Iconic Concierge Spring 2022

SPRING 2022

COMPLIMENTARY

ICONIC

THE THELIFESTYLE LIFESTYLEMAGAZINE MAGAZINEFOR FORTHE THEAFFLUENT AFFLUENTGENTLEMAN GENTLEMAN

LUXURY ON THE WATER

NEW YACHTS

A VISIT TO...

FARADAY FUTURE CZINGER VEHICLES

WATCHES AND WONDERS

BEST NEW TIMEPIECES

CITY OF ANGELS

HAPPY 50TH!

BMW M

Polestar 2 — 100% electric

The White Marble of Carrara. Celebrating the Great Beauty of Italy

VANCOUVER 1139 West Georgia Street • T. + 1 (604) 559 7800

publisher’s LETTER

it’s great to see you, again...finally!

it truly has been a while since we last saw each other. literally. but with the mask mandate being lifted for most indoor public spaces, it’s been a more personal ‘hello’ at some recent events, where acquaintances have seen each other’s faces uncovered for the first time in a long time.

cherry-blossom…it’s the time of the year when the trees burst into bloom, signalling the arrival of spring, and the week before this edition went to print, people were on a mission to find the most beautiful trees, capture the beauty on their phones and upload them to their social media feeds. whilst summer may still be a few months away, we already had our first taste of the warmth and some much needed vitamin d on a recent trip to california, exploring los angeles and the surrounding area. check out our articles about the petersen automotive museum, the visit to both faraday future and czinger vehicles, and the l.a. guide for the automotive nerd.

olaf robrecht publisher olaf@iconic-concierge.com

timepiece aficionados will always unveil the greatest new timepieces in this magazine, but with watches and wonders, the watch industry’s most important event, opening in late march, we had a chance to see the latest offerings and share them with you. we also had the chance to spend some time with azimuth, one of the newer watchmakers who set themselves apart from the crowd, thanks to their unique creations. and then there is ... so much more! from yachts to electric cars, fashion to health and wellness, we’ve got you covered.

follow us on instagram

‘see’ you soon!

delivery in style ...

When we received a call from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, asking for assistance in finding a wine sponsor for their fundraising gala, we were able once again to count on our amazing clients and friends. Sharing the same enthusiasm for the local arts scene, Phantom Creek Estates Winery didn’t need much persuasion to get involved, and when it came to transport, Bentley of Vancouver immediately handed us the keys to the 2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed. Now that is transportation in style! A 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 with 626 hp, all-wheel drive and lots of cargo-space to transport you (and many cases of wine...) safe and sound to and from the Okanagan Valley. A big thank you!

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THE 2022 VANTAGE F1 EDITION. A TRUE ATHLETE. THE 2022 VANTAGE F1 EDITION. A TRUE ATHLETE. Say hello to the fastest and most focused of the already sporting Vantage. The Vantage F1® Edition is the ultimate Say hello to the fastest and most focused of theofalready sporting Vantage.

The Vantage F1® Edition is the ultimate expression performance and dynamism. expression of performance and dynamism.

Limited units available now at Aston Martin Vancouver.

Limited units available now at Aston Martin Vancouver.

#101-1770 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, Canada | 604.734.2905 | astonmartinvancouver.ca #101-1770 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, Canada | 604.734.2905 | astonmartinvancouver.ca

ICONIC CONCIERGE

vol. 22 [2022]

www.iconic-concierge.com

Cover images: S. Pavone| Olaf Robrecht

PUBLISHER:

OLAF ROBRECHT olaf@iconic-concierge.com

AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR:

ROBBIE DICKSON

FASHION EDITOR:

JASON SARAI

LIFESTYLE EDITOR:

NATALIE LANGSTON

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITOR: CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

PHOTOGRAPHY: COPY EDITOR: DESIGN/ LAYOUT: ADVERTISING SALES:

DR. OLIVER FINLAY JASON BOUDREAU, DR. OLIVER FINLAY, JULIE-ANNA VOGEL, JIM GORDON BLAKE JENNINGS, LEILA KWOK BILL ROBERTS YADA-YADA MEDIA please contact iconicconciergemagazine@gmail.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.

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WITH YOU EVERY STEP

OF YOUR JOURNEY

Venture into summer like never before.

Drive your dreams and treat yourself to the best driving experience at Brian Jessel BMW. CONTACT OUR SALES MANAGERS TODAY FOR ALL YOUR BMW NEEDS

dreamT E A M

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.

OAKLEY CHAN sourcing specialist

A true entrepreneur since a young age, Oakley is the president of the OCHK Group of Companies, with offices in Richmond and Hong Kong.

He has a penchant for identifying the needs of businesses and individuals and providing innovative solutions that challenge the norm. He is at the forefront of new developments, products, and technologies and does not shy away from putting ideas into reality.

CRAIG STOWE luxury events

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 20 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.

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Craig is recognized as Vancouver’s #1 creator and producer luxury events bringing together affluent buyers and sellers of luxury brands in an engaging business social setting. He is the Founder and President of Luxury Alliance Group, Luxury & Supercar Weekend, Hublot Diamond Rally, PorscheRally, TennisLoveChampagne and Global Spirits Festival.

NATALIE LANGSTON

GEZ MCALPINE

lifestyle editor

imbibing authority

Natalie is an accomplished Canadian TV Host and Lifestyle Expert for Global BC, Breakfast Television + JRfm. Fitness & Health Reporter for BC Living.

Freelance journalist and Emcee with a passion for all things Fitness, Fashion and Fun. Volunteer and Spokesperson for Dress for Success Vancouver, member of Ladies Who Lunch Global Network for female entrepreneurs and Style Ambassador for the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards.

Prior to working with some of the most highly regarded luxury spirits in the world, Gez operated some of the world’s best drinking establishments from Melbourne to Los Angeles & Vancouver. He is a WSET level 3, Gold Certified BNIC Cognac educator, Multiple time global cocktail competition finalist, and most importantly truly passionate about spreading the word of premium spirits.

AMIR MIRI

JASON BOUDREAU CFP, CLU

luxury real estate specialist

wealth advisor

Proudly serving Vancouver’s luxury housing market, Amir is known as an expert negotiator with a firm commitment to customer service. His global connections with high-net-worth and ultra high-networth individuals and families give him an edge and set him apart in the highend real estate market. Amir has been in the Top 1% of Realtor’s in Greater Vancouver since 2020 and #1 Realtor at Royal Pacific Realty Corp. since 2020.

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.

KEITH TRUSLER

JULIE-ANNA VOGEL

dean of fine foods & spirits

travel consultant

Co-founder of Modern Whisky, a curator of rare Single Malts and luxury tasting experiences. Keith was a Brand Ambassador for numerous Luxury Brands. A veteran of the restaurant industry in Vancouver, he has extensive experience as a bartender, mixologist and chef. As a connoisseur of spirits and wine, he tirelessly pursues the finest dining and imbibing experiences the city has to offer.

Always on the road, Julie inspires others to explore on and off the beaten path. Having traveled to more than 100 countries, she shares her experiences on www.julieabroad.com and uses her skills as a travel advisor to help create dream getaways. Follow her in uncovering the ‘must-dos’ of the world’s coolest cities in her column “A Gentleman Abroad”.

sport, health & fitness

DR. OLIVER FINLAY

JIM GORDON LEETA LIEPINS

Having traveled the globe, working with pro teams & athletes in sports environments as diverse as F1, EPL soccer, NHL & ATP tennis, to attain peak performance, Oliver arrived in Vancouver for his PhD, exploring how the World’s best sports teams manage change initiatives. Passionate about human performance & sport’s impact on community, he highlights the industry’s latest & greatest developments.

They are the Hosts & Producers of the weekly, national TV show, “Our City Tonight”, which can been seen Sundays at 10:30pm on CHEK TV. Each week they showcase Vancouver’s entertainment, nightlife, music, fashion, business, automotive, food & wine. You can also see past episodes on the “Our City Tonight” YouTube channel.

city experts

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CONTENTS

/ spring 2022 /

COLUMNS

FEATURES

DESTINATIONS

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22

30

16

Happy Anniversary BMW Motorsport

...for the Automotive Nerd

Publisher’s Letter

The Manly Man Bruce Willis

20

The Specter Journal You Want This!

70

Every Summer Has ....

Fashion Special

74

In-Style!

New Fragrances

76

The Gentleman Abroad Antwerp, BE

83

Charged!

What’s New in the Electric World?

104

What Women Want

Forget Chocolate and Roses!

106

Arts & Music

Vancouver’s Iconic Art Scene

110

Our City Tonight!

Celebrity-owned Spirit Companies

M-DIVISION

The LA-Guide...

30

76

...for the Automotive Nerd

Antwerp, BE

The LA-Guide...

34

Petersen Automotive Museum 100,000+sq.ft. of Automotive Heaven

36

Record Breaking

A Visit to Czinger Vehicles

44

Watches And Wonders The Newest Timepieces

46

Navigating Universes Azimuth Watch Company

66

Flying High!

New Private Jets

78

Club Versante

Eat, Drink ... and Sleep in Style!

83

Charged!

What’s New in the Electric World?

84

Future Forward

The Gentleman Abroad

AUTOMOTIVE

22

M-DIVISION

Happy Anniversary BMW Motorsport

30

The LA-Guide...

...for the Automotive Nerd

34

Petersen Automotive Museum 100,000+sq.ft. of Automotive Heaven

36

Record Breaking

A Visit to Czinger Vehicles

83

Charged!

What’s New in the Electric World?

84

Future Forward

A Visit to Faraday Future

86

Riise EV

Upcycling and Electrification

A Visit to Faraday Future

EVENTS

42

94

Yachting

The latest from the marine world

80

Lunar New Year Dinner The Dalmore

58

Graham Lee

Aventador Ultimae Hello & Goodbye!

PERSONALITIES

Creating Impact

COVER

30

The LA-Guide...

...for the Automotive Nerd

64

Mike Darlington

Co-Founder & CEO Monstercat

68

Christopher Bates Vancouver to Milan

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CONTENTS

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THE

MANLY MAN

“

I’ve given up on trying to explain myself, or trying to set the record straight, or trying to get people to understand what I’m really like as a man, outside of my acting, outside of my job.”

bruce

WILLIS | ACTOR | PRODUCER |

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Bruce Willis at the “Ocean’s Twelve” Los Angeles Premiere on December 8, 2004. photo: © Starfrenzy

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WALTER BRUCE WILLIS was born on March 19, 1955, in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, where his father was stationed in the U.S. military at the time. He is the oldest of David and German-born Marlene Willis’ four children, three sons and a daughter. When his father was discharged from the military in 1957, he moved his family to his hometown of Carney’s Point, New Jersey, where he would find work as a welder, mechanic and factory employee.

There, Bruce Willis would find the inspiration for the tough, blue-collar edge that has defined so many of his roles. A popular youngster with a good sense of humour, known for his pranks and occasionally getting into trouble because of them, Willis, who suffered from a stutter, attended Penns Grove High School. He was elected student council president but soon centered his interest on theater and the stage when he realized that his stutter immediately went away the moment he began to perform in front of an audience.

After graduating from high school in 1973, Willis took a series of odd jobs, including working as a private investigator, before enrolling in the Drama Program at Montclair State College (later Montclair State University). He received his first stage experience when he got cast for a production of ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’, but dropped out of college and moved to New York City to strike out on his own and make it in the world of acting.

Living in the Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood and supporting himself as a bartender, he auditioned for roles whenever he had the chance. A few off-Broadway plays would keep his ambitions alive, and his determination paid off when he scored a role in the Frank Sinatra film ‘The First Deadly Sin’ (1980). Two years later, he landed a minor part in ‘The Verdict’ (1982), starring Paul Newman and got some exposure with occasional roles on TV, including ‘Hart to Hart’ and ‘Miami Vice’.

In 1983, Bruce Willis replaced Ed Harris in the off-Broadway premiere ‘Fool for Love’ and, in 1984, took over the role.

Later the same year, he decided to move to Hollywood where he would audition for ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’, starring Rosanna Arquette and Madonna. He didn’t get the role, but just a day later got the role of a wisecracking private investigator in the romantic television series ‘Moonlighting’ (1985–1989), competing against 3,000 other actors. It estab-

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lished him as a comedic actor, winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Television Series Musical or Comedy.

A rising star, Willis also scored a deal with beverage maker Seagram for an advertising campaign, which is said to have paid him between $5–7 million over two years. Willis chose not to renew his contract with the company when he decided to stop drinking alcohol in 1988.

His first lead role in a feature film followed in 1987 when he was matched with Kim Basinger in the comedy ‘Blind Date’. That same year, Willis married actress Demi Moore (divorced in 2000).

It was in 1988 that Bruce Willis’ life would change forever when the role of wisecracking and muscle-pumping hero John McClane in the action-flick ‘Die Hard’ catapulted him to movie stardom and action hero status. Worth noting both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone had turned down the role.

Willis’ paycheck for ‘Die Hard’, in which he performed most of his own stunts, was a whopping $5 million, a huge sum for an actor many still considered a relative Hollywood novice. The film grossed an impressive $138,708,852 worldwide and spawned four sequels: Die Hard 2 (1990), ‘Die Hard with a Vengeance’ (1995), ‘Live Free or Die hard’ (2007) and ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ (2013).

The films have grossed a combined $1.4 billion worldwide.

Following the success with Die Hard, Willis took a leading role in the drama ‘In Country’ (1989) and provided his voice for Mikey, the talking baby in ‘Look Who’s Talking’ (1989) and ‘Look Who’s Talking Too’ (1990).

The 1990s started with a set-back when ‘Bonfire of the Vanities’ (1990) drew mixed reviews, and the action movie ‘Hudson Hawk’ (1991), which Willis wrote and starred in, became a box office failure. However, ‘The Last Boy Scout’ (1991) and ‘Striking Distance’ (1993) gained some box office success, and although ‘Color of Night’ (1994) became another box office failure, his sex scene in the film has been ranked as “the Best Sex Scene in film history” (by Maxim magazine).

A new boost to his career, Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994) was followed by the critically praised ‘12 Monkeys’

“Every day, I work at not taking this fame thing seriously.

Fortunately, I have a great group of friends who help me do this.”

(1995) and ‘The Fifth Element’ (1997). In 1998, the sci-fi action thriller ‘Armageddon’ and ‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999) were Willis’ last successes, before his career would fall into another slump. It wouldn’t slow him down, though, and his appearance on the hit TV-show ‘Friends’ would even win him an Emmy and a nomination for an American Comedy Award. He was even originally cast as Terry Benedict in ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ (2001) but dropped out to work on recording an album (see below).

In 2010, Bruce Willis returned to his action-hero roots in ‘RED’ (2010) and The Expendables (2010) with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and other 1980s action heroes. ‘The Expendables 2’ (2012), ‘Looper’ (2012), ‘The Expendables 3’ (2014), and ‘Once Upon a Time in Venice’ (2017), and ‘Acts of Violence‘ (2018) added to his tough-guy portfolio, but he also appeared on Broadway in a stage adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery in 2015. In ‘Glass’ (2019), Willis reprised his role as a security guard/ superhero from ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘The Expendables 4’ is expected to hit theaters in late 2022.

Bruce Willis is a co-founder of the restaurant chain Planet Hollywood, with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, and owns several small businesses, including a bar and a theater.

Willis also tapped into his creative side as a musician: His debut single, ‘Respect Yourself’ from his debut album ‘The Return of Bruno’ (1987) made it to the top 10 on the Billboard charts. Another album, ‘If It Don’t Kill You, It Makes You Stronger’ followed in 1989.

Bruce Willis has three children with Demi Moore, and two children with his current wife, model-actress Emma Heming.

In March 2022, Willis’ family announced on social media that he has been diagnosed with aphasia, impacting his cognitive abilities, and would be retiring from acting.

LOUIS VUITTON MANUFACTURES

AMIRI BLUE FRINGE WIRE JEANS

A great coffee table book, Louis Vuitton Manufactures showcases the French luxury brand’s extraordinary ateliers & designers, who produce everything from handbags and trunks to clothing, shoes, watches, high jewelry and fragrances.

The 400-page book contains hundreds of photographs and is available in a classic edition, in English, French, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese that will retail for US$95.

Los Angeles brand AMIRI has never been shy of experimenting with classic silhouettes when creating modern-day pieces – the Fringe Wire jeans being a case in point. The showstopping skinny-fit design features the label’s signature distressed look adorned with fine chains across the front.

A collector’s edition, limited to 500 numbered copies, will come in a poplar wood case. Retailing for US$1,900, it will be available exclusively in French in Louis Vuitton stores and on the brand’s e-commerce site. www.assouline.com

C$7,790 www.amiri.com

SONUS FABER OMNIA Elevating the casual audio experience, this Italian all-in-one luxury hi-fi system brings simplicity and ease-of-use thanks to comprehensive wireless connectivity, with built-in support for the major streaming services such as AirPlay, Chromecast, and Roon.

Available in a graphite or walnut finish, the top panel of the 650mm wide system houses a touch-sensitive interface with illuminated lines that dim, pulse and change. The Omnia has a total of 490 watts amplification with a claimed frequency response of 30hz to 25khz. US$1,999. www.sonusfaber.com

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LEGO BACK TO THE FUTURE Now you can build the famous time-traveling DeLorean DMC12 from the movies. Actually, the three-in-one kit, boasting 1,872 pieces of LEGO parts and bricks, allows the users to build either of the three cars in the trilogy, including the second film’s fold-up tires look and the conclusion’s Wild West figure.

C$219.99 www.lego.com

A TREND: BIG-BRAND COLLABORATIONS It is the latest trend in marketing and branding: Collaborations.

2021 marked a record number of fashion collaborations among heritage fashion houses and some of today’s biggest celebrities, and 2022 is off to a great start, too. Crocs, who already teamed up with Justin Bieber and Diplo, now introduced a new partnership with Balenciaga. Then there is Gucci and Adidas, Supreme and Burberry and Louis Vuitton and Nike. It doesn’t stop with the fashion world: Just recently, the collaboration between watchmakers Omega and Swatch saw massive crowds lining up in front of the boutiques, even though it was announced that the watches are not limited-editions and would be available at a later date.

MORGAN SUPER 3 A three-wheeler was the first car the Morgan Motor Company built 113 years ago; two wheels up front for steering and stability, and a single drive wheel at the rear. Over a century later, the all-new 2023 Morgan Super 3 has been designed from its three wheels up to meet global crash and emissions standards. It is powered by a naturally aspirated version of Ford’s light and compact 1.5-liter, three-cylinder “Dragon” engine, driving the rear wheel through a Mazda MX-5 sourced five-speed manual transmission. According to Morgan, 0-100 km/h will take less than 7 seconds. The highly customizable Super 3 starts at US$70,000. www.morgan-motor.com

BUGATTI LA VOITURE NOIRE SCULPTURE Should you not be the anonymous owner who has paid a whopping $13.4 million for the only Bugatti La Voiture Noire in the world, well, there is another chance to own one. Kind of...

London-based jeweler Asprey, in collaboration with Bugatti, faithfully recreated the special hypercar as a hand-crafted 24-karat rose gold sculpture mounted on a bespoke base. An NFT will accompany the sale of this head-turning centerpiece, and will be linked to the physical work via a QR code and with a unique serial identifier. The problem? Well, there are two. Number One - there will only be ONE gold sculpture and, Number Two: We couldn’t find out the price (which tells us that it is a lot...).

But there is some good news, too: Bugatti x Asprey will also deliver a series of 261 smaller yet highly exclusive sterling silver sculptures. And yes, they all come with NFTs, too. If you are interested, you will have to apply for an invitation. www.AspreyBugatti.com ICONIC CONCIERGE

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M-DIVISION Half a Century and Going Strong Happy Anniversary BMW Motorsport!

