SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
TRAVEL
MALAYSIA’S RICH HISTORY
BUSINESS
PETRA NEMCOVA FROM SUPERMODEL TO HUMANITARIAN HERO
LIFESTYLE ASTON MARTIN RACING AMR-C01 SIMULATOR
DIKEMBE MUTOMBO SPREADING JOY ON AND OFF THE BASKETBALL COURT
BOMBARDIER PRIVATE JET 5550
SAMUEL ETO'O LIVING THE DREAM
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ELON MUSK A GLOBAL FORCE
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CONTENTS 32 COVER STORY 18 BUSINESS
A sacred space of conversation with Petra Nemcova on the power of positive thinking to not only change your life, but to save it
22 BUSINESS
Global Citizen catches an exclusive with the one of the NBA’s former megastars, Dikembe Mutombo
26 BUSINESS
FIFA star, Samuel Eto’o shares with GC the importance of having a dream, working hard, and staying true to yourself
From Earth to space, entrepreneur and business magnate Elon Musk hopes to change the world one technological feat at a time
38 BUSINESS
Jeweller Yvel was commissioned to design the world’s most valuable COVID-19 protective face mask
40 HOROLOGY
Blancpain’s new limited-edition watch is dedicated to protecting the great hammerhead shark
46 HOROLOGY
Oscar-winner Rami Malek leads a new collection of brand ambassadors for Pasha de Cartier
48 AUTOMOTIVE
Lamborghini presents the Urus Pearl Capsule
42 HOROLOGY
50 AUTOMOTIVE
Breitling’s new Endurance Pro is the ultimate athleisure watch
Get ready to hit the streets in Audi’s latest Q4 Sportback e-tron concept
Standard Chartered’s Dr. Owen Young shares wealth management insights in a post-pandemic economy
44 HOROLOGY
52 AUTOMOTIVE
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30 BUSINESS
Glashütte introduces its latest Limited Edition Senator Chronometer
Range Rover celebrates its 50-year legacy with an exclusive new limited edition
RADO.COM
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CAPTAIN COOK
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54 FASHION
66 FASHION
Stay updated with our pick of the best gadgets and tech out right now
MR PORTER launched an exclusive collection dedicated to the upcoming film, The King’s Man
56 FASHION
68 LIFESTYLE
Ferragamo’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection pays homage to six alpha-male archetypes
58 FASHION
Stella McCartney’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection celebrates strong women and sustainability
60 FASHION
TUMI launches the brand’s first travel collection made with recycled materials
70 TRAVEL
Ancient traditions and a diverse blend of cultural influences have shaped Malaysia
74 LIFESTYLE
Lacoste announces an apparel and footwear collection rooted in innovation and heritage
Aston Martin has revealed AMR-C01, a high-end driving simulator for luxe virtual gaming
62 FASHION
76 LIFESTYLE
78 LIFESTYLE
Precision and innovation make Bombardier’s Global 5550 Jet a marvel in business aviation
80 LIFESTYLE
The region's largest affordable retail art fair is an eclectic melting pot of artistic styles
82 LIFESTYLE
Anthénea is the world’s first seaworthy luxury eco-friendly hotel suite
3D printed terracotta reef tiles aim to repopulate coral communities and conserve biodiversity in Hong Kong
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Eminent fashion houses around the world continue to blur the lines between tailored ensembles and impeccable athleisure
Bentley’s new fragrance for men is made from natural materials
To travel is to live. Start planning today. Unleash your travel freedom. Enable your global mobility.
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EDITOR’S LETTER W
e approach our September/October issue with mixed emotions. As we continue to navigate our professional and personal lives in the midst of a global pandemic, we embrace what is a constantly evolving sense of normalcy. With many of our travel plans or general seasonal hallmarks dashed over the summer months, it was a time to stay safe and close with our immediate family and friends at home, at nearby restaurants, and even enjoying some respite with local staycations. Ushering in a new season of activity and trends, September is traditionally bustling with a renewed energy and excitement for the fourth quarter. As the endless uncertainty and struggles of the current times continue to linger, we remain positive and hopeful, we continue to make plans, and we strive to make each passing month better than the last. In the spirit of illumination and escapism, we remain true to the topics that resonate—stories that are steeped in the moment, grab our attention, entertain us, inform us, and most of all, inspire us. In our cover feature, Elon Musk proves that fortune favours the brave as the billionaire magnate strives to break the boundaries of technology (page 32). We also had the opportunity to catch up with model and philanthropist, Petra Nemcova, who shares an intimate look at how the power of positivity saved her life (page 18). From the world of sports, humanitarian and NBA megastar, Dikembe Mutombo gives us an exclusive glimpse at his rise to success and his compelling mission to give back (page 22). Turning from the basketball court to the football field, FIFA football star, Samuel Eto’o takes us on his personal journey from struggle to stardom (page 26). While travelling may be on the back burner for many of us, we take a moment of respite to explore Malaysia. For an instant escape, turn to page 70 to learn more about this popular holiday destination, and discover a country that is as rich in history as it is abundant in natural beauty.
Andrea Antal
GLOBAL CITIZEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrea Antal FEATURES EDITOR Teresa Esmezyan COPY EDITOR Sameer Denzi ART DIRECTOR Omarr Khattab CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Esmezyan www.global-citizen.com www.issuu.com/global-citizen www.facebook.com/GlobalCitizenMag www.instagram.com/GlobalCitizenMagazine MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Fierce International Dubai Internet City Business Central Tower A - Office 2803 T: +971 4 421 5455 - F: +971 4 421 0208 tarek@fierce-international.com
FIERCE INTERNATIONAL FZ LLC PUBLISHER Dubai Internet City Business Central Tower A - Office 2803 T: +971 4 421 5455 - F: +971 4 421 0208 Copyright 2020 Fierce International. All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of Fierce International. Where opinion is expressed it is that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the editorial views of the publisher or Global Citizen. All information in Global Citizen is checked and verified to the best of the publisher’s ability, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistake or omission enclosed in the publication.
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A MODEL CITIZEN
A sacred space of conversation with Petra Nemcova on the power of positive thinking to not only change your life, but to save it
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he unusual events of this new decade have truly taken many of us by surprise. A shift in our day to day, adapting to a new norm, and questioning the forthcoming. But for supermodel and philanthropist, Petra Nemcova, life’s twists and turns have already granted her the vigor and courage to overcome even the most terrifying obstacles. With Global Citizen, Petra shares her intimate journey across the globe and the one life changing event that nearly took her life. Has modelling always been an aspiration since you were young? I come from a small town in Czech Republic, and at a very young age I really just wanted to take care of my family. My parents had a lot of hardship to take care of us and to put food on the table for my sister and I, so my main thing from the beginning has really been to earn enough to take care of them. Of course, once you start earning enough then the aspiration changes, but it has always been about working with people who have beautiful values. That’s something that goes across the timeline! Tell us a bit about your most memorable campaigns in your career? Working with brands which have great values has always been important to me and I have been very lucky to work with some of the most incredible people. Chopard has always been a brand that I looked up to because they have a long-standing family tradition and values and have always focused on philanthropy and sustainability. Caroline Scheufele, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele have embraced me like family and having that feeling is what is really the most memorable! I also can’t forget one of the most pivotal experiences which was landing on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It took my career off – it was like taking an elevator and going 30 floors up at the speed of light! Working with them year after year has been exceptional and they truly treated me like family. L ooking back to the course of your life, from motherhood to philanthropy, to career. What have been the greatest life lessons? Not to take anything for granted. Growing up under communism, we did not have the freedom to travel outside of the communist bloc, the freedom of speech, or even the
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freedom to dream. My parents couldn’t dream of becoming who they wanted to become; it was not an option, so that was one of the biggest lessons when I was growing up. I also have discovered that we are constantly learning and growing, and if we stop growing, we ultimately stop living. Between experiencing firsthand how little we are through tsunamis – we are like a grain of sand and Nature can swing her arm and get rid of us; or experiencing the humility from giving birth to my baby boy and seeing this divine creation, I have learned that the most profound lessons are always connected to Nature and she keeps teaching us and reminding us through her wisdom and with so much patience. You experienced a tragedy in 2004 that completely changed the course of your life. Could you tell us how you were able to pick up the pieces and regain the emotional strength to move forward? In 2004 during a holiday in Thailand with my partner, we were hit with the devastating Tsunami which took his life and nearly took mine. I saw so much suffering that day; 250,000 people lost their lives and millions were impacted, I lost my loved one, and I suffered serious physical injuries where I didn’t know if I was going to be able to walk again. It was very challenging, but I knew I was lucky to be alive. Five years prior I started to focus on meditation and working with energy and I truly believe that it is what saved my life. The day of the tsunami, I held on to a tree for eight hours before being rescued and I was able to remain calm instead of reacting. When we react with panic, we often take the wrong steps and can lose the opportunity to save our lives. In the days, weeks and months after the tsunami I was using these powerful tools – meditation, working with energy, focusing on the power of positive thinking, which led me to heal faster than the doctors could have ever imagined. Your non-profit, All Hands and Hearts, has impacted over 1.2 million lives in 20 countries. Can you tell us a bit more about its mission? All Hands and Hearts was co-founded by David Campbell and I following the devastation of the 2004 tsunami, which is often referred to as the deadliest tsunami in history. Although David had no relatives struck by the tsunami and didn’t know anyone in Thailand, after hearing about the events on the news, he was still powerfully compelled and dedicated to take action. From the start, our organisation has been committed to effectively
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Credits Photographer: Branislav Simoncik Creative Director: Jan Kralicek Styling: Alba Melendo Hair & Make-Up: Fidel Fernandez 20 SEPT / OCT 2020
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and efficiently address the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters. Since then, we have gathered nearly 61,000 volunteers from 144 countries, rebuilt 305 resilient schools which serve 113,000 children in 15 countries and have also rebuilt thousands of homes altogether helping over 1.2 million community members in 20 countries. This is just the beginning for us. We are committed to these communities going forward – to be there for them immediately after natural disasters but most importantly, for the long-term future. The costs associated with the recovery and rebuilding is more expensive than the first response – yet the arc of giving after natural disasters is upside down; which is why we are committed to coming early and staying late. Our second commitment is to bring people together through volunteering and show that we can make the impossible possible when we come together and when we work in the spirit of collaboration. We also want to inspire more organisations and individuals to come together and join forces. There are 1.5 million charitable organizations just in the USA alone, and at the same time there are many overlaps and many gaps. If foundations worked together and encapsulate the spirit of collaboration instead of competition, we can find solutions for our world in a faster and more effective way. You have been dedicating your life not just to philanthropy but also to sustainability. Can you share with us why this is important to you? What I find very exciting is that with every decision we make, we have the opportunity to empower the planet, the people, and create a positive change in our world! Even though my sustainability journey started almost 12 years ago, my family and I have been very focused on a conscious sustainable life and we are learning every day. It is an ongoing journey and with increasing innovation, there are more solutions coming our way. As a model, I am also conscious that fashion is the second biggest polluting industry in the world. Within my career, I have had the chance to work with other inspiring women who are doing their best to bring sustainability in the picture as well, including Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s Co-President and Livia Firth from Eco Age. In 2018 we did the Cannes Film Festival together where all the looks for the red carpet were sustainable, and from then on, many designers started to make either all or part of their collections sustainable. Not everybody can dedicate their life to philanthropy, but every single person can consciously take sustainable decisions. The ripple effects of your choices have much more power than you could imagine – and they come back and impact you. This year has been extremely difficult for many in all parts of the globe. Given your experience with the unexpected, what advice could you give those who need a glimmer of hope during these trying times? One of the most important lessons from this experience which I’ve learned is that we have a choice – the choice to focus on negative or positive. Even if everything seems dark and there’s 95% of negative, if we are able to focus on the 5% positive, we will be able to attract more positivity and healing to our life. A great example is when I lived in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and I met a gentleman who worked in war zones,
