsen that directly correlate with what Cirrus Aircraft is accomplishing today.

Strategically speaking, we are continuously innovating, which is reflected by the aircraft we create, the avionics we integrate, and the industry-leading training programmes we develop. Additionally, we want to remove any barriers of exclusivity in aviation, so we bring various backgrounds and experiences to the table to better understand how to do that.

Considering the effects of Covid-19, the personal aviation industry seems to have done well over the past two years. Can you tell us more about the status of the industry and how Cirrus Aircraft has faced these turbulent times?

Personal aviation is on the rise and while the coronavirus impacted every industry, business owners were forced to think outside the box, adapt to changing times and equip themselves with solutions that allowed their business to prevail.

Many superyacht owners have private jets

We have been working closely with individuals and several business owners who have been keen on finding a safe, efficient way to continue personal or business travel during these times. Owning an aircraft opens new doors and provides people with the freedom to safely travel the world.

On both a financial and order book basis, how successful have these past two years been for Cirrus Aircraft?

We are currently breaking all sales records in the United States and expanding our sales and support team in Asia Pacific. Cirrus Aircraft’s SR Series has been the best-selling high-performance piston aircraft for 19 consecutive years and our Vision Jet has been the best-selling jet in general aviation for two years.

The comfortable interior of the G2+ Vision Jet

In 2020, we delivered 346 SR Series aircraft and 73 Vision Jets. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association recently released its report on general aviation aircraft shipments, stating Cirrus is a market leader with a total of 195 SR Series and Vision Jets delivered in the first six months of 2021.

What are your objectives for Cirrus Aircraft?

You can expect us to appear in new markets around the world to better serve the deep-rooted and growing aviation community. Just this year, we’ve announced several Flight Training and Innovation Centers that offer aircraft maintenance, management and sales, further supporting our aircraft owners and growing economies. We are also actively recruiting as we expand.

We are an inventive company and constantly explore how we can create the next best thing for our customers. And if you have ever experienced the SR Series aircraft and SF50 Vision Jet, you’ll know our innovation speaks for itself.

The new G2+ Vision Jet

For instance, we recently announced the G2+ Vision Jet, which features 20 per cent more take-off performance and Wi-Fi connectivity. The newly optimised thrust profile provides an extra boost during departure and provides access to more destinations around the globe.

We are excited to soon be announcing new features and tailored services that will make flying safer, smarter and more convenient.

The SR Series has an incredible history of innovation, evolution and invention. What can you tell us about the Limited Edition models you launched this past year?

This year, we released eight 8000 Limited Edition SR Series aircraft to celebrate the delivery of our 8,000th SR Series aircraft. We were inspired to create a Limited Edition that steps out of the mould and reflects the energy and excitement of where we are going next.

The interior of an SR22T Carbon

The 8000 features a bold, new design and unapologetic accents on the exterior and interior. The design is accentuated by an industry-first Volt wing paint scheme, which clearly can be seen from the ground or sky. The unmistakable graphics and colours carry through into the interior with Volt stitching on the seats, embroidery on the door and luxury perforated leather on the seats, control yoke and throttle.

Additionally, each 8000 Limited Edition aircraft were delivered along with a curated series of gifts and bespoke events for the new owners.

How is Cirrus Aircraft advancing the personal aviation market?

We are developing an aviation experience that is unmatched. Whether you are a student pilot or have hundreds of hours clocked, we treat you as family and tailor every experience so that they are memorable – from continuous training options to personalising your aircraft interior and exterior.

The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) is a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft

Additionally, owning and operating a Cirrus aircraft enhances your lifestyle and provides the opportunity to fulfil a personal or business need.

We truly set ourselves apart in the personal aviation industry because we have incorporated exceptional, award-winning safety features including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft, and Safe Return Emergency Autoland enabled by Garmin.

Cirrus Aircraft has also developed the Safe Return emergency autoland

To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 13 million hours and at least 212 people have returned home safely to their families as a direct result of our CAPS technology. With CAPS and Safe Return, people are safer when they fly in a Cirrus and that message resonates with prospective and existing aviation enthusiasts.

You provide world-class training to Cirrus owners through both the company-owned facilities as well as the partner network around the world. How do you organise that key aspect of the business and ensure such a unique service?

