International eXcellence Luxury Magazine Autumn 2014 by International eXcellence Luxury Magazine

www.internationalexcellence.co.uk 2014 AUTUMN

E N I Z A G A M

IAN POULTER PARIS FASHION BERLIN BUSINESS LOVE EXCELLENCE

BENTLEY LUXURY MONACO YACHTS LEICA VALBRAY SIMON WEST internationalexcellence.co.uk

Bespoke is a fashionable word

always read the label

10 Savile Row, London W1S 3PF • Tel: +44 (0)20 7287 2941 • Fax: +44 (0)20 7734 8794 Email: info@dege-skinner.co.uk • www.dege-skinner.co.uk

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QUINTESSENTIALLY BRITISH SINCE 1934

Luxury Leather Goods and Accessories Hand Crafted in the United Kingdom www.ettinger.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8877 1616

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LOVE EXCELLENCE

CONTENT

The place to go for all your shopping needs and desires, check out the latest and greatest gifts.

PLAYING WITH IAN POULTER Yves de Contades joins Ian at the Scottish Open Pro Am with Ballantines.

18 40 TALKING TECH This season’s pick of the latest, hottest gadgets and luxury technical innovations.

PUBLISHERS

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32 Monaco Boat Show Tim Stevens appraises the most luxurious yachts in the world.

International eXcellence, is a celebration of all that is truly outstanding, online, mobile and in print, courtesy of The eXcellence Group. As the name suggests, we are all about excellence from around the world, presenting the best brands, products, artists, designs, businesses and people who are passionate about their life and work. For all advertising enquiries please call: +44 203 289 9779 or 07957 246845. Copy enquiries to: editorial@internationalexcellence.co.uk

BENTLEY MODERN LUXURY TOUR 48

Leica Valbray Watch

SIMON WEST’S NEW FILM

Leica teams up with Valbray to produce the watch all photographers would love to own.

Simon West talks about his new crowd funded film Salty. Become a Hollywood producer with this great new project!

56 WHAT’S ON AROUND THE WORLD

PAGE 10

HATS ON IN PARIS FASHION

PAGE 24

GERMAN INVESTMENT

PAGE 38

DAVID BRABHAM

PAGE 54

EDITORIAL

Welcome to our Autumn issue of International eXcellence. Time is marching on, and the golden glow of Autumn is upon us. Take some me time and enjoy the change of season, get out and about with the help of our What’s On section, and if you’re staying in treat yourself to a little indulgent shopping on Love eXcellence. In the meantime, sit back and immerse yourself in eXcellence and enjoy our Autumn issue of International eXcellence!

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TIMES LITERATURE

BFI LONDON FILM

FALMOUTH OYSTER

SCOTLAND BOAT

FESTIVAL

SHOW

3rd - 12th October Established in 1949 the Cheltnham Literature Festival is one of the oldest literary events in the world and celebrates the joy of the written word. cheltenhamfestivals.com/ literature/

8th - 19th October This leading film event and one of the world’s best film Festivals, introduces the finest new British and international films to an expanding London and UK-wide audience. whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff

9th - 12th October Celebrates the start of the oyster dredging season, the diversity and quality of Cornish Seafood and one of the last remaining traditional oyster fisheries. falmouthoysterfestival. co.uk

10th - 12th October Now regarded as the 3rd largest boat show in the UK, join over 12,000 visitors and see prestigious yacht exhibitors, luxury powerboats, and enjoy. scotlandsboatshow2014. co.uk

AUTUMN What’s On in the UK... There are festivals a plenty this autumn, food, film, literature or a spot of conkers something for everyone we think! Once you’re finished down in Cornwall, a quick sprint up to Scotland will provide you with a very enjoyable weekend at the boat show. And as Ratty so wisely said, “..there is nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”.

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WORLD CONKER CHAMPIONSHIPS 12th October The first recorded game of conkers is believed to have taken place in the Isle of Wight in 1848. The World Conker Championships started in Ashton in 1965. worldconkerchampion ships.com

PAD FAIR LONDON

16th - 19th October Set in the vibrant heart of Mayfair, PAD is London’s leading fair for 20th Century art, design and decorative arts, and inspires a unique spirit of collecting. pad-fairs.com/london

QIPCO BRITISH

CHARITY ART

CHAMPIONS DAY

AUCTION

18th October The best horses and jockeys from across the globe will line up to chase a record-breaking £3.75 million in prize money at Ascot Racecourse. britishchampionsseries. com

21st - 27th October The Macmillan De’Longhi Arts Programme is now well on the way to raising its target amount of £1 million, supporting those whose lives are affected by cancer. macmillan.org.uk

LONDON TO BRIGHTON VETERAN CAR RUN

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW

2nd November The world’s longest running and greatest motoring celebration Bonham’s London to Brighton Car Run is celebrating its 118th anniversary. This run represents a rare opportunity for participants to take their extraordinary automobiles on the historic 60-mile journey from Hyde Park in central London to the seafront in the Sussex resort of Brighton. veterancarrun.com

8th November The Lord Mayor’s Show has floated, rolled, trotted, marched and occasionally fought its way through 798 years of London history, surviving the black death and the blitz to arrive in the 21st century as one of the world’s best-loved pageants. The Lord Mayor’s Procession fills the whole area between Mansion House and the Royal Courts of Justice in Aldwych. lordmayorsshow.org

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w w w.d o m re i l l y.c o m

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QATAR PRIX DE

ALBA TRUFFLE FAIR

Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ARC DE TRIOMPHE 4th - 5th October Longchamp is pulling out all the stops to treat racegoers to an unparalleled race weekend with a chic and sporting ambiance. Prize money of 5 million Euros! prixarcdetriomphe.com

11th Oct - 16th Nov The heart of the fair is the Truffle Market where you can immerse yourself in a unique and heavily scented atmosphere and talk to experts about the white Alba truffle. fieradeltartufo.org

SHANGHAI ARTS

NSPCC GREAT WALL

FESTIVAL

OF CHINA WALK

17th Oct - 16th Nov This international festival is a feast of all forms of arts, such as music, dance, drama; bringing in foreign cultures and showing the national culture to the outside world. artsbird.com/en/

25th Oct - 2nd Nov This nine day event includes five full days of hiking through ancient and remote sections of The Great Wall of China as it snakes across the mountains. nspcc.org.uk

AUTUMN Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On around the World... The F1 calendar is coming in to the home straight with races in Russia, US, Brazil and Abu Dhabi. As always plenty of cultural opportunities for the globetrotters, our particular favourites are the Alba Truffle Fair and the Salon du Chocolat. For all those runners out there competing in the New York Marathon and the wonderful NSPCC charity walkers in China we wish you all good luck.

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SALON DU

NEW YORK CITY

HSBC CHAMPIONS

BRAZIL F1 GRAND

CHOCOLAT

MARATHON

SHANGHAI

PRIX

29th Oct - 2nd Nov Celebrating their 20th anniversary and love for chocolate, this worldwide event will host more than 500 participants as well as 200 international exhibitors. salonduchocolat.fr

2nd November In its 44 year history the TCS New York City marathon has grown from a Central Park race with 55 finishers to the world’s biggest and most popular marathon. tcsnycmarathon.org

3rd - 9th November Sheshan International. Over the past decade, World Golf Championships have been contested on five continents and in 10 countries. worldgolfchampionships. com

9th November First held in 1973, the race takes place at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. There are 71 laps in the race and the lap record is 1:11.473, held by JP Montoya in 2004. formula1.com

LA AUTO SHOW

ISAF SAILING WORLD CUP - ABU DHABI

21st - 30th November Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show gathers the who’s who of the auto industry to unveil the future of mobility in the car culture capital of the world. It is one of the most influential and best-attended auto shows globally and spans more than 870,000 square feet. The Show hosts approximately 900,000 guests over the course of ten exciting days. laautoshow.com/

26th - 30th November All ten Olympic events will be contested in Abu Dhabi, with an open kiteboarding event joining the fray around Lulu Island off the UAE capital’s stunning Corniche. With just 20 boats in each event the competition is set to be fierce. Prize money will be awarded to the top three overall finishers in each of the Olympic events from a total prize purse of US$200,000. sailing.org

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BENTLEY MODERN LUXURY TOUR: COPENHAGEN TO BERLIN Landing in Copenhagen Airport is always a pleasure, it’s small, neat and very easy to get through, if only everything in life was like that. Actually the next five days were going to be pretty excellent as I was arriving in Legoland for the start of the Bentley Modern Luxury Tour. The Tour idea was to take five Bentleys from Copenhagen to Hamburg and Berlin via the best modern luxury hotels and restaurants, with a few old Schlosses along the way. In keeping with the luxury concept my limo driver was waiting as I exited the hall and we cruised into Copenhagen heading for the Hotel D’Angleterre, one of the top 100 hotels in the world and probably the best in the city.

has 616 BHP, now really that’s more than enough, with a top speed of 202 MPH, which is just enough. Don’t knock the extra 2 MPH over 200, it puts it on the podium as the fastest four-seat convertible in the world. 0-60 MPH in 4.1 seconds, that’s enough acceleration to get you out of any trouble or simply get you where you want to be in an instant.