which to me are some of the most challenging environments. I asked him how he copes and manages to find hope and he said, “I focus on the 1% positive.” That’s why it’s so important understanding that we do have a choice. Every single day, every single moment in our life, we have a choice to focus on the negative or positive. This year has definitely been incredibly trying for so many people and my heart goes out to everyone who has been personally affected. In another light however, there are also some beautiful things that came out of COVID-19 as well, including a sense of togetherness. People around the world have understood more than ever that we are so interconnected and have been helping each other in such a powerful way and that’s an example of how we should be living going forward. We keep evolving. We are not the same that we were five years ago or even one year ago. I can see through a lot of my friends who during COVID-19 have connected to nature, to their families, and to themselves. They want more harmony. So, I feel that these challenging times in our lives are actually an opportunity for us to really tune inwards instead of focusing so much on the outside world. What do you think our roles are, as Global Citizens, during this global pandemic? It has probably been the most powerful example in recent history of humankind of how interconnected we are. With that we have seen some incredible acts of kindness, of togetherness, of humanness, and that is the role of being a Global Citizen. The global pandemic has given us an opportunity to step out from the usual fast paced lives and has given us the opportunity to look within us. If we truly want to make a change in the world, we have to start with ourselves. With every decision that we take, we are making either a positive or negative ripple effect in our world. More than that, it is not just the decisions that we are taking but also the thoughts that we are having. As we know from Quantum Physics, our thoughts are creative, so through our thoughts we create our reality. The role of each Global Citizen is to be conscious with every thought, with every decision, with every action and think about whether it will uplift the planet and people. And if it will, it ultimately uplifts us as well because we are Global Citizens and we are more interconnected than we could imagine so let’s be more conscious in every moment and let’s raise global consciousness. The global pandemic has given us an opportunity to step out from the usual fast paced lives and has given us the opportunity to look within us. If we truly want to make a change in the world, we have to start with ourselves. With every decision that we take, we are making either a positive or negative ripple effect in our world. More than that, it is not just the decisions that we are taking but also the thoughts that we are having. As we know from Quantum Physics, our thoughts are creative, so through our thoughts we create our reality. The role of each Global Citizen is to be conscious with every thought, with every decision, with every action and think about whether it will uplift the planet and people. And if it will, it ultimately uplifts us as well because we are Global Citizens and we are more interconnected than we could imagine so let’s be more conscious in every moment and let’s raise global consciousness. 2020 SEPT / OCT
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A DIFFERENT BALL GAME
Global Citizen catches an exclusive with the one of the NBA’s former megastars, Dikembe Mutombo, who has marked his presence as one of the "Good Guys in Sports" both on and off the court
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nown strongly for his humanitarian efforts, Dikembe Mutombo earned the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award and was elected as one of 20 winners of the President's Service Awards— the nation's highest honor for volunteer service. Given his medical background, Mutombo was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the State University of New York College at Cortland, an honorary doctorate by Georgetown University, as well an honorary doctorate from Haverford College. Given the overwhelming start to 2020, we’re delighted share a glimmer of hope with Dikembe’s inspiring story and learn more about his mission as a Global Citizen.
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What were your dreams and ambitions at an early age and how do you think moving to the US influenced that? I was born in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I knew back then my ambitions were to study medicine, become a doctor, and to help the people of my country back home. Moving to the USA on an academic scholarship allowed me to get a better education and a wonderful opportunity to play basketball for a Division 1 basketball team. Even though I had to learn a new language and adapt to a new culture, I am very fortunate for the experience. Getting an education shaped my future and gave me a better life.
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What are your favourite aspects of each side of your nationalities as a Congolese American? I love the diversity between Congolese and American food and music. They are so different, and I think having access to both cultures together keeps me balanced.
John Thompson at Georgetown University. I have had many great moments, but I will always remember Denver 1994. My team, the Denver Nuggets were in 8th place and won against the Seattle Supersonics, the first-place team. It was a defining moment in my career.
What were the necessary qualities and skills that helped you pursue such a successful career and what were the most defining moments of your career with the NBA? I developed a strong work ethic and discipline throughout my NBA career and learned a lot playing basketball for coach
In your experience as an active humanitarian; how can we- as a global society - build a brighter and safer world for the next generation? I have always chosen to support causes that promote improving health, education and quality of life in under-served and lowresource communities.
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I started on this humanitarian journey during the course of an 18-year successful career as a professional basketball player in the NBA. Although I played professional basketball, I never gave up on my goal to improve the health conditions of the people in my homeland, so back in 1997 I created the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia. At that time, I decided to build a general hospital in Kinshasa, the capital of the country. This hospital would be the first new hospital in the DR Congo in over 40 years. So, I think you have to find your passion and find something you strongly believe in to be able to continue to push forward. If we all find a cause that motivates us to come back the next day and do it again, we can make a positive difference for the future.
evolved from concentrating on communicable diseases, to noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Back in July 2016, we were fortunate enough to be introduced to Dr. Groesbeck Parham, a leading U.S. surgical oncologist in cervical cancer. Since his first medical mission to the Congo, approximately 20,000 Congolese women have been screened for cervical cancer at the Biamba Marie Mutombo hospital. During that same time, Dr. Parham along with his colleague, Dr. Michael Hicks performed 17 breakthrough radical hysterectomies at the hospital. This type of surgery is not widely available in the Congo for most women with advanced cervical cancer.
Tell us about the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital what inspired you to take on such an important project? It took 10 years of intense work and numerous challenges, but finally, the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital was inaugurated in July 2007 and it opened its doors to patients in December 2007. The vision for the Biamba Marie Mutombo hospital has been to create a modern institution that would function according to international norms of excellence, and that would serve as a catalyst to train health care providers, do basic research and promote community well-being through outreach and broad collaborations. Now after 13 years of health services and treating over 500,000 patients we have
You have left a lasting mark within both DRC and the USA and you continue to serve the people of the world as a Global Citizen. What does this mean to you? During a speech to the African Union in Addis Ababa, President Barack Obama said, "the single best indicator of whether a nation will succeed is how it treats its women. When women have health care and education, families are stronger, communities are more prosperous, and nations are more successful". I believe that as a Global Citizen, I have a deep concern for the things that are happening globally and will continue to play a role in helping wherever and whenever I can. 2020 SEPT / OCT
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GLOBAL GOAL
FIFA star, Samuel Eto’o, shares with GC the importance of having a dream, working hard, and staying true to yourself Before you moved to Europe at the age of 16, you spent your childhood in Cameroon. Tell us more about those earlier days. I always remember the days growing up in Cameroon as my happiest memories, surrounded by my family, and receiving all the affection I needed for a balanced childhood. I had food,
a place to stay and friends that I played with every day. I was happy. It's true that we tend to highlight the fact that I grew up in a working-class neighborhood, but reality is not the same when you look through the eyes of a child. A child enjoys the essentials, the simple things, the small pleasures of life. And I was very fortunate to have them.
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What was your dream as a teenager when you first moved to Europe? My dream was always to make a difference and I hope I was able to do so in my own way, even if I still have a lot of challenges ahead of me. If I hadn't been a professional athlete, I would have liked to be a lawyer, yet another way to be able to make a difference. I have always been outraged by injustice and throughout my journey I became passionate about speaking out for those who don’t have the same opportunity to be heard. To what do you attribute the incredible success of your career? Determination, state of mind and faith were the clear contributors to my success. I have always believed and said that talent alone is not enough. It takes many other things, like
You are equally celebrated for your generosity and philanthropic endeavors. Which causes speak out to you? Many causes are important to me, but the ones that are closest to my heart are those that involve youth that need to be supported, mentored and educated to be able to take control of their future with confidence. Tell us about the Samuel Eto'o Pavilion at the Lacquintinie Hospital and how it is being affected by the current pandemic? As mentioned, I am sensitive to the cause of children in need, and this Pavilion which was generously named after me –– was opened in 2016 in the city of Douala to meet emergency pediatric needs. During the current pandemic, the Pavilion also served as a Covid-19 testing site which has been vital for the entire population given the timely circumstances. 28 SEPT / OCT 2020
work ethic, a strong mind, and to a certain extent, support and encouragement. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but is built step by step through some failure, and many small victories. But in every case, perseverance is key because once you give up, you’ve already lost. How do you think your life story can inspire young dreamers in Cameroon? I hope that my entire journey, leading up to this very moment, has inspired the younger generation to dream and to believe that anything is possible. But, even more so, to understand that nothing is promised in life and that it takes effort to make your dreams come true. You need to believe in yourself, but also work hard. To dream without putting in the work is just an illusion, you need to do your part.
What is the one message you want people to learn through your global platform? If I had one message to the world, it would be addressed to the youth and more broadly to all those who aspire for more. You have to dream big, work hard to make those dreams come true, and most importantly to never overlook the importance of quality education. Education helps us acquire the necessary tools, all while teaching us to ask the right questions; questions to which we must provide solutions. What does being a Global Citizen mean to you? To me, being a Global Citizen is no different from being a human being. We all belong to the earth; the earth does not belong to us. We are all linked, all interconnected and the current events around the world is a key reminder of that.
