SUMMER 2014
©2016 Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. *Pricing does not include taxes, fees, or destination charges. Optional equipment shown is extra.
Remarkable. Rechargeable. Exclusive in-stock Panamera collection at Porsche Centre Vancouver, starting from $106,600.*
PORSCHE CENTRE VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER’S EXCLUSIVE PORSCHE SALES AND SERVICE CENTRE 688 TERMINAL AVENUE VANCOUVER BC V6A 2M5 (604) 736-7911 www.vancouver.porschedealer.com
The new Panamera S E-Hybrid achieves a miraculous contradiction. Panamera luxury and Porsche performance in a plug-in hybrid. This remarkable vehicle is the technological flagship of a completely revamped Panamera lineup, combining sports-car performance and limousine luxury. Commute every day emissions-free, travel the country in comfort, and accelerate up to 135 kph on electric power alone. Porsche. There is no substitute. Ask about our attractive Porsche Financial Services Lease and Finance options today.
publisher’s LETTER
overwhelmed
... and that´s still quite understated! vancouver - thank you! it’s not that long ago that this magazine was all but an idea. now, after just 3 months, iconic concierge vancouver has established itself as the city’s luxury lifestyle magazine for men (although we have many women as our readers, too!). we have taken part in many events, including the pacific polo cup, the luxury & supercar weekend and we have even sponsored a car in the okanagan dream rally. iconic concierge is now available at locations in the okanagan and toronto, and our schedule for the next few months is jam-packed. we would also like to welcome two new members to our dream team. jason boudreau of vela wealth management, and luxury real estate agent jesse dean cook. gentlemen, welcome!
olaf robrecht publisher
those of you who follow us on instagram will already know that we were asked to shoot a little video-clip for audi downtown vancouver, test driving the 2017 r8 v10 plus. we had an amazing time, and it seems we did a decent job: the aston martin db11 and some other luxurious automobiles have already been scheduled for more “iconic test drives.” enjoy the magazine!
KEEPING BUSY ... We have been busy promoting the magazine at events in and around Vancouver and as far away as New York. For the next few months we have several other events booked and we will be traveling quite a bit, including a trip to Europe, to introduce our readers to iconic events, automobiles and personalities. The “gentlemen’s version of the Lamborghini Huracán,” the Audi R8 V10Plus was our first endeavour in filming, and we truly enjoyed it. Stay tuned as there is more to come!
4
ICONIC CONCIERGE
ICONIC CONCIERGE
vol. 2 [2016]
www.iconic-concierge.com
image © 2016 Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
PUBLISHER:
OLAF ROBRECHT olaf@iconic-concierge.com
AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR: FASHION EDITOR: WINE EDITOR: FOOD & BEVERAGE EDITOR: CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
PHOTOGRAPHY:
COPY EDITOR:
ROBBIE DICKSON JASON SARAI BARRY MCNABB KEITH TRUSLER JASON BOUDREAU, ALLIE HENDERSON, JESSE DEAN COOK, MIKE STRAUS, CRAIG STOWE, DR. CHRISTIAN BRIX, ALEXANDRA GILL JEFF VINNICK, DAVE HAMILTON, CAITLYN VAN NICE, KEVIN UY, ASTRID CABALLERO, WILLIAM LUK MIKE STRAUS
DESIGN/ LAYOUT:
YADA-YADA MEDIA
ADVERTISING SALES:
ALLIE HENDERSON allie@iconic-concierge.com
iconic_concierge Iconic Concierge is published by
Printed in Canada.
All rights reserved. No part of Iconic Concierge Magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. The views expressed in Iconic Concierge are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Although all reasonable attempts are made to ensure accuracy, the publishers do not assume any liability for errors or omissions anywhere in the publication or on the website. Iconic Concierge reserves the rights to ads produced for advertisers.
6
ICONIC CONCIERGE
VIVIDLY BRILLIANT Ceylon Sapphire and Ideal Cushion E/VS Diamonds
CERTIFIED
dreamT E A M
OLAF ROBRECHT publisher
An entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for new projects he is passionate about, Olaf has run several businesses since he came to Canada 16 years ago. These days you will find lifestyle and car magazines as well as a design & marketing company connected to his name, although he might be better known for his little collection of spirited automobiles.
ROBBIE DICKSON chief gear head
Born in England, Robbie is a selfstyled entrepreneur with a passion for exotic cars, boats and watches. He owned pretty much every car you can imagine although he still calls a Lotus Elise he once owned his favourite. Tracked extensively, Robbie claims it was “the most affordable fun you can have with your clothes on ...”
JASON SARAI
bespoke stylist & fashion editor When Jason found the world of bespoke suiting and styling, he had little choice but to turn it from a passion project into his life’s work with Style by Sarai. He has gone from being fashion advisor for family and friends, to the trusted bespoke stylist for professionals and grooms-to-be, by enhancing their confidence and helping them become their own style icon.
KEVIN UY
automotive photography A self-described petrolhead and horologie addict, Kevin combines a passion for automotives, nature and design to create vivid imagery for private and corporate clients. He has worked on local and national projects across Canada and is known for an almost surreal touch to his images, using the best of natural, ambient and artificial lighting.
JESSE DEAN COOK luxury real estate specialist Having worked as a Global Executive for a multi-billion dollar corporation, Jesse has a decade of international business experience and is now one of the top luxury real estate agents based in West Vancouver. He truly cherishes the relationship he has with his clients, helping them navigate the process of selling and buying their spectacular residential properties.
8
ICONIC CONCIERGE
ALLIE HENDERSON
advertising
Allie is the only Lady in our Gentlemen’s magazine team. The former professional freestyle motocross racer is now a successful entrepreneur, running her own company “Temple Foods” and promoting and coordinating car related events. “These guys simply needed a woman on their team, how else would things happen otherwise?”
BARRY McNABB wine expert
It was a bottle of 1989 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet that changed his life. That was in 1990. The addiction to wine was set. And the journey to know everything and anything about wine. Today, after many travels to all notable wine regions in the world, Barry has a broad knowledge of the nuanced interplay between food and wine.
CRAIG STOWE luxury events
Craig is recognized as Vancouver’s #1 creator and producer of luxury events bringing together affluent buyers, sellers and luxury brands in an engaging business and social setting. He is the president of the Luxury Alliance Group, founder and president of Luxury & Supercar Weekend and the co-founder and president of the Diamond Rally.
KEITH TRUSLER
imbibing authority The Brand Ambassador for The Glenlivet and Aberlour for several years now, Keith is a veteran of the restaurant industry in Vancouver and has extensive experience as a bartender, mixologist and chef. As a Connoisseur of single malt whisky he tirelessly pursues the finest dining and imbibing experiences the city has to offer.
JASON BOUDREAU CFP, CLU wealth advisor As the founder of VELA Wealth, Jason is fuelled by watching clients fulfill their vision of life success for their family, community and legacy. Focusing on inter-generational wealth transfer, life insurance, legacy and estate planning, he advises successful entrepreneurial families on how to make meaningful choices at the intersection of their life and their wealth.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
9
CONTENTS
/ fall 2016 /
COVER
FEATURES
AUTOMOTIVE
30
15
30
The Bugatti Chiron
Turning Time Into Art
38
Son of Veyron
COLUMNS
4
Publisher’s Letter
26
The Specter Journal You Want This!
29
Financials
Charitable Giving and the Business Owner
46
The Gentleman
They Should Have Taught You This In School
67
The Dapper Gent Skin Care Products
94
Real Estate
Winds of Change?
What’s The Time?
22
Rebellion T-1000
Designed with Perfection
36
Luxury & Supercar Weekend
Canada’s Premier Luxury & Lifestyle Event
44
The Pacific Polo Cup Southlands Vancouver
49
Big Bang!
The $4.5 Million Handguns
58
Under The Radar
Iconic Concierge Launch Event
24
Cartier Fifth Avenue Grand Opening
66
Jaguar XE & F-Pace Launch Event
IMBIBE
97
Iconic Cocktails The Mulsanne
McLaren Mercedes SLR
43
Electra Meccanica SOLO
54
1963 Mercedes 300SL Roadster
55
1960 Ferrari 250GT PF Cabriolet
62
Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6
78
LITO SORA Electric Superbike
10 Supercars you didn’t know existed
68
Style Guide
How to dress sharp for winter!
80
The Modern Rebel
WATERCRAFT
82
Pershing 62
Unique Motorcycles
AVIATION
PERSONALITIES
75
EVENTS
12
2017 Bugatti Chiron
56
Daniel Dubois Founder ShareShed
72
Jason Boudreau
VELA Wealth Management
BUSINESS PROFILES
Cobalt Valkyrie
DESTINATIONS
84
French Riviera & F1 Grand Prix A Jet-Set Adventure
86 Kenya
mahali mzuri
18
90
Watch Manufacturing
The KurSpa
40
ART
Ferro & Company
Electra Meccanica The E-volution
Sparkling Hill, Vernon (BC)
64
Cory Fuhr Man of Steel
10
ICONIC CONCIERGE
CONTENTS
15
75
57
52 82
90
ICONIC CONCIERGE
11
man about town ICONIC CONCIERGE LAUNCH EVENT BAUHAUS RESTAURANT
photography by Astrid Caballero
1
3
2
4
5
8
6
9
7
10
1) Kate Marsh, Maggi Thornhill 2) Nicole Yang, Robbie Dickson 3) Kevin Li, Zolie Zioli, Tifa Wang, Manuel Bernaschek 4) Barry McNabb, Mr Sasso, David Hogg, Rex Panther 5) Mr Sasso, Miranda Coon, Jordan Ayre, Caitlyn Van Nice 6) Anna Morozova 7) Guest, Melissa Wu 8) Olaf Robrecht, Caitlyn Van Nice, Robbie Dickson, Allie Henderson 9) Allie Henderson, Wilson Ng, Vivian Hung, Curtis Foley, Natalie Rossiter 10) Zolie Zioli, Kevin Li, Barry McNabb
It was a special day when Bauhaus Restaurant in Gastown hosted our launch party back in June. A beautiful array of supercars parked in front of one of Vancouver’s top fine-dining places. Chef Stefan Hartmann served up his award-winning food creations for attendees to indulge in. The event also featured live music by Showcase Pianos, as well as a wine bar courtesy of the Okanagan Valley’s 50th Parallel Estate Winery. 50th Parallel introduced their Unparalleled Pinot Noir to the public for the first time. The event was capped off with the distribution of an Iconic Concierge pre-run of 100 copies. A big thank you to our amazing clients and friends, and to all of you who made this a very successful launch. Here’s to our next endeavours!
12
ICONIC CONCIERGE
BORN ON THE TR ACK. BUILT FOR THE ROAD. The All-New Audi R8. Join the #LeagueofPerformance Boasting a powerful V10 engine with an available V10 Plus, optional laser lights and a completely redeveloped quattro all-wheel-drive system, the all-new Audi R8 races in a league of its own.
Showroom: 1788 West 2nd at Burrard Tel: 604.733.5887 | audidowntown.ca
Service: 1675 West 3rd Ave at Pine Tel: 604.733.9820 | audidowntown.ca
©2016 Audi Canada. European model shown with features that may not be available on the Canadian model. Vehicles shown for illustration purposes only. Audi AG trademarks are used under license. To find out more visit Audi Downtown Vancouver or www.audidowntownvancouver.ca
WHAT’S THE TIME?
WHAT’S THE TIME? Turning Time into Art
“Why would you buy a watch that makes you guess at the time?” Quick: What’s the time? If you can’t glance down at your wristwatch and figure it out in less than two seconds, or if you have to grab your cellphone, something is wrong. Or is it? The wristwatch has come a long way since Patek Philippe created the first wristwatch in the late 1800s. What began as jewellery for royalty evolved into a fashion accessory, and later, a practical massproduced item. Now, with many boutique watch manufacturers creating more sensational timepieces, we’ve returned to the era of the watch as jewellery, where practicality comes second to fashion. If you are a watch connoisseur, you may have heard of TokyoFlash. Since the early 2000s, TokyoFlash has been replacing conventional clock hands and humdrum numerals with exotic displays, featuring counter-intuitive ideograms that make telling the time an exercise in decryption. Let’s face it: We all like the unique, the different. Is your Lamborghini Aventador practical? Definitely not, yet most people would love to have one. And while an expensive watch that simply tells the time is all well and good, it is the hard-to-
produce complications, and new movements, that add prestige and value to a watch. Ironically, this often means that they are less readable -- and, consequently, less useful. But the lack of utility doesn’t necessarily present a problem - not if the timepieces are going to sit in a collector’s safe, brought out only for special occasions. Following are some of the most artfully designed luxury timepieces on the market. Enjoy. By the way: What’s the time?
ICONIC CONCIERGE
15
TOKYOFLASH KISAI VORTEX From the company that started the hype. So what’s the time? This watch is lying on its crown. And the time is ... 3:45 and 52 seconds. TokyoFlash watches often come in limited editions, have several functions such as second time zone, date, alarm, and backlight. Some models have a touch screen, some use buttons. And most importantly, they are rarely more than US$150.00.
URWERK UR-1001 TITAN Maybe you have heard about the Urwerk UR-1001 Zeit Machine pocket watch. Most likely not, but anyways. Let us tell you it is a huge watch. 62mm wide, 106mm long, and 23mm thick. Urwerk has decided it wants to let some of the world’s most courageous watch collector’s buy their pocket watch as a strap-on wristwatch, and so they came up with the TITAN. It includes a limited edition titanium version of the UR-1001 pocket watch as well as the strap module ... and when we say limited edition we mean it: there will be just eight pieces. The price? Around US$410,000. Oh, the time: It is 8:16am, August 28. (pocket watch on the left)
HYT H3 SQUARE This watch uses a completely new system and a new way of displaying time. HYT pioneered the use of displaying the hours with coloured fluid in a capillary tube, and with the H3, they add another unusual touch: a linear capillary that shows the hours against a scale that rotates every six hours, and a minute hand that slides against another linear scale. It would need a full page to explain this ‘fluid portrayal of time,’ but let us tell you it is 4:50am and the price is around US$285,000.
16
ICONIC CONCIERGE
REBELLION T-1000 A tribute to car racing, the chassis of the T-1000 is precision machined in a single block of titanium and employs a power reserve of 1,000 hours. That is 40 days and 40 nights... a world record.
WHAT’S THE TIME?
The super lightweight engine exists in three dimensions, with vertical wheels and mechanical chain transmission, driving two vertical rollers that revolve in opposite directions to display the hours and minutes. Appr. US$140,000 and yes, 7:00.
HARRY WINSTON OPUS 14 The Opus 14 is part of a series that combines the best in mechanical innovation with a remarkable playfulness. In both its design and its automaton complication, this new creation evokes a jukebox, recalling the rock ‘n roll era and the emblematic diner aesthetic, as well as the legendary Route 66. The miniaturization of the jukebox mechanism is a first and has been patented by Harry Winston. It reveals four disks housed in a store, each showing a specific display: local time, GMT time, the date and a star bearing
the signature of Mr. Winston. US$430,000. The time: 10:05.
