Project Luxury & Art - Winter 2016 by Project Luxury & Art

WINTER 2016

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Dear Reader, At this time of year, our offices at Project Luxury & Art are full of the festive spirit, getting ready to spend time with family and friends, sharing our warmth and generosity, and welcoming in the winter with the latest on art, style, gadgetry and refined living. Take a look at what’s in store. Fondation Louis Vuitton and Dubai’s Museum of the Future will impress you with their extensive exhibitions and innovation. They both propose wonderful collections and new, bold ways of presenting artworks. Seasonal shopping madness will soon be gripping the world and six-story department stores aren’t going to help you narrow down on that perfect present any more easily. With our Christmas gifts guide you can find the most sophisticated picks of the year to please everyone from tech-geeks to art aficionados. Are your fingernails getting the attention they deserve? Find out how the world of manicures is opening itself to a booming male market and why men love getting their nails done. Face peels have found a new home on your fingertips with the advent of the revolutionary nail mask – say hello to beautiful nails.

Publisher Project Luxury Ltd., Bergstrasse 25, 8702 Zollikon, Switzerland www.projectluxury.com Editorial Editor in Chief: Ina Dederer Managing Editor: Karin Mugnaini Graphic Designer: Marika Adorna Photo Editor: Ludovica Bastianini General Advertising Enquiries +41 79 380 84 23 info@projectluxury.com The Project Luxury & Art Magazine is published quarterly in English. Project Luxury & Art is a brand of Project Luxury Ltd. and the entire content is copyrighted. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine, including text, photographs, illustration, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without prior written consent of Project Luxury & Art Magazine. The Publisher and Editor are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Project Luxury & Art Magazine’s right to edit.

Wishing you all the best for a wonderful winter.

Ina Dederer CEO and Publisher Project Luxury & Art

Photo by Ani Wehrli

What’s your first thought when you read or see all the news these days about cars that can drive down roads without anyone at the steering wheel? If it’s not already, “When can I make the upgrade?” then it may be so soon. We get the latest rundown on autonomous cars, discover the four levels of self-driving cars and how they stay safe at 70mph.

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Art ARTIST PROFILES Roshanak Khalilian A talented artist

Sylwia Synak Colourful abstract art

Yayoi Kusama Behind the dots

Albrecht Behmel Almost a renaissance man

Zsuzsanna Udvarhelyi Zsud's soul masks

Dubai Museum of the Future Set to impact the world

Fondation Louis Vuitton An architectural masterpiece

Art Calendar

Fashion DESIGNER PROFILES 40

Burberry Never ending elegance

La maison Delvaux Luxury handbags from Belgium

Â© All photo credits are mentioned in the articles

GOOD TO KNOW

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COLLECTION

What watch do you wear? A mix of brands

Festive Jewellery Sparkly earrings

Winter Collection Viktor & Rolf, Gucci

Spring 2017 Anticipations Louis Vuitton, Philipp Plein

BEAUTY

Risquè Zurich's luxury lingerie

Finger Focus Nail masks and manicures

Must Haves For men and women

Beauty foods to add to your diet Healthy advice

Fashion Calendar

Winter skin and hair remedies Staying hydrated in colder months

Lifestyle

The benefits of thermal spas Wellbeing secrets

DINING

LUXURY TRENDS

Luxury wine tour in Bordeaux Everything you need to know

Enjoying Cognac A practical guide

Christmas Gifts Glamorous goodies

RESTAURANT NIGHTCLUB SHISHA BAR & LOUNGE KARAOKE

Open from 12pm to 5am everyday during summer season and only friday and saturday from 11pm to 5am during winter.