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images: BMW GmbH

For the past 50 years, we’ve dared to go our own way.

Lap after lap. Corner after corner.

And you know: we did it fast.

But today isn’t about celebrating our past.

It’s about celebrating our next race: the future.

We are M! We transform energy into a statement.

And courage into an expressive way of life.

We are thrilled. Thrilled about every inch of the race.

The goosebumps. The heartbeat. The desire.

And if you feel it, there’ll always be a door open.

Together, we are one team. We are one passion. And we are just getting started.

WE ARE M.

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BMW M1

The “M-Division” may not be as cool as the (fictional) Q-division, the research and development division of the British Secret Service, but for BMW enthusiasts it is an iconic letter, symbolizing performance and styling.

This year, BMW M celebrates its 50th anniversary, and we will have a look at the beginnings, some of its legendary cars, the current line-up and a glimpse into the future.

The Beginnings The early 1970s was the golden era for touring car racing. A booming motorsport in Europe, the European Touring Car Championship even saw current and future Formula 1 stars such as Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda take part, but it was also a platform for young drivers to launch their international careers.

The battles were fought by independent tuning specialists, who turned regular street cars, mainly from Ford, Opel, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes and BMW into powerful racing machines. For BMW, it was outfits such as Schnitzer, Alpina or Koepchen, who would compete with their BMW Coupes, only to find themselves behind the much lighter cars from their competitors.

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When Bob Lutz became BMW’s new director for sales and marketing in late 1971, he was also put in charge of the brand’s motorsport activities. Knowing the importance of a dominating presence in motorsports and the direct impact on the appeal of the brand and its sales, Lutz knew he needed wins in the Touring car Championship. In early 1972, he phoned Jochen Neerpasch to discuss the matter and they agreed that a marque like BMW had to do better in motorsport and would need its own in-house motorsport department. A division that would not only create its own racing cars and teams, but that would also encourage and support racing activities of BMW clients and get owners excited and proud to pilot a car from Munich that is directly derived from a motorsport model.

The BMW Motorsport GmbH was officially established in 1972 as a subsidiary of BMW AG to formally support its growing and successful racing program and to manufacture limited-edition, highperformance cars. It initially employed 35 people. Today, the team under CEO Franciscus van Meel, is more than ten times that number and BMW M Automobile remains on a steady path of growth. So here we go...we present the most iconic

milestones in the M-Divison’s history...

A Legend is Born: The 3.0 CSL The very first car built by the new division to take the crown in motor racing was the BMW CSL Coupe. It was used to get the homologation, the approval process a vehicle is required to go through for certification to race in a given league or series. It also meant that the car entered was based on a production vehicle that had been sold at a minimum numbers to the public. BMW decided to use its E9 coupé platform, which started with the 1968 2800 CS and was replaced by the 3.0 CS and CSi in 1971. In May 1972, BMW Motorsport GmbH presented the 3.0 CSL. Initially using the same engine as the 3.0 CS, it was then increased to 3,003 cc to allow the CSL to be raced in the “over three-litre” racing category. The “L” in the designation of the cars meant “light” (German: “leicht”) and was achieved by using thinner steel to build the unit body, deleting the trim and soundproofing and using aluminium doors, hood, and boot lids, as well as plexiglass for the side windows.

The most iconic version of the CSL was its last homologation from 1973 which had a 3,153cc/ 3.2L engine, rated at

206 PS/ 203 hp. Its aerodynamic package with a large air dam, short fins running along the front fenders, a spoiler above and behind the trailing edge of the roof, and a tall rear wing gave it the nickname “Batmobile”. In total, 1,265 3.0 CSL were built and the car became one of the most successful cars in European Motorsport in the 1970s, including a class win at LeMans.

In 2015, BMW M introduced a tribute to the legend at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept car, followed by the 3.0 CSL Hommage R concept car at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the same year.

The First “M”: The BMW M1 Hold your seats...as BMW’s first-ever Mcar is pretty much... Italian! But let’s get back to the mid-1970s when the motorsport division’s head of the development program, Jochen Neerpasch decided to compete in Group-5 racing against archrival Porsche. The car needed to be midengined to outclass the competition and the development of the M1 began. BMW hired Italian design firm Giorgetto Giugiaro for the car, which took inspiration from the 1972 BMW Turbo concept car.

Soon, however, BMW realized that their own department wouldn’t be able to build the necessary 400 road-going examples of the car, and so a partnership with Lamborghini started in which the Italian manufacturer was to work out the details of the car’s chassis, assemble prototypes and manufacture the vehicles.

However, when financial problems at

Lamborghini weakened the possibility of the car’s production, BMW re-assumed control over the project after only seven prototypes were built.

A few former Lamborghini engineers, who by then had founded “Italengineering”, completed the car’s design and Italian firm “Italina Resina” was hired to BMW M635CSi produce the M1’s fibre glass body. The chassis was manufactured by Modenese firm, Marchesi, before Italdesign at their manufacturing facility in Turin combined the body of the car with the interior.

Finally, the partly finished cars were then delivered to German specialist manufacturer Baur where the final assembly took place by hand, using the hand-built M88/1 engines supplied by BMW. The completed cars then went to Munich where BMW Motorsport inspected and delivered them. In the end and according to BMW, only 445 production cars were built (399 of them street legal), making it one of the brand’s rarest and most desirable models. It was the fastest German road vehicle of its time, reaching almost 265 km/h.

The M1 even got its own racing series, the “Procar BMW M1 Championship”, in which Formula One drivers such as Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet competed. The M1 also took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1981 to 1986.

In April 2008, BMW unveiled an M1 Homage concept, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the

M1. It should take 36 years before BMW built its next mass-produced mid-engine automobile, the BMW i8.

When Luxury Meets Power: The BMW M635CSi In 1984, the four-seater E24 M635CSi continued the concept of high-performance 6-cylinder in-line engines that the legendary BMW M1 had established just a few years earlier. Replacing the elegant Wilhelm Hofmeister-designed E9 Coupe, BMW’s new chief designer Paul Bracq created a progressive and timeless exterior design, initially based on the E12 platform. Revealed at the 1976 Geneva Motor Show, this new 6-series was then later on switched to the E28 5-series platform in 1982, on which the M635CSi, first introduced in September 1983 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, was based.

Production began in February of 1984 and thanks to its deep new spoiler with an arrow-like profile and three distinct ribs at the base, the subtly flared wheel arches and the black rubber lip on the trunk, fans quickly dubbed the car ‘Sharknose’ and ‘Bayern-Express’ (Bavaria-Express).

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BMW discontinued the M635 CSi in February 1989. In total, 5,855 were built.

The Family “M”. The M535i Considered the predecessor to the M5, the E12’s 535i was introduced at the 1985 Amsterdam Motor Show and the next M-badged car that received some extra love by the Motorsport division. It was hand-finished, using larger front brakes, Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential and 5-speed manual with a direct-drive top gear, and some firm Recaro seats and the M1 steering wheel in the interior.

On the outside, the M535i received an aggressive front air spoiler, a black rubber deck lid, and (on most cars and for the first time), 1980s stripes across the beltline. The tuned 3.5-litre naturally aspirated straight-six engine provided 215hp, catapulting the car in 7 seconds to 100 km/h, reaching a back-then impressive top speed of 225 km/h.

“M” Goes Single Digit again! The M5 The E28 BMW M5 started the M cars as we know them today. A high-performance version of BMW’s second-generation 5 Series sedan, the first M5 model was hand-built in 1985 on the 535i chassis with a modified engine from the M1, making it the fastest production sedan in the world at the time. It was manufactured from October 1984 until June 1988.

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With a total production of 2,241 cars, the E28 M5 is one of the rarest regular production BMW Motorsport cars.

BMW M535i [E12]

Noteworthy: BMW also offered an E28 M535i at the same time it sold the M5.

However, it was essentially just a 535i sedan with some cosmetic extras and a tighter suspension.

The Mighty 3. The M3 Presented at the IAA car show in Frankfurt in 1985, the BMW M3 was developed directly from motorsport and became an instant sensation and one of the most iconic vehicles in the BMW M line-up. Based on the E30 3 Series it was intended to be a homologation special to satisfy the “DTM” (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) and “Group A Touring” rules, which required that at least 5,000 road-legal copies of a racing car had to be sold within twelve months in order for a vehicle to be homologated for racing. In the end, it became so much more and several generations would follow in its footsteps. The simple idea – a car that does it all, from track to highway, thrilling and at the same time easygoing

to run errands and commute in. It is said that the E30-based M3 is the winningest touring car in history.

The M3 showed quite some visual differences from the standard coupe. Flared fenders to cover the wider tires, a nose with a lower air dam and a higher tail to improve aerodynamics. You may also notice the altered rear-window angle to help manage airflow. In the end, only the hood and the roof remained the same as the standard E30.

The heart of the first M3 is the S14 2.3-liter four-cylinder which received a new dual-overhead-cam,16-valve cylinder head. It delivered 192hp. Later on, it grew to 2.5-liters for the special-edition “Sport Evolution” models (from the 1989 model year on), which rose to 235hp in the final incarnation of the M3, known as the

“Sport Evolution 2”.

vertibles were made between 1988 and 1991.

The current model, the G80, was introduced in 2021 and is the 6th generation of the M3.

BMW M5 [E60]

Open-Air! The M3 Convertible Thanks to the success of the 3 Series Convertible during the late eighties, BMW decided to introduce an open-top version of the M3 in 1988. It was mechanically identical to the hardtop version but received additional strengthening to the body to account for the lack of a roof as well as an altered suspension setup, compensating for the increased weight.

BMW also deleted the rear spoiler and raised boot lid from the hardtop car. Only available in left-hand drive, 786 M3 Con-

Trunked!

The M5 Touring Station Wagon Some loved it, some hated it ... but the fact is, that in 1992, BMW introduced a hand-built station wagon version for the second generation of the M5, three years after its sedan sibling. It utilized the new S38B38 engine, which provided 340 hp, paired with a six-speed manual.

Since it was hand-built, only 891 units were made.

From Munich with Love!

The McLaren F1 Presented in 1992 by British automobile manufacturer McLaren Cars, the F1 uses a 6.1-litre V12 DOHC 48 valve engine supplied by BMW Motorsport GmbH.

something remarkable for the finest of all the M-cars. It came in the shape of the next generation M, based on the reengineered E46 chassis. The heart was the S54 3.2-liter straight-six with 343hp, which accelerated the car in little more than 5 seconds to 100 km/h. But the best was yet to come...

The Best of All Time? The CSL “Coupe Sport Leichtbau” (Coupe, Sports, Lightweight). Only 1,383 were made, available in just 2 colours (Sapphire Black and Silver Grey) and with only a bigger bumper in the front and a duck-type rear spoiler on the trunk lid, they are hard to spot. The 3.2-liter received some extra attention, getting the car to the magic 100 in less than 5 seconds, and a standard SMG II (automated, single-clutch, gearbox) and a limited-slip differential

Simply “M”: The BMW M GmbH In 1993, BMW Motorsport GmbH changed its name to BMW M GmbH. A New Millennium It is a commitment for the BMW M-Division to always push the mission further and faster, and so when it came to the new millennium, they knew it needed

BMW 1-Series M Coupe

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onds to 100 km/h and only stops at the electronically limited 250 km/h barrier. Initially, 2,700 examples were planned, but in the end, 6,309 “M” left the factory in Leipzig, Germany. In 2015, the BMW M2 Coupe followed in its footsteps.

When 4 became the new 3. The BMW M4 Coupé It happened in 2013 when BMW announced it has reshuffled the lineup. The 3 Series would be sedan-only and the former coupe would now be known as the 4 Series. The very last M3 Coupe rolled off the production line on July 5th, 2013 and for the first time in “M” history, a 4 followed BMW’s most iconic letter.

Equipped with the 510 hp M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, it delivers an output of 510 hp and a maximum torque of 650 Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. BMW M still offers an M3, however, it is now a sedan with a 480 hp M TwinPower Turbo engine.

were fitted as standard. Thanks to all the weight reductions, the CSL was lighter by 110 kg than the standard M3 coupe.

Size matters! The V8-Powered M3 It was in the autumn of 2007 when BMW M launched the fourth generation of the M3, and it came with a big surprise. Literally, as for the first time, a V8 would power the new M3 generation.

It sparked some controversy in the die-hard M3 community, but with an output of 420hp from a displacement of 3,999 cubic centimetres., a maximum torque of 400Nm and an impressive top rev speed of 8,300 rpm, it was an instant winner.

Never Say Never! M3 Touring It has been confirmed - The G81 will be the first-ever BMW M3 Touring and will take the combination of racing-oriented performance and everyday practicality to the extreme.

BMW XM Concept At Art Basel’s 2021 Miami Beach show, BMW M GmbH presented what will be the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into series production. The first standalone vehicle since the legendary BMW M utilizes a newly developed M Hybrid drive system that brings together a V8 engine and a high-performance electric BMW XM Concept

... and the V10-Powered M5 and M6 In 2005, the BMW M5 and M6 were fitted with a Formula 1-adopted V10 engine Size matters?

The BMW 1-Series M Coupe In 2011, BMW M granted the coveted M badge to the popular E82 1-Series. And although one may think it is the smallest ever “M”, it is in fact 122mm wider and 33mm longer than a 1988 M3! Around 15kg lighter compared to a regular 1-Series, the M is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with an output of 335hp, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, which catapults the car 4.9 sec-

SO MUCH MORE...

Wait, so that’s it? But what about the 2002ti? The M8? And Motorsports? Formula 2, Formula 1? The 24 Hours of Le Mans? Obviously, there is so much more to tell about the BMW M-Division, its cars and the rich motorsport history. It could easily fill a book – and in fact, it has. Many, and we can highly recommend this one: “BMW M - 50 Years of the Ultimate Driving Machines” by Tony Lewin is a must for the M-enthusiast, describing the story of both the production and motorsport stories of the tri-coloured road warriors in great detail with expert commentary and fascinating photography. Publisher: Motorbooks (2021). 233 pages. ISBN: 076036849X, 9780760368497

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BMW M5 Competition [F90]

motor to develop maximum output of up to 550 kW (750 hp) and peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft).

M versus M-badged Not every M badge means the same thing. Apart from the true M versions, seen as the pinnacle of BMW automobiles, ‘M Sport’ is an accessory package that can be added to almost any BMW. ‘BMW M Performance’ is the next level, and the best way to spot the difference is the badge on the trunk, which adds the M to the actual model (such as M340i). M Performance actually means that it has a different engine, brakes, exhaust etc than its regular sibling.

Finally, BMW M are completely separate models, due to the extent of the performance modifications.

Today, BMW M offers modified versions of nearly all BMW models, except for the 7 Series (unless you consider the Alpina B7, which indeed is produced on BMW’s assembly line. Alpina was acquired by BMW in 2022).

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BMW M5 [F10]

BMW M5 CS [G30]

S

Southern California is a dream destination for many and with endless sunshine, a local, luxury lifestyle and an abundance of things to do, it offers so much to those who visit. From Vancouver, you can be in Los Angeles in less than 3 hours, and with no time difference, it is the perfect spot for a short vacation, especially if you are tired of our winter months and if you need some real vitamin D. But there is more, a lot more! Los Angeles has something for everyone, especially if you are a car guy.

rounding area that you won’t have a problem finding exactly what you are looking for. Whether it’s luxury or budget, from the small boutique hotel to the fancy luxury beach resort, this city has it all.

Californians love cars, and LA is probably one of the hottest beds of car culture in the world. Around the city, you will find miles and miles of the most perfect driving roads imaginable, but it’s also home to countless pockets of different scenes, car museums, boutique manufacturers, customizers and aftermarket shops. More than enough of a reason for us to hop on a plane and head down to LA for you to create a list of the must-see/ must-dos in LA. You are welcome!

Next – Make a List!

Really, figure out what you want to see and do, check the locations and create a plan for the days to come. Leave ample time, you don’t want to get stressed, do you?

FIRST THINGS FIRST - THE HOTEL! Ok, there are so many hotels in LA and the sur-

The reason we have decided on the “Hotel of the Stars”, the Fairmont Century Plaza in Beverly Hills is the recent $2.5 billion redevelopment of famed architect Minoru Yamasaki’s mid-century modern landmark hotel. The Fairmont now offers 351 guest rooms and 49 suites, a 14,000 sq.ft. spa and a rooftop pool with unparalleled 360 degree views of the cityscape. Plus, the location is perfect. Minutes to the ultimate luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive, the musttake selfie in front of the Hollywood sign, and an easy 30-minute drive to LAX.

THE MUST-HAVE SELFIES! So you need to find the best Instagrammable places in LA? Fear not, as we have found them for you!

Hollywood Sign Clearly, a ‘must’. And easy to do. If you want your ride in the picture, the area near Lake Hollywood Park, where Canyon Lake Drive and Mulholland Hwy meet, is perfect. You want to be closer? Not a problem, but you will have to go on a little hike along Brush Canyon Trail, which starts in Griffith Park.

Griffith Observatory One of the best and most popular Los Angeles Instagram spots and a place for some epic views of the city!

2800 East Observatory Rd. Walt Disney Concert Hall Curving panels of stainless steel, the Frank Gehry designed building is the perfect backdrop for a selfie!

111 S Grand Ave TWO FAVOURITES! The 2022 Aston Martin Vantage and the Fairmont Century Plaza in Beverly Hills.

We truly enjoyed staying at the completely reimagined Los Angeles cultural landmark with all its star-studded history.

Presented by

THE PERFECT MATCH! Glowing in its Scorpus Red, the 2022 Aston Martin Vantage brings some extra glamour to a true American landmark and cultural icon, the Hollywood Sign.

LA-GUIDE FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE NERD THE

THE PERFECT SHORT TRIP FOR MORE THAN JUST SOME VITAMIN D

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Wilshire Boulevard From LA’s cultural district to Museum Row with LACMA’s iconic “Urban Light” installation to the boulevards in Beverly Hills, Wilshire Boulevard is the best and quickest way to take in a lot of the LA essentials.

Hollywood Walk of Fame Join 10 million other people a year who take a pic of one or more of the 2,600 stars on the famous Hollywood Boulevard.

Skyspace LA It is the highest observation deck in California, offering 360 degrees of downtown LA, and therefore one of the most Instagrammable places in LA. You can also slide down Skyslide.

633 W Fifth St The Santa Monica Pier Of course. And best right before sunset.

LACMA Specifically, the outdoor Urban Lights installation, which features 202 street lamps, all of which once lit the streets of Los Angeles.

5905 Wilshire Blvd The Beverly Hills Hotel The pastel colours and retro font. Oldschool Hollywood glamour.

9641 Sunset Blvd

2022 ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE Exterior Colour: Scorpus Red Interior Colour: Onyx Black | Spicy Red Leather 503hp 4.0L Twin Turbo V8 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Electronic Rear Diff and Dynamic Torque Vectoring 3 Drive Modes: Sport | Sport+ | Track 20” Alloy Wheels Starting from C$168,485 (plus options & taxes)

Rodeo Drive The more than 3 km-long street in Beverly Hills is known around the world as one of the most fashionable and star-studded places to shop.

THE ROADS TO TAKE! 120 kilometres of sunny coastline, picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, rolling hills and vibrant mural scenes, LA and area is truly heaven for the automotive enthusiast.