THE POWER OF
EDUCATION
children and young people are currently in urgent need of educational support in 35 crises-affected countries
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THE EVOLVING MODEL OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Standard Chartered’s Dr. Owen Young shares wealth management insights in a post-pandemic economy
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t would be a strong, yet fair, claim to make, that banks have had to change their business models more than any other industry. New technology and capabilities, which have been accelerated through the COVID pandemic have further disrupted banking, including the hitherto slowmoving wealth management business. This has shown the importance and growth of digital banking, but with change comes caution and fear, so it still remains vital for banks to maintain the human, trusted side of advising on wealth. The question is whether financial institutions will remain committed to the new models that have evolved during the crisis? COVI D-19 has required a “double down” on technology solutions The COVID-19 pandemic has required changes in behaviour from both clients and their advisors, and placed greater emphasis on digital solutions, enabling remote engagement rather than physical interactions. No longer can digital projects be postponed. Medium to long-term plans have been re-evaluated to meet the current needs of clients. Wealth managers need to look through the cycle to manage what the uncertain future will look like. Clients expect tailor-made services suited to their individual needs, whether it’s easily accessible financial management platforms or face-to-face meetings. The adoption rate for digital wealth management solutions has increased dramatically during the pandemic. Standard Chartered launched a mobile fixed income platform in selected African markets at the beginning of 2020. By July, up to 50 percent of fixed income transactions were completed using the mobile app. The diversification of digital product offerings in investments has given clients the option to choose where to invest based on market volatility during the COVID-19 situation. However, customers still care for an experienced professional who will translate and explain the strategies proposed by the systems, while offering support in the decision-making process. The classic, relationship-driven business model with its communication channels such as telephone, email, and face-to-face meetings, will not become obsolete, but there will be a shift from personal interaction to digitally-enabled client interactions via intelligent solutions and social media. We are now moving toward a hybrid model of people and technology. Whilst there is a place for automated services, Standard Chartered Wealth Management believe that our customers still appreciate banking with a human element,
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offering the personal touch, and creating strong relationships. Clients can engage with their Relationship Managers and complete investment transactions at a time, place, and channel that suits their convenience. Increased digital capabilities have given clients greater flexibility to choose where to invest. In June 2020 alone, product sales rose to an all-time high as a result of the increased accessibility through digital channels. The bank has seen a 65 percent digital adoption in online mutual funds throughout our African markets. Diversification of digital product offerings have extended beyond helping clients to grow their wealth to also enabling clients to protect their wealth. We saw a 94 percent digital adoption rate in general insurance throughout our African markets. The SC Mobile app saw a 250 percent increase in wealth management transactions booked between March and April, when COVID-19 hit the African markets. Meanwhile, digital transactions have increased during COVID-19 for mobile, motor, and home insurance. On a monthly average, the transactions were 160 percent higher in 2020 on the app in Kenya compared to 2019 monthly average sales. Clients have grown increasingly interested in protecting their wealth. In the UAE, our life insurance business had the highest demand for the last three years. During the crisis, and without the luxury of face-to-face meetings, Standard Chartered has conducted numerous webinars reaching over 17,500 clients in Africa and Middle East. The webinars were conducted by the Bank’s investment strategists, economists and investment specialists, keeping clients abreast of market developments and investment strategies without the need to meet in person. Adapt to new business models Based on current trends, over the next few years, the wealth management provider model will expand and refocus, with divides between people and machines fading. As client needs shift, services and interactions will evolve in multiple ways. For years, wealth management advice meant a client paired with a dedicated human advisor. More recently, as algorithms have become today’s trending topic, many have chosen the technology-only route, citing the lower cost and aroundthe-clock access it provides. However, for clients that have material assets to invest, neither alone constitutes the future of the wealth management industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the importance of pairing the human relationship with the support of technology. It is becoming more apparent that firms providing an
BUSINESS
Dr. Owen Young , Regional Head of Wealth Management, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Standard Chartered Bank automated platform with periodic access to a human advisor rank as the most preferred scenario across a range of investor profiles, combining the best of both worlds for clients. In this age of information overload, Standard Chartered curates the most diverse market research and combines this with our own expertise to help clients navigate financial markets and make the most of their investments. Through the bank’s digital channels, customers have the ability to discuss investment and life insurance needs, review their portfolios, and receive guidance on personal investment plans, execute investment and life insurance transactions, as well as update or create a Customer Investment Profile via the SC Mobile app. Wealth managers have been quick to adapt, making tough decisions like never before, yet clients should take
more comfort in knowing they are supported by dynamic individuals and cutting-edge technology. The need for different strategies around innovation in the wealth management industry was clear before the pandemic, and people are now embracing the much-needed advancements. There will always be a balancing act for wealth management between the importance of 24-7 access to information digitally, along with the role of human interaction which reinforces trust, especially during times when people have questions and doubts about the future. The biggest takeaway is that banks and wealth management entities have shown not only capabilities to adapt, but a willingness, which will show longterm benefits for the industry and clients alike. 2020 SEPT / OCT
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Elon Musk explains the future capabilities of his company’s “Starship” to senior leadersof the North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command, and Air Force Space Command, April 15, 2019. Credit: NORAD & USNORTHCOM Public Affairs, Creative Commons 32 SEPT / OCT 2020
COVER STORY
UNEQUIVOCALLY ELON
Brilliance is not often found without a healthy dose of eccentricity. This certainly rings true for Elon Musk, one of the most successful and controversial figures in the spotlight
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usk recently made headlines in August 2020, when he became the world’s 4th richest person, trailing only Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on Bloomberg’s Billionaire’s Index. The financial feat came after Tesla’s share surged more than 300 percent over the course of 2020 thus far. With his fortune amassing over $93 billion, the mogul’s rocketing career hasn’t always been a smooth journey. Musk was born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, to Maye Musk, a Canadian model and dietician, and Errol Musk, a South African Engineer. Musk is the eldest of three siblings. His brother, Kimbal, is a restauranteur, chef and entrepreneur, and Tosca, his sister and youngest sibling, is an executive producer and director of feature films, television programs, and web content. Following his parents’ divorce, when he was 10, Musk
became interested in computers. A self-taught programmer, he sold his first software game called Blastar to a computer magazine at the age of 12. As a child, Musk was so caught up in his inventions and daydreams that his parents and doctors tested his hearing abilities to ensure they were functioning. Considered an introvert and devoted to his studies, he endured a lot of bullying in his grade school days — to the extent that was once hospitalised after a severe incident where he was beaten and thrown down a set of stairs, leaving him in a blackout state. Following the incident—and a growth spurt—Musk took up wrestling and karate to learn how to defend himself. Following high school graduation in 1989, Musk moved to Canada with his mother, brother and sister, to attend Queen’s University and avoid mandatory service in the South African military. He ended up leaving Canada in 1992 to pursue his degrees in physics and economics at the University of
Nick Bostrom, Elon Musk, Nate Soares, and Stuart Russell talking about AI and existential risk. Photo taken at the Effective Altruism Global conference, Mountain View, CA, in August 2015. Credit: Robbie Shade, Creative Commons 2020 SEPT / OCT
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Pennsylvania. He later travelled to California to pursue a PhD in energy physics at the prestigious Stanford University. However, with the rise of the dot-com boom that was just taking off, he dropped out of Stanford after just two days to launch his first company, Zip2 Corporation, with his brother, Kimbal. Funded by a group of Silicon Valley investors, Zip2 was an online city guide, providing content for the The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune. In 1999, a division of Compaq Computer Corporation bought Zip2 for $341 million in cash and stock, earning Musk an impressive $22 million. In 1999, Musk and his brother, Kimbal, started X.com, an
Elon Musk at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, California, 2011 Credit: Maurizio Pesce, Creative Commons 34 SEPT / OCT 2020
online financial services/payments company, using $10 million from their sale of Zip2. About a year later, X.com merged with a financial start-up called Confinity, to form what we now know as PayPal. When PayPal was acquired by eBay in October 2002 for $1.5 billion, Musk earned his first billion. Musk was named CEO of PayPal, but after controversy among the cofounders, Musk was fired. He hit further paydirt though when eBay bought PayPal outright, and as the company’s single largest shareholder, he scored another $165 million. All the while, Musk had his sights set on bigger opportunities. With $100 million from the money he
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Elon Musk at the 2018 SpaceX Falcon Heavy Flight 1 post launch press conference. Credit: Daniel Oberhaus, Creative Commons 36 SEPT / OCT 2020
COVER STORY
received from PayPal, he founded his third company, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, or SpaceX, in 2002, with the intention of making space travel more commercially accessible. As SpaceX established itself, in 2008, NASA awarded the company the contract to handle cargo transport for the International Space Station—with plans for astronaut transport in the future—in a move to replace NASA’s own space shuttle missions. Not only has he been keeping busy with his overarching plans to inhabit Mars; His achievements here on Earth have not stopped short. He became the co-founder, CEO and product architect at Tesla Motors, a company that is dedicated to producing affordable, mass-market electric cars, as well as battery products and solar roofs. While the company was originally founded in 2010 by veteran startup exec Martin Eberhard, The visionary tech tycoon oversees all product development, engineering and design of the company's products. In March 2019, Tesla’s long-awaited Model Y was unveiled. The compact crossover, which began arriving for customers in March 2020, has a driving range of 300 miles and a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The Roadster, currently available for reservation, is touted by the company as being the fastest all-electric batterypowered production car in the world, with a 0 to 60 time of 1.9 seconds. His entrepreneurial quests propelled him to promote and advance sustainable energy and products for a wider consumer base. Financially backed by Musk, SolarCity was launched in 2006 by his cousins, Peter and Lyndon Rive. In 2016, Tesla bought the company for $2.6 billion, with Musk holding a majority share. “Solar and storage are at their best when they're combined. As one company, Tesla (storage) and SolarCity (solar) can create fully integrated residential, commercial and grid-scale products that improve the way that energy is generated, stored and consumed,” read a statement on Tesla’s website about the deal.