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OTHER

IN THE AIR

102 Spike S-512 Supersonic jet

The million dollar dog Tibetan Mastiff

YACHTS

104 Private jet ownership What to watch before you buy

The boat of your dreams ZEN superyacht

TECHNOLOGY

Super Falcon 3S Flying underwater

110 Gadgets & More 6 top picks

AUTOMOBILES Jaguar F-Pace The ultimate sports car

Pagani's Huayra BC The latest Italian wonder

Automous cars Removing the human element

Luxury cars and the rich & famous Celebrities' favourites

Travel HOTELS, RESORTS & CITYSCAPES 112

Voavah Maldives Private island

Â© All photo credits are mentioned in the articles

CONTENT

TOP DESTINATIONS 116

Luscious lakes 5 colourful nature wonders

130 The age of the chatbot Changing the game 132 The Rothschild name Interview with Giovanna Lagutaine

120 Experience Antarctica An unforgettable luxury experience

BUSINESS PROFILES

122 Mount Everest On the roof of the world

135 Gordon Watson CEO Vertu

Business

136 SÃ¼reyya Wille Gallery Partnerships and Head of EMEA at Artsy

126 The Roger Federer Foundation Changing the world 128 Luxury in the Millennials' Age Interview with Dan Lyons

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ROSHANAK KHALILIAN Talented artist Roshanak (Roshi) Khalilian shares some insightful information about her incredible international art. Talking colours, culture, life events and emotions, Roshi tells of the inspirations that contribute to her impressive collection of creative artwork. Roshi graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree while residing in Iran and has shown an eagerness when it comes to continuously learning and developing. This highly motivated and enthusiastic artist is currently further enhancing her education at the UK Open University and has settled into life in Switzerland.

ÂŠ Roshanak Khalilian

Born in Iran, Roshi Khalilian has visited many Middle-Eastern and European countries, gaining first-hand experience of a variety of lifestyles, languages, religions, cultural values and traditions. This is demonstrated throughout her artwork, which skilfully integrates common human traits and behaviours present across these otherwise very different regions.

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The hIdden Beauties

All that Gold - 15

Khalilian is a prominent name at worldwide solo and group exhibitions. Recognised and respected as an independent artist, Roshi has developed a positive reputation for her remarkable ability to capture attitudes and emotions within her unique paintings. The distinctive designs used in the much-loved ‘Mind Games’ ink collection and ‘All That GoLD’ series have displayed outstanding techniques, with a focus on striking shapes and colours. Continuing in true artistic style, her independent mixed media development is both meaningful and extremely eye-catching. Proud founder of the highly regarded art studio Atelier Roshi, this passionate painter is popular amongst her diverse and loyal fan base. Amazingly, Roshi brings her abstract art alive by creating compositions the human race can relate to despite our differences.

For example, visual communication methods adopted by this artist successfully remove language barriers. At Project Luxury & Art, we are delighted that Roshi saved space in her busy schedule for our question and answer session. Here’s what she had to say. Your art is inspired by your cultural background, travels and observations. Can you share some thoughts regarding your reflections on humanity and culture? Where we come from largely defines who we are. I come from Iran, a land of pain and beauty, secrets and revelations, wars and songs. Rumi and Hafez taught me to sink deep into myself and recognise a whole pallet of emotions, reactions and attitudes inside me.

All That GoLD - 13

Colour of Passion - 2

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They showed me how pain and joy, love and hate, certainty and doubt coexist within the same moment, pulling me apart and making me whole at the same time. They gave me the sense of width of existence. They showed me how to recognise love and fear, longing and resentment showing up in my soul moment to moment, how to collect them on my pallet and, like colours, throw them on the life’s canvas, using every feeling as a tool to create a fuller, ampler life.

All that GoLD - 7

Emotions, colours and stories play a major role in your artwork. What is your creative approach when transferring these onto the canvas? An emotion comes to me, I close my eyes and look at it, discerning its colour, shape and movement, watching it change and become something else. Thinking in colours, shapes and textures feels familiar to me. The stories I read and experience transform in my head into patches of colours collecting, flowing, dripping, living on a canvas. I suppose a good story always finds its way onto a canvas, at least inside my head. Then the more experience, skill, tools you have at your disposal, the easier it becomes with time to translate feelings into paintings.