HAUTLENCE LABYRINTH We have a feeling you won’t be able to tell the time on this one. Why? Because it turns the concept of time itself on its head: in an era where watches can do so much more than tell time, the Labyrinth refuses to do even that. All the Labyrinth is ... is a game of skill designed to be worn on the wrist. Move the crown and you will activate a mechanical lift, which feeds a ball onto the board. Limited to 18 timepieces in each red gold or white gold. US$12,500.
MB&F SPACE PIRATE HM6 This Horological Machine No.6 (HM6) has a 360° sphere in each of the four corners, capped top and bottom by transparent sapphire crystal domes displaying the movement within. Up forward, two semi-spherical indications rotate vertically, displaying hours and minutes. The central dome houses a 60-second flying tourbillon, the precision regulator of HM6’s Engine. There will only be 100 HM6 movements made in total. Prices range from US$250,000 to 400,000. And the time is 8:35.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
17
18
ICONIC CONCIERGE
SINGLE HANDED words by Mike Straus photography by Caitlyn Van Nice
FERRO & COMPANY, VANCOUVER
When Ferro Watches co-founder Bob Shah entered the luxury timepiece market, he set out to flip the industry on its head.
one – requires major capital. It’s this need that prompted the brothers to run a Kickstarter campaign.
its first round of watches. As perfectionists, the brothers were obsessed with ensuring a flawless production run.
“There are lots of nice watches in the market,” he says, “but most of them are very similar to each other. Being watch enthusiasts and having a business background is what led my brother and I to design our first watch.”
“My brother knew about Kickstarter, and we used that to get the finances we needed to form the company and place our first production order. We needed a lot of money to produce the watches, and it took a lot of work to make the Kickstarter campaign successful. We were marketing 24/7, doing social media engagement and communicating with backers almost constantly.”
“Quality control is the biggest challenge,” Shah says. “The time difference between here and our overseas suppliers kept us awake. First we’d ask the manufacturer to make the prototypes and send us highresolution photos of everything. We’d magnify the photos and look at them, and if we saw anything that was flawed, we’d tell the manufacturer to redo the watch.”
The Ferro Watches Kickstarter initially had a project goal of $6,000, which the campaign reached within two days. Over the course of five weeks, the project would eventually generate $97,000 in startup funds for the company.
Once they were satisfied with the production run, the next challenge would be to spread the word about a new line of luxury watches – especially in an industry where brand is a key selling feature.
Shah has always loved watches, ever since he was young. And with his background in business, he was eager to seize a new opportunity. As an auto enthusiast, Shah recognized that luxury watchmakers had yet to pair automotive themes with modern watches – and that’s where the idea for Ferro’s first watch began. “It’s the nature of men to love luxury cars and watches. When you look inside a car, the first thing you notice is the dashboard. So it made perfect sense to design our ‘Drive’ collection with luxury car dashboards in mind.” The Shah brothers’ minimalist sensibilities meant that Ferro Watches would end up questioning some of the foundational design aspects of traditional analog watches, replacing them with a more aesthetically pleasing and entirely unique tachometer design. “We decided to have a single-hand watch because it more closely resembles a car’s tachometer,” he says. “There’s a 30-minute tick between the hours, two 15-minute ticks between the 30-minute and 1-hour ticks, and two 5-minute ticks between the 15-minute ticks. The single hand rotates twice per day.” Shah says that the single-hand watch is designed to stand out – it’s designed for men who want a watch that bucks the trends. And while the Shah brothers’ vision is set to fundamentally change the watch industry, revolution is never simple or easy to start. Shah notes that establishing a watch manufacturing company – especially a luxury
Since the end of the Kickstarter, the Shah brothers have been hard at work establishing the Ferro Watches brand – including setting up an online store, furthering their knowledge of the luxury watch market, and surveying backers to identify new directions for the company’s product line. Says Shah: “We started working on our next collection called ‘Airborne’, which is inspired by vintage aviation. The airplane at the 12 o’clock mark is a vintage Mustang that was used in World War Two.” For the Shah brothers, every watch tells a story – it’s what they say separates them from other luxury watchmakers. The company’s Drive collection, for instance, demonstrates the evolution of luxury cars over time, and is directly inspired by automakers like Porsche. The design came about as a result of a visit to a Vancouver Porsche dealership, where the cars’ dashboard design caught Shah’s attention.
Online marketing, social media, and influencer marketing all played a critical role in helping Ferro Watches become known and pioneering the rise of luxury micro-brands. Now, with the success of their first line of watches behind them, the Shah brothers are hard at work creating a second vintage line – but this time, they’re taking their inspiration from a different kind of high-performance machine. “We’re about to launch our second line, called Bovarro. Bovarro is a bulkier and heavier watch, and it will come with automatic movements. The first collection is inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing.” Shah says that he’s pleased to be living his dream, and he has a few simple yet critical pieces of advice for young entrepreneurs: “Follow your passion, and do not give up. Don’t underestimate yourself, and don’t procrastinate.”
The Porsche connection, it would turn out, would be a critical element in ensuring the company’s success. Several of the initial Kickstarter backers are also Porsche owners, says Shah, which only serves to validate Ferro Watches’ model. But securing funding for purchase orders was only one of many hurdles the company would have to clear before issuing
ICONIC CONCIERGE
19
TAG HEUER MONACO CALIBRE 12
TUDOR BLACK BAY BRONZE
CHOPARD MILLE MIGLIA GTS
One of TAG Heuer’s most recognizable watch lines, sporting a cushion/square case that saw its debut in 1969. The Monaco gained fame when actor and race car driver Steve McQueen wore one in the 1970 racing movie Le Mans.
The Heritage Black Bay family recently welcomed the arrival of the new Bronze, a 43mm diver’s watch inspired by the brand’s history. The Bronze features an MT-5601 COSC-certified mechanical caliber that Tudor designed and produces in-house.
Power, resistance and aesthetics come together in the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control, a resolutely masculine timepiece bearing all the hallmarks of Chopard expertise.
This 39mm automatic chronograph in brushed steel with a black alligator strap measures times with an accuracy of 1/8th of a second and has a power reserve of about 40 hours. C$6,250.
It offers a 70-hour power reserve, is waterproof to a depth of 200m and features a beige and brown woven jacquard strap. The aged brown leather strap’s angled cut accentuates the watch’s rustic feel. C$4,320.
Pictured: 18k rose gold. C$27,150.
ULYSSE NARDIN DIVER CHRONOGRAPH
GLASHÜTTE SEVENTIES PANORAMA DATE CHRONO
Bold, without compromise and highly masculine.
This watch puts the unmistakable look and feel of the Seventies on your wrist. The steel case’s flowing curves capture the spirit of the decade in streamlined design.
A unidirectional rotating bezel and robust water resistance make this timepiece from the Diver collection - as both highly reliable and distinctively elegant, combining the functionality of a diving instrument with the style of a sports watch. Based on the famous Marine watch this 44mm timepiece features the self-winding Ulysse Nardin Calibre UN150 movement with 48-hour power reserve and is waterresistant to 300m. Sapphire caseback. Available in several variations and materials. C$13,800.
20
43mm case. Self-winding Chopard Caliber 01.08-C, COSC certified chronometer, water-resistant to 100 meters, power-reserve indicator at 9 o’clock, anti-reflective, scratchresistant sapphire crystal.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
The dial, fashioned of German silver, is presented in galvanized silver, galvanized ruthenium, or blue. 40mm by 40mm case. New in-house self-winding Calibre 37-02, comprised of 450 parts, including 65 jewels, and a power reserve of 80 hours. The watch comes with an extensive choice of straps, including stainless steel, black rubber, or alligator leather. C$15,600.
Extraordinary Timepieces presented by LUGARO
Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra Capeland Shelby Cobra 10281 & 10282 1,963-Piece Limited Editions. C$5,490. The heart of the Capeland Shelby Cobra collection is a chronograph powered by a Swiss-made self-winding movement. A 44mm diameter case forged from polished and satinfinished stainless steel frames a face inspired by the Cobra’s iconic dashboard, with asymmetrical chronograph counters. The deep black dial and the transparent twin horizontal racing stripes pay further homage to this special Cobra, as do the hands, which mirror the Cobra’s steering wheel. Completing the design is the Cobra logo itself, forged into the second hand of the chronograph as a symbol of the timeless pursuit of speed. Finally, the tachometer function – highly useful in determining speeds during a race –encircles and highlights all of these attributes. The final touch of green light emission Superluminova combined with anti-glare technology on the dial ensures perfect clarity.
saw the Cobra’s first victory at the first victory at the FIA World Sportscar Championship. As a final tribute, the sapphire crystal features the CSX2128’sfamous N° 15 race number. Available with a black alligator strap with a rubberized yellow lining (10282) or with a black vulcanized rubber strap, made from the same material as the wheels of the race car (10281). Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 - Legendary Drivers Edition This model is available in four 15-piece limited editions, each dedicated to a legendary racecar driver: Dan Gurney, Ken Miles, Allen Grant, and Dave MacDonald.
The case back is engraved with the name of the collection, as well as the words “one out of 1963” in reference to the number of limited-edition pieces and the year which
Legendary Drivers Edition 10282
ICONIC CONCIERGE
21
REBELLION T-1000 designed with perfection in every detail
“Power, endurance, rigor, reliability and performance: Rebellion timepieces are born on the racing track.” Based in Lonay, on the banks of Lake Geneva, Rebellion Timepieces is an exceptional player in the world of fine Swiss watchmaking. Passion, independence and a ‘no-compromise’ attitude sparked the company’s inception and continue to guide its development with each passing day. When it comes to the pursuit of extraordinary quality and performance, nothing is left out or left to chance. The watchmaker’s limited-production Rebellion timepieces feature a bold design meant for the free-thinkers, the individualists, and the intense competitors - the creators who strive for mechanical perfection. Welcome to Rebellion. Rebellion combines the intensity of racing with the precision of watchmaking Founded by an industrialist passionate about watchmaking, high technology and car racing, Rebellion Timepieces has condensed the best of these three worlds. No compromise on design - combining great complexity with unique personality. No compromise on materials - titanium, carbon, gold, steel-ceramic and sapphire - all pushed to their very limits. No compromise on cases and elements, produced on high precision five-axis CNC machinery. This unyielding and passionate pursuit for perfection wins every time: each Rebellion timepiece is a mechanical wonder that offers extraordinary performance.
Ultra-rigid chassis, technical materials, superb body and highpowered engine: the T-1000 is designed to win with elegance on every circuit.
22
ICONIC CONCIERGE
A timepiece manufactured for performance, the T-1000 is a fitting tribute to car racing. Its chassis is precision machined in a single block of titanium. The original and elegant curves
of its body fully reveal the elite engine through sapphire crystal. And what an engine! Boasting a revolutionary patented energy distribution system, the T-1000 employs a power reserve of 1,000 hours. That’s 40 days and 40 nights… a world record. Chassis A uniquely-moulded chassis manufactured from a single block of grade 5 titanium using high precision five-axis CNC machinery. Sapphire crystal hugs the engine’s magnificent contours and reveals its full array of original features. Movement The all-aluminum T1K engine is a wholly original creation that so radically bucks the trends that it took three years of research and development to produce. The oversized silhouette and innovative design have revolutionized conventional trends. The super lightweight movement exists in three dimensions, with vertical wheels and mechanical chain transmission adding definition and displaying a concentrated measure of innovation and performance.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Case
Strap
Length: 46.70mm Width: 46.90mm Height: 19.50mm No. of components: 74 Material: Grade 5 Titanium
Colour: Black Material: Ostrich leather Buckle: Black PVD treated titanium
Price: USD 137,500+
Movement REB T-1000 Functions: Hours and minutes Power reserve: 1,000 hours Frequency: 2.5Hz / 18,000 vph No. of components: 693 Material: Avional (aluminium alloy)
ICONIC CONCIERGE
23
man about town CARTIER FIFTH AVENUE MANSION GRAND OPENING
9
images @BFA.
1 1) Katie Holmes, Kathleen Stothers-Holmes 2) Riccardo Ambrosio, Oli Green 3) Alexandre Assouline, Michaela Vybohova 4) Eric Ripert, Uma Thurman 5) Jason Sarai, Olaf Robrecht 6) Lewis Hamilton 7) Chloe & Halle 8) Ellie Goulding 9) Andre Saraiva 10) Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka 11) Shauna Robertson, Edward Norton 12) Zachary Quinto, Daniel Benedict 13) Martha Stewart, Susan Magrino 14) Iriis Apfel 15) Kacy Hill
It was billed the Party of the Decade, and Cartier did not disappoint. On September 7th, Iconic Concierge was invited to attend the Grand Opening of Cartier’s newly-minted Fifth Avenue Mansion in New York City. The six opulent floors were filled with not just the most breathtaking jewellery and accessories of the season, but also a variety of celebrities like Sofia Coppola, Uma Thurman, Katie Holmes, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sienna Miller, Rooney Mara, and others. The sixth floor had been converted to an open-air nightclub with a cocktail bar, plush white couches and live DJ music with a a laser and light show. The actual party then happened later that night across the street with performances by Chloe and Halle, followed by surprise performer Ellie Goulding and man of the hour, Questlove. Thank you, Cartier!
2
3
7
24
ICONIC CONCIERGE
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
11
13
15 ICONIC CONCIERGE
25
Devialet Phantom Gold
Alexander McQueen Luggage
This is not your typical Bluetooth speaker. The Devialet Phantom Gold serves up 4,500 powerful Watts of ear-bending amplification, with a peak output volume of 108 decibels - that’s as loud as a live rock concert. Bandwidth options running from 14 to 27 Hertz mean you’ll be able to feel the bass pounding in your lungs. US$3,000.
It is the product of a collaboration between Great Britain’s Globe-Trotter and the innovative, rebellious designs of Alexander McQueen. Silver studs, leather straps, and a silver skull padlock add an anti-establishment aesthetic, while the iconic ivory and black skull print lining makes each limited-edition case a work of art. US$1,080 (utility case) and US$2,500 (21” trolley).
Kino Guérin
Sirin Solarin
A new entrant to the mobile tech arena, Sirin Labs aims to “bring tomorrow to the customers of today.” The Solarin smartphone is the ultimate tool for the security-conscious professional, with on-board mobile threat protection and 100% encrypted call and messaging features provided as default. US$16,000.
26
ICONIC CONCIERGE
This extraordinary “Why knot bench” by Canadian furniture maker Kino Guérin has been coaxed into a complex knotted form. A master of vacuum press lamination, Guérin forms flat plywood into dramatic and arresting curves, adding a sleek walnut veneer for a defined final product. US$3,800.
Zarooq SandRacer Based in Dubai, Zarooq Motors is the first Emirati car manufacturer with production facilities in the UAE. Zarooq’s first model, a high-performance (and street legal!) Sand Racer buggy, was designed by Anthony Jannarelly, the same innovative thinker behind the Lykan Hypersport. The hand-built racing tubular chassis and rear-mid mounted 3.5l V6 provide the Sand Racer with 500 jaw-dropping HP, while dynamic offroad suspension, performance brakes, and a performance gearbox create a driving experience like no other. US$100,000.