Yves de Contades Cruises in Convoy in Five Bentley W12’s Through Northern Europe

My only complaint about the GTC Speed

I arrived just after lunchtime at the hotel to be greeted by old friends and after a quick bite to eat wandered out to see the cars parked outside ready for the journey. My favourite was right outside the main door, the GTC Speed Convertible in silver, flanked by two GTC Speeds and two Flying Spurs. All equipped with the celebrated uber powerful Bentley W12 engines. This was going to be a marvellous few days of simply enjoying the unique experience of driving the very best that modern engineering has to offer. The W12 engine really is quite unique, it’s essentially two V6 engines pushed together to give an incredible Torque in an ergonomic engine size. The GTC Speed Convertible

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Design Museum Copenhagen

“Bentley W12 GTC Speed in Copenhagen

I finally managed to tear myself away from the cars in time to meet up with friends at the only Champagne bar in Copenhagen, the Balthazar, also part of the Hotel D’Angleterre, for a leisurely bottle of Meunier and a few nibbles. It is extremely smart with neo modern art deco interior and great service, which make it very popular on the luxury travel trail. We then repaired to the Marchal Restaurant, also in the hotel, run by head chef For this same reason the car excels over other Ronny Emborg who was awarded a Michelin Supercars in terms of sheer comfort, safety Star in 2014. and handling. Many cars can go fast, but none have quite the undiluted ability to turn even To start I had the lightly cooked Scallops the worst driver into a Formula One pro. The with goat cheese, haricots verts, rye bread handling on the car is simply extraordinary, croutons and dill vinaigrette which were you can take it up to 160 MPH and barely succulent and tender. For the main I plumped even notice. There is no feeling of danger as for the Monkfish grilled on the bone, served the car’s stability is impeccable, it holds the with potatoes, mussel sauce and mussels road like glue and you can sit back and enjoy which were fresh and cooked to perfection, that perfect feeling of sheer luxury Supercar. juicy and bursting with subtle flavours. I It is also without doubt the most silent finished with the Chocolate desert and we convertible in its power category, the lack of passed a very pleasant evening. The next noise when tearing along at super speed is morning we met at breakfast and agreed our fantastic. The stability is also impeccable with starting cars, I was fortunate enough to get the GTC Speed Convertible which I may have the roof down, quite an achievement! Convertible is that along with the sport setting I would like a “turn all the software off” button so that you just get the car with all the raw engine power and no computer assistance. This car is so well made it turns any driver into a brilliant racing diva and sometimes it would be nice to rely on personal skills to control the car without it all being done for you.

mentioned holds a place in my heart. Well, it’s sculptural engineering art based on technology that has evolved in the last 100 years to an incredibly high level. Call me a philistine, but that beats any oil painting for me. Together with an old friend with whom I shared the Mille Miglia, I set off with the roof down in beaming sunshine heading for Hamburg, via a beach side lake hotel for tea and a Schloss for lunch. Driving out of Copenhagen was a delight, relishing the car and the convoy of Bentley W12s as we made our way to the Storebaeltbron or Great Belt Bridge which I was seriously looking forward to. The Great Belt Bridge has the world’s third longest main span, the longest outside of Asia and was designed by the Danish engineering firm COWI. It’s a vision from a science fiction film, stretching across the rolling sea past giant white wind turbines, slaloming up and down, and side to side, threading through the soaring suspension bridge rising from the middle island. It’s an excellent feat of modern engineering so ideal for these mechanical wonder horses, roaring along this ribbon road, surrounded by this vast vista of open sea, mist and sunshine.

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It was a glorious drive, much akin to taking the mythological Norse Rainbow Bridge from Midgard to the home of the Gods in a luxury gleaming silver chariot.

party waited at the edge of the street for a full account of this unusual Strasse. We finished the night at the East Hotel bar and started off early the next morning for Berlin.

Shortly after the bridge we all pulled into the beachside Hotel Hesselet in Nyborg for brunch and enjoyed the view of the bridge disappearing in the clouds across the sea whilst supping Danish scones. Our next stop was the Schlosskeller Glucksburg, a picturesque German castle apparently floating in the middle of a serene sun drenched lake. We were a tad early as the chef had obviously considered our journey from Copenhagen to take a little longer so were greeted with disgruntled hostility exacerbated by his stress over cooking for a large wedding party. Admittedly we had disturbed their party as they posed for photographs in the middle of the entrance. We gladly left this beautiful Schloss for the open road and cruised down to Hamburg to the achingly trendy East Berlin Hotel. This is a modern luxury venue in the centre of Hamburg that is aimed at a professional night life crowd. The bar and restaurant are boutique luxury meets international party lounge and the club goes on late into the night. The rooms are a little minimalist for my taste, but the rest of the hotel is beautifully designed for an aesthetic modern crowd who like a luxurious ambiance. Its pretty much the Chateau Marmont of Hamburg. They even have their own Instagram page where you can upload a selfie and get in touch with other residents staying on the same night!

This leg to Berlin was in the Flying Spur, so think utter luxury comfort. Did I mention that the seats in the Bentleys have massage capability and were repeatedly used by all for the whole journey down despite the initial scoffing. They are genuinely a boon and keep any back stiffness away on long journeys. The Spurs are almost as fast as the Speeds with the same W12 engine pulling just a little more weight and luxury. It is the ultimate

We dined at Clouds rooftop restaurant that evening run by the same team as East Hotel, Christoph Strenger and Marc Ciuinis, which has the best view of the city and the food and wine were superb. We ambled back to the hotel via the red light district which is now a bustling tourist and night club area. We also passed rapidly through Herbert Strasse which is now the new red light street, where very pretty girls sat in the window offering all sorts of happiness for 50 Euros the half hour. Lady tourists are not allowed so half our

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four door luxury sedan with Bentleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbocharged, 48-valve, W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eightspeed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque. The classic hand crafted wood veneers, leather and stitching make it an artwork of luxury living on the move. in contrast it also boasts the latest tech with complete internet connectivity for phones, laptops or tablets and a state of the art entertainment system for each of the rear passengers. Naim speakers are also an option. The suspension and stability are all computer controlled for the smoothest ride in the car world. Last but not least it sports a

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Das Stue Hotel Berlin

“Racing Along the ”Great Belt Bridge! bottle cooler in the arm rest! We smoothly glided into Schloss Ludwigslust, Prince Ludwig’s joy, for a quick brunch in this imposing neoclassical castle with ornate gardens built as the princely hunting lodge in 1724. A few hours later the rally roared into Berlin along the huge multi lane thorough fares in some style and pulled into Das Stue, our last luxurious stop on the trip. Das Stue is refined and quirky luxury tinged with a certain gravitas. The interior was designed by the award winning Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola and look out for all the fun animal touches that make this hotel just a little special. Patricia’s main aim was to make the spaces ideal for socialising and enjoying fine food and drink. This has been aptly achieved with the addition of Cinco the Michelin starred Restaurant run by Spanish Chef Paco

Pérez who is on his well deserved fit Michelin Star! After a lovely lunch in the Tiergarden by the boating lake nearby we toured Berlin to see the sights and supped some champagne in the Banana Bunker whilst enjoying the Boros Collection of Contemporary Art. This is one of the most bewildering and emotive exhibitions around and utterly Berlinesque, not to be missed as it is unique to the city and culturally representative! By appointment through the website only. Our magnificent dinner that evening was hosted by Paco Pérez, the meal was exquisite and the service flawless. We finished the luxury tour in the bar with a few very fine red wines and talked cars into the early hours of the morning.

a year or two! http://www.bentleymotors.com Copenhagen http://www.dangleterre.com/ http://marchal.dk/ North Germany http://www.schlosskeller.de/ Hamburg http://www.east-hamburg.de/default. aspx?lang=en http://www.clouds-hamburg.de/?lang=en Berlin http://www.das-stue.com/en http://www.das-stue.com/en/restaurantsbar/cinco http://www.sammlung-boros.de/boroscollection.html?L=1

The Bentley W12s are designed to perfection for touring the world in the finest style. Perhaps we should have just kept going for

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The Bentley luxury convoy

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PLAYING WITH IAN POULTER IN THE SCOTTISH OPEN PRO AM International eXcellence Magazine was invited to play in the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open Pro Am with Ian Poulter, as part of the launch of Ballantines new online golf club presenting Ian as the new club Captain. I spent the weekend before the Pro Am at the driving ranges at Hoebridge and Broadwater, two lovely little Surrey clubs and my golf was in pretty good shape. Mind you I was going to be playing on a tough course with one of the top 25 golfers in the world! It was a short flight from London Heathrow to Aberdeen with British Airways and for the first time in ages and many trips I placed my bag in the hold expecting no problems. Massive error, British Airways instantly lost my bag. I was the last man waiting at the carousel whilst three bags forlornly circled around unclaimed, their owners clearly winging their way to Hong Kong alone with my bag! Despite spending ages tracking my belongings till two am that morning amidst promises it would follow mere hours later, it did not turn up until the last day. British Airways was appalling, no explanation, no apology, no service. That should be their next campaign. “British Airways, we simply could not care less”. Luckily I was staying somewhere that does value service, the Meldrum House Hotel and Golf which is only a few miles from Aberdeen and is breathtakingly beautiful. The valley

