BLUSH Dream #33

THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC MACAN. Change your look. Not your style.

A

DIVINE WAY OF LIFE

FALL WINTER 2024 -2025

CONTENT

23. EDITORIAL

TIME-KEEPERS

24. PIAGET

Celebrates a century and a half of elegance.

30. OMEGA

The master of Olympic time.

36. MAXIMUS GR8

Tourbillon 2 Minutes.

38. ROGER DUBUIS

The Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon.

JEWELLERY

40. SAHAK JEWELLERY

Reinvents the Swiss jewellery tradition.

PEOPLE

42. TAYLOR SWIFT

A style icon.

48. DAVID BECKHAM

Class, couture and crossing the Atlantic.

BEAUTY

54. LA MAISON CARITA

When innovation invites itself into Parisian luxury.

58. VALMONT

40 years of excellence and cosmetic innovation.

60. LEFAY RESORT & SPA DOLOMITI

When nature, luxury and beauty become one.

62. SPA MY BLEND BY CLARINS

The ultimate spa experience.

64. OUD

The black gold of perfumers.

FASHION

66. AN ELEGANT DIALOGUE AT THE LOUVRE

When fashion is inspired by art.

74. ULALAND

When elegance nestles in the heart of winter.

PHOTO EDITORIAL

76. SUITE CHIC

By Ron Contarsy for Highmark Studios.

DESIGN

86. COOP HIMMELB(L)AU

A dream of light and steel.

96. 26 PLACE VENDÔME

A jewel of history.

FALL WINTER 2024 -2025

CONTENT

104. BACCARAT

260 years of fire and light.

112. CARNAULT

Top-of-the-range vaping.

114. HÄSTENS

The art of sleep.

ART

116. GRIET VAN MALDEREN

Wild and beautiful.

DRIVE

122. MCLAREN ARTURA SPIDER

Next generation supercar exhilaration.

TRAVEL

128. ONE&ONLY MANDARINA

A tropical paradise in the heart of Mexico.

134. WARREN STREET HOTEL

A full color hotel.

140. ULTIMA COURCHEVEL BELVÉDÈRE

Redefining luxury, reaching new heights.

146. BEACHCOMBER RESORTS & HOTELS

A journey into the future.

GASTRONOMY

152. 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES

The quintessence of Maison Ruinart.

160. YANNICK ALLÉNO

A successful chef.

166. SACHI

Japanese gastronomy under the sign of happiness.

170. THE MESSIKA X LE MEURICE

An exceptional log for the festive season.

EVENTS

174. TOP MODEL INTERNATIONAL 2024 Glamour, Daring and Commitment.

176. MARADIVA, THE ANNUAL WHITE PARTY

Embrassing the festive spirit.

178. MODENA CARS 20 Years.

LAMBORGHINI GENèVE

Authorised Dealer

Urus SE: the most powerful SUV on the market With the Urus SE, Lamborghini has taken a major step forward in its evolution by integrating cutting-edge hybrid technologies into its vehicles. The new model combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine producing 620 bhp with an electric motor delivering 192 bhp, giving a total output of 800 CV. This hybrid configuration not only delivers exceptional performance but also an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions, underlining the brand’s commitment to its environmental targets. Route de

info@lamborghinigeneve.ch www.lamborghinigeneve.ch

Dear BLUSH Dreamers,

Winter is here, with its soft lights and suspended moments, ideal for daydreams and discoveries. This time of year is an invitation to slow down, curl up in a cocoon and travel in a different way: through inspiring stories, landscapes that arouse curiosity and cultural treasures that nourish the soul. For this BLUSH Dream winter’s edition, we’ve put together a special issue that’s all about wonder, and we open the doors to those Maisons that have stood the test of time with serene elegance for centuries. Their secret? A heritage patiently built up, a tradition cultivated with passion, and a savoir-faire handed down like a precious treasure. BLUSH Dream celebrates these guardians of luxury, these craftsmen of excellence who create more than just objects: they create legends.

In these pages, we invite you to take a behind-the-scenes look at the workshops where time is stretched out and every gesture tells a story. You will discover master craftsmen who, in the secrecy of their workshops, perpetuate ancestral techniques, preserve the intangible, and breathe soul into each creation. We hope these stories, images and inspirations will warm your hearts and spark your imagination throughout the season. Let yourself be carried away by the warmth of winter and the power of beautiful stories.

With all our enthusiasm,

Publication Director : Gregory Ayoun

Art Director : Yvan Babillon - www.kyf-studio.com

Editorial project manager : Caroline Sambucchi

Writers : Helena Perdoux-Frances, Eduardo Costerg, Claùdia Ferreira, Sirine Errammach, Paul Dargan, Eloise Leray, Frank Grice

Marketing : Emma Houffin, Elise Montaner, Cyril Montegu, Fiona Esther

Distribution : Renzi communication SARL - Geneva

EDS Media AG -Meilen

MPK Luxembourg GmbH - Luxembourg

Gregory Ayoun Publication director

BLUSH DREAM is a biannual edition.

Edited and published by BLUSH EDITIONS. BLUSH DREAM declines responsibility for any unpublished texts, illustrations or photos it receives.

Reproduction of texts, drawings and pictures published in this magazine remains the property of Blush Editions, owned by Publiscope, which reserves the right of reproduction and translation in the whole world. Publiscope accepts no responsibility for the published documents.

All rights reserved. ISSN n°2267-7372

Printed in EU at 30.000 ex.

Covers : David Beckham : © Imagine China

Alyssa Ali : © Ron Contarsy for Highmark Studios

Messika © Claudia Revidat

Piaget

Celebrates a century and a half of elegance

For 150 years, Piaget has been the epitome of Swiss watchmaking excellence. Founded in 1874 by Georges-Edouard Piaget, the brand has risen to the top of the industry thanks to a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

© Photos PIAGET

A HERITAGE OF PRECISION AND EXCELLENCE

The adventure began in a small family workshop in the heart of the Swiss Jura. Georges-Edouard Piaget soon made a name for himself with his high-precision watch movements. His creations stood out for their reliability and exceptional quality, attracting the attention of the greatest watchmaking houses of the time. This unique expertise was passed down from generation to generation, enabling Piaget to grow while remaining true to its roots.

THE ART OF THE ULTRA-FLAT

One of Piaget's trademarks is undoubtedly its mastery of ultra-thin watches. As early as the 1950s, the company began creating some of the world's slimmest movements, such as the famous calibre 9P, launched in 1957. This innovation, combining technique and elegance, propelled Piaget to the rank of world leader in this field. The ultra-thin watches quickly became emblematic pieces, synonymous with refinement and expertise.

COMBINING WATCHMAKING AND JEWELLERY

Piaget not only creates watches, it also transforms its timepieces into veritable works of art. In the 1960s, the brand integrated jewellery with its watchmaking expertise, creating models that were as luxurious as they were sophisticated.

The jewellery watches, often adorned with precious stones, are dazzling testimonies to the creative genius of the company. This dual expertise has enabled Piaget to distinguish itself on the international scene, attracting a clientele in search of unique and exclusive pieces.

ESSENCE OF EXTRALEGANZA

The genesis of the Piaget style took shape in 1969 when this specialist in extra-flat movements, established in La Côte-auxFées in 1874, launched the now iconic "Collection du XXlème siècle". Crafted by "artisans who work like artists" by doing " always better than necessary", this collection of jewelled watches made a lasting impression with its avant-garde style, in which noble metal, textured like fabric, mingles with ornamental stones whose dazzling colours give life to organic cuff watches and unbridled sautoirs... A different way of wearing time.

In 2024, to celebrate its 150-year history, Piaget will return to the creative golden age of the company in the 1960s and 1970s. "In 2022, when we began designing the 150th anniversary collection," observes Stéphanie Sivrière, Piaget's Artistic Director of Jewellery and Watches, "it was not a question of reproducing heritage pieces identically, but of drawing inspiration from them and rethinking, at the dawn of modernity, the values of daring, originality and elegance that characterise the soul of this House. Crafted to an exceptional standard in Piaget's Haute Joaillerie workshops in Geneva, these 96 pieces are an invitation to celebrate the joyful, sophisticated, extravagant and colourful art of living that characterises the jeweller's creations. "Essence of Extraleganza" turns gold into a subject and gems into a genuine element of style.

ALTIPLANO ULTIMATE CONCEPT TOURBILLON

To celebrate this extraordinary anniversary, Piaget has pulled off a major coup in watchmaking history. 150 years after the House was founded, 67 years after inventing its first extra-flat calibre - the 9P - and 6 years after creating the world's flattest watch in 2018, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept, Piaget is once again pushing back the boundaries of watchmaking genius. Shaped by elegance, driven by inventiveness, this unique timepiece retains the 2 mm thickness of its predecessor, while encapsulating the beating heart of a tourbillon. An obvious technical choice, but also an emotional one for the brand.

The Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon is a paradox in itself. Yet its dimensions, which push back the limits of watchmaking feasibility, are only the tip of a human and watchmaking story that spans 150 years. With its 41.5 mm diameter, guaranteed water-resistance to 20 metres and blue PVD-treated cobalt alloy case, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon could have all the attributes of an everyday watch. But its 2 mm thickness and annular tourbillon take it into the realms of the extraordinary.

Over the years, the tourbillon complication has become one of the classics of noble watchmaking, but here it takes on a new dimension, as technical as it is poetic. Always faithful to the House's ancestral approach of putting technology at the service of aesthetics. Extreme precision was the watchword for this project. Contrary to what one might think, Piaget had to develop 90% more pieces than for its previous models.

Altiplano Ultimate Concept, but also new machines to power a watch that is finer than the finest movement. The Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon can be worn. It looks good. And reminds its owner of the history of the men and the Manufacture that created it. At the same time, it raises questions about the challenges ahead for the House of Piaget.

Omega

The master of Olympic time

The famous Swiss watchmaker OMEGA once again shone in the spotlight of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As Official Timekeeper for the 31st time in the history of the Games, the company ensured the precise measurement of every moment of this sporting competition, offering athletes and spectators an unforgettable experience.

By Eloise Leray

OMEGA AND THE ART OF TIMEKEEPING

When one thinks of OMEGA, one immediately thinks of elegance, precision and a long history of high-level sport. Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in Switzerland, the company quickly became a global benchmark in luxury watchmaking. The brand's commitment to chronometry was evident from a very early stage. At the end of the 19th century, OMEGA participated in and won numerous observatory trials, the ultimate tests of a watch's accuracy at the time. OMEGA's role in timekeeping culminated in the space race. The OMEGA Speedmaster chronograph became the first watch worn on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. The Speedmaster's

journey to the Moon was the culmination of rigorous testing by NASA which put OMEGA's chronometric precision to the test. The Speedmaster passed the test with flying colours, cementing its place in history and earning it the nickname "Moonwatch". Omega's quest for chronometric excellence did not stop with the Moonwatch. In 2015, the brand introduced Master Chronometer certification, developed in partnership with the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). This certification represents the highest standard of precision, performance and magnetic resistance in the watch industry.

EVERY SECOND COUNTS

Paris experienced an exceptional summer of sport to the Olympic rhythm! Since 1932, OMEGA has been the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a role which has enabled the Swiss watchmaker to be at the forefront of sports timekeeping. At each Olympiad, OMEGA not only measures time but pushes the boundaries of precision and technology, ensuring that every fraction of a second is accurately captured.

In 1936, at the Winter Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, OMEGA invented a novel method of timing the downhill Alpine skiing event: two stopwatches were used, one at the beginning and one at the end of the course. The start and finish times of each skier were recorded on a piece of paper and the difference was calculated in the referees' office. In 1948, the London Olympic and Paralympic Games marked a turning point with the introduction of the first OMEGA "Magic Eye" photoelectric cells and the slit photofinish camera developed by the British Race Finish Recording Company, paving the way for electronic timekeeping. Then, in 1961, with the rise of television, OMEGA revolutionized sports reporting with the launch of the Omegascope, which displayed times live on screen. In 1984, at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, OMEGA presented colour images with a photographic finish, whose paper prints signed by the athletes became instant collectors' items.

With over 90 years' experience in sports timekeeping, the brand ensured the precise measurement of each of the 329 events in the 32 Olympic sports. Medals are often decided by a few thousandths of a second. This is why OMEGA uses the most advanced technologies to guarantee ultra-precise measurement (starting blocks, electronic starting pistol, automatic touch pads, etc.).

More than 10,000 athletes from all over the world will be giving their all to win gold, silver or bronze. It's thanks to the company's expertise that these distinctions will be awarded with reliability.

As well as simply timing the race, the brand's experts are responsible for displaying the results in real time, processing the data and distributing the official results to the international press, including the written press, radio, television and social media. To mark the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a whole range of NATO watches and bracelets has been unveiled. Adorned with touches of gold, the colour of victory, and precision timekeeping, each model captures the spirit and style of this emblematic sporting event.

After Paris 2024, OMEGA will set out to conquer the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games; a new stage in the long history of this collaboration.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

1. Alpine Skiing, starting gate, Omega 2018. 2.Tokyo 2020 Myria.

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Maximus Gr8

Tourbillon 2 Minutes

MAXIMUS will always represent the largest tourbillon from Maison KERBEDANZ, which is why it has the same name as its predecessor. This time MAXIMUS becomes faster, completely redesigned, reimagined to give it a unique and immediately recognisable appearance: MAXIMUS GR8 TOURBILLON 2 MINUTES.

A SPECTACULAR TOURBILLON

The quality of a KERBEDANZ timepiece lies as much in its architecture as in the materials it is made of. Having introduced a tourbillon movement of unprecedented scale with the MAXIMUS GR8, requiring components

specifically designed to meet this engineering challenge. We have redesigned and reimagined this movement to give it a more contemporary and refined design. Thus, KERBEDANZ continues to give birth to models whose precision, reliability and design are intrinsically linked to the patented technologies used, offering a micromechanical spectacle of unprecedented elegance and modernity.

SAME LEGACY BUT DIFFERENT PHILOSOPHY

Like the MAXIMUS 6 MIN Tourbillon, this GR8 edition has the same legacy in terms of meaning, reminding the title ‘Maximus’ which was given to the high priest placed at the head of the College of Pontiffs. The Pontiffs were the priests responsible for establishing the calendar of auspicious and inauspicious days within the Roman public religion, for consecrating buildings, for appointing other priests, such as the Flaminas and the Vestals, and also for keeping the Roman archives. By recording notable facts in the ‘Grande Annals’.

This title will then be systematically awarded to all Roman emperors during the imperial period following the reign of Augustus. As a result, ‘Maximus’ had become the key expression to express greatness in all its splendor. And there is a Roman monument, the most gigantic known at that time, which truly became the expression of this grandeur. This is the Circus Maximus, the largest circus in all of Roman antiquity, otherwise known as the ‘Circus Maximus’, located between the Palatine and the Aventine. Mainly intended for horse or chariot races, the Circus Maximus was built at the beginning of the 6th century BC].-C. by the Etruscan king Tarquin the Elder.

MAXIMUS, THE LARGEST TOURBILLON IN THE WORLD IN PERPETUAL EVOLUTION

The MAXIMUS GR8 embodies boldness and innovation, resolutely breaking away from classical influences to embrace a unique avant-garde design that, unlike its predecessor, the MAXIMUS, which evoked the monumental structures of ancient Rome, the MAXIMUS GR8 positions itself as a true revolution in the contemporary watchmaking world. Its innovative case, with futuristic and sculptural lines, frees itself from any historical reference to offer an aesthetic resolutely turned towards the future. But the avant-gardism of the MAXIMUS GR8 is not limited to its appearance.

With the evolution of its ‘micromechanical show’ philosophy, not only the entire design of the case has been redesigned, but also the shape of the tourbillon cage as well as its speed. By revolutionising three times faster (every 120 seconds), the heart of the Maximus moves in a way that highlights the increasing speed of the world, a perspective that Maison KERBEDANZ fully embraces. The new Maximus tourbillon is revealed in a starry and triangular shape, exhibiting a minimalist, orderly and contemporary character. This design symbolises the flow of time – the past, present and future – reminding its owner that time, like the world, is constantly changing.

Each second becomes a captivating experience, where one can admire the movement unfolding with unprecedented fluidity. It is a timepiece that exceeds expectations, a symbol of an era where innovation knows no limits. The MAXIMUS GR8 thus pushes the boundaries of watchmaking design and performance. Far from the antique inspirations of its predecessor, it asserts itself with a bold case, with futuristic lines, a true manifesto of contemporary innovation. But the MAXIMUS GR8 does not just measure time, it redefines it, combining mechanical ingenuity and a vision of the future. More than a timepiece, a symbol of speed and elegance.