All that GoLD - 4

What is your favourite artistic medium, and why? Gold has a special place in my work. For generations people have been using gold to coat and preserve cultural objects, conserving history under its generous shield and keeping it available for future generations. Gold collects past and future inside it. I use a lot of it in my work – my Persian roots crave its richness and protection. For me, gold is not only the shiny metal that enriches everything it covers, and certainly not only the proof of sophistication, wealth and power. Its tale and significance has enchanted me for many years and is now encapsulated in the essence of most of my works. My works evoke contrasting and

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even conflicting feelings and experiences: hope and death, wealth and poverty, joy and sadness, the light and the dark aspects of hope in life. They reflect the ambiguity and fullness of human nature and power of hope. Within challenging techniques, I experiment with abstraction, exploring the significance of gold and its long journey throughout life and history. I attempt to create a luminous atmosphere, to represent hope as the strongest element. You are currently working on a new collection of artworks called ‘Seeking the Truth’. Please tell us how this came about. I had been blocked for a few months before ‘Seeking the Truth’ came about. I couldn’t really make anything new, because I felt like I was almost over-thinking, over-feeling, over-doing every experience I wanted to share. It felt buried too deep inside my head to find its way to the canvas. I had an urge to go deep, but the deeper I went, the less clear it became. Instead of finding clarity I was wrapping myself in more confusion. Until I suddenly realised that perhaps the way to clarity lies through a great deal of confusion and mystery and lack, and I am, in fact, on the right track. That gave me strength to grope my way through it, which, in fact, you could say opened up the channel for the new collection. I feel light and excited now to be working on it. It makes me hopeful. I feel like I’m in the right place, seeking my truth as I always do. The creative process itself also has become an experience of searching deeper and deeper.

All that Gold - Seeking the Truth

www.atelierroshi.com

All that Gold - Seeking the Truth

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SYLWIA SYNAK Evocative abstract paintings splashed in colour

Â© Sylwia Synak

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Born in Poland, Sylwia Synak moved to Munich, Germany, to study art and has stayed there since. Synak has been shown in exhibitions in Munich, Berlin, Zurich and London. She has played with wall painting, interior decoration and graphic design and these roots, or spirits, stand quietly behind most of her pieces today. For Synak, painting is a process of continuous change, yet magically, she is able to bring a soothing presence and silence into her works almost leaving the viewer, and the artist herself, free from thought and time. Synak paints in such a way that her images become abstract transformations in which space and the "now" are of the moment. The transformations are a process of awakening, so to speak; a consciousness that emanates from us and occupies us. As Synak describes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the transparent layers of colour and life are superimposed on the spatula, from the tension between abstract form and colour. They are non-representational, strong in colour, allowing images to surface from the arrangements and to stimulate associations.â&#x20AC;? The innovative and experimental combination of different techniques and materials in Synakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works, such as acrylic pigments and various structural pastes, create new forms of expression.

Confidence

New Era 4

New Era 5

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 20 Breaking Darkness

Explosion of White

Until recently, she has painted mainly with natural materials, such as limestone, using acrylic pigments and various structure pastes in mixed technique on canvas. With the help of spatulas, brushes, brushes and rollers, in combination with painting, scratching and wiping, very individual structures and effects are created. “The colour arrangement itself does not follow an intellectual pattern - it is purely intuitive and spontaneous,” shares Synak. The artist now continues with limestones and uses sand, ground, chalk and oil. She creates the pigments and putties, herself.

Angel Showing

Her “Breaking the Darkness“ brings amazement and a temporary submergence into what has been described as relaxing self-forgetfulness, letting viewers extend themselves and re-emerge with new boldness and assurance. Her works often touch our inner needs for happiness, love, self-confidence, belonging, desire,

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Gold Indigo Play

hope and humour, but she is able to evoke this through abstraction without motifs. Highly skilled at combining and nurturing colours, Synak lets her shades and tones bring forth sensualism. The “Explosion of the Colours” work is very strong, releasing a force or a mystery that captivates and amazes: is it an evening sky or an emotion? Only the viewer can answer this. Grey on Gold

Some of Synak’s colours and pigments cover the whole canvas, as in “Confidence”, sometimes even running over the edge and continuing, in part, on the frame. Powerful and aesthetic, this affect gives an endless quality to her works, complementing the regular explosions of colours and textures on the main areas of her canvases. www.sylwia-synak-arts.com