Musk’s innovative ideas have further included the likes of a super-high-speed train called the "Hyperloop," an invention that would foster commuting between major cities while slashing travel time. Ideally resistant to weather and powered by renewable energy, the Hyperloop would propel riders in pods through a network of vacuum tubes at speeds reaching more than 700 mph. Musk noted that the Hyperloop could take from seven to ten years to be built and ready for use. He then launched another company in 2016 called The Boring Company, devoted to building an underground network of tunnels in order to reduce street traffic. Following a test dig on the SpaceX premises in Los Angeles in early 2017, he later announced that the 500-foot tunnel, which would generally run parallel to Interstate 405, would reach a length of two miles in approximately four months. In May 2019, the company, now known as TBC, landed a $48.7 million contract from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to build an underground Loop system to shuttle people around the Las Vegas Convention Center. With a keen interest in artificial intelligence, Musk founded Neuralink in 2017, intended to create devices to be implanted in the human brain and help people merge with software. In July 2019, Musk revealed that its devices will consist of a microscopic chip that connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone. Musk’s passion for space exploration and the sustainability of the human race are also the cornerstones of his philanthropic pursuits. He is the chairman of the Musk Foundation, which is devoted to providing solar-power energy systems in disaster areas. In 2019 alone, he donated $1 million to the #TeamTrees campaign, which aims to plant 20 million trees around the world. In his latest altruistic act, he offered to provide Teslabuilt ventilators to third-world countries in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. With no signs of slowing down, the 49-year-old has no fear of taking risks: “Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.” 2020 SEPT / OCT
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THE MOST EXPENSIVE FACE MASK IN THE WORLD
Renowned jeweller, Yvel, was commissioned to design the world's most valuable COVID-19 protective face mask
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ow that face masks have become a staple for daily wear, some will go to great lengths for the sake of inimitable style. Israel-based jeweller Yvel, has been tasked to create a COVID19 protective mask, ordered by one of its devoted customers: a Chinese billionaire from Shanghai. The mask provides the highest level of filtration (N-99) and meets the most stringent standards, and is slightly different from the other masks available on the market - it is the most expensive mask in the world, valued at $1,500,000. The mask, designed by Orna and Isaac Levy, Yvel’s owners and designers, is made of 250 grams of pure 18k gold, and set with no less than 3,608 natural diamonds, with a total weight of about 210 carats. The one-off order requires intensive production and fast delivery to the customer, and therefore the production of the mask has been entrusted to a team of 25 jewellers and diamond
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setters who have been carefully selected from the company’s staff, working in shifts, in order to carry out this special and challenging order. The customer is one Yvel’s most loyal customers who has been purchasing the company’s luxury jewellery for decades. While the order may seem over the top, the mask was commissioned in an act of financial support to the 150 Yvel employees in Israel and the United States, providing them work during these challenging post-pandemic times. "In these tumultuous days, every order we receive helps to preserve the company’s day-to-day operations and provide a way of living to the its people,” says Yvel’s co-owner, Isaac Levy. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, the visitors’ center and jewellery factory has closed, turning its workers unemployed. However, the company continues to work tirelessly in order to produce orders, bring workers back to the factory, and do their part to restore their local economy.
WHATEVER YOUR TASTE IN ART, YOU’LL FIND IT HERE!
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HOROLOGY
FOR THE LOVE OF SHARKS Blancpain’s new limited-edition watch is dedicated to protecting the great hammerhead shark
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nown for pioneering the world’s first dive watch in the 1950s, Blancpain continues its commitment to the exploration and preservation of the ocean realm. New for 2020, Blancpain has introduced a new initiative devoted to the study of hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) in French Polynesia. It’s limited-edition diver’s issue watch — the Bathyscaphe Mokarran Limited Edition — is a 50-piece special series, with each piece sold supporting the Mokarran Protection Society, a hammerhead shark protection non-profit based in French Polynesia. Unlike Blancpain’s three previous Ocean Commitment watches, which have all been either blue-dialed, or bluecased affairs (or some combination of the two), the newest Bathyscaphe brings a new colour to the collection. It is distinguished by its green dial and unidirectional bezel with a matching green ceramic insert with markers made of Liquidmetal, a proprietary material used in several other Blancpain watches and by other brands within the Swatch Group. The luminous dot index at 12 o’clock is a faithful reproduction of the one used on the original Fifty Fathoms watches of the 1950s. The 43.6-mm-diameter case is water resistant to 300 meters, and made of black ceramic with sweeping beveled lugs and a satin-brushed finish. The watch is equipped with Blancpain’s self-winding Caliber 1318, a robust movement with 204 components, 35 jewels,
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and a high level of chronometric performance. Its three seriescoupled mainspring barrels provide an impressive power reserve of five days. The movement, visible through the watch’s clear sapphire caseback, has a balance spring made of silicon, a material that features several key properties: low density that makes it particularly light, strong shock resistance, and resistance to magnetic fields — which help to optimize geometry of the balance spring, thereby improving the movement and ultimately the precision of the watch. Blancpain’s 1318 is also fitted with a Glucydur balance wheel with square-head gold micrometric regulating screws to improve precision and allow for efficient adjustment. The gold oscillating weight comes with an engraving of a hammerhead shark. Like Blancpain’s Ocean Commitment watches, $1,000 from the purchase of every Mokarran Bathyscaphe goes towards hammerhead shark conservation efforts led by the Mokarran Protection Society in French Polynesia. With only 50 pieces available, each with a purchase price of $15,500, it’s a total of a $50,000 donation towards an important area of study of an equally important predator in the ocean ecosystem. This latest mission in the company’s portfolio was inspired by the brand’s CEO, Marc Hayek, an avid scuba diver and underwater filmmaker, who has a storied history of using the Blancpain platform to help raise awareness towards ocean research and protections.
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A NEW SPORTING LEGEND Breitling’s new Endurance Pro is the ultimate athleisure watch
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esigned both as a lightweight watch for athletes and a casual, everyday sports chronograph, it is the perfect lightweight and lighthearted luxury sports watch combining high precision, innovative technology, and vibrant, colourful design. The Breitling Endurance offers optimal comfort, matchless precision, and functionality that will appeal both men and women whose active lives blend a professional mind-set with a sporty lifestyle. The Endurance Pro stands up to the challenges of a rigorous workout whilst remaining fashionable enough for everyday wear. This is the brand’s latest watch positioned in its Professional range, combining an ultra-light-weight 44-millimeter Breitlight case and a thermo-compensated SuperQuartz movement ten times more accurate than a conventional quartz. Breitling CEO Georges Kern explains, “When Jan Frodeno first became a member of our Triathlon Squad, he asked me what Breitling he should wear. We started brainstorming about the perfect sporty lifestyle watch and that conversation led to the development of the Endurance Pro. With this watch, we adapted our Super-Quartz technology to the needs of people like Jan who play as hard as they work. And the Breitlight case is so light that it won’t interfere with anyone’s training routine or sporting activity.” A SuperQuartz movement powers every piece in Breitling’s Professional range, a favourite watch tool that has won over the likes of explorers and pilots. The Endurance Pro takes the range into the world of sports,in which Breitling also has a significant legacy. In cycling, the brand has partnered with major competitions, including the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, and cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali. The same is true in motorsports, where Breitling has sponsored famous rallies. The brand has long offered watches with sports-friendly functions and the Endurance Pro continues to honour that legacy. Today, Breitling stands for aspirational yet accessible sports, such as running, cycling, and swimming – the disciplines that come together in triathlon and IRONMAN competitions. The Endurance Pro is inspired by the Breitling Sprint, a memorable watch from the 1970s that combined a pulsometer
with an impressively light weight. It was ideal for athletes who wanted to be able to monitor their heart rates. It was made from resin so it was particularly comfortable on the wrist. Of course, it was also produced in some avant-garde 1970s colours, and the Endurance Pro is clearly a modern evolution of that design. There are five vibrant variations of the new Breitling Endurance Pro. Each one features a black dial and a black bidirectional rotating bezel with engraved cardinal compass points (N, S, E, and W). The five variations are distinguished by their own bold colours: they are designed with an inner bezel, which is marked witha useful pulsometer scale, in a choice of white, blue, yellow, orange, or red, making it easy for the user to keep track of their heart rate during sports sessions. The watches are presented on a Diver Pro rubber strap in the same colour as the inner bezel ring. The strap is secured with a Breitlight double-pin buckle. For Endurance Pro fans who want to add even more colou rto this already dazzling watch, vibrant Outerknown ECONYL yarn NATO straps that pair perfectly with this eye-catching chronograph can be purchased separately. The watch also has a tactile molded crown in the same colour as the strap and the inner bezel ring for excellent grip and maneuverability. At the heart of the Endurance Pro is the COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 82, whose SuperQuartz technology delivers exceptional precision.The hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, making them legible even in limited lighting conditions. The chronograph second hand has a red pointer so it is easy to keep track of the elapsed time. Along with a small-second subdial, there are1/10th second and 30-minute chronograph counters that have also been designed for easy reading. With its dazzling colours, impressively light weight, and world-beating precision and functionality, along with a price tag that will attract new enthusiasts to the brand, the Breitling Endurance Pro occupies a unique position among sports watches. It is equal to the needs of committed athletes but also ideal for anyone wanting to combine an active lifestyle with a laid-back attitude. 2020 SEPT / OCT
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A LEGACY IN GERMAN WATCHMAKING Glashütte introduces its latest Limited Edition Senator Chronometer
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he Senator Chronometer summons memories of the classic Glashütte marine chronometers of the past. This latest masterpiece, limited to 25 pieces, is presented in a newly designed white gold case whose bezel takes the characteristic concave shape of historic marine chronometers. Like its legendary predecessors of the 19th and 20th centuries, this chronometer is distinguished by proven rate precision, perfect legibility and remarkable aesthetics. When the Senator Chronometer made its debut in 2009, it was voted “Watch of the Year” by readers of the German trade magazine Armbanduhren. Since then the elegant timepiece has become a permanent and successful member of the Senator Collection. This latest model features not only a white gold case, but a dial in solid gold and a gold-plated manufactory movement with refined decorative finishes. Renowned for their accurate instruments, these timepieces were used primarily for navigation on the high seas in order to determine, by means of the precise time of day, the exact position of a ship. The manufacture of the first marine chronometers in Glashütte began in 1886, which were soon tested by the Naval Observatory in Hamburg, where they achieved excellent results. The standards today remain equally high: a timepiece may only be called a “chronometer” if certified by an authorised testing institute. All wristwatch chronometers from Glashütte Original have their rate precision tested by the German Calibration Service, whose tests are based on the rigorous German chronometer standard.