So get yourself a nice rental, maybe even a classic, put the top down or wind down the windows, and cruise down an iconic boulevard or take in the views along the coast. Here are our favourite scenic drives to take around LA:

Mulholland Drive One of the most recognizable and cinematic stretches of road in the city, Mulholland Drive carves through the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains and offers stellar views of the Hollywood Hills, the San Fernando Valley, Griffith Park and the Getty Center. Yes, there are many epic car chases that we have seen on the big screen that were filmed here, but better don’t try that...

PCH – The Pacific Coast Highway A must for many reasons, this drive offers jaw-dropping ocean views on one side and impressive cliffs with luxury estates perched atop on the other side. It will also bring you to Neptune’s Nest, the iconic self-serve seafood restaurant and biker bar where Brian O’Conner (the late Paul Walker) and Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) had lunch in 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. And yes, Tony Stark met with his friend James Rhodes for lunch at Neptune’s Net in Iron Man 3, however, it was actually a replica as the movie was filmed in Florida.

Palos Verdes Estates to San Pedro This drive will take ‘a bit longer’ as you should make a few stops along the way. The landscape is simply stunning, but near Point Vicente Lighthouse you may even spot whales.

And once you have arrived in San Pedro, explore Angel’s Gate Park with its Korean Friendship Bell and the famous basketball court overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Paseo Del Mar to White Point Park This one is highly recommended at

sunset and offers some amazing photo opportunities when the skies turn pink. At Royal Palms you will find picnic tables atop the bluff with views of the side where the former White Point Hot Spring, the most popular beach resort in Southern California, used to be.

desert oasis is 160 km away from LA and offers upscale shopping, great restaurants and even a tram-ride to the 3,300m Mount San Jacinto.

THE DAY TRIP! Well, you enjoy driving, so why not head out and explore the areas around LA? Once you leave the city limits, the landscape changes and you will find gorgeous beaches away from the buzz of the city. The quintessential So-Cal town of Laguna Beach, the picturesque Oxnard and Balboa Island. Drive a little further, and you will experience a whole different world. So take some time and plan your getaway from the city with these day trips from LA.

Joshua Tree National Park It will take you almost 3 hours to drive here, but this park is one of the most famous ones in the country.

Santa Barbara A favourite getaway for the stars, this town with its Spanish-style buildings and miles of sandy shores lies 160 km north of LA. Balboa Island Known as a great spot for whalewatching in the winter, it is fun to take the little 3 car ferry which takes less than 5 minutes to cross between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula.

You will also get some great pics of the historic Harbour Pavilion and the Balboa Ferris Wheel.

Santa Catalina Island “Cinematic seaside beauty” is what best describes this island as it was used in many Hollywood films of the 1920s. It’s an hour-long ferry ride from Long Beach, San Pedro or Newport Beach and should you decide to stay overnight, the town of Avalon has many hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Palm Springs A famous ‘winter resort’ for the Hollywood movie stars of the 1930s, this

Laguna Beach Just south of Los Angeles, this dreamy beach town offers an endless sandy shoreline, scenic hiking trails, boutiques and art galleries.

Oxnard A lovely and relaxing waterfront city with great white-sand beaches, and famous for some of the best sunset pictures with the ocean the Channel Islands in the distance.

Venice Did you know that the Venice of California also has its own canals? It does, and it also has bridges and sidewalks.

Venice Blvd and 25th St

WHEN IN LA, YOU SHOULD...

Now that we have introduced you to some of the must-drive roads in and around Los Angeles, we would like to show you some places that are definitely worth a stop!

It is possibly the most famous roadway in the United States. Route 66 is the stuff of legends! The popular East-to-West path finds its end at the Santa Monica Pier.

The Porsche Experience Center in Carson is not only home to a big Porsche Retail Store, you can also get an insider’s look of their historic race cars and even hone your driving skills on a 53-acre driver development track! As for Mercedes-Benz fans - the MB Classic Center in Irvine should definitely be on your list!

For our next ‘must-experience’ you don’t need a ticket, it is totally free and happens several times a day - the mega traffic on the I-5, I-10 and I-110. So much fun to join thousands and thousands of other drivers on up to 9 parallel lanes!

You will ge hungry exploring LA and area, and there are a few very iconic places you should visit. The Bob’s Big Boy Restaurant located at 4211 Riverside Drive in Burbank is the oldest remaining one in America.

And Fast and Furious fans should not miss Neptune’s Nest, the seafood restaurant by the beach in Malibu, featured in countless television and film productions.

Well, of course tere is so much more to see and do. It’s LA! But if you only have a few days in the City of Angels, this list should keep you busy!

We had an amazing time and it was such a welcomed break, leaving cold and rainy Vancouver behind for a few days.

A big ‘Thank You’ to Aston Martin of North America for providing us with the perfect car. The Vantage Coupe and Vantage Roadster really are its own stars in Hollywood!

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BOND IN MOTION

In collaboration with EON Productions and The Ian Fleming® Foundation, Bond in Motion is the first and largest official exhibition in the United States to feature original vehicles from the James Bond film franchise, offering visitors a rare up-close experience of the most iconic vehicles associated with the world’s most famous secret agent, 007.

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FULL PETERSEN COLLECTION TOUR! 2 HOURS! Just scan the QR-code, sit back and join Michael Bodell, Chief Operating Officer on a walk through almost all of the vehicles in the museum. You will also see the Vault!

PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM OVER 100,000 SQ.FT. OF AUTOMOTIVE HEAVEN. Rated by many as “the world’s greatest automotive museum” the Petersen Automotive Museum chronicles the evolution of great automotive engineering achievements and their impact on our culture over the past 120 years.

made of 100 tons of 14-gauge type 304 steel in 308 sections, 25 supports and 140,000 custom stainless-steel screws.

Conveniently located on Wilshire Boulevard along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile neighbourhood of Los Angeles, the museum was founded in 1994, by magazine publisher Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie, and is now owned and operated by the Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation.

Today, visitors will find well over 100 vehicles on display in 25 galleries on three floors. From vintage cars such as a Bugatti 57C, Steve McQueen’s 1956 Jaguar XKSS, Elvis Presley’s De Tomaso Pantera, a 1967 Ford MKIII GT40 to movie cars including the Ferrari 308 GTS Targa used by Tom Selleck in Magnum, P.I., the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future to Batmobiles and the Lexus LC500 from Marvel’s “Black Panther,” you can spend hours admiring some of the finest cars in the world. Currently, you will also find a “Hypercars”, “Pole Position” F1 and the “Bond in Motion” exhibition.

In 2015, the Petersen Museum underwent an extensive $125 million renovation, which included a redesigned façade by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, featuring a stainless-steel ribbon assembly

And then there is The Vault. Presented by Hagerty, more than 250 of the most iconic and rare cars, motorcycles, and trucks, from early legends to stunning modern supercars, are on display.

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“IT DESTROYED THE LAGUNA SECA LAP RECORD ON ROAD TIRES!”

Record BREAKING

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2 YEARS LATER - A VISIT TO CZINGER VEHICLES “Sure, it looks pretty cool, but mark my words, it’s just another one of those companies with a crazy-looking ‘prototype’ that will be gone in 2 years...”

A statement that we heard – and read – a lot after we published our story “Fresh From The Printer” in our Summer 2020 edition and on our social media. The article introduced the Czinger 21C, a wild-looking 3D printed hybrid supercar with a central tandem driving position. Granted, we never visited the company or saw the actual car for our story, so we had to rely on image material and textinformation provided by Czinger. However, heading down to LA for the travel story in this edition, we finally had the opportunity to visit the startup company at their headquarters in LA. Pretty much 2 years after we did the initial article...

After signing an NDA (as we were about to see some exciting but very secret new projects) we were brought to the boardroom where we met up with Kevin and Lukas Czinger, the father and son team behind the 21C, and William Collick, Director of Sales, who then walked us through their facility. We didn’t expect what we were about to see and no, this is not “just another company with a crazylooking prototype” but a company on its way to radically transforming the manufacturing sector and the future of human-AI design and sustainable systems. It really reminded us of what we have seen with Koenigsegg and Rimac, which are now leading companies in both technology and design in the world of supercars.

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At Czinger, powerful computers, AI simulations and VR headsets are an important part of the design and engineering process

A snug fit. The driver has a central driving position in the cockpit. Inside, you feel more like in a fighter jet than a car, with almost perfect 360 ° visibility

From Divergent 3D to Czinger Vehicles It all started with Divergent 3D, which Kevin Czinger founded in 2014. The company is housed in the same complex as Czinger Vehicles and specializes in revolutionizing processes used in the automotive industry. Divergent has actually invented a complete manufacturing solution, the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), a complete software-hardware solution designed to replace traditional vehicle manufacturing. A complete modular digital factory for complex structures, the company unveiled their proofof-concept car, the Blade, in 2015. However, Kevin Czinger wasn’t planning to stop at a concept car, his vision was to mass-produce cars with just limited or no direct tooling in a fully digital end-to-end integrated system, and so, in 2019, he founded Czinger Vehicles and in 2020, introduced the C21 to the world.

“There was no evolution in the automotive industry, it was pretty much a flat line, and it needed the next chapter, a serious upgrade to what has been done for decades,” says Kevin. “You have to remember that the analogue manufacturing of vehicles, and, in particular vehicle structures, is over 100 years old and based around single gauge sheet steel or aluminium alloy, stamping, fixturing, and welding. Massive assembly lines with gigantic machines, workers operating alongside robots. Very analogue and capital intensive.

And that’s what we have changed, and the 21C is the first-ever example of what can be achieved and you can say that there is $300M+ of technology development in this car.”

With a Little Help from AI 3D printing is great, but it needs something it can print. Centred on an artificial-intelligence-driven design platform, Czinger’s DAPS software interprets parameters such as material, weight, stiffness, speed, and cost for a particular part into a printable form. But what happens next is even more amazing as the outcome, created by AI, transcends human creativity. Parts with organic shapes and flowing curves look more like a sculpture than a steering column or control arm. “It isn’t our goal to create beautiful parts, but it is simply the result of the software doing the most with the least amount of material,” explains Kevin. “It’s pretty amazing.” It really is.

3D Printing. In Metal First, Divergent 3D started a collaboration and development partnership with SLM Solutions, which resulted in the development of the room-size NXG XII 600 metal 3D printer. It has a generous build volume of 600 x 600 x 600 mm and twelve fast active lasers,

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POWER AND LUXURY BEYOND ALL CONVENTIONS. BMW CONCEPT XM

capable of printing at a rate of up to 10,000kg per year. “They are capable of build speeds 5-20 times faster than that of the current state-of-the-art,” explains Lukas Czinger. “Our proprietary, materials, software, and machine hardware, allow us to operate at automotive production rate and quality.”

So what exactly is it that these machines print? “We use proprietary materials, everything that we use, all materials, even our adhesives have been developed in-house,” Kevin points out.

“We have our own lab with some of the brightest minds in the industry working for us.” Currently, Divergent 3D prints the parts in aluminium and titanium as well as several other alloys.

Assembly. Meet the Robots Once DAPS has designed and then printed the parts, robotic carts bring them to the “cell”. The assembly cell has a footprint of 20 metres in diameter and is about 6 metres tall. Several fullyautomated KUKA robots then assemble the complex structures, capable of producing 50,000 to 150,000 subframes or 10,000 complete vehicle chassis per year. It’s a fraction of the cost compared to existing methods, and with literally no switchover time should a different subframe or chassis be needed, or if the existing one has been updated. “The manufacturing system is fully adaptable to the needs of a company and can easily be scaled,” explains Kevin Czinger. “Once the company grows, a cell can take over more assemblies and once the production limit has been reached, more cells can be integrated. Everything is dynamic for new designs and business strategies.”

Kevin and Lukas Czinger asked us not to show what is under the covers in Czinger’s design department. Stay tuned for the unveiling at the 2022 Monterey Car Week!

The assembly cell has a footprint of 20 metres in diameter and is about 6 metres tall. Fully-automated robots can assemble 50,000 to 150,000 subframes or 10,000 complete vehicle chassis per year.

A Dream-Team Obviously, it is not all computers and robots, an undertaking of taking on the established supercar manufacturers requires some bright minds. And so the Czingers assembled a team of former Formula One and Le Mans race engineers, such as Chief Engineer Ewan Baldry (ex Williams F1), and a design-team led by co-founder and Chief Design Officer, David O’Connell, all of whom we met during our tour of the Divergent/ Czinger facilities and many other people that now are part of the 170 employees.

Czinger even has its own laboratory, which develops its own metals and adhesives.

The Powertrain Where the Blade used a tuned Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution turbo-four, the 21C needed something very different, and ICONIC CONCIERGE

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so in typical Czinger-tradition, an in-house powertrain was developed.

The primary propulsion comes from a 2.88L twin-turbo flatplane crankshaft V8, producing 950hp at 11,000rpm, coupled to an in-house developed hydraulic actuated seven-speed sequential transaxle. Supplementing it is an 800-volt electrical system, charged by a kinetic motor-generator, which adds up to 100hp to the engine’s drive on the rear wheels, whilst powering a 120kW electric motor on each front wheel. The result? A record-breaking all-wheel-drive setup with a total of 1,350hp that recently destroyed the McLaren Senna laprecord at Laguna Seca by more than 2 seconds. “And we had

road tires on the car and didn’t even get close to the engine’s capabilities,” Kevin says with a big smile on his face. “There are still a couple of seconds we can shave off...”

Worth mentioning: Czinger runs the car on high-octane and clean-burning M100 methanol alternative fuel, which produces fewer smog-causing emissions and can improve air quality and related human health issues. It can also be powered by ethanol or regular racing fuel.

The Ownership Only 80 Czinger 21Cs will be made, at a starting price of US$2 million, and the client can decide if it will be a track or street version (which we saw but are not allowed to show before the unveil at Pebble Beach). And yes – the C21 will be available in Canada!

So, there you go...

Yes, there are many companies that are popping up these days, promising to build the next evolution in supercars – but most of them don’t make it past the first renderings, maybe a prototype.

The Czinger C21 does not only exist, we have now seen the production facility, have met the people behind this enormous endeavour, and even got a glimpse into what will come next.

And we have no doubt that this team will achieve their goals.

For more information, please visit www.czinger.com

“Gone in 85 Seconds”

Scan the QR-code and watch the C21 set a new lap record at Laguna Seca Raceway, beating the previous record held by a McLaren Senna.

[top] Divergent 3D operates several of the massive NXG XII 600 machines alongside several smaller ones to print the more than 350 3D-printed parts for the Czinger 21C. [lower right] Several scale- and full-size models are sitting in the company’s design department.

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out & about photography: Blake Jennings (5); Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

HELLO & GOODBYE LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR ULTIMAE On April 1st, Lamborghini Vancouver took the covers of what can only be described as the essence of the V12 aspirated Aventador in its final incarnation: The Ultimae. 1 of only 350 made, it was the perfect car to celebrate a very special evening.

Not only was it the sunset of the brand’s flagship car, bringing dawn of its soon to be revealed successor, it was also the announcement that Lamborghini Vancouver is now part of the Dilawri Group, Vancouver’s leaders in automotive luxury. Known for their broad portfolio of ultra-lux automobiles, Lamborghini fits in very well with their offerings of Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz among others.

Since the launch of the Urus has more than doubled the annual sales of Lamborghini, Dilawri’s focus will be to grow after-sales service to ensure they provide the best service experience in the industry whilst preparing for future icons of the storied brand.

It was a great evening celebrating automotive history with some delicious Italian food and like-minded enthusiasts and owners.

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A celebration of the iconic V12 super sports car and combustion engine in a final production model, the Ultimae is limited to 350 units in coupé and 250 roadster editions. Paying homage to the benchmark performance of the SVJ and the ageless super sports elegance of the S model, it takes the best components of both to create a perfect balance between performance and dynamism with an enduring sophistication.

WATCHES AND WONDERS

THE WATCH WORLD’S SIGNATURE TRADE SHOW HAS RETURNED! LIVE AND IN PERSON! Yes, the wait is finally over!

On March 30th and after two years of pandemic-induced remoteness, the watch industry gathered in person, in Geneva, for a week of horological conviviality. And even though the organizers of Watches And Wonders had created a digital platform to which exhibiting brands could upload images and videos of their new watches for the world to see, there is simply no substitute for seeing a watch in person, getting to hold it and feel it, and try it on, and Watches and Wonders did not disappoint.

Some of the biggest brands in the luxury watch industry rolled out the red carpet, including A. Lange & Söhne, Breitling, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Grand Seiko, Hermès, Hublot, IWC, Oris, Jaeger-LeCoultre,

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Montblanc, Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Tudor, Vacheron Constantin, and Zenith. To name but a few. In total, 39 watch and jewellery companies were brought together for this watchmaking summit, with the only major absentee being the Swatch Group.

With many people still not being able to attend in person, this year’s show was both a digital and in-person physical experience - “phygital”, as the organizers like to describe it.

Obviously, we can’t show you all of the novelties and so we picked our favourite new releases at the blockbuster Geneva trade show. If you would like to see them all, just head over to the official website and bring some extra time, there are hundreds of amazing timepieces waiting for you to explore. www.WatchesAndWonders.com

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NAVIGATING UNIVERSES

“

“As a student, I remember sitting at the back of the bus, immersed in watch catalogues,” says Christopher Long, founder and “Chief Product Visionary” of Swiss-brand Azimuth Watch Company, “and I knew that I wanted to establish myself in this world, no matter what.”

AZIMUTH TWIN BARREL TOURBILLON

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Throughout the ages of history and time, adventurers have used azimuth, a signature denominator of bearings and direction, to guide them through uncharted lands.

The Azimuth can only be fully understood by individuals who seek the avant-garde, the fine line between logic and illogic.

With Azimuth, you navigate different universes.”

Born in Singapore, Long has been a watchfanatic and avid collector all of his life. “I bought my first vintage watch when I was 15, a Bulova,” he shares, “but that was just the start.”

Decades later, his personal collection includes the typical, from Rolex to Patek Philippe, but his true gems are the vintage masterpieces, such as his Longines Minute Repeater pocket watch, or the World War II-produced LACO which he was able to get in pristine condition. But there was something else Chris was always interested in.

He liked comics and science-fiction. Growing up in the early 1980s, he would watch movies from the 1960s and 1970s, when movies predicted a future where robots would replace industrial workers and when, for the first time, the term “home computer” prepared people for a friendly introduction to a technology that was going to change the world. By modern standards, laughably primitive, but in the mid to late 1970s it was futuristic and the start of a revolution. Analogue was replaced by digital, ICONIC CONCIERGE

even in the world of watches, and at the time Christopher was in kindergarten, people would wear watches with calculators and even primitive computer games.

Fast forward to the year 2000. Christopher had just met Alvin Lye, another passionate watch collector and owner of a store selling pre-owned and vintage watches. The two would spend hours sharing their passion, and soon they realized that looking at watches from a design standpoint, it often repeated itself. “It is all very era-specific, and looking back at decades of watch designs, we realized that it often repeats itself and, from a watch-collectors view, it boiled down to the condition of the watch and the reputation of the brand,” Chris says. “That’s when Alvin and I thought that we could bring something new to the table. We wanted to create designs that really break away from the usual watch design wisdom, looking at objects from outside the watch industry as sources of inspiration, not allowing ourselves to be bound by the traditional shapes and conventional wisdom of watch designs.”

Azimuth In 2003, they founded Azimuth Watches. “Our main motivation was not to make a “me too” product. We knew we were new and small, so

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to survive in this market where traditional brands dominate, we needed to differentiate ourselves. The products that we create must have that “shebang” and let the market realize that there is now a new player. To achieve this, we knew that we had to deliver a unique design that would set us apart. We also had to be competitive, price-wise and compared to watches in the same genre, and finally, Azimuth had to respect the traditional Swiss watchmaking craft whilst still experimenting with bold designs. We knew it was a big challenge but we accepted it, went to the drawing board and got our creative juices to work.”