At Cirrus, we welcome anyone that has ever dreamed of becoming a pilot or owning an aircraft to fulfil their dream, whether it’s for leisure or business. Our team is involved with customers for their flying lifetime. We’ve created Cirrus Approach, an in-depth, online flight-training programme that walks people through flight instruction.

Cirrus Aircraft offers flight training using the TRAC Series

Additionally, we have Cirrus-trained flight instructors that dedicate time to reviewing course work and flying with you. We put you in the pilot seat and allow you to experience what it’s like to fly an aircraft.

When we work with our customers, we create milestone memories together. That is what differentiates our company from the next and makes our aircraft highly-sought after. With our expansion, we are deploying more resources to create convenient ways to reach aviation communities that are interested in flying with Cirrus.

Cirrus Aircraft offers the freedom to travel with award-winning safety features

What other trends do you see in the personal aviation industry?

Personal aviation has been positively impacted by the pandemic, resulting in various new market trends. There are three main trends we have observed – people are seeking to completely control their travel experience, grow their business or learn to fly.

Where do you see Cirrus Aircraft in five years?

This is a very exciting time because we are growing in every way. Cirrus Aircraft will have more visibility – geographically, digitally and in everyday interactions. We will have faster production times and our aircraft will be seen at every airport.

“I can be in three different places in one day and back home before dinner.”

Finally, what is your favourite aspect of flying?

I love that aviation has changed my life. I can be in three different places in one day and back home before dinner. Personal aviation also offers my family and I a safe and convenient way to travel in the comfort of our own aircraft.

ABOUT CIRRUS AIRCRAFT

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognised global leader in personal aviation and the creator of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, as well as the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy, which recognises the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America each year. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined performance, comfort and safety in aviation with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft.

To find out more about Cirrus Aircraft, visit: cirrusaircraft.com

To find out more about learning to fly, visit: cirrusaircraft.com/learn-to-fly

Yacht Style Issue 62: The Superyacht IssueO
Yacht Style Issue 62 features Top 100 Superyachts of Asia-Pacific 2022, seven yacht Reviews, Simpson Marine, Lantau Yacht Club, Ferretti Group’s Stefano de Vivo, Rolex Middle Sea Race, SailGP, Cannes and Monaco shows, Jeanneau Merry Fisher owner Kevin Quek, interviews with HSBC’s Jyrki Rauhio and Cirrus Aircraft’s Zean Nielsen, and lifestyle articles on IL PICCO residences and Art Works Group.

Cartier Launches Exhibition Exploring the Influence of Islamic Art

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Cartier Launches Exhibition Exploring the Influence of Islamic Art

November 18, 2021
1:52 pm

For the first time, members of the public are able to take a peek into the design process of Cartier, and how Islamic art had an impact on its early days.

By Sarah Ridzwan

Image: Cartier

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris has launched the “Cartier and Islamic Art: In Search of Modernity” exhibition.

The exhibition explores the influence of Islamic art on the design of high jewellery by Cartier, as well as precious objects from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. More than 500 pieces from the Cartier Collection, private and public loans, masterpieces of Islamic art, drawings, books, photographs, and archival documents all trace the origins of the jeweller’s interest in Islamic motifs.

Image: Cartier

Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, Maison Cartier initially specialised in selling jewellery and art. After passing down the mantle to his grandson, Louis Cartier, in 1898, Cartier was designing its own jewellery. By then, Louis Cartier was seeking new inspiration, which coincided with the Islamic art trade in Paris, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs helped Louis discover new shapes that were spreading throughout French society.

The exhibition is organised as a themed chronological tour divided into two parts. The first part explores the origins of the interest in Islamic art and architecture through the cultural background of Paris in the 20th century. The second part explores the lexicon of forms inspired by Islamic art, from the 20th century to today.

cartier islamic art design study — Image: Cartier

Louis’ personal collection has been reconstructed thanks to the archives of House Cartier, along with design drawings by Charles Jacqueau thanks to a loan from Petit Palais, Fine Arts Museum of Paris.

The exhibition continues to explore Jacqueau’s travels for Cartier, including to India in 1911 where he met with Maharajahs where he traded gemstones and pearls to find his way into the country. The trading enabled him to build relationships with Maharajahs while simultaneously collecting antique and contemporary jewellery.

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The patterns and shapes from Islamic architecture and art became an integral part of the stylistic vocabulary of Cartier’s designers. Even today, Islamic art still forms a part of the Cartier repertoire as seen in the contemporary jewels section that complete the exhibition.