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behind the hotel is a manicured golf Shangri La, I have never seen a more beautiful British landscape anywhere. A more complete review can be found in the travel section of this site. We rose early as the Scottish Pro Am started at 6.30 AM for some and drove over to the Royal Aberdeen Golf Course to buy some clothes as I was definitely not up to par fashion wise. Ten minutes later I was decked out in a Royal Aberdeen black golf shirt, Oscar Jacobson trousers and a de rigeur white golf glove with magnetic ball marker, looking every bit the colour blind golf pro with erratic fashion sense. Though the latest golf fashion for the Americans is skinny legged black trousers and black shirt, ninja assassin golf style. The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is quite the most arresting and challenging links course I have ever played. It instantly becomes a much loved fairway as it has so much character, combining the overgrown ball trapping rough with superbly smooth but narrow fairways that undulate along this coastal scene. Golf courses have their own personality and this has more than most and is definitely one of the greatest links courses in the world. I was assigned my excellent and trusty Passepartout or caddy Chris who had just graduated the night before and was about to embark on a round the world tour and I must pass a fond thank you to his mother who was my greatest supporter throughout

Ballantines Launch New Online Golf Club

the morning. We then ambled over to meet Ian and start the Pro Am basking in the lovely sunshine and a good northerly wind that blew straight down the course. We posed for a few media shots and Ian teed off with a lovely 250 yard drive that really set the pace. I was up next and must confess that after a bad start my golf did not improve, the loss of clothes and late night crushing all hope I had of setting a course record. Rory McIlroy did set the new course record the next day at 7 under par! My two colleagues played a cracking game and gave Ian a decent run for his money. Despite my poor performance or perhaps because of it I had plenty of time to chat with Ian about his love of golf, football, family, clothes and most of all fast cars. Ian’s expertise in the realm of sports cars, in particular Ferraris is detailed and passionate. I took part in the Mille Miglia a few years back and Ian is very keen to do the same in the right car. He owns many Ferraris and is currently restoring a recently purchased classic. His ultimate car would be the Ferrari Enzo. He also owns a Bentley. Whilst the Continental GT Speed Convertible is still my favourite modern car, I found it impossible to pick amongst the classics for a top car as the field is so broad. Ian readily confesses that he works to buy more cars which is his over riding obsession. He admits to being a little OCD and sympathised with the loss of my bag and clothes, as he feels that if his bag was lost he would simply not be able to play golf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

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without his own carefully chosen wardrobe. He dresses exclusively in his own fashion label which he started in 2008 and displays true British eccentric style and panache! Ian Poulter is a celebrated golfer, he is also a rather old style gentleman, a characteristic he attributes to his father, whose first lesson to him as a youngster on the golf course was to force Ian to apologise to a group of players for driving his ball over their tee before they were finished. He is also clearly a very canny businessman who knows his brands and has successfully negotiated many great sponsorships. Lastly he is a great showman, entertaining the crowds with good humour and repartee. When a kindly Scottish lady commented on a shot that was a little off, “The hole’s that way Ian”, he responded with a broad smile, “Be my guest, you try it”, offering her the club, joking and laughing with sincere bonhomie. On the

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last tee a particularly hard shot required Ian to do the splits over a bunker whilst his caddy and the crowd chortled at his efforts to reach it without falling in. He made the shot with style and amused the crowds. This chap clearly feels no stress which is perhaps why he is so successful as golf is primarily a psychological game. Not to mention his millions of followers on twitter, only Tiger and McIlroy surpassing him in numbers if not in engagement. Amazingly Ian did not play a links course until he was 23 and yet he started playing at the age of 5, like most professional golfers, you have to start early. We completed the 18 holes and ended up at the 19th for a few drinks and after game comments and then attended the lounge for the prize giving by George o’Grady the European Golf Tour chief executive followed by a spirited lunch with Ian and friends.

Ian Poulter was carefully chosen by Ballantines to captain this new online golf club and they could not have chosen better. Ian will post content on how to play, advice and interesting stories. A great golf club captain should be many things, highly skilled golfer, businessman, entertainer and gentleman. The Ballantines Golf Club is going to be a great success and International eXcellence Magazine will certainly be following the regular tips and tutorials. http://www.ballantinesgolfclub.com/en/ Watch the video here: http:// internationalexcellence.co.uk/content/ golfing-legend-ian-poulters-moment-truth http://www.royalaberdeengolf.com http://www.europeantour.com/ http://www.meldrumhouse.com/index.xhtml

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Hats off to Paris Time is Money

Photography Yves de Contades

HATS IN PARIS STRUCTURAL FASHION PHOTOGRAPHED BY YVES DE CONTADES Lith Prints by Robert Mann

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Hats from: Laurence Bossion Divine Yves Saint Laurent

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THE SUN SHINES ON SUPERYACHTS AT THE MONACO BOAT SHOW The Monaco Yacht Show was in fine fettle this year; those working with the largest yachts possessed the biggest smiles. The aristocrats of the seas were all there with some extraordinarily fine yachts: Royal Huisman, Feadship and Lurssen included. Joining in that league this year was Oceanco with the largest yacht in the show: the motor yacht ‘Equanimity’ at 91.5 m. Her technical specification is taken to new heights from Ice Class 1E to the very demanding Passenger Yacht Code – the first superyacht to do so. The interior was designed by Andrew Winch whose Chinese client wanted to reflect his oriental culture using a full palate of exotic materials with gold leaf, wenge wood, bamboo and a variety of marbles. It is good to see both that collaboration and someone who knows exactly the style he wants. I have long admired Jim “Mr. Netscape” Clark’s Royal Huisman yachts and two of his three build commissions were in the show this year; ‘Athena’, his mother ship for his racing yacht; ‘Hanuman’ which is a replica of the “J” Class ‘Endeavour ll’. Both were simply works of art. Athena is a voluminous 90m. palace but a fleet palace as they have achieved 20 knots under sail. She is a new entrant on to the charter market at 345,000 Euros per week and is for sale at US$75m. The detailing in the crafting of the woodwork wherever I looked was exceptional, for example, each finial (frequently with inlays to make emphases) was designed for that particular location as the flows of the lines were continuous. Nobody could tell me how many drawings

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were needed to complete the task, a sure contender if ever Guinness World Records were to make such an entry for yachts. To test your head for heights, there are twin electrically hoisted crows’ nests reaching 59m. above the sea, nothing is ordinary on board. Hanuman’s 42.1m.s lines are very sleek and elegant. The lines are enhanced by keeping a low profile of the ‘dog-house’ superstructure, this is achieved by using a carbon fibre carcass which is then laminated with veneer. Everything is discreetly Hi-Tech, the decks are clear of clutter and electric winches feature despite needing a crew of 31 when racing. The classic look throughout is cleverly maintained despite the demands of racing. She has a permanent seven crew. The interior of Hanuman has everything you could wish for in a space that is fairly small, but without having any feeling of claustrophobia. It is reputed to be one of the most expensive interiors to build per square metre however that can be justified by the achievement. Hanuman is for sale at US£11m. and the price includes two 12m. containers of racing kit comprising a workshop and 26 sails. Yes; the racing is very serious and at that price, she is seriously for sale as the new ultramodern race boat is in build. I now accept that however hard you look you cannot flaw the quality of the motor yacht builds from either Lurssen or Feadship. There were as usual several Feadships with

Tim Stevens Appraises the Top Superyachts

brokers whilst the yard exhibited the new 46.22m. ‘Como’. Time precluded viewing her but from previous experience; they have the benefit of the same obsession with detail as a watchmaker. Lurssen’s ‘Solandge’ at 85m. was exquisite, the exterior lines were elegant and aboard her she exuded such a comfortable aura that frequently is missing from other vast yachts. I looked forward to seeing the design of the interior of the 73m. motor yacht ‘Grace E’ by Picciotti/ Perini Navi. I had visited the yard when she was being fitted out some time ago when it was evident that there was obviously something special emerging from under the wraps and dust sheets. The result is a real contender for “yacht interior of the show”, no wonder they wanted to take their time in obtaining exactly what they aimed for. The only disappointment is the photographs I have seen so far do not do justice to the interior. The overall colour scheme is a healthy but subtle shade of cream, sounds boring however when you have thin strap lines of stainless steel around some features, together with contrasting hardwood for handrails, etc. it comes together brilliantly. Add in clever use of lighting; they say there are no more than the average number of lights but the effect is an interior bathed in light wherever you go. The quality manifests itself in closing the doors, Rolls-Royce would be proud to