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Historic marine chronometers served to inspire the concave shape of the bezel, allowing more visual space for the dial. The bezel is fitted with a delicate knurled edge, improving grip. The elaborate decorative finishing boasts a blank of solid gold, while engravings are subsequently filled with black lacquer and burnt in with heat in a kiln. In a final step, the blanks are manually silver plated. An elaborate process calls for a perfectly calibrated mixture of fine silver powder, salt and water to be hand-brushed onto the dial in order to achieve a shining silver surface. This results in a fine, even shimmer across the surface texture of the dial. Pear-shaped hands in blue steel follow their paths to indicate the hour and minutes. Additional blued hands mark the running time and small second displays, whose silhouettes have been milled into the dial, thus lending the dial additional depth. The timepiece is powered by the finely finished Calibre 58-03 manual winding movement, whose wheel bridge is also silver plated and subsequently given a galvanic coating in rose gold. The other frame components are also coated entirely in galvanic rose gold. A sapphire crystal case back allows one to take in the classic features of the Glashütte art of watchmaking at a glance: the characteristic three-quarter plate, screwmounted gold chatons, polished and bevelled steel parts and the hand-engraved balance cock. Rounding off the new chronometer’s design is a dark blue Louisiana alligator leather strap with a foldover clasp or pinbuckle closure in white gold.
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THE NEW FACES OF LUXURY Oscar-winner Rami Malek leads a new collection of brand ambassadors for Pasha de Cartier
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ollowing the relaunch of Pasha de Cartier back in April, the luxury brand has assembled a bevy of fresh faces in what Cartier calls a ‘community of unique personalities’ to represent the latest Pasha watch. In the latest campaign, shot by photographer Craig McDean, Oscar-winning actor and Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek is joined by singer-songwriter Willow Smith, Maisie Williams, who played the plucky role of Arya Stark in Game of Thrones; actor and YouTuber Troye Sivan, and Hong Kong rapper and dancer Jackson Wang. Speaking of the newly formed group of ambassadors, Cartier said, “Since its creation in the 1980s, the Pasha watch has embodied a certain idea of success directly linked to its extroverted design, power and graphic nonconformism. It is as edgy as ever and in tune with today's new generation of creators. These new Pasha ambassadors owe their success to their differences, creativity, connection, multidisciplinary talents and generosity.” Known for its classic and exceptional design, Cartier has taken their well-known Pasha de Cartier watch and reimagined its style to celebrate the forward-thinking
timepiece. Originally created in 1985, and based off a previous model released in 1935, the Pasha watch was designed to make a statement; the bold and graphic details have made it a standout piece since its first launch, harnessing the power of self-expression for all of its wearers. Upon its first debut, the watch made waves with its striking design, moving Cartier away from square cases they were famous for. Despite originally being launched as a men’s watch, the design quickly became a coveted timepiece for both men and women alike. The new Pasha de Cartier is available in two sizes, 35mm and 41mm, as well as a range of different metals. Steel, rose gold and yellow gold all feature in the collection, and there’s a focus on customisation, too. Buyers can select different straps, casings and engravings should you wish to make it unique. Beneath the 35- or 41-mm case, Cartier’s signature 1847 MC automatic movement can be found. It offers a 40-hour power reserve and thanks to nickel phosphorous components, is resistant to magnetism. The watch is also water resistant to a depth of 100 meters. 2020 SEPT / OCT
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UNLOCKING NEW ADVENTURES
Lamborghini presents the Urus Pearl Capsule
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he 2021 Lamborghini Urus marks its arrival with a few upgrades, including the new, optional Pearl Capsule package that gives the performance crossover some eye-catching paint over the body. Created by Lamborghini’s Centro Stile design department, this first exclusive personalised option for the Urus showcases
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the dynamic style that the Lamborghini Super SUV is known for. The Pearl Capsule package covers the Urus in four layers of high-gloss, pearl-effect paint. Buyers can specify it in Giallo Inti yellow, Arancio Borealis orange, and Verde Mantis green. The package also includes high-gloss black accents for the roof, spoiler, rear diffuser, and bits of trim. It rides on 23-inch
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wheels in a mix of black and the body colour. A matte grey finish covers the pair of dual tailpipes. Inside of a Urus with the Pearl Capsule package, there's a two-tone mix of black and the body colour. The company accents the center of the seats with hexagon-shaped stitching with logo embroidery. The cabin trim is adorned with a mix of carbon fibre and black-anodized aluminium. Available exclusively on the Pearl Capsule, customers can choose optional poweradjustable seats with perforated Alcantara for added comfort. The 2021 Urus features other upgrades, like a new design for the key. Grigio Keres metallic grey is a new colour available in the palette. The options range expands to include an improved Parking Assistance Package that can now handle steering, throttle, and brake inputs for automatic parallel and perpendicular parking. There's also an available Sensonum
sound system with a 730-watt amplifier and 17 speakers. According to Lamborghini, it has delivered over 8,300 examples of the Urus around the world since the performance crossover's introduction. The most popular colour choices so far have been the shades of grey and the brand's trademark shade of yellow. “The Lamborghini Urus has attracted an extremely diverse clientele since its launch, with exceptionally varied lifestyles,” said Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stefano Domenicali. “Nearly 80% of those customers, of which around 10% are women, are new to the Lamborghini brand, enjoying the versatility of their Urus whether for business, family outings or, of course, leisure time where the luxury, emotive performance and either sporty or elegant nature of the Urus is so prescient.”
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ELECTRIFYING THE ROADS Get ready to hit the streets in Audi’s latest Q4 Sportback e-tron concept
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oupé enthusiasts will be giddy with delight when they meet the new Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept. The name sounds familiar because the brand first unveiled the standard Q4 e-tron concept back in March 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show. While technically identical, the latest version of this sleek SUV Coupé packs a sleek and sporty punch. With both models heading into production in 2021, potential buyers have their choice between two distinct flavours of the compact 302-horsepower, pure-electric all-wheel drive SUV. The Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are very much twinning albeit with different personalities. The new 181-in (460-cm)-long Sportback gains an indiscernible centimeter (0.4
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in) of length while losing a centimeter of height and riding on the same 109-in (277-cm) wheelbase. The Sportback's arched roofline drops back fastback-style into the tautened rear-end with spoiler, adding a sportier presence. Both Q4's are based on VW's MEB modular electrification platform and carry 82 kWh of battery power mounted low between the axles. In ranging-topping quattro all-wheel drive form, this battery runs the dual motors for up to an estimated 279 miles (450 km)—the benchmark in its class. Buyers who opt for the front motor instead of rear-wheel drive can expect up to 310 miles (500 km). The Sportback's downward slope to the back doesn’t gain improvements when it comes to speed, as both Q4 quattro e-tron variants bring the same 6.3-second
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0-62 mph (100 km/h) and 112-mph (180-km/h) top speed figures. Under regular driving conditions, the e-tron quattro system relies on its 201-horseower synchronous rear motor for efficient rear-biased power. When the driver needs more of a power boost, control over higher-speed cornering, or when the vehicle predicts traction loss, the system feeds off the 101-horsepower front motor to channel more torque up front. Inside, Audi takes advantage of the increased space left by the decentralised powertrain and absence of a transmission tunnel. While light, warm colours dominate the upper section of the interior, the dark carpet in the floor section provides a contrast. The headlining, window pillars, and upper section of the door rail and dash panel, are fitted with white and beige
microfiber textiles. The front cabin follows the design of the original Q4 e-tron concept with its angled-in 12.3-in central infotainment screen and a digital cockpit that subtly follows the shape of the single-frame grille on the front of the car. A large-format head-up display adds extra information and augmented reality capability, while steering wheel touch panels and a hovering climate control pad to the right add a layer of physical control. Audi will launch the Q4 Sportback e-tron in 2021 as the seventh in an electric vehicle offensive that began in 2018 with the larger e-tron SUV. By 2025, the marque will offer more than 20 automobiles with all-electric drive, achieving roughly 40 per cent of its sales with electrified models. 2020 SEPT / OCT
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A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
Range Rover celebrates its 50-year legacy with an exclusive new limited edition
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marks 50 years of pioneering innovation for Range Rover, and the luxury SUV marque is celebrating in style with the introduction of the new Range Rover Fifty. Since 1970, the original luxury SUV has defined the market and, five decades on, the Range Rover has evolved to become a family of coveted all-terrain luxury vehicles. Over its 50-year lifespan, the Range Rover has achieved many world firsts and completed numerous impressive feats. It was the first SUV to feature a permanent 4WD system when it was launched, and in 1989, it was the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes. Later in 1992, it became the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with electronic traction control (ETC) and automatic electronic air suspension – ensuring the refined driving feel Range Rover is so famous for, both on and off-road. In 2012, the latest generation Range Rover became the world’s first SUV to feature an all-aluminium lightweight
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construction, making it lighter, stronger and more efficient. This is the SUV that has crossed the notoriously impassable ‘Darien Gap,’ was the first vehicle to ever be displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, and has even won the Paris-Dakar rally – twice. In celebration of its golden milestone, the limited-edition Range Rover Fifty will produce just 1,970 vehicles globally, in recognition of the year the original Range Rover was introduced. Building on the luxuriously appointed Autobiography, the Range Rover Fifty is thoughtfully outfitted with a number of unique and distinctive accents. Exterior trim pieces feature an "Auric Atlas" finish and each SUV has a set of two-tone 22-inch wheels. All badges inside and out wear a "Fifty" script that Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's Chief Creative Officer, created himself. Buyers will find the script on a commemorative plaque inside, on the door sills and the head rests, among other areas.
AUTOMOTIVE
"In the world of luxury vehicles, the Range Rover has always stood apart as peerless and enduring. Its unique and pioneering sensibilities together with an unrivalled engineering approach have been the intrinsic values which our customers have admired since the first of the breed was revealed in 1970" ~ LAND ROVER CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER PROF GERRY MCGOVERN OBE In true style, three of the marque’s heritage colours have been brought back from the past in extremely limited numbers: Tuscan Blue, Bahama Gold and Davos White, although the vehicles are also available in Carpathian Grey, Rosello Red, Aruba, and Santorini Black.