For the first time, members of the public are able to look into the design process of one of the world’s most renowned jewellers, the House of Cartier. The exhibition allows visitors to understand the impact Islamic art had on Cartier. The exhibition runs from today (November 3) to 20 February 2022.

Another Cartier event happening is The Hour Glass and Cartier’s pop-up dedicated to the iconic wristwatch, the Cartier Tank. Held in Singapore, at The Hour Glass Malmaison, the exclusive experience offers insight into the design of the watch, as well as a section where visitors get to customise their own Tank Must creation.

Also in jewellery news, a woman residing in Northern England was cleaning out her house when she finds a rare 34-carat diamond. Initially mistaking it for a cheap piece of costume jewellery she eventually went to get it valued, where it was discovered to be worth over US$2 million. The diamond will go under the hammer near the end of the month.

The Patek Philippe Ref. 4947/1a Is a Crowd Pleaser

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

The Patek Philippe Ref. 4947/1a Is a Crowd Pleaser

November 11, 2021
12:38 pm

A new standard for annual calendars, the Patek Philippe Ref. 4947/1A is a winner for both men and women.

Image: CHING@GREENPLASTICSOLDIERS

When this watch debuted at Watches & Wonders this year, it was relatively under-reported. The Patek Philippe Ref. 4947/1A annual calendar is, after all, not a brand new watch. On the other hand, this is a new Patek Philippe complication in steel so it received much more attention than any garden-variety new wristwatch. The annual calendar complication is deeply rooted within the universe of Patek Philippe watches — the brand was once unique in offering this complication, and pioneered it in 1996.

Where normal calendar watches require manual intervention at the end of months with 30 days, the annual calendar only needs to be adjusted once a year, in February. As a result, there are plenty of iterations of the Patek Philippe annual calendar where some of which are more popular than others. What is interesting with Ref. 4947/1A can be summed up in a few keywords: the material, the case diameter, the bracelet, the dial and the price.

Image: Patek Philippe

Of course, all those points come together under the Patek Philippe name, automatically making Ref. 4947/1A worth a look in the metal. Although the annual calendar complication technically posits this watch within its own collecting area (the Patek Philippe annual calendar is that significant, although it is not quite a grand complication), this 2021 Calatrava seems like the sort of watch for people who want just one very special multi-purpose watch. Ref. 4947/1A is a steel watch with a sturdy integrated bracelet. Besides being a very wearable 38mm, the watch is also svelte, at 11mm thick.

To be blunt, Ref. 4947/1A is a statement watch for the husband and the wife — a sort of universal watch of prestige and distinction. The integrated bracelet is a limitation, and so is the fact that the reference number might be familiar to some readers from women’s models, such as Ref. 4947R-001. This is why we are using the more complete reference number throughout this article.

The blue dial continues the low-key unisex aesthetic, with alternating horizontal and vertical satin finishing creating a linen effect; Patek Philippe likens to effect to Shantung silk, and we cannot recall such a style in use for any regular production model.

And that last bit brings us to the most significant point about Ref. 4947/1A: the appeal. As you can tell from the price (S$63,200), this is likely one of the most accessible Patek Philippe complications. It probably establishes a new standard for the annual calendar, and we hope it wins over some people hankering after certain other steel models from Patek Philippe. If only Patek Philippe had endowed it with more in the way of water resistance…

For more watch reads, click here.

Montblanc x Pirelli Display the Best of Both Writing and Tyre-making

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Montblanc x Pirelli Display the Best of Both Writing and Tyre-making

November 2, 2021
4:16 pm

The art of writing now crosses over to the art of tyre making in this new collaboration.

By Joseph Low

Montblanc Meisterstück Great Masters Pirelli — Image: Montblanc

For most of us, it would be difficult to draw links between Montblanc and Pirelli, the global tyre manufacture whose history stretches back to 1872. But for those with discerning eyes, the commonality quickly surfaces, which is the use of rubber. And the result is a pen: the Meisterstück Great Masters Pirelli Limited Edition 1872. This partnership joins the art of writing with the art of tyre-making, and the unique heritage of two companies.

The Meisterstück Great Masters Pirelli Limited Edition 1872 is crafted of black rubber, a material familiar to both brands and is closely associated with their origin stories. Montblanc, in its early days, used ebonite (a type of vulcanised rubber) to make pens. While at Pirelli, the company started out by manufacturing rubber products of all kinds.