The Name and Logo “Both Alvin and I like space, and when it came to the name for our company, we knew that our initials, or a mix of our names, wouldn’t work,” explains Christopher, “and so we came up with Azimuth. Azimuth starts with a thought; a contemplation of our place on this planet; a mathematical term that defines the arc of a horizon from a reference point. But more importantly, Azimuth represents a cerebral pursuit - a reflection of Time and Space as determined by the word’s Arabic roots, which translates to ‘route taken by a traveller’. It is through this synergy of science and philosophy that the Azimuth collection is conceived.

Our logo is an abstract interpretation of the ‘Spiral’ or ‘Hairspring’.

Since the time of crafting early mechanical timepieces painstakingly by hand, the Spiral has been the heartbeat of every mechanical watch.

Azimuth has extracted this essence of the mechanism as the logo to exemplify Azimuth’s philosophy of creating only mechanical watches.”

Number One The next was to create their very first watch. “We looked to cars, toys, tools, and machines as sources of inspiration, and the result was pleasantly refreshing; we were able to conceive watch designs that were never seen before in the market.” And so, after all their creative work, they finally introduced Azimuth’s very first watch. A pilot watch. “Yes, indeed, a simple traditional pilot watch, the ‘Bombardier I’. Not that bold, not that different, right? And even bolder – it did not show the brand! We took our love for vintage watches, took a vintage movement and honoured the 1940s when many pilot watches were made without a brand on the dial. The irony was that it gained us quite the recognition, and the watch without a brand established a brand. We then used the profits from the pilot watches to fund our Avant-Garde designs.”

In 2005, Azimuth introduced the first watch collection with a design that went straight against the traditional way of telling time. The BMF series started with two models, first the Gauge Mecha-1 BMF and then, in 2008, the now iconic model Mr. Roboto, which immediately put the young company up there among the brands producing unique design. They also entered the world stage when they participated in the Baselworld watch show in 2007, followed by opening their headquarters in Bienne, Switzerland.

“Over the next few years, we added new lines to the portfolio, such as ‘Space’ with the Spaceship watch,” Chris explains. “It was a first of its kind, using a highly stylized 3D minute hand carrying a jump-hour disc.”

A bold watch with a domed sapphire crystal, it really mimics the profile of a spacecraft’s cockpit. Today, Azimuth offers 6 different models, and it is one of their most popular lines.

Next came the Twin Barrel Tourbillon, which also started the ‘Automobile’ line and, with the introduction of ‘Back in Time’, the world’s first anticlockwise single hand automatic watch as part of the ‘Juxtaposition’ line.

It was followed by the Azimuth X-Treme-1, a modern interpretation of a diver’s watch, inspired by and developed with the consultation of a world-renowned explorer, archaeologist and high-altitude scuba diver.

In 2015, Azimuth not only relocated its atelier to Neuchâtel, another famous watchmaking enclave in Switzerland, the team was also joined by highly skilled Swiss watchmaker Giuseppe Picchi, a graduate of the La Chaux de Fonds Technical College with more than 30 years [top to bottom] CRAZY RIDER | TWIN TURBO & GRAN TURISMO | MR. ROBOTO R2

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B-UHR 48MM CASEBACK MOVEMENT

AZIMUTH PREDATOR 2

of watchmaking experience. Under his watchful eyes, all future in-house complication and semi-complication modules have been developed. The same year, Azimuth launched one of the company’s most famous watches, the Twin Turbo. Inspired by racing cars from the 1960s, the case mimics the bonnet of a car and can be flipped open. The Twin Turbo uses separate vintage calibres from the same time-period, and dials taking cues from classic speedometers. The success of the watch then led to the Gran Turismo, another sculptural work of art honouring the classics of the past.

Several other models followed, and today, one year short of the 20th anniversary, Azimuth offers 4 distinctive lines, or “Universes”, of watches: AUTOMOBILE Inspired by the automotive world, the world of classic racing where speed and precision meet the skilled and thrill-seeking rider, the line currently offers 5 different models in several iterations.

SCIENCE-FICTION Futuristic science and technology, time travel, parallel universes and the wondrous world of steampunk give life to Azimuth’s Sci-Fi category. Here, you will find the iconic Mr. Roboto watches.

SPACE “The final frontier” ... Gaping black holes, faraway galaxies, unexplored planets, and mysterious orbits. Several ‘Spaceships’ take the owner on a journey to the unknown. The newest addition, the “Predator 2.0”, is “yet another expression of our desire to always be bold and adventurous in the field of mechanical watchmaking. The watch’s inspiration, design and technical qualities are driven by our never-ending quest in the field of progressive horology,” says Azimuth’s Technical Director, Giuseppe Picchi.

JUXTAPOSITION “A dimension where you undergo a paradigm shift in all ideas, logic, and beliefs,” is Azimuth’s own description of their Juxtaposition line of watches.

In 2020, the ‘Go Astro Boy, Go!” saw a collaboration with Tezuka/ Planetnemo to create an automatic timepiece that tells time by the moving arms of Astro Boy, a famous Japanese science fiction series from the 1950s and 60s, and in 2021, after 11 years in the making, another famous character was added. 11 years after Azimuth created a commemorative timepiece for Singapore’s 45th birthday, using their “Back in Time” movement and dial so that the numbers 4 and 5 were consecutive, forming the anniversary year, the Garfield watch could again use the anti-clockwise numerals to display a “56”. Limited to 56 pieces, it commemorates the 56th birthday of the birthplace of the Azimuth founders.

For more information about Azimuth, please visit their website www.azimuthwatch.com

Garfield loves Azimuth!

The 56 BIT Singapore Commemorative Edition and BITCOIN PIZZA! GO ASTRO BOY GO! V2 (far right)

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XERIC LEADFOOT AUTOMATIC. US$999

PHENOMEN STEEL MIND. € 34,000

TWISTED TIME When it comes to watchmaking, there are typically all sorts of inspirations and purposes that will influence the design of the watch, sometimes resulting in unconventional case shapes. The watches that we have picked here have the automotive and aviation enthusiast in mind, who have no time to take their hands off the wheel and so the watch face is angled directly at you.

MB&F HM8. US$82,000 LONGINES Heritage Avigation. C$4,800 PETRIKAS ‘Drive Watch’. Concept.

URWERK UR-112. CHF250,000.

AZIMUTH GranTurismo. US$5,200

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Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 US$36,800

BIG BANG UNICO

BOUTIQUE VANCOUVER 1080 Alberni Street • Tel. 604 559 8883

18K King Gold case set with diamonds.

In-house UNICO chronograph movement.

M.A.D. EDITIONS

M.A.D.1 RED

For the past 16 years, MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser has been creating other-worldly timekeeping machines - but Max has also been playing with a side project for a while now: creating a more accessible machine, under another label, but always with the crazy MB&F touch. The result: “M.A.D.1”.

The M.A.D.1’s fully visible triple-blade, titanium and tungsten rotor winds one of the rare automatic movements with unidirectional winding (essential for an easy, high-speed rotation), the reliable Miyota 821A, flipped upside-down – a nod to MB&F’s HM3 and HM8. Time is displayed laterally thanks to revolving hour and minute cylinders, engraved and boosted with Super-LumiNova.

But there is more: Due to a massive response to the watch, a raffle was put in place to get an allocation, making this watch one of the most sought-after and rarest time machines on the market! www.madgallery.net

OMEGA X SWATCH

BIOCERAMIC MOONSWATCH

Omega x Swatch is the latest example of the ongoing collabs movement, combining the legacies of two Swiss watch icons in one appreciable package, immediately garnering immense worldwide attention. Hundreds of people lined up at Swatch flagships across the globe on March 26, sometimes camping outside the stores overnight, despite the announcement that “the watches will be available in the selected Swatch stores in the coming weeks as it is not a limited edition.” C$320.

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SINN R500

This bullhead chronograph was designed and built to be a functional and practical racing stopwatch for your wrist. It has a titanium case and dial sloping down toward the wrist from 12 to 6 and features a 500 MPH tachymeter, a date display, and a power reserve indicator.

The Sinn R500 relies on a Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement beating at a frequency of 28,800vph and providing the watch with a 42-hour power reserve.

Limited to 300 pieces. €3,950.

TONINO LAMBORGHINI

CUSCINETTO R

Not just for fans of the famous Italian brand, this automatic watch has a skeleton dial in fumé sapphire glass with luminescent decalque indexes and orange finishing. The bezel has a free bidirectional rotation inspired by a ball bearing from the automotive industry and the crown features the logo of the Miura Bull, recalling the brand heritage. Comes with two interchangeable straps. $4,300.

Tonino Lamborghini, 511 Howe St, Vancouver

“THE WORLD’S THINNEST WATCH!”

BVLGARI

OCTO FINISSIMO ULTRA It is the cornerstone of fine watchmaking at Bulgari and after only 8 years, it is as strongly identified with the brand as the Nautilus is with Patek Philippe, or the Royal Oak with Audemars Piguet. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo has set records in ultra-thin watchmaking from the beginning, setting a new world record each and every year, including for the world’s thinnest tourbillon, minute repeater, self-winding watch, self-winding tourbillon, chronograph, tourbillon chronograph, and perpetual calendar. This year, it takes the record for the world’s thinnest watch from the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept watch. At just 1.80mm, it is 0.2mm thinner than the Piaget!

And yes, that is a QR-code etched onto the barrel cover, which, when scanned, leads to a video about the watch with an NFT attached to it that makes it specific to that particular watch.

Limited edition of 10 pieces, worldwide. €400,000.

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KROSS STUDIO

BATMAN TOURBILLON

The fairly new boutique Swiss watchmaker is known for its pop-culture-inspired timepieces, and has recently introduced this tourbillon in commemoration of the new ‘The Batman’ movie.

Limited to 10 pieces, it features a 45mm black DLC-coated titanium case and the brand’s signature central tourbillon and planetary hand design. It also comes in a functional Bat-Signal spotlight box.

US$100,000.

JACOB & CO.

GOTHAM CITY

Another amazing timepiece inspired by the Dark Knight, the 45.5mm Gotham City features an artistic bat shaped dial outlined in bold yellow and a host of Batman accents front and back. It uses the manual winding twin flying triple-axis tourbillon JCFM10 movement, consisting of 382 parts. Two versions of the watch will be made, both limited to 36 pieces: one in black Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) for US$220,000 and the other in 18-karat rose gold that sells for US$240,000.

GIRARD-PERREGAUX CASQUETTE 2.0

Nearly half a century later, GP brings back their iconic 1970s Casquette LED watch with its driver-type display, in a slightly modernized way. Loyal to the original design, the sleek, tapered black ceramic case with a grade 5 titanium caseback measures 42.40mm in length, 33.60mm in width and has a maximum thickness of 14.64mm. The caliber GP03980-1474 displays the hours, the minutes, the seconds, the day and the date on demand, just like the 1970s movement but it comes with additional functionalities: the month, the year, a chronograph, a second time zone and a ‘secret memorable date’. Limited to 820 watches. US$4,700.

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LAURENT FERRIER SPORT AUTO

ARMIN STROM

A tribute to 1970s motor racing, the Sport Auto has the new Calibre LF270.01 movement which features a micro-rotor, Swiss lever escapement, 31 jewels, and a power reserve of 72 hours.

CHF46,000.

GRAVITY EQUAL FORCE JUNGLE GREEN

The world’s first automatic timepiece with a constant force transmission, this new version of the Gravity Equal Force totes a jungle-green guilloché dial. 41mm. Limited to 15 pieces.

US$22,900.

HUBLOT

SQUARE BANG

The first Hublot square watch maintains the classic DNA the brand has infused into the Big Bang and Classic Fusion lines over the years. 42mm.

Available in five variations and starting at CAD28,900.

CORUM

ADMIRAL BLACK CARBON

The striking 45mm Black Carbon with green SuperLuminova is the newest member of the iconic Corum line, launched more than 60 years ago. Beautiful in light, this watch truly shines at night with its luminescent green inclusions in the carbon. The in-house automatic CO 297 movement has a power reserve of 48 hours.

Limited to 25 pieces.

CDN54,200.

ROGER DUBUIS

EXCALIBUR SOHO EDITION

Better hurry - only 8 of these graffiti-inspired watches, celebrating the new boutique in Soho, will be made! Crafted from a milky-white mineral composite fiber and displaying a skeletonized dial. D820SQ selfwinding movement. Price upon request.

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RISK IS THE REWARD The first watch brand to embrace the world of sailing, the Corum Admiral collection celebrates its nautical origins.

With its unique 12-sided case and nautical pennants as hour markers, it is instantly recognized the world over.

ADMIRAL 45 AUTOMATIC

MONTECRISTO - www.montecristo.ca CHATEAU D’IVOIRE - www.chateaudivoire.com Montreal, QB - 514.845.4651

CLASSIC CREATIONS - www.classiccreations.com Toronto, ON - 416.222.0405 LA MINE D’OR - www.laminedor.ca Moncton, NB - 506.857.1980

CORUM-WATCHES.COM • @CORUMUSA (954) 279-1220 • info@cwjbrands.com

by Jason Boudreau

CREATING IMPACT Candid Conversations with Leaders in Life, Business and Philanthropy

W

WELCOME BACK TO CREATING IMPACT! I hope this finds you and yours well and healthy in anticipation of the warmer weather and longer days soon to be upon us. I am writing this edition while on my first flight with my family in more than two years. It was so nice to see the airport busy again and as I look around at the other passengers on this full flight, it’s a little surreal.

I can’t help but think about just how much we have collectively been through as humanity to get through this pandemic and how nice it is that we are finally returning to normal life. For this first issue of 2022, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Graham Lee, Founder and CEO of GSL Group, a dynamic company in diverse industries, including real estate development, holdings and construction, sports and entertainment, recreational facilities, travel and hospitality, health and fitness, agriculture, and e-commerce. I learned early in our conversation that positively impacting communities is at the heart of everything Graham touches and it was evident throughout that GSL’s mission, “Better Communities, Through Better Connections”, is alive and well.

GRAHAM LEE GSL Group

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Graham began by sharing about his grandparents, both of whom were originally from the Guangdong province of China. The Lee family’s long history in Vancouver started with his grandfather coming here in 1911, a journey that he first had to make on his own. “Because of the Exclusion Act”, Graham shared, “my grandmother couldn’t come over here until 1928, 12 years after she married my grandfather in 1916 in China. Once Graham’s grandmother was settled, they began to build their life and their family in Vancouver together, eventually having seven children. In 1933, Graham’s father, Robert (better known as Bob), was born and over the course of his life, became an influential figure in Canadian real estate, business, and philanthropy, receiving several awards and accolades including both the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia. Graham shared, “my dad also served as the Chancellor of UBC from 1993-1996, where he founded UBC Properties Trust that is now nearly a $2 billion endowment. This was one of his great legacies”.

It was clear from Graham’s sharing that UBC is a

special place for the Lee family. It’s where Bob met Graham’s mother Lily and they went on to have Graham and three other children, Carol, Leslie, and Derek, all of whom graduated from UBC. Graham grew up on the North Shore, living in North Vancouver until grade two and then in West Vancouver until graduating from Sentinel High School.

He would then move on to study at UBC from 1982-1987, where he would also meet his wife, Angela. “She was studying economics and I was in commerce”, Graham shared, “we got married in 1991 and lived a great life downtown. Then in 1994, our first daughter was born and a year later, our son came along, so we decided to move back to West Vancouver to raise our family and we’ve been here ever since”.

At this point in the conversation, I shifted gears to business and asked Graham to share the genesis of GSL Group. “It all started in 1987 at UBC in a class called Entrepreneurship 396, taught by Professor Tomlinson. I wrote the entire business plan in that class and in 1989, started the company. It was a blind pool immigration fund that allowed people who invested to gain Landed-Immigrant status in Canada.

There were rules about the types of assets we could deploy the money into and one of the allowable investments was ice rinks as they are community amenities and having us build them took away some of the risk for the cities”. GSL’s first rink was Planet Ice in Coquitlam and since then, they’ve built several other Planet Ice and community arenas in cities across BC. In 1999, GSL completed a milestone project in Kelowna called Prospera Place, home of the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets and host to many of Kelowna’s biggest music, sporting, and entertainment events. Graham explained that “Prospera Place was the first of its kind in North America, where a smaller market gained features of a “big city” facility. Having an arena like this draws in acts and events that these smaller cities don’t typically get, and it was very unique at the time”.

Following this significant business accomplishment, Graham and Angela added another family milestone with the birth of their third child, and second daughter. “Things were going

pretty well around this time with the business so in 2003, I decided to take on a bunch of debt and buyout all of the other shareholders. They were all very happy because they were able to get their landed immigrant status and got paid back with a return on their money.

And at the same time as I took on the debt to buy them out, we were building the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, which was a very hard time to build because of the escalating costs at the time. That was a period where I wasn’t sure if we were going to make it”. This is a common theme I hear when having these candid conversations with business owners. There always seems to be a point (or points) in their lives when they’ve got so much on the line, it becomes a “make it or break it” situation. I asked Graham to explain how he felt at this time and his answer was one that I didn’t expect to hear. “We had three young kids at the time and lots on the go, yet I didn’t feel stressed.

I saw this as my one true opportunity to make it happen and make it work.

Being in business for yourself affords a lot of freedom, and there’s a cost for that freedom”. The bet Graham took on himself ultimately paid off and GSL completed another facility in Kelowna that year, the Capital News Centre, as well as a senior living facility in Victoria and the Oceanside Place Arena in Parksville, BC. We fast-forward the dialogue a year to 2004 and Graham begins to tie in community to the heart of the conversation. “Growing up I was always

around my dad, and he set the example for me about giving back. It’s about more than giving money, it’s about creating value and helping people’s lives. At GSL, we have a saying: “We Bring People Together and Connect Communities”. I see our arenas as community assets that help form the culture of a community by giving people a place they can gather and connect around sport or music or entertainment”. This was exemplified by another milestone event in 2004, when Kelowna hosted the Memorial Cup (Canada’s major junior hockey championship) at Prospera Place and the Rockets won. The following year, in 2005, the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre opens its doors in Victoria and since then, GSL’s two main arenas have continued to host sports, major events and shows for world-

“

“for us, it’s always about building community.

Our focus with our residential developments is that it’s not just about a place to live, it’s about a place to connect.”

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“

“When you create value for others, it will ultimately create value for you and good things will come back to you, twofold!” famous acts coming through Canada including Elton John (sold out 6 times), Aerosmith, Shania Twain, Cher, Sting, Don Henley, Prince, World Junior Hockey Championships, World Curling Championships, Skate Canada, FIRST Robotics Competition, and Cirque du Soleil, just to name a few. “It’s events like these that help shape communities and to be able to host them in smaller cities is something unique that we are very proud of,” Graham says.

Later that year, Graham and Angela had yet another family milestone event and something to be even more proud of, welcoming their fourth child, and third daughter, to their family.

It is now 2008 and Graham has another idea to bring the community together, this time in his own backyard of West Vancouver through an outdoor music festival held at Ambleside Park. Eight times between 2009 and 2019, this outdoor music festival would welcome world-renowned acts such as Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl

Crow, Neil Young, Ed Sheeran, and Kenny Chesney. In this same decade, Graham led GSL to develop multi-family residential towers, never losing sight of his WHY. “For us, it’s always about building community. Our focus with our residential developments is that it’s not just about a place to live, it’s about a place to connect. We have brought people together to connect in our facilities for many years and it’s no different in the commercial real estate we develop. We have one development that has Canadian Tire and Save-OnFoods on one end and a 2-pad ice rink with a dedicated public skating rink on the other end.”