Roger Dubuis

Pure Design Confident Spirit The Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon

Innovative, extravagant, and forever at the forefront of expressive design, Roger Dubuis is a watchmaker like no other. A Maison that perpetuates horological traditions, while simultaneously shaping the future with its own disruptive interpretations.

This has been the daring ambition within this Swiss manufacture since its inception in 1995. A unique approach fuelled by the dream of Mr. Roger Dubuis himself, who envisioned one-of-kind timepieces for his closest circle of friends. Still today, that drive for exclusivity lives on through the Maison’s outstanding invention of Hyper Horology™.

INTRODUCING THE EXCALIBUR TITANIUM MONOTOURBILLON

Born in house. Ready to go anywhere. The latest expressive design from Roger Dubuis is not only emblematic of the Maison’s sublime tourbillon craftsmanship – but it also has the versatility for an epic life without limits. Minimalist yet charismatic, this ergonomic watch is a flawless example of ‘less being more’ and the purest possible example of Roger Dubuis’ skeletonised approach to watchmaking. By embracing the power of materials, it also delivers the ultimate wearing experience, where comfort, lightness, and strength are combined as one.

COMPLEXITY MADE CLEAN

Take one look and you can instantly tell that this is a Roger Dubuis tourbillon timepiece. In the Calibre RD512SQ, we see many of the signature details that set the Maison apart. Firstly, the positioning of the Monotourbillon at 7 o’clock. A distinguishing feature of Roger Dubuis design and a movement dutifully crafted by the expert watchmakers within the integrated manufacture. Like all Roger Dubuis tourbillon iterations – the RD512SQ is also distinguished by its flying tourbillon cage construction, built from 63 components, and with a lower cage in lightweight titanium and an upper bridge inspired by the Celtic Cross. Only being mounted on one side, with no supporting bridge on top, it presents a complex challenge of stability for the watchmakers. But most importantly, it results in a more pleasing tourbillon aesthetic. But it’s the purity of the entire calibre that truly stands out the most. By displaying the Monotourbillon within a skeletonized surrounding, complete with an astral signature, Roger Dubuis has combined exquisite function with uncluttered aesthetics. An accomplishment that is certainly never easy to achieve, but undoubtedly more striking to look at. It is minimalism as much as sophistication. Along with the 72 hours of power reserve, the Poinçon de Genève hallmark certifies not only the provenance and reliability, but also the quality of craftsmanship, whereby every component of the calibre has been hand-decorated with 16 different types of remarkable finishing.

STRENGTH WITH LESS WEIGHT

Grade 5 Titanium is the ultimate building block for this “go anywhere” design. The soft metal is much more difficult for watchmakers to work with, especially when it comes to refining the signature shape and expressive look of Roger Dubuis’ case and notched bezel. Overcoming these construction challenges, however, is well worth the skill and effort involved. Almost twice lighter than stainless steel, titanium offers an important strength-to-weight ratio, with a lightness and comfort that is instantly noticeable on the wrist. Durability, of course, is not lost. This metal is tough and can withstand the trials of everyday wear and tear. With its high corrosion-resistance and anti-magnetic properties, the wearer is fully equipped for modern living – and should set no limits as to where they venture.

From the boardroom to the vacation getaway, the Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon suits almost any occasion. Highlighted even more so by its versatile styling, including a premium matte metallic sheen, contrasting shiny polished bevels on the bracelet, and the darker grey treatment used for the iconic Roger Dubuis star. Take note also of the watch’s fully metallic bracelet, made with three rows that define the Roger Dubuis style. Comfort is assured through the expertly shortened links - a subtle rework of the articulation that enhances the way the bracelet rests and moves, while also having a big impact in terms of adhesion to the wrist. The bracelet then seamlessly integrates with the buckle, delivering a look of continuity, alongside a Quick Release System for versatility. Thanks to the hypoallergenic nature of Grade 5 titanium, the skin-friendly composition is a reassuring addition during the many hours of body contact.

BORN FOR THE BOLD

The Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon is the second Roger Dubuis timepiece to be crafted in titanium. The addition of a highly valued tourbillon stands apart as a true individual. Sporty, elegant, and ergonomic, it is limited to just 28 pieces, and conveys the same strength of personality as those who wear it. Ideal for embracing the most fulfilling hours of life. The Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon which has been unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, as part of four new tourbillons released this year.

Sahak Jewellery

Reinvents the Swiss jewellery tradition

In an ever-changing world, Swiss haute joaillerie perpetuates traditional craftsmanship while incorporating technological advances. Sahak Jewellery stands out for its commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability, proving that timelessness and ethics can coexist in harmony. By

A SPECTACULAR TOURBILLON A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

THelena Perdoux-France

time has become a way of life. However, tourmaline and especially blue-green indicolite, a vibrant tribute to turquoise, hold a special place in her imagination. Sahak Jewellery sees each piece of jewellery as a bridge between generations, weaving together family heritage and emotional promise.

SUSTAINABILITY AS A FOUNDATION

A philosophy based on sustainability, recycled materials and ethical production practices are the foundations of Sahak Jewellery. With its "Oekogold" certification, this jeweller declares its commitment to strict environmental standards and force traceability processes to ensure the ethical origin of the gems used. A transparency that also shows respect for its customers...

he world recognises the value of Swiss standards of quality and durability. Sahak Jewellery has made this heritage its own, combining Swiss expertise with a contemporary twist. Local and recycled materials help to ensure that each piece has a lasting ecological value, while the precision of each piece owes everything to cutting-edge technology. Sahak Demirci, founder and designer, gives each creation the benefit of solid training in traditional goldsmithing, combining elegance and perfection. His openness to the world and its differences makes for a unique signature, oscillating between tradition and modernity.

SAHAK DEMIRCI AND PRECIOUS STONES: A LOVE STORY

Colours... that's how you could sum up the attraction of precious stones for Sahak. His fascination with their nuances and natural beauty extends to the world around him, and over

BLOCKCHAIN AND JEWELLERY: AN ALLIANCE THAT HITS THE TARGET

Blockchain technology, another way of innovating in sustainability. In the same spirit of durability, Sahak Jewellery has recently introduced a new process that gives stones "digital twins", following them from the mine to the final piece of jewellery. The aim, of course, is to ensure that every stone is ultimately involved. All relevant documents are kept, but can also be given a specific code.... all stored in the Blockchain. This is an undeniable advance that not only helps to protect consumers, but also promotes ethical practices in the jewellery industry.

Sahak Jewellery offers a modern take on Swiss fine jewellery. Its creator has adapted to the expectations of the 21st century by combining timeless aesthetics with a commitment to eco-responsibility.

Taylor Made

Breaking (and making) records has become the modus operandum for Taylor Swift, yet as she looks to celebrate years in the lens, the AMERICAN is now just as revered, just as adept as a style icon, an exemplar of women’s rights, and a force for fairness. Isn’t it time we classed the 34-yearold as one of the most influential people on the planet? By

Paul Dargan

John Lennon once said that The Beatles were bigger than Jesus. Aside from a route towards potentially alienating a decent chunk of a fanbase, the perception wasn’t altogether untrue. And yes, okay, a good proportion of the devoutly religious population of the United States of America were far from elated with the icon’s comments - so much so that they made a bonfire out of the group’s albums and set it ablaze.

Aside from a fervent liberal stance whereby she has criticised Republican candidate for attempting to regain his Presidential status, Donald Trump, it’s fair to say Taylor Swift has held back from proclaiming herself as the Second Coming. In this day and age, with social media and 24/7 wall-to-wall news, plus the ability for a comment to hang around for perpetuity, that’s probably wise. The other thing is that the singer scarcely needs to bestow on a fanbase the scale of her own presence. In simple terms, they’ll do that themselves.

Take Swift’s 18-MONTH-LONG Eras tour, which kicked off in March 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. Comprising a colossal 149 shows, it was played out across six continents, generating ticket sales that surpassed $1bn. Not even The Beatles, in their pomp, could have played out a project of such longevity and scale. Yet it wasn’t always like this.

I LOOK ON MY ROLE AS SOMEONE WHO CAN ENTERTAIN, SURE; BUT ALSO A PERSON WHO CAN LEAD OUT AND ADVISE THE NEXT GENERATION OF SINGER, OR SONGWRITER, OR WHATEVER.

“Oh, I had a real big crowd for the Nashville Rubber Duck Race when I was 14 years old,” begins Swift, laughing, when quizzed on the sheer magnitude of promoting her music live. “I’d rather put behind me now as I’m obviously something of a big deal, now, apparently. There were only a handful of people there and there were there for the ducks! In all seriousness, if anyone tells you they’ve only ever played in front of big crowds, they’re lying ,” she adds. “No matter what part of the entertainment industry anyone is in, a lot of us start from nothing. We go through the times of performing in front of nearly empty rooms, but then, hopefully, it gets better, and we build confidence… and a fanbase! ”

Taylor Swift, for all her scale – as a musician, a style icon, an influencer – often comes across as impossibly grounded. She is as much about helping out those behind her in the queue (and it’s a long queue) as she is preening and posturing her way to even greater riches, both financial and metaphorical.

“So much of what people achieve in this industry is down to self-belief and confidence. It’s a very simple formula to follow, but also so easy to find yourself overpowered by the challenges. When anyone asks me what advice I have for anyone who wants to try and make it in this industry, I always say the same thing,” the 13-times Grammy winner states. “You have to be strong, tough and resilient, no matter how talented you are. If you can’t work against adversity, it’s difficult, if not impossible. Believe in yourself.”

From teenage country music prodigy to a global pop sensation, Swift was born in Reading, Pennsylvania. Her early life was steeped in music and she began performing in local venues at a young age, being inspired by country legends like Shania Twain and Dixie Chicks. Recognising her talent, the family relocated to Nashville when she was just 14, in order to help her pursue a career in country music.

It wasn’t long before she caught the attention of industry professionals, signing with Big Machine Records. Her eponymous debut album, Taylor Swift, was released in 2006 when she was only 16, with lead single Tim McGraw resonated across both country and mainstream audiences, as well as showcasing an incredible gift for storytelling.

Two years later, second album Fearless marked a significant breakthrough with hits Love Story and You Belong with Me underlining the singer’s qualities as a crossover star.

The long-player won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making her the youngest artist to ever receive that honour at the time. It also signalled the beginning of a career marked by continual evolution, and a connection with her audience that few others could rival.

That includes several notable film appearances, showcasing versatility outside of music – from her acting debut in Valentine’s Day in 2010, playing a bubbly high school student, voicing Audrey in the 2012 animated film The Lorax, taking on the serious Rosemary in 2014’s The Giver, through to playing Bombalurina in 2019, in the movie adaptation of Cats.

“Interacting with fans through music, film or conversation is my way of doing things,” she admits, referencing her so-called Swifties. “It’s me paying back, via whatever medium I can, in order to show just how much I appreciate them. In the early days when, on social media, I saw my face on murals, or I witnessed elaborate fan tributes for me, it was perhaps a little disconcerting. It is strange to go from a very simple world – and no matter how big the country music market is, it’s still a very earthy genre with a lot of groundedness and humility – into something that’s so big and so exposed.”

Nine albums have followed since 2008, including two during lockdown, and with that, the almost constant media speculation of her love life, her wellbeing, and even her commercial demise.

“It all sells magazines and gets people visiting websites ,” she says. “I get how it works and it doesn’t offend me. Rumours of my demise are always greatly exaggerated, because the last time I checked I’m still here! For as long as people aren’t bored of me, I’ll still be here! ”

Swift’s appeal across multiple demographics perhaps come back to her ability to talk to audiences in many and varied ways. From the music-led fervent early-teen market, right up into those in adulthood who connect with the star through her philanthropy, political advocacy and activism, her cross-pollination of global culture is astonishingly good.

THEN THERE’S HER POSITION AS A STYLE ICON.

She is an exemplar who mixing vintage with modern, throwaway with designer, sympathetic with challenging. “I’m glad we live in an era now where anything goes ,” offers Swift. “When I was

growing up I remember the echoes of the Seventies and Eighties where, in essence, if you didn’t conform to normal fashion, you would be marked out as belonging to a certain genre or sector. If you didn’t wear what everyone else was wearing, you might be a goth, or a metal head, or an indie kid, or an emo, or something else. Those tags aren’t really a problem by themselves, because they promote difference and individuality; until you realise that by labelling people like that it became very different for them to then flip and be someone or something else. There was no real fluidity between different ideas and looks, so people got put into holes and to a large extent left there.”

Swift says today’s society is much more malleable, and that versatility of look is something she tries to bring through in who she is and how she operates.

FASHION IS ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD, NOT ABOUT THE PRICE TAG. I’M JUST AS HAPPY IN A COSY JUMPER FROM A MALL AS I AM IN A DESIGNER PIECE

“Being known isn’t about showing off – it’s about showing you can be many different things, and we should all feel like that. I find both high and low fashion equally exciting – sometimes I want chic lines, other times loose waves. I want exemplary in some looks and disrupted in others. Style should be about self-expression, not status. At the end of the day, it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, not how much you spent on it.”

That’s not to say Swift has always got the look right. She is the first to bemoan the past looks which haven’t quite hit the right notes, admitting that to look back and laugh is the best route to acceptance!

“My style choices and my songs often resonate the everyday challenges of a shy teenager. I may have moved on in life and I may be many things to many different people, but I think deep down I am still that shy teenager - a musician with deep emotions.”

Brand it like Beckham

Class, couture and crossing the Atlantic – David Beckham talks through a career that has ebbed and flowed with opportunity, whilst discussing what it takes to be satisfied with one’s place in life.

By Frank Grice

An icon of style and soccer, the cliché of lighting up a room is perhaps not more applicable than to David Beckham.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and LA Galaxy star has proved that as one career ends, another can begin; and yet from the very early days of his elevation into a global football fanbase’s minds and hearts, it was clear this was someone equipped to become an exemplar of quality and class in more than one space.

The Inter Miami president turns 50 in 2025 and, as ever, the question is the same. “I will always ask what comes next,” he begins. “I need to be focusing on the step ahead, rather than the path back – it’s the way I’ve operated since I was a young boy and I don’t see that ever changing, nor would I want it to.”

For all his success, adulation and wealth – the Beckhams, combined, are thought to be worth $750million at the last count – perhaps what wows most about David is the humility that he carries with him. He remains as softly spoken now as he did when undergoing early days of media training as one of the so-called Class of 92, whose achievements for Manchester United elevated the club to unprecedented levels, as well as securing an impossibly talented group a route into superstardom. Of course none have excelled in a greater way than Beckham, though for all his drive, determination and dedication, he attributes a lot along the way to luck.

“VICTORIA HAS BEEN A FANTASTIC SUPPORT FOR ME – WE FIRE OFF ONE ANOTHER AND THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I’VE REALLY NEEDED HER.

“I honestly think I’ve been incredibly fortunate with the opportunities I have had,” he says. “I am an athlete at heart, and even though I’ve been retired for a long time now, I still see myself as a sportsperson more than anything else. To have been able to reinvent myself and branch out into other areas is an unexpected addition to a life that has already given me so much, and I do genuinely feel fortunate for that.”

While he may downplay his achievements, clearly it has been an almost implausible investment of effort that has got him there.

“I could never be the type of person who just sits back and does nothing,” says Beckham. “The idea of that frightens me – probably because my upbringing and career in football always pushed me to focus on bigger and newer challenges.” If perception is to become reality, in his second half-century Beckham the businessman is most likely to come to the fore. As co-founder at Inter Miami, this chapter has already opened, with Lionel Messi and co. expected

to move into the club’s new Miami Freedom Park facility in 2025.

Since their inaugural season in 2020, Miami have playing at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, so a new chapter awaits. “It’s been a long-term dream of mine and it is incredible to see it become reality. This stadium is a crucial part of my vision for the club and the city, and while the delays have been challenging, we're pushing forward.”

And if he requires further support in the vagaries of production lines, Beckham need only turn to wife Victoria, whose eponymous fashion brand has grown in value exponentially over the past three year, arrowing its way towards the $100million mark.

“She has reminded me in the past that although this type of business world is new to me it’s really just another form of problem-solving – the sort of stuff I’ve been doing for years. It’s all about the sense of scoping out a plan and a process in order to find a solution,” he offers. “From my first ever football training session it was drilled into me the task – to move the ball from one end of the pitch to the other, and to close the deal by putting it in the goal. I guess,” he pauses, “not much has really changed from that in almost 50 years, has it?! ”

It was the power couple’s move to the US in 2007 that marked the official launch of ‘Brand Beckham’, created with Simon Fuller, who managed Victoria’s career from her Spice Girls days and, until recently, handled most of the pair’s profitable brand deals.