Sand of Mars

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BEHIND THE DOTS: YAYOI KUSAMA Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acclaimed artist and writer is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 10 living artists and the highest selling female artist. Across a wide variety of media, from painting and collage to sculpture, performance art and environmental installations, Yayoi Kusama continues to leave her mark. Her nets and pumpkin motifs, psychedelic colours, repetitions and patterns infused with elements of her Japanese origins have captivated art enthusiasts and collectors from New York to Tokyo, across multiple locations around the globe. Considered by many as not only avant-garde but an important precursor of pop art, minimalist and feminist art movements, Kusama is still viewed as a major artistic force. Formerly part of the New York art scene, Kusama left the Big Apple for homeland Japan in the early 70s. Everywhere she goes, she is easily spotted by her trademark red wig (sometimes in other shades, too) and dotty, colourful attire. Her talent is vast and her works of conceptual art comprise even surrealism, Art Brut, pop art and

Path to the Future

Universe

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ÂŠ YAYOI KUSAMA, Christie's Images Limited 2016

Stars of the Night TSAOW

abstract expressionism. She infuses autobiographical, psychological and sexual content into her works and has extended herself in the film and fashion design worlds, as well. She is also a published novelist and poet and has even done stints in newspaper publication. Kusama has toyed with watercolours, pastels and oils, evolving to large paintings, soft sculptures and environmental sculptures using mirrors and electric lights. Later, she staged many happenings, such as body painting festivals, fashion shows and anti-war demonstrations. More recently, Kusama started creating open-air sculptures. Her influence has been strongly felt by artists such as Warhol. Yet behind her unusual, upbeat, bright artwork a more troubled side lay hidden.

All about the human love

From her childhood days, when painting polka dots and nets was her form of rebellion against her parents and her restrictive Japanese environment, to her days as an anti-war activitist in the 60s or even the endless hallucinations from which she claims to have suffered throughout most of her life, Kusama is said to have been troubled. Since 1977, Kusama has resided voluntarily in a psychiatric clinic in Tokyo, travelling to a nearby studio to work. Perhaps her preoccupations or obsessions portrayed through her repetitions and patterns are a way to work through the hallucinations. Some art critics have associated her unusual room installations and elements with the corners of the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind. And what a mind it is. www.yayoi-kusama.jp Nets

Flowers That Bloom Tomorrow

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ALBRECHT BEHMEL Almost A Renaissance Man

Â© Ludovica Bastianini

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Albrecht Behmel has a talent for canvas and paper. Novelist, historian, best-selling non-fiction author, essayist, screenwriter and award-winning playwright, the multidexterous and creative Behmel leaves a strong mark on all his media. How did you become an artist? When I quit my job as a business consultant to become a full time artist, I went broke. Before, I used to work with big companies; they paid well, but I wanted to make art. What Afraa, my wife, and I soon learned was that I had to give my art for free. We needed a strategy. So, we donated and gifted my art, sending free works to people we admire, like Guy Kawasaki, whom I didn’t know back then but Afraa did. We sent him a signed print and he loved it and put it in his bar in a beautiful frame and sent us a picture of it by email. That was huge! Then I knew I could win. Guy was the second chief evangelist for Apple and is now evangelist for Canva. Top-tier stuff. Today, I am selling my art all the time and I don’t even have a regular gallery or showroom. Give, give, give is what works for me. Paradoxically, this is also good for pricing. I sold my first painting for € 50,000, a huge work I miss very much.

A Day in the Garden

Where do you live and where do you create? We couldn’t decide between country and city life, so we chose both. But our home base is in the country. I spend a lot of time in London, Paris, Berlin and other major cities but I work in our Black Forest country home. Great nature and great food. This is where I am most creative.

When I paint, I go to my studio but I never lock the door. Sometimes, my kids come in and discuss art with me. It is hilarious. For 20 minutes. Then I kick them out and get on with my work. I work at night and get up at five in the morning. During the day I meditate at least once. In the mornings, I get my writing done; then I return to the canvas. How do you see yourself as an artist? It is not enough to be creative, as an artist: I also need to be a good networker and marketer. I believe in hard work, learning, numbers and social contacts. These are my vitamins. I am not happy if I cannot reach out to people and build great relationships.

