july 2012
m a g a z i n e
Living the
good life
Voyage | A La Mode | Gourmet
july 2012
m a g a z i n e
Living the
good life
A La Mode | Voyage | Gourmet
04
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Experience the ultimate luxury in this issue of Konnoisseur
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privyleague.com
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Gourmet
Editorial Board
Tiny desserts are big this season 22
Gadget Lust List Sinful indulgence for summer 04
Classic Art In conversation with French artistdesigner Jean Marc Gady 06
A La Mode Vintage suitcase back in vogue 8
Good Life Why you should spend your evenings at the emerging cigar lounges 12
Voyage Unexplored islands around the world 16
Technological concepts that’ll blow your mind 24
Speed Experience the MercedesBenz SLK 200 26
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Lust List
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Mahesh Notandass’s trail-blazes
Known for their avant-garde
GREY GOOSE, the vodka brand,
the jewellery aficionados with
designs, the signature collection
celebrated Varun Bahl’s exquisite
their new and exclusive Diamond
from the 100-year-old Sheaffer
collection at ‘Grey Goose IIFA
Collection, featuring an absolute
Prelude is designed to wow.
Rocks’ recently. The highlight
The divine incarnation of
celebration of precious stones.
You really have to want to get
Available in silver plated and
The Piaget’s Time Gallery has
of this year’s IIFA Rocks is the
Lord Shiva and the disciple of
The collection offers classic and
away from it all to enjoy the
22 K gold plated finish with
launched a stunning collection
collaboration between GREY
Lord Rama – Hanuman – got
vintage inspired jewellery with
isolation and relaxation on
a rich snakeskin and a smart
of jewellery cum watches.
GOOSE and famed designer
a makeover when Amrapali
a unique and diamond cut for
offer at Song Saa Private Island
diamond patterned look, this pen
To illustrate the brand’s rich
Varun Bahl, and the showcase
in association with the Divine
added jazz and sparkle. Their
Resort. The complex is located
oozes style from every angle.
history and heritage in watch
of a collection inspired by
Heritage Collection unveiled a
collection features striking
on a couple of islands off the
A polished black grip ensures a
making, the House has created
the essence of the brand. The
regal Hanuman figurine crafted
statement pieces including
coast of Cambodia that can only
smooth writing experience. This
an exhibition dedicated to the
collection is inspired by 4
in the finest materials. Sculpted
a pendant necklace, rings
be reached by boat or seaplane.
pen is also available in Engraved
magic of jewellery. Inaugurated
Grey Goose cocktails - Amour,
by renowned American artist
and earrings with square cut
It boasts luxurious overwater,
Diamond Square Pattern.
in the end of April at the Piaget
Lavender Bliss, Fiesta Espanola
Lawrence Heyda, this statuette
diamonds set in gold.
rainforest and beach villas, as
Time Gallery in Geneva, this
and Spice.
is a collector’s item and a pure
well as a hotel with a spa and a
exhibition will soon move to
treat for the eyes. There are only
celebrity cook. Apart from every
Hong Kong and Shanghai. The
18 of these spectacular figurines
luxury imaginable, you’ll find
collection boasts of exquisite
available worldwide.
there’s utter peace.
pieces crafted in precious stones.
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Classic Art
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french fireball Paris-born artist-designer Jean-Marc Gady is the latest toast of luxury brands worldover. We speak to him about creating new design rules and working with Louis Vuitton. words Meghna Sharma
Vuitton’s art director for windows and events design, his work has received many grants and was patrimony sculpted by hundreds
a part of several international
of craftsmen generation after
design publications. How was
generation, a know-how and
it working at Louis Vuitton?
heritage, which is important for a
“My job there was to run the
dinner plate into an awe-
designer to understand. It’s not
store windows and event design
inspiring work of art. Flower
only really about doing the same
department. I had the chance to
vases become heirlooms when
thing with the same spirit
work on projects from Bangkok
he gives them his creative twist
eternally, it is more about
to Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing and
and the fine line between art and
collecting the signs of what can
Tokyo, the strategic places. My
design vanishes when he swishes
be transferred to our time.