Superyacht Hanuman

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Superyacht Equanimity

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produce the same satisfying, reassuring ‘clunk’ as if a padded safe door was closing. The move towards quieter and smoother running is gaining ground; Grace E is diesel/ Electric powered, the engine room loses a bit of its appeal without those massively impressive engines but that is progress. Another interior that appealed was that of the Rossi Navi 48.3m. ‘Polaris’ motor yacht, she was well considered and the quality was certainly up to the mark. The Russian owner was more imaginative than most owners and had a good eye for design. It is about time other owners upped their game in more aspects than just money and recognise that 5* or so-called 6*, 7* hotels are not the epitome of luxury. Likewise, some designers hog the whole design process and indulge themselves in everything being perfectly coordinated. It is unusual if it works well; the owner should have his favourite pieces displayed despite others’ criticism. Back to Hanuman, Jim Clark has some of his own under-water photographs prominently displayed, they do not fit but … I must mention a question I raised on his yacht Athena, on walking through the lower cabin deck, there appeared to be two Monets, “are they the real ….?” Before I finished, the response was simply “at home”. Speed is appealing and AB Yachts, part of the Fipa Group is to the fore in that arena. I checked out their 116 which will have wide appeal as not only can they dial up a specification to fit any speed, they can do so Superyacht Twizzle

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without all the bells and whistles of stepped hulls and trim tabs. However, the yachts are built entirely of carbon fibre and Kevlar complemented by waterjet propulsion. Recently they delivered an example built in six months and as a thank you, they rewarded the 25 craftsmen by taking them on a sea trial; they achieved 52.8 knots. ‘Musa’ at the show was to a lower speed specification; 49 knots but still enough to leave their competitors in their wake. The ‘beach clubs’ is a term used to describe the expansive swimming areas that open up when great flaps fold out from motor yacht hulls. These are probably the most significant developments for enjoyment on yachts in recent years. Previously, security was compromised by swimming platforms and theatrical stairs leading up through the decks from the sea level. Those aboard were rather remote from the sea but now the hulls can be secure when everything is folded away. Appropriate for her generous size is the beach club on CRN’s 80m. Choppi Choppi, it is simply vast and presents a great party/entertaining area. Saving the best till last? Certainly very high up the rankings on many aspects is ‘Twizzle’ Royal Huisman’s 57.5m. globe-trotting ketch. She is for sale at €48,750,000 and offered charter through the brokers Burgess. The spaces on board below are full of light with plenty of naturally coloured, light woods complementing the discreet décor. Adding to the spacious feeling, you can see from

stem to stern as the flow of spaces open up. Importantly, there is always somewhere private to go even when the full complement of eleven in the owner’s party is aboard so the essential privacy element on extended cruises is enhanced. Al fresco living is normal and there is a generous covered area aft which keeps the heat of the sun off people whilst they can still enjoy the outdoors. Her advanced rig gives her a maximum of 17 knots that has held her in good stead when racing, but a cruising speed of 11 knots is still impressive. Ashore at the show is a full range of services and supplies for the world of yachting extending to private aeroplanes and the banks which fund them. All the names seem to be represented but one that many may not have come across is Kevin Glancy from Manchester. The yacht names they have supplied with tableware is the equivalent of the aristocrats in Debretts Peerage. To gauge the standards they achieve, a dinner plate can cost up to £1,200 each. They obviously know their trade intimately and given the guest capacity and the partying habits of an owner, they can quickly provide all the data on requirements with recommendations on makers, etc. Their stand may be small but it is worth exploring and I always learn something; from about 45 m./500 tons, motor yachts have room for two sets of tableware so owners may choose not to offer their best to charterers. Perhaps when enquiring about your charter, you should insist on the best tableware being included.

Supryacht Grace E

Superyacht Solandge

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WHY INVEST IN GERMANY? TO MAKE MONEY OF COURSE! Last week I attended a Germany Trade & Invest GmbH (GTAI) event at the Victory & Services Club near Marble Arch. GTAI, the foreign trade and inward investment agency of the Federal Republic of Germany, is I confess not a body that I’ve had that much familiarity with prior to meeting their representatives in London. What unfolded was nevertheless interesting and should interest British investors considering ploughing capital into Germany - especially the tech sector in Eastern Germany. Business experts and executives from the UK and Germany were on hand on Wednesday 25 June to present their industry knowledge. It’s a fact that British entrepreneurs have successfully invested in Germany. After all the new federal states in Eastern Germany present one of the most dynamic regions in Europe’s strongest economy. Germany itself accounts for 16% of the population of the European Union (EU) but 21% of the EU’s gross domestic product. Eastern Germany was touted as he “ideal

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business location” for British investment success and there are some good reasons for these boasts. The region has a strategically favorable position in the heart of Europe and provides an exceptional advantage to serve the European market from a single site. Furthermore, Eastern Germany’s proven commitment to leading edge R&D is helping create excellent investment opportunities for technology-based companies. Opening the proceedings, Dr Andreas Prothmann, Head of the Economic Affairs Department at the German Embassy in London commenting said: “While Germany is well known for its car manufacturing it might come as a surprise to some that the German IT and telecoms sector is actually a bigger sector and a greater driver of growth.” While Germany certainly does have some big hitters in the tech space such as SAP AG, Dr Prothmann stressed that the innovators in the country are coming from SME (Small-toMedium Enterprises) - known as the German ‘Mittelstand’. In fact, recent figures show that

Roger Aitken Considers Investing in Germany.

around 3.6 million SME’s are registered in the country. Add to that it is worth noting that Germany has one of the highest rates of productivity globally. According to Peter Alltschekow, Managing Director Eastern Germany, GTAI, since German re-unification “East Germany has more than doubled its rate of productivity” thanks to a high level of technological investment. More Than Just A Berlin Story... Start-up companies in Germany have been blazing a successful path in Berlin in recent years, but Dr Prothmann stressed that the story is beyond just Berlin. Interestingly IT clusters have been gaining traction of late in other cities in eastern Germany - namely Magdeburg and Halle (both in the state of Saxony-Anhalt), and Potsdam (in the state of Brandenburg). Leipzig is also viewed as the next potential “hot spot” for IT investment according to Julia Oentich, Manager Digital Economy,

Berlin

“"..British entrepreneurs have successfully invested in Germany.."

GTAI, who gave an informative presentation on specific opportunities for British firms considering a move into Germany. And, one should not forget Dresden as a dark horse for potential investment opportunities. There are some very good reasons for investing in Germany - and particularly the New States in the east of the country. In particular Eastern Germany offers interesting investment opportunities spanning cloud computing, digital marketing and media, security services as well as payment systems. The figures would seem to speak for themselves with some 9,000 foreign companies to date having invested in Eastern Germany. Besides the good environment, landscape, great beer and a premier location for technology companies, the German government is also offering some very enticing investment and tax incentives for foreign investors. For example, there are different incentive programmes for foreign investors to take advantage of depending on the particular

state in question - ranging up to a maximum 35%-40% of the eligible investment costs - according to Christina Schön, Senior Manager, Tax & Legal Services, GTAI, who also gave a presentation on how to establish companies, investment incentives and the tax situation. The corporate taxation rate can also vary municipality by municipality and on whether a business is located in the city or country - from a German average of 29.8% down to 23%. This differential is accounted for by varying levels of the so-called local trade tax. There are a number of options for foreign companies wishing to set up in Germany. These are for instance: (1) Establishing a subsidiary in the form of a GmbH that requires €25,000 of capital, of which half this amount needs to be deposited in a bank account; (2) Establishing a subsidiary in the form of UG / Mini GmbH with a requirement of just €1 (but 25% of annual profits must be retained and cannot be drawn on until €25,000 is generated). There are no restrictions on nationality for

directors setting up a company presence in Germany. A notary (a special lawyer) is required to arrange the documentation and the timeframe for setting up a GmbH entity is around 1-2 weeks, with fees for setting up a company currently typically around €800 (c.£675). The GmbH procedure is described by Berlin-based Schön as “straightforward” using a notary. Case studies and ICT testimonials from two British companies who have established successful presences in Berlin and Stuttgart were presented to the attendees. These were delivered by Bryony Cooper, CEO, TDispatch Ltd Berlin, which provides booking and dispatch systems for fleet management and has raised all its financing from German investors to date; and, Bryan Tookey, COO of social media monitoring firm Brandwatch (www.brandwatch.com), which tracks company reputations. For more information on GTAI, which offers extensive knowledge of Germany’s key industries and its investment and IT landscape see: www.gtai.com

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TALKING TECHNOLOGY Technology is enabling companies to refine their products for a luxury market that is always looking for the latest thing! Updating a successful product that works was considered at best a decennial affair until software pushed brands to compete in the hardware arena in the same way. Consumers now want their brands updated continously in the same way. This is especially true in the luxury market where it becomes a means of separating those that can afford to instantly purchase the very latest iteration of a brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range. Car brands have always known the power of pushing the consumer to have the latest license plate on their new motor. What a gift the date on the plate is for the automobile industry! There are wealthy

individuals out there who have a standing order with luxury car makers to receive the latest model as it comes out.

liberally now as so many technological advances make your purchase of last week, very much last year.

This is fast becoming the norm for luxury and technology brands too and the rate of change of technology is a boon for manufacturers of luxury products to make each new version of their range a must have.