In the years that followed, David signed a lifetime deal with Adidas worth $160million and has since secured endorsement deals with luxury brands like Armani and Breitling, fashion labels such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as tech giants Samsung and EA Sports’ FIFA franchise.

In addition, he’s brand ambassador for Tudor watches, Tempur mattresses, Unicef and Nespresso coffee machines, and also held the same honour for Haig Club whisky until 2023. He’s since switched to Stella Artois.

When the couple first teamed up with Fuller, the promoter boldly claimed they could become a billion-dollar brand, stating, “The combination of Victoria's glamour and David's sex appeal and sporting talent could, over time, create a $1billion brand .”

The Beckhams are, seemingly, well on their way, yet without the ill effects that accompany so many other high-status families. Their four children – Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 19, and Harper Seven, 13 – have grown up in the public eye and are always well-adjusted and polite, often seen out with their parents.

It all amounts to the perception of a man who, it appears, can do little wrong; yet the truth is this is someone who embraces disappointment and setbacks, using them as stimuli for future action. From extreme negative sporting challenges to media speculation over his personal affairs, Beckham is an exemplar of someone capable of resetting and readjusting to life’s events, good and bad.

“I won’t deny that I reflect on my achievements,” he admits, “ though not as often as I’d like. It’s important to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished and to remember the journey that got you there, but the truth is, life moves so quickly that you sometimes forget how far you’ve come or how special those experiences were. I probably reflect more on the things that haven’t gone to plan, as it’s those that actually push me forward and encourage me to be better and to do more.”

That desire to do more, to go further than his peers, permeated into a young Beckham. At a time when, as a teenager, his mates were discovering the joys of socialising, alcohol and the opposite sex, Becks would stay in, either playing or studying football. To him, it was a natural sacrifice, and one where he didn’t feel he was missing out.

“My inspiration wasn’t mates getting girlfriends, it was older footballers whose journeys I had read about and whose route towards achieving that was abstinence from things that didn’t move the boat forward, so to speak. So in turning away from those temptations, I felt like I was pushing forward anyway. I never felt like I was losing out on something.”

Now, for a man who seemingly has everything, there are still many elements of David Beckham’s life that he sees imperfection in. Back in 2006, he admitted to suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and has often brought the subject of his mental wellbeing into conversations.

“I don’t think anyone finds life easy, not really,” he says. “With kids, a busy schedule and a refusal to take the easy route, I’ve often felt the pressure of keeping everything together. But that’s just how it is – even with the best support system, it still requires real effort, real courage and a lot of understanding. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last three decades of my life. Victoria means everything to me and I’m proud of my children every day. At times we all need to give ourselves a break and look at what we have achieved, not scrutinise over the things we’re yet to do, or have failed at.”

DO I THINK I’M WORTHY? NO. BUT IF SOMEONE ELSE DOES, THAT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME. I’LL TAKE THAT, AND I’M VERY GRATEFUL.

Beckham surely gained a timely reminder of those past achievements when making the recent self-titled Netflix documentary, and will have the chance to look back again when his star is added to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Being alongside legends like Muhammad Ali and Marlon Brando is a true honour.

When innovation invites itself into Parisian luxury

La Maison Carita

Carita, the legendary House of Beauty, has opened its doors to its new setting after two years of meticulous renovation. This rebirth is accompanied by the preservation of tradition and the embrace of modernity. This revival, orchestrated by Sophie Thuillier and Cristiano Benzoni, founding architects of REV Studio, invites you into an 1800 m² space entirely dedicated to beauty care, hairdressing and make-up...

A focus on beauty, enhanced by a hushed, generous atmosphere...

A place where you can also enjoy a meal before throwing yourself back into the Parisian whirlwind. By Helena Perdoux-Frances

THE ART OF EVOLVING IN BEAUTY: BETWEEN HERITAGE AND RENAISSANCE

On 15 December 1952, a place that would forever transform the image of French beauty was born in the heart of Paris. From Catherine Deneuve to Grace of Monaco, icons from all over the world felt welcomed and idealised by a new approach, along a holistic and serene path dedicated to their beauty. In September 2022, Carita decided to reinvent itself and gave birth to Maison Carita, the ideal vision of a temple to elegance... a rethought vision, combining eternal sensuality and modern femininity. First steps under its famous porch...

LIGHT AS AN ARCHITECTURAL VECTOR

The reinvented architecture of the Maison Carita wraps around a coliseum bathed in natural light, the light of Paris filtered through a glass roof over the atrium. Each space exudes timeless refinement, conveyed by white marble, pink onyx and a touch of chromed metal. You've just taken the path of discovery, the path of femininity. From one arch to the next, the spaces offered up to beauty and relaxation take you on an architectural stroll, a wander through the sensory experience.

Rosy et Maria © Carita - Harry Meerson.

JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF BEAUTY

Nestled in this jewel box, Carita offers tailor-made, precise and personalised treatments. In the diagnostic alcoves, you can take stock of your skin using cutting-edge technology and, above all, the expertise of the Carita specialists' "golden hands". Anti-ageing treatments, relaxation protocols and hairstyling are provided in the 11 beauty suites, bathed in a luxurious and serene atmosphere. The little "tricks" made in Carita: first, Eva Dumont, French massage champion and beautician, who deploys all her talent at 11 Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and finally, a leap into the future thanks to Icoone, high-tech manual and cosmetic intelligence, for a restructuring micro-stimulation treatment... Exceptionality precedes you at every appointment.

CARITA REDEFINES THE LUXURY OF ECO-RESPONSIBLE BEAUTY

The House of Beauty has embraced Carita's environmental vision, establishing itself as an icon of refined eco-responsibility. Its new showcase affirms its commitment to sustainability; an "eco-design" that has surrounded itself with beauty to do good, through spaces shaped by noble and sustainable materials. What's more, the "Water Saver Portfolio" technology, adapted to all the styling cubicles, saves 60% water. When luxury and sustainability come face to face, with efficiency that takes nothing away from elegance, in a rapidly changing world...

A BOUTIQUE... AN ART OF LIVING

A concept store to round off a serene journey. Inspired by Carita's iconic "Black and White", unique items - scented candles, silk kimonos and porcelain made in France - offer you a spark of Carita magic. La Maison de Beauté Carita or the quintessence of innovative style. MORE INFOS: 11 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, FR-75008 Paris - +33 1 44 94 11 11 - www.carita.fr

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

1. Atrium bar. 2. Porche Carita Maison de beaute. © Benoit

AMPHORA www.giberg.com

40 years of excellence and cosmetic innovation

Valmont

In 2025, the prestigious Swiss brand Valmont will celebrate its 40th anniversary. An anniversary that marks not only a milestone, but also a new era for this house renowned for its unique scientific approach to skincare. Behind this longevity lies a clear and powerful DNA, rooted in excellence, effectiveness and innovation. "This is the start of a new chapter, and we hope that the next 40 years will be just as exciting," explains Sophie Vann Guillon, CEO and creator of all the products. By Helena Perdoux-Frances

VALMONT IS ROOTED IN SCIENCE AND THRIVES ON CREATIVITY

From the outset, the brand has relied on formulations based on unquestionable scientific rigour. What sets Valmont apart is its commitment to effectiveness: efficiency that can be felt, touched and seen. Each product offers a sensorial approach that adds a real experience to an impeccable result. This consistency is at the heart of Valmont's philosophy, but its cosmetics are also driven by creativity. "Our mission is to make beauty accessible and joyful, while maintaining impeccable performance," says Sophie Vann Guillon. "We're not about trends or glamour, but about confidence, effectiveness and results. Rather than artificial perfection, our customers are looking for a natural grace, a beauty that underlines the radiance of their age," she declares.

SWISS NATURE AT THE HEART OF CREATION

For Sophie Vann Guillon, Swiss nature is a true source of inspiration. This deep-rooted affection is reflected not only in her creations, but also in the very special way she interacts with her environment. This understanding of nature is based on her ability to read between the lines. "Nature, and especially Swiss nature, inspires our products" explains Sophie Vann Guillon “Why limit ourselves to scholarly information when we can immerse ourselves in an ecosystem to better understand its environment and life cycle? Each Valmont creation is born of a perfect balance between observation and premonition. When we talk about nature, we're not necessarily talking about plants. In this case, it's a mixture of several natural elements," says Vann Guillon.

V-LIFT, SCIENCE INNOVATES THANKS TO VALMONT

The new V-Lift collection redefines anti-ageing standards. One of the most innovative aspects of this collection is based on a radical reversal of encapsulation techniques. "V-Lift embodies the latest advances in the vectorisation of active ingredients, which have always inspired me. I was interested in exploring the latest extraction and vectorisation techniques. This is a new generation of anti-wrinkle skin care products which, for the first time, combine all the effectiveness of cosmetic lifting with absolute comfort! Now we lift differently" explains Sophie Vann Guillon. The V-Lift range consists of four high-performance products - a serum, a face cream, an eye contour and a treatment dedicated to the specific neck and décolleté area.

VALMONT BESTSELLERS: INNOVATION, NATURE AND EXPERTISE

Some of the most emblematic creations have become key references in this quest for visible results and a unique sensorial experience.

Among the brand's flagship products, Prime Renewing Pack undoubtedly holds a special place. Created in 1984, this cream-mask was reformulated in 2012 to meet the expectations of its loyal users. Sophie Vann Guillon took matters into her own hands and decided to reinvent it, turning it into the cult product it is today. "As soon as we apply it, it lifts our spirits. It's become our best friend," she says.

Time Master, another of the company's stars, is the culmination of intense research into cell regeneration. Behind this treatment lies a complex technology based on the integration of DNA and RNA liposomes, encapsulated in a nano-emulsion to penetrate deep into the skin. "I've combined the five core active ingredients from our major collections to make Time Master an

intensive anti-ageing treatment".

Finally, La Quintessence des Glaciers combines traditional know-how with technological innovation. This marriage between high technology and raw nature illustrates a cosmetic that is both ultra-performing and respectful of the environment.

"The collection is based on three natural pillars: organic plants for their lifting properties, beehive products for their cell regeneration and sturgeon DNA for its anti-ageing action. For me, it's the ultimate confluence of nature and science," says Sophie Vann Guillon.

THE 2024 EDITION OF LA QUINTESSENCE DES GLACIERS: WHEN ART SUBLIMATES BEAUTY

In the world of Valmont, beauty is more than just skincare. The unique Valmont's magic comes from a true fusion of beauty with art. Every year, Didier Guillon, President and Artistic Director of Valmont, gives full reign to his creative vision with limited edition of La Quintessence des Glaciers coffrets. In designing the 2024 box, Didier Guillon goes further and combines luxury with art, legacy with emotion. He celebrates the aesthetics of the Avant-Garde period (1907-1930) in a daring co-creation with a multitalented Japanese artist: Mako Artigas.

In her studio, Didier Guillon chose a brightly coloured artwork inspired by the artistic avant-garde of the early 20th century, notably Matisse and the Fauves, known for their bold colours and their disruption with artistic tradition. "It's a real tribute to an artist and an era. Every detail is conceived as a work of art, an homage to creativity and emotional intelligence, an antidote

to the coldness of technology" explains Didier Guillon. "For this edition, the artistic technique is combined with a reflection on pigments and materials. The result is a box that fascinates as much as it intrigues, a meeting of luxury and craftmanship, designed to be admired as well as used".

The 2024 opus of La Quintessence des Glaciers is a numbered limited edition of 170 pieces, even more exclusive than previous collector's editions.

UNIQUE LEADERSHIP, BETWEEN INTUITION AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

For Sophie Vann Guillon, it all starts with passion and intuition. Her approach to management is fluid, inspired and above all spontaneous. Her role as a leader is not simply to direct a team, but to take them on a creative journey where vision often takes precedence over pure analysis. "I draw on two very distinct hemispheres: on the one hand, the scientists, who are rooted in technical necessity, and on the other, the marketing and communication teams, who embody the emotional side", Sophie Vann Guillon assures us. "My challenge? To harmonise these two worlds by bringing them together around a shared passion".

After 40 years of existence, the brand has managed to retain its essence: a perfect balance between scientific rigour, proven efficacy and bold creativity. On the eve of this new anniversary, Valmont remains resolutely forward-looking, ready to write a new chapter in the history of cosmetics.

When nature, luxury

and beauty

become one Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti

Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is the ideal haven for those seeking a luxurious, relaxing stay in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. Whether you're a lover, a family member or a group of friends, serenity awaits you.

By Eloise Leray

AN INVITATION TO RELAX AND DISCOVER

In 2019, the Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti opened its doors in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This second jewel in the Lefay Resort collection boasts an unusual spa, luxurious rooms with breathtaking panoramic views and environmenta lly-friendly architecture. Indeed, the Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is part of a resolutely sustainable approach. Its design incorporates cutting-edge technologies to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption. Numerous suites are decorated with natural fabrics and precious materials such as oak, chestnut and local stone. In addition to its prestigious suites, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti offers 88 rooms, illuminated by large picture windows with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, the outdoor pool or the valley.

A TEMPLE OF WELL-BEING

More than a spa, the Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is truly the place to regenerate your senses and your soul. With its 5,000 m², it is one of the largest spas in the Alps. Guests are spoilt for choice with traditional Western and Oriental massages, treatments using the most effective equipment, facial and body treatments… Everything has been thought out for a moment of absolute relaxation. They can also enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths, sensory showers and relaxation areas. This spa is the ideal place for a revitalizing getaway. The idyllic setting, impeccable service and top-quality amenities guarantee an experience of unforgettable comfort.

The ultimate spa experience Spa my blend by Clarins

The Cerboneschi family, owner of the Hotel La Mourra in Val-d'Isère, entrusts the well-being of its guests to Clarins and My Blend. This is how the ninth My Blend by Clarins Spa in the world was born. To unwind after a day of skiing or enjoy a moment of relaxation as a couple, this spa is the ideal place to revitalize yourself.

By Eloise Leray

CHARM AND SERENITY IN THE HEART OF THE ALPS

The discreet elegance and exceptional welcome that Hotel La Mourra reserves for its guests make it a place where you immediately feel at home. Located in an idyllic setting a stone’s throw from the village of Vald’Isère, the Hotel La Mourra is distinguished by its architecture specific to mountain hamlets and its warm atmosphere. The main building houses ten suites, while four luxury chalets, entirely private, offer an absolute haven of peace. Each chalet benefits from a private mini spa with heated swimming pool, a residential treatment cabin and a sauna-hammam.

AN INVITATION TO RELAXATION

This five-star hotel has a new jewel: the Spa My Blend by Clarins. Opened in December 2016, this unique place offers a tailor-made well-being experience, in a luxurious and intimate setting. As soon as they arrive, guests are immersed in an atmosphere of absolute relaxation with a cozy decoration, made of wood and soft lighting. The My Blend by Clarins Spa offers a wide range of personalized treatments, based on high-quality products offered by the brand. Guests can choose from a selection of massages, facial and body treatments, as well as comprehensive wellness rituals.

EXPERT CARE

The My Blend line stands out from the others thanks to its concentrated sensory formulas giving instant results and amplifying the effectiveness of treatments. Designed by Dr Olivier Courtin, founder of Clarins, its formulas are unique blends adapted to every skin type and lifestyle. My Blend manages to bring together the expertise of Clarins, recognized for its manual methods, its cult products and its pioneering approach to beauty through plants, and cutting-edge technology for ultra-personalized care. The spa unveils a personalized anti-aging facial treatment: My Blend Youth Synergy. A skin diagnosis

carried out by the high-tech My Skin Diag software allows you to create a tailor-made mixture of products applied according to a targeted protocol. Treatment technologies and accessories combine to smooth and rejuvenate the face. Furthermore, the Clarins Signature High Mountain Treatment is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. This targeted and invigorating treatment overcomes muscular tension and relieves joint pressure caused by a day of intense effort.

Oud

L’or noir des parfumeurs

As winter approaches, the cold, rainy days invite you to treat yourself to new, richer, deeper fragrances. If you had to choose just one note to add to your fragrance collection, choose oud without hesitation.

By Sirine Errammach

Nicknamed "perfumers' black gold", oud is a rare and precious resin extracted from agarwood, an endangered tree found mainly in South-East Asia. When infected by a fungus, it develops a unique aromatic resin that gives it its distinctive, distinctive smell. Highly prized in the world of perfumery, this ingredient has a rich, complex aroma, combining woody, animalic and spicy nuances. Particularly popular in the Middle East, where it is often burnt to perfume interiors during ceremonies or family gatherings, oud brings warmth and conviviality. Extracting it is a delicate and demanding process, requiring expertise and patience, which explains its rarity and high price. Proof of its irresistible appeal, many renowned perfumers include it in their creations, combining it with rose, patchouli, amber or vanilla to create harmonious and seductive olfactory compositions. Oud has thus become an essential note for those who want to wear exceptional fragrances. Here are 5 to try.