The use of rubber is a tasteful homage to both and the material is seen on the cap and barrel of this writing instrument. Stylistic elements of Pirelli are reinforced through the engraved pattern on the matt rubber of the pen and is inspired by the sgorbiatori, craftsmen who carve tread by hand on the surface of prototype tyres. On the tip of the pen, the emblematic “P” appears on the Au 750 solid gold nip above a stylised running tyre with the Montblanc motif at its centre.

The black cone and cap top is crowned by the Montblanc emblem in mother-of-pearl. Another uniting feature of the two companies is the colour red. And this symbolic hue is referenced on the Meisterstück Great Masters Pirelli Limited Edition 1872 as red rings. This brings a bright accent to the pen’s cone and cap top.

Meisterstück Great Masters Pirelli Limited Edition 1872 is available as a fountain pen or rollerball at Montblanc boutiques worldwide now. For more information visit: montblanc.com

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Discover Three New Patek Philippe Chronographs

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Discover Three New Patek Philippe Chronographs

November 2, 2021
4:14 pm

Patek Philippe drops three new chronographs on an eagerly waiting world: Ref. 5204R-011; Ref. 5905/1A-001; and Ref. 5930P-001.

By Ashok Soman

Patek Philippe Ref. 5905, 2021 — The Patek Philippe Ref. 5905/1A-001. Image: Patek Philippe

Continuing its recent pattern of staggering new releases throughout the year, Patek Philippe dropped three new chronographs on an eagerly waiting world: Ref. 5204R-011; Ref. 5905/1A-001; and Ref. 5930P-001. To begin with, keen observers of Patek Philippe references will immediately realise that these are not all-new watches. All three are existing chronograph wristwatches with important and significant complicated movements that are now available in new materials, with new dial executions. With Ref. 5905/1A-001 and Ref. 5930P-001 in particular, we see on-trend elements that position these watches as novelties to catch the eye of the contemporary collector.

Having just seen these watches virtually, Patek Philippe tells us that we will be able to see them at their offices soon, and that they are on the way to retailers now (at least in Singapore, and other key markets that happen to be supply chain hubs). If you are a collector in good standing, no doubt you may have already received a call (or two). We will certainly have more to say about the watches soon enough, but for now, we will confirm the general buzz: Ref. 5905 will be the most talked-about, and likely the most sought-after.

Patek Philippe Ref 5204R, 2021 — The Patek Philippe Ref. 5204R-011. Image: Patek Philippe

This is because it is a rare Patek Philippe multi-complication wristwatch in steel — we recall lusting after Ref. 5960/1A back in 2014 or 2015. It is a fine example of the annual calendar coexisting harmoniously with the chronograph; it is worth remembering that the annual calendar is closely associated with Patek Philippe because the manufacture introduced it in 1996. Ref. 5905 is also significant because it has been issued with a steel bracelet that looks the part of an integrated piece. The firm’s communication team notes that the bracelet is the same one currently deployed for the Aquanaut Ref. 5167/1A. The green dial here is the same shade as used in Ref. 5711/1A.

Backtracking to Ref. 5204R-011, this watch is a proper grand complication because it features the winning combination of split seconds chronograph and perpetual calendar. For a traditional fine watchmaking stalwart such as Patek Philippe, only a wristwatch that hits all the right notes can be called a grand complication, which the Genevan brand does in its own press materials. This watch exists in the current collection in rose gold, but is now also available with a slate grey dial and a matching shiny slate grey calf leather strap with embossed alligator pattern. This is one of a certain number of Patek Philippe watches offered with both sapphire crystal and solid casebacks. We cannot imagine anyone not wanting to view the manual-winding calibre CHR 29-535 PS Q; we will have more to say on this movement and the watches in general but we have a sense that we should wait till we see the watches, since that is just around the corner.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5930P-001, 2021 — The Patek Philippe Ref. 5930P-001 Image: Patek Philippe

The third and final chronograph is Ref. 5930P-001, which brings together the world timer and the chronograph. The world timer complication is, like the annual calendar, deeply tied with Patek Philippe, thanks to its first such watch in 1939, reference 1415. Auction houses, in reminding collectors of the importance of the world time complication to Patek Philippe also point out its particular scarcity. They note that not a single Patek Philippe wristwatch with this complication was made between 1965 to 2000, despite strong demand. With ref. 5930P this year, there is now a bright green dial in play, with matching bottle green alligator strap. The names of the cities are also printed in green.