As GSL connects people in the spaces it builds, it also connects its employees with a greater purpose and mission.

I asked Graham what his team says about working at GSL. “We have around 250 full-time employees today and, in normal times, another 2000 or so part-time employees working across our facilities and arenas. People really enjoy working here and are excited by both the culture we have as a company and the events we host. They love being at the live events and being immersed in that atmosphere.”

In 2014, then BC Premier, Christie Clark, asked Graham to join the UBC Board of Governors. This was a special time for Graham, given he and his family’s deep ties to the university.

“Being on the board, it was incredible to see what my dad had created, and to be able to do what he did through all the layers of special interest groups that are now part of any university’s voice, is truly remarkable,” Graham smiles. A year later, in 2015, Graham completed the cirlcle to where the seed was planted for his business and donated the funds required to help build the Graham Lee Innovation Centre at UBC. This is where students and alumni like Graham, can develop their ideas with

the help of mentors that will hopefully someday change the shape of society.

“When UBC approached me about a location for the centre, they asked if I wanted it to be a part of my dad’s building, the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, as space was available. Of course, the answer was yes.”

As we were nearing the end of our time together, and as is always customary with these Candid Conversations, I asked Graham to close by sharing some thoughts and insights for others when considering how to meaningfully give back to their communities.

Graham began his response by sharing a lyric that matches his philosophy he developed when he was 5 years old. It is from Sheryl Crow’s song, Soak Up the Sun. ‘It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got. It is not just about being happy with what you have, it is wanting what you already have, it is different. When you want what you’ve got, you don’t worry about what the other person has, you focus on what makes you happy and it’s easier to focus on helping others.’

“Over the past couple of years, I’ve done a lot of reflecting and reconnecting to our WHY to make sure our businesses stay purposeful for our team, our customers and the communities we are in. As we move forward, we will focus even more deeply on how we can truly add more value to all our communities. When you create value for others, it will ultimately create value for you and good things will come back to you, twofold!”

JASON BOUDREAU CFP, CLU WEALTH ADVISOR Principal & Founder - VELA Wealth www.velawealth.com

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book your experience at www.phantomcreekestates.com 4315 BLACK SAGE ROAD • OLIVER BC V0H 1T1 • 250.498.8367

MIKE

DARLINGTON CO-FOUNDER & CEO MONSTERCAT WORDS: DR. OLIVER FINLAY PHOTOS: DANIEL KEEN | KAT LAM

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IC: In fifteen words or less, who are you and what do you do?

MD: Co-founder and CEO of Monstercat record label and digital collectibles platform, who asks, “Why not?”

IC: Where are you from and how did you get involved in the music industry?

MD: I grew up in Ontario and became an event promoter while attending the University of Waterloo. Through this, I had the opportunity to meet musicians and learn first-hand how difficult it was for them to make a living from their art. The basic needs and proper infrastructure they were lacking seemed within reach, and the idea that we could solve those issues became the foundation for Monstercat’s development.

IC: Monstercat has been a pioneer in promoting unsigned artists and helping them share their music with a wider audience.

What was the inspiration for your approach and how do you feel your model has helped shift a previously very traditional and restrictive industry?

MD: I was told early on that an artist could only “pay their bills” by touring and that just felt wrong. I knew that a community-based approach to marketing and artist development would increase the likelihood that they could reach a large enough audience to live off their music. That’s been our model since day one.

IC: 10 years ago, there was concern about the decline of the music industry. Fast forward to 2022 and recent revenue reports have demonstrated significant global growth. What do you think have been the key drivers for this upturn in the business?

MD: Streaming undoubtedly changed the game, alongside festivals and charging higher ticket prices for events. However, I believe there is room for drastic disruption, which is why I’m such an advocate for Web3-driven projects, because the reality is that artists are still struggling to pay their bills without a large touring component.

IC: Monstercat has explored and strengthened the connection between music and gaming. Why do you think the two worlds have become so interconnected?

MD: Gaming and music have been intertwined since their inception. Soundtracks paint a story within games and create longlasting memories. The nostalgia of gaming music is undeniably powerful.

IC: What opportunities do you see Web 3 and the metaverse creating for the music industry and how are you positioning the evolution of Monstercat to take advantage of this new world?

MD: Monstercat has always been willing to take a first-mover risk on developing markets, so long as we can justify how they will contribute to sustainability for our artist roster. I see Web3 as a market for creating a new layer to the Web2 music industry, allowing artists to better connect with their superfans. I also see Web3 as a new means for fundraising to help new artists kickstart their career without the need for aggressive label or publishing deals.

IC: Which other music and entertainment companies do you admire and how do they provide inspiration for your work in developing Monstercat?

MD: I’ve always been inspired by Insomniac. I admire how they develop stories and brands, whilst creating a deep relationship with their audience. They’ve definitely provided inspiration for our visual theming.

IC: Monstercat’s live music events in the Railtown neighbourhood have been a real draw for Vancouverites in recent times.

How would you like to think the company can contribute to enhancing the local community over the coming years?

MD: We see Compound as a way to bring together many of the local businesses, organisations, and locals in a truly organic and meaningful way. It’s a time for the community to experience what makes Vancouver unique during a free event geared for all demographics.

IC: What 3 words would your closest friends use to describe you?

MD: Passionate, stubborn, innovative IC: What one piece of advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

MD: You are going to make a lot of mistakes and they don’t stop happening, but it will work out in the end. I spent too much time worrying as a kid.

IC: Complete the sentence: “Vancouver is a great place for entrepreneurs in 2021, because…

MD: …there’s an underdog spirit to build here, inspired by art, nature and technology.

It’s a good energy”.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

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THE DASSAULT FALCON 10X

The new flagship in Dassault’s Falcon line of private jets, the 10X will have the biggest cabin on the market and offer greater modularity than any other aircraft in its class. Its cabin will be 6-feet, 8-inches (2.03 m) tall and 9-feet, 1-inch wide (2.77 m), making it almost 8-inches (20 cm) wider and 2-inches (5 cm) taller than the widest and tallest purpose-built business jet flying today. 38 extralarge windows will line the fuselage making for the brightest cabin in business aviation.

Tailored for speed and efficiency, the 10X comes with high-speed wings made of carbon fiber composites for maximum strength, reduced weight and minimum drag. The twin-engine aircraft will be powered by brand-new Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines. The latest, largest and most powerful version of the Pearl series, delivering more than 18,000 pounds of thrust, the Falcon 10X will have a range of 7,500 nautical miles, making nonstop flights from New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Sydney, Hong Kong to New York or Paris to Santiago possible. The top speed will be Mach 0.925.

The Falcon 10X will enter service at the end of 2025. www.dassault-aviation.com

THE AVIATION RESTOMODS WACO AIRCRAFT

It’s been a huge trend in the automotive world for years: Take a classic, and carefully update it with modern technology, safety features and amenities. At Michiganbased WACO Aircraft Corporation, they decided to do the same in the aviation industry. Today, they employ more than 100 people, delivering close to 20 planes a year. In addition, WACO Aircraft Europe GmbH was formed in 2021 to strengthen the company’s European presence.

“The demand is definitely there,” says Waco’s CEO, “and with our experienced craftsmen, we are now the leader in building handcrafted airplanes.”

Currently, two faithful homages to the Golden Age of biplanes are available: Both the WACO YMF-5 and the Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 are completely produced by hand, based on original techniques from the 1920’s and 1930’s.

And although they may appear to be original aircraft, these flying machines are brand new and feature modern technology for improved flying characteristics and safety.

“It is the magic and thrill of an open-cockpit biplane with the wind tugging at your cheek,” owners describe the feeling of flying a WACO Aircraft, “but knowing that you can fully rely on modern technology.”

As every WACO is made-to-order, the client has almost unlimited personalization options, from the interior with 80 shades of durable leather and custom-stitching, to 150 base colours, numerous instrumentation options and even amphibious floats. www.WacoAircraft.com

Gets You Where You Want To Go

AIRBLE IS YOUR ON-DEMAND PRIVATE AVIATION MARKETPLACE We are dedicated to reinventing the way people book private and shared air travel and adventure tours.

WHAT IS AIRBLE? Airble is a first-ever Canadian private aviation and tour marketplace based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Our mobile and web applications allow passengers to book on-demand and highly customized flights and tour options offered by our service providers quickly and easily.

Airble offers booking options that include private, shared, and empty leg flights for leisure or business travel, as well as a variety of adventure tours.

WHY USE AIRBLE? Save time researching your options online with Airble’s one-stop-shop platform and view private or shared flights and tours for business and leisure travel all in one place.

Get access to a variety of land airports, water aerodromes, and heliports located in close proximity to your destination.

Take advantage of the latest deals available on private aircraft close to you.

Skip the lineups and wait times required by commercial air travel.

Discover unforgettable places – all hidden gems in your location.

Explore the freedom of booking your own private flight or adventure tour today!

Visit www.Airble.com to sign up and learn more.

Christopher

BATES

The passion that Christopher Bates expresses is almost palpable, and apparent in every aspect of his life. Originally from Vancouver, Bates, who was educated at the renowned Istituto Marangoni in Milan, has chosen his real name to represent himself in the fashion world.

Since his debut, this intrepid designer has achieved a meteoric rise in the fashion industry and established his own design studio in Milan in 2014. In 2018, he designed the uniforms for Air Canada, which won him several awards, including “Best Design for Corporate Clothing” from the Professional Clothing Awards in London.

Today, celebrities around the world, from the movie industry to Formula One, have been spotted wearing Christopher Bates, and his designs are featured in the top fashion magazines worldwide.

We had the chance to discuss his career, and what will come next, at the launch of his much anticipated TOP GUN X Christopher Bates collection.

IC: You received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from UBC, a Management Certificate in Marketing Communications at BCIT and worked for five years in the marketing industry before you moved to Milan. Has it always been your plan to create your own label in the fashion industry?

VANCOUVER TO MILAN.

business into Asia, but for now we are focused on Canada, the US, Germany, and the UK.

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AWARD-WINNING FASHION DESIGNER.

CB: It was an extremely difficult period personally and professionally. Pre-pandemic I had spent years building momentum and the business was really starting to take off. Our department store business was particularly hard hit.

We kept our business afloat with some loyal clients and timely corporate collaborations. It was a challenging time but I didn’t waste tim and worked on opening our studio and our first womenswear collection – both of which have been a great success and are pivotal for our growth plans as things improve. Tough times don’t last, tough people do.

CB: Italy is a design mecca. They excel in the finer things in life: fashion, textiles, automotive, interior, architecture, furniture, food, wine etc. The times I’ve lived, studied, and worked in Italy have been profoundly enriching. I’m currently based in Toronto but am regularly in Italy where we proudly produce almost all our products.

IC: Your collections are carried by several stores and boutiques throughout Canada and Europe. Has there ever been the thought of opening your very own stores? And what about Asia?

CB: I have always planned to have my own stores. Last year we took a big step towards that and opened our private studio in the Eaton Center, a multi-purpose hybrid space that includes retail, office, showroom, storage, event, and photography. I am also keen to expand our

CB: I was passionate about fashion from a young age. My mom dressed my brothers and I in cool clothes growing up and I started doing my own sketches for logos and designs. By the time I was 13 I had a book full of ideas. But it wasn’t until my early 20’s when I started traveling to Europe that I was exposed to fashion and became deeply inspired. It was then that I decided to become a designer and create my own label.

CB: A dream come true! I was hired by Pfaff Automotive to design a capsule collection of clothing inspired by their brand. After one of the meetings, Chris Pfaff, the President and CEO, asked if I also wanted to spec a Porsche 911 C4S. It was a fantastic experience and something I’d love to do more of.

We also just launched TOP GUN X Christopher Bates, officially licensed by Paramount Pictures. The exclusive, limitededition clothing line pays homage to the iconic 1986 original film while nodding to the new Top Gun Maverick movie. Each piece was carefully crafted, with exceptional materials and significant attention to detail. Our goal was to revive the beloved original film in a genuine and nostalgic way while ushering in a new generation of fans who will be experiencing the exhilarating world of Top Gun for the very first time.

photo: Kit & Lauryn

www.ChristopherBates.com ICONIC CONCIERGE

IC: Collaborations are big right now. You have done a few collaborations yourself and even designed a one-of-a-kind Porsche 911?

IC: So what can we expect next from Christopher Bates?

IC: Italy with its rich history and culture, and beauty in pretty much anything must have been a big inspiration. It really didn’t take you long to establish yourself in the industry, and you soon had some big names on your client list. Where do you live and work these days?

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IC: We have to briefly touch on the pandemic.

CB: I’m inspired by living my life and inspiration can strike at any time, particular when I travel, listen to music, or watch movies. Currently, I’m designing our Spring/Summer 2023 collection and I have another big collaboration in the works, but it’s a bit premature to share the details.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Surmesur Vancouver

1012 Mainland St. | (604) 424-8555 vancouver@surmesur.com

@surmesurvancouver

EVERY SUMMER HAS ITS

OWN STORY

MAKE SURE TO TELL YOURS.

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[far left] A sports jacket instantly transforms any look from casual to smart, as its versatility allows for almost limitless styles. It is the garment that will never go out of style in your wardrobe. This combination of an orange sports jacket, a yellow Bengal striped shirt and white trousers resonates rugged refinement.

Complete this look with brown leather tassel loafers.

Stay cool, calm and collected everywhere you go for hot days spent in style. This stretch, puckered seersucker fabric is excellent for making a splash at the beach or any summer event!

Stylish and lightweight, this suit has a lively patterned appearance and a soft hand feel that will keep you feeling fresh all summer long.

The suit jacket features a wide peak lapel, three kissing buttons, a Spala Camicia shoulder and slanted pockets for a sharp, classic Italian style.

[left] Complex in nature but clean in silhouette, the Gurkha trouser is visually striking and works well when navigating rising temperatures or any summer dress codes. Damnably stylish, it will always retain a dauntless and adventurous touch.

If you appreciate relaxed dressing, especially in summer, team a blueand-white vertical striped shirt with hazelnut brown pleated trousers.

Brown leather tassel loafers make the ensemble slightly more sophisticated.

[below] Made to be worn 365 days a year with confidence, this refined windowpane sports jacket is cut from pure, worsted Merino wool by the renowned House of Dormeuil.

And just because it’s one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world doesn’t mean you can’t also wear it with your favourite jeans or chinos.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

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Long days spent outside call for the best clothing in the softest fabrics. This summer, dare to add a splash of colour to your looks with lightweight and breathable fabrics that will keep you cool under the sun and never weigh you down. For those who expect the highest quality for their garments and are tired of fading trends, there is no substitute for made-to-measure clothing.

Sir Edwin Hardy Amies, an English fashion designer, said it best: “A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them.” That’s all you need to know for a look that really suits your unique personality and lifestyle.

So turn up your coolness factor by designing perfectly tailored pieces with the help of your own personal stylist at Surmesur Vancouver. We want to make your life infinitely easier with smart-casual pieces designed for summer leisure. We got you covered with a wide selection of solid and patterned fabrics made for casual shirting that will wick sweat, keep you cool and enhance your style.

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[left] All the features and trendy designs of Italy in one suit.

Crafted with 100% worsted wool from Dormeuil’s Exel Blue range, this contemporary piece features a notch lapel with stitching, a Spalla Camicia shoulder and patch pockets for a more casual yet sharp style. The perfect addition to any wardrobe, creating an ideal suit for everyday wear. [top page] Stylish, modern and elegant, this striking light purple sports jacket is cut from a lightweight and structured wool-linen-silk blend in a smart glen plaid. Featuring a wide peak lapel, a regular shoulder style and patch pockets, it is a true seasonal staple for the contemporary gentleman. Pair it with anything from sleek trousers to classic jeans. [top] This colourful sports jacket crafted from a lightweight wool-linen-silk blend features a wide notch lapel, a regular shoulder style and patch pockets for a summery casual vibe.

Putting together a strawberry red jacket and blue jeans is a guaranteed way to infuse your wardrobe with some masculine sophistication.

“A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them.

--Sir Edwin Hardy Amies

Designed for the gentleman who knows what he wants! This cream suit is tailored in a breathable cotton-linen blend from the Gustavo collection for a touch of seasonal colour. The fabric’s sophisticated texture makes it the perfect choice for any summer wedding or terrace party. The suit jacket features a wide peak lapel, four kissing buttons, a Spala Camicia shoulder style and patch pockets for a cool and relaxed style.

In Style!

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN This radiant fragrance, with the vitality of bergamot from Calabria and the softness of a fruity musk accord, is sustained by a rich burst of blackcurrant, jasmine and mimosa. .

MONTBLANC EXPLORER ULTRA BLUE A citrus-marine-woody scent built around a marine accord with notes of violet leaf, lemon, bergamot, juicy-pink peppercorn, patchouli, tonka bean, and leather accord.

The Best Fragrances For Men AMAN SEI “When night falls across a silent desert...”

Intense aromas of pine needles and juniper rise through a haze of clary sage and lavender, slowly revealing smouldering cedar and ciste labdanum.

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PARFUMS DE MARLY PEGASUS This scent has a woody and exceptionally distinguished signature. Pegasus opens up with a balance of fruit, wood and spice, developed from the blend of cypress, bergamot and heliotrope.

Its heart offers a combination of jasmine, lavender, and bitter almond, creating a powdery, fresh fragrance.

F&R KIAWAH This highly-concentrated, waxbased fragrance t has the warm scent of Virginia Cedar blending perfectly with the crisp scent of cool ocean tides.

The combination is accented with clean citrus and smooth amber.

join the mile high club

BRIONI The ultimate signature of effortless Roman chic accompanied by irresistible temptation. It is the ideal complement to Brioni’s sartorial universe, the last, invisible, touch to the perfect outfit..

In Style!

For 2022

xcitemecanada.com xcitecanada.ca

THE

GENTLEMAN

by Julie-Anna Vogel | www.julieabroad.com

ABROAD

EDITION 9 - ANTWERP, BE AH... ANTWERP…the city of money, art and fashion. Where the first newspaper was printed, the first stock exchange established (actually a commodities exchange as stocks had yet to be invented) and Europe’s first skyscraper was built in 1932.

300,000 tons of coffee are stored in the harbour and diamonds litter the streets…well, not really, but 84% of rough gems pass through the city, 54 billion dollars’ worth. Tickets to the Fashion Academy Graduation Show sell out quickly to an audience eager to discover the next Who’s who of cutting-edge design. In the 16th century, it was the economic hub of the world.

Merchants showed off their wealth by building…houses, churches, offices…many remain, making the centre one of the most beautiful spots in Europe. Now a foodie mecca, Antwerp is a must for the gentleman seeking the latest fashion, cafes that roast their own beans, restaurants that top awards and a culture influenced by money like no other.