1. OUD AZELAN BY HERMÈS

Inspired by the memory of an azelan horse, Christine Nagel has created this sublime fragrance that combines oud with a duo of contrasting roses. 325 € les 100 ml.

2. OMBRE NOMADE BY LOUIS VUITTON

Ud wood, benzoin tears, incense, raspberry accents... This deep, bewitching fragrance created by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud is the house's best-seller in the Middle East, and it's easy to see why. 360 € les 100 ml.

3. OUD EXCELSA BY CARON

For this new creation, Jean Jacques has combined oud wood with cistus absolute and a blend of birch wood, Atlas cedar and papyrus essences. Coffee with roasted accents, cardamom essence and Bulgarian rose complete the composition. 265 € les 100 ml.

4. THE OUD AFFAIR BY VILHELM PARFUMERIE

The Oud Affair opens with notes of wild honey and ginger butter, followed by a heart of tobacco leaves and a base of agarwood and black vanilla pod. 250 € les 100 ml.

5. OUD MARACUJÁ BY MAISON CRIVELLI

Among the most addictive, this oud is combined here with passion fruit, saffron, rose absolute from Turkey, benzoin from Laos, cistus absolute from Spain, leather, patchouli oil from Indonesia, vanilla and akigalawood. 215 € les 50 ml.

When fashion is inspired by art

An

elegant dialogue at the

L ouvre

In the rooms of the Louvre, the history of fashion and that of art are woven together. A bold dialogue between the permanent collections and 65 contemporary silhouettes by Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent reveals the deep links and rich exchanges between these two worlds. Curated by Olivier Gabet, Conservateur Général du Patrimoine and Director of the Objets d'Arts Department at the Musée du Louvre, the exhibition FASHION AT THE LOUVRE, on show from 24 January to 21 July 2025, invites visitors to rediscover the treasures of the Louvre through the fascinating prism of fashion. A first in the museum's history..

By Claùdia Ferreira

RIGHT Armor, formerly known as 'Henri IV's Armor' © 2013 RMN-Grand Palais (Louvre Museum) - Stéphane Maréchalle.

The pieces on display tell a story, the story of the link between fashion and art throughout history. Can you tell us more about this?

Olivier Gabet: Hubert de Givenchy was a frequent visitor to the museum. Karl Lagerfeld knew the museum's collections by heart. Christian Dior, in his day, was a visitor to the Louvre. When John Galliano was designing collections for Dior, he looked very closely at what was in the Louvre's collections, cutting out images to create moodboards. Maria Grazia Chiuri is a regular visitor to the museum... So we're asking the question of inspiration between art objects, historical periods and contemporary fashion: What they evoke and how they can be sources of inspiration, not to mention the fact that many designers have been and still are collectors of ancient art objects. The museum preserves the donation made by Madame Carven with her husband René Grog, just as Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy and Karl Lagerfeld have assembled first-rate collections. There is also an emphasis on the rich register of arts and crafts. While the Louvre does not have any fashion collections, we do have some remarkable textile collections, with one of the finest collections of tapestries in the world. These arts and crafts form a bridge between the world of objects, as they are presented in the museum, and the world of fashion, including contemporary fashion.

In 2025, the Objets d'art departmentwill tell the story of art from Byzantium to the Second Empire, through remarkable objects that very often have political, historical or symbolic significance, or a colossal imprint. These include items from the treasure trove at Saint-Denis, objects linked to the coronation of the kings of France, the collections of Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette, and furniture and jewellery from Josephine and Napoleon. The presentation principle that we devised with Nathalie Crinière is very respectful of both art and fashion objects. They can both speak to each other and be admired.

Highlighting this dialogue between fashion and the Louvre is a first in the museum's history...

Olivier Gabet: The Louvre has always been a place of inspiration for all artists, where contemporary creation has its rightful place, in the fields of choreography, the visual arts and literature. It would seem a little surprising not to include fashion, since today it is an infinite field of expression and creativity that attracts the attention of a wide, diverse and international public. The Louvre has every reason and every legitimacy to take an interest in fashion by presenting - on an occasional basis - temporary exhibitions on major art-historical subjects, to which contemporary fashion and contemporary designers echo in a natural and relevant way. The best way to bring them into the museum is to have them interact with some of the collections already there. Ultimately, it's a way of seeing and revisiting our permanent collections, which are remarkable historical collections, in a different way, through the eyes of these contemporary designers, a hard-hitting material that speaks to audiences that we also want to bring back to the museum.

How did you choose the pieces on display?

Olivier Gabet :We are exhibiting 65 silhouettes and around thirty accessories, from around forty different fashion houses, in the heart of the Objets d'art department, covering almost 9,000 square metres. This was the main challenge of this exhibition.

On the one hand, it was a novel choice to present it as part of the permanent collections rather than in a space dedicated to temporary exhibitions. And secondly, the scenography, perfectly integrated into the rooms, is the work of Nathalie Crinière, who designed the presentation of the Dior gallery, the Yves Saint-Laurent project and exhibitions such as Iris Van Herpen and Elsa Schiaparelli.

The fashion pieces on show are relevant silhouettes in terms of art history, ranging from models from the 1960s - notably by Paco Rabanne - to those closer to home. Karl Lagerfeld was inspired by a chest of drawers to create a jacket embroidered by Lesage for the latest haute couture collection he designed for Chanel in 2018. Maria Grazia Chiuri, the artistic director of Dior, has a passion for the Italian Renaissance, so she is presented amidst a decorative repertoire that speaks to her, which she has sometimes been able to use or express in creations. Jacquemus has already done a Versailles show based on Marie-Antoinette. Yohji Yamamoto, radical though he may be, has a passion for forms reminiscent of the eighteenth century. Byzantium magnetised both Gianni Versace and Dolce & Gabbana.

LEFT Armor, formerly known as 'Henri IV's Armor' © 2013 RMN-Grand Palais (Louvre Museum) - Stéphane Maréchalle.

RIGHT

Commode en vernis Martin © 2012 Musée du Louvre, Dist. RMN GrandPalais - Thierry Ollivier.

Among the silhouettes on show, is there one that has particularly touched or marked you?

Olivier Gabet:There's one piece that will be very special because it's also linked to the history of our company. In 1951, Christian Dior created an evening dress called the Musée du Louvre. The dress still exists; it was bought by Salvador Dali's wife and is now kept at the Dali Foundation. We didn't want to borrow it, because it's an extremely fragile dress, but Dior offered to make a replica as part of their heritage, because they have everything in their archives: the embroidery models, the drawings and the photographs of the dress. This creation is symbolic of the very carnal relationship that many fashion designers have had with the Louvre.

Buste-reliquaire © 2016 Musée du Louvre, dist. GrandPalaisRmn - Philippe Fuzeau.

So fashion is an art in its own right?

Olivier Gabet :Fashion reflects a form of creativity that intimately links the works of the past to the contemporary scene, in terms of art and creation. There's a very strong link, and what we want to show with this exhibition is that there's no such thing as an established hierarchy in artistic expression. You only have to look at Fashion Week. It's incredible to see that several times a year, between Paris, New York, Milan and London, thousands of people get together and their images are seen all over the world. Only sport, music, popular culture and fashion are capable of creating such strong bridges between generations and cultures.

LEFT Chanel © Musée du Louvre - Nicolas Bousser.

RIGHT

Does this exhibition offer a new perspective on fashion?

Olivier Gabet: This exhibition is supported by all the teams at the Louvre: curators, scenography, art workshops, outreach and visitors, communications, publishing, and so on. The exhibition catalogue is written by a single fashion historian, Emilie Hammen. All the other texts have been thought up and written by curators from the Louvre, all of them scholars and connoisseurs. We asked them to look at contemporary fashion with their scientific and expert eye, and to give their point of view. We didn't call on fashion specialists, because in my view that wasn't the subject, but to turn to the real specialists in armour, tapestry, and 18thᵉ century furniture, because their informed view matters. I have to say that this angle fascinated the fashion designers and houses we worked with.

Is this the first in a series of exhibitions devoted to fashion?

Olivier Gabet: There are many different ways of approaching fashion. Here, we're just lifting the veil on a small part of his inspirations, but one day we'll be able to think about what the continuation of this exhibition might be, from a different angle. Why not look at the painting collections, Greek antiquities, Egyptian antiquities, talk about drawing... The Louvre is universal and encyclopaedic, and we don't want to stop there…

MORE INFOS: Musée du Louvre - 75001 Paris 1 - www.louvre.fr

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

1. Chanel © Musée du Louvre - Nicolas Bousser. 2. Balenciaga © Musée du Louvre - Nicolas Bousser.

Ulaland

When elegance nestles in the heart of winter

Winter, that season that calls into question our summer colours, the lightness of fabrics while preserving a refined charm. Ulaland anticipates all our questions and offers an answer that won't leave us indifferent: a collection of stylish hats combining traditional know-how and contemporary design. Welcome to a world that celebrates creativity and eco-responsibility through a unique style.

By Helena Perdoux-Frances

ULALAND TRENDS: ADAPTABLE PRESENCE

Winter 2024-2025 will feature hats with warm sophistication that reflect Ulaland's timeless, handcrafted essence, including wide-brimmed hats such as the Fedora felt models. Harmonious chic offers elegant protection against the cold. Feeling more classic? The easy-to-wear beret remains your must-have accessory, adding a discreet touch of refinement to your outfit.

The winter palette of burgundy, forest green and grey reinforces the warmth and sophistication of Ulaland. Red, this autumn-winter's flagship colour, adds a touch of vibrancy to the timelessness. Subtle distinctions perfectly aligned with the Ulaland style, which embraces trends and crosses them with class.

BETWEEN LUXURY AND SUSTAINABILITY

specialise in felt hats and Basque berets. Handmade, these unique pieces reflect the cultural heritage of Spanish craftsmen. Each creation is an invitation to travel the world, like the Santa Rosa model, inspired by Argentine gauchos, representatives of the distinguished strength of the Pampas. The Paris model, meanwhile, evokes a bohemian romanticism worthy of the French capital. This cultural diversity makes Ulaland hats unforgettable, timeless and rich.

AN ULALAND HAT CELE -

Ulaland has become synonymous with quality and respect for craftsmanship. This season, 100% wool felt, a natural material that provides warmth and comfort, is combined with structured elegance. Merino wool, renowned for its softness and ability to protect against the extreme cold, reinforces this choice of natural, luxurious materials. At Ulaland, there's no comfort without durability. Each hat becomes your stylistic signature, but also shows your eco-responsibility.

DIVERSE INSPIRATION

Each Ulaland hat tells a story, the story of tradition and travel. In winter, these creations come to life thanks to the Spanish expertise of the brand's partner workshops, which themselves

AN ETHICAL AND SLOW FASHION PHILOSOPHY

The very essence of fashion has become ethical and responsible, and Ulaland has embraced this commitment to eco-friendly consumption.

Raw materials are sourced from certified suppliers who respect animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. Its approach is also based on creations designed to last and adapt to trends. Interchangeable ribbons and scarves allow your style to evolve according to the season and your desires, guaranteeing the pleasure of renewing your look with a clear environmental conscience.

KNOW-HOW AND TIMELESSNESS

The combination of traditional craftsmanship and fashion trends is the DNA of the Ulaland brand. Traditional, eco-friendly techniques are complemented by revamped designs and accessories that give your old model a new lease of life. From design to production, every stage is mastered, from moulding and shaping techniques to hand-crafted finishes... pieces that celebrate individuality and joie de vivre, tailored to suit every personality.

NEOPRENE COLOR BLOCK JACKET BY OPEN ERA - MEN’S NERO MOCK NECK SWEATER BY ALL SAINTS

SUITE CHIC

Photographer: Ron Contarsy for Highmark Studios

Stylist: Ursula M Agurto

Talent: Matteo Wasescha - Alyssa Ali - IMG Models

Make up: Viktorija Bowers for @kitritual

Hair: Brandon Dialo - The Wall Group

Assistant: Fresco Alessandro

Location: Warren Street Hotel - NYC-Song Bird Suite

MATTEO BLUE PIN STRIPED SUIT BY LE CATOU - SLIM FIT DRESS SHIRT BY BROOKLYN BRIGADE

ALYSSAH

FLORAL VINTAGE PRINT TOP BY NAZARENE AMICTUS - PERSIS CHANDELIER EARRINGS BY HAUS OF TOPPER

LONG MAX TRENCH COAT BY JV LAURNT - MOLLY SNAKESKIN BACK SHOE BY BENEDETTA BOROLI

MATTEO

WOOL BLEND SUIT BY BROOKS BROTHERS - SLIM FIT DRESS SHIRT BY MICHAEL KORS

PAISLEY SILK NECKTIE BY TRAFALGAR - SHIELD BUCKLE LEATHER BELT BY POLO RALPH LAUREN ALYSSA

FLORAL BROCADE JACKET & PANT BY SAIMA CHOUDHRY - RIB TURTLENECK SWEATER BY FRAME - IDINA NECKLACE BY HAUS OF TOPPER

ALYSSAH FRONT ZIP TWEED DRESS BY SHAVI LEWIS - VINTAGE FLORAL SILK SQUARE SCARF BY TOM FORD

MATTEO BLACK STRETCH COTTON DRESS SHIRT BY CANALI

TAINOS MICRO MINI DRESS BY DELGADO NEW YORK - RIB TURTLENECK SWEATER BY FRAME

HIGH WAISTED VELVET SHORTS BY WOLF & BADGER - SUNSHINE CHAIN CHANDELIER EARRINGS BY HAUS OF TOPPER

TEXTURED TIGHTS BY FALKE - SLING BACK PUMPS BY CALVIN KLEIN - MINI GALLOP BACKPACK BY DIOR

FLORAL BROCADE JACKET & PANT BY SAIMA CHOUDHRY - RIB TURTLENECK SWEATER BY FRAME - IDINA NECKLACE BY HAUS OF TOPPER

ALYSSAH

THE EMERSON LEATHER CAPE COAT & CASHMERE CAPE COAT BY HEIKE NY - RIB KNIT TURTLENECK SWEATER BY RALPH LAUREN

KITTANO SHORTS BY CORINNA HOUIDI - TEXTURED TIGHTS BY FALKE - GOLD BRAIDED HERRINGBONE CHAIN NECKLACE BY TARIN THOMAS MATTEO

THE SMOKING BLACK JACKET BY HEIKE NY - KNIT QUARTER-ZIP PULLOVER BY POLO RALPH LAUREN

Coop HIMMELB(L)AU

A dream of light and steel

Since its foundation in 1968, the Viennese architecture studio Coop Himmelb(l)au has set out to break all the rules and codes – ‘What do architects dream of? To get rid of gravity’, says Wolf dPrix, one of the founders. From Lyon to Shenzhen, from Frankfurt to Munich, Coop Himmelb(l)au creates futuristic, aerial buildings with organic geometry that give reality another dimension. Under their expert hands, steel frames and concrete become as light as glass; the group’s projects never cease to intrigue, baffle and question. A look back at an artistic and visionary epic.

By Eduardo Costerg

Musée des Confluences, Lyon, France © Raimund Koch.

UNAPOLOGETICALLY AVANT-GARDE

More than audacity, there’s a touch of rebellion in the studio’s creations. Although its early efforts were focused on artistic projects and formal research, Coop Himmelb(l)au soon found its way to deconstructivist architecture – a movement for which it was a forerunner. In 1988, the firm pulled off a tour de force with the lifting of the Falkestrasse, a historic building in the centre of Vienna, marking the birth of a new architectural genre. ‘There are no alcoves or turrets on the roof, no context of proportions, materials or colours but, instead, a visualized line of energy which, coming from the street spans the project, thus breaking the existing roof and thereby opening it’, reads the description of the project. One thing is certain: the contrast between the classical facade and the otherworldly glazed extension, open to the sky, is striking.

From then on, Coop Himmelb(l)au meet an international success: its unique vision opened the doors of New York’s MoMa, which, in keeping with the spirit of the times, devoted an exhibition to deconstructivist architecture. By challenging ‘the clean lines, rectangular forms and rigid spatial arrangements of modern architects such as Le Corbusier’, the firm brought a breath of avant-garde and redefined the broad outlines of contemporary architecture. The visual impact of its creations and the philosophy that sets the group apart are unmistakable. To achieve such results, these architects ‘draw with their eyes closed’ – a technique comparable to the automatic drawing practised by the Dadaists and Surrealists – and do away with the heaviness of conventional architecture. ‘We see our architecture as part of the 21st century, as an art form that reflects the variety and liveliness, the tension and complexity of our cities,’ concludes Wolf dPrix.