For other specifications and, in particular prices, please check the Patek Philippe website. As mentioned, we will be adding more depth ourselves in coming stories.

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Story Seychelles Awarded the “Seychelles Leading Green Resort 2021” Again

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Story Seychelles Awarded the “Seychelles Leading Green Resort 2021” Again

November 2, 2021
4:08 pm

Luxurious eco-friendly resort, Story Seychelles has claimed its fourth “Seychelles Leading Green Resort 2021”.

By LUXUO

Story Seychelles Poolside — Image: Story Seychelles

Luxury beach resort Story Seychelles has once again been awarded the “Seychelles Leading Green Resort 2021” — this is the fourth time it has taken the title. The island of Seychelles resembles a paradise with its pristine beaches and picturesque scenery.

Making the environment the nexus of what the resort does, Story Seychelles emplores the use of the “5 Pillars in Sustainability” as its guiding principles.

5 Pillars in Sustainability at Story Seychelles

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Protect Wildlife — Flora and Fauna
Reduce Water Consumption
Energy Conservation
Local Care and Fair Trade

Story Seychelles is on the constant lookout for ways to preserve and protect natural resources by cutting down its wastages and energy consumption. These are complemented with the resort’s consistent and groundbreaking initiatives such as setting up dedicated ecological areas, education and local projects within its compound and outside.

“We communicate with our guests and create awareness of our efforts while encouraging them to join us in the simplest practices to reach our goals. Our Eco-project is based on 5 interconnected pillars. It is impossible to think about nature, wildlife and an Eco-friendly life separately,” Story Seychelles comments in a press release following the announcement of its award.

“These elements are all intertwined, like a group of Hawksbill Sea Turtles swimming through a marine current, if you improve something in your local environment, it will be projected to the rest of the world.”

Story Seychelles, beach picnic — Image: Story Seychelles

While the resort does its part in being the protector of the environment, it has not lost sight of providing excellent services to its guests. The aim has always been to create memories that will last a lifetime, just like the stories in our own lives.

Inspiring stories are forged at Story Seychelles through its use of bold architecture that melds splendidly with the lush environment. A guest’s experience is further enhanced by the curation of activities available like relishing in the Seychellois culture — its food and art.

Story Seychelles, chef with fish — Image: Story Seychelles

With 100 rooms comprising villas and suites, a reputed spa and no less than seven different dining venues, each with its own signature ambience and cuisine, Story Seychelles is a rare refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern living.

Story Seychelles, rooms — Image: Story Seychelles

Story Seychelles, pool view — Image: Story Seychelles

Guests stand to savour an intoxicatingly fresh approach to tropical living, complete with modern comforts. With international travel slowly picking up, Story Seychelles is a place to be this upcoming holiday season.

For more information or to make a reservation at Story Seychelles, head over to their website here.

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Fawaz Gruosi: The Famed Jeweller Is Back, Stronger Than Ever

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Fawaz Gruosi: The Famed Jeweller Is Back, Stronger Than Ever

October 28, 2021
12:28 pm

The black diamond specialist talks to us about his new brand, his illustrious career and why he’s obsessed with Amber.

By Terence Ruis

Fawaz Grousi: The Famed Jeweller Is Back, Stronger Than Ever — Mr Fawaz Gruosi, brand founder of Fawaz Gruosi. Image: Damian Foxe

To describe Fawaz Gruosi as “irrepressible” would be the understatement of the millennium. The famed jeweller, who grew up in Florence and is of Lebanese descent, cut his teeth as a sales assistant at Torrini, a Florentine jeweller. Not long after, his career bloomed as he joined Harry Winston — first in London, and then in the late 70s, Saudi Arabia — before being spotted by Gianni Bulgari himself.

Noting his talent, Bulgari took Gruosi all over the world to keep a look out for the brand’s VIP clientele. Later on, in 1993, he started de Grisogono, a company where he ceaselessly sought to bring the world new and creative ideas. He parted ways with the company in 2019, but never one to rest on his laurels, Gruosi is now back, more tenacious than ever, with his own eponymous brand and a boutique in glorious Mayfair, London. At 69 — he recently celebrated his birthday in Porto Cervo — his return to the limelight may be a surprise to some, but if you’re familiar with Fawaz Gruosi, you’d know that there’s very little that could hold him down. In fact, he counts famous stars such as Sharon Stone as fans of his work.