stint at Vuitton opened other
his wand. That’s Jean-Marc Gady
Gabrielle Chanel, Jean-Paul
doors. I think I decided to create
for you, one of the most active
Guerlain or Christian Dior are
my own studio the day I realised
and all-round French designers
strong creative institutions, ideas
I had done my time there;
dedicated to the luxury world. No
that have been able to travel all
the taste of new and personal
wonder then that premium
along the decades. That’s what I
adventures were calling me.”
brands like Louis Vuitton, Moet &
need to understand before I
Chandon, Apple, Baccarat and
create anything for them.
talented artist says, he could
Christofle swear by the designs
Working with such brands is a
find it anywhere. “Inspiration is
of this Paris-born maverick. He is
great opportunity as I’m
everywhere, there are no rules.”
the blue-eyed boy of luxury. But
touching something very
Has India ever inspired him?
it’s not easy to be a toast of
precious. I like this idea of
“Unfortunately, I don’t know
these premium brands, he says.
delicate work,” he says.
India yet but I can’t wait to
He can turn a pedestrian
“Luxury brands have an amazing
Hailed worldwide as Louis
Gady (Right) with his products (clockwise from top left) Yume Pour Perrouin, Royal Rose vase, the French Cancan, LV installation in Tokyo, LV Carnavalet, Capture Totale for Dior, Air Cup, Copie De Cendier, the Submarine vase, Champagne container & vase Amphora
As for inspiration, the
discover the country.”
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A La Mode
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vintage in vogue Vintage is in vogue yet again and this time the buzzword among the fash-consious is classic leather suitcases & trunks words Meghna Sharma
A family of four – the husband and wife and two little daughters – leave the aircraft after a long flight from Milan. Though a happy pack of four isn’t a rare sighting at the airport, something that’s particularly remarkable is what they carry: in place of the predictable wheelie case, all have perfectly battered vintage suitcases – hers in brown, his in blue. As holidaymakers flock to luggage carousels worldwide, it’s becoming more common to see travellers eschewing the traditional hallmarks of the frequent flyer – synthetic nylon and go-faster wheels – for something neo-vintage. The allure of vintage luggage is catching everyone’s eye – the glamour and decadence of a
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A La Mode
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bygone era when journeying
says, “I had always used the
the concept of provenance.
to a foreign land involved
convenient wheeled suitcases
Kim Jones, creative director at
adventure, romance and style.
whenever I went out until I
luxury goods group Dunhill, had
Vintage baggage not only helps
discovered the massive trunks at
remarked that there are other
one to express one’s style in a
Louis Vuitton. Although they are
advantages to having luggage
subtle way but also it is easy
steeply priced but then someone
that evokes the golden age of
to locate your suitcases in the
very wise had said that luxury
travel, “Not only does vintage-
luggage carousel. Travelling in
doesn’t come with a price tag.”
style luggage allow you to
style has become de rigueur
Not everyone is a fan,
express your style in the very
however. Sameer Kapoor, 56,
generic airport environment
businessman, prefers the modern
but it is also easier to spot on
Take care of your vintage luggage
convenience of wheelies. “Old-
the luggage carousel.” Last
1) Vacuum out the interior of
school luggage has its own
year, after trawling the brand’s
the luggage by using a hose
charm but I recently completed
100-year-old archives, Jones
attachment. This will get out
a trip to Europe where the locks
reintroduced a Dunhill aluminium
any dust and gunk that has
of my suitcase were damaged
case from the 1940s. “The 1940s
been accumulating over time.
in transit. Not only was the hotel
were an iconic time for the
2) Dip a small area of the cloth
handbags are just the accessory
able to repair it, it did so in a
glamour of travel and the Dunhill
into leather cleaner and apply
you need to elevate your look
matter of hours. But that would
cases pay homage to that,” says
the cloth to a small corner.
by several notches. And some of
have been impossible if I had
Jones.