The watch industry is about to go very high tech, along with the fashion industry and pretty much any sector that can benefit from more interactivity, greater design and new materials.

Steve Jobs set the pace, amassing new technology but releasing it very slowly, only as fast as needed to stay just ahead of the competition, offering slight upgrades as often as possible to pull that extra spend out of the consumer.

Not to mention the rapid advance in 3D printing that could radically change everything as you order templates and print your product for self assembly anywhere in the world. Here are the latest updates to admire!

Watch as the luxury market applies this

Lamborghini Asterion Lamborghini unveils the concept Lamborghini Asterion, its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology demonstrator at the Paris Motorshow. The Asterion provides all-important urban driving under purely electric power, a significant range of 50 km for the car when powered only by battery energy, and the emotion and power of a naturally aspirated Lamborghini engine for a unique driving experience. It boasts a super fast shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission located behind the engine at the rear transaxle. A top hybrid/combined speed of 320 km/h the Asterion LPI 910-4 also reaches up to 125 km/h under pure electric power. The Lamborghini Asterion is inspired by a legend: Asterion is the proper name of the mythical Minotaur! A hybrid figure and symbolic crossbreed telling a story of the powerful fusion between intellect and instinct, representing the fusion of power and modern tecnology.

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Moto 360 Watch This Android Wear smart watch from Motorola is always waiting for your voice and input, no matter the situation. Just say "OK Google" and your Moto 360 will pop into life waiting for your instructions. From here you can choose to send a text, email or make a call with a simple phrase. moto360.motorola.com/

Zai Senda Golf Putter Zai Senda is a unique line of premium golf putters combining Swiss-made precision with the innovation and golfing expertise of Zai. Known for manufacturing high end precision skis Zai is now applying their expertise to Golf. This is a high-precision putting tool which puts the player first, allowing total focus and control. zai.ch

Sea-Doo Watercraft This Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 is the ultimate British luxury Watercraft!Cruise from your yacht to port in this ultra plush Bat bike, propelled by a Rotax® 4-Tec Engine with an innovative S³ Hull™ with drag reducing design for a super fast stable ride. Boasts the worlds only on-water brake for stylish docking! Cruise control for sports fans too. uk.sea-doo.com

Lulu Guinness Photo Autograph Bag Lulu Guinness introduces the new Archive Eyes Autographer Bag; a versatile cross-body bag featuring a hidden Autographer camera to capture those special summer moments without you having to lift a finger. Great for sharing on all your favourite social platforms. luluguinness.com/ archive-eyes-autographer-bag

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Autumn is here, time for a little selfindulgent shopping before the onslaught of Christmas begins! Love eXcellence is our beautiful luxury on-line shop. Wonderful gift ideas from the everyday to the extraordinary - candles to submarines, chocolate to space travel, champagne and cuff links to polo lessons. Fantastic furniture to enhance your home, radios, speakers, glassware

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and comfy cushions. Amazing fashion and accessories for you, beautiful bags, gorgeous jewellery, sublime sunglasses and wonderful watches. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also plenty for the art, fishing, boating, cycling, motorbike enthusiast and fitness fanatic. Something for everyone, whatever the budget and all truly eXcellent! Happy Shopping!

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VESSEL Hammock Bath Tub £23,760

Suspended hammock bath tub in carbon fibre from Splinter Works. Available in a range of colours and sizes. Designed for use in a wet room, Vessel is suspended from the walls and does not touch the floor. With its clean lines and curvaceous shape, Vessel takes stylish relaxation to a new level!

Cleo Necklace Hidee Jewellery £325

Peppermint Chocolate Cloud Nine Marshmallows £6.95

Organic Coin Pearls with Corrugated Gold Beads. Highly tactile, with warm tones and warm to touch on the skin, Cleo is organic and beautiful.

Crispy peppermint pieces whipped into the tenderness of our gourmet mallows. The perfect after-dinner liaison, splendid for rounding off a merry feast.

Pucket Board Game £40

Rudiger Watch - Dresden £220

Pucket is a frantic dexterity game. Players race each other to clear the pucks from their side of the board by catapulting them through a small hole leading to the other side (the “gate”). The game appeals to anyone with a competitive streak. Pucket games are hand-crafted in India from sheesham wood.

Solid Stainless Steel Black Dial R1001-04-007. Rudiger timepieces, each named after a different city in Germany, feature the classic, elegant styles and clean lines that have long been associated with Germany’s best watchmakers, from Helmut Sinn to Gerd-Rüdiger Lang.

Red Leather Handbag £125 Designed by British designer Sally Allen-Gerard. Stylish leather hand bag in hot red with handles that can work over your shoulder as well as handheld. Works for smart or casual outings.The perfect size stunning bag for those smart evenings or business lunches!

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loveexcellence.co.uk Pure Black Trophy Bull Bike Rack £79.20 Give your bike the platform it deserves. Iconic bull head silhouette, from Outline Works, crafted from solid steel with soft-touch plastic coating to avoid damage to your bike frame. Native Union Ipad GRIPSTER™ Wrap Case Cover for iPad mini £29.99 Multi-functional grip, stand, protective wrap and handle created for the iPad and iPad mini. An integrated protective wrap system firmly secures to your iPad whether it’s rolled up or down.

Gina Jet Black Diamante Skinny Jeans £145 The Wizard Skinny Glitter Jeans! UK Sizes: 6 to 18. The absolute must have party jeans this winter!

Cuddly Giraffe Soft Toy £9.99

Rose Wood Handle Silver Serving Spoon £28

This plush giraffe is crafted from the finest materials and stands at 25cm tall. Ideal as a children’s gift.

Made from a stunningly tactile single piece of Rose Wood with a non tarnish silver plated hammer finish bowl, this Serving Spoon from The Gorgeous Company will add a chic touch to your dinner table.

Clock Cufflinks £11.99 Clock design cufflinks made in England by the British design studio Cadogan. Ideal as a gift, the cufflinks are made from polished pewter and measure 2cm wide. 44

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ColourStream Internet Roberts Radio £186.90 If you are looking for the newest thing in radio this is the product for you! It has a a colour touchscreen that gives easy control over all functions of the sound system, including DAB/FM and Wi-Fi radio, as well as an iPod dock.

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Quinting Watch Mysterious Chronograph QGG5DD £54,000 Overcoming obstacles and braving the impossible to attain perfection and excellence; this philosophy motivated Quinting to create the first and only 100% transparent watch in the world. The watches are assembled by hand at the manufacture in Geneva, Switzerland.

Bespoke Organic Luxury Mattress £3250 An Italian style mattress made with a luxurious filling of organic wool and silk from Abaca Organics.

Darwin’s Dino Egg Puzzle £12.99 Finished in an antique style, this miniature-sized mind puzzle is based on Darwin’s theory of evolution and makes a great gift idea. The aim of the puzzle is to separate the pieces and then rebuild the egg of evolution.

White Faux Fur Scarf £35 Handmade and hand-finished in England by Moore & Moore. It has been designed with a simple pull through fastening so that it sits in a classic cross over. The exterior is faux fur whilst the lining is made from soft velboa (a fleece-like fabric).

Hummingbird Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver £69

Decorative Copper Bowl £18

Tiny but dazzling, hummingbirds make the perfect pair of everyday earrings, from Jana Reinhardt Jewellery.

Beautiful decorative copper bowl with white enamelled interior, from Hunter Gatherer. It would look great in the autumn with a pot pourri of cinnamon, cones and dried oranges. internationalexcellence.co.uk

loveexcellence.co.uk Perfect Purple Hidee Handbag £315 Hidee bags are made from the highest quality vegetable tanned leathers from Tuscany, Italy. The bag is as soft as butter and as light as a feather.

Custom Personalised Figure £150 Would you like to be modelled as James Bond or a sporting hero? We will hand-sculpt and hand paint a bespoke figure of a loved one or business colleague to create the most unique gift. Based on your photographs and ideas, the process could not be simpler.

Stylish Black Shirt Romantic Ruffle £95 From Sally Allen London, of Wizard Jeans. Very chic and very classy and ideal for day or evening. Available in UK Sizes: 8/34”; 10/36”; 12/38”; 14/40”; 16/42” & 18/44”

Diamond Leaf Pendant £2,300 Matelot & White Fouta Babooshe Bathroom Towel £29

This beautiful diamond leaf pendant from Luis Miguel Howard Jewellery, in white gold is reminiscent of Art Nouveau patterns.

William Curley House White Chocolate Bar £5 A white chocolate bar with perfumes of vanilla when it melts in the mouth it leaves a creamy sensation.

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Originally used as a hammam towel, the fouta is now becoming an elegant and chic lifestyle accessory. Our foutas are made with the best quality cotton.

Victoria Tryon Amulet Lapis Lazuli Stack Ring £280 Yellow gold with lapis lazuli, which stimulates enlightenment and quickly releases stress.