Tourbillon Cufflinks
Boeing 737 Cowling Chair
This set of white gold and diamond Tourbillon cufflinks is a must-have for watchmaking enthusiasts. Inspired by the world of fine Swiss watchmaking, these cufflinks feature a real tourbillon mechanism that responds to wrist movements. With 108 VS/ F-G diamonds totalling 0.60ct., these cufflinks retail for US$12,000 and will definitely bring a dash of individuality to any man’s look.
This one-of-a-kind 6.5’ x 6.5’ chair by Fallen Furniture is made from an original Boeing 737 jet engine and features fine black leather upholstery. The chair swivels on a polished aluminum base, and serves as a unique decor element for nearly any room. US$30,000.
Sennheiser HE1 Headphones The HE1 headset - which was 10 years in the making - is the first successor to the renowned Sennheiser Orpheus, and is handcrafted with over 6,000 components. The headset’s state-of-the-art technology offers an audio range from 8 Hz to 100 kHz - and with the lowest distortion ever measured in a sound system (0.01% at 1 kHz), the HE1 does more than just look good. It’s also the first electrostatic headset with a Cool Class A MOS-FET high-voltage amplifier integrated into the ear cups. Discover the unparalleled sound of the world’s greatest headphones. US$55,000
ICONIC CONCIERGE
27
Charitable Giving and the Business Owner The Unfortunate Relationship between Financial Success and Taxes (and how to turn it into a win-win situation) by Jason Boudreau
Most of us become entrepreneurs to bring a vision and a passion to life. This allows for many things such as freedom, flexibility, enjoyment and success. Unfortunately, one of the costs of success is that little three-letter word that we are all too familiar with, TAX. I was recently having a conversation with John Anderson*, a business owner whom I have known for several years. He and his wife Barb have owned a successful family enterprise that they started several decades ago and after a relatively smooth transition, now have one of their three children owning and running the business. Over the past few decades, the Anderson’s have been able to run a very profitable business and, like most business owners, have saved their profits in a holding company.
support it all, we were able to come up with a plan of action that encompasses all of their wishes with the tax planning they will need for their estate.
They have invested their savings into a mix of rental properties (residential), private investment pools (containing stocks and bonds) and they own the building in which their family business currently operates. John and Barb generate more than enough income from these investment holdings to support a great lifestyle for the rest of their lives and will ultimately leave these assets behind for the benefit of their children and grandchildren.
The plan is to utilize a combination of life insurance with charitable giving. John and Barb will purchase a joint-last-to-die permanent life insurance policy that will pay out when the last of the two of them dies and the policy’s death benefit is derived from our calculations of what their final taxes owing will be, come estate time.
THE VISION
The policy will be owned and funded by their holding company and when the last of the two of them has passed away, the proceeds of the life insurance policy will be paid, tax-free, to the holding company. The proceeds can then be paid out of the company tax-free using what is called a Capital Dividend, which is a special type of tax-free dividend.
They are excited about the fact that they will be able to leave a legacy to their heirs, but were curious about how they might also create a legacy that extends beyond the family, that would benefit the causes that are meaningful to them. John and Barb are also unsure about how to plan for their estate because they are aware that there will be tax to pay at some point, they’re just not sure when or how much it will be.
THE RESULTS
A donation of the proceeds is then made to the charities and/ or foundation(s) of John and Barb’s choice, as directed in their wills, and the estate receives the tax credit for the donation.
THE PLAN After some in-depth conversations about their vision for the family, the legacy they wish to leave and the financial figures that
The result is that the donation credit takes care of the taxes owing, the heirs receive the investment assets fully intact (via the holding company shares) and there is a meaningful legacy created by way of the significant charitable donation. This is the ultimate win-win for the Anderson family and the causes they care about. *Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
Jason Boudreau CFP, CLU Wealth Advisor Principal & Founder - VELA Wealth Management www.velawealth.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
29
SON OF VEYRON The 2017 Bugatti Chiron
If i could trade-in one of my kids for this car, the exchange would happen so fast there would be no time for goodbyes... - robbie dickson
30
ICONIC CONCIERGE
all images © 2016 Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
31
by Robbie Dickson
I
love the Chiron. If I could trade one of my kids for a Bugatti Chiron, the exchange would happen so fast there’d be no time for goodbyes. You’d simply hear tires screeching with a getaway fit for a bank robber.
But before we get into the Chiron, we must briefly examine the enormous boots that the Chiron needed to not just fill, but exceed: The Bugatti Veyron, the Chiron’s older brother.
OWNING A VEYRON IS LIKE TAKING ANGELINA JOLIE ON A DATE
renamed the W-16. The W-16 engine (the world’s first) allowed the Veyron to achieve and hold the world’s top speed record for several years. The technical brilliance that Bugatti demonstrated with the Veyron would ultimately leave other supercar manufacturers playing catch-up. Not only did Bugatti create an elegantly-styled machine; it also had a menacing feel. Owning a Veyron is like taking Angelina Jolie on a date: She’ll stun people in the restaurant, but as soon as the bedroom door is closed and the top speed key is inserted, the 12 minutes that follow will blow your mind. (In case you’re wondering: 12 minutes is how long it takes the Veyron to empty the fuel tank when traveling at top speed.) The advent of the Veyron meant that Bugatti had created not only the world’s fastest car (at that time), but also the world’s most expensive car, with a price tag of US$1.6M. At that time no other manufacturer dared to touch that price bracket for a production vehicle - and rumours swirled that the VW Group (which owns Bugatti) lost $6 million on every Veyron sold. This suggests that the Veyron is less about creating a luxury car and more about showing the world which car manufacturer had the largest genitals.
The 2014 Bugatti Veyron “Ettore Bugatti”
Long long ago, Bugatti created the Veyron - a 1,200 HP monster with not one, but two V8 engines strapped together and
32
ICONIC CONCIERGE
To VW, we say: Message received and we absolutely applaud you for this, but that also meant that the VW group would probably not be too eager to spend that sort of doh again once all 450 Veyrons had been sold, and who could blame them.
0-100 km/h
2.4 secs
Top Speed
hp / kW/ bhp
463 km/h
1500 1103 1479
Price
USD 2.6m
electronically limited to 420 km/h (261 mph)
ICONIC CONCIERGE
33
I’D RATHER GO TO A DONALD TRUMP CONVENTION Fast forward to a few years after the Veyron: Other manufacturers decide to jump on board the new “hypercar” trend. The Porsche 918, McLaren P1, and LaFerrari were all high-profile attempts to break into the hypercar market, with the P1 and LaFerrari both sporting price tags of over $1 million. One point of interest is that all three manufacturers chose to use a hybrid drive system, where batteries were used to fill in torque gaps, allowing for very fast off-the-line times. Personally, I’m not a fan of electric cars - and while these cars are hybrids, they feel like another step closer to doing away with internal combustion engines altogether. For gearheads like me, going to a Donald Trump convention is preferable to driving an electric hypercar. But these three manufacturers are adamant that the only way to get the sort of power and acceleration needed to beat the Veyron is with a hybrid gas-electric drive system - and they’re right.
GOOD JOB MY DOOMSDAY DEVICE DIDN’T WORK AFTER ALL When I heard the sad news that more hypercars are going electric, I frantically ran around the house gathering up every AA battery I could find and started preparing for the end of days. But then, in November 2015, I got a call from Bugatti inviting me to Los Angeles to see the new Veyron replacement. At that time, the new Bugatti was shrouded in secrecy - they hadn’t even announced the name. I reluctantly agreed, so long as there were no batteries involved, and in a private bunker somewhere in L.A. I was forced to sign a waiver, thoroughly patted down, had my phone confiscated, and was blindfolded and led to the most magnificent machine I would ever encounter. I’m pleased to say that the Chiron has no hybrid drive system. Bugatti claims that they don’t need electricity to boost the car’s top speed - they just need to give their bulletproof W-16 engine with four huge Turbos a bit of a boost to get to 1,500 HP. I couldn’t have been happier to learn that the world wasn’t ending. The Chiron was everything I’d wanted in a hypercar, but it’s not cheap - and with a price tag of US$2.6m, it’s more
34
ICONIC CONCIERGE
expensive than both a LaFerrari and P1 put together (if you were even invited to buy a LaFerrari, of course.) Like the Veyron, the carbon fiber Chiron is powered by an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged 16-cylinder engine, but it puts out nearly 1,500 horsepower. No mass-produced production car has ever come close to that. Twin fuel injectors for each cylinder help feed the beast, which breathes through six catalytic converters. Bugatti says the Chiron will be limited to 261 mph for road travel, but that it is also “ready for a new world speed record.” The Veyron was similarly restricted to 258 mph for use on the street, so this suggests plans for a record run with the Angelina Jolie mode activated. The acceleration is touted to be similarly impressive, with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 2.4 seconds. The Chiron is rumoured to be able to reach 186 mph in under 13.6 seconds, which would beat the Hennessey Venom GT’s Guinness World Record time of 13.63 seconds. The Chiron shares a clear family resemblance with the Veyron, but adopts a few styling cues that hearken back to the classic Type 57, including its small central fin and semicircular side panels, here doubling as air intakes. Bugatti plans to build 500 Chirons, and you’d better hurry if you want one, as half have already been spoken for. And this time Bugatti did learn from a few of their Veyron mistakes, so a service no longer cost $40k they are included in the price of the car and they also claim the car will turn a profit for the VW group which is probably the only way the board would approve the project to begin with. In The Chiron was recently displayed for the first time in Canada at the Luxury Supercar Show in Vancouver on Sept 9 and 10, 2016. The car certainly won over the crowds, meaning Bugatti has once again created a masterpiece that will have other manufacturers playing catch-up. With more pressure on competitors to step up their game, car enthusiasts can expect higher-quality vehicles in the future - which is great news.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
35
LUXURY & SUPERCAR WEEKEND
CANADA’S PREMIER LUXURY LIFESTYLE & AUTOMOTIVE EVENT words by Alexandra Gill
V
36
Photos by William Luk
ancouver was abuzz with the soft purr of exotic automobiles. Whichever way you turned, there were gleaming Lamborghinis, sexy Ferraris, slinky Jaguars and stately Bentleys parading through the streets. Chic couples slithered out from their buttery leather interiors to sashay through a sparkling circuit of restaurant dinners, launch parties and nightclub soirées.
ebration of fabulous food, wine, spirits, fashion and art -- including, of course, the fuel-injected kind.
The Luxury & Supercar Weekend had arrived and the excitement was palpable. Now entering its eighth year, the annual September showcase of exclusive and rare automobiles has become much more than an extravagant garden festival. It is THE social event of the season, a full two-day cel-
“Don’t worry,” my girlfriends laughed, as we drove to VanDusen Botanical Garden on Sunday morning. “There will be so much more to do and see.”
ICONIC CONCIERGE
Which only makes it all the more embarrassing for me to admit that I had never been. As the Globe and Mail’s Vancouver restaurant critic, I am drawn to all sorts of epicurean events and I certainly love a good party. But cars just aren’t my passion. I probably wouldn’t even recognize a Bugatti if it were rolling over top of me. So I didn’t -- initially -- see any point in attending.
Indeed, it seemed as if the entire city was there. Outside the event, Shaughnessy’s residential streets were lined bumper-to-bumper for miles on end. But once we stepped through the garden gates, the chaos receded as we entered into a verdant
oasis. Gentlemen in nifty homburg hats and ladies in floral sundresses strolled arm-in-arm across the gently rolling lawns. If it weren’t for all the modern machinery, the scene could have been plucked from the pages of a F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.
Beyond fine food and cars, there were shiny Breitling watches to ogle, magical skin serums to sample, and full-fledged runway fashion shows, superbly organized by Oakridge Centre, to enjoy.
First stop was the Canadian Concours d’Élégance, a sprawling display of privately owned classic collector cars. Even a philistine such as me could appreciate the sleekly multi million dollar Mercedes – Benz 300Sl Gulwings , curved Corvette Stingrays, muscular Mustangs and vintage candy-coloured VW Bugs. Selfie time! From there, we were whisked into the main VIP tent for champagne and canapés. As a food event, the gourmet smorgasbord impressed. Throughout the day, we nibbled on geoduck sashimi, smoky souvlaki and caviar-dappled salmon. In the McLaren VIP Lounge, Chef Ken Nakano from Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver’s Market by Jean-Georges, introduced us to fried sushi cakes. (How is it possible that I had not tasted these divine pressed-rice bites before?) It was fascinating to see Chinese and Italian Chefs working side-by-side (so quintessentially Vancouver). For those craving a more substantial meal, David Hawksworth hosted a pop-up restaurant. Oddly enough, it was Fatburger Grill that drew the largest crowds.
Call me a convert, but by the end of the day I was actually having semi-intelligent conversations about the Pagani Huayra’s racespec suspension. How could anyone not get caught up in the thrill of being surrounded by the fastest cars in the world? It was a perfect outing and a sensational event that far surpassed my expectations. I may not be in the market for a supercar, but I will definitely be going back next year.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
37
photography by Kevin Uy
Tomorrow’s Silver Arrow The Legend of the SLR
T
38
o this day, the letters ‘SLR’ are among the most iconic letters in the auto racing world. An abbreviation for “Sport, Leicht, Rennsport” (Sport, Light, Racing), they will be forever connected to the Silver Arrows, the Mille Miglia, and drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
A Brief History of Racing The pictured cars - both local Vancouver cars - trace their roots back to the 1950s. At the pinnacle of their success, the famous “Silberpfeile” (Silver Arrows) were the fastest and most technologically advanced cars, and they dominated sports car racing, rallies, and the Formula One world. The most famous Silver Arrow drivers were Juan Manuel Fangio, who won the 1955 Mille Miglia in the 300 SLR, and Stilring Moss.
Fast Forward At the 1999 North American International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz presented their Vision SLR concept, with a hand-built 5.4-litre, supercharged 626 PS (460 kW; 617 hp) all-aluminum V8 engine. It was clearly inspired by the Uhlenhaut Coupé and dubbed the “Tomorrow Silver Arrow.” Later that same year, at the Frankfurt Motorshow, Mercedes presented the roadster version.
Contrary to popular belief, the 300 SLR was based not on the 300 SL Gullwing, but on the 1955 Mercedes-Benz W196.
Mercedes joined forces with their Formula 1 partner McLaren and introduced the final production model on November 17, 2003.
Rudolf Uhlenhaut The road-legal 300 SLR, also known as the Uhlenhaut Coupé, was designed by Mercedes motorsport chief Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Uhlenhaut’s redesign included a wider chassis and the car’s signature gull-wing doors.
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren saw a production run of over six years, but never reached the targeted production goal of 3,500 units. In the end, a little more than 2,00 SLR Coupes and roadsters left the company’s British factory in Surrey, England.