STIMULATING CURIOSITY

While each new building designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au reflects the spirit and dynamics of our metropolises, it is also the expression of an artistic vision, a desire for aesthetic emancipation seeking meaning beyond the strictly functional aspect.

‘Himmelblau is not a colour but an idea of creating architecture with fantasy, as buoyant and variable as clouds .’ The group shows us a different face of the infrastructures around us, of their role and their poetry  – wonder and surprise are never far away.

In 2001, the studio was commissioned to design the Musée des Confluences in Lyon, France. More than just giving shape to an exhibition space, the idea was to imagine the museum as a ‘means of transferring knowledge’, at the gateway to the city. To achieve this, architects focused on two figures embodying this idea: ‘The clear, readable shape of the Crystal stands for the world in which we move each day. The Cloud, by contrast, holds the knowledge of the future. What is known and what is to be explored are understood in the Musée des Confluences through a spatial experimental design meant to stimulate public curiosity.’

Fortified by this initial success in the cultural field, Coop Himmelb(l)au won the tender to design the Museum of Contemporary Art and Planning Exhibition (or MOCAPE) in Shenzhen, China, six years later. The studio faced a new challenge. The museum combines two independent but structurally unified institutions: the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and the Planning Exhibition (PE) – two cultural meeting points, two exhibition venues. From inside, visitors can gaze upon the city while feeling as if they were in a slightly shaded outdoor space – an impression reinforced by the 6 to 17-metre-high exhibition spaces, which are completely open and column-free. In addition to its curvaceous lines and play of light, the buildings have been designed to reduce their energy needs: solar and geothermal energy systems have been implemented, while the museum’s roof, filtering daylight through the exhibition rooms, reduces the need for artificial lighting. It goes without saying, architecture enters a new era when ingenuity and creativity go hand in hand!

LEFT

Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition, Shenzhen, China © Coop Himmelb(L)AU.

RIGHT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

1. Rooftop Remodelling Falkestraße, Vienna, Austria © Duccio Malagamba

2. Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition, Shenzhen, China © Coop Himmelb(L)AU.

PLACES BUILD AROUND EXPERIENCES

Museums are not the only projects featuring Coop Himmelb(l)au’s distinctive look. Some companies have not hesitated to call on the expert eye of its architects to turn their premises into a place combining aesthetic exploration and customer experience. The BMW Welt in Munich is a perfect illustration: here, the brand’s universe unfolds without limits, from the event space to the BMW museum, from the head office to the vehicle delivery centre – at the heart of the building, architects have designed a delivery centre where vehicles are taken to the upper floors by a transparent glass lift for delivery in full view of the visitors. This space, known as ‘the Marina’, is visible from every area of the building. As a stage, BMW Welt showcases the brand’s products and expertise: cars are handed over to customers on rotating platforms and the lucky new owners make a grand exit down a large ramp.

The BMW Welt architectural concept combines design and functionality in equal measure. This is demonstrated by the filigree steel structure providing air conditioning or, for instance, by the use of solar energy passing through the roof and facades to heat the building.

Once again, the boldness and unique perspective that is Coop Himmelb(l)au’s hallmark gives life to a space with many faces. Here, there is no room for half-measures, it is all about being radical and innovative, without compromise: ‘Today, everything is conceivable, and depicting daring architecture in colourful announcements is easy. But what is still radical is wresting these images from a one-dimensional illustration and pushing them through – realizing them – in three dimensions. Radical architecture is only radical today when it is also built. That is the difference between now and then.’

LEFT

1. Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition, Shenzhen, China (2007-2016).

2. BMW Welt, Munich, Germany.

RIGHT

1. BMW Welt © Duccio Malagamba.

2. BMW Welt © Coop Himmelb(L)AU.

THE SKY(LINE) IS THE LIMIT

Between 2003 and 2004, the studio took on the challenge of building the European Central Bank’s new headquarters, in Frankfurt am Main. The monumental project combines the horizontal structure of the Großmarkthalle – the city’s main market, inaugurated at the end of the 1920s – with a twisted double tower rising up to 185 metres. Designing a new building is not only what is at stake: for Coop Himmelb(l)au, it is also about making its mark on the city’s skyline, bringing the headquarters of the European Central Bank into a new type of skyscraper.

Once again, energy efficiency and sustainability are at the heart of the challenge. Use of rainwater, heat recovery, efficient insulation, solar protection and lighting, natural ventilation for the offices… these are some of the ingenious solutions the firm had the idea of integrating into the infrastructure. Some areas, such as the atrium and the open areas of the Großmarkthalle, are not equipped with air conditioning, but serve as a cooling temperature area. Meanwhile, the ‘hybrid facade’ of the office towers is made up of three layers and offers direct, natural ventilation thanks to vertical elements at room height.

The project was inspired by a desire to make the new headquarters of the European Central Bank unique and emblematic – to make it a powerful symbol of the European Union. In order to make this infrastructure such a distinctive monument, architects needed to draw inspiration from an unprecedented geometric language. They succeeded: the new premises redefined the face of Frankfurt, and Wolf dPrix was awarded the prestigious Hesse Culture Prize – awarded annually for achievements in the fields of art, science and cultural mediation – in November 2013.

This year, the studio has been nominated to undertake the Design of the Architectural Statement of Al Maktoum International Airport, in Dubai. Starting a new chapter, Coop Himmelb(l)au pushes the boundaries of airport design language, incorporating cutting-edge structural solutions, energy concepts, and innovative technologies to create a world-class facility that serves the global community. How far will the studio go before it reaches for the stars?

TOP AND PHOTO PAGE BEFORE European Central Bank (ECB) Frankfurt am Main, Germany 2014. BOTTOM © Paul Raftery.

A jewel of history 26 PLACE VENDÔME

If Frédéric Boucheron could visit the Hôtel de Nocé today, he would be immensely proud. Decade after decade, his family home confirmed its reputation as the epicenter of Parisian High Jewelry. Step inside for a guided tour, following a very stylish renovation.

LEFT

The Winter Garden view from above.

RIGHT Boucheron 26 Vendome the facade.

A HISTORIC LANDMARK

26, Place Vendôme was built for Charles de Nocé, Premier Gentilhomme of the Regent in 1717. It was acquired in 1722 by Gaspard-Moïse de Fontanieu – one of the six financiers behind the construction of Place Vendôme – and subsequently by Jean Cottin, director of the French East India Company, in 1760. Twenty-two years later, it was purchased by JeanBaptiste-François Gigot d’Orcy, receiver of finances for the Champagne region, who installed four large curiosity cabinets which became a major attraction for Parisian high society. After being sold to the picture framer and gilder Marc-Antoine Chaise in 1814, the Hôtel de Nocé ceased to be used as a private mansion, and was instead rented out as apartments.

In 1893, Frédéric Boucheron decided to establish his business on Place Vendôme, becoming the first jeweler to move into the celebrated square demanded by King Louis XIV in 1685 in order to bring fresh air into the streets of the capital, and whose harmonious façades were all designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. In doing so, the founder of Maison Boucheron took by surprise his fellow jewelers, who tended to prefer the private salons of rue de la Paix.

Frédéric Boucheron was an innovator who removed the entresol of 26, place Vendôme and gave it a singular elegance by creating tall openings highlighted with gold and green marble. This iconic, listed façade would remain substantially unchanged throughout the following century. However, as the years passed by, the ground floor, the mezzanine and the first floor of the Hôtel de Nocé were transformed behind the scenes. Frédéric, Louis, Gérard, Alain: successive generations of the Boucheron family and different eras all left their mark. As a result, a multiplicity of influences existed side by side, with a Chinese salon next to a library with 19th-century wood paneling.

LEFT

The Salon des Fiances.

RIGHT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

1. The Place Vendome entrance. 2. The Salon Chinois. 3. The Salon des Creations.

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION

The new Hôtel de Nocé is not a boutique. Or rather, it is much more than that. Boucheron is bringing together all its métiers in one and the same place, enabling its creations to be conceived, crafted, displayed and sold in a single movement.

The backbone of the structure, linking all these different areas of expertise, is the stone staircase whose steps begin on the rue de la Paix side of the building.

In the same spirit of freedom and transparency, the glass-roofed winter garden diffuses the northern light over three levels, creating a new façade for the mansion. Light, indeed, is omnipresent, bathing the salons of the southern, Place Vendôme side and illuminating transparent display windows which place creation firmly at the heart of the experience. No longer bound by traditional jewelry codes, Maison Boucheron has transformed its family home into a theater of contemporary creation.

Renowned interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon was chosen to turn 26, place Vendôme back into a private mansion – a house with character and changing ambiances in which life is truly lived. The spectacle can even be witnessed from Place Vendôme, since – most unusually

– the building’s paintings and chandeliers, as well as the movements of its occupants, can be glimpsed from outside. Above all, this family home is a living space, where one has the feeling of being a guest rather than a client. Indeed, it is no coincidence that the traditional sales offices have completely disappeared. With its rock-crystal chandelier designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, its 19th-century walnut paneling and its 1930s tables, the décor of the Grand Salon displays a mix of influences, but delivers a single message: this place is unique, and so is the experience.

The first floor, equally inviting and surprising, juxtaposes old with new to give the Hôtel de Nocé a singular charm. The white and gold color scheme of the Salon des Fiancés precedes the blue walls and pastoral wallpaper of the Salon des Créations. Like the carmine-red Salon Chinois on the ground floor, or the Napoléon III-style halls of the apartment on the second floor, these rooms tell their own stories within the unique harmony of the whole. Between classicism and modernity, contemporary designs and respect for the past, the Hôtel de Nocé is, more than ever, a seamless blend of styles and epochs.

36 Place Vendôme is more than just an address; it is a living museum of art, history, and luxury.

- LE LUXE À PORTÉE DE MAIN -

HORLOGERIE & BIJOUTERIE DE LUXE NEUFS, OCCASION & COLLECTIONS

BACCARAT

260 years of fire and light

Some names are engraved in marble, while others are just as eternal, tinkling like crystal. Baccarat is one of them.Celebrating its 260th anniversary today, Baccarat never ceases to fascinate. In everyone's imagination, it conjures up pure, transparent worlds, like daydreams forged in the warmth of flames. Here's a look back at the history of a manufacture that has become a legend.

By Eduardo Costerg

LEFT

New Antique Mirage Dual Vase. RIGHT Baccarat x Marcel Wanders © Palast.

BORN TO GREATNESS

This story that begins in a small town in eastern France, whose name has echoed down the ages, from one end of the world to the other: Baccarat. Here, in 1764, King Louis XV gave permission for a glassworks to be built, without yet knowing that it would become a legend. Within its walls, it was all about alchemy and magic: daring craftsmen transformed the four elements of nature - earth, air, fire and water - into glass of unrivalled quality. It would take them fifty-two years to perfect the secret formula for obtaining the purest crystal in the world. Thus, in 1816, Baccarat crystal was born.

This material, worked with all the expertise of the Maison's craftsmen, soon won over King Louis XVIII, who launched a long series of prestigious orders — The King loved Baccarat’s ‘finish and beauty’. In 1828, the Manufacture welcomed King Charles X and offered him a ewer, before creating a set of glasses in his honour. Twelve years later, the ceremonial chalice designed for Louis-Philippe, King of the French, established Baccarat as a symbol of the French ‘art de vivre’. The Maison’s reputation spread throughout France, and the company set out to conquer the world in 1855, at the Universal Exhibition in Paris. Over the years, Baccarat has showcased the unrivalled skills of its craftsmen in pieces that are as exquisite as they are monumental. The crystal glassworks have brought to life a life-size temple made entirely of crystal, and a ship whose prow combines the transparency of crystal with the brilliance of gold. On display for visitors to see, these dazzling creations make the exceptional visible.

The nobility of the world has eyes only for Baccarat’s sumptuous alchemy, an art of fire and breath, a source of universal joy. Baccarat crystal adorns palaces and the finest tables in the world: furniture specially designed for the maharajahs of India, the ‘Tsar’s candelabra’ designed for Nicholas II, lighting for the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, pieces commissioned by Napoleon III and the Japanese imperial court… From one end of the globe to the other, beauty and elegance are celebrated in the purity and translucent brilliance of Baccarat crystal.

RIGHT Baccarat manufacture ©Laurent-Parrault.

THE CRAFT OF LIGHT: A PASSION TO BE PASSED ON

The skills of Baccarat’s glassmakers may be time-honoured, but the company has also demonstrated the boldness and ingenuity needed to blow a breath of fresh air into the future. As the first company to introduce chandeliers in 1827 and coloured pieces in 1839, Baccarat and its craftsmen are constantly pushing back the boundaries of their art, driven by this pioneering culture of innovation. Today, it boasts twelve Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (Best Craftsmen in France) — the highest number of any French company — as well as two Chevaliers des Arts et des Lettres (Knights of Arts and Letters). The Maison draws inspiration from its heritage to create tomorrow’s trends and flirt with eternity, as illustrated by the timeless Harcourt glass, a veritable icon of the crystal glasswork since 1841.

Baccarat has made it its duty to preserve the craftsmanship, as precious as it is ancient, that has made its reputation. As part of its commitment to remembering and passing on its heritage, the Manufacture has its own school where the glassmakers of tomorrow are trained in the rules of the art – some of whom are already entitled to the title of Best Apprentice in France. Their skills are put to the test in a meticulously choreographed process that works its magic: this is how the journey through the workshops begins. The material is sculpted with a breath, in the heart of the flames; the sand becomes crystal, and the crystal becomes an exceptional object. Each one is caressed, sublimated, contemplated over and over again from every angle. Nothing can be left to chance.

The fruit of a collective creative effort, fashioned one by one by a group of craftsmen, the House’s creations tell the story of a heritage, a love of materials, and a demanding job. At Baccarat, the fire of passion has never been extinguished and burns forever.

LEFT Savoir faire ©Laurent-Parrault.

LEFT

Baccarat Moscow Cristal Room.

RIGHT

Cover of the Baccarat catalogue showing the ‘temple of mercury’, universal exposition in paris, 1878.

BACCARAT X MARCEL WANDERS, A LONG ASSOCIATION

In turn, great artists and designers such as Dali, Ettore Sottsass, Philippe Starck, Jaime Hayon and Virgil Abloh have lent their talent and strength to the House. Through original collaborations, each infuses the purity of crystal with a singular artistic vision, even defying the laws of matter. Blurring the boundaries between art, architecture and design, this absolute complicity between artists and craftsmen gives rise to new perspectives and enriches Baccarat’s aesthetic vocabulary over time.

To celebrate its 260th anniversary, Baccarat has teamed up with Marcel Wanders to create the New Antique collection: creations inspired by Baccarat’s masterpieces acclaimed at the major World Fairs, celebrating the talent of its elite craftsmen. Fusing the beauty of marble and crystal, the New Antique collection embodies timeless elegance tinged with the avant-garde. Imagined as an enchanting universe, the New Antique collection invites you on a journey to the heart of refinement, between the minerality of marble and the poetic fragility of crystal.

Marcel Wanders is no stranger to the Baccarat universe. Since 2010, Baccarat and the designer have forged a lasting partnership, between heritage and modernity, tradition and innovation. The United Crystal Woods collection, the majestic Roi Soleil chandelier, the Chess and Go game, or the Backgammon with its gemstone allure: a sparkling and constantly renewed imagination is emerging. The Dutch designer has even been asked to revisit the Harcourt icon.

One thing is certain, Baccarat has not finished astonishing the world with its creations and expertise: in 260 years, the House has forged a reputation to match its heritage and, keen to push back the boundaries of its art, it never stops reinventing itself, again and again. Perhaps that’s the secret of its longevity…

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

1. Le Roi Solei New Antique. 2. New Antique Amphora Vase.

CARNAULT

The art of chic vaping

By creating an electronic cigarette that is much more than a simple device, Carnault has established itself as a benchmark in the field of top-of-the-range vaping. Combining meticulous design, innovation and excellent materials, the Swiss brand redefines the art of living through every puff.