Now in its fourth generation with over a million sold in its lifetime, the Range Rover is the ultimate expression of luxury. It’s unmistakable, sophisticated design and class-leading allterrain capability has ensured the Range Rover is as peerless and relevant today as it was in 1970. 2020 SEPT / OCT
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LIFESTYLE
ZUUM SHOES
Zuum shoes are actually what are popularly known as self-balancing electric skates. These tech shoes are made with a high-end aluminium alloy and are powered by a 25.9 volt battery, have a V-0 flame-retardant status, are selfbalancing with solid rubber wheels, and can reach a speed of 8 mph. The battery lasts for about 1-1/2 hours and will recharge in two hours. The development of the shoes went through four prototypes to ensure they are completely fire-, water-, and dirt-proof. They were also tested against high-impact collisions with concrete, contain anti-skid technology, and can be controlled against a 10-degree incline. The shoes can be easily carried by hand or in a backpack. Although they are grouped in the same category as hoverboards, ZUUM Hover Shoes are actually more similar to roller skates, as they allow for greater mobility than a one-piece hoverboard. https://zuumtech.com/
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GADGETS
EVE ENERGY SMART PLUG & POWER METER
Aftermarket smart home solutions are helping to support consumers on the hunt for ways to upgrade their living space without having to perform any major changes, which is exactly what the Eve Energy smart plug and power meter helps to do. The plug works by being connected to any outlet in the home and will immediately go to work providing inhabitants with the ability to track energy usage and even control functionality from anywhere. The device can be used with Apple HomeKit and will enable users to control it using only their voice by simply prompting Siri on their iPhone, Apple TV or HomePod speaker. https://www.evehome.com/
SONIC SOAK
Ultrasonic cleaners offer a unique way of cleaning almost anything from laundry to jewellery and even fruit and vegetables. One such cleaner called the Sonic Soak offers the “ultimate portable cleaner,” bringing powerful ultrasonic cleaning technology right to your fingertips. Its modulated ultrasonic waves travel through water to clean at a microscopic level. Sonic Soak provides precise cleaning, while saving the environment using a lot less energy when compared to a laundry machine. https://sonicsoak.com/
THERAGUN PRIME MASSAGE GUN
The Theragun Prime massage gun is like having a private masseuse on hand for a quick post-workout session. Using percussive therapy, it’s designed to massage your muscles by rapidly applying pressure to your body up to 40 times per second. It claims to get 60 per cent deeper into your muscles than other massagers, increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation, muscle tension, and working out any knots that have developed. The percussion from the device is said to override the brain's pain signal, which can provide temporary relief. When it comes to workout recovery, percussive therapy devices are often compared to deep tissue massages or foam rolling. Since the Theragun and other percussive therapy devices have serious force (up to 60 pounds to be exact), it can go deeper than a foam roller or even a deep tissue massage. https://www.theragun.com/
THE EMBER TEMPERATURE CONTROL SMART MUG
Keep your coffee or tea nice and hot and at your preferred temperature. You can control it via the app right from your smartphone and never have to worry about luke-warm beverages again. Choose from 10 fl. oz. (295 ml) or 14 fl. oz. (414 ml) sizes in white, black or the latest copper. A travel mug option is also available if you prefer sipping on the move. https://ember.com/
TILE APP
This clever must-have device will reunite you with your lost keys, remote control, wallet, and so much more! These little Tile Stickers come as a pack of two, are waterproof, and will locate your lost belongings via your smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth. If the Tile is out of Bluetooth range, you can check its last known location on the app, which is automatically updated when you’re within range. Tile’s new Sticker has a 150-ft or 46-m range. Slim and Mate each have a range of 200ft or 61m. Pro features the longest range, coming in at twice the range of Mate and Slim, measuring 400ft or 122m. www.thetileapp.com 2020 SEPT / OCT
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A NEW BREED OF OLD-SCHOOL ELEGANCE Ferragamo’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection pays homage to six alpha-male archetypes
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n the new age of fashion, Salvatore Ferragamo’s Creative Director, Paul Andrew, journeys into the playfully diverse and fluid mindset of millennial fashion connoisseurs. To create the latest pieces, Andrew and his creative team channelled six alpha-male archetypes of masculinity: businessman, biker, racing driver, sailor, soldier and surfer. These served as the canvas to create a new masculine style, mixed together into a freeform hybrid. Ferragamo’s traditional artisanship blended with renegade style, Andrew explains, “the agenda is to retain the aesthetic of uniform while subverting the once-rigid assumptions it enforced.” The resulting style serves as a reminder that today’s man is not restricted to any one style, and clothing should provide the freedom of evolution and transformation.
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Creating a category all its own, Andrew and his team conjure up looks that combine sailor + businessman + surfer. Elsewhere, you’ll see racing driver + sailor + military. Impossible to categorise in traditional boxes, these are hero pieces for anti-heroes. The collection flourishes with reimagined masculine ‘uniform’ classics from its six archetype genres. Markedly known for its ‘toe to head’ philosophy, the collection starts with its foundation of footwear. Inspired by its 1949 archival shoe, Andrew plays on the archetypes with bench-made boots with leather uppers, and ‘biker’ or ‘army’ boots with a high-flex V-lug with a combination lace-up. The ensembles are only made complete with a matured holdall or hand-woven wide weave tote; matching belt with the new square Gancinistud buckle, or sophisticated leather-trimmed sunglasses.
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FASHION FORWARD AND CRUELTY-FREE Stella McCartney’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection celebrates strong women and sustainability
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tella McCartney’s latest collection celebrates the woman who is unapologetic, unpredictable and unafraid to be herself. A magnetic woman of the world who does everything with heart. The campaign was shot by Chinese photographer Leslie Zhang in Shanghai’s green spaces. The vision amplifies the advocate voices of two creative women: model, arts activist and ABC founder Cici Xiang; and independent film curator and Hui Space Co-Founder Jingyi Qian. The palette is a foundation of classic neutrals; blues, camels, greys, blacks and whites are punctuated with rich tones of red gala and garnet, sherbet yellows and vibrant shades of bright orange, cerise and fuchsia pop. Indigo denim workwear is splashed with bright jade and acid yellow. Sparkling metallics in starry blue and bronze usher in after-hours elegance in eveningwear pieces. 'Sculptural Classicism' captures the timeless and traditional Stella wardrobe through an artistic lens. Distinctive sculptural coats with curved lines are closed with statement buttons, while dramatic fringing enhances the signature camel coat. Pinstripe tailoring has a utility look softened by an elevated shoulder roll. A khaki two-piece, inspired by a tailored military uniform, with an exaggerated wide leg culotte is introduced in a recycled Japanese polyester twill. Modern graphics are introduced in high-contrast monochrome. A hand-painted wave print, in lightweight chiffon and crepe de chine dresses, is finished with an embroidered trim adding movement to tiered silhouettes. Body conscious gathering is highlighted with keyholes, outlined with snaking colour blocked glass beads and diamante crystals. Highcontrast colours and abstract lines are defined on sunray pleats of alter-nappa and recycled nylon. A new recycled polyester lame is introduced across contemporary pleated eveningwear pieces. Inspired by playful archival pieces inherited from Stella's mother, Linda, a tongue-in-cheek take on polka-dot; a graphic satsuma print decorates flowing crepe de chine layered separates. Styles are feminine and light, interrupted with slices of block colour and beaded fringe. A rich three-dimensional heart cloque in vibrant turquoise and crisp white layers of gathers create an effortless party dress vibe.
The new '5' logo jacquard is interpreted in bitter brown and oat for coating and apricot and camel for tailoring. Herringbone patterns are blown up on needle punched felt coats, decorated with an eclectic mix of buttons. The herringbone theme continues scribbled across KOBA. KOBA debuted during Spring/Summer 20 Paris Fashion Week. KOBA is recycled, recyclable and made with plant-based fibers making it the most sustainable animal-free fur ever made. A wardrobe of alter nappa in indigo blues, bordeaux and black transforms utility suiting and trenches enhanced with decorative perforations with a nod to our signature lace. Knitwear is soft and voluminous. A gauzy blown-up tiger motif is bold and punky, whilst a soft cape with extended panels softens the new 'S' logo and graphic patterns of the season. Ribbed knitwear is sculptural with dramatic fringing. For accessories, a classic structured bag inspired by a traditional 'doctors bag' is made in Alter-Vacchetta leather. It's artisanal inspired bi-colour braided handles add a flash of colour. The 'Froisse Bag' is introduced with a slouchy silhouette, defined by its distinctive texture in soft alter-nappa. Three key styles are introduced for shoes. Inspired by a retro elegance and goth punk, the 'Cage' is an alter-nappa pointed-toe shoe which straps around the foot with attitude. The 'Emilie' takes on the classic Chelsea boot, loafer and apron shoe silhouettes, transforming them with a grunge inspired chunky gum sole. The 'Dancer' is based on the brands signature ballerina flat updated with a kitten heel and an elevated heel bead and diamante sandal. Statement earrings come in the form of exaggerated heart shapes naively sculpted from sustainably sourced wood and oversized circular earrings in contrasting beads and wood. Continuing the brands commitment to eco-conscious fashion and a circular future, sustainable materials are used throughout the collection. Organic cotton, sustainable viscose, ZQ sustainable wool, recycled polyester, recycled nylon, regenerated cashmere and vegetarian leather continue to be widely used, and for the first time, COREVA denim is introduced, the first biodegradable stretch denim created using plant-based yarns free from plastics and micro-plastics. Cici Xiang comments, “There is no Planet B. As long as we protect it from now on, Earth can be healed.” 2020 SEPT / OCT
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FASHION
A HERITAGE CLASSIC WITH A MODERN TWIST Lacoste announces an apparel and footwear collection rooted in innovation and heritage
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acoste has teamed up with Boston-based retailer Concepts, a leading American brand that is known to blur the lines between the cultures of street, skate and fashion. In their first-ever collaboration, the innovative capsule collection is born from their connected histories and by the shared values of commitment, expertise, invention and excellence. The collaboration is rooted in Lacoste and Concepts’ shared connection to the city of Boston, the birthplace of Lacoste and Concepts as we know them today. In August 1923, a journalist writing for the Boston Evening Transcript first coined the moniker “the Alligator” when describing René Lacoste, connecting to the brand’s iconic logo. The city of Boston and the United States have a special place in Lacoste’s story, as epitomized by René Lacoste’s joyful quote; “The American spirit and generosity touched me so deeply, that I’ve always felt as French as American.” Lacoste's footwear story began in 1923, with the introduction of the Velocity sneaker, the brand's first running shoe. To celebrate this history, Lacoste has tapped Concepts to reimagine the heritage shoe into a new footwear icon, the Storm 96, which will see a limited-edition release of 650 pairs globally. This new icon retains the retro mood of the original nineties shoe while adding contemporary details that speak to Concepts’ expertise in the sneaker space. The shoe features details such as an iridescent Concepts x Lacoste logo, affine leather uppers which sit alongside hits of mesh, dynamic gold-tipped laces, and interchangeable tongue-tags. One patch marks each Concepts location worldwide, all of which can be stored in a bespoke pouch in the tongue of the shoe to allow for on-the-go changes. The collection also includes a range of apparel driven by Concepts’ streetwear identity and Lacoste’s French fashion savoir-faire. The Lacoste and Concepts design team found inspiration in all-American summer destinations like Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, resulting in colours like igloo green, sand, praisun, and tanzanite blue, as well as reflective hits that capture the essence of the sun’s reflection during nightfall. Timeless apparel classics like hoodies, t-shirts, swimming shorts, a windbreaker and tracksuits are elevated with modern iridescent treatments for a streetwear edge. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with Lacoste, a brand that is grounded in tradition and carries a storied legacy. The brand is highly credible and true to themselves – they don’t chase trends and have impeccably maintained their classic aesthetic, for over 85 years,” said Tarek Hassan, CEO and founder of Concepts. “Those qualities came to life in this collection – it allows us to bring our customers a global heritage brand, but with a unique Concepts twist that brings together the past and future of sport and luxury.” 2020 SEPT / OCT
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FALL/WINTER FASHION PICKS
SACAI
SAINT LAURENT
OFF-WHITE
1017 ALYX 9SM
BURBERRY
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BALMAIN BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
PT01
LIDFORD
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FIT FOR A KINGSMAN
MR PORTER launched an exclusive collection dedicated to the upcoming film, The King’s Man
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n the wake of the global health crisis, cinema lovers have been starved of cinematic escape. That being said, we are cautiously optimistic that the coming months will bring about new releases. One such film that has fans looking forward is the action-packed Kingsman 3, the third instalment of The King’s Man franchise, set to be released in February 2021. Left with several months to eagerly anticipate its arrival, MR PORTER, the award-winning online destination for men’s style, and the film’s director, Michael Vaughan, have launched a stylish collection that will have you dressing the part until you get your Kingsman fix early next year. The costumes in The King’s Man reflect the timeless style and functionality of tailoring and military wear from the film’s period, set during WW1, with silhouettes and styles made relevant for contemporary look. As filmmaker Matthew Vaughn says, “Classic tailoring is hard to beat and we wanted to illustrate that no matter what decade you are in, if you step into Kingsman,
you will come out looking great. For the latest ‘costume to collection,’ we embraced the time-honored materials and heavier weaves of the era, which often hang so much better than modern fabrics. We also incorporated luxury casual wear pieces that embrace the same Kingsman sophistication, but in more every day, wearable styles.” Many of the original Kingsman categories and partner brands feature within the collection, including: Kingsman original tailoring and knitwear; Turnbull & Asser shirting; Cutler & Gross eyewear; George Cleverley shoes; Drake’s ties and pocket squares; London Undercover umbrellas; Deakin & Francis cufflinks and small accessories; Corgi socks; William Lockie knitwear; Lock & Co. Hatters; Higgs & Crick glassware and desk accessories by Smythson of Bond Street. Co-created with award-winning costume designer Michele Clapton, the collection comprises a total of 170 pieces. The first set of the collection is now available, with a second, edited drop set to be released in line with the film’s theatrical release.