After a horrific accident at LeMans in 1955, MercedesBenz ended their involvement in competitive racing, and the Uhlenhaut Coupe was killed before it could enter production. The original prototype has been preserved and currently sits on display in the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
Today, the SLR is one of the most collectible Mercedes-Benz automobiles of modern times.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
39
THE E-VOLUTION Building the Most Important Commuter Car on the Planet
photography by Jeff Vinnick
40
ICONIC CONCIERGE
Nowadays, electric vehicles (EVs) are in the news on an almost daily basis. First it was Elon Musk and his groundbreaking Tesla. Then it was the mysterious Faraday Future. That was followed by a variety of mysterious Chinese entrants, plus a bevy of offerings from BWM and GM. Even Google and Apple are getting in on the EV phenomenon. But there’s one lesser-known startup here in Canada that is changing the EV game: Electra Meccanica - and their SOLO EV is turning heads and winning hearts. The idea for the SOLO electric vehicle spawned when Jerry Kroll, founder of KleenSpeed Technologies first started developing advanced electric race cars at the NASA Research Park in Mountain View, California in 2007. After selling his interests in KleenSpeed, Kroll, who is originally from Canada, returned to his Vancouver home with inspiration and a mission to create the most innovative, efficient, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective electric vehicle in the world. Kroll, realizing he needed a strong partner with expertise in coach building, joined forces with Henry Reisner, President of Intermeccanica Inc. to develop this game-changing electric commuter car, which would eventually be called the SOLO. Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corporation (EMV) was born. A long time sustainability advocate, Kroll understood that electric vehicles would assist in lowering harmful emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution. Kroll also understood that approximately 80% of commuters travel alone in North America, going to and from work, or making short trips by themselves. He thought that offering a vehicle that doesn’t run on gas or needs expensive maintenance is a winwin situation for the consumer and the planet. At the time, high battery costs, limited range and time to recharge were significant obstacles to development; however, EMV forged ahead with the engineering and design work and in January of 2015, the first Electra Meccanica (EMV) SOLO prototype was completed. The first production Electra Meccanica SOLO was unveiled at the Luxury & Supercar Weekend in Vancouver on September 9, 2016, to the adulation of the EMV team and global media. EMV President and CEO Jerry Kroll unveiled the vehicle, noting, “Our team has delivered a visually appealing commuter vehicle that performs like a sports car, yet combines the advantage of zero-emission driving with a revolutionary car design. We are proud to announce that production of our SOLO is now in full swing.”
assembly will take place here in BC,” Kroll says. The first production cars are being manufactured at the Intermeccanica / Electra Meccanica pilot facility in New Westminster, British Columbia. And with nearly 300 preorders of the SOLO and interest coming in for thousands of corporate orders and dealerships, EMV has the potential to be a great success story. www.electrameccanica.com
Intermeccanica - The History The story of now Vancouver-based Intermeccanica began in 1959, when Hungarian-Canadian Frank Reisner and his wife traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting several car manufacturers. What began as a passion for cars resulted in an 18-year long journey and what become one of the most famous independent small production sports car companies to date. Registered in Montreal, Intermeccanica’s first car was the now famous Apollo. The Buick powered sports car was developed in the early 1960s and won Bestin-Show at the 1963 New York Auto Show. Intermeccanica’s next model was the Griffith, which was later renamed the Omega. After a short period where it was assembled in the US, completed cars were finally sold out of Italy, now dubbed the Torino. As Ford was already using that name, it became the Italia, and by the end of 1972, 500 had been built. In 1971, the company began work on the Indra project, the final Italianbuilt steel bodied Intermeccanica car. What was supposed to become the company’s most successful car ended in a fall-out with engine supplier GM. Intermeccanica left Italy in 1975 to start over in California, where the company revolutionised the Porsche replica market with the introduction of the Speedster, followed by the Roadster RS. In 1982, Frank and his family moved to British Columbia and introduced their next model, a replica of the German Army Kubelwagen in 1995. Subsequent to Frank’s passing in 2001, his son Henry continues the family legacy of building some of the finest Porsche and Kubelwagen replicas in the world. Intermeccanica’s cars can be found in museums and collections all over the world. Henry Reisner (3rd from the right) and the SOLO team
The chassis, which is made of aircraft composite materials, weighs just over 1,000 pounds and, coupled with a 16.1 kWh lithium ion battery, propels the SOLO from zero to 100 km/h in about eight seconds. With a range of 160km, top speed of 130km/h, and a cargo space of about 10 square feet, the SOLO is set to prove itself as a commuter vehicle for the masses and debuts during a time in which social license for EVs is high. “With single purchase and large corporate orders for SOLOs coming in each day, we are working quickly to establish larger volume production partners in China and India, but the final ICONIC CONCIERGE
41
THE 21ST CENTURY BUG 2017 Electra Meccanica SOLO
The future is now! With an open invitation to view the future, we headed over to the Electra Meccanica showroom on East 1st Avenue to test-drive the very first pre-production version of their brand-new SOLO. “It’s the VW Beetle for the 21st century,” says Founder & CEO Jerry Kroll while introducing us to the technology and concept behind the single-seat, all-electric enclosed three-wheeler. Kroll, who has spent his life around cars, racing them, building them and advancing electric race cars, is leaning against a “Sparrow”, a boot-shaped electric vehicle we test-drove a while ago. ”We utilized the Sparrow to test the SOLO’s IP and to demonstrate the feeling of driving a one-seater vehicle. The SOLO is a whole new game”, adds Jerry. “We think that it’s definitely more advanced and stylish, especially when looking at it from behind”. The pre-production SOLO invites you to enter the car from the right-hand side door, settling behind a digital dash and a race-inspired steering wheel. Electra Meccanica’s design team created a very clean interior giving the SOLO a high-end look and feel. We start our test-drive at the Meccanica building, passing Science World and heading down to Gastown for Stanley Park. EMV claims the SOLO accelerates to 100 km/h in 8 seconds, but it feels like 5! With the lightweight chassis, low centre of gravity, and the power to weight ratio it feels more like a race car than a passenger car. And with its narrow body and no seat next to you the best part is that you have lots of room
to roam in a single lane. Dense traffic on Water Street? No problem for us. With big grins on our faces, we zig-zag our way through traffic to Stanley Park. We have to admit - this is fun! And people just love this car. Thumbs up wherever we go, and if we would get a dollar for every picture taken, we could put down the deposit for the SOLO by the end of the all-too-brief, one-hour test-drive. So would we buy one? It’s not a supercar, or a luxury sedan, but at C$19,888 minus an estimated $5,000 Government EV rebate, it is tempting. You can even apply for Electric Vehicle Special Financing with installments as low as $75 biweekly. But maybe we’ll wait for the upcoming Super SOLO, a meanlooking street-legal spec race version. Although at an estimated MSRP of C$100,000 it will really have to knock our socks off. At least they include a free race car driving course when you sign up.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
43
Pacific Polo Cup SOUTHLANDS VANCOUVER
words by Alexandra Gill
Polo is called the sport of kings for good reason. A fast and furious alliance between horse and human, the dexterously skilled game is the equine equivalent of Formula One racecar driving. Exclusive by virtue of its associated stable costs, the international polo circuit attracts an elite following of wealthy and glamorous patrons. Pour on the sexy allure of Argentinean stable lads and the steamy intrigues of Jilly Cooper romance novels and it all adds up to a royal flush of luxury surpassing any other sport. Vancouver might not have professional baseball or basketball, but it does have polo. And this recent resurgence probably says more about the ascent of the city as a major international centre
44
ICONIC CONCIERGE
Photos by William Luk
than the rise in real-estate prices or the growth of designer shopping. “Vancouver has arrived,� says Craig Stowe, who produces Pacific Polo Cup in partnership with Southlands Riding Club, where the thirdannual edition, presented by Nicola Wealth Management, was held on August 6th. The idyllic club grounds -16 acres of green space surrounded by urban ranches and ringed with spectacular mountain views - feel like a secret rural retreat on the southern edge of the city. It created the perfect country setting for a posh afternoon of polo watching, champagne sipping and gourmet lunching on par with
similar events held in Palm Springs and Miami Beach. The gates opened at 11:30 a.m., when guests began traipsing in, all dressed to impress in linen suits, bowties, frothy fascinators and broad-brimmed hats. There was a Best Dressed Award so everyone treated the sartorial component quite seriously. Those who may have forgotten their fancy headgear (mind you, there weren’t many) could always purchase a snazzy accoutrement at the on-site store. As an early novice match tore down the field, the bottles of Veuve Clicquot began popping in the VIP Polo Lounge. In the adjacent VIP Polo Dining Pavilion, Vancouver’s renowned Hawksworth Restaurant catered a white-linen luncheon, a fully inclusive dining experience with buckets of Veuve Clicquot champagne, Heineken beer and Mission Hill wine. To keep everyone entertained, Jaguar Land Rover, which has a long-established connection with the equestrian community worldwide, parked a fleet of luxury cars along the perimeter of
the polo field. “It was a pleasure to return and be the Official Automotive Sponsor for the 2016 Pacific Polo Cup III,” said Chris Petersen, Jaguar Land Rover Canada’s Director of Client Success. “When a rider and horse work together as one, speed, agility, and endurance work in perfect harmony. These same attributes are apparent in our diverse line of vehicles.” But the main attraction was on the field, where teams of four – 16 thoroughbreds and their riders – hit the pitch for four thrilling matches. Spectators cheered from the sidelines. Even those who didn’t know a chukker from a mallet could still join in the spirit of the games by participating in the halftime divot stomping, a grand old tradition for which everyone giddily surges forth to help replace the crevices created by the horse’s hooves. By the end of the sunny, pitch-perfect day, Team Land Rover hoisted the Cup. But it was really Vancouver - a city fit for royalty and chomping at the bit for more pomp and circumstance that landed in the winner’s circle.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
45
The Gentleman
by Dr. Christian Brix
They should have taught you this in school....
14 THINGS THAT AREN’T OVER WHEN YOU ARE 30 ...
W
hile there are attitudes and habits that need to be removed from our lives as we age, that doesn’t mean we have to suffer through the change.
Getting older can be a process full of happiness and beauty, or for those who fight it, it can be an ugly and sad endeavor. I am sure we have all seen those “fighters.” It’s time to stop fighting - it’s time to accept and adapt. If you’re in your 30s, here are some habits that should be over and done with: Credit card debt You’re old enough now to realize that if you can’t afford it, you probably shouldn’t buy it. If you do use credit, maybe try something that isn’t 19.5% interest? Waiting to clean the toilet and tub until it’s pretty much a science experiment Gentleman, please take some pride.
Kraft Dinner You are at that age now when you actually need to start to pay attention to your health! I love Kraft dinner as much as the next guy, but it would be healthier to eat the box. Artistic facial hair That chin strap was great when you were in the Backstreet Boys, but from here on out it’s time to stick to the basics. Your gym bag as luggage Unless you are sponsored by Nike, it’s probably time to get a canvas or leather bag that isn’t a portable billboard. Sentimental porn Those favorite videos you have hidden under your socks from the days when the Internet was too slow need to go.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
Avoiding the Doctor Things that will become big issues when you’re 60 are probably already small issues. Suck it up, man-up, and get in for your yearly physical. Jewels on your clothing Unfortunately the days of bedazzling are over, and it’s time to accept the fact that your clothing should no longer reflect light in the nightclub you’re probably wearing it in.
“your clothing should no longer reflect light in the nightclub you’re probably wearing it in.”
Seeking approval By this point in your life, there should be a significant supply of self esteem built up in the reserves. It is time to realize that what people think of you is really all about them.
46
Sleeping-in all weekend Once in your thirties, you should be at a place where you can appreciate a morning run, a walk, or even getting out for breakfast. Leave sleeping til noon in your twenties, and get outside and enjoy the A.M. portion of the day.
The un-made bed Seriously...make your morning.
bed
in
the
Shots of more than one liquor I wouldn’t advocate never doing shots (because it can make for a fun night), but try to evolve to a place where you stick to just one type. Maybe try to avoid bright colours too. Futons
No futons. Hand signs in pictures Please stop with the “reverse peace” sign and the “shocker.” You’re too old for that now. It has been said that 40 is the new 30. If that’s true, then you may have just bought yourself another decade to get it together. If it isn’t true though, and you still enjoy many of the items above, you may have to get to work! It isn’t a big deal to commit to moving gracefully through the stages of life and simply acknowledging that while it may be a bit more work, a bit less sleep, or breaking a couple habits, it is absolutely worth it.
Dr. Christian Brix Writer – Chiropractor - Broth Baron - Gentleman www.brixfamilychiropractic.com
A Daimler Brand
Intuition. Engineered. Experience the all-new E-Class – a masterpiece of intelligence and safety that is paving the way for accident-free driving. Building on a long tradition of innovation, the all-new E-Class comes with a range of features designed to deliver unparalleled levels of safety, comfort, and driver relief. Its wealth of sleek digital features and progressive interior styling make for the ultimate in simple, intuitive control. Let intuition guide you. Get to know the all-new E-Class at Mercedes-Benz Langley.
20801 Langley Bypass, Langley, BC Tel: 604.533.1205 | langley.mercedes-benz.ca
48
ICONIC CONCIERGE
BIG BANG! THE $4.5 MILLION METEORITE HANDGUNS For four-and-a-half billion years, the Gibeon meteorite flew through the depths of space. When pre-historic man discovered its remains in sub-Saharan Africa, they used the metal to make some of mankind’s first weapons. Thousands of years later, Cabot Guns has repeated the feat, transforming a 35kg (77-lb) chunk of Gibeon into a mirror-image pair of left and right-handed working pistols named The Big Bang Pistol Set. “Craftsman and meteorite collectors have long-prized the Gibeon meteorite for the beauty of its Widmanstatten crystalline pattern,” Cabot Founder and President Rob Bianchin says. “Luxury goods companies have used it to make watch faces, jewelry and other artistic objects. This is the first time anyone’s ever made a functioning mechanical device out of the material.” Working with meteorite is no small feat – from a metallurgy standpoint, the material lacks perfect uniformity, not to mention the hundreds of tiny extra-terrestrial inclusions blasted into the Gibeon meteorite’s interior during its journey to Earth. Cabot Guns used X-ray photography, 3-D modeling, CAD-CAM design, aerospace construction techniques, electron-beam technology, and endless hours of careful craftsmanship to create two matching (left and right handed) out-of-thisworld specimens based on John Moses Browning’s legendary 1911-style pistol design. The result is an aesthetic tour-de-force — from the prized Widmanstetten pattern adorning both major and minor surfaces to the high-polish grips and judicious use of the meteor’s “bark” on the trigger face and grips. And yes, the guns work. What’s the price of such perfection? “We’re listing them at $4.5 million,” Bianchin says, “which is the current record for the most expensive firearms ever sold. Worth every penny.”