3) Buff the leather clean
the biggest brands in the world
an old or vintage case.” Still,
have amassed numerous styles
fans of traditional luggage are
is quality. If you are investing
at a time.
and shapes to satiate every
unlikely to be lured away by the
in luxury brand luggage, the
4) Finally, dry the luggage
traveller’s needs.
promise of on-the-spot repairs.
luggage will be constructed to
completely by using a soft
At the heart of the vintage
withstand the rigours of overseas
towel over the entire area.
case’s renewed popularity is
travel. Bon voyage!
and vintage suitcases and
Vintage suitcases are designed to withstand the rigours of overseas travel
Vintage style cases act as a symbol of luxury and class even
The key to any luxury luggage
working in one small section
among other contemporary collections. Sejal Jhunjhunwala, 28, entrepreneur, says: “I still use an old brown-coloured GlobeTrotter suitcase that my mother bought some 22-years-ago. They are reasonably lightweight and I find that my clothes keep their shape better. I understand that wheeled trolleys are comfy but they lack any sense of style. When the luggage finally makes its way on to the carousel it often has the appearance of so many black plastic rubbish bags.” Another fan of vintage luggage Shaurya Sahu, 34, businessman,
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Good Life
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smiles. We will not be talking
knowhow
gender divides, we smile back. We are at Cingari, Seth’s
Cingari-The Tasting Room, G.K,
cigar lounge in the capital,
New Delhi, 011-46564851 &
when we quiz her. Are cigars
Cingari, Intercontinental, The
replacing coffee when it comes
Lalit, Mumbai, 022-66992222;
to pairing up with conversations?
The Cigar and Malt Lounge,
“One needs a lot more than
tab01, Food Court, DLF Cyber
conversation to enjoy a cigar.
Greens, Gurgaon, 9711077000,
Most cigar smokers enjoy their
9899785831; The Cigar Lounge,
cigars in a certain ambience --
Aman, Lodhi Road, New Delhi,
good conversation with friends
011-43633333; The Cigar Lounge-
over single malt at the end of a
Marquess, The Zuri Whitefield,
great meal -- a place where they
Bengaluru, 806 665 7272
can meet like-minded people,” she says. And that’s why men and women are finding company in the leather couches at the
cigar and conversations Slow down for a while, light a cigar & indulge in the company of friends; just a few reasons why you should spend your evenings at the emerging cigar lounges words Purva Grover
emerging cigar lounges. Ameeta cites higher disposable income, greater awareness and frequent travelling as a few reasons that are behind the developing interests for finer things in life, be it great cuisine, fine wines, single malts or ma jestic cigars. Before we step out, we ask a Montecristo No: 4. Daughter of
smoker to give us a list of the
the composers they love, ye shall
cigar baron Chetan Seth, she
must-haves for a cigar smoker.
know the texture of men’s souls.
confesses to have grown up in a
“A cigar ashtray, cutter and
English novelist John Galsworthy
home surrounded by cigar
humidor,” he says, and Ameeta
will have to pardon us for we are
smoke, which explains her
adds, “The Punch Platino,
bringing the women in the
natural passion for the ma jestic
regional edition cigar, made only
picture. After all, when one is in
ash. “A woman with a cigar in her
for India.” Now, these are the
conversation with Ameeta Seth,
hand makes a definite statement.
little lessons that you can pick up
one can’t afford to offend the
I’m actually planning to have a
in a lounge, they smile.
lady or the smoke of her
ladies only cigar lounge,” she
We are convinced.
By the cigars they smoke, and
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Good Life
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Voyage
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the secret aisles Unknown, unheard & unexplored – there is more to islands than unbelievable shades of blue and expressive sunsets & sunrises. Plan your island itinerary with us and stop by at the four least visited & less talked about islands.
Curaçao Island Secluded beaches, fine cuisine, multi-hued architecture, spectacular diving and more await you at the Dutch paradise, Curaçao, Caribbean sea. The old and new world charm will take your breath away. Curaçao is known for its coral reefs, used for scuba diving. The beaches on the south side contain many popular diving spots. The best part of the destination is of course that the tourists have just begun to discover this island!