Spiderman

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Sharks 14

What is in your art? In my art, I like to play with shapes and silhouettes. When I was a teenager, I worked as a technician for theatres and learned a lot about light and shade. This fascinated me and still does. Overlapping shadows in colour: this is what my work is all about. My paintings resemble abstract art, even though each painting is full of figures and silhouettes. Before that, when I lived in Berlin, I used to paint portraits and graffiti-style designs. How do you do keep so active and so driven? I always create stuff. I wrote books, I was a puppet maker in Paris and created board games and computer games with my Chinese friends. Painting is my passion, like long distance driving. It is like meditation for me. Charity and philanthropy are important for me. Each year, I donate to organisations that make a difference. My focus is on children's education and health. Usually my paintings get auctioned. I never ask for a percentage; all the proceeds go to the charity. I just like to be there and meet people. Networking is the best way to market. Contacts are for me what diesel is to my car: without them I can’t get ahead. I have a brother who is handicapped. This is how I grew up. For me, it’s normal to take responsibility and to give back to the community. Martin is okay now - one of the happiest

people I know - but there are many others who need help. This is how I pick the charities I want to support. How do you price your artwork? Pricing art is rather difficult. Here is my way to do it: I come up with a sum that makes me feel okay to say goodbye to the painting. (Sounds heartless. But I still miss every painting I ever sold. I have photos but it’s not the same.) Then I put these numbers into groups according to sizes; small, medium and large, and more or less three prices. But I rarely say no to a deal or a good barter offer. I am Swabian, my wife is Syrian, so we love a good negotiation about money. Sometimes I give a discount or additional paintings or prints. What I don’t do is contract work but I do like it when buyers tell me what they like. Can you tell us about your unusal home life? You can’t succeed by yourself. I am blessed: my wife, a bestselling writer and entrepreneur, supports my art. When the war broke out in Syria, we brought her mother and her brother to Germany. They are safe here. We all live together in our home in the Black Forest. It’s a big place, which is good, because we have two young boys. So we are a three-generation household. The boys have no idea how privileged they are to have a granny at all times. They speak three languages.

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I like to live in a big house full of life and with a lot of people. We always have visitors, friends from all over the world; this is because I come from a very international family (Australia, Canada, all over Europe). Who or what inspires you? As a kid I was fascinated by Albrecht Dürer’s work (probably because we share the same name), later Kirchner, Kandinsky, Keith Haring and El Greco. I love rock ’n roll. I follow James Altucher’s blog, Robin Sharma, Seth Godin and am currently reading former FBI hostage negotiator-turned-entrepreneur Chris Voss’ book, “Negotiate". I enjoy movies and film, too; mainstream stuff like Star Wars. I even wrote scripts for films and TV shows for a living. Now, I just write novels. I like to be in charge of my creative output. Film is important in my art as well. I like to create movie figures like Batman and The Hulk. I don’t know if my paintings actually tell stories, but they certainly evoke great legends and inspire thought, also. Everybody likes Batman. What is next? These days, I am working on landscapes: huge canvasses about mountains, forests, horizons and oceans. I like to develop my style. This means more detail, more composition and more storytelling. I experiment with materials a lot. Currently, I am using China ink and acrylics on canvas. I must admit: I love the smell of oil colours.

I am looking forward to designing a series of wine bottles in 2017 for a winemaker friend. I love their Riesling. We are currently discussing ways to design labels and boxes and to turn them into collectors’ items. I also look forward to working with my new partner Neuschwansteiner.com who supported my Paris exhibition most generously. And the "Magic of the swarms“? The Magic of the Swarms is relatively new. I worked on the style for a couple of years before I went out to show it. The first exhibitions were modest; one piece or a couple of pieces in showrooms where I live, in the historical town hall of Backnang, and such places. This was the end of 2015. Almost a year ago. Then it went exponential. University of Mannheim and Brandenburg Parliament were the next steps; then came Carrousel du Louvre in Paris this October, Miami Art Week with a Swiss gallery in December and Piers 92/94 in New York City, next April.