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INNOVATION THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY
TUMI launches the brand’s first travel collection made with recycled materials
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ith a heritage of producing the highest quality products, TUMI takes the next step in its mission to protect the planet. Merge is the brand’s first travel collection made with recycled materials, as well as select styles within the Alpha Bravo and Devoe collections. These new products give consumers the option to make a positive choice for the planet without compromising style or quality. “When the time is right for travellers to embark on their next journey, our promise is to protect not only their treasured personal items, but also the world they travel to see,” says Victor Sanz, TUMI’s Creative Director. “The TUMI brand is innovative by nature, but we are sustainable by choice. And as such, we are committed to designing innovative products and manufacturing processes that take care of our planet, while ensuring that our people are treated with respect and care.” TUMI is dedicated to building a more sustainable future and has created a program that underscores the importance of sustainability throughout every aspect of its business. It focuses on: • • •
Innovative Products - by designing products that are built to last and adopting recycled materials, TUMI has diverted more than 980,000 plastic bottles from landfills; Carbon Action - working to reduce carbon intensity by 15% and transition to 100% renewable energy by 2025; Thriving Supply Chain - requiring suppliers to meet TUMI’s standards of fair and responsible business; and
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•
People Focused - providing the global TUMI team with safe working environments and offering the best opportunities, culture and support. Diversity & Inclusion is a key pillar of the brand’s sustainability pledge.
TUMI’s commitment to longevity has been a part of the brand’s DNA since the very beginning. With a focus on the full lifespan of the product after it is sold, sustainability doesn’t stop at utilising recycled materials. Because value is more important than ever, TUMI purposefully engineers reparability into product design, creating bags that can be carried for even longer. Additionally, an extensive global repair network helps to ensure that TUMI bags stay on the road, further minimizing impact on landfills. TUMI’s lightweight yet durable Merge collection, as well as select styles from rugged yet refined Alpha Bravo, and architecturally designed Devoe, feature materials that reflect the brand’s ethos of longevity while giving unwanted plastics a second life. TUMI’s Spring 2020 products made with recycled materials have alone diverted more than 395,000 plastic bottles from landfills. Merge’s recycled PET lining uses plastic bottles, preventing them from ending up in landfill. And its outer body fabric is made from surplus nylon – also destined for landfills until it’s given new form as a hardworking textile ideally suited to modern travel. Similarly, styles within Alpha Bravo and Devoe are made with body fabric comprised of post-industrial recycled nylon and the lining made from post- consumer recycled plastic bottles.
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MALAYSIA’S RICH HISTORY
Ancient traditions and a diverse blend of cultural influences have shaped Malaysia
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TRAVEL
MELAKA SULTANATE PALACE Journey back in time at the Melaka Sultanate Palace, located towards the north of the historical city of Malacca. Painstakingly constructed in 1985, using traditional construction techniques and materials, the palace is a simulation of the ancient Malay kingdom of Sultan Mansur Shah, which was considered one of most ornate royal palaces ever built in the 15th century. The original seven-tiered structure was built entirely without nails, supported with carved wooden pillars. It was struck by lightning and destroyed the year after the sultan ascended the throne. The Malacca Cultural Museum in this palace showcases many artefacts from that period, allowing a glimpse into their culture.
PENANG NATIONAL PARK While it may be the world’s smallest national park, covering only 25 square kilometres, the protected forest reserve is home to an extraordinarily wide spectrum of tropical plants, geographical features, and animals, including silvered leaf monkeys, flying lemurs, leopard cats, and abundant bird, amphibian, and reptile species. The majestic trees – Chengal, Meranti Seraya, Merpauh – have stood here since before the industrial revolution, seen two world wars, and lived through the decline of the British empire. You can easily fill a day with activities, such as jungle walks and boat trips to serene golden-sand beaches that flank the park along its coastline. 2020 SEPT / OCT
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BOH SUNGEI PALAS TEA ESTATE Nestled in the highlands north of Brinchang, the greenhouse-like estate is a delight for tea enthusiasts. The spectacularly situated plantation offers its own tea interpretation centre and a cafe stunningly cantilevered over endless emerald whorls of tea buses. A short film explains the estate's history and complimentary 15-minute tours demonstrate the tea-making process. Every imaginable flavour of tea is offered in the gift shop. Spare some time to dawdle on the paths leading through the plantation.
BATU CAVES American naturalist William Hornaday is credited with discovering this Malaysian national treasure in 1878, though they were known to Chinese settlers and the local indigenous people. Located just 13km north of Kuala Lumpur, it is a Hindu pilgrimage site and wildlife-conservation zone. Behind a 42.7m statue of Hindu deity Murugan, 272 steps climb to limestone caves housing temples that have drawn pilgrims for over 120 years. Prowled by monkeys and attracting a dizzying number of tourists and devotees, the Batu Caves are a coveted excursion from Kuala Lumpur.
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TRAVEL
BLUE MANSION Arguably the most photographed historic building in George Town, the Blue Mansion is an iconic landmark heritage building on Leith Street in the UNESCO World Heritage city of George Town in Penang. It could be the perfect setting for an atmospheric Asian Gothic novel. Slightly histrionic hour-long guided tours (included in the admission fee) explain the building's feng shui and unique features, and relate stories about Cheong Fatt Tze, the rags-to-riches Hakka merchant-trader who commissioned the mansion for his seventh (and favourite) wife. Built in an architectural style known as Straits Eclectic, the mansion is currently a boutique hotel with a pool, a fine-dining restaurant, and a bar.
KELLIE’S CASTLE Steeped in tragedy, this testament to British eccentricity stands stranded by the highway, a mere 5km east of Batu Gajah. Known as Kellie’s Folly, the Gothic- and Moorish-style castle was commissioned by wealthy Scottish rubber-plantation owner William Kellie Smith, whose sudden death left it abandoned. Smith commissioned the building as a future home for his son. Not only bricks, but artisans and labourers, were sourced from India to build what would have been, if finished, one of the most magnificent residences in Malaysia. When the Spanish flu pandemic swept across the world in 1918, more than 70 of Smith's construction workers died, fuelling gossip that the project was cursed. When Smith died suddenly of pneumonia in 1926, his widow was less than keen about living out her days near Batu Gajah, so the mansion was left to ruin. Take in views from the upper floors (note the secret passageway) and watch for ghosts, rumoured to haunt the corridors.