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Voyage
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Easter Island The stone heads of Easter Island, Chile (mostly eyeless) casts a spell on the
the island near Ahu Vaihu. This
guests. The island is the world’s most remote inhabited island and is known for
beach is much larger and is
its 887 monumental statues called ‘moai’ created by the early Rapanui people
surrounded by beautiful cliffs.
and is known to fascinate and attract both the visitors and scholars. It also has
Scuba diving and snorkeling is
two white sandy beaches; Anakena, the beach on the north side of the island, is
very popular here.
an excellent surfing location. The second beach is located on the south side of
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Voyage
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Tilos Island Tilos is a small, remote and tranquil Greek island. It’s covered with almond trees, which blossom in January and February. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers as it is for history lover. The island has ruins of seven castles and a few picturesque monasteries. You can also indulge in a relatively calm nightlife in the Livadia village, offering an authentic Greek dance and music experience.
Molokai Island Looking for an undeveloped and unspoiled island vacation then head to Molokai Island, Hawaii. It will take you very far away from any form of urbanisation. Here, there are no high-rise buildings, traffic lights or supermarkets! It is one of the smallest and perhaps the sleepiest islands of the Hawaiian island chain. There’s only one real town on Molokai, Kaunakakai that never seems to change, retaining the paniolo (cowboy) feel of a tropical Wild West. There’s no better way to learn about the Hawaiian history and beauty than visiting Molokai.
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Gourmet
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When waist-sizes expand,
itsy bitsy, teenie weenie
sinful and unhealthy; hence the
what does one do? Go
small dessert trend. “Everyone is
cheenikum. No, instead one hops
becoming more health conscious,
on to the mini dessert trail. Yes,
yet they don’t completely want
what’s big in desserts now, is
to give up all the good things in
small. Your two-tier cake has
life. The bite-sized desserts helps
downsized to a frost rich
satiate your desires without
cupcake, the big doughnut
piling up the calories,” says Mini
delight has trimmed into a teeny
Yadav, director of bakery chains
glazed treat and the triple
Le Marche and Sugar & Spice.
sundae to a gooey shot glass.
“Watching the weighing scale
Believe it or not, the small
is necessary and so is trying
dessert revolution has
out new things, the small size
overpowered your taste buds
dessert savours the palate and
and how. It satiates your baby
not the belly,” says Akassh Kalra,
sweet tooth and tempts you to
owner, Sequel by United, Saket,
try out the new with least effects
New Delhi. “It is relatively new
on the weighing scale. Food
The small size dessert savours the palate and not the belly
experts and researchers call this trend ‘the attack of the miniatures’, as for us we are smiling teeth to teeth. We love these guilt-free teenie weenie
in India, but overseas, especially
treats. Take small-size bites with
the US where people eat big
us as we explore the giant world
meals and bigger desserts,” says
of small nothings.
Sonia Sareen, co-owner, Well,
We’re living in the world
You don’t give up all the good things in life to look good. We have developed a penchant for tiny treats as it takes giant size bites of miniature desserts.
there couldn’t be a better time
of size-zero, power yoga and
to gorge on. Don’t get stuck with
organic food, where a giant
one large slice of cake, try out
bite of a tiramisu cake is evil,
these mini treats.
words Purva Grover
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Gadget
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terrific technology Futuristic technological concepts and new-age gadgets have completely changed the way we live. We look at such life-changing innovations.
Changing the way we take a shower Bluetooth-enabled Shower Speaker
Changing the world of
Are you one of those who love
computing
singing in the shower, then
Laptop/Desktop Hybrid
there is one gadget that you
A concept computer designed
should get your hands on right
by Korean designer Won-Seok
away. Called the iShower, it’s
Lee, B-membrane is no-doubt
a Bluetooth-enabled Shower
one of the most surprising
Speaker compatible with
and appealing PC innovations
iPods and Android devices.
till date. It features a UFOshaped system that displays screen like a projector, which also takes away the need for bulky monitors. Changing the way we spend Mobile Wallet
words Meghna Sharma
Picture a world without paper money or credit cards. You’ve got your smartphone in your pocket, and that’s it. Want to pay for something? Well then look for the Google Wallet in your phone. Changing the way we eat Digital Eateries A long long time ago, in a land far away, the mankind once
Changing the way we
relied upon a spoken menu.