HERTOG JAN RESTAURANT - Eye-wateringly expensive, yet worth every penny. Gert & Joachim shut down their 3 Michelin Star restaurant in 2018 to focus on other projects and in October 2021, this gem became one of their new endeavours. Seating a maximum of 22 people and only opening 2 weeks a month, this is one tough table to get. Those lucky enough to get a reservation will experience a culinary adventure like no other. Guests are asked not to share details to maintain the surprise for those who eat next…you’ll have to trust me on this one. Check the website for last-minute cancellations.

www.hertog-jan.com DE KONINCK BREWERY - Enjoy a beer, or two - and learn about it, too. They’ve been making it since 1833. Described as high fermentation, low sugar brew, it is loved by connoisseurs. Local expert Michael Jackson calls it a ‘mild but treacherously quaffable beer’. Attend a food & beer pairing or get a draft beer in an oversized can, to go.

www.dekoninck.be

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ICONIC CONCIERGE

(left to right) HANDELSBEURS | TIM VAN LAERE GALLERY | ROYAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

MUSEUM QUARTER - Up your culture! There is so much art in just a few blocks. Antwerp’s biggest museum, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, established in 1890, dominates. The brand new modern addition, constructed in the courtyard of the old building, is a must-see. So are renowned art galleries Tim Van Laere Gallery and Gallery Sofie Van de Velde. The FOMU (the Photo Museum) and MHKA (Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp) show why Antwerp is also a city for edgy new art. www.kmska.be | www.fomu.be | www.sofievandevelde.be | www.timvanlaeregallery.com | www.muhka.be LOUIS - The first store anywhere to sell fashion label Ann Demeulemeester, they are known for discovering new talent and selling cutting edge but wearable fashionable for both men and women. The owner is on the judging panel of the famous fashion school. Every year she offers the Louis Prize to a second-year student which includes the chance to display their collection in the store.

www.louisantwerp.be GANTERIE BOON - More shopping time! “The greatest glove shop”, founded in 1884, was bought by Arthur Boon in 1920 and members of his family have been in charge ever since. They definitely know their gloves, collaborating with workshops all over Europe. Every glove is unique, and an artistic creation. Leathers are carefully sourced and tanned. Though they have an online presence, you want to go in person.

The original counters, cabinets and glove boxes remain and the one-on-one service ensures a perfect fit.

www.glovesboon.be

(top left, clockwise) DE KONINCK BREWERY | HERTOG JAN RESTAURANT | GANTERIE BOON | LOUIS ANTWERP

HANDELSBEURS - A must when visiting Antwerp. The mother of all stock exchanges was the places deals were done, goods bought & sold and the focal point of European commerce from 1531 to 1631. It was copied in London, Lille and Amsterdam. Destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt in 1872 in a curious mix of neo-gothic and revolutionary metal construction. By 1997 it had been abandoned and left to decay.

Restored, more gorgeous than ever, it reopened in 2019 to house concerts, dinners and special events. On weekends it is open for the public to just wander around…but I recommend a tour with Tanguy Ottomer who literally wrote the book about the exchange. He is an expert on the rest of Antwerp too. www.handelsbeursantwerpen.be

ICONIC CONCIERGE

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CASK WHISKY VAULT

A sanctuary of style and an unapologetic celebration of the finer things in life, Cask compliments a seemingly endless array of single malts, bourbons, and blended whiskies with the casual dining style of an Izakaya.

An intimate atmosphere anchored by a Robata Grill and private tasting rooms, Cask is a place to retreat to - a world to indulge in.

Along with its whiskey selection and modern Japanese inspired cuisine, Cask features live entertainment during the week and signature events throughout the year.

Cask is situated on street level and can seat about 65 guests divided over the intimate benches, loveseats and small tables overlooking the bar. The centre piece is our 30 foot custom bar and offers space for guests who just want to have a drink. Cask also has 2 unique private dining areas that can be exclusively reserved for up to 10 guests each.

Opening Hours: Wednesdays - Sundays:

5:00 pm – LATE

8400 West Road | Richmond | [604] 242.2767

Le Train Blue

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BRUNO RESTAURANT

Under the helm of celebrated chef Will Lew, the 6,000 sq.ft. Bruno restaurant is focused on connection, sustainable practices, and high-impact dishes. Serving elevated menu items directly influenced by the local farmers and artisans that supply their ingredients, Bruno takes each guest on an always-evolving culinary journey, showcasing the best of British Columbia. Focused on family-style plating to encourage conversation and reconnection, Bruno offers a robust menu of seafood dishes, including their signature Oyster Shellfish Caviar Cart. Bruno’s Truffle Lavender Duck, another staple, features farm-fresh lavender sourced from Cortes Island and duck from the Fraser Valley.

Bruno offers intimate seating, a large 18-seat community table and a private room with seating for 10.

Open 7 days a week. [604] 242.2750

CLUB

8499 BRIDGEPORT ROAD | RICHMOND, BC | www.ClubVersante.com

VERSANTE VERSANTE HOTEL

www.VersanteHotel.com [604] 242.7777

RICHMOND’S ONLY LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL Just minutes from Vancouver Airport, Versante is far from a typical airport hotel. The hotel dazzles with vibrant colours, natural light and iconic furnishings, like the handcrafted chinoiserie rug by Andy Dixon in the lobby, the charcoal sculpture by Marie Khouri and the custom pink reception pod. 100 rooms and suites await the guests, including the 2,275 sq.ft. Versante Suite with 2-bedrooms, an oversized balcony, and bathrooms with rainforest shower and a freestanding soaker tub. It also has separate living and dining spaces with seating for ten.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

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out & about photography: Leila Kwok

THE DALMORE LUNAR NEW YEAR DINNER BOULEVARD KICHEN & OYSTER BAR On January 26th, The Dalmore’s Single Malt Specialist, Louis-Jérôme Barbosa Doise, invited for an intimate evening of discovery and indulgence in celebration of the Lunar New Year and the release of The Dalmore Constellation Collection Vintage 1964, along with a release of five remaining Dalmore Constellation Vintages.

One of the world’s rarest single malt whiskies, The Dalmore Constellation Collection Vintage 1964 Cask 9 was aged 46 years and is one of 67 bottles ever produced. It’s also the last known remaining bottle worldwide. After the dinner-event, the bottle went on display at a local BC Liquor store and an in-store draw was held for the chance to purchase this highly sought-after whisky for $80,000 CAD. It was another wonderful evening with a delicious menu, masterfully prepared by Chef Alex Chen and his team.

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FAIRMONT EMPRESS

Discover a new level of luxury on Fairmont Gold at Victoria’s landmark hotel. Our exclusive lifestyle hotel floor, Fairmont Gold, is an elevated hotel-within-a-hotel experience. Our dedicated Fairmont Gold teams strive to deliver the highest level of personalized service to each Fairmont Gold guest. Embark upon the grandest of experiences, as history comes to life with vibrant modern energy at Fairmont Empress. Fairmont Gold offers luxury accommodation, exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge access, a private harbour view terrace, daily breakfast, evening canapés and more.

Book your Fairmont Gold experience today at fairmont.com/empress

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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

WHAT’S NEXT IN THE ELECTRIC WORLD

ON THE COVER

AUDIO

SECURITY

RADAR

UPHOLSTERY

A BESPOKE TAILORED EXPERIENCE PREFERRED SHOP FOR AREA27

Inc Ridez 13395 76 Ave Surrey, BC 604.593.0363 www.incridez.ca info@incridez.com

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

WHAT’S NEXT IN THE ELECTRIC WORLD

THE POLESTAR 02 CONCEPT

This gorgeous hard-top convertible from Swedish electric carmaker Polestar aims to showcase potential future technologies and design ambitions from the company, which brands itself a “pure play performance car brand”. It has a bonded aluminum platform that Polestar says will allow for a bigger battery, and a focus on sustainable materials. One thing, though... Polestar, please redo the dash with its godawful 15-inch tablet! Oh, and we almost forgot - the 02 Concept comes with its own built-in 90 km/h drone that films your driving. www.polestar.com

THE AUDI A6 AVANT E-TRON

Audi just unveiled another close-to-production EV model and we really hope they will build it without too many changes. Utilizing the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), developed jointly with Porsche, this concept has dual motors developing a combined 469 hp and 590 lbft of torque, getting the Avant to 100 km/h in fewer than four seconds. Its 100-kWh battery pack is good for up to 700 km of range (based on European WLTP ratings).

Charging is possible up to speeds of 270 kW, adding 300 km of range in 10 minutes. The production-ready A6 Avant E-Tron will make its debut in 2023. www.audi.ca

ICONIC CONCIERGE

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WATCH THE VIDEO

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ICONIC CONCIERGE

FUTURE FORWARD A VISIT TO FARADAY FUTURE

Growing Pains Let’s be honest here – the road has been a bit bumpy for this California EV start-up, founded in 2014 by a Chinese businessman. After an announcement that it would invest up to $1 billion in its first manufacturing facility in Nevada, it all started very promising when in January 2016, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Faraday Future revealed its concept vehicle, the 1,000 hp (750 kW), 320 km/h, single seat sportscar FF ZERO1. At that point, the company already had a stunning 1,000 employees. Exactly one year later, at the 2017 CES, the company introduced what was to become their first production vehicle, a groundbreaking crossover, an “entirely new species” of vehicles based on its Variable Platform Architecture (VPA). The FF 91.

However, just months after unveiling the FF 91 and due to a financial setback, Faraday decided to suspend the work on its Nevada site and bring the production to California. After this, several key people departed Faraday Future and many employees left for a competing electric car maker. It got quiet around Faraday. However, behind the scenes, Faraday Future was undergoing restructuring. The company’s founder stepped down from his role as CEO in late 2019 and was replaced by Carsten Breitfeld, a former BMW executive and the former CEO at electric start-up Byton, who announced some big news soon after.

“We have been able to convince the capital market that this is a different company now, a company which can deliver a serious business plan and will deliver cars to customers,” Breitfeld said in an interview. “We have to start the production of the FF 91 in the next 12 months, followed by less expensive models and other EVs in the months and years to come.” That was in mid-2021.

Reason enough for us to pay the company a visit at their headquarters in Gardena, California.

Alive – and kicking!

Production is on schedule! The moment we passed through the security gate, entering a pretty impressive array of buildings, we not only saw a few early models that clearly had been used for crash-tests, we also passed a line-up of pre-production cars and, as we would find out later, the very first production-intent unit. The company will build more production-intent vehicles over the coming months for vehicle testing and validation, as well as final certification.

The headquarters not only house offices, it is also home to the design-studio and r&d department with its clay and full-scale models, numerous design-studies, a cinema-worthy presentation room and an experience studio with fabric, leather and other material samples.

Here, we were shown the Variable Platform Architecture (VPA) chassis, designed around a skateboard platform housing a modular battery system, which enables many electric motor configurations and future vehicle variants. Right next to it, the first fully functional productionintent FF 91 unit, built for vehicle testing and validation, as well as final certification, was waiting for our review. The actual production will take place at the companies 1.1 million-square-foot factory in Hanford, located around 300 km north of Los Angeles at which the company will be able to produce about 10,000 vehicle per year. Currently, FF is installing intelligent manufacturing equipment, including equipment from Guangzhou MINO Equipment Co., Ltd., a top-tier auto-

motive supplier offering advanced manufacturing solutions. This equipment is critical for the body assembly production line of the FF 91.

Born in the USA. Made globally.

Faraday just recently announced a partnership with South Koreanbased Myoung Shin to manufacture the FF91 as well as the future FF 81 EVs, and intends to continue to expand its geographic reach with manufacturing operations in China, the world’s largest luxury market, and the world’s largest EV market.

FF 91 It’s a big car. The ultra-luxury all-electric flagship model of the young company which will go into production in Q3 2022, is creating a new type of EV category. At 525 cm it has the exact same length of a Mercedes S-Class and is 10 cm wider than the German car. And as we will soon find out, the FF91 is more targeting ultra-luxury vehicles such as Maybach and Bentley than the likes of Tesla or Lucid.

From the outside, it is hard to put the FF91 into a category. Crossover may be the best way to describe the minimalist-driven design of the car. Joined by the head of Faraday’s design studio, we learn that the FF91 is divided into three horizontal layers. The black upper layer symbolizes the interface of the car, the black lower layer celebrates the platform and battery systems, and the minimal sculpture floating between is evocative of the Faraday Future form language.

However, the jaw-dropping difference to any other car currently out there shows once we open the suicide doors, hinged at the back, which open on the touch of a sensor. This car is meant to be for those who prefer to be driven. The rear looks more than the cabin of a private jet. Lay-flat ultra gravity seats with ventilation and massage function offer the utmost comfort, whilst a huge screen that folds out from the ceiling and a surround sound-system create a movie-theatre like experience and also be used for video-conferencing. In total, 11 screens give ultimate control over the whole car, which also offers HEPA filtered air. Should you decide to be the driver, an endless number of displays are at your service, and 1,050 horsepower from three electric motors will propel the car from zero to 100 kilometres an hour in just 2.4 seconds. The estimated range is 700 km.

FF81 You can find some images of Faraday’s second model, the FF81 on the internet, but we were asked not to publish any of them. However, we were shown the first full-scale model, and production is due to start in 2024. Still a luxury electric vehicle, the FF81 will be the first massmarket car from Faraday Future, with advanced connectivity and a user experience tailored to a wider audience than the FF 91.

On Target!

So, finally, it all appears to be lined-up for the production to begin in the third quarter of this year, and with an annual volume of 10,000 units, with room to expand to 30,000 vehicles per year, the Hanford plant is “ready to roll.” www.ff.com ICONIC CONCIERGE

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As business people, parents, and responsible humans, it’s our vision and duty to Riise above industry norms and lead sustainable economic and environmental change in combustion engine transformation and conversion for a cleaner and greener future.”

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FROM CLASSICS TO TRUCKS UPCYCLING AND ELECTRIFICATION MADE IN VANCOUVER These days, it is all about electric power in the automotive industry. The attitude towards climate change is quickly shifting, legislative combustion engine bans are looming and the EV technology and the charging infrastructure is rapidly improving. And although the first electric car came out in the 1800s, it was Tesla who started the hype and made electric vehicles cool and even desirable.

Today, most automakers have hybrid or electric cars in their line-ups and some of them have even set deadlines and pledged to 100 percent electric vehicles within the coming decade or shortly after.

But if you think the electrification wave is limited to mainstream automakers, think again. There are already multiple companies breathing “modern” life into classic cars, creating a whole new EV-conversion business to future-proof your pride and joy, and one of them is right here, in Vancouver!

Riise EV has its headquarters in East Vancouver. For almost 2 years the team at Riise EV have been quietly working on a mission to not only convert classics to electricity but to create a solution for gas or diesel-powered fleet and utility vehicles. We sat down with Dean Kneider, President and CEO of Riise EV, to discuss the trend of upcycling and electrifying existing cars and trucks on a more sustainable path to the future.

“As drivers, we simply wanted to electrify our dream cars. As parents, we wanted to protect our children’s health and futures. As business people, we knew that EV conversion of existing vehicles and energy systems was an attractive and logical first step toward greener transportation. We also knew how to find scalable and economically viable conversion solutions for commercial vehicles.”

Dean, tell us about how Riise EV started....

I’m a car enthusiast myself, I love classics but I also see the negative environmental effect, high operating and maintenance costs the combustion engine delivers. I started to think; how can we upcycle classics (that my kids love and think is really cool, too), commercial buses, fleet and utility vehicles with innovative and environmentally friendly electrification technology? And that’s really what our mission is at Riise EV – The Realisation of Innovation & Integration of Sustainable Energy. Sure, we can all buy a brand-new electric car in time, but what happens to the 1.5 billion vehicles that we have driving around right now on this planet? Think about the waste and the energy that is needed to get rid of them. So there must be a solution, and that is how Riise EV started, to fill this gap, this niche.

This featured classic sports car that you have converted is a 1976 Porsche 912E. Is this because you had it at hand?

I’m a car guy and I always loved those old air-cooled Porsches and since we electrified it, this car has become my daily driver. And I’m not alone. Far from it! There is a real air-cooled 911 and classic car craze out there, which has boosted a whole new industry, restomodding them. And offering an electric conversion as a daily driver or collectable is the next logical step in preserving and enjoying these iconic cars. Also, and even though there were many updates and facelifts over the years, the 911 has used pretty much the same platform from the mid-1960s to 1998, which allows us to create a basic REV conversion kit providing increased horsepower and distance/range options that require

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very few adjustments to fit the different models, as battery technology continuously improves. And, which is very important for a car collector, there is very little change to the car, we even keep the manual transmission (if you prefer) and you can ‘shift’, keeping the look and the feel of the original. The owner can keep the original engine and the parts that have been removed, and put them aside, and if there is ever the need for whatever reason to bring it back to its original configuration…. But with the increased in 0-60 or top-line speed…. You will be EV-Happy for sure!

It is one of the things that we liked a lot when we did our test-drive with your Porsche – that it really feels as if you are driving the original car.

But you are driving the original car! And nothing gives away that it is electric before you even start it. It looks the same, it smells the same. Inside, only a little digital display shows the status of the batteries, and we can even hide it in the glove compartment or integrate it into the classic Porsche gauges so it is really invisible.

If a client wants a fully-restored EV converted classic or sports car, that’s what we do, from patina to restore to factory specifications and beyond custom.

If you can dream it, we will build it, and fully electrified! All that changes is that there is no more noise, zero emissions with little or no operating and maintenance cost. And as mentioned, we keep the transmission (if you prefer) so you can shift, which actually adds some cool noise to the otherwise typical electric buzzing. You really have to drive it to understand, so I’m glad that you had the chance to experience it.

“We have 1.5 BILLION vehicles on this planet, and to simply replace them with electric vehicles would be extremely counterproductive. Just think about the waste and electricity it would take to get rid of them!”

Will you offer conversions for other classics as well?

Bring us your car or tell us what make and model you want us to source.

In either case, our team will transform your vehicle into a beautiful, headturning, zero-emissions EV. We can offer individual conversions, and as a car enthusiast, I would love to see as many classics as possible become electric so that even my kids and grandchildren will have a chance to see and drive them, but it would take away from the scalability that is important for running a profitable business and, quite frankly, from being impactful for the environment. It will be more of a side-business, fuelled by my own passion, but at this point, we have focused the part for classic cars on the Porsche 911 platform, which allows us to convert all air-cooled 911s, with a range from the 1960s to 1986 for now.

So the main focus for Riise EV will be busses and fleet vehicles then?

That is correct, we have had initial meetings with several companies who have large fleets and provide specialty services and with one of our partners we have the first converted passenger bus as well to showcase and demonstrate to our clients. Fleet vehicles, utility vehicles, as well as providing charging infrastructure is our primary focus. If you can offer a company to get their whole fleet converted (with some new and some converted) from gas and diesel into clean, reliable, efficient, and economical electric vehicles at half the cost compared to replacing them with all new cars, you will have their attention, especially the high-cost asset ones. And that is exactly the business model that we are going for at Riise EV as well as being a fullservice provider, with our partners in providing (PAAS) Power As A Service for the infrastructure needs as well. Our aim is to provide value to our customers, keep vehicles on the road longer, reduce expensive waste and conserve the valuable resources invested in the manufacturing of existing cars, trucks, and buses.

We have started with the Porsches only to get a feel for the advancing technology and to fuel our own passion and developments, and it is also a good way to draw some attention to our young business.

What about government-funded environmental subsidy programs?

Absolutely! We work within the guidelines of all governmentfunded programs, ensuring that our clients receive all eligible credits and refunds for the conversions. We know that there are many questions, many hesitations. The decision to transition to an EV fleet can be complex, and at Riise EV we really work closely with the client to answer and solve all of their questions and doubts.

There will be early adopters and late ones, too …. But we are all heading down that path. We will also train their maintenance staff to ensure trouble free operation.

Riise EV also started the REV Academy?

Yes, and it was another logical step that we are growing and developing. With the large market demand and desire for NEW EV vehicles all at once is cost-prohibitive, we have created an interim step for the next 10-15 years on the conversion side to help all get there quicker but at ½ the cost for ICE (internal combustion engine) conversions to EV, from classics to fleet and utility vehicles in a previously untapped market, the REV Academy trains on EV conversion service to current ICE technicians, offering different levels of knowledge & competencies At the same time, we make sure that our own team will grow, having more like-minded people join us on our electrification journey.