By Quitterie Pasquesoone

ELEGANT DESIGN INSPIRED BY SWISS CRAFTSMANSHIP

Carnault stands out for its refined design that leaves no detail to chance. With a finely crafted leather case and finishes worthy of fine Swiss watchmaking, each electronic cigarette is designed to be both discreet and luxurious. High-quality materials and attention to detail give each piece a timeless look that immediately appeals to lovers of sophisticated design. The brand's approach is resolutely artisanal, incorporating goldsmithing techniques that add a special charm to each model. The result: a harmony between form and function, where the electronic cigarette becomes a precious object, evocative of Swiss elegance and precision.

A SENSORY JOURNEY THROUGH THE SCENTS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

Carnault offers a collection of exclusive aromas, developed in collaboration with the artisan perfumers of Grasse, the capital of perfumery. Inspired by Mediterranean landscapes, the aromas bring a sensory depth to every

inhalation. You'll discover refined nuances of flowers, wood and citrus, evoking the sea air and sunny forests. These Mediterranean aromas are not just a pleasure for the senses, but a real invitation to travel, allowing each user to escape through a unique olfactory experience. The company has succeeded in transforming vaping into an experience that goes far beyond the product itself.

A RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE EXPERIENCE

Carnault doesn't just create luxurious objects; the brand is also committed to sustainability, meeting the expectations of a conscious and demanding public. The electronic cigarettes are designed to be reusable, with materials selected for their quality and longevity. This concern for eco-responsible production underlines the importance Carnault places on luxury that respects the environment and is part of a modern vision of sustainable luxury. For lovers of refinement and sophistication, Carnault offers a unique experience, where every detail, from design to flavour, is designed to provide an elegant and responsible alternative to traditional cigarettes.

HÄSTENS

The art of sleep

Luxury can sometimes be ostentatious, but it can also be essential to the discretion of a natural experience. In top-ofthe-range hotels and palaces, or simply in your own home, at the heart of this quest for comfort and well-being after a restful night, the bed becomes much more than just a piece of furniture. And that's precisely where Hästens comes in, a Swedish brand that, for 172 years, has established itself as a benchmark in the field of essential luxury bedding.

By Helena Perdoux-Frances

KNOW-HOW, A WHOLE HISTORY

Hästens was founded in 1852 by Pehr Adolf Janson, a master saddler. His son, Per Thure, took over the business in 1885. Then, in the same spirit of family progress, and at the dawn of the automobile, he decided to devote himself to making mattresses filled with horsehair – a particularly innovative decision. This activity, which was complementary at first, took over from saddlery at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, Hästens is known for its commitment to excellence in craftsmanship, handed down from generation to generation. Jan Ryde, the current head of the company and representative of the fifth generation, ensures that this unique know-how is perpetuated, while taking on modern challenges.

SLEEP, A TRUE ART OF LIVING

For Jan Ryde, head of Hästens since 1988, the company’s mission remains, above all, to provide quality sleep, made possible by beds designed using noble materials and exceptional craftsmanship. Each bed is made by hand… an admittedly time-consuming process. The care taken with every detail, from the selection of materials to the meticulous assembly of natural layers, guarantees optimum performance. This philosophy of the best never being the enemy of the good is embodied by the famous ‘Blue Check’ pattern, adopted in 1978, which has since become the brand’s emblem.

THE INFALLIBLE PARTNER FOR EXCEPTIONAL HOTELS

Hästens has made a name for itself with its concept of comfort, thanks in particular to its collaboration with prestigious hotels, where the comfort of its beds is put to the test by demanding travellers.

Establishments such as the Hästens Sleep Spa in Portugal, the Chedi in Switzerland and the Britannia in Norway offer their customers an unrivalled sleep experience. The restorative sleep offered by these establishments makes a remarkable contribution to the satisfaction of their visitors.

HARRISON SPINKS, ANOTHER PARTNER IN THE WORLD OF HÄSTENS

Founded in Leeds in 1840, Harrison Spinks is a British family business specialising in luxury bedding. Its 180 years of expertise have made the brand a representative of traditional craftsmanship combined with technological innovation, all in an eco-responsible spirit. Its patented system of recycled steel micro-springs provides optimum support for a restful night’s sleep. Its mattresses, which are handmade and recyclable, without foam or chemicals, are also hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.

HÄSTENS, SYNONYMOUS WITH ECO-RESPONSIBILITY

Quality and durability are at the heart of Hästens’ DNA. The materials used in the manufacture of its beds are all of natural origin, and their sourcing follows a process that owes everything to irreproachable ethics. The quality of the materials used regulates body temperature, which is essential for a deep, uninterrupted sleep.

INNOVATION AT THE SERVICE OF WELL-BEING

In partnership with world-renowned experts, Hästens has developed the Hästens Restore application, which offers soundscapes with frequencies that encourage concentration and well-being. This combination of traditional craftsmanship and futuristic technology reflects, once again, a real ability to move with the times.

THE SLEEP ATELIER OR THE ART OF CREATING MADE-TO-MEASURE SLEEP

In Bern, Geneva and Saanen, Hästens is offering an innovative and life-saving concept: the Sleep Atelier. The best brands of sustainable bedding are available. This extraordinary company has developed an innovative methodology. Three doctors, including a psychiatrist, work for Hästens and train the staff in direct contact with the buyer. No part of the future bed is pre-produced, and the buyer remains the starting point. The signals, whether conscious or not, sent to the advisors will inform them, among other things, of a potential trauma, a sleep disorder, etc. Their interpretation will guide them towards bedding that is completely adapted to the customer’s needs. This informed, personalised advice enables an intelligent choice to be made, in response to the aspirations and tastes expressed, guaranteeing a combination of design and performance. Imagine a place where every ingredient of your sleep is carefully considered, a space where craftsmanship and science come together to create the perfect environment – yours.

For Hästens, sleep is much more than just a biological function, it’s the art of living well. The Swedish brand is redefining what it means to sleep, helping to modernise quality sleep, a holistic experience where every detail counts.

BEHIND GRIET VAN MALDEREN’S LENS

Wild and beautiful

Griet Van Malderen takes us far from the marked paths, and from her native Belgium. Stealthily, we follow the photographer through the wildest regions of Africa and beyond, to the solitude of the Namibian desert dunes or under the canopy of the Indonesian equatorial forests. As an adventurer at heart, and a lover of the great outdoors, Griet has been following in the footsteps of animals as majestic as they are fierce for years, in search of the perfect photograph. The photographer paints a portrait of Africa, full of life, the place which has given rise to a passion within her.

By Eduardo Costerg

What was your first encounter with photography?

My love for photography was sparked after our first trip to Africa. Armed with a basic camera, I attempted to capture the awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife, but looking back, I missed nearly everything. Still, as they say, Africa has a way of getting under your skin, and it certainly did for me. With each return trip, I found myself drawn deeper into its magic. Determined to do justice to the incredible sights, I invested in better cameras and, with practice, steadily improved my skills.

Years later, life threw me a curveball when I faced serious health challenges. It was a turning point that forced me to reassess my priorities. I realized that life was too short to put off my dreams. Bit by bit, I started pursuing the things I had always wanted to do. Photography, particularly capturing the wild beauty of Africa, became not just a passion but a way of reconnecting with what truly mattered.

That simple beginning with a basic camera has now evolved into a profound journey. Through photography, I’ve not only documented the world’s wonders but also rediscovered my own resilience and purpose.

You describe your job as a photographer as an art of living: can you tell us more about it?

For me, photography is more than just a craft—it's an art of living. Wherever I go, my eyes are constantly observing, seeking moments that tell a story, scenes that deserve to be captured. I can sense where the picture lies, even in the smallest details, and I instinctively frame the world in my mind.

Photography is my way of doing justice to the incredible world I’m passionate about. Whether it’s the raw beauty of Africa’s wildlife or the quiet poetry of everyday life, my goal is to honor those moments by preserving them in their truest form. Through my lens, I don’t just take pictures—I create a bridge between what I see and what I feel, sharing that connection with others.

This art of living isn’t just about the act of taking photos; it’s about seeing the world differently, embracing its beauty, and finding meaning in its fleeting moments. Photography has taught me to live with intention, to cherish the present, and to always remain curious about the world around me.

What do you consider to be the characteristics of the ideal photograph? At what point do you feel satisfied with a photograph?

Most of the time, I already have the picture in mind before I even lift my camera. Yet, for me, the key elements that bring that vision to life are the light and the landscape. These two components shape the mood and depth of every photograph, making them my primary focus. As I travel more, I’ve become increasingly demanding of my projects, challenging myself to push boundaries. With this growth, my confidence has also flourished.

Over the years, I’ve gained extensive knowledge of the situations I may encounter—whether it’s understanding the behavior of elusive animals, predicting their movements, or identifying the topography that offers the best photographic opportunities. This experience is what defines the contours of the image I’m trying to create. My ability to optimize lighting, landscapes, and subjects stems from this foundation of preparation and awareness.

But even with all the planning, photography in the wild demands immense patience. There are moments of prolonged waiting, watching, and hoping that an animal will “pose” just as I envision it in my mind. In these moments, it’s about connection—letting the animal sense my calm presence, easing its wariness until it allows me to capture its essence.

The moment I press the shutter release, I know. There’s an undeniable feeling—a certainty—that the ideal photograph is there, perfectly encapsulated. It’s not just a mechanical click but the culmination of vision, preparation, and patience, all coming together in harmony.

Your attachment to your subjects is palpable. Which animal(s) do you identify with most? What encounter has left the biggest impression on you?

Among the many animals I’ve encountered during my travels, gorillas hold a special place in my heart. Over several years, I followed the same family, building a connection that felt remarkably intimate. It may sound strange, but I grew to feel like an extended member of their troop. I witnessed the birth of their babies and watched them grow, forming bonds with each individual.

The troop’s silverback male, Rafiki, left the deepest impression on me. Tragically, he was killed by poachers just before the borders closed at the start of the pandemic. I was one of the last people to see him, and I’ll never forget our final encounter. In that moment, he was utterly relaxed, and I felt as though we had “tamed” each other in a way. Sitting on the grass beside him, a towering silverback who had come to accept and trust me, was one of the most powerful moments of my life. When I reunited with the family after his death, the dynamic had changed; his absence was palpable. Those memories of him remain profoundly moving and bittersweet.

On a brighter note, one of my most vivid encounters involved a big tusker elephant in Kenya during a sweltering heatwave. Tracking him took several days of careful searching and patience. After nearly a week, I finally found him. As we approached, the wind shifted, alerting him to our presence, and he bolted before I could take a lingering look. Despite the fleeting nature of the encounter, the photograph I captured holds immense significance for me. He had come far closer than I ever expected, creating an image that reflects the authenticity of the moment.

Both experiences—sitting calmly beside Rafiki and the thrill of finally spotting the tusker—remind me of the power of patience, respect, and connection in wildlife photography. These encounters, with all their challenges and emotions, are what fuel my passion and make each journey unforgettable.

MCLAREN ARTURA SPIDER NEXT

GENERATION SUPERCAR EXHILARATION

McLaren reveals the new Artura Spider, its first-ever convertible with a high-performance hybrid powertrain and the second Artura model. The new Spider is introduced with significant upgrades to power, performance and driver engagement, which combine with the sensory pleasures of open-top driving to add a remarkable new dimension to the Artura.

Further elevating the Artura’s next-generation supercar performance, the enhancements engineered for the Spider have also been incorporated into the Artura coupe, with a new model introduced simultaneously. Both new Spider and new coupe deliver the highest levels of dynamic performance – up to and including outstanding circuit ability – as well as meeting the requirements of regular driving and offering the near-silent electric-drive so beneficial in urban environments.

The new Artura Spider was designed and developed to ambitious targets across the board, with particular focus on driver engagement, performance, agility, refinement, efficiency and quality. The additional attraction of a retractable hard-top that operates electrically in just 11 seconds to provide a full convertible experience, ensures intoxicating supercar exhilaration.

The new Artura Spider and new Artura coupe –which are both designated 2025 model year (‘MY25’) – are available to order now, with first deliveries from mid-year depending on region.

The McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) at the heart of the Artura provides a secure platform with no loss of rigidity when the fixed roof is removed – the majority of the 62kg difference between Spider and coupe is accounted for by the electrically-operated Retractable Hard Top (RHT) mechanism.

Beyond the core carbon fibre monocoque, MCLA incorporates aluminium impact structures and a rear

structure that houses the hybrid powertrain. An innovative ethernet electrical architecture is also part of MCLA, reducing cabling by 25% and with that proportional weight. The electrical architecture was optimised in the development process for the new Spider to increase data capacity and transfer speeds.

McLaren’s high-performance hybrid powertrain has been recalibrated, with an additional 20PS from the V6 combustion engine* on the MY25 Artura, increasing overall power to 700PS. The additional power is focused from 4,000rpm to the redline at 8,500rpm, providing a marked ‘crescendo’ in performance. Peak torque value remains at a muscular 720Nm, its delivery optimised by minor changes to electronic mapping. This engine recalibration will also be made available free-of-charge to existing Artura owners** via their McLaren Retailer.

The 3.0-litre M630 dry-sump aluminium petrol engine, which now achieves in excess of 200PS per litre, is extremely compact and lightweight – at just 160kg it weighs 50kg less than a McLaren V8 and is significantly shorter, enhancing packaging efficiency. The dimensions are made possible by a 120-degree V angle design that also aids a low centre of gravity. The engine design reduces pressure losses through the exhaust system as well as allowing for a stiffer crankshaft and in turn a rev limit of 8,500rpm. The free-revving nature of the V6 engine is supported by the twin-turbochargers being located within the ‘hot vee’, positioning that enables them to spin more rapidly, improving throttle response.

The soundtrack of the engine has also been enhanced, with a revised valved exhaust system incorporating a tuned resonator and upward conical shape to the tailpipes to further refine the engine note at the middle and higher points of the rev range. This provides a ‘cleaner’ sound that envelops the occupants. An optional sports exhaust system is available, offering an enhanced, clearer tone overall and even greater driver engagement through an exhaust symposer that channels authentic sound waves from the tailpipe into the cabin.

The E-motor is powered by a battery pack comprising five lithium-ion modules, offering a usable energy capacity of 7.4kWh and an increased EV range of 33km (21miles). The battery is refrigerant cooled using cooling rails, and the assembly – including a power distribution unit which transfers battery power from the rear of the vehicle to the ancillaries in the front – is mounted on a structural carbon fibre floor. This assembly is then bolted onto the rear base of the monocoque, optimising stiffness, weight distribution and crash protection.

A five-speaker McLaren Audio System is standard fit. Customers can choose to specify the Artura’s acclaimed Bowers & Wilkins 12-speaker surround sound audio system, which is exclusively available with the Technology Pack. This system features Bowers & Wilkins’ Continuum™ midrange speakers to ensure precise reproduction of voices and instruments throughout the cabin, complemented by Nautilus™ Aluminium Double Dome tweeters to provide greater clarity at high frequencies. The Artura Spider additionally features an additional rear centre speaker to optimise the cabin’s convertible-specific acoustic requirements. The new Artura Spider and the much-improved Artura Coupé offer the highest levels of dynamic performance, including exceptional track capability, while meeting the demands of everyday driving and offering the silence of an electric car, which is beneficial in urban environments. The improvements made to the Artura for the 2025 model year take the original features and innovation of this revolutionary supercar to a new level: more power, more performance with improved suspension, brakes and quicker gear changes, all combining to offer maximum driving pleasure and exhilaration behind the wheel.

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One&Only Mandarina

A tropical paradise in the heart of Mexico

A true Mexican jewel, One&Only Mandarina offers a unique experience in the midst of unspoilt nature, with its luxurious villas and wide range of activities. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this upscale, contemporarystyle resort opened in 2020. It's a destination of choice for travellers in search of authenticity and relaxation.

By Eloise Leray

A NATURAL WONDER

This exclusive retreat in the rainforest of Mexico's Riviera Nayarit invites adventure under azure skies. With 105 villas and wooden cabanas nestling on clifftops or in the trees, One&Only Mandarina offers total immersion in nature. Designed by renowned architects, each features a private pool and terrace, glass walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and interiors complemented by personalised objets d'art... An invitation to relax in an idyllic setting, with breathtaking views of the ocean or jungle.

Built with respect for the environment, the resort extends over 33 hectares of unspoilt landscape, home to exceptional biodiversity. The architects worked closely with botanical experts to preserve the local biodiversity. Built from clay, wood, precious metals, stone and the finest regional materials, the villas are true private sanctuaries, rooted in the tradition and essence of the local Cora and Huichol cultures.

Accommodation options include the cliffside Villa One with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rainforest, or Villa Pacifico, a secluded sanctuary for 8 with two private pools, plenty of entertaining and living spaces, including a full-screen cinema and a covered outdoor terrace. The resort also offers an exclusive collection of One&Only Private Homes, available to buy or rent, each carefully designed to complement its natural surroundings.