We've heard you are a people person. Would you agree? I have mentors and students who might become young colleagues or even friends. Friends are so important. I am currently founding a business-type club for my collector base. I want to introduce good people to one another. These are mainly entrepreneurs, founders, CEO and CxO levels, dealers, collectors, investors, etc., mainly out of Silicon Valley, Miami, New York, Berlin and London: the places to be in the art world. They love the idea of meeting, looking at art and networking in a relaxed atmosphere. I invite my guests to special events, previews, and help them to meet new like-minded people. This adds a new level of meaning to the term “Magic of the Swarms”. Maybe we are the swarm that does magic. www.themagicoftheswarms.org

Thor

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ZSUD'S SOUL MASKS A SPECIAL EXHIBITION IN PARIS, FRANCE Her engaging portraits, her soul masks, attempt to show her subjects and viewers a magic mirror — “a looking glass” as she describes it — through which the hidden persona is revealed. The artist finds portraiture to be a compelling study, multi-layered and full of engaging symbolism and messages. When asked how her artistic journey began, Zsud explains “Perhaps I was contaminated, intoxicated, by spirits.” Zsud paints so much of the unspoken. “The secret is to know — to understand — how the models see themselves. To capture their energy.”

Dark Lace

Many artists, past and contemporary, have been fascinated by Paris, and Zsud too has been mesmerized by the city’s unique spirit. “Paris is a universe, whole and entire in herself,” remarks Zsud. “At night it is a street show revealing all the possible moments you might have lived... I loved the night there.”

Zsud’s perspective on colour falls perfectly into her artistic approach, and plays an important role in this series. “The seven colours on the visual spectrum vibrate with different energy levels.” She lets colour cleanse the system of “all our toxic emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical blockages.”

www.udvarhelyi.com

Hungarian artist Zsuzsanna Udvarhelyi (‘Zsud’) is a passionate artist whose fascination in her subjects’ inner energies and souls is clearly visible throughout her works. From November 15, 2016 to January 15, 2017, Zsud is showing 16 of her latest works at Fouquet's Barriere Paris.

In this exceptional show, her paintings are dream-like. “Inspiration is fluid, like music for me. My work begins as if there were sounds: chords, and then colours and shapes finally freeze into images.” Viewers will want to look at her paintings not so much with heart or brain, but rather with spine; for “It is there that occurs that tell-tale tingle; although we must keep a little aloof, a little detached, when watching.”

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DUBAI MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE by Amy Armstrong

A MUSEUM THAT LOOKS SET TO IMPACT THE WORLD In a bid to support the UAE’s mission to become a leading, global innovation engine, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced plans to launch a new Museum of the Future.

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Dedicated to developing and producing future innovations, as well as pinpointing imaginative solutions to innovation challenges, the Museum of the Future plans to become the permanent home of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest innovations. The UAE want to be recognised as a major destination for innovators on a global scale and it is hoped that the Museum of the Future will become a platform to display real examples of change and innovation. Located in the Emirates Towers area, near Shaikh Zayed Road, the museum will open in 2017 and will become

a stand-out destination for those seeking inspiration through groundbreaking innovation. Bringing together some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest and brightest inventors, financiers and designers The new museum will also offer a well-equipped space for some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest and brightest inventors, allowing them to empower their creative minds, fund and market new ideas and watch their future prototypes and services come to life.

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“See the future, create the future” One of the main aims of the museum is to not only create a platform to display exhibits and publish reports, but also an exciting environment wherein some of the world’s brightest innovators can create real examples of change through design and technology prototyping.

The first of its kind Aiming to create a futuristic vision for a better world, the Museum of the Future is yet another example of a leading entrepreneurial government hoping to push

the boundaries of innovation in order to create change for a better future. And it is planned that this new venture will become a space where major innovators can image, design and execute their ideas, turning their visions into a reality. It will also become a space where world-leading tech giants can test their latest designs and collaborate with other entities, ultimately creating long-lasting innovations that will benefit both society and existing organisations.