ICONIC CONCIERGE
49
THE SONOS SYSTEM What it is, and why you want it.
by Graham Williams
Sonos Wireless speakers are the most popular option in distributed audio today. Why? Because they’re the definitive answer for statements like “I want music in every room” and “I want to be able to control my music easily.” These are things we hear from our clients everyday, but they’re also things that I’ve said myself. The quiet revolution of music in the home is called “distributed audio”–which makes sense, considering you’re distributing audio around your home. The reasons above are all powerful arguments for distributed audio, but there are a few key things you might not have thought about that may appeal to you. MUSIC IN EVERY ROOM Let’s start with music in every room. With a Sonos Wireless Speaker or a Sonos-enabled in-ceiling speaker system, the Sonos network allows you to play music in every room in your home. You can play the same music everywhere, or you can establish each room as its own separate zone and play different music in each space. This lets everyone in the home enjoy the same music together, or it can allow individuals to personalize their space with their own playlist. The Sonos impact can’t be understated; there’s something delightfully unique about being able to walk through your home to a soundtrack of your choosing, or to relax in your favourite space with a song or an album that’s perfect for you. It makes music and sound as much a part of your home as the decor or lighting, but without intruding upon the space. EASY CONTROL The Sonos app is available for free for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, giving you easy access to streaming services from around the world. Stream your own music, or choose to use Apple Music, Google Play Music, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, or more. The flexibility of Sonos comes from being able to select your music quickly and to get it to play in the room or list of rooms you want in a simple way. With Sonos, it’s one touch, making music fun and accessible for everyone in the home. WIRELESS SPEAKER OPTIONS The Sonos family includes a number of speakers.
The top-of-the-line second generation Play5 is receiving rave reviews from tech critics– and for good reason. Introduced recently, the Play5 has been redesigned to include streamlined touch controls, and features 5 powerful drivers that offer incredible range and performance with strong base, firm mid-range, and clean, clear highs. The Play3 is the optimal speaker for use in an array in a larger room. Four Play3 speakers can fill a room with sound while keeping the overall volume low, allowing you to more easily converse with friends and family. The Play1 is a flexible speaker that’s perfect for small spaces, and a pair of them make excellent partners for the Sonos Playbar and Sonos Sub in creating a surround home theatre setup capable of wireless Dolby Digital sound. SONOS HOME THEATRE Most modern televisions only offer so much speaker power, which can make for an underwhelming experience. The Sonos PlayBar is the solution. The PlayBar ties into your television to replace your TV’s speakers with a more powerful system. The PlayBar has three channels of built-in audio that create an immersive audio experience.
OTHER OPTIONS If you’re looking for a distributed audio system that you can hear but not see, Sonos is still a key component. Whether you’re starting a new build or retrofitting speakers, you can add Sonos to an in-wall/inceiling sound system, to a pair of stereo speakers in a 2-channel listening area, or to your existing home theatre to add support for music. The Sonos Connect becomes the link between your speaker systems and the Sonos network; you need one Sonos Connect per zone, and those areas immediately become selectable in your Sonos app. If your system needs amplification, you can choose the Sonos ConnectAmp, which can power large or small speakers with up to 55W per channel. WANT SONOS? Here’s your next step: Whether you’re looking for an individual speaker, a wireless home theatre, or an in-ceiling system, we can help. Visit our showroom at 1251 Homer St in Vancouver, or call us at 604-628-9491. We can help you design and install your new system, giving you the very best results available.
ADDING BASS The Sonos Sub provides rich, deep base for any Sonos speaker. The Sub is typically paired with the PlayBar for better TV sound, but can also pair with a set of Play1, Play3, or Play5 speakers to offer a fuller range of sound.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
51
52
ICONIC CONCIERGE
FERRARI 250 GT & 300 SL
photography by Kevin Uy location: West Vancouver
BROTHERS-IN-LAW 1963 Mercedes 300sl Roadster & 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Series II
ICONIC CONCIERGE
53
THE END OF AN ERA 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
T
he 300SL is still considered to be the most iconic Mercedes-Benz of all times, and this local West Vancouver example must be one of the nicest Roadsters we have seen for some time. And believe us, visiting famed 300SL restorer Rudi Koniczek several times a year at his Victoria, BC facilities, we have seen quite a few. Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300SL Roadster version at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, effectively retiring and replacing the famous Gullwing coupe. At US$10,900 it was more expensive than the outgoing coupe but also came with some changes such as larger front fenders, ‘euro’ headlights, a smaller
54
ICONIC CONCIERGE
grille, a rounder front windscreen and a chrome accent strip running down the side of the car. Rudi & Company and the specialists at Coachwerks fully restored this matching numbers award-winning car over a 3 year period, starting in 2010. It was a nut-and-bolt restoration to factory specifications, and the 300SL now shines in its original finish in Anthracite Grey with a black interior. This European model even comes with the original fitted luggage set, the rare seat belts and the original black hard top roof. 1963 also ended the 300SL era, with 1,383 coupes (1954-1957)
and 1,858 roadsters (1957-1963) built. Today, the 300SL is one of the highest priced collectors cars in the world, fetching prices in the millions of dollars.
“We collect Art that we can drive and admire all at the same time.”
A ROYAL HISTORY 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SERIES II
T
he Ferrari 250 GT PF Cabriolet, based on the 250 GT Coupe styled by Pinin Farina and built by Scaglietti, was first introduced at the Geneva International Auto Salon in 1957. It was a semi-luxury touring car with a chassis and drive-train similar to Ferrari’s racing cars, and sold for around US$15,000 in 1960. The Series II Cabriolet made its debut at the 1959 Paris Salon. Both the coupe and the cabriolet shared nearly identical overall dimensions and both had significant mechanical improvements over Ferrari’s other convertible, the
250 GT California Spyder. Today it is recognized as one of the most elegant and entertaining cars of the era. A powerful all-alloy 3.0-liter Colombo Tipo 125F V-12 engine, produced 250 brake horsepower. 16-inch Borrani wire wheels, four-wheel, 12-inch power disc brakes and a new four-speed transmission with Bianchi electric overdrive as well as an independent front suspension gave it excellent ride quality. “The easiest car in the world to drive,” as Road & Track called it. 0-100 km/h took only seven seconds, while top speed was achieved in the neighborhood of 225 km/h (140 mph).
Sold through the dealership owned by ex-Ferrari race car driver, Baron Emmanuel Toulo De Graffenried, the first owner of this beautifully restored (a 4-year nut-and-bolt restoration by noted restorers “Fast Cars” in Redondo Beach, California) and award-winning (Best of Show) 250 GT Series II was the Princess Maria Gabrielala of Italy. It is one of an estimated 212 Series II cabriolets originally produced between 1959 and 1962, and there are fewer than 10 with the side vents. It now sits in the same garage in West Vancouver as his German sibbling, the 300SL Roadster on page 54.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
55
56
ICONIC CONCIERGE
THE NEXT GENERATION VANCOUVER’S YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
DANIEL DUBOIS
by Allie Henderson photography by Caitlyn Van Nice
Founder ShareShed
REDEFINING WEALTH Young entrepreneur Daniel Dubois has built a multi-million dollar company by capitalizing on the share economy. He has been named Top 30 Under 30 by BCBusiness and was Top Student Entrepreneur in Canada winning over $250,000 of in-kind support. He has raised over $1,000,000 from top tech and impact investors and was a speaker at We Day, MIT and TEDx. But a question he’s really brought to the table is: What Does It Really Mean To Be Wealthy? We hustle for the lifestyle. We put in the blood, sweat and tears to for the dream of being handed the keys to our brand new Ferrari, that vacation home in Hawaii, or the boat on the water. Ownership is the gateway to lifestyle, or is it? The share economy is something we’re all aware of. We see it through popular models like AirBnB or Uber; taking something we already have - a home or a car - and sharing it with others for a fraction of the price it would cost for ownership. This means a million dollar deposit is no longer necessary to vacation in a private, waterfront home in Maui. For a fraction of the cost, you show up, you enjoy, you leave - arguable a better way to experience a vacation home. You no longer have to worry about maintenance, upkeep, or taxes. Responsibilities diverted.
from the conversation, guys like Daniel are starting to take a different measuring stick to this question and relating it to the depth of the relationships you have in your life. After all, what fun is a Ferrari without your co-pilot? And what’s a dream vacation home worth without your people to fill it? Maybe, share economy is redefining wealth for the better by shifting our focus from “stuff and things” and shining light on the people we get to enjoy them with. Wealth no longer serves us on a superficial level, but has us searching for abundance and fulfilment to meet our emotional desires. So with that in mind, how wealthy are you?
Daniel Dubois has been interested in the share economy long before it ever had that label. While backpacking around Australia, he stayed with a family who had a garage full of surf boards and toys that they allowed him to use as he pleased. He adapted a lifestyle no backpacker could traditionally afford because of their generosity. And, it was of no cost to them share the toys in their garage that otherwise, sat to collect dust. Through a series of events, Daniel has created ShareShed. ca, an international, online hub creating access to outdoor adventure gear, relieving the hassle of packing or affording your own equipment and giving customers access to try different kinds of gear without purchasing. He has a series of accolades, from investment dollars to awards, that speaks to his accomplishments, all of which you can find by a simple google search of Daniels name. But an underlying conversation Daniel and others in the share-industry have started, is what does it really mean to be wealthy? From adventure gear, to multimillion dollar homes, to even private jet charters, the share economy has removed the prerequisites traditionally required to experience the lifestyle that wealth has reserved for the 1%’ers of the world. By taking exclusive experiences off a pedestal and offering it to the masses, wealth measured by stuff, doesn’t seem so significant. So what is real wealth then? With “stuff and things” removed ICONIC CONCIERGE
57
UNDER THE RADAR 10 Supercars You Didn’t Know Existed
W
e all know the big names in supercars. Bugatti, Lamborghini, Ferrari - even smaller brands like Koennigsegg and Spyker are entering the mainstream. And nowadays, it seems like supercar manufacturers are cropping up faster than craft breweries. Building fast, light, powerful cars is a common mission for the oil executives and stock market gurus who are suddenly looking for a new business venture. We’ve looked around, and we’ve found some boutique supercar companies that you probably didn’t know existed…
Rezvani Beast The Californian-built Beast is actually based on the British-built Ariel Atom and comes with a Honda DOHC 2.4L engine with a Rotrex supercharger, delivering 500bhp, and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The body of this “back-to-basics” sportscar with no doors is made out of carbon fibre. At a weight of only 750kg the Beast accelerates to 100 km/h in only 2.7 seconds. US$165,000.
58
ICONIC CONCIERGE
Nowadays, it seems like supercar manufacturers are cropping up faster than craft breweries.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
59
UNDER THE RADAR
Vencer Sarthe The Sarthe is the first production super car made by Dutch boutique automaker, Vencer. Dubbed as “a genuine analogue supercar of a kind that is increasingly becoming rare,” the Sarthe is inspired by the iconic ‘80s race cars that competed at Le Mans. The 6.3 litre V8 supercharged, mid-engine delivers 622 bhp and 838/ 618 at 4000rpm Nm/lb/ft of torque through a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox with Torsen limited slip differential. 0-100 is 3.6secs and the top-speed is 338 km/h. Starting at € 270.882 (~ USD 310.000) +tax.
Rimac Concept 1 Rimac Automobile is a Croatian-based car manufacturer and battery engineering firm. Their Concept One electric supercar has been in development for about five years, but was finally released as a production model this year. The specs? 1088bhp; torque 1,600Nm; 0-100 km/h in 2,6sec and a top-speed of 355 km/h. US$ 980,000. Or go for the Concept S a lighter, more powerful and more aerodynamic, track-oriented update of the Concept One with1384bhp, 0–100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 365 km/h.
Quant E / F NanoFlowcell is an electric car manufacturer registered in Liechtenstein. Fitted with 22 inch wheels and gullwing doors, their Quant E is powered by four electric motors running on salt water battery technology. Delivering 920 horsepower with an all electric range of 600km, the car accelerates to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 350 km/h. The Quant E is a successor to the Koenigsegg Quant concept, and is priced at US$1.75M. The newer Quant F delivers up to 1075 bhp, has a top speed of 300km/h, and has a driving range of 800 km.
SCG 003C Jim Glickenhaus, a New York multimillionaire, is the man behind the street-legal SCG 003. It is powered by a 4.4 Liter Reverse Flow TT V8 producing 800HP and 1000NM of Torque mated to a Cima 7 Speed transmission. Interested in having one of your own? Call the company if you have US$2.4 million to spare.
60
ICONIC CONCIERGE
Mazzanti Evantra The Evantra is a tailor-made luxury supercar by Mazzanti Automobili. Only 5 cars are produced every year, each of them individually developed and customized. The engine is a 7.0 liter aluminum LS7 V8 Evantra aspirated with a power of 701 hp at 6600 rpm and a maximum torque of 848 Nm at 4500 rpm. 0-100 is 3.2 secs, top-speed is 350 km/h.
Arash AF10
Arrinera Hussarya The UK-produced Hussarya is the first supercar to be produced by Polish automotive manufacturer Arrinera Automotive. The pictured GT race car, powered by a naturally aspirated LS3 V8 engine, will be followed in the fourth quarter of 2017 by a road-legal trackday version and later by the roadgoing Arrinera Hussarya 33.
A 6.2-liter supercharged V8 and four electric motors, a total output of 2,080-horsepower, 0-100 in 2.8 secs and a top-speed of 325 hm/h - that’s the Arash AF10 from England. The price? Starting at US$1.6M.
Arash AF8 The “little brother” of the AF10 features a mid-engined 7.0-litre V8 engine producing 505bhp and 645 Nm of torque @ 6000 RPM. 0-100 in 3.5 secs; top-speed 320 km/h. The pictured “Cassini” edition just debuted at the 2016 Geneva Autoshow and has a much more shapely rear than the original AF8. Starting at a way more attainable US$240,000.
Trion Nemesis RR With a production limited to 50 units (and an additional 9 RR Black Ops Editions), the handcrafted Nemesis has a 2000 hp twin turbo charged V8 engine that allows a top-speed of more than 430 km/h and a sprint to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. US$1.6M. The Black Ops Edition features options not available on the RR and comes with a “Predator Mode”. With the push of a button, Predator Mode activates changes in aerodynamics, ride height, engine RPM limits, gauge cluster, and interior lighting, resulting in a vastly different driving experience. US$1.98M.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
61
The Ultimate in Luxury 62
ICONIC CONCIERGE
all images © 2016 Mercedes-Benz AG
“Our glamorous coupé represents the ultimate in contemporary luxury. It is hot and cool. With its intelligent appeal and reduced, technoid look, it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity and our pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency.” - Gorden Wagener, Head of Design Daimler AG
VISION MERCEDES-MAYBACH 6
E
very August classic car fans from around the world converge on Pebble Beach in California for a very special beauty contest. This gathering of magnificent classic cars is the perfect place to premiere the exclusive Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, a sensational luxury-class coupé. The 2+2‑s eater is a homage to the glorious age of the aero coupés and consciously carries this tradition forward into the future. The coupé reinterprets classic, emotional design principles in an extreme way, following the Mercedes design philosophy of sensual purity. A glamorous coupé. “Our glamorous coupé, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, represents the ultimate in contemporary luxury. It is hot and cool”, states Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. “With its intelligent appeal and reduced, technoid look, it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity and our pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency.” Classic, aesthetic principles. With its sensual, emotional design (“hot”) and intelligent details (“cool”), the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 represents the ultimate in luxury. The classic aesthetic proportions of the show car – the extremely long bonnet, the low roof line and the rearward positioning of the greenhouse – recall the aero coupés of days gone by. But this is not a retro design - this is a re-imagining of classic aesthetics. The exterior design. Clearly defined contours and organically formed wings stand in contrast to the sharply drawn, extended feature line on each side that defines the upper body
from the radiator grille across the entire length of the vehicle to the rear. There is also a striking contrast between the Maybach red paintwork and the chrome strips which sit above the wheel arches and in the centre of the bonnet and boot lid. A reinterpretation of the MercedesMaybach radiator grille with its fine, vertical struts accentuates the front end. The extended, round “boat tail” format of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6’s rear is reminiscent of a luxury yacht. A luxurious lounge. The front windscreen serves as a transparent HUD (heads-up display) that provides drivingrelated data and geographical information across the entire width of the glass. This information can be controlled and adjusted by the occupants using gestures. The dashboard wing curves across the door trim into the seat landscape, creating a 360° lounge. Along the interior of the doors and dashboard, traditional wood trim softens and contrasts the futuristic appearance of the digital control and display interfaces.