A CULINARY VOYAGE NOT TO BE MISSED!

One&Only Mandarina celebrates Mexican cultural traditions and hospitality, combining tradition with innovation. The Carao restaurant, led by renowned chef Enrique Olvera, reinvents Mexican specialities using both modern and traditional techniques. Located in the south of the complex, Carao offers sophisticated dishes using local ingredients: horse mackerel ceviche and whole fish aged Zarandeado style are on the menu. An adults-only infinity pool stretches up the mountainside, as if extended over the ocean, where guests can also enjoy a menu from Carao throughout the day.

The Jetty Beach Club, located on a private beach, offers fresh seafood grilled to perfection over charcoal, snacks and original cocktails with ocean views. Alma, a family restaurant open all day, offers seasonal and PanAmerican dishes, served in an intimate setting with an open kitchen and a lemon tree-lined patio. Next door, The Treetop botanical bar revisits classic cocktails with a refined twist, while offering splendid views of the coast. The One&Only Mandarina also caters for all tastes, offering private dining for those who prefer to relax in the setting of their choice.

ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG AND OLD

One&Only Mandarina offers a wide range of activities to help you reconnect with nature. Hiking, horse riding, cycling, archery and water sports are just some of the activities on offer. The resort has a private jetty giving access to activities such as fishing, whale watching, diving, kayaking and surfing.

For families, KidsOnly, a dedicated children's area, offers fun and educational activities inspired by the surrounding nature. Youngsters can explore tree houses, climb climbing walls and discover the local flora and

fauna. Thanks to its spa, the One&Only Mandarina also invites guests to a true immersion in well-being. Set in a garden of volcanic rock, this haven of peace offers a range of personalised treatments combining ancestral Mexican traditions with high-quality natural products. Guests can enjoy healing rituals inspired by medicinal plants, relaxing massages and revitalising facials. For complete relaxation, the spa also offers a mud grotto, hammam, sauna, relaxing pool and yoga terrace.

MORE INFOS: Carretera Federal Libre 200 Tepic-Puerto Vallarta Municipio de Compostela El Monteón 63724 Nayari, Nay, Mexico - +52 327 689 0100 – www.oneandonlyresorts.com/mandarina

BASEL

- BELFORT - MULHOUSE

A full color hotel Warren Street Hotel

In beautiful New York City, the dynamic and creative TriBeCa ("Triangle Below Canal Street") district is being enriched by a new jewel of contemporary art and design: the Warren Street Hotel, with its striking blue exterior and bright yellow roof. Opened in February 2024, this is the third hotel in the Firmdale Hotels group. More than just a hotel, it's a celebration of British design. Every detail, from the decor to the tableware, reflects the expertise of British craftsmen and designers.

By Eloise Leray

A JOURNEY THROUGH ART

Designed by the renowned and talented Kit Kemp - founder and creative director of the Firmdale Hotels Group - and her daughters Minnie and Willow, the Warren Street Hotel boasts bold architecture, vibrant colours and personalised interiors. Awarded a key by the Michelin Guide, the hotel confirms its excellence and adds to the group's list of refined establishments. Every room in the hotel, from the entrance hall to more intimate areas such as the Orangerie, is an invitation to discover and marvel. The 69 rooms, suites and residences are works of art in their own right, combining comfort and originality. Guests can enjoy private terraces with breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River, as well as carefully landscaped private gardens where nature invites

itself into the city. These green spaces are designed to encourage biodiversity and offer residents a haven of peace.

The Warren Street Hotel is more than just a place to stay, it's an art gallery. Kit Kemp's specially commissioned artworks and decorative objects create a unique and warm atmosphere. Works by renowned sculptors such as Tony Cragg and Wendell Castle sit alongside unique pieces created especially for the hotel. The 'Tall Trees' fine porcelain tableware, designed by Kit Kemp for Spode, adds a touch of poetry to the ensemble. "We researched and commissioned our favourite artists and sculptors to create original pieces, and brought together the best pieces from our own collections designed in our design studio to create a very personal ambience that feels exciting and exclusive for our third New York hotel," says Kit Kemp.

THE CHARM OF TRIBECA

The hotel is located in the heart of TriBeCa, a district steeped in history with cobbled streets and restored redbrick warehouses. In recent years, artist studios, small galleries, independent boutiques and local restaurants have breathed new life into the area. New York's financial district and bustling SoHo district are just a few minutes' walk away. Kit Kemp has drawn on this rich history to design a hotel where every room tells a story. The fabrics, carefully selected and often created in collaboration with renowned houses such as Christopher Farr Cloth, GP&J Baker and Spode, evoke the days when TriBeCa was a hub of the textile industry.

With its elegant blend of past and present, the Warren Street Hotel fits perfectly into the artistic and cultural landscape of TriBeCa, the neighbourhood that has risen from the ashes to become a popular destination for art, design and food lovers.

Ultima Courchevel Belvédère

Redefining luxury, reaching new heights

Let's get away from it all: "The mountains are calling me and I must go there" wrote author John Muir, so let's go — Courchevel awaits. This very posh ski resort is no stranger to the world of luxury, in fact it is one of its most fervent ambassadors. And yet, as we push open the doors of the Ultima Courchevel Belvédère — our home for this stay — we are invited to reconsider what really lies behind the notion of "luxury": confidentiality, hospitality, warmth, pleasure and conviviality.

By Eduardo Costerg

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Ultima Courchevel has a major ambition: to offer sumptuous, private chalets without compromising on palatial amenities. As manager Marie-Cécile BouchetPichon guides us through the complex, it becomes clear that the challenge has been met: in addition to the chic, modern atmosphere of the premises, the sumptuous white marble spa and the state-of-the-art fitness room, we will be accompanied during our stay by our personal butler, a top-of-the-range concierge and valet service, and a private chef. Yet from the moment we step inside our chalet, we already feel at home. Spread over four floors, each home has four to five bedrooms — including a master's room — a fully equipped kitchen adjoining the dining room, and a warm, spacious living room. As soon as we have settled in, we take our place by the fireplace, glass of champagne in hand, where a succulent platter of local charcuterie awaits us, accompanied by a fondue of Montd'Or and roast potatoes — a welcome gift compliments of the House. A welcome without false note, in the image of an establishment placed under the sign of conviviality and excellence.

EPICUREANS, WELCOME!

It doesn't take long for everyone to find their feet — each epicurean has their own programme. While some enjoy the peace and sun on the terrace overlooking the ski slopes, others indulge in a relaxing interlude at the spa. You can take a dip in the warm waters of the pool, which extends outwards. From this aquatic esplanade, time seems suspended, between sky and mountains, and evaporates like snow in the sun. Those with a chill in the air can enjoy a sauna session or a steam bath in the hammam. Fortunately, the outdoor jacuzzi, on the edge of the forest, seems to be the perfect compromise to get everyone on the same wavelength. So what's on the agenda for tonight? It's likely to be somewhere between a movie night in Ultima's private room and a relaxing massage, coupled with a Swiss Perfection facial.

For dinner, we'll meet in the dining room, at table, over a tasting menu concocted by the very talented chef Marta de Pablo. Rather than composing individual dishes by the plate, each evening the chef competes inventively to offer us a whole range of dishes to share, adjusted according to the tastes and specificities of each person.

THE WORLD'S LARGEST SKI AREA AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

In addition to the idyllic setting offered by Ultima Courchevel Belvédère, the residences are ideally located to take advantage of Courchevel's main asset: its ski area. After enjoying a sumptuous, made-to-measure breakfast, the great outdoors beckons. Once we're kitted out and shod by our ski butler, we meet in the ski room to make our final preparations. One step outside and we're at the gates of the 3 Vallées ski area, one of the largest in the world — 600 km of pistes to ski down against a backdrop of some of the most beautiful Alpine peaks. In fact, the area is so vast that all you have to do is hop on your skis to travel from valley to valley, resort to resort: Méribel, Les Ménuires, Val-Thorens and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville are all within easy reach. But for the time being, we don't need to go that far, we'll just enjoy the slopes and the sunshine of Courchevel — one day's skiing is at least enough to discover the resort in all its nooks and crannies.

ULTIMA COLLECTION: A NEW VISION OF EXCELLENCE

Ultima Collection is the promise of a stay beyond the traditional codes of luxury hotels — and the Courchevel establishment is a superb illustration of this. "The Ultima Collection is designed to meet the needs of today's affluent travellers and satisfy their desire for shared experiences with friends and family, to feel at ease and enjoy absolute privacy. We own and operate all our properties, giving us total control over quality and customer experience. I look forward to consolidating this unique positioning and realising our ambitious growth plans with our incredible team", says Petar Krstic, CEO of Ultima Courchevel Belvédère. "Intimacy and sharing", these words still resonate with us as we close the parenthesis of this escapade in the heart of the French Alps. Our stay in our sumptuous residence was enhanced by the warmth, excellence and hospitality of the Ultima team, and punctuated by care and attention. So we leave with the conviction that, from now on, we'll always be at home in Courchevel — just like wherever Ultima's doors open.

“Sculpteur du temps”

Tortue Lady

With its pure and timeless curves associated with its unique and exclusive caliber, “Tortue Lady” introduces a new sculpture of time. claudemeylan.ch

A journey into the future Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels

Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, Mauritius's largest hotel group, is distinguished by a collection of eight hotels in Mauritius. With its excellent reputation and international reach, the brand aims to maintain and consolidate this privileged position. This means building on three fundamental pillars: the customer experience, sustainable development and the employer brand.

By Helena Perdoux-France

DISCOVER AUTHENTIC MAURITIUS

Highlighting local culture is also a powerful indicator of the level of perfection expected by a demanding clientele. Beachcomber understands this, and thanks to its signature shows, Wild Island and Tropical India, the musical, historical and gastronomic heritage of Mauritius, not to mention the moments of humanity provided by encounters with Mauritian children, are showcased.

A VISION, A FUTURE

Customer experience is at the heart of Beachcomber’s vision. It begins with the reservation and continues right through to check-out. At the Beachcomber Annual Forum held at the end of 2023, the focus was on constantly enriching this fundamental element, through innovation and digitalization. The Group is committed to offering stays based on authenticity, emotion and the unexpected, in order to meet the growing expectations of customers fond of tailor-made adventures. At the same time, demand for environmentally-friendly travel is on the rise. Beachcomber is fully committed to sustainable development, with its 52 Environmental and Social Commitments designed to adopt the best practices in terms of eco-responsibility, and to specify the measures implemented in its hotels.

Trust, Humanity, Team Spirit, Mauritian, Innovation, Service, Know-How, and Solidity… eight constant values that permeate Beachcomber’s relationships with its customers, employees and local communities, ensuring excellence in its field.

NO FUTURE WITHOUT ECOLOGICAL RESPONSIBILITY

In 2024, the group reached a milestone by joining the Stock Exchange of Mauritius Sustainability Index (SEMSI) and celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Fondation Espoir Développement Beachcomber (FED), Mauritius’ first foundation launched in 1990. In addition, Beachcomber has a simple yet ambitious goal for this year: to receive the prestigious EarthCheck Gold certification, a global environmental accreditation program, for all the group’s hotels. Three of the group’s establishments are already accredited: Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa and Beachcomber House. Four others were certified Gold for the very first time this year… Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa and Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. This certification is expected to cover the entire hotel collection by July 2024.

MEETING CHALLENGES, GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Beachcomber is addressing the recruitment issue by promoting the opportunities and richness of the hotel

industry to the younger generation. Its ‘employer brand’ campaign highlights the inspiring career paths of the group’s employees. Indeed, the hotel business is an industry deeply focused on human relations, so Beachcomber makes a point of valuing its employees, respectfully named Artisans. The ‘Faces of Happiness’ campaign aims to strengthen commitment to them, build team loyalty and attract new talent. Since its creation in 1952, Beachcomber’s success has been based on the know-how and interpersonal skills of its Artisans, and the employer brand aims to highlight these exceptional qualities.

EVOLVING… RELENTLESSLY

Particularly in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, customers are yearning for stays that go beyond the perfect accommodation, and wish to experience authentic and moving interludes. Beachcomber responds to this demand with innovative offers that promise escape, relaxation and reconnection. In a hyper-connected world, digital is indispensable. Beachcomber enriches its operational excellence with digital tools integrated throughout the customer journey, offering simplicity and fluidity.

Beachcomber distinguishes itself from other hotel chains not only through the precellence of its establishments and the premium quality of its services, but also through the commitment of its teams to creating happiness. The Beachcomber Artisans embody this promise of a daily life that owes everything to magic.

Découvrez une sensation d’éternelle jeunesse dans un lit Hästens.

Découvrez ces sensations dans votre magasin Hästens le plus proche. H A S TEN S CO M

4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES

The quintessence of Maison Ruinart

After 3 years of renovation work, Maison Ruinart’s emblematic address has been metamorphosed.

RIGHT Ruinart Blanc de Blancs © Chloe Le Reste.

Located in the heart of a region renowned for its winemaking expertise, Maison Ruinart fosters dialogue and encounters. Whether relating wine, art or gastronomy, each experience sheds new light on centuries-old heritage, combining nature and culture, pleasure and savoir-faire. Inspiration and conversation are never far away.

4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES has been open for many generations, shaped by the different influences sweeping through the Champagne region and the world. At this unique address in Reims, the creativity, know-how and cultural terroir of the world’s oldest champagne house have taken root and flourished in harmony with nature. To bring this metamorphosis to life, Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, interior designer Gwenaël Nicolas and landscape artist Christophe Gautrand fused their talents to interpret and share the vision of Nicolas Ruinart – who founded the first champagne house in Reims almost 300 years ago. Opposite the centuries-old buildings now stands a contemporary pavilion made from stone and glass. Encased by a freely accessible sculpture garden and designed as a haven for local biodiversity, 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES plunges visitors into the sensorial, inspiring world of champagne. Cultivating conversations that are both timeless and contemporary, 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES brings together artisans, artists, chefs and visitors to share exceptional moments. Encounters and exchanges provide the opportunity for us to reconnect with ourselves, the world and those around us. These enlightened experiences make 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES much more than an address. It is a destination. Respecting heritage while also looking to the future, the site reflects the Maison’s commitment to perpetuating tradition and modernity in perfect harmony.

A NEW DESTINATION IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION

Since being founded, Maison Ruinart has been rooted in a rich cultural terroir. Under one roof, its emblematic Reims address brings together champagne traditions and winemaking expertise; French culture and a conscious art of living; art and artists from all over the world inspired by the connections between nature and culture. Today, on the same site different elements come into a dialogue around champagne: creation (with the wine team), know-how (with the artisans in the cellars) and experience (with new visitors and friends of the house). Embodying the essence of Ruinart, 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES expresses its multiple facets. Visitors can wander freely as they discover different areas and tasting experiences. Installations by contemporary artists interact with natural and historic elements. Renowned chefs share original food and champagne pairings, inviting visitors to embark on unique sensory explorations.

LEFT

Jaume Plensa © Mathieu Bonnevie. RIGHT

4 RUE DES CRAYERES with the historic building and the new Nicolas Ruinart pavilion © Raul Cabrera.

4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES is accessed via a hidden path, as if carved out of the limestone. At first glance, all you can make out is the whiteness of the chalk, the blue of the sky and green flecks of foliage on the treetops. Hidden from view at first, a streamlined limestone building gradually emerges. The curves of this new construction contrast with the straight lines of the historic buildings. For the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion, architect Sou Fujimoto created a space inspired by the evanescence of champagne bubbles, sculpted by light. The fourth wall is made from glass, opening onto the main courtyard. The body of the building contrasts with 19th century facades opposite with an asymmetrical roof that forms a curve recalling the roundness of a champagne bubble. The architecture is divided into several sequences. The entrance hall highlights the contrast between the half-light – the pathways connecting the crayères – and the daylight that nourishes the vineyard. Passing through a vast shaft of light encircled by beige mineral walls, visitors find themselves facing an immense bay window that frames the view of the main courtyard like a painting. Gradually shifting from transparent to subtlety opaque, the glass creates an impression like the bubbling of champagne, transforming the vision of the historic site into a timeless image.

As a meeting place and starting point for guided tours, the pavilion reveals the world of Maison Ruinart. Welcomed at the entrance by a shaft of light, visitors move through the pavilion as if inside a landscape. Designed as an extension of the garden's vegetation, tall stems made from marble-powdered linen fibres (Cogitech) form white islands, revealing or concealing the different spaces in a subtle play of perspectives. Every detail is surprising and enchanting. Glass bubbles by Atelier Barrois levitate above the pinkish-beige stone bar, like a champagne dream. The upholstery of the armchairs, in a palette of delicate greens, is infused with the colours of chardonnay leaves. The contoured shapes of the oak and beech furniture evoke corollas and petals in the intimate alcoves and on the terrace looking onto the garden.