MiluMe Lounge Pants: Madras Check £59.99

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Made from beautiful Liberty prints with interesting details, our mid-rise pyjama bottoms are practical and comfortable. Wear them in bed, around the house, down to the beach or even around town. Oxford Vaughan Monte Carlo Sunglasses MC02 £1000 Hand-built using aircraft grade titanium, tortoiseshell zylonite and plated 18K yellow gold, the MonteCarlo is the epitome of timeless style. Echoes of casino square’s super privés salons are found in the MonteCarlo Square monogram emblazoned on frames fitted with polarised world-renowned ZEISS lens technology for unrivalled eye protection.

Konik’s Tail Vodka £30 This luxury vodka is produced in limited quantities and in accordance with uncompromising Polish vodka-making traditions. 70 cl, 40%. Award winning super premium vodka. Glass Seahorse Earrings £35 Cashmere Pashmina with Suede Tassels £145

These matching miniature glass seahorses are a beautiful and elegant representation of the creatures of the sea. From Elizabeth Welch Glass.

A pashmina with a twist beautiful as a scarf or wrap, with wonderfully long suede tassels. From Sally Allen London.

Victoria Eggs English Dinner Apron £18.95 The perfect addition to any kitchen, this quirky print celebrates British cuisine in all its glory.

MiluMe Black Organza Sequin Bra Straps £21.50 MiluMe’s Organza Sequin bra straps are made with proper lingerie elastic for maximum comfort and support all day long.

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SIMON WEST Simon West is the celebrated British director of big budget action movies such a Con Air, The Incredibles 2, The General’s Daughter, Tomb Raider and The Mechanic amongst others. He has worked with a stellar cast of Hollywood actors, such as Bruce Willis, Angelina Jolie, Sylvestor Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nicolas Cage, John Malkovich, John Cusack, Jason Statham and many more.

Simon West - : Now I’m in Oxfordshire. I actually moved. When I was 15, I moved to Oxfordshire, and I’ve been here ever since then, back and forth. I went to the States to seek my fortune and start my career in the 1990s, basically, and spent a long time there. But I’ve always come back here on and off, to visit. Then I decided I really want to move back here permanently now.

His current project is somewhat different and aims to succeed in funding small to mid level budget films outside the studio system through equity based crowd funding. Quite simply you can buy a share in Simon West’s next movie and become a producer starting with a £1000 investment. Many of his films have made a very tidy profit indeed so you could potentially make a very good rate of return. Some films have already been produced through crowd funded donations but with this you actually buy shares in the company and get a return if the film makes a profit. If the investment is large enough you can even get a possible walk on part or attend the premiere. All the investors get to share in the progress of the film and its production through a special website.

IX Magazine - : the States?

Simon’s track record makes this a very interesting and possibly lucrative investment. If you are a film buff it’s worth it just for the experience in being involved in such a great project. International eXcellence Magazine caught up with this legendary director for an in depth interview. This is a transcript of our conversation.

IX Magazine - : You originally grew up in Hertfordshire, where are you based now?

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Do you still have a base in

Simon West - : No, I mean I just go back and forth, so based out of the UK. IX Magazine - : How did you start in the film business? Simon West - : I was like a film brat. I had an 8mm camera and made my own little films. I managed to talk my way into the BBC Film Training Program when I was 18. So went straight from school to the BBC. They had an amazing film training school at that point. I started in and learned all about editing. I really went round those departments. They moved me from drama to documentaries to concepts. I started getting itchy feet after four years and started making my own little movies. Often with the BBC equipment, I have to say. I got a grant to make a music documentary which led me into commercials. I looked at how you get into movies. I looked at people like Richard Scott and Tony Scott and other British directors. They all went through commercials. So I thought, well okay, that’s how I’ll do it then. So I started making commercials. The company I worked for had an office in L.A and they said, “Do you want to try out in L.A.?” I said, “That’s even closer to Hollywood, where I actually wanted to end

International eXcellence Interviews British Action Movie Director Simon West.

up.” The film business in England at that time was dead. There was no work whatsoever. It was either commercials or nothing. So I thought at least I’ll have a go out there and off I went. Luckily I got to do the holy grail of American commercials, the Super Bowl spots, which are the mega commercials that cost a fortune. That got the attention of Jerry Bruckheimer, who offered me my first film, which was Con Air. IX Magazine - : Yes, that was quite a jump, to go from the commercials straight into Con Air! Simon West - : It was. I mean technically, commercials are very good training. By that time, I’d shot in half the countries of the world. In airplanes, submarines and underwater. I’d done special effects in all

conditions and recieved a huge amount of training. What it doesn’t prepare you for is the size of the feature film. You know, doing commercials you’ve done five-six day shoots at the most. Then you have a nice break. Suddenly to be on a 100-day shoot, with a lot of Hollywood stars, is a shock to the system. A lot of it is stamina. To work 15 hours a day for 100 days straight was quite physically challenging. Not to mention the mental thing of being with a Hollywood studio on one side and all the personalities of the stars on the other. I didn’t really know what I was letting myself in for. Luckily I was naïve going into it. I thought “oh, this is doable, this is handleable”. You know, by the time you’re in it, you can’t really get out of it. I learned on my feet, trial by fire, so to speak. IX Magazine - :

Sounds like a good lesson

in stress management! Simon West - : Yes, well I don’t know if I managed it. But I certainly had the stress, yeah. IX Magazine - : Now you’ve got this new crowd funded project, a film called Salty. What attracted you to this script? Simon West - : Financing in a completely independent way. You know, with big studio movies you get a lot of money, but you’re also a part of that big machine. Then even with independent films, you’re going around to big institutions and hedge funds of banks. Basically asking for a big loan to make a film, even if it’s independently. While I was in that process, of doing the traditional fundraising for it, I was approached by an internationalexcellence.co.uk

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investor. He said, “Have you thought about crowdfunding?” I didn’t really know much about it. They said, “Well you know, they do it for start-up companies, or investors that can’t get their projects launched and need money.” This investor said “Have you ever thought of doing it for a movie?” They explained it all to me, and I thought, “Actually, that could work.” It’s different in the UK in that you’re not really asking for donations. People invest in the film or become partners and shareholders in it. It’s not so much a donation as a partnership. They can actually participate in the revenue of the film. Because it’s a large group of people who fund. You’re not doing it with a large institution that’s going to have a creative influence on everything you do. It’s a fun way for people to contribute. Also, I feel like I’m going to have all these people rooting for the success of the film. There’s a lot of positive energy when someone invests in your film, it creates a community. IX Magazine - : Why this film in particular for crowdfunding, was it just the timing? Simon West - : No, I actually chose it because I knew I could do it on a very modest budget. It is a new and an experimental way of doing things. It would be unrealistic to put together a film that was $100 million, and then go and say, okay I’m going to hope that I get enough people to invest $100 million. It has a very modest budget, so it’s very achievable. I think the idea is that you do this a lot. I want it to be successful so that I can do this again and other people can do it. I wanted to make something, a target that was attainable. The film had to suit that target and a budget level that was not unreasonable to expect people to raise. Even as a $10 million budget, you don’t actually have to raise the whole £10 million. I actually only need £1.8 million to trigger the rest of it. So you can do the rest through foreign sales, you sell to countries around the world for the equity part. To trigger a film of that size, you only need £1.8 million. Which is not an outrageous amount to think that you can raise. There’s much more chance of it being a success financially for people, because it’s not a huge target to hit. The probability of success is much higher if the budget is lower. IX Magazine - : Do you have pre-sales in place already or as you said, will they be

triggered by reaching that £1.8? Simon West - : No, they’ll be triggered by that. Also, the traditional way of foreign sales. Obviously they’re interested in who the actors might be in it, the lead actors. That’s the process. The first money is the equity money. Once we have that, then we would go to cast. Once the names start attaching, that’s when the pre-sales become attractive to the foreign territories. Then the names jump on as well. IX Magazine - : Do you have any tentative names on board? Simon West - : Well you know, I’ve done my wishlist and everything. With all these things, the names I want to go with, my films do tend to go for big names. I like an ensemble cast of recognizable, accomplished actors. They really want to know that the project’s real. It’s not even about the money or how much they’re going to get. If they like the material, you can get really big names. If the material is liked, but also if it’s real. Once you’ve raised the money, then the project becomes real. Then I can talk seriously to the actors I want. I really want, as with my other films, high level actors. Whether it’s like what I did in Con Air, which were serious independent Indie actors who I suddenly put in an action movie. Or using people that don’t normally do action movies, such as comedy actors. Approaching some very serious actors. The Oscar type of film, and do a comedy action film with them is very interesting to me. To switch them around like that. Obviously that would be in the next stage of the process. IX Magazine - : How many films have you made that have made money? And how many lost money? Simon West - : None have lost money. Most of them have done well theatrically, especially in the States, or internationally. I’ve never actually lost money, I think one film was a video-on-demand release. Even that actually made money as the budget was modest. I have to say that I’ve never ever made a film that lost money. IX Magazine - : What was the budget on that one?