look at the world
Fast-forward to the 21st century,
Virtual Goggles
and the digital menu is the
Virtual reality goggles
latest breaking technological
are goggles which are
fascination. Why digital menus,
designed to be used in a
did you ask? Well because paper
virtual reality experience,
menus are about three thousand
in which scenes are
years old, they impact our carbon
displayed in the goggles,
footprints, they are boring,
allowing the user to feel
static and just had to be tossed
like he is actually inside
away. And the future has already
the scene, experiencing
arrived as digital menus.
it first-hand.
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Speed
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silver wedge The third-generation SLK has arrived – and the pioneering roadster is as different as usual. There has never been a sportier or more efficient iteration. words jo clahsen photos marc trautmann
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Speed
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round the car, running his hands
down: at last I can slip into
over Los Angeles. The sun is
over the curves. He even takes
the driver’s seat and take
bright, the temperature a balmy
off his shades – a sign of serious
possession of the steering wheel.
24°C (75°F). Even so, few
respect in California.
It’s definitely smaller than in
A pale-blue sky shimmers
passers-by are admiring the
Ian and Sue? They think the
previous models, and flattened
spring weather – they’ve only
SLK is “keen” – in fact, they’ve
at the bottom. Wow, it actually
got eyes for the car. Actually,
fallen in love with the car, just
feels like a racing car. As ever
we’re hoping to take the new
like they recently fell in love with
in a Mercedes-Benz, I get that
SLK on a Californian joyride
each other, and they walk around
comfortable feeling of familiarity
(hey, it’s a tough job, but
it arm-in-arm. They want to
as my eyes travel across the
somebody’s got to do it). But
see it with the vario-roof down,
dashboard – just slightly more refined, maybe slightly more
there’s no point trying to take off just yet, the roadster’s surrounded by a crowd of curious admirers. “Sleek!” That’s the opinion of blond surfer Doug. And he’s right: the new SLK looks sleek
The SLK 200 BlueEfficiency engine makes its presence felt in a subdued way
purist. Instruments lurk in deepset binnacles; switches and knobs are positioned with ergonomic precision. The air vents remind me of the SLS supercar: right away I want to switch on, power
even when it’s standing still with
want to sit behind the wheel,
off – drive, race, glide into that
drop-top in place. I tell Doug
and finally… “Giiiiiinormous!”
salt-smelling Pacific breeze.
I think the car actually looks
pronounces Sue, her drawled
North or south? South, toward
“lean”, as in the “lean bow” you
“i” contriving to indicate just
San Diego; south to La Jolla.
associate with racing yachts.
what a way-out combination of
In fact, the new SLK’s “bow”
“gigantic” and “enormous” this
BlueEfficiency engine makes its
has been sharpened, and the
car really is.
presence felt – in a subdued,
Now the SLK 350
self-contained way, despite
spoiler’s sharp, too. As are the intake grilles in the front wings
San Diego-bound
the 225kW tidily tucked away
– it’s a sharp car. Doug wanders
Slowly the excitement dies
under the hood. “Drive nice,” I
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tell myself – Los Angeles police
glorious soundscape created by
aren’t amused by speeding, and
the full-surround loudspeakers.
the 350 has enough horsepower
Does it get any better than this…?
The new roadster might have been designed for the eternal Los Angeles summer
Freeway fun, frugal fun On the road again, and my sense of enjoyment grows as the miles fly by. Steering, suspension, brakes and engine all perform together so fluidly, I feel like
to reach 250 km/h. In fact, I
imitating Sue and shrieking
could break the 100 km/h barrier
“Giiiiinormous!” Especially since
in just 5.6 seconds; the car feels
the display tells me the engine
more than capable of doing it.
is modestly sipping just six
Meanwhile, I tune my favourite
litres per 100 kilometres. That’s
MP3 tracks into the media player
39 mpg, and with respect, Now
and immerse myself in the
that’s what I call sleek.
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