So, if someone is interested now, whether it be the owner of a classic Porsche, a company with a fleet of vehicles, or someone who is simply interested to join you on this electrification journey, what is the next step?

Just get in touch with us! Give us a call, contact myself or Scott Ackles (CCO) and our sales and marketing team through email or via our website, we would be happy to help! We have the classic patina 1976 Porsche, a 1970 Targa in production and the converted bus to showcase and test drive. We are also very interested in meeting industry experts, people who would like to work with us, partner with us, as well as invest in the future of EV conversions.

c: 604 900 2996 info@RiiSEEV.com www.RiiSEEV.com

TESLA MEGAPACK

Starting at US$1.2 million, Tesla’s commercial and utility-scale energy storage product, appears to be a good deal in the large-scale energy storage space. It comes on-site ready to install with a single container-sized Megapack unit capable of storing up to 3 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy at a time, and it’s possible to string enough Megapacks together to create a battery with more than 1 GWh of energy storage.

According to Tesla, this “would be enough energy to power every home in San Francisco for six hours.”

The battery pack comes with all the fixings (integrated modules, inverters, and thermal systems), so start looking for a good spot in your garden or garage. www.tesla.com

THE JEEP EV

Unveiled during a presentation by parent company Stellantis outlining the company’s EV plans, the Jeep will be one of more than 25 EVs Stellantis plans to launch in North America by 2030. Coming in “early 2023”, it will beat the previously announced Wrangler EV, which is set to arrive in 2024.

The company didn’t give more information about the Jeep EV, but it is expected that it will have about 400 km of range and be based on a rear-drive platform that will also allow for an all-wheel-drive option. www.jeep.com

THE ALL-ELECTRIC CLASSIC MUSTANG

There won’t be any V8 rumbling under the hood scoop when you start London’s Charge Automotive reimagined blacked-out, 1967-style Mustang Fastback.

Created in collaboration with EV technology company Arriva the Mustang is limited to just 499 units and features a 536-hp (400-kW) electric powertrain spinning all four wheels to get the ‘Tang in 3.9 seconds to 100 km/h with a top speed of 240 km/h. Its DC fast charging capabilities allow its 62 kWh battery pack to charge from 20 to 80 percent in an hour, and allow for a range of up to 322 km. As you can see in the pictures, the interiors are bespoke and modernized with the addition of digital user interfaces, sleek bucket seats, and premium touches.

The “brand-new electric Mustang, completely redefined with the usage of in-house lightweight composite panels,” according to studio head Mark Roberts, is now available for reservation at a starting price of $460,000 USD. www.charge.cars

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THE VW ID.BUZZ MICROBUS

It commemorates the German company’s iconic VW Bus - the Type 2 Microbus - and aims to address a largely untapped market. Introduced in both a passenger and a cargo van version, the all-electric ID.Buzz is transferring the genes and stylistic elements of that iconic vehicle into the digital era.

Like the Beetle, the original Microbus had a small engine mounted in the back. The new VW ID. Buzz, likewise, has its (up to 201 hp) electric motor in the back powering its rear wheels. VW says the first versions will include an 82 kWh battery (which won’t include cobalt!) and a 201-horsepower electric motor with maximum torque of 229 lb-ft. There is no word on the maximum range yet. Inside, the ID.Buzz features a digital gauge cluster and a 10-inch (optional: 12-inch) touchscreen for navigation and entertainment. It will have no leather in its interior, using leather substitutes, instead. There will also be fabrics made entirely from recycled plastics.

The ID.Buzz will first launch in Europe in a two-row of seats normal-wheelbase form, followed by a threerow, long-wheelbase passenger model for the North American market. www.vw.ca

THE ASTON MARTIN BATTERIES

Preceding the plug-in hybrid, 937bhp V8 Valhalla, Aston Martin will debut its fully electric sports car in 2025, and by 2026 every car on Aston’s books will have the option of electrification in some way. By 2020, the whole line-up will be fully electric. And for this, Aston will need a lot of batteries, and so they have signed a memorandum of understanding with tech company Britishvolt to codevelop “high performance battery cell technology”.

“Working together with Britishvolt, I believe we can create new technologies to power benchmark-setting Aston Martin electric cars that will match our reputation for high performance and ultra-luxury with the highest standards of sustainability,” says Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers.

Britishvolt is no stranger to the game - their lithium-ion cells will also power the upcoming and fully electric Lotus “Project LEVA”. www.astonmartin.com

THE LUNAZ UEV

While Lunaz was previously known for converting luxury vehicles to electric drive, their latest product is an ‘UEV’ - an upcycled industrial electric vehicle.

Or, as in their first conversion, a garbage truck. The company says that most of the existing refuse trucks (that’s a garbage truck...) have a diesel engine to power them. In the U.S. alone, Lunaz estimates that there are about 80 million units of trucks like the one they converted to electric drive. Instead of just scrapping old vehicles and building new ones, the British company manages to save a claimed 80 percent of embedded carbon by “upcycling” those industrial vehicles. www.lunaz.tech

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THE MH2 HYDROGEN SUPERCAR

If you went to World Expo Dubai and then visited the Slovakian Pavilion, you were in for a surprise! The stunningly beautiful (this is not a rendering!) Matador MH2 is Slovakia’s first hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), which represents Matador’s (by the way - founded in 1905 as one of the world’s first automotive tire suppliers) technical skillset and commitment to this alternative fuel source. The MH2 is powered by a unique hydrogen propulsion system developed in collaboration with Slovak University TUKE. Matador claims 600 horsepower (450 Kilowatts), a 0-100 km/h time in just under 4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. According to Matador, the MH2 can be filled with hydrogen as quickly as traditional cars. www.mh2.eu

THE ORCA ELECTRIC JET SKI

Summer is almost here... so why not have some fun on the water while protecting the environment? Like the auto industry, the powersports world is being electrified, and Quebec-based Taiga Motors is one of the companies leading the way for electric snowmobiles and jet skis. Orca is one of the first fully electric watercrafts in the world and with its 180 hp output (Performance model) it can reach a top speed of almost 105 km/h. The range is 60 km and thanks to its direct current fast charging capabilities, it is ready to go in about 30 minutes (80%), for up to two hours of adrenalinepumping riding. The Orca starts at US$17,490. www.taigamotors.com

THE SUPER73-C1X ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE

It has been cancelled, then rescheduled, and then delayed - but finally, the street-legal SUPER73-C1X electric motorcycle seems to go into production in 2023. According to the manufacturer, it will be capable of a top-speed of 120 km/h and has a claimed city range of 160 km and will charge to 80% in around an hour. www.super73.com

THE POLARIS XP KINETIC

The new all-electric 2023 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic combines the class-leading Ranger side-by-side, with electrification technology provided through a partnership with electric powersports company Zero Motorcycles. 110 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque deliver exhilarating acceleration and the ability to tow 2,500 lbs. and haul 1,250 lbs.

Polaris says the XP Kinetic has a range of up to 130 km on a single charge. www.polaris.com

THE ALPINE A4810 HYDROGEN CONCEPT

Unfortunately, this indeed is just a rendering. 28 students in the Masters in Transportation Design program at the Istituto Europeo di Design Turin, Italy, worked with carmaker Alpine to create a vision for an Alpine hypercar in 2035. The result is this hydrogenfueled A4810 concept.

The “4810” in the concept’s name is a reference to the height of the Mont Blanc mountain in the Alps. The students imagine that the supercar measures 5,091mm long, 2,010mm wide, and 1,055mm tall. It is envisioned with a hydrogen internal combustion engine that is more suited to a hypercar than the more commonly used hydrogen fuel cells. www.ied.edu

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THE JETSON ONE

Yes, it is ‘yet another personal electric aerial vehicle’ but there is a big difference: This one is available and it can fly! Swedish company Jetson has released several live-action flying videos of their Jetson ONE. According to Jetson founder and Chief Technical Officer Tomasz Patan, the entire 2022 production run of the US$92,000 ONE is sold out. Customers get a 2-day training course to learn about flight regulations and how to control the vehicle and use its safety features, including sensors to provide terrain tracking and obstacle avoidance capabilities, emergency hands-free hovering and a rapid-deploying ballistic parachute. The top speed of ONE is electronically capped at 102 km/h and the batteries can be recharged in about an hour at 230/240V and 2-hours using household-standard 110V power, giving it 20-minutes of flight time. www.JetsonAero.com

THE JET

THE JET is a hydrogen powered boat envisioned by world sailing speed record holder and inventor of the experimental sailing hydrofoil trimaran, L’Hydroptère, Alain Thébault. The luxury boat is set to be powered by two hydrogen fuel cells that produce no emissions as it sails smoothly over the waves ‘in silence’. According to the manufacturer, the hydrofoil will “fly” 80cm above the waters at a speed of 35-40 knots. It can carry 12 passengers plus a pilot and with a recent agreement with the UAE’s Zenith Marine Services to manufacture the vehicle, the first ever test run will be at COP28 Dubai, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in November 2023. THE JET will mainly be dedicated to serving hotels and ‘exclusive individuals’, and will be available in the ‘most glamourous spots in the world’. www.TheJet.tech

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AL WAAB BY ALIA YACHTS THE LONGEST STEEL AND ALUMINIUM-BUILT SUPERYACHT BELOW 500GT Following two years of construction at Antalya-based shipyard Alia Yachts, the 55 metre superyacht Al Waab has been handed over to her owner. And we have received the very first photographs. Enjoy!

The yacht offers an estimated 42% more exterior space (including storage for two tenders) and 8% more interior space than comparable yachts on the market, the shipyard says. The 499-GT yacht was given an appropriate name using the Arabic word waab, which loosely translates to “vast area that accommodates things.”

“Yachts are getting longer and wider, but owners still want to stay below the 500GT mark,” says Alia Yachts president, Gökhan Çelik. “We’ve seen increasing interest in this kind of yacht and so to be one of the first with such an impressive project is an important milestone for Alia.”

Virtual Reality was used to optimise the space planning and ergonomic layout to create an open-plan, owner-centric general arrangement designed for easy, restful, family living. Al Waab can sleep up to 12 guests in six staterooms, including a lavish split-level master suite on the upper deck with a private 4-metre pool on the foredeck.

A sprawling beach club in the stern is another highlight. Inside, a “modern and fresh” design with lots of glass, diffused light, blonde wood surfaces and gold accents fulfill the owner’s request for “comfort, space, luxury, privacy and stability at sea”, according to the Turkish yard. Much of the onboard seating is designed to face outboard for a true connection with the sea.

Al Waab has a top speed of 12.5 knots and is powered by twin Caterpillar C18 diesel engines which, according to the shipyard, burn 35% less fuel than similar-sized yachts. www.AliaYachts.com

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A SUPERYACHT UNLIKE ANY OTHER, the 433 feet long Crescere is the hypercar for the oceans. With a sleek profile and a bow inspired by sailboats, this yacht seems to have been formed in a wind tunnel and looks smaller than it is. US designer J. David Weiss created this megayacht concept for a client who wanted plant-filled, greenhouse-like walls which span multiple decks. Expansive panes of glass in the hull bathe the social areas in natural light, whereas the other areas are darker and quieter for guests to relax and recharge. It

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THE PARDO E60 REVOLUTIONISING THE CONCEPT OF LONG RAGE NAVIGATION The all-new Pardo E60 is the first model to be designed as part of the new Endurance series by the famed Italian shipyard, Cantiere del Pardo. With the worldwide success of Pardo’s luxury walkaround model range, the E60 is a natural progression towards longer distance cruising. Close attention has been devoted to the livability and usability of the E60’s main deck space. Two fold-out side terraces help create a large 35 sq.ft. veranda, whilst the stern features a height-adjustable, hydraulic swim platform for convenient access to the water for swimming, diving, or loading on to a tender. The flybridge space can be customized to the owner’s needs and wishes and as the upper helm is optional, the entire flybridge space can be designed 100% to the owner’s wishes.

Inside, the galley is fitted with windows that open sideways, allowing guests an open-air experience. A sliding door separates the salon from the cockpit, creating a large open space and a sense of total freedom. The dining and lounge area are raised and positioned towards the bow for exceptional panoramic views. The centrally positioned owner’s suite is generous in size with elegant interiors, a sofa and spacious wardrobes. The crew cabin is positioned under the aftdeck sunbed and is equipped with two beds and bathroom, and with direct access to the engine room. The Volvo IPS 700, or optional IPS 800, engines are known for their reliability, efficiency, and optimal performance, giving the E60 a range of nearly 1,000 miles. www.pardoyachts.com

THE SILENT 60 “THE FIRST SOLAR POWERED YACHT THAT CROSSED THE ATLANTIC” Silent Yachts presents the first and only ocean going production yachts in the world that are fully solar sustainable and powered by solar energy. The new Silent 60 can be handled by just two people, making it ideal for families cruising with or without additional crew. It offers generous interior space with a master suite straddling the entirety of the hull and three additional large cabins created by the twin hulls and a wide beam.

It can accommodate a variety of different propulsion systems, according to the needs and personal preferences of the owner.

Two electric motors and a solar-electric drivetrain offer unprecedented levels of reliability with almost zero maintenance work needed. Silent Yachts also offers the option of a fully automatic towing kite, generating up to 10 times more power per square metre compared to a conventional sail. www.silent-yachts.com

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THE SPRITZ 102 An innovative and appealing yacht complete with a festive cocktail name...

Alpha worked with Italian superyacht designer Giorgio Cassetta and naval architects Laurent Giles to create a platform for family fun; elegant and crafted with care. According to Cassetta, the yacht has the feel of a Miami villa combined with great functionality.

On the lower deck’s five cabins, you notice the generous size of the bathrooms and the width of the beds in the twin cabins. In the VIP cabins, the beds are king size, providing plenty of room to move around. This is made possible by an exceptionally wide beam – a rare 8.1 metres on a yacht of this length. Outside, key features of the aft section of the deck include a hydraulically operated platform capable of supporting a tender, a plunge pool that can be covered up to serve as a dance floor, an outdoor lounge overlooking the pool and a protected dining area for 12 guests. Another lounge is found on the foredeck while the 76m² flybridge deck boasts space and panoramic views. The Spritz 102 is fitted with twin 1,000hp Caterpillar C12.9 (other engine power options available), yielding a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles. www.alphayachts.com

Striking and whisper-quiet! Built by Dutch shipyard Zeelander, the ‘5’ is the successor to the popular Z72 flagship and sports a more voluptuous silhouette with sweeping exterior curves and a sporty S-shaped sheer line. At 48-feet length, it offers a generous living area that can be outfitted in a range of materials and finishes up to

THE ZEELANDER 5 a full bespoke complex customization. The main lounge offers 360-degree views and comes with an elegant galley and a dining area for seven. Other highlights include a swim platform, electric sunroof and a retractable sliding window aft. The Zeelander 5 can be equipped with either twin or triple Volvo Penta IPS 500 or 650 pods, delivering a maximum of 1,440 hp and a top speed of 45 knots. www.zeelander.com

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INVICTUS TT460 “THE NEW DIMENSION OF LUXURY” With the TT460, Invictus makes a bold statement with eye-catching lines and one of the most innovative-looking hardtops we’ve seen on a modern day boat. It truly is the characterizing element of the new Invictus, almost floating, seamlessly integrating into the windshield frame that extends forward on each side of the bow lounge.

The deck, which includes a comfortable walkway on its perimeter, has a large sundeck in the bow with a flush-seat at the edge. Amidships, the dinette tables can be folded back to make room for a second sundeck, shaded by the hardtop. In the same position, the topsides can be equipped with two foldable platforms, which increase the liveable space aboard.

Drop-down teak-covered platforms on either side of the cockpit that can be lowered into the water, create a private beach, and the garage at the stern is large enough to store a small tender.

But where the Invictus TT460 really stands out, is on the lower deck. Here, spaciousness has been brought to a new level. Forward, pantograph-style doors open to the bow that can be configured with a berth or L-shaped lounge. Abaft the cabin stairs, the mid-cabin has two individual berths that can be slid together to form a double.

The Invictus TT460 is equipped with two Volvo Penta IPS 650 engines, producing 480 hp. It can reach a top speed of 36 knots, while the cruising speed is 25 knots.

It has an overall length of 14.3 meters, a maximum beam of 4.4 meters and a maximum height of 4.5 meters. Fuel capacity is 1300 liters, while water capacity is 330 liters. Its starting price is €687,000. www.invictusyacht.com

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THE AZIMUT 68 A COSMOPOLITAN YACHT Azimut is adding a new model to its ever-increasing Flybridge collection, filling the gap between the 66 and the 72. Designed by Alberto Mancini and Achille Salvagni, the exterior and interior show a glamorous Italian touch with bold sporty lines, an extensive use of carbon fiber and lots of light-channeling hull windows.

Inside, the buyer has a choice of three styles of saloon based on the style and position of the galley, with the options designed to cater to the owner’s needs. Two layouts are based on the galley located on the starboard side of the raised forward level, with the third layout featuring an aft galley to port that faces a dining area to starboard. The lower deck features four cabins, including a full-beam master suite. Outside, the aft cockpit, a foredeck and a 2m-long triple sunpad that becomes an extra-deep, aft-facing sofa and a full outdoor lounge complete with built-in drinks holders and ice buckets, offer plenty of party-space.

The Azimut 68 can reach 32 knots with twin Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines, while owners also benefit from user-friendly technology including active trim control, joystick steering and Garmin onboard systems management.

www.azimutyachts.com

THE SUNSEEKER 88

“THE ULTIMATE YACHTING EXPERIENCE” Sunseeker’s new 88 succeeds the 86, which sold an astonishing 56 units around the world, with about 15 per cent sold in Asia, from Hong Kong to Japan. Also a sub-24m CE-classified yacht, the new 88 is based on the hull shape and under-water naval architecture of its predecessor and shares the same overall length, whilst offering a fresh interior layout including a brand-first forward galley, a new array of luxury materials, lighting and detailing, plus the new beach-club-like area with the X-TEND system, which on the touch of a button transforms from an aft-facing sunpad to a beach club or even a forward-facing sunpad at cockpit level.

Inside, there is a large forward galley that maximises an open-plan entertainment space. Sunseeker has located the grand master stateroom central to the yacht, making the most of her substantial beam to maximise this private space. Powered by twin MTU 10V 2000s as standard, she accommodates eight guests and four crew in complete luxury and comfort reaching speeds of up to 28 knots. www.sunseeker.com

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BUILD THE BODY YOU WANT! IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A LITTLE HELP IN ACHIEVING YOUR BODY GOALS, THERE ARE INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN HELP. “Can you imagine getting the equivalent of 20,000 sit-ups in a 30-minute treatment? Did you know that permanently eliminating those stubborn love handles may not be as impossible as you once thought?”

Body contouring procedures, like Emsculpt and CoolSculpting are leading the way in the aesthetics industry, and Skin Technique is your downtown Vancouver destination to help you get them.

Emsculpt NEO Emsculpt has become the game changer since its arrival on the aesthetic scene, and with the recent Emsculpt NEO now available at Skin Technique results can be achieved in less time.

The new, more powerful Emsculpt NEO comes with more fat burning and more muscle building potential.

It builds muscle and burns fat by combining RF and HIFEM+ energies, with clinical studies showing an average of 25% muscle volume increase and a 30% reduction in fat.

Emsculpt NEO delivers the equivalent of 20,000 reps of any exercise to target a specific area in 30 minutes. For example, 20,000 sit-ups or squats within a 30-minute time frame — the number of hours it would take to perform the same exercise equivalent at the gym would equate to 100 sit-ups at the gym every day for 6 months!