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ELEVATING ESPORTS Aston Martin’s new AMR-C01 racing simulator will look right at home in the most luxurious of gaming rooms
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he name Aston Martin is synonymous with beautiful sports cars, pairing high performance with luxury. Now entering the world of esports, the British marque has revealed its first racing simulator. The AMR-C01 is the ultimate luxury home simulator for drivers who want to compete in the virtual or the real world. Borne out of a partnership between Aston Martin and British technology company, Curv Racing Simulators, the AMR-C01 has a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque and utilises the latest technology to provide a fully immersive driving experience for the home user. The seating position mirrors that of the Aston Martin Valkyrie, adding a futuristic hypercar feel to the simulator. Hand-assembled using the highest quality components and latest Assetto Corsa software, AMR-C01 is ready to transport its users into the thrilling virtual racing world. Crafted in carbon fibre, the front of the sim’s bodywork is shaped to invoke the signature Aston Martin Racing grille. It has a powerful-looking stance while keeping the level of refinement and surface quality and finish that customers expect from any Aston Martin. The all-carbon fibre monocoque provides a rigid structure, the design of which also adds to the sporting look of the simulator. Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “This was a challenge for the design team as, although the simulator isn’t a car, it is inspired by our racing cars. It needed to exude the
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same elegance, boasting the same dynamic lines and balance of proportions as any Aston Martin with a racing lineage. I can picture the AMR-C01 in the most beautiful of residences as a sculptural work of art in its own right.” Esports racing has seen exponential growth during a time when the world’s racing calendars were put on hold in 2020 and continues to thrive now that real-life racing has resumed. The AMR-C01 is the perfect choice for those who enjoy the virtual world of competitive Esports and also for dedicated racing drivers who want to hone their skills in a virtual world before their next race. Curv Racing Simulators is led by Aston Martin works driver, Darren Turner, who is a simulator specialist with over 20 years’ experience in cutting edge Formula 1 simulation. Turner said: “The AMR-C01 is all about the love of racing. We’ve created a home simulator with incredible immersion that offers users the opportunity to have a great time racing in the virtual world, from the comfort of their own home. Our goal was to create a simulator that provided as much enjoyment in virtual reality as real racing does. Racing cars is a lot of fun and it is great to see that with the growth of Esports racing, more people are now getting involved.” Just like one of Aston Martin’s more exclusive vehicles, the AMR-C01 will be available in a limited run of just 150 examples. Deliveries of the $74,000 simulator are on schedule to take place in Q4 2020.
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CORAL RESCUE
3D printed terracotta reef tiles aim to revive Coral populations
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oral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, supporting more species per unit area than any other marine environment. While coral populations have been rapidly declining all over the world, Hong Kong saw an 80% decline on Double Island in the past decade alone due to gradual deterioration of the coral habitat, coupled with coral bleaching and mass mortality events in 2015-2016. The staggering loss prompted Hong Kong-based architects, Robotic Fabrication Lab, and marine scientists at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), to take action by creating terracotta tiles to help rebuild and give corals a fighting chance against climate change. This is a critical leap for ocean restoration projects. Commissioned by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the 3D print terracotta tiles are designed to aid coral restoration by providing a structurally complex foundation for coral attachment and to prevent sedimentation, one of the major threats to corals. They provide anchors for dislodged coral fragments that are unlikely to survive on their own, giving them a second chance to thrive. Terracotta was the obvious and eco-friendly choice for the 76 SEPT / OCT 2020
project due to its highly porous texture, making it ideal for marine organisms to latch on to. The design was inspired by the patterns typical to corals and integrated several performative aspects addressing the specific conditions in Hong Kong waters. Measuring 600mm each, the 128 tiles were printed through a robotic 3D clay printing method with generic terracotta clay and then fired at 1,125 degrees Celsius (2,057 degrees Fahrenheit) The tiles were then seeded with coral fragments over about a 430-square-foot area across three sites within Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park in Hong Kong this past July, and will be monitored for the next two years. The team explained, “3D printing offers the advantage to produce objects and parts much more cost-effectively. But the most powerful advantage of it is that it could print each object with a different design without increasing the cost.� Manmade or artificial reefs help restore lost coral populations by reintroducing an environment that promotes regrowth. From purposefully submerged shipwrecks to cement sculptures, corals are highly adaptable because they simply want to grow. The team have said that over time, they will introduce different designs in order to figure out how they affect the species.
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GOING GLOBAL Precision and innovation make Bombardier’s Global 5550 Jet a marvel in business aviation
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he Bombardier Global 5550 Jet is one of the latest aircrafts from the company that will avail passengers the luxury, comfort and ease of private travel within an unprecedented range of 5,900 nautical miles. From Los Angeles to Moscow and other comparably distant destinations, the class-leading aircraft credits its latest feat to the Rolls-Royce Pearl engines that enable the jet to cruise at Mach 0.90 to also get travellers to their destination at a quicker pace. Within the fluid lines of its exceptionally crafted architecture is a marvel of furniture engineering, meticulously designed to maximise in-flight comfort, style and innovation. The Global 5500 business
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jet features a unique Nuage chaise, business aviation’s first and only lounge chair that converts into a flat surface for sleeping, as well as banquet-style dining around the conference grouping table. “This spacious and efficient aircraft is the ultimate business tool, with the range and access to safely take our customers where they need to be,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Aviation. The Bombardier Global 5550 Jet features a standard configuration with seating for 16 along with several opulent finishing touches like the Pur air filtration system that refreshes the cabin air every 90 seconds and eliminates 99.99% of contaminants and pathogens.
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WORLD ART DUBAI The region's largest affordable retail art fair is an eclectic melting pot of artistic styles
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ollectors, connoisseurs and first-time buyers unite at World Art Dubai. Marking its sixth edition, the region's largest affordable retail art fair has a clear mission: to make art accessible to all, whether a private collector, connoisseur, corporate buyer or first-time appreciator. Its relaxed format and extensive layout create a welcoming and immersive environment, providing visitors and prospective buyers with a personal connection to the art they view. Predominantly contemporary and covering all mediums, each piece comes from a renowned gallery or solo artist, and altogether represent creativity from more than 30 countries. From emerging Emirati artists, pop-art icons and fashion art disrupters, to experimental expressionists and fine art and photography practitioners, the exhibition features an impressive collection of more than 3,000 artworks. The 2020 edition also features special collections curated by guest experts, highlighting topics such as the human mind, the modern woman and ‘transformations’. World Art Dubai is part of the Official Dubai Art Season, and also incorporates engaging elements such as an awards show during its three-day run.
World Art Dubai 2020 Highlights: Live Performances Live painting, graffiti, DJ, Music, and dance performances. Idriss B at World Art Dubai World Art Dubai will be home to incredible sculpture art, including Idriss B, the French-Tunisian sculptor. Creativity Unmasked Original artworks by exhibitors living in cities around the world have had to turn inwards for inspiration and create an that reflects their different personal experiences with the pandemic. Dance and music Attendees can learn African dance and workout to the beat. Art Fashion Show Selected artists will present their artworks on a runway during the event. Artify with Ella Elenzano Customise your wardrobe at the show’s Artify Station. School Competitions Each year, World Art Dubai welcomes schools to participate in an art competition where each school gets a chance to showcase their top talent from junior and senior schools. Urban Art continues to take centre stage Urban Art DXB, a concept that celebrates a new era for regional Street Art, will be launched at World Art Dubai. The show will take place from October 8-10, 2020, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. 2020 SEPT / OCT
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A SLICE OF PARADISE
Anthénea is the world’s first seaworthy luxury eco-friendly hotel suite
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or travellers looking for an autonomous and eco-friendly escape, the Anthénea floating hotel suite is the quintessential accommodation to enjoy time away that is luxurious, relaxing and eco-conscious. The floating suite is appointed with all the essential amenities that guests would expect to have in their accommodations, including tranquil living space, a cozy bed, premium bathroom amenities, and ample outdoor space. The unit features a covered sundeck on the roof that's perfect for enjoying with friends or for watching the sunset in solitude, while the exterior sides of the suite are accented by a deck that runs around the entirety of the unit for lounging out of the water. The Anthénea floating hotel suite was made in France by veteran designers, engineers, and naval architects, whose vision was to create a nomadic vessel for eco-conscious tourists. The project was brought to life by Jean-Michel Ducancelle, a naval architect, inspired by James Bond’s floating pod in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ (1977).
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The UFO-shaped aquatic living boat offers 50-sqm of living space. The “relaxation area” has a 360-degree solarium on its rooftop for 12 people. A futuristic lower living area offers panoramic views of the underwater life below the boat. Inside, the features three living zones – the “day space” has a sofa, minibar, curved furniture covered with waxed concrete. Meanwhile, the “night space” is composed of a 2.20-metre circular bed and a sea or freshwater bathtub. All interiors are entirely made from sustainable materials. Optional features include a desalination system and wood-burning stove. The floating hotel suite is essentially fully self-sufficient, and is ideal for living the luxury life off the grid, powered by six batterycharged solar panels during the day for use at night. The company says: “Offering a new form of tourist experience between underwater vision and land exploration, Anthénea allows the traveller to discover unsuspected territories and live unexplored experiences while unfolding the thread of the intimate: the link with nature and with oneself.”
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A BOTTLE OF THE OUTDOORS
Bentley’s new fragrance for men is made from natural materials
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entley, the legendary marque, has partnered with celebrated up-and-comer perfumer Ane Ayo to create Silverlake, an exhilarating new addition to the Bentley for Men fragrance collection. Characterised by its distinctive and invigorating scent, Silverlake captures the energising air of the world outdoors. It begins with a lemon and peppermint essence, unfolding its layers to a lavender and pink pepper essence, and finally descending to an ambery and musky fragrance. “The scent opens with a rush of ice-cool notes,” says Bentley. Working together with the Natural Together initiative, the
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Firmenich company crafted Silverlake from top quality, sustainable and naturally-sourced materials, giving it a longlasting trail. An iconic bottle, reinvented in ice-cool silver, is designed to reflect the lines and curves of a Bentley car. Lacquered in silver, the lozenge-shaped body of the flacon becomes as reflective as the mirrored surface of a mountain lake, half-transparent, half-opaque like its crystalline waters. Its surface echoes the polished silver metal shoulders of the bottle, embossed with the striking Bentley emblem. The silver cap is ringed with Bentley’s signature knurling.
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MONTENEGRO Citizenship by Investment Program
Sail to a world of possibilities. Anchor in Montenegro. Invest from € 250,000 in an approved real estate project in addition to a donation of € 100,000 to qualify for residency and citizenship in Montenegro, one of Europe's youngest and most promissing countries. Qualify for citizenship in 6 months.
Become a Global Citizen®
EMPOWERING GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP®
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Arton Capital is a leading global financial advisory firm providing custom tailored services for immigrant investor programs to government agencies, certified partners and high net-worth individuals and families from around the world. Become a Global Citizen® and Empowering Global Citizenship® are registered trademarks of Arton Capital. 2020 SEPT / OCT 85
NEW DEFENDER THE BEST 4X4XFAR
The new Land Rover Defender doesn’t just have the strength, it has the intelligence. Inside that muscular body is an incredible brain. With technology built around a smartphone-like interface, it’s completely intuitive. Always on, ready for work immediately. And the all-new infotainment system, Pivi Pro, provides a seamless, streamlined experience. This is 21st century technology for 21st century adventurers. The New Defender. An icon in a category of one. Book a test drive today. Al Tayer Motors Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah Premier Motors Abu Dhabi, Musaffah, Al Ain 800 MOTORS (800 668677) landrover-uae.com 86 SEPT / OCT 2020