Sharon Stone wearing Fawaz Gruosi jewellery during the 17th Zurich Film Festival. Image: Fawaz Gruosi / T.Niedermueller

Here, we catch up with the icon to learn more about his illustrious career, new brand, and obsession with Amber. Read on for more.

Your career has been quite an incredible adventure. Tell us more about the new London boutique and what your plans are for it.

Indeed, it is an incredible adventure and this is why I want to continue finding new paths to create the jewellery that I love. London is a special place for me, it’s where my family is and it’s also a place where I feel at home. I wanted the London boutique to be close to my heart, this boutique is designed to be a very intimate space and it’s where I can show what I really love.

You championed black diamond before anyone else. And now you have a new-found passion for Amber. Surely, there’s a story behind this.

What I found most beautiful about Amber was the vibrant, warm colour all made possible by nature over the process of millions of years. A dear friend of mine introduced me to this material and I found it incredible: how it can preserve tiny flowers, seeds and insects from the past, it’s like a time capsule. There was something magical here. The Amber Collection is very personal to me, it’s about touch, about the sun, and there is something so special about this mysterious, ancient stone.

You are known for designing spectacular jewellery pieces with trailblazing designs. How would you describe your new collection?

I always do what I love. All my jewellery, it’s always about what I feel and like, and wanting to go further than the rest. I want my jewellery to feel different, but I also wanted it to represent me. I never think about what others are doing, I try to follow what we like at the atelier and I am always amazed by what we can do. Sometimes people will tell me that it is crazy or that a combination of stones will not work, but in the end it always works. I think this collection is exactly about this: doing what I love, what feels beautiful and gives emotion, it’s all very personal.

Fawaz Gruosi Porto Cervo Boutique at Cervo Hotel.

You have spoken about a “new mood” in jewellery. Can you enlighten us about what you mean by that?

I think what I am trying to express when I talk about a “new mood” in jewellery is that there is a new way of doing things. Things are more private now, more personal. This is something that feels good to me, I am able to feel a deeper connection with my clients and with the jewellery and I think that this is something they understand and appreciate as well.

You grew up in Florence and are of Lebanese descent. How important is the Italian heritage and craftsmanship in your latest collection?

I certainly think it plays an important role in my jewellery design. Many people have described my jewellery as “modern baroque” and this probably comes from my background. I was lucky to grow up in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance where there is a rich art culture.

My first job was working in a small jewellery boutique at the Ponte Vecchio, also known as the “jewellery bridge” since Medieval times after the butchers were replaced by the jewellery shops and then it became an important place for gold & jewellery shopping. The goldsmiths there are true artisans, many of them keep modernizing their traditional jewellery-making techniques so as to create original designs.

This is something I admire and I always remind myself of the importance of craftsmanship in creating my jewellery. Apart from Porto Cervo, Florence plays a big role in the way I imagine my creations. I like to play with colors and materials, as you can see easily from the Amber or Colorissima collections but also with lights, shapes, and proportions. And I think it is all these elements combined and make my design different.

For example, this monochrome ruby bracelet [above] looks simple but we had to overcome many challenges in order to achieve the final design. As you can see, it is all one uniform colour, not to mention these are all unheated rubies which are very rare, matching them in different sizes and cuts is even more difficult. To make sure it presents a harmonized red monotone, we spend extra time blackening all prongs to reduce the contrast between the gold and rubies.

[Editor’s Note: Mr Gruosi is the first jeweller in the industry doing this and since then, other jewellery brands follow in doing their high jewellery collection.]

To achieve this proportion and volume, it requires a certain weight of gold. On the other hand, the rubies will have to be cut slightly larger than those commonly used. The big challenge is to get the right shape & volume which shows these wavy lines of gemstone with a kind of layering effect. It not only formed a voluptuous look but the complex hybrid shape also allows the rubies to reflect lights at different angles and created a dynamic sparkling effect.