Simon West - : I think it was £15 million. By the time it was sold to China and Russia and video-on-demand, it easily surpassed that. It never actually lost money. I think one of the financial people have done my average or something, and I’d have to check it. But I think the average box office is like $68 million on films I’ve done. But obviously some of them have made much more. Expendables did $300 million, Con Air $200 million, and General’s Daughter did over $100 million in America. Then another $100 or so internationally. I think it’s about the investment. Even the film I did for Screen Gems, which was When a Stranger Calls, a scary film, that was a $15 million budget. But that did three times its budget in the box office. That’s the thing about these mega films, where they cost $200-$300 million dollars. By the time they’re marketed and everything, they have to make $1 billion to break even. In some ways, it’s less stressful and more satisfying to have the lower budget, because you can reward the people that invested in it. Your investors and your financiers, more easily. It’s more easy to double or triple their money for them. Really all it does is enable you to make another film, which is really all filmmakers want to do. Which is to be able to make another one after the one they’ve just done. IX Magazine - : How would the potential profit, if it worked really well, be calculated and shared out? Simon West - : That’s a more complicated financial area than my expertise. I’m very much on the creative side of it, and saying I’ll make successful films. The actual way that money is paid out ... Because this is an HMRC BIS film scheme that is all backed by the government. If people go and actually do invest in this, it’s all explained. You know, the risks and the upside, and the benefits and things like that. It’s all explained on the website before you ever invest. Obviously everyone would have to do due diligence and read all the information and get it checked by their financial advisors. It’s a way to participate in a film partnership, rather than a get-rich-quick thing or a tax avoidance thing. IX Magazine - : It’s based on shares, rather than a point system that some of the studio systems use?

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Simon West - : Absolutely, yes. It’s more like being a producer on the film, than some points system.This is much more like investing in a pharmaceutical company, or an airplane company. You set up a company and the film is that company. IX Magazine - : start filming?

So when are you hoping to

Simon West - : I’m hoping in 2015. You know, there’s the process of raising the money. Then there’s the foreign sales and everything. These things all take much longer than I’d always wanted. It will probably be in the early part of 2015. Early to mid part of 2015, depending on when all these things fall into place. IX Magazine - : What would be as rough time frame for investors to see a return on their money? Simon West - : It’s all explained on the website and the prospectus for the company. I urge anyone, before investing in it, to read that and get it all checked. Every possible question about it is explained in detail. What I like about it is that I get to make the film I want because I don’t have to answer to a studio or a large financial institution. It’s really that creatively I can make the best film possible. Due to the films I’ve made people will hopefully trust me that it will be a commercial film that a lot of people want to go and see. I’m not making a strange art film that nobody is going to want to watch or will never make any money. The intention is that it is a broad-appeal, commercial film. IX Magazine - : Are you hoping to start a trend for film financing on smaller budgets for more personal films? Simon West - : I think so, yes, because it’s a really interesting way to do it. Instead of these things depending on one person’s opinion and whether they will invest or not. Or one small group or committee of people if they would. You can put it out to the public. If the public like the idea of it. They like the idea of you making it, they like the idea of the story and the type of film. Then you’ve already got a wider mandate, because already a larger group of people have said, we like the idea of that film. So it’s much more likely to appeal

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to a wider audience. This system tends to favour not huge budget films but smaller budget films. It can be targeted at special interest subject matters. Where that group of people that are fascinated by that world, or that particular style, can vote with their feet. Say we want a film about our world. Whether what you’re interested in is steam engines or tattooing or whatever. It can target an audience specifically, because again, they’ll vote with their investment. Anyone who feels “I’ll go and see that film, and I’ll prove it by investing in it.”

you can sell direct to your target audience in other ways. I think it’s another evolution, the way distribution is changing now. I think the financing is also going to be much more public driven and specific audience driven.

IX Magazine - : There should be a gap in the market for that!

IX Magazine - : What one thing could you tell our audience why they should invest in this project?

Simon West - : Yes, I think so. These studios and even the big independent films were guessing what people want. So they’re going to make the film, and then if the ones that are successful or do well, then they try and make them again. Because that’s the information they’re working on, as some kind of research. They’re selling the films after they’ve made them. This is an interesting dynamic. We’re selling the film before it’s made to see if anybody wants to buy that film. Again, they can vote with their checkbooks, really. If they don’t want to see a film like that, or they don’t want to see a film made by those filmmakers, then they won’t do it. You really get your answer before you’ve spent a penny or made the film. IX Magazine - : Will that cause any problems as an independent when it comes to distribution? Simon West - : I know the intention is that, like all independent films, you want and try to get the distributor in as soon as possible. It’s one of those things that if the budget is low enough, and the interest is high enough, they can quickly get on board. Also depending who is in it. Actors and who the director is and their track record. They’ll just do the usual quick calculation, like they do with all independent films, which decides whether they want to distribute it. Even distribution is changing now and less traditional. Now it’s Netflix and Amazon and Xbox, and all those other ways of distributing film. It’s not necessarily theatrical. Because to release a film theatrically, it’s a huge amount of money. Again, if it’s a niche film or a smaller film

IX Magazine - : So is the marketing budget part of the investment? Or would that be part of the distributor’s responsibility? Simon West - : As far as I know, that’s part of the distributor’s expenditure. The same way it always is with independent films.

Simon West - : Well I think they should only invest in it if they like the idea of the genre and the world, and they think that they like my films. Or they think ... Even if they’re only doing it for financial reasons, that there’s a good chance that it will make money because of my reputation. As far as I know, there’s also tax benefits for doing it. You don’t give away every penny you invest, as it were. The government does reward you for investing in a venture like this. I would definitely say to read all the information and be comfortable with it. If you’re comfortable with it and you like the idea of the world, and it’s a pure fun investment as well. You can track the film and track who is going to be in it. When it’s released you will feel be part of something creative and amazing. If all those things have any interest, then invest. IX Magazine - : particular?

Why Syndicate Room in

Simon West - : They approached me with the idea, and then I checked into them. I met the team and it was a very pleasant team. I looked at their other projects that they’ve launched. None of which of course are film, they’re all people who have invented an airplane. One was a pharmaceutical company and many diverse investments. I just liked the idea. We liked the way that they explained how it worked, and how much detail they went into. How many ideas they had for how to expand this afterwards, when this is a success. Or how to do it again and again. I found it very impressive and so I said okay, I’ll take a go at it. Do this revolutionary new thing.

IX Magazine - : You’ve worked with pretty much every box office star in the world. What was your favourite movie to work on, and why?

IX Magazine - : You’ve been working constantly for the last 20 years. What do you do to relax and to maintain a good quality of life?

Simon West - : That’s interesting. Con Air, I suppose, ultimately. At the time I wasn’t so sure, but I’ve got a lot of nostalgia for it. That was a lot of fun. The other one was The General’s Daughter, I liked that as well, because it turned out the most how I wanted it to. Tomb Raider I liked differently. Because it was a bit more like a James Bondy-kind of film. Also it was shot in England. Whereas all my other films have been shot all over the world. That’s the one film I’ve actually got to shoot at home. Even though part of it was in Cambodia and Iceland, most of it was at good old Pinewood Studios. That was fun because of that. Because I could actually be making a film in my home country.

Simon West - : I’m still trying to work that out. I don’t know, really. It is an all encompassing life. I have four children, so, between films and four children, there isn’t really a lot of time left for relaxing, by the time I’ve paid attention to both of those things, unfortunately. That’s part of the reason I moved back to England. Working in Hollywood, it’s even more intense than just being in the film business, being at the heart of it. It’s very difficult to escape from it. Living back in England, it’s a much more variable world. I meet people that do all sorts of different jobs and not just in the film business. I suppose what I do to relax is to escape from the film business. Anything

that’s not to do with the film business. Even when it’s mowing the lawn.

If you want to see more information with the chance to become a film producer read more here:

https://www.syndicateroom.com/salty

Simon West explains the project in this video:: http://internationalexcellence.co.uk/ content/invest-new-blockbuster-filmdirector-simon-west

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GROUNDBREAKING PEOPLE POWERED CAR Brabham racing are preparing to step back on stage in the form of the World Endurance Championship. For the Brabham purists, Sir Jack’s era was the pinnacle of the teams’ success and they may find this new chapter hard to swallow. Perhaps not though, for this new era offers the opportunity to become part of Brabham in a way never previously seen. For the purists and non-purists alike, David Brabham’s way is the future. When David Brabham took the decision to form a team he quickly realised in order to achieve the level of success enjoyed by the Brabham team in the 1960’s, hedging his bets may be the way to go. To maintain a successful team takes a whole lot of cash, a huge amount of work and of course a decent amount of time. To build a successful car and use it to its full potential is pretty much the same story. Hard work is usually available in abundance from passionate devotees but time and money can be quite difficult to come by in big lumps, unless……. Crowd funding has opened up a whole new style of business, enabling small designers, inventors and even the unhinged to finance their dreams. In the return, funders are offered various perks. In some cases it is a chance to get your hands on the invention for free before it is released to the public; in the Brabham case it’s an opportunity to become part of the team. There are various opportunities to get involved, starting from as little as £1 to be a supporter and finishing 54

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at £500 to be called a team founder. There’s a whole bunch of perks in-between but be quick, funding has started and one of the perks has already sold out! David Brabham has aspirations to one day return his team to the top and compete in Formula 1. Whilst the likes of Mercedes, Redbull and McLaren probably won’t be shaking in their tyres just yet, they’ll be sure to keep a watch on progress – this could be the start of people powered motorsport.