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CoolSculpting Dual Did you know that CoolSculpting is the #1 fat reduction treatment in North America? Hundreds and thousands of people have used CoolSculpting to safely eliminate pockets of fat in areas that are difficult to target with diet and exercise alone. These areas include, belly fat, love handles and even fat under the chin. CoolSculpting achieves this by freezing the targeted area which forces the fat cells to gradually die off. Once the fat is eliminated, it’s gone for good with regular diet and exercise maintenance.

Dr. Christopher Pavlou, MD

1046 HAMILTON ST, VANCOUVER, BC

Now with dual CoolSculpting available at Skin Technique, you can treat multiple areas at the same time, cutting your treatment time in half.

778-945-7505 info@skintechnique.com www.skintechnique.com

@drpavlou @skintechnique

Skin Technique

/doctorpavlou

Just ask! We are here to help!

The team at Skin Technique are your body contouring experts and can answer all your questions around these two procedures. Their technicians have gone through extensive training on the new Emsculpt and trained at CoolSculpting University in California, in addition to having performed hundreds of treatments on patients.

It’s no surprise why many people are turning to Skin Technique for the most advanced body contouring treatments available.

Book your body contouring consultation at Skin Technique today and get results in time for summer!

“IF YOU THINK CHOCOLATE AND ROSES ARE GOOD ENOUGH, THINK AGAIN !”

by Natalie Langston www.natalielangston.com

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WHAT WOMEN WANT...

YOUR SEASONAL SHOPPING GUIDE Spring is finally here and it’s a wonderful time to get out and re-engage into the world!

Perhaps taking a romantic trip to Victoria, to one of Canada’s top rated luxury hotels, would also be appealing and I couldn’t advise it more!

My picks are ideal for transitioning into the spring season while looking and feeling great! Time to get out of the sweats and into something fresh and exciting! And your home is in for some spring improvements as well as with the help of luxury home organizing, making THIS the ultimate gift idea! Nothing says I love you like the gift of organization, am I right?!!

BIRKS DARE TO DREAM ™ DIAMOND TRI-GOLD RING This dazzling ring features three colors of 18kt gold. Yellow gold holds the collection’s signature latticed motif with a solid rose gold band symbolizing heartfelt connections. The bold loop of white gold represents meaningful commitments to make dreams a reality. In the centre, a 0.29 ct ring of glittering diamonds. This ring measures 10.50 mm wide and 21.04 mm in diameter on the outside, 1.80 mm thick. A beautiful gift for any occasion!

Retails for $4,550.00. Available at Maison Birks boutiques and maisonbirks.com

SAINT LAURENT SOLFERINO SATCHEL Blending the lines between classic and modern, the lovely Saint Laurent’s Solferino bag is infused with seasonless appeal. Seen here in a light canvas construction, this piece crafted in Italy gets a refined finish from a contrasting leather trim and a recognizable YSL plaque. Style it cross-body for a functional, understated look.

SAINT LAURENT Carre leather-trim canvas shoulder bag Retails for $3,674 CAD, available at ysl.com

THE LONGINES LEGEND DIVER WATCH The stunning Longines Legend Diver Watch features a box-shaped sapphire crystal along with two screw-in crowns and a screw-down caseback. The shaded dial features luminous hands, hour markers interspersed with luminescent squares and Arab numerals enhanced with Super-Lumi Nova® rectangles for optimum visibility and they are fitted with an internal rotating diving bezel–vivid reminders of the watch’s heritage. Similar to the original model, the timepiece is decorated with an embossed emblem of a diver. These new Longines Legend Diver variations house a self-winding mechanical movement with a silicon balance-spring and are all delivered with a five-year warranty.

Retails for $2,900.00. Available online at Longines.com

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REFRESH YOUR SKIN FOR SPRING The Boathouse Spa offers treatments, products and experiences inspired by its oceanfront setting, as an oasis created with one thing in mind — your personal wellness.

The Spa is one of Vancouver Island’s exclusive BABOR Spas, Europe’s Nr.1 professional skincare brand. Be prepared to instantly see visible results after just one application when using their power-packed beauty Ampoules, ideal for every skin type. A generous dose of active concentrates is sealed in a glass vial, to maintain ingredient freshness. As an added boost for every skincare routine, BABOR offers 18 different intensive ampoule concentrate treatments.

Retails for $59.00 CAD. Oak Bay Beach Hotel Boathouse Spa Lobby.

SPRING FASHION Nothing emphasizes luxury quite like silk and cashmere. For me this is spring from head to toe and you don’t have to compromise your comfort for style. Lavish in the ritual of getting dressed every time you reach for this sweater, knitted from a sustainably-minded blend of silk, cashmere and LENZING ECOVERO viscose. Transition from winter to spring with these sleek brown suede boots and then throw on a pair of open-toed shoes to transition to summer.

• • • •

Duster Cardigan with Silk in Maverick Tan from Banana Republic, $190.00 CAD Petite Bias-Cut Silk Camisole in Transition Cream White from Banana Republic, $140.00 CAD Tapered Cargo Pant in Transition Cream White from Banana Republic, $159.00 CAD Studded Leather Belt in Light Tan from Banana Republic, $119.00 CAD

Available at Banana Republic Retailers or bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca SUNGLASSES These butterfly sunglasses feature metal with acetate rims, with iconic silver leaf metal trim subtly visible on the front and the temples, and are available in a range of feminine shades. Its expressive lines add character, making the glasses a must-have for women. This oval frame is particularly flattering for heart-shaped faces, but also suits many other facial shapes since the Isabel Marant 0084/G/S is a real all-rounder. UV400 protection.

Retails for $345 CAD. www.edel-optics.ca

The Ultimate Romantic Getaway Oak Bay Beach Hotel As we anticipate the return of bright sunshine, warmer temperatures and the beautiful scenery, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel has a variety of new experiences and activities for you to enjoy.

From views of the magnificent Pacific Ocean to delicious, local cuisine and calming spa treatments, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel provides the ultimate luxurious escape. Rated Canada’s #1 Top Rated Hotel, it is a luxury boutique resort like no other. Whether arriving by land, air or sea, Oak Bay Beach will welcome you in style.

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation in the luxurious Heated Seaside Mineral Pools situated on the edge of the Salish Sea and experience the calming effects of a soothing and sensual dip with the one you love.

Inspired by the stunning ocean oasis, the Boathouse Spa, recognized as the #1 Spa in BC for 2021 by Spas of America, has created two new relaxing body treatments, Inhale and Exhale, one designed to relax and one designed to recharge.

Their well-appointed guest rooms and suites have large, beautiful spa-inspired bathrooms. And don’t forget to enjoy the delicious brunch buffet in the Grand Lobby, featuring breathtaking ocean views.

However you plan to celebrate, know that the Oak Bay Beach Resort has considered every detail to offer you a safe, romantic and memorable experience.

For moe information, visit www.OakBayBeachHotel.com

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by Dr. Oliver Finlay

ARTS & MUSIC VANCOUVER’S ICONIC ART SCENE IN REVIEW

As the year began, the city’s arts and music scene once again wrestled with the spectre of the COVID pandemic. After the initial emergence of live events towards the end of the year, the Omicron-enforced shutdown presented as a further challenge to the industry.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra was one of many caught in the headwind, with their annual fundraising gala falling prey to the revised restrictions. The gala, which represents the most significant form of fundraising revenue for the organisation was transferred from an in-person event to an online one at very short notice and challenged the creativity of all the VSO’s staff.

Additionally, the array of sponsors responded to offer varying degrees of support and, when the wine sponsor withdrew, we were able to draw on the power of community to lend a hand. Fortunately, when a brand like Phantom Creek shares the same enthusiasm for the local arts scene as Iconic Concierge, it didn’t take much in the way of persuasion for them to offer to step into the breach.

And so, an introduction and a few short conversations later, Phantom Creek was the gala’s wine sponsor and are now looking forward to an exciting relationship with the city’s premium orchestra. Dilawri were also quick to

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“A truly incomparable dynamic range.”

– Rachel Chien

S H O W C A S E P I A N O S . C O M

answer our call to step up to the plate with an offer to use the Bentley Bentayga Speed to transport the cases in fitting style.

Guests were subsequently in receipt of a delivery of a hospitality at home box, to enjoy during the event’s streaming, which consisted of refreshments in the form of a Phantom Creek offering, charcuterie board and other delicious snacks …and of course some light reading to enjoy after the event.

The gala was a success and was also a platform on which the orchestra was able to honour the contributions of Paul Shaffer, with the award of the VSO’s inaugural 2022 Gold Baton in recognition of his years of service to the Canadian music industry. The livestream event shared an interview with Paul before he joined his band and the orchestra on stage for the gala performance.

As the threat of Omicron dissipated, and the BC government lifted their restrictions once again, the VSO celebrated their re-emergence with a packed calendar of concerts around the city, including a live in-concert performance of the Oscar award-winning Elton John biopic Rocketman. Actor Taron Egerton’s celebrated performance in the lead role, singing Bernie Taupin and Elton John’s greatest hits, was accompanied by the orchestra throughout, As is customary with the VSO Movie Nights series, the audience were engaged from the outset and encouraged by Maestro Andrew Crust to be spontaneous in their applauds and in-seat dance moves.

These evenings are unique in their light energy and such a great way to make the work of the orchestra accessible for those less familiar with more classical works.

If you missed Rocketman but would like to enjoy another of the VSO Movie Nights series, then go to www.VancouverSymphony.ca to book tickets for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I (April 22-24), Singing in the Rain (May 13-14), Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (June 10-11 and July 6-7), The Princess Bride (Juy 8-9) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II (July 13-14).

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The White Marble of Carrara. Celebrating the Great Beauty of Italy

VANCOUVER 1139 West Georgia Street • T. + 1 (604) 559 7800

CITY tonight!

O ur

by Jim Gordon & Leeta Liepins

The Iconic Concierge Magazine version of the weekly TV show, “Our City Tonight”, which can be seen Sundays at 10:30pm on CHEK TV. You can follow them on Instagram, Facebook Twitter & YouTube @ourcitytonight

MAY WE INTRODUCE YOU TO ... ?

“THE SPRING COCKTAIL” For our spring cocktail we turned to our talented friends at Lavish Liquid. Providing unique and memorable bar experiences in Vancouver since 2009, owner Chris Chuy and his team were regular fixtures on the event/media circuit until Covid and the shutdowns in March 2020 brought a sudden end to that. They did what many of us did: “pivoted” and the team created The Bar Cart, a sister company that continues to provide fresh, restaurantquality cocktails kits to people’s doors in B.C. as well as virtual (and now in-person) cocktail class experiences. These upscale experiences are locally driven, while supporting other local small businesses. For example, the numerous cocktail kits they assemble use local bitters, syrups and spirits!

The Lavish Liquid spring cocktail of choice for us is the “Hastings Sunrise”. Made with Arbutus Distillery’s Blue Gin, which features botanicals such as locally grown hops, blue butterfly pea flowers, coriander, lavender, rosemary and lemon verbena. This gin can be described as floral and herbaceous. These delightful botanicals perfectly complement the fruity and citrusy notes from the grapefruit, lemon, hibiscus and orange bitters in the Hastings Sunrise cocktail.

Available online at www.barcart.ca and for events, www.lavishliquid.com

“THE NEW SPOT” Moltaqa Moroccan Restaurant – Yaletown 1002 Mainland St. & 51 West Hastings St. - Gastown We were first introduced to Owner/Chef Mimo Bucko back in 2018 when his Moltaqa Moroccan Restaurant in Gastown was just opening (“Moltaqa” translates to “a place where people meet”). We instantly fell in love with his menu which includes gluten and dairy free, lots of vegetables, wonderful lamb as well as pescatarian options. Add to that Moroccan spice-infused cocktails, wines that are paired with their food as well as traditional tagines and Pastillas couscous.

When you enter the Gastown – and newly opened Yaletown restaurant - it is like being transported to a magical evening in Marrakech – the exquisite decor, romantic lighting, Arabic music, tantalizing aromas and food of Maghreb. On a few special nights a week you can even catch a belly dancing performance by the gorgeous Lana. www.moltaqarestaurant.ca

BEN HOWARD

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“THE NEW READ” It is hard to believe there has never been a definitive written biography on Oscarwinning actor, James Coburn. It took the late actor’s daughter-in-law, Robyn Coburn, to gather all the written words, thoughts, and recorded audio from this Renaissance Man and put them into a superb read. “Dervish Dust” explores the life of Coburn, who not only devoted his life to the study of his acting craft, but also to the search for peace, contentment, and spirituality. He also managed – effortlessly one might say - to be one of the coolest actors of his generation. His movies are legendary: “The Magnificent Seven”, “The Great Escape”, “In Like Flint” and “The Americanization of Emily” (one of our personal favourites), and one of his last films, for which he received an overdue Oscar, “Affliction”.

“THE NEW BINGE” Last year’s F-1 season finished up in high drama as well as heavy controversy. It involved two of sport’s best and most well-known: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. All that drama for the title is on full display in Season 4 of the well-made Netflix show. Whatmakes “F-1: Drive to Survive” so exceptional, aside from the top production values, camera work and full access to the drivers and their teams, is its ability to impress the knowledgeable, passionate fans while keeping the newest and curious fans watching as well. This episodic series has enhanced an already solid fan base worldwide. The new F-1 season is now available on Netflix.

“THE NEW WHISKY” Not long ago, frequent “Our City Tonight” TV guest Scott Thompson, founder and distiller of “Madlab” invited us down to his facility in South Vancouver to sample their new whisky. Since opening their doors nearly a decade ago, Thompson and his team have been producing a variety of superbly handcrafted spirits, including gins, vodkas, Ulke Raki (Turkish spirit), as well as Kumbucha Cordial, Cocktail Bitters, and - whisky. They use 100% BC grown malted barley, naturally brewed and fermented on-site, and double distilled with a direct-fire pot still. The spirit is then aged for a minimum of 3 years on exbourbon oak barrels. Using a combination of quarter casks and full sized barrels produces a smooth and rich whisky with complex layers of flavour, definitely punching above its weight.

The verdict from us and a couple of experts who tagged along and sampled: top notch!

Mad Laboratory Distilling Ltd. www.madlabdistilling.com

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#1 REALTOR AT ROYAL PACIFIC IN 2019 & 2020.

TOP 1% OF REALTORS IN GREATER VANCOUVER IN 2020. PRESIDENT CLUB MEMBER 2019 & 2020.

AN EXPERT NEGOTIATOR WITH A COMMITMENT TO INCOMPARABLE SERVICE Coming from a family of real estate investors, architects, and interior designers, real estate runs in Amir’s blood giving him an intimate understanding of all sides of the real estate industry. He takes great pride in what he does and strives to uphold his long-established family reputation of integrity and quality in real estate. This pride leads him to continually update his skills and understanding of the marketplace, giving him a commitment and understanding rarely found in the industry.

Amir’s positivity and commitment to incomparable service are evident in his track record. He is known for making his clients his top priority. Taking the time to fully understand his clients’ needs, Amir utilizes his expert negotiation skills to broker the best deals possible for his clients. From first-time homebuyers to property investors, Amir will provide expert guidance and personalized solutions.

LUXURY SERVICE FOR A GLOBAL CLIENTELE An expert in the Vancouver real estate market with a Dual Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Hotel Management and Tourism from Manchester Metropolitan University and IMI University in Switzerland, Amir has the education and experience to deal with the most elite global clientele. Working in management in the world’s most exclusive luxury hotels including the Four Season hotels and resorts, Kempinski hotel groups, Intercontinental Hotel Group, and Starwood hotel group, Amir was loved by clients and admired by fellow employees. Working day and night to serve clients, Amir knows that a flexible schedule is necessary to serve global clients.

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE Vancouver ranks as one of the best places in the world to live; this means its real estate market is exclusive and you need to choose a representative with a competitive edge. Amir utilizes his intimate knowledge of this city and wide network of connections to ensure the best deals possible for his clients. Amir’s Persian background and language skills, as well as his experience in luxury service in Canada, Switzerland, China, Dubai, and Iran, will give you an edge in the exclusive luxury Vancouver real estate market.

HONESTY AND INTEGRITY An animal-lover and avid football fan, Amir’s commitment to honesty and integrity with clients and attention to detail in business dealings give him a competitive edge in the exclusive Vancouver real-estate market. Amir understands the sacrifices you make to get the home you want; that’s why he treats every deal as if it were his own and every client as if they were a member of his family.

AmirMiri.com

www.

Maximum care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this newsletter, but we cannot guarantee it. Not intended to induce breach of an existing agency agreement. All measurements are approximate. Buyers to verify all details.

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$6,398,000

$6,880,000 780 WESTCOT PL WEST VANCOUVER, BC

2545 MATHERS AVENUE WEST VANCOUVER, BC

6 Beds | 7.5 BATHS | 6,055 SQ.FT.

6 Beds | 5 BATHS | 5,690 SQ.FT.

The ultimate luxury & privacy in the prestigious lower British Properties.

Home theater, gym, outdoor pool and tennis court!

Amazing West Coast Contemporary estate in Dundarave. Infinity edge pool. Breathtaking water view and so much more!

LD

$12,880,000

$5,380,000

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1367 CHARTWELL DR WEST VANCOUVER, BC 5 Beds | 8 BATHS | 8,200 SQ.FT.

2275 TWIN CREEK PLACE #302 WEST VANCOUVER, BC 3 Beds | 3.5 BATHS | 3,426 SQ.FT.

This luxury home sits on a spectacular property in West Vancouver’s ultra-exclusive & most prestigious Chartwell enclave with spectacular views of the water, from Lions Gate Bridge to the Gulf Islands.

SPECTACULAR OCEAN & CITY VIEWS from this gorgeous penthouse home. Stunning master suite, Tatami room, deluxe wine cellar, private elevator. 2,000+ sqft patio with jacuzzi. 2 car garage.

Maximum care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this newsletter, but we cannot guarantee it. Not intended to induce breach of an existing agency agreement. All measurements are approximate. Buyers to verify all details.

$7,198,000

5 Beds | 7 BATHS | 5,758 SQ.FT.

4313 ROCKRIDGE ROAD WEST VANCOUVER, BC

180°panoramic Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Point Grey and OCEAN VIEW from both main and upper levels! Exquisitely designed by awardwinning architect, Fritz De Vries, this sensational masterpiece sits on a 12,633 sf south facing lot, offering open-concept luxurious living space with outdoor pool and spa. Reinforced concrete floors and steel skeleton, 3 fireplaces, chef’s kitchen, high-end appliances - an entertainer’s heaven! Vaulted ceiling, supersize floor to ceiling windows, custom cabinets throughout, meticulous millwork, Lutron lighting, incredible master with spa-like ensuite, radiant heat on all levels, air-conditioning, 24/7 security system, state-of-the-art theatre and more.

735 SOUTHBOROUGH DRIVE WEST VANCOUVER, BC

$9,998,000

6 Beds | 7.5 BATHS | 8,431 SQ.FT. A stunning contemporary south-facing home with ultra-luxury meets everyone’s dream house expectations. 0.58 park-like private acres nestled in the prestigious lower British Properties. Over 8,400 sq ft of living space on 3 levels. Fully automated openconcept living with 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, and a chef-inspired kitchen and wok kitchen with super thick granite countertops and Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances. High Vaulted ceiling with the extensive use of floor to ceiling glass. Have your summer activities on huge private patios and a swimming pool. Enjoy yourself in the spacious rec room with a full wet bar, wine room, home theater, private fitness studio, and spa.

Maximum care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this newsletter, but we cannot guarantee it. Not intended to induce breach of an existing agency agreement. All measurements are approximate. Buyers to verify all details.