It’s something that is difficult to express with a sketch but it is something you can feel when you are making the jewel. The biggest challenge is to finish it with a flawless stone setting. When you touch it, you can feel the smoothness all the way around. To snow-set rubies on all these little wavy mountains is not easy and to get these slightly different shapes of baguette-cut rubies invisibly set along these wavy lines is even more difficult. It took 10 months of works & countless wax sculptures done in our Geneva atelier to perfect this piece.

Who are the clients of Fawaz Gruosi, what interest or passions do these ladies have all have in common?

I never try to create for a specific kind of client or woman. I create what I find beautiful and allow those who like my designs to come and follow me. You may tell from our first brand visual campaign, which showed how I wanted to stage anonymous muses, veiled in shadow, to enable the women’s imagination to wander in this dream-like universe. Adorned with sumptuous creations, in assertive and voluntary attitudes, sometimes informal and sometimes glamorous, these women are in the image of my creations, they are resolutely modern, audacious and confident.

How important is Asia in the development of the Fawaz Gruosi brand? How distinct are the requests and taste of your Asian clientele compared to the West?

Asia is always on my business map, and it has always been important for me. I still remember my first trip to Hong Kong, which is already close to 30 or 40 years ago. I remember the air, the smells, the colour, the culture and the way people dress and their style of wearing jewellery which is different than in Europe. It has inspired me a lot every time I visited. In the past, I had designed a watch (Be Eight) with a case shaped like a gourd which was inspired by the lucky number 8 in Chinese culture.

Now, I have also discovered that Amber means “Tiger’s Tears” or “Courage of the Tiger” in Chinese culture, and this is something which I find very interesting. I feel that for my Asian clients it is very important to have a personal approach to jewellery, my Asian clients look for unique pieces with exceptional craftsmanship and details that cannot be found anywhere. I had business in Asia for more than 20 years and many of those clients have now turned into close friends. I look forward to being able to travel to Asia again to present my jewels and would love to organise private meetings in Asia or invite clients to London once travelling is possible again.

When people talk about “luxury” to you, how do you describe it and how does it relate to you and your work?

I think luxury can mean many things, it’s always different for everybody. For me, and especially now with the situation in the world, it means taking the time to enjoy things. Taking the time to appreciate small things, like having an espresso al fresco and enjoying the sun, or enjoying the luxury of spending time with family or even going outside of your home.

Luxury is really about enjoying the details, in my work and in my jewellery, I want the client to appreciate these details. Everything we do is made to perfection, from the ideas to the setting and the choice of stones we make sure that all the details are there. Sometimes we forget to notice the details, but with the jewels in our collection, we always remember.

You used to travel across all continents to meet clients and suppliers in all major capital cities. This is obviously not possible for the time being. What has the Covid-19 pandemic taught you?

It has been very difficult, and I know that I am not the only one who has felt this way. I think we have had to adapt, we have had to prioritise what is most important: family, health, safety. The Covid-19 crisis has shown me that no matter what, there are some values that are the most important. With clients and suppliers I think that this has helped us become closer and understand each other. Of course, I can’t wait to be able to travel again and I am looking forward to coming back to human contact. Jewellery has always been about the personal element.

Why did you make London your current home, what drew you to settle in the British capital?

Well, I have been living here for the past few years. My family is here, my daughters and my grandchildren and I am happy that I get to spend time with them. London is also a very different city and I always find something new here. If it’s a bar or restaurant or if it’s discovering nature again in one of London’s parks while walking my dog, it is always a city which will show me something new. It’s a special city.

If you were to name one mentor who has greatly influenced you in your path and career, who would that be?

Gianni Bulgari.

For more information about Fawaz Gruosi, click here.

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Reconnect With Nature At Fauna Allegoria Exhibition

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When did you first get interested in art and how did it lead you into the business of being an “art show curator”?

The exhibition Fauna Allegoria will be staged in Singapore from December 12, 2021 to January 3, 2022. Tell us more about the concept of the show and what visitors can expect to see?

Who are the participating artists and what is their respective background?

Is the need for nature-related topics in art much stronger following the past lockdown periods?

What are the top five reasons to visit Fauna Allegoria?

What special emotions do you want the visitors and art collectors to experience when going through Fauna Allegoria?

Will all artworks exhibited at Fauna Allegoria be for sale?

Will this be an annual exhibition?

Which are the supporting partners and participating galleries?

What measures are you putting in place to ensure the exhibition complies with the strictest health rules?

Your favourite contemporary museum in Southeast Asia?

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