Some Specs The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is designed as an all-wheel electric car. The output of the drive system is 550 kW (750 PS). The underfloor battery has a usable capacity of approx. 80 kWh. This not only allows performance characteristics typical of a sports car (acceleration from 0‑100 km/h in under four seconds, top speed electronically governed at 250 km/h) but also a range of over 500 kilometres according to the NEDC (over 200 miles according to EPA).
the
Elm is used in the floor area, creating a refined yacht look.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
63
Anthropomorphic transformations have fascinated and inspired my work through my life. - CORY FUHR
photography by dave hamilton
64
ICONIC CONCIERGE
MAN of
STEEL
the art of cory fuhr
“The fusion of inanimate cold metals and the animated, our bodies and our pastoral surroundings, drives my creative process.” Born and raised in Vernon, BC, Cory Fuhr spent most of his childhood building his own go carts, tandem bicycles, and ski bikes. ”I raced bicycles through my teens, and unbolted and took apart most everything in my childhood years, curious about how everything worked,” Cory remembers. “Eventually I started putting things back together and fixed them, even rebuilt a car engine at 16. I guess I’ve always been a gear head and had a fascination with most things mechanical.” In his later teens he worked as a mechanic in an industrial electric motor rebuild shop. Then, at 23, he started taking welding more seriously. Cory started by building his own line of tables and chairs, and also started studying the most interesting machine of all: The human body. “I can’t say I had a dream to be an artist, my career happened organically through my appreciation of creating instead of rebuilding or fixing,” Cory laughs. “I started building body parts, arms, legs, and torsos in steel, and then one day built an entire human. There he was, standing in front of me, his own person.” In 2003 Cory Fuhr was commissioned to create a lifesize 300lb sculpture for Jack Rabinovitch, which laid the foundation for becoming one of Canada’s foremost metal artists. He created the famous speed skater for the 2010 Olympics, now placed in the Richmond Olympic Oval, followed by a volleyball player for the same venue. “It has been a very rich experience over the years with many public placements, movie placements and large events,” Fuhr says, “but I came close to not doing much ever again after an accident in 2013 when I broke my neck and back, but I did all of my own recovery work and rebuilt myself this time. My large knowledge of anatomy definitely came in handy and the whole experience melded me more with my work and I now have a new view on my own sculptures.”
ICONIC CONCIERGE
65
man about town NEW GENERATION JAGUAR XE & F-PACE LAUNCH EVENT photography by Kevin Uy
1
2
On June 16th, Jaguar Vancouver hosted the New Generation Jaguar Event to celebrate all Jaguar models, and especially the launch of the new XE sedan and F-Pace SUV for the 2017 model year. Close to 400 people attended this amazing event (by E=Mc2) with its laser-show unveiling of the cars, canapes, beverages, and some great live music. 1) Dino Annicchiarico, Jennifer Stevenson 2) Jennifer Stevenson, Emilie Yokoo, Cindy So 3) Jonathon Wang, Event guest, Michael Samson 4) Laurie Park, Kristian Guilfoyle 5) Christian Dubois, Ajay Dilawri, Ryan Muir 6) Lind Dong, Suiki Zhang
4 3
5 66
ICONIC CONCIERGE
6
The
Dapper Gent!
Metrotown
Alpha Fit Brush Men’s skin is different. The Alpha Fit by Clarisonic is engineered to get men’s skin cleaner and healthier looking - clearing away dirt, sweat and oil. It cleanses 6x better than hands alone while prepping face and neck for a closer, smoother shave. www.clarisonic.ca
A Statement of Style Hard Graft Dopp Kit A dopp kit contains the tools a man uses to transform from a shuffling, scruffy zombie to a well-groomed dynamo. It also speaks to who you are. The ‘Refresh’ by Hard Graft is one of the only vertical options we’ve seen, it’s perfect for the quick trip and just looks fantastic. www.hardgraft.com
Layrite Superhold Layrite Superhold is a traditional pomade that has a mild vanilla fragrance. It distributes easily through your hair, and is easy to style with your hands or a comb. Ideal for high-elevation styles including pomps, fauxhawks, spikes, and slick-backs or messy wet looks for thick or curly hair. Get it at Man Cave Barber Shop.
Yaletown
Shampoo & Bodywash The ideal daily cleansing shampoo and body wash combo for gents on the go. With a sulfate-free formulation, it gently removes product build up and excess oil to leave the skin and hair feeling totally revived. www.blindbarber.com
Tea Tree Soap Treat your skin to a deep detox with this natural soap. Hard-working activated charcoal & germ-busting tea tree oil get down to business on grime and impurities, while pure plant oils help to pamper and moisturize your skin. www.levelnaturals.com
Get yourself a Signature Scent – The Secret Style Weapon. It tells people who you are!
1. Prada ‘L’Homme Prada’ - A refreshing scent with masculine woodsy tones. Top notes include iris and amber, while base notes include geranium and patchouli. | 2. Unforgivable by Sean John - An award-winning men’s fragrance. Confidence and charisma. | 3. Versace Oud Noir - An intense and regal composition that combines spicy notes with a deep scent of leather. | 4. Noir by Tom Ford - An oriental, sensual fragrance for the refined, urbane sophisticated man. | 5. Seductive by Guess - Green pear, patchouli and musk - and highly exotic.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
67
STYLE GUIDE HOW TO
DRESS SHARP For Winter!
by Jason Sarai
Here in Canada, we’re still trying to accept the fact that fall has arrived. But, as the mantra goes, ‘Winter is Coming’. The colder months will require an insulating top layer to deflect some of the chill. It’s been a busy summer preparing style reports for Fall/ Winter 2016 with business excursions to bi-annual menswear tradeshow, Pitti Uomo, in Florence, Italy, as well attending the London Collection: Men’s, in London, England. This season, Style by Sarai predicts a resurgence of trends like turtlenecks, classic accessories like the pocket watch, and most noticeably, pea coats. The peacoat is iconic. It’s been around since the European sailors of the 18th century, but several countries have adopted it and started to reinvent this classic. Today, the pea coat is still very present in men’s fashion. It’s conquered the test of time and is now a necessity in any man’s wardrobe. What makes it so special? Quite simply, it’s an elegant yet fresh kind of classic - and effortlessly so. Countless designers have put their own spins on the pea coat, leaving us with several choices in length, fabric and style to choose from. A pea coat is made for everyday wear whether that means working in a suit or running errands in jeans. Among the must-have items for the season, carefully chosen Style by Sarai approved pieces include a classic navy suit, a proper pair of Italian leather dress shoes and a vintage inspired briefcase. For day-to-day items, look no further than a turtleneck sweater, Chelsea boots, and anything and everything plaid. This fall we’re giving you the freedom to design and create your dream suit, tuxedo or pea coat at Style by Sarai. Bespoke can be worn to your most casual or most formal occasion, making them the most versatile and iconic pieces in your closet. We’ve paired the best of Jason Sarai Bespoke with the most sought after luxury accessories of fall/ winter 2016. We encourage to be your own style icon.
68
ICONIC CONCIERGE
ANTARA
MOUNTAIN ESTATE PROPERTY
WHISTLER’S #1 RESIDENTIAL REALTOR ™ For more information about these and other properties, contact MAGGI MAGGI@MAGGITHORNHILL.COM
|
604.905.8199
|
THORNHILL :
MAGGITHORNHILL.COM
2005-2015 WLS© total dollar volume statistics by the Whistler Listing Service
Paisley twill pocket square by Drake’s London ($110) Bespoke Japanese Salvaged Denim Jeans by Jason Sarai Bespoke ($650) Classic medium duffle bag by J.W.Hulme ($1,750) Suede belt by Brunello Cucinelli ($785) Brown suede Gerlad Chelsea boots by PS by Paul Smith Portuguese Chronograph Watch by IWC (21,895) Aqua Di Parma ($105.00)
70
ICONIC CONCIERGE
3pc. plaid wool bespoke suit by Jason Sarai Bespoke ($4,250)
Round-Frame Acetate Optical Glasses by PRADA ($283.77) Burgundy grained leather cardholder by Dolce & Gabbana ($245) Pre-Owned Vintage Patek Philippe 18k Pocket Watch ($12,000) Handmade burgundy leather wingtip Oxford shoes by Fratelli Borgioli ($675) Small Lawyer Briefcase by Brooks Brothers ($1,185) Frayed twill pocket square by Dries Van Noten ($185) BVLGARI Jasmin Noir ($105)
STYLE GUIDE
White cotton dress shirt by Jason Sarai Bespoke ($375) V-neck sweater by Armani Collezioni ($520) Pleated flannel trousers by Giorgio Armani ($724) Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Power Reserve Automatic Watch by Panerai ($9,000) Private Blend ‘Noir de Noir’ by Tom Ford ($824) Panama straw hat by Borsalino ($173) Austin Cap-Toe Brogues by Tom Ford ($2,550) Silver leaf jasper bead & charm bracelet by Miracle Icons ($140)
Wool/ cashmere turtleneck by Brunello Cucinelli ($378) Saffiano leather briefcase by PRADA ($2,710) Bespoke Japanese Salvaged Denim by Jason Sarai Bespoke ($650) Drive de Cartier by Cartier ($6,770) Cashmere-lined leather gloves by Dsquared2 ($1,080) ‘Tom N3’ glasses by Tom Ford ($1,195) Milan bracelet by Hermes ($780) Velvet low-top trainers by Lanvin ($760) Spicebomb by Viktor&Rolf ($115) Windowpane pea coat by Jason Sarai Bespoke ($2,450)
ICONIC CONCIERGE
71
Brunello Cucinelli pocket square, Paul Smith glasses (Kilburn model), Gravati shoes, Marcoliani Socks, Jason Sarai Bespoke blazer made of Loro Piana fabric, JS Bespoke dress pants made of Ariston fabric, PaneraiStyle Luminor watch, Coach belt, by PAM Sarai560 | Jason Sarai Bespoke JS Bespoke canclini fabric dress shirt. 207 West Hastings - Gastown, Vancouver Iconic Style by Jason Sarai
info@stylebysarai.com
72
ICONIC CONCIERGE
www.stylebysarai.com
778-772-0972
Fashion is what you buy - Style is what you do with it!
JASON BOUDREAU founder: vela wealth management
by Jason Sarai
What do you do for work? I am the principal and founder of VELA Wealth Management, a boutique life and estate planning firm, focused on advising successful business families on how to make meaningful choices at the intersection of their life and their wealth. My areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer, life insurance and estate planning, which incorporates charitable giving and legacy planning. Embracing the entrepreneurial spirit, we allow our clients to continue to focus on their business and what’s truly important to them, while we focus on crafting innovative solutions driven by their vision of life success for their family, community and legacy.
What makes VELA Management unique?
Wealth
We have differentiated our place in the market through our approach, style and clientele. Working primarily with the families of successful entrepreneurs and business owners. we guide the ambition of these clients through structure and method. Our approach employs a 4-step process that includes discovering your goals, designing a plan, executing and monitoring. We believe your bold thinking needs to be supported by a holistic plan focused on all aspects of your life. Our growing team is also unique in its style as we continually focus on providing more to our clients. Whether it be hosting events such as our annual business networking event Gravity, acting as connectors to
other like minded individuals or simply providing education on market changes, VELA is focused on supporting our clients with meaningful value.
How do you think people would describe your personal and professional style? I think people would describe my style as classic and clean with pops of fun colour and a keen attention to detail. I really appreciate quality pieces. They last and I can integrate them over and over again into different outfits. Whether it be a suit, shirt, tie, or shoes – quality pieces anchor any outfit.
What does style mean in your world of business? Style is very important in the work we do. It’s important to dress well but not flashy. Whether you realize it or not, people are making subconscious decisions about you based on the way you dress and how you present yourself as soon as they see you. Therefore, your style is a persistent representation of you, and your work. I personally believe that the way someone does one thing is the way they do everything. If they have an attention to detail with how they dress, it’s a good bet they have an attention to detail in how they approach their craft as well. A great suit goes a long way and it must fit properly. I always recommend that you have a great tailor. Nothing looks worse than a suit that doesn’t fit well.
How has it played a part in your career? While I can’t measure a direct correlation between how I dress and my success, I know my style has had a great deal of impact. I view my style as a reflection of my personal brand and in turn a reflection of the VELA Wealth brand. For me it is key to have strong brand consistency conveying quality and attention to detail – from how I dress, to the people we collaborate with, to the quality of our work.
What does style mean to you? I love style. It’s an extension of me and an expression of who I am and how I am feeling on a particular day or at a particular moment. To me, style is an individual statement and in my opinion, the key is to have fun and be confident with what you’re wearing while at the same time tailoring it to your audience, whomever that may be. It’s a lot like cooking a great meal. There are some fundamentals that always need to be adhered to and once you’ve covered those basics, have some fun with it!
How can people best reach you and your team? The best way to reach us is to contact our Director of Client Services, Dolores Buttjes at dolores@velawealth.com or give us a call at 604.685.5355. We can then put you in touch with the appropriate advisor for an initial discussion around your goals and to answer any questions you may have.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
73
THE COBALT VALKYRIE YOUR PRIVATE JET OF CHOICE
T
he skies are about to get a whole lot prettier. The company behind the Valkyrie, Cobalt, just secured $50 million in pre-orders in just 90 days.