A glass carrousel sparkles in the centre. The walls are infinitely reflected in a mirrored ceiling, offering a vertiginous vision linking ground and sky, past and future. Nestling along the walls set in LED light, bottles of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs form an enchanting backdrop, ready to be picked like ripe fruit. As well as a selection of art de vivre objects inspired by the Maison including wine bottle vases and knives and candleholders made from vine stock, as well as art editions celebrating the many commissions given to artists. Hidden in the basement, an intimate cellar can be reserved by connoisseurs and collectors to enjoy a unique experience. In the dimmed orange lighting that protects the precious vintages, they can discover the depth of the Maison’s chardonnay savoir-faire through Ruinart’s vintages and a selection of its rarest cuvées – only available in Reims. As well as admiring the architecture and garden, visitors can also enjoy authentic artistic and culinary experiences, inspired by collaborations initiated by Ruinart.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

1. The chalk pits © Gregoire Machavoine.

2. Fenetre Sur Le Vignoble, Ugo Gattoni © Mathieu Bonnevie.

3. Le Bar by Ruinart © PMonetta.

ART INTWINED WITH NATURE

4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES embodies the philosophy at the heart of Maison Ruinart: enlightening our vision of existence by understanding our connection with nature through the prism of art. By promoting a better understanding of ecosystems and our interdependency, the Maison fosters a more harmonious world and authentic art of living. Art, in its many forms, is omnipresent. Inherited from Ruinart’s cultural imprint, art shapes the architecture, spirit and rhythm. More than just a moment of contemplation, visitors are invited to take part in a collective awakening. Maison Ruinart's dialogue with art is rooted in the long-held conviction that art has the power to transform, enlighten and connect us to others and ourselves. Since being founded in the Age of Enlightenment, the Maison has cultivated a vision of nature through the art of champagne, informed by the artists Ruinart accompanies and supports. The talents of committed artists, craftsmen, winemakers and cellar masters converge to celebrate beauty, whether natural or artificial, real or dreamt. In conversation with each another, the artworks evoke the world around us, making it easier for us to understand. Rooted in reality and emotion, their work invites us to engage in conversation with nature. Ruinart has always been passionate about art. As early as 1896, the Maison commissioned Alfons Mucha to design a poster to promote one of its cuvées – a first for a champagne house. Today, the contributions of international artists sharing Ruinart's environmental values have been brought together at this metamorphosed site. The artworks on display reveal Ruinart's vision, from deep in the chalk pits to the landscaped grounds, main courtyard, garden and historic rooms. Vine stock, glass, limestone, wood, metal, the sound of bubbles, mycelium, vine leaves and calendars. The materials used echo different elements and concerns in the Champagne region – from biodiversity to climate and soil conditions, while also embodying diverse artistic approaches.

WINEMAKING EXPERTISE

In the heart of Reims, Maison Ruinart invites you to take part in a unique, multifaceted experience in the Champagne region, where the passion for making wine in harmony with nature has been passed down from generation to generation. Visitors are taken deep into the age-old savoir-faire that Ruinart has been reinventing for almost 300 years. Creating a link between past, present and future, 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES bears witness to heritage that has been shaped, gest after gest, by chardonnay experts in search of the balance and elegant simplicity that contribute to the excellence of Ruinart wines. From the crayères to the tasting room, via the manual disgorging workshops, this know-how has been adapted to preserve Ruinart’s unique aromatic signature over the centuries. Nestled in the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion, near the crayères, a secret cellar (1) is home to iconic cuvées and historic bottles of Ruinart champagne, preserved as milestones in the Maison’s history. These include a collection of exceptional vintages and limited-edition cuvées, like Dom Ruinart La Réserve, which have been brought together in the same tasting room for the first time. These rare treasures (2) include five exceptional cuvées that have marked the Maison’s recent history. You will find the 1926 Ruinart vintage, the oldest preserved to date, discovered in 2022 in the cellars of Paul Bocuse's restaurant in Lyon – which the restaurant gifted back to the Maison. You will find the first Blanc de Blancs dating back to 1941 as well as a 100 % chardonnay coteaux champenois from the mid-20th century, the first modern bottle made with the now iconic shape inherited from the 18th century. There is also the first Dom Ruinart from 1959, the Maison’s prestige cuvée, as an expression of chardonnay born from nature, elevated over time. Not forgetting L'Exclusive created to mark the year 2000 with a blend of six exceptional vintages in a labelless bottle wrapped in delicate metalwork by Christofle.

LEFT

Interior view of the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion © Chloé Le Reste.

Yannick Alléno

A successful chef

Yannick Alléno, three-star chef, entrepreneur and ambassador of French cuisine, has left his mark on the world of gastronomy. He continues to constantly innovate and push the boundaries of his art, leaving his mark on the culinary world. His exceptional career path and his commitment to quality and sustainability make him an essential figure around the world.

By Eloise Leray

THE CHILD PRODIGY OF FRENCH CUISINE

Originally from Puteaux in the Hauts-de-Seine department, Yannick Alléno was born into a family of bistro owners. Predestined for gastronomy from an early age and lulled by the smells of family cooking, he quickly became passionate about the culinary art. After a BEP in cooking obtained brilliantly at the Santos-Dumont high school in Saint-Cloud, Yannick Alléno began, in 1986, a rigorous apprenticeship course with big names in French cuisine. He started as a pastry apprentice at the Lutetia hotel in Paris. Continuing his training in various hotels — Royal Monceau, Sofitel de Sèvres, Le Meurice — as well as at the Drouant restaurant, the young student climbed the ranks with unfailing determination.

In 1999, Yannick Alléno reached a new height by becoming Chef of cooking at the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra hotel. His talent and creativity were soon noticed, paving the way for an exceptional career in the world of high gastronomy.

A STAR-STUDDED CAREER

Yannick Alléno accumulates distinctions and ambitious projects. In 2003, he took charge of the restaurant at the Le Meurice hotel in Paris — where he had cut his teeth a few years earlier —, with a brigade of 74 people. In 2004, he received his second Michelin star, and in 2007, his third. Elected chef of the year in 2008, he then joined forces with LVMH to oversee the restoration of the Cheval Blanc palace in Courchevel, three-starred in 2017, and extended his empire with establishments in Marrakech, Dubai, Beijing and Taiwan.

His talent and creativity continue to propel him towards success: in 2011, he founded the magazine YAM — Yannick Alléno Magazine, the chefs' magazine — and opened his first bistro named Terroir Parisien, in 2012 in tribute to the terroir of Île de France, place where he grew up. The same year, after ten years of service, the chef left Le Meurice. He then turned to new horizons, nourishing his culinary passion through in-depth research, particularly on the subtle art of sauces. However, Yannick Alléno does not stop there since, in 2017, he won three stars in the Michelin Guide for his restaurant Le 1947 in Courchevel. This feat propels him among the rare chefs to have earned three stars twice, joining legends like Alain Ducasse and Marc Veyrat.

A true figure of French gastronomy, Yannick Alléno has left his mark on the taste buds of many gourmets, as evidenced by his recent success during the state dinner offered to Charles III at the Château de Versailles in September 2023.

© Sebastian Mittermeier

© Nicolas Bouriette

A VISIONARY LEADER CONQUERING THE WORLD

Yannick Alléno continues to innovate and push the boundaries of cuisine, offering unique and daring culinary experiences. In 2008, he founded the Yannick Alléno Group with the ambition of bringing together a talented team and sharing his vision of gastronomy, both in France and internationally.

Today, the Group has fourteen restaurants around the world, a burger restaurant and a chocolate factory. Located at the bottom of the most beautiful avenue in the world, in the leafy square of the Champs-Elysées in Paris, the Pavyllon Ledoyen is the most starred independent establishment in the world. Since 2014, this exceptional place has housed three prestigious restaurants: Alléno Paris***, the gourmet restaurant, L'Abysse**, the sushi counter, and Pavyllon*, the gourmet counter.

Each offers a unique culinary experience, starting with the Alléno Paris*** restaurant which stands out for its historic setting and the chef's culinary vision. His dishes are true works of art, where each element is worked with precision and meticulousness. Local and seasonal products are always favored, with the aim of guaranteeing sustainable and responsible gastronomy. At L'Abysse**, sushi Master Yasunari Okazaki offers a unique experience, born from his meeting with the chef in Japan, mixing French and Japanese culinary traditions. Pavyllon*,

available in Paris, Monaco and London, pays homage to its bistro heritage with a modern touch, while Le 1947*** Cheval Blanc in Courchevel highlights French and creative cuisine, immersed in an idyllic setting in the heart of Alps. Père & Fils by Alléno, located in Beaupassage, offers gourmet burgers, while the Allénothèque, located in the basement of the restaurant, offers a cellar of more than 700 references of beautiful bottles.

Finally, the Parisian chocolate factory Alléno & Rivoire is reinventing chocolate with an innovative approach, combining cuisine and pastry. Yannick Alléno and Aurélien Rivoire redefine chocolate pleasures: "I removed the sugar but not the indulgence!" says the pastry chef.

L’ABYSSE MONTE-CARLO: A NEW GASTRONOMIC CHAPTER

Building on the success of the Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group, in collaboration with Yannick Alléno, opened the doors of L'Abysse MonteCarlo within the Hermitage hotel on July 9. It is in the heart of the Monaco palace, in a sumptuous decor imagined by his wife, Laurence Bonnel-Alléno, and the duo of architects from RoWin'atelier, that this new restaurant will transport guests into a universe where tradition and innovation meet.

DÉCOUVREZ NOS MONTRES FABRIQUÉES EN FRANCE sur brm-chronographes.com

SACHI Japanese gastronomy under the sign of happiness

In October 2022, SACHI opened its doors at the prestigious Mandarin Oriental, Geneva. Conceived by worldrenowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the establishment blends culinary traditions with creative innovations in a setting combining refinement, comfort and intimacy. Chef Mitsuru Tsukada, a former pupil of the Japanese master, has been entrusted with the kitchens of SACHI – the ideal place to let his universe express itself and test his taste for excellence and his love of Japanese gastronomy.

By Eduardo Costerg

OMAKASE: THE ART OF SURPRISE

Steeped in the purest Japanese tradition, the essence of SACHI revolves around the concept of Omakase. Literally translated as ‘I leave it up to you’, omakase is a declaration of trust in the chef, who draws on the preferences of his guests to create a unique meal, in harmony with the season and the ingredients available. Leaning against the counter – for ten covers in all – you can let yourself be carried away by the creativity of chef Mitsuru Tsukada over six (lunchtime only), eight or ten dishes – all of which are a gustatory landscape to be explored in wonder. From one plate to the next, the greatest classics of Japanese cuisine meet flavours from near and far. It’s a real journey that awaits SACHI’s guests, a delicate and harmonious mosaic where cultures and influences converse without contradicting each other.

A DELIGHT FOR THE SENSES

While Chef Mitsuru Tsukada’s mouth-watering dishes are an invitation to travel, SACHI’s décor will transport you from the moment you walk through the doors. With its traditional Japanese kumiko wood panelling, oak lattice koshi, blue onyx marble bar and veranda on the banks of the Rhône, the dining room is just like the cuisine: a subtle combination of traditional heritage and innovative vision. The different areas around which the restaurant is organized create a unique experience. At the Martini Bar, the atmosphere is festive: guests can enjoy a cocktail experience as an aperitif or at the end of the meal, not forgetting the unmissable collection of sakes, champagnes, Swiss and European wines, which match perfectly the flavours of Japan. In the Omakase Bar, our attention is focused on the show going on behind the counter: Chefs Mitsuru, chef Tanikawa and their team are at work, preparing the dishes that will make up the stages of their culinary journeys before their guests’ very eyes.

The architect and designer Yoshi Kida is responsible for this feat of design. Here, purity becomes intimacy, simplicity becomes luxury, noble materials express themselves with elegance and create a hushed, confidential atmosphere. Far from laziness, this carefully orchestrated simplicity brings us back to basics: to the pleasure of an exalting moment for the senses.

MITSURU TSUKADA, A CHEF AT THE CROSSROADS OF CULTURES

Before settling on the shores of Lake Geneva, chef Mitsuru Tsukada built his experience around his travels and the encounters he made along the way. He left his native Japan and began his career abroad, working in international brigades. As a disciple of the great chef Nobu Matsuhisa, he joined Nobu in London as chef de partie and proved his worth. Then he continued his quest for excellence, helping to open several Matsuhisa restaurants in Europe – one of the pinnacles of Japanese gastronomy. In 2013, his journey took him to Geneva: while the Izumi restaurant moved to the Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues, he had the honour of inaugurating it. After nine years at the helm of this wellknown Geneva address, he was presented with a new challenge: the head of SACHI at the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva. ‘Today, at the age of 48, my cuisine is a mix between my origins and the people who have marked my professional life’ confides the chef before continuing. ‘Geneva’s cultural openness means that its inhabitants are accustomed to and familiar with the cuisines of the world. They have fine tastes and high standards. At SACHI, it’s precisely this excellence that we’re banking on. We offer the very best of Japanese gastronomy, with all the exacting standards expected. Even the most experienced gourmets will be surprised by the new flavours that we’ve taken several months to develop.’

The Messika X Le Meurice collaboration

An exceptional log for the festive season

Messika, renowned for its innovative jewellery creations, is teaming up with the prestigious Parisian Palace Le Meurice for a unique festive celebration. This collaboration, where jewellery and patisserie merge, invites you to discover a unique Yule log, inspired by Messika's iconic Move motif, a symbol of timelessness.

By Quitterie Pasquesoone

A GOURMET CASE BY MESSIKA AND FRANÇOIS DESHAYES

The log, imagined by Valérie Messika and pastry chef François Deshayes, reinvents the art of indulgence. Presented in a trompe-l'œil chocolate case, it reveals refined flavours and captivating textures, reminiscent of Messika's jewellery collections. When guests lift the all-chocolate lid designed by Alain Ducasse, they discover a veritable pastry jewel: three vanilla and praline-chocolate capsules, subtly enhanced with fleur de sel, evoking 'diamonds' to be savoured.

A MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCE

For this festive creation, Valérie Messika wanted to recreate the wonder associated with opening a jewel, working closely with Chef Deshayes. The result is a log that plays on illusion and surprise, where each mouthful is distinguished by a perfect combination of the roundness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the Madagascar vanilla.

A TRIBUTE TO PARISIAN TRADITIONS

The décor of Le Meurice, adorned with shades of gold and illuminated Move motifs, recalls the link between Messika and art. This majestic setting, where Philippe Starck's modern touches mingle with the works of artist Ara Starck, embraces the elegance of this collaboration and creates a magical atmosphere in which to enjoy this symbolic log, available at Restaurant Le Dalí from 23 November 2024 to 6 January 2025. A visual and gustatory delight, Messika and Le Meurice have created a celebration of the festive season that combines Parisian elegance with the pleasure of the senses, for a unique Christmas experience. Everything we love!

Top Model International 2024 Glamour, Daring and Commitment

Top Model International 2024, held in the sumptuous setting of Monaco, once again confirmed its place as a must-attend event in the fashion world. For its twenty years, the event was particularly memorable, not only for its elegance and visual spectacle, but also for the emblematic presence of Adriana Karembeu as godmother,. An icon of beauty and elegance, Adriana infused the event with an aura of sophistication and generosity, perfectly embodying the spirit of this global celebration of fashion. She presented the ceremony with the British actor Ricky Whittle.

© Johann Sauty

Embrassing

The Festive Spirit

As we step into the warmth and excitement of the year-end festivities, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa has already begun setting the stage for a memorable season. October 2024 was a month filled with events, gatherings and a few notable faces, all marking the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the holidays at Maradiva. To mark 15 years of Maradiva’s commitment to

hospitality, the hotel hosted its annual White Party, themed as the Crystal White Party, on October 26th. A heartfelt gesture of gratitude to our cherished partners, the evening featured an exquisite finger buffet and free-flowing champagne. Guests were captivated by thrilling performances which included stilt walkers, belly dancers and live music, all culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display over the resort.

MORE INFOS: Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa - Wolmar, Wolmar Coastal Rd, Flic en Flac, Maurice - +230 403 1500

Modena Cars

20 Years

This year marked a major turning point for Modena Cars with the celebration of 20 years of excellence, passion and dedication. A look back at the evening of November 18, 2024.

Nous rendons vos fêtes de fin d’année étincelantes