Laura Keene Admires Brabham Crowdfunded Racing.

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VALBRAY AND LEICA UNIQUE CHRONOGRAPHS 100 Years of Leica Photography

On the occasion of the celebration of 100 Years of Leica Photography, Valbray – the renowned Swiss watchmakers from Lausanne – presents a special limited edition: the EL1 Chronograph. This watch is strictly limited to only 100 exemplars and is engraved with the Leica logo features on the crown and ‘100 Years of Leica Photography’ engraved on the back. The EL1 Chronograph is distinguished by the unique shutter system of Valbray, that acts as a cover for the face and can be opened and

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closed by turning the bezel. This mechanism is patented and handcrafted from 16 single blades integrated on a rotatable bezel of 46 mm. When completely open, the blades are hidden and reveal the specially designed chronograph of the watch. The hours, the minutes and the stopwatch function are all also readable when the diaphragm is closed. ‘The collaboration between Leica and Valbray brings together two premium brands that share the passion for utmost mechanical

perfection and individually handcrafted products,’ says Alfred Schopf, chairman of the executive board at Leica Camera AG, on whose initiative this collaboration is based. Alfred Schopf, himself a connoisseur of fine mechanical timepieces, established the contact to Côme de Valbray, the founder of Valbray. Côme de Valbray is an enthusiastic photographer who has used Leica cameras for many years. Together, they laid the foundations for the creation of the Valbray EL1 Chronograph as a special centennial edition.

Made of titanium grade 5 with sanded finishes, the watch presents four white engravings on its bezel, one each quarters of time. The dials are all stylistic recalls of Leica cameras. The indication of the date (at 3h), the cursor minutes (at noon) and the hours (at 6h) recall the layout settings. The seconds (at 9h) reproduce the design of the isometry button. Finally, the metallic 4.5 applied at 4 hours and half, evokes the aperture of the

very first Leica camera – the “Ur-Leica”. On the back of the watch, the automatic swiss movement with an open worked rotor is visible through a sapphire glass, darkened in a nod to the black room. The timepiece will appear in two versions: 50 pieces in sanded titanium and 50 pieces with a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating.

Each chronograph will be supplied with an iconic jewel case together with two bracelets that can be exchanged with a special tool provided. This limited-edition Valbray EL1 Chronograph will be available only from selected Leica Stores and selected Valbray boutiques from June 25th 2014 at a price of £16,000.

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SEARCHING FOR THE QUEEN OF WINES It’s 11.30pm on a warm Saturday night in August and Frankfurt’s annual Museum Embankment Festival is in full flow. With bars, a somewhat random selection of stalls selling everything from pro-cannabis campaign badges to jewellery and craft wares, and music stages stretching down both sides of the mighty Main River, it’s easy to see why this predominantly business-focussed city feels alive with decadence this evening. Hipsters, hoodies, bankers and fashionistas are all present and correct, along with Elvis impersonators, gel-haired rockabilly performers and the obligatory deep house DJ. The various museums that line this stretch of the waterfront are open late into the evening, and as a result it’s a loud, busy experience that stands in stark contrast to the previous four days spent exploring the largely undersold surrounding region. After 20-minutes inside the spacious (40-metre square) bedroom at the Frankfurter Hof- the oldest hotel in the city and a splendid five star member of the Steigenberger groupthe luxury that comes with staying in a cosmopolitan centre of international finance is definitely welcome. But we still can’t help but lament the journey here. And for good reason, too. The Rheingau area is easily amongst the country’s most beautiful. A mixture of sprawling metropole and intimate, picturesque and decidedly traditional German-looking towns and villages, this is the finest place on Earth to

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reap the palette-pleasing profits of a good Riesling yield. Or so we’re told, again, and again, and again. Still, it’s no wonder the locals are so proud when they make such impressive wines, and have such a proud history of oenology. Take the Queen Victoria Vineyard, AKA Königin Victoriaberg, for example. Spanning several hectares of field below the perimeter walls of Hochheim, this delightful situationoverlooking a tiny lake- is every bit as wonderful as the bottles produced here. Taking its name from the moment Queen Victoria decided the top of the range Riesling from this particular grower was to be her choice imported tipple, a monument erected in her honour, now in desperate need of renovation and repair, provides the focal point. Henning Hupfeld, the current owner, beams with a deservedly self-congratulatory smile as he recounts several stories of just how well-regarded his product is. From meeting Margaret Thatcher to providing drinks for senior figures in the U.S. military, it’s remarkable to think that, for all intents and purposes, we’re talking about a farmer toasting heads of state and army masterminds, all thanks to this one bottle, or perhaps more appropriately, what it contains. We taste the sweet but exquisite Auslese from 1999, and one of the last bottles in the world at that, before moving on to a more contemporary piquant crafted by new partner in the business, Reiner Flick, owner

Martin Gutteridge Feels Feisty in Franckfurt

of the Joachim Flick winery (named after his father). Of course Hochheim isn’t the only town around these parts threatening to leave you with a headache the next day. Nearby Rudesheim offers a more touristy affair, with an abundance of gift shops selling everything from Riesling (of course) to chocolates, and Rudesheimer Schloss- a hotel and restaurant featuring impressive homecooked food, an appealing terrace area and live music, ranging from the traditional to a bizarre selection of international pop, re-read Rheingau style, aimed at entertaining visiting river cruise tour groups in the early evening. Closer to Frankfurt, and Wiesbaden- one of Germany’s most opulent spa towns, and home to more millionaires at the turn of the 20th Century than anywhere in the country , prefers to keep it more upmarket, with its Bond-style Spielbank casino providing the opportunity to dress well, spend lots, and even catch one of the touring concerts that use the stunning exterior grounds for after-dark performances. Meanwhile, by wandering into the hills overlooking the town’s abundant villas you’ll find the expansive Neroberg park, home to yet another vineyard (of the same name), where its possible to spend an afternoon tasting right next to the vines by booking a group trip with the local tourist board. Still, charming as they are, Hochheim couldn’t help steal the limelight, and not least because

European Central Bank Frankfurt

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it boasts something of a hidden secret. Hochheimer Kunstsammlung is housed in an innocuous building the likes of which you can blink and miss. Nevertheless, it’s wise to keep an eye out for the small, unassuming sign, as this gallery hosts a startling private collection amassed over the last four decades. A place where A.R. Penck’s efforts- smuggled across the Berlin Wall from East to West during the 1970s- hang next to sculptures by Salvador Dali, and work from Joseph Beuys, Rudolf Jahns, and Jean Cocteau. Amazingly, our guide through this intimate interior is giving her first English-language tour of what they have to show, indicative

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of quite how few people know of the experience. Taking just an hour or so to take in everything there is to see, it may be a far cry from the Continent’s big-hitter galleries and their oft-overwhelming sizes, yet there’s a charm and passion evident here that would be difficult to replicate if this weren’t all the result of art enthusiasts striving to buy pieces that spoke to them, and keep a venture alive with evidently little-to-no funding. Back in the elegant room at Frankfurter Hof and one thing seems abundantly clear, aside from the fact this city is home to 255 banks. While the town itself is overgrown with skyscrapers and a financial attitude, its

many cultural institutions, wonderful Opera House (one of the few buildings to survive a World War II bombardment that flattened most streets), and the strange but poignant Dialogue Museum- where visitors are guided through pitch black rooms by a blind or partially sighted professional- mean there’s plenty more going on here than merely brokered deals. Meanwhile, any arrival into the airport- one of Europe’s biggest and busiest- would be doing both themselves and their destination a huge disservice by not dedicating at least some time to the outlying settlements. And no, that’s not just the Riesling talking.

Frankfurt Opera House

Kรถnigin Victoriaberg

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FABULOUS FOOD

THIS PERFECT AUTUMNAL SOUP WILL WARM YOU INSTANTLY AND TREAT YOUR TASTEBUDS AT THE SAME TIME. SERVES 6 - 8

CURRIED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLE SOUP from our eXcellent chef, Lucy Rowe

1 large butternut squash (about 1.3kg) 2 onions 3 eating apples, 1tbsp oil (vegetable or olive) 1tbsp medium curry powder 1.5 litres vegetable stock Crème fraiche to serve

1 Peel the butternut squash, remove seeds and chop. 2 Roughly chop the onions. Peel, core and chop the apples. 3 Heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the onions for 5-10 minutes until softened but not browned, then stir in the curry powder and cook for a further minute. 4 Add the squash, apple and stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until everything is soft. 5 Blend until smooth (in a processor or with a stick blender). 6 Reheat and adjust the seasoning if necessary, the soup can also be thinned with water if needed. 7 Divide between the bowls and add a teaspoon of crème fraiche. 8 Serve with warm crusty bread.

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www.heveningham.co.uk email:sales@heveningham.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1489 893481

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