A brainchild of founder and CEO David Loury, an aerospace engineer turned-entrepreneur and designer, the Valkyrie is one of the fastest piston aircraft on the market (up to 260 knots), and is designed “to be the safest private jet in the world.” Inspired by classic fighter jets with clean lines and premium finishes, the Valkyrie impresses with understated elegance. The exterior comes in a range of custom finishes including dark colors, typically harder on composites. The flight controls feature full pushrod-bellcrank precision mechanisms, and the retractable landing gear machined from high-performance alloys. The interior features premium leather seats, hand stitched by former Hermès craftsmen, customizable platings and trim materials. It comfortably seats five people, including the pilot, with ample storage for golf clubs, skis and suitcases. It also has the largest one-piece canopy in the world, providing an unrivaled visibility to pilots and passengers alike. Cobalt promotes the highest standards of safety in the
industry. The Valkyrie has a “canard” configuration, with a forewing that acts as an aerodynamic fuse to prevent stalls. An airframe parachute is also provided as an optional feature. Cobalt manufactures the Valkyrie exclusively in California to ensure exceptional quality standards, fast delivery to early buyers, and modern customer service. Silicon Valley entrepreneurs from Google and Apple were among the first to order, according to Cobalt, as well as top-level executives from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and around the globe. The plane itself starts off at just US$595,000, with operational costs of $150 per hour. Cobalt is expecting to begin delivering planes to customers earlyto-mid 2017.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
75
Iris Woo - Jazz Vocalist Photo by Scott Adolph of Sculptures of Light Photography 24k Gold Leaf F228 Fazioli $535,998 Lloyd Bruce Home in Coal Harbour Dress by Grandi’s Atelier
“The sound of Fazioli is beauty at the highest standard”
WWW.SHOWCASEPIANOS.COM VANCOUVER 1224 West Broadway TEL 604.437.5161 RICHMOND #3480 - 4151 Hazelbridge Way TEL 604.270.8861 WEST VANCOUVER #102 – 2168 Marine Drive TEL 604.281.2878
The revolutionary SORA features the best design elements of Bobber and Café Racer/Street Fighter bikes, combined in one innovative, zero -compromise electric superbike.
Zero Compromise THE FIRST ELECTRIC SUPERBIKE. MADE IN CANADA. THE SORA The SORA (“sky” in Japanese) Signature Series electric motorcycle, hand-built by Montreal-based LITO Green Motion Inc., is dubbed the world’s first electric super bike - and for a reason. “When I first saw the bike, it was like seeing something from another planet,” says LITO’s Nicholai Allen. “You have a crowd in two seconds, no matter where you go.” The zero-emissions stunner has a liquid-cooled AC induction electric motor with 42.5-kW (57hp) and 66 lb-ft of torque that is instantly available, giving it an acceleration that is faster than that of the Porsche 718 Cayman. This behemoth can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in under four seconds (Signature Series; 4.7 seconds for base model), with a top speed of almost 200 km/h. Power is sent through a continuously variable automatic transmission - a big change from the conventional motorbike, which relies on gear shifting. The SORA can travel as far as 120 miles on a single charge, and charging the lithium-ion battery pack using the onboard charger (110 volts with a nema 15-5 connector) takes approximately nine hours or only two hours with the external quick charger. It offers various improvements over its predecessor, the Lito Green Motion SORA, including a personalized key card ignition, new Beringer brakes and Rizoma mirrors. The bike incorporates more carbon fiber for a stealthier look and a lighter weight, while still maintaining the fun goodies like the electric seat (which can be safely adjusted while riding).
The SORA comes with an integrated 5.7-inch touch-panel navigation system, through which the rider can easily acquire GPS information and activate the Safe Range System: Once you enter your destination in the GPS, the software automatically calculates the distance and then manages speed and acceleration to ensure the motor has enough battery power to get you to your destination. And if you want to charge your cellphone, not a problem: The SORA has a USB port inside the storage compartment. COST & MAINTENANCE The price for the standard Sora is US$77,000. The pictured Signature Series with its all carbon fiber body is customized to order and will cost you US$104,000. All SORA motorcycles come with a two year unlimited mileage warranty. Lito claims that based on an average speed of 70 km/h, the lithium-polymer batteries will last for the life of the bike (i.e. it will remain at full capacity for more than 150,000 kilometres) and that all that is required is to change the tires, belts and liquids. The motors and battery require no maintenance at all. Based on typical usage, riders can save upwards of $1,000 per year on gas - and even more on service and repairs. More than 20 Soras are currently on the road, but Lito predicts they’ll soon be producing 200 to 400 bikes annually. www.soraelectricsuperbike.com
78
ICONIC CONCIERGE
ICONIC CONCIERGE
79
DUCATI XDIAVEL S
THE VECTOR V40GT
The XDiavel represents a merger of two worlds: That of the cruiser for long, relaxing, low-speed journeys - and that of Ducati, where Italian style, technical sophistication, and exceptionally high performance rule above all else. Every detail adds strength to the character of the new Ducati XDiavel. Premium quality materials and refined finishing blend with toplevel technology in the S version to bring the most unique and unmatched design to life. Guarded at the heart of the motorcycle, the new 1,262cc Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 engine with variable valve timing, 156hp and 96 lbs.ft of torque, is the undeniable centrepiece. Shiny and black with machined details in full view, ready to deliver terrific torque throughout the rev range. Starting from C$ 24,495
THE MODERN REBEL Admit it: Even if you don’t have a motorcycle license, you want one - right? And if you already have a bike, chances are you want more. That’s because there’s something fundamentally manly about a motorcycle: The simple purity of an engine strapped to two wheels. No gory pictures or horror stories of accidents will dissuade men from their testosterone- and adrenaline-fuelled dream. Unlike automobiles, motorcycles offer a visceral experience characterized by danger, speed, adventure, a singular focus, solitude, mechanics, noise, and physical skill. Forget that Starbucks in the cup holder. Forget fiddling with your phone. Your journey demands your senses every second - your life supported by two tiny patches of rubber connecting you to the road. It’s the unbridled power that captivated Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando. And now, that same power has been redesigned in an innovative new way.
MOTORELIC YAMAHA XV500 This Steampunk-inspired copper-coated custom is one beautiful beast. MotoRelic is a custom-bike builder from Virginia, who turned a a completely stock 1983 Yamaha Virago XV500 into the masterpiece you see here. And in case you’re wondering: The custom-built seat, with its beautiful distressed leather, also hides the 210cca battery and the fuse block. And the Velocity stacks? They run through the tank to the air filter. Genius. And now you want one? Well, give the guys at MotoRelic a call, and they’ll get you on your dream ride and off on your next adventure.
80
ICONIC CONCIERGE
ACCEPTING DEPOSITS! DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE S ANNIVERSARIO “Authentic Italian Performance.” It’s Ducati’s 90th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by revealing a limited-production anniversary edition of its flagship motorcycle? The 1299 Panigale S Anniversario features special racing-inspired graphics and gold-coloured Marchesini forged aluminum wheels, plus a gold-coloured titanium Akrapovic exhaust. The engine may be the same 205bhp super-quadro V-twin that we’ve seen for years, but that’s just about the only thing that’s stayed the same. So what’s new? Updated EVO versions of the Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control systems, for starters. You’ll also find other electronic goodies like the cornering ABS, Ducati Quick Shift, Engine Braking Control, Ducati Electronic Suspension, and the Ohlins Smart EC. Limited to a production run of just 500 motorcycles globally, the Anniversario is guaranteed to instantly become a collectible. Each bike will also have an individually numbered, laser-etched headstock that shows the bike’s production number. These bikes will not last - if you want one, act fast.
THE RONIN 1125R As an homage to that old story of the 47 Ronin from Japanese folklore, only 47 of these bikes will be built. This limited run will be released in reverse serial number order, starting with number 47. The first 12 Ronin 1125R released will feature the classic black & grey colour scheme of the original Ronin concept bike. Priced at $38,000 USD apiece, these bikes will be the most affordable of the Ronin line. They’ll be followed by 10 all-black versions, and then four sets of 8, 6, 4, and 2 bikes, respectively. All sets will have different colour schemes and features. The remaining 5 bikes will be completely one-of-a-kind designs from the factory. Each of the bikes will be named after one of the original 47 Ronin warriors, with the name engraved on both the motorcycle and the bamboo toolbox that accompanies each bike.
THE LAZARETH LM847 Looking for something with more of a Batman vibe? This 4.7-liter V8 from Maserati should do the trick. Sporting the same engine used in the Quattroporte and the Alfa Romeo 8C, the LM847 was made in partnership with French motorcycle customizer Lazareth. Producing 470 horsepower and 457 foot-pounds of torque, this beast is technically a quad, with parallel wheels in front and rear. The body is made of a combination of carbon fiber, aluminum, and glass - and with a single-speed chain gearbox, the only thing you need to do is fire it up and hold on for dear life. Interested? Lazareth will build you a custom LM847 for US$218,000.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
81
THE PERSHING 62 intense performance and refined aesthetics Impressive at a first glance, maybe even aggressive. The sleek and streamlined profile of this luxury yacht is a collaboration between the Engineering department at Pershing and the yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni, clearly showing a styling and design that simply has to come from Italy. Pershing is a brand of the Ferretti Group, represented in the North America through Ferretti Group America. The Pershing 62 is the bigger brother to the most successful models of the brand, the Pershing 56 and Pershing 58. The hull line and superstructure are designed to give this boat an aggressive and sporty touch, enhanced by the shape of the hull glazing, which seems to be typical of Pershing’s new direction. You can order the Pershing 62 in two layout versions: The first one comes with three cabins – the owner’s suite, a VIP and a guest cabin at the bow, and three bathrooms with separate showers. The guest bathroom has a double entrance and can be used as a day toilet. The alternative version has two cabins, the owner’s suite and a VIP cabin. The guest cabin is replaced by a living room. Attention to detail is the cardinal rule on this immaculate boat, which was built using only the finest materials in the world. This is Italian craftsmanship at its best. Both versions offer an extra crew cabin with a single bed and integrated bathroom.
Length (m): 18.94
82
ICONIC CONCIERGE
Beam (m): 4.8
Draught (m): 1.43
On board, the Pershing 62 offers some functional launching and storage system for the tender, as well as a mobile and foldable platform in the central part of the beach, using a winch rather than a crane to lower it into the water. The spacious cockpit has a large central sundeck with a sunbed and sofa, an extendable teak table and a mobile bar with a sink and an optional grill and ice-maker. The bow offers another large sunbed. As with most Pershing models, a retractable window connects the cockpit to the saloon, creating a wide, open-concept space. The dining table seats up to 6 people comfortably, while a retractable 32” TV and an audio-system provide for entertainment. A central staircase leads below deck, where another staircase provides access to the midway floor and the guest cabin. Some steps further down toward the stern is the owner’s suite, illuminated by a double hull glazing offering panoramic views at sea level. The VIP cabin is at the far bow. The Pershing 62 is available with two engine versions: a double MTU 10V 2000 M84 with 1381 mhp, or two 2000 M93s with a combined power of 1524 mhp, allowing the boat to reach a top speed of 46.5 knots and a cruising speed of 42. Price upon request.
Fuel Capacity: 3200L
www.ferrettigroup.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
83
by Simon Yang
“Your Dream is just beginning”
THE JET-SET FORMULA 1 ADVENTURE Luxurious French Riviera Cruise & Formula 1 Grand Prix Package
BARCELONA
84
ICONIC CONCIERGE
MONTE CARLO FRENCH & ITALIAN RIVIERA CANNES INT. FILM FESTIVAL
Join us for the Vacation of a Lifetime!
M
by Craig Stowe
onte Carlo is the capital of the luxurious principality of Monaco.
I am still mesmerized by its natural beauty, built on a hillside surrounded by the azure blue Mediterranean bay, like a perfectly designed diamond, set in a sea of sapphire. With the many majestic super yachts and private helicopters circling the harbour, along with fleets of McLarens, Lamborghinis and Ferraris of all colours driving by, one feels they have finally arrived in the playground of the real rich and famous. As I return to work/reality and prepare for my next events, Diamond Rally, Pacific Polo Cup and Luxury & Supercar Weekend, I am already booking our trip for next year. I would like to share how one can experience the Grand Prix of Monaco and the French Riviera on a luxury cruise ship, Silversea Spirit, which accommodates 540 pampered guests, serviced by a crew of 376. This 9-night cruise will depart from Barcelona on May 22, 2017. If you
wish to be part of this exclusive group, I would highly recommend a few days in this exciting city to explore this beautiful Spanish metropolis. The cruise and adventure begins with Silversea Spirit sailing from Barcelona, sailing along the French Riviera with stops at several exciting ports. Visit Sete, the Venice of France - an unpretentious port offering sensuous taste of the Mediterranean, before overnighting in Cannes during the International Film Festival, where celebrity spotting is an art form. The next stop is in Ajaccio, France on the Island of Corsica, where you can visit the home of Napoléon Bonaparte. After an evening of incredible dining on the Silversea Spirit, you will arrive fully refreshed in the luxurious port of Monte Carlo, Monaco for the weekend. Much like the finely tuned race cars, your timing is perfect, just in time for the start of the annual Grand Prix Formula 1, the marquee of the Formula One racing circuit!
For the next 2 days, immerse yourself in this exciting weekend of Formula 1 racing, and witness the crowning of the next checkered flag winner on Sunday, before cruising out of Monaco’s magnificent marina under moonlight. The final segment of this memorable voyage takes you to the spectacular Italian Riviera, visiting first Portofino, a real jewel of the Mediterranean. Then, off to Livorno, which is the port city for Florence, home of Michelangelo’s David and best gelato, as well as a stone’s throw from the World’s only true outlet stores for Prada, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and other top Italian fashion houses. You will then be fashionably dressed for your arrival into Rome at the port of Civitavecchia. If this lifestyle sounds decadent, you are correct, and if you wish to take a part in it, please contact our Cruiseshipcenters booking agent at 604.681.7327 or email at paradise@cruiseshipcenters.com. We look forward to seeing you onboard to experience this amazing journey!
ICONIC CONCIERGE
85
86
ICONIC CONCIERGE
“When you think of going on safari in Kenya, one of the first things that comes to mind is the Great Migration. Words just can’t do justice to the majesty of this aweinspiring spectacle. I hope you enjoy your Kenyan adventure as much as I always do.”
SIR RICHARD BRANSON
ICONIC CONCIERGE
87
mahali mzuri “Welcome to mahali mzuri, Sir Richard Bransons’ Kenyan Safari Camp in the world-famous Maasai Nara ecosystem. The name means ‘beautiful place’ in Swahili, and we are sure you will agree.”
88
ICONIC CONCIERGE
L
ooking for more adventure on your holiday without compromising on luxury style? Then welcome to Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Bransons’ 12-tented luxury safari camp located in Kenya’s Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
Any preconceptions you have about the word tent throw them out the window as this is camping on a whole new level. Each luxurious tent it designed to be a home away from home, with an ensuite bathroom and a private deck offering stunning views of some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. Mahali Mzuri means ‘beautiful place’ in Swahili, and with views like these we are sure you will agree! On that note, don’t forget your binoculars as even when you’re not on game drives there are endless opportunities to see the wildlife that populate the area around the camp from the comfort of your tent. Step outside your tent and immerse
yourself in the thrill and adventure of a game drive. Expert guides will take you out twice a day to view the abundant animal life in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy and trust us when we say it is nothing short of jaw-dropping. You won’t need to go far to see some unforgettable sights as all the drama that only nature can provide is on your doorstep! If you are lucky enough to visit between July and September then you will witness one of the seven ‘new’ wonders of the world, the annual Great Migration. Sir Richard Branson himself says: “When you think of going on safari in Kenya, one of the first things that comes to mind is the Great Migration. Words just can’t do justice to the majesty of this aweinspiring spectacle.” This spectacular event sees up to one million wildebeest plus hundreds of thousands of zebra, gazelles and other game undertake a journey of roughly 1,600km through Tanzania and Kenya. Lions, hyenas, leopards and other predators take full advantage of the passing animals and
exploit every opportunity in search of a decent meal! This is a unique opportunity for you to become fully immersed in the mass of wildlife and enjoy a truly intimate experience amidst this astonishing natural spectacle. The thrill of going on game drive is difficult to top, so our advice is: try the ultimate in relaxation instead! Nasaro is Mahali Mzuri’s spa treatment room with a range of treatments using products from Africology – all naturally sourced from Africa. A dedicated spa therapist will welcome you to the spa or you can opt for a massage on your tent’s private deck. When it comes to dining the dedicated in house chefs have developed numerous pan-African dishes influenced by a variety of cultures, flavours and spices. Whether dining under the African sky in the open bush, on a deck or in the dining tent, meals promise to be exciting, social and inspirational. www.mahalimzuri.virgin.com
GETTING THERE ... The main international airport in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with daily direct flights from the main European hubs: London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. There are also daily arrivals from Johannesburg in South Africa as well as from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Mahali Mzuri is about 240km due west of Nairobi and the best way to arrive is by plane from the city’s Wilson Airport which serves domestic destinations within Kenya. We can arrange transfers between the international and domestic airports for you. Flights to the Maasai Mara take about one hour and Mahali Mzuri is located roughly 40-45 minutes’ drive from the airstrip. You can also drive directly from Nairobi which takes about five hours.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
89
A FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH The KurSpa at Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon (BC) unique destination spa resort experience. Over 3.5 million crystals infused within this modern oasis – a most remarkable hotel and wellness centre with Europeaninspired design elegance. Nestled in the mountains near Vernon, BC, and overlooking Lake Okanagan, your personal journey to whole body health and wellness begins at this standout among British Columbia resorts.
S
parkling Hill Resort & Spa, built in 2010, is the premier wellness resort spa destination in North America. Offering 149 luxury rooms and penthouses, 40,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art wellness facilities at KurSpa, and a breathtaking setting on Lake Okanagan, Sparkling Hill Resort offers a range of amenities and services that is unprecedented in North America. By combining a European-style approach to wellness hospitality with cutting-edge crystal architecture and state-of-the-art spa facilities, Sparkling Hill provides guests with an extraordinarily
90
ICONIC CONCIERGE
The heart of this Lake Okanagan resort is KurSpa, a 40,000 square foot European-inspired spa, clinic, and wellness center. It is the largest spa in Canada and shines brightly as a worldwide wellness destination. Relax, renew, and revitalize at KurSpa’s seven unique aromatherapy, steam, and sauna rooms. Swim in Kurspa’s serenity pool featuring underwater music and a Swarovski crystal night sky. Choose from over 100 transformative spa treatments and therapies to detoxify the body and promote optimum health. Consult with a professional team including a naturopathic physician, psychiatrist, massage providers and kinesiologists. Or, experience the first European Cryo Cold Sauna (-110°C) in North America, their signature KurSpa treatment. Their luxury guest rooms and penthouses are outfitted with Swarovski crystal fireplaces, welcome crystal light fixtures, and
starry ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling window walls to let you enjoy the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley. All rooms feature stunning Monashee Mountain or Okanagan Lake views and the window walls can be opened to instantly transform your room into an outdoor oasis and let fresh mountain air in. Relax in luxury two-person soaking tubs and walk-through showers with spectacular views. Sparkling Hill Resort is also home to the best fine dining PeakFine, their signature destination in Vernon, BC. restaurant, serves a menu emphasizing the freshest and finest ingredients the Okanagan Valley has to offer. Known as the “Napa of the North” the region’s spectacular wines and own specially-curated Crystal Wines are on offer at PeakFine and Barrique & Java, their more casual wine, tapas, and coffee bar. Stunning Swarovski crystal chandeliers and accents imbue the dining spaces with glamour and elegance, and those seeking an elegantly rustic setting for private dining or special events will find it in Gernots. Sparkling Hill is an ideal location for corporate or executive retreats and incentive group travel. Their wide range of wellness activities and specialized programs make executive retreats fun, productive, and relaxing at the same time. Sparkling Hill is also fast becoming a top incentive travel destination.
This Vernon resort is convenient to all top Okanagan Valley attractions. For the adventurous, they offer heli-fishing, heliskiing, and helicopter wine tours that depart right from their very own helipads. More than 80 golf courses are situated nearby, including the adjacent Predator Ridge Golf Course. Enjoy scenic views of Lake Okanagan and the surrounding mountains by hiking more than 12 kilometers of local nature trails. In the summer, a wide variety of water sports can be enjoyed on the region’s eight lakes. Winter brings the opportunity to enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding at nearby ski resorts. Sparkling Hill Resort is easily accessible from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) with daily flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. The spectacular Okanagan Valley is recognized for its majestic mountains, refreshing waters, award winning wineries, worldclass golf, and one of the warmest climates in Canada. You can experience one of the best Spa Resorts in Canada with a 2 night introductory package at great introductory rates available online. Their 2 night introductory package will introduce you to their core programs and benefits of this amazing health and wellness retreat. This package includes accommodations, daily breakfast & dinner, and 20% off treatments. www.sparklinghill.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
91
OKANAGAN LIFESTYLE!
Sandy beaches, world-class golf, champagne powder skiing... and wine. Really, really good wine. “I love helping people, I love living in the Okanagan Valley, and I love real estate. So it’s easy to understand why I am so passionate about what I do.”
Amanda Westrheim To say Amanda Westrheim is passionate about the Okanagan Valley lifestyle would be a huge understatement. She feels a strong connection to this area with deep family roots and a love for everything this all-season playground has to offer from the lush vineyards to the beautiful Lake Okanagan waterfront to the friendly people who call this area home. Specializing in selling the dream lifestyle, Amanda Westrheim wants to make your home buying experience unforgettable. She has helped numerous Vancouverites make a move to the area. “The values in Kelowna compared to Vancouver are, well, incomparable”. Says Westrheim, who says you can buy a waterfront home with a dock plus the boat, and a classy convertible for the summer months for pretty much the same price as a downtown Vancouver condo. “It’s all about the lifestyle here. We live in a 4-season playground. You feel like a tourist every day. The climate is perfection and the backdrop is stunning. It just never gets old!” says Amanda. “But don’t wait too long.” she warns, “Prices are rising at a rapid pace, and there’s no slowdown in sight.” Bringing over 12 years of experience and career sales in the multi-millions, Amanda Westrheim is recognized as a top producer year after year. Awarded Top 100 Agents in Canada by REP Magazine, Elite Women, Century 21’s DOUBLE CENTURION Award and other accolades, it’s clear that Amanda is on top of her game. She offers a one-stop, all-inclusive buying experience for clients. That includes a shuttle service tour through the area, locating the perfect property and arranging financing for you with one of her team specialists. From beginning to end, Amanda has you covered.
The Westrheim Group
Century 21 Assurance Realty 251 Harvey Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y 6C2 250-863-9230 www.twgkelowna.com
2439 Tallus Heights Drive, West Kelowna 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,522 Square Feet
$819,900
Tallus Ridge: Play, indulge, and stay awhile! Just down the hill from your quiet address is Shannon Lake Golf Course, a provincial park, several shopping centres, renowned wineries, schools and a just a short drive away, Big White Ski Resort and Kelowna International Airport. This gorgeous, custom two storey home encompasses over 3,500 square feet, 5 bedrooms + den, 3 full bathrooms & a powder room. A cozy gas fireplace is the focal point in the great room with huge oversized windows and vaulted ceilings open to loft above. Gourmet island kitchen with granite counters, eating bar, prep sink, 3 ovens, gas cooktop with pot filler above. Main floor office/den. Master suite with deluxe ensuite; his & her sinks, water closet, separate soaker tub & walk-in closet. 2 beds & full bath upstairs + cozy loft area. Walkout lower level with summer kitchen complete with dishwasher and 2 fridge/freezers, rec room, 2 beds and full bath - excellent suite possibility with sep. entry & covered patio. 2 car garage, large deck, low maintenance landscaping with SynLawn - no mower needed here! Fully fenced yard with dog run area. Additional features include: French doors with built-in blinds, alarm system, central vacuum, air conditioning, hardwood floors, high-end luxurious finishes throughout. This home will please even the most discriminating buyer.
3083 Lakeview Cove Road, West Kelowna 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,274 Square Feet
$749,900
Beautiful, custom built 2 storey home with walk-out basement and LEGAL bedroom suite in desirable Lakeview Heights! Located on a street of high end lake view homes and on a quiet cul-desac. Vaulted ceilings, crown molding, hardwood floors. Formal living room with gas fireplace and dining room with recessed wall area for buffet/hutch. Island kitchen with eating bar, walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances. Family room off kitchen with another gas fireplace and built-in cabinetry. Laundry/mud room to garage. A grand, curved staircase leads upstairs to 2 bedrooms, full bath plus huge master suite with walk-in closet and 5-piece ensuite. Current tenants are happy to stay. Covered deck, fenced back yard, backing onto privated forested land.
955 Pinewood Place, West Kelowna
4140 Gallaghers Crossway, Kelowna
3 Beds 3 Baths 3,206 Square Feet
2 Beds 2 Baths 1,243 Square Feet
$649,900
Vacant for immediate possession, this totally redone family home is walking distance to school and close to all amenities. Located in desirable West Kelowna Estates, with a fantastic layout and 3 bedrooms up plus den/office down. Dramatic staircase in foyer with oak accents and plush short-shag, formal living room, family room off kitchen with gas fireplace. Quartz counters, stainless steel appliances. Bright window above the sink overlooking the huge back yard. Laundry upstairs with plenty of storage. Full basement with separate entrance - perfect for In-law suite! HUGE deck, partially covered for your BBQ’s and parties. 0.39 acre landscaped corner lot. Firepit area, storage shed. 2 driveways, parking for RV and boat plus all your toys. Double attached garage.
$519,900
World class Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club - rated as one of the best courses in the country! Corner lot, no-step rancher with courtyard entrance. Private, mature landscaping. Vaulted ceilings, picture windows, hardwood floors - no carpet here! 3-sided gas fireplace. Eat-in kitchen with new sink, faucet and stainless steel appliances is open to dining area. Open concept, split bedroom design. Master suite with walk-in closet and 4-piece ensuite. On crawl space. Laundry/mud room to double garage. Best value - ACT FAST!
Winds of Change? What is really going on in the Vancouver Luxury Real Estate Market? by Jesse Dean Cook I spent a decade brokering deals all across the glove while working for the world’s largest engineering firm. What I’ve learned during my travels of 100,000+ miles a year is that we have it pretty good here in Vancouver. Actually, we have it really damn good. We live in one of the most desirable cities on the planet, and while Vancouver isn’t perfect, it’s pretty close. Visitors here cannot begin to fathom living in such a well-rounded community filled with amazing, diverse people, low crime, great schools, clean air, good weather and world-class outdoor amenities at your doorstep. In life, you get what you pay for - and Vancouver’s incredible lifestyle doesn’t come cheap.
2016
has been a tremendous year for Vancouver’s luxury Real Estate market, with some of the city’s most amazing properties changing hands. However, depending on whom you speak with, either the sky is falling or the outlook is outstanding as we venture into 2017. As a Real Estate expert who lives and breathes this business 24/7, I believe that the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
94
ICONIC CONCIERGE
Within this desirable city of Vancouver lies a niche luxury housing market with very limited supply. Our city is restricted in expansion due to water to the west, mountains to the north and the US border to the south, leaving very few opportunities for those who desire a property in Vancouver’s most exclusive neighborhoods. ‘Reasonably priced’ isn’t a term most would use to describe Vancouver’s luxury Real Estate market, however, when
“We live in one of the most desirable cities on the planet and while Vancouver isn’t perfect, it is very close.”
compared to other elite International metropolises the cost is far cheaper. Real Estate prices in the hearts of cities such as London, Hong Kong, New York, Sydney and San Francisco continue to increase given the lack of supply in these prestigious areas. Vancouver, like the noted cities above, has a thriving city core where a large portion of the population lives and works. Houston is able to keep housing affordable in that next to no one lives in the city core (primarily commercial use), and expansive super highways with ring-roads are set up to transport citizens outward where infinite land exists. The issue with Vancouver is that given how little supply there is close to the City Centre, properties within the GVRD inevitably cost a lot of money. This has been the case for decades and will continue to be the case moving forward, especially given the fact that there is an anticipated one million people moving here by 2041. There has been an unprecedented number of moves in 2016 by the BC Government to try and slow down the heated housing market such as: increasing the Property Transfer Tax to 3% for purchases over $2M; redefining Assignments to combat shady “shadow-flipping” practices; adding a 15% Property Transfer Tax (PTT) to the full purchase price for Foreigners on properties in Greater Vancouver; a proposed Vacant Home Tax in Vancouver as well as major financial institutions revising mortgage requirements for non-residents as a strategy to hopefully reduce speculation purchases. These five changes probably could have taken place earlier, or could have been implemented in a better way than as a reactionary measure, but the common thread is that the BC Government is taking action to make housing more affordable - and that’s a good thing. I’m sure many of you reading this article who are looking to purchase a luxury property in Vancouver want to know if this is a good time to get in. I truly believe that you’ll have to treat each property on a case-by-case basis to clearly understand the seller’s motivation. There is certainly a lot of uncertainty in the market right now given the newly implemented requirements, and this might cause sellers to be unsure of the true value of their properties. Many sellers have to wrap their heads around the fact that although their homes still appreciated considerably in the last 12 months, real estate simply isn’t worth what it once
was in July 2016. There will be some great deals for luxury homes in less desirable areas, however, do not expect the same price reduction in prime locations. Finally, many of you are wondering what the 15% PTT for foreigners will do to the luxury market? Short-term this will have a negative effect but I believe that by 2017 this will simply be the cost of doing business here in Vancouver. Hong Kong and Singapore implemented a similar 15% tax a few years ago and while “average” home prices have cooled, the ultra-luxury market has not seen a decline in prices. Similar measures are currently being proposed in some Australian states. So, if I put myself in the shoes of a wealthy foreigner looking to invest in real estate, what are my options? My confidence in traditional markets such as Europe as well as the UK (Brexit) is low; a new US President and potential policy changes create some uncertainty, not to mention the less than favorable currency exchange between Canada and the US. So even with the 15% PTT foreigners might still feel that they are getting a “good deal.” During this complex time it is so important to work with a REALTOR® who is honest, hard-working and “in the know” so that they can broker the best deal for you. I’m very proud to live and work here in Vancouver and if you should you be looking to Buy or Sell a luxury property please do not hesitate to use me as a resource and contact me at any time. I look forward to writing on a variety of topics each quarter moving forward.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
95
THE MULSANNE A lady came up to me one day and said ‘Sir! You are drunk’, to which I replied ‘I am drunk today madam, and tomorrow I shall be sober but you will still be ugly.” – Winston S. Churchill
The Mulsanne Cocktail: Golden Assam tea + Bourbon + spiced orange + brandied cherries paired with ... Canapé : Tea Smoked Scallop with purple yam + brown butter and served on a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne
created & presented by DESIGN TO DINE experience food entertainment vancouver - bc 778.997.0702 www.designtodine.ca
ICONIC CONCIERGE
97