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Experience the future first hand The Board of Trustees will include a number of high profile national figures who will work together to create a unique space where visitors can gain a glimpse into the future through state-of-the-art simulations and interactive demonstrations. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not allâ&#x20AC;Ś The museum will also become a destination hosting a number of innovation labs that will focus on education, health, energy and transport. Visitors will also be able to attend a number of scientific conferences, as well

as a vast range of advanced courses and specialised workshops. The technological world is continuing to advance at an unprecedented rate and it is clear that the Museum of the Future can become a major centre for anticipating future trends from which we all can benefit.

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FONDATION LOUIS VUITTON EXTRAORDINARY ART IN AN ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE Recently created at the initiative of Bernard Arnault by American megaarchitect Frank Gehry, the Fondation Louis Vuitton, located in Paris, supports French and international contemporary artistic creation and continues in 2016 to make art and culture accessible to as many people as possible. Opened on Monday, 20 October 2014 by French President François Hollande and Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH, the Fondation Louis Vuitton asserts and continues LVMH and Louis Vuitton’s commitment to sponsoring the arts and culture. It enhances the heritage of Paris with a monument that symbolises 21st century architecture.

Frank Gehry designed the exceptional building which, through its creativity and daring, represents the first work of art at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Rising among the century-old trees of the Jardin d’Acclimatation, standing on a mirror of water, it integrates harmoniously with its natural wooded surroundings, with which the building initiates a real dialogue.

“To reflect a constantly changing world, we wanted to design a building that evolves depending on the time of day and the light, in order to create an impression of intangibility and continual transformation,” explains Frank Gehry. A host of exceptional technological innovations allowed the building’s artistic ambition to be achieved. Both in the design of the concept itself and the approach to construction work, the Fondation Louis Vuitton project has turned the principles of architecture upside down. The Fondation Louis Vuitton was chosen as a pilot project for the creation of a new HQE® standard (High Environmental Quality). A permanent collection, temporary exhibits, artistic commissions and many multidisciplinary events – musical performances in particular – are on offer at the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

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From autumn 2014 to spring 2015, the Fondation opened in several phases, each based on an exhibition, a specific selection from the collection made up of both works belonging to the Fondation and Bernard Arnault’s personal collection, as well as various multidisciplinary events.

The Fondation’s collection, whose artistic direction is overseen by Suzanne Pagé, is designed from a selection guided by Bernard Arnault and includes works by Gerhard Richter, Thomas Schütte, Pierre Huyghe, Bertrand Lavier, Christian Boltanski and Frank Stella.

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Commissions have been awarded to several internationally renowned artists incuding Ellsworth Kelly, Olafur Eliasson, Taryn Simon, Sarah Morris and Cerith Wyn Evans. With regards to the temporary collections, Contact a monographic exhibition by Olafur Eliasson was presented during the winter of 2015. In spring 2015, the Keys to Passion exhibition brought together a collection of exceptional works, some of which were on loan from the world’s most important museums. Bentu, an exhibition by Chinese artists followed in early 2016, running for nearly half a year, then Daniel Buren’s Observatory of Light show. From October 2016 to late February 2017, Icons of Modern Art from the Shchukin Collection will show. Music occupies a central position in the life of the Fondation Louis Vuitton. The Auditorium hosts encounters between musicians and artists from all disciplines. The Fondation’s artistic programme illustrates Frank Gehry’s intention “to design a magnificent vessel in Paris that symbolises France’s cultural vocation”.

Georges Braque, Le Château Laroche

Claude Monet, Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe

ART

To showcase the creative process behind this stunning edifice, the Fondation Louis Vuitton has opened a new permanent exhibition, an Architectural Journey that explores how the Fondation developed. Prepared in collaboration with Frank Gehry’s studio in Los Angeles, the exhibit proposes a unique visual experience, including video projections, as visitors discover the sole staircase where the steel structural walls have been left exposed. The successive landings present the different stages of the project, from the initial sketches to the final scale models, detailing the construction, materials, design, as well as the context that spawned this incredible building. Just two years after its inauguration, the Fondation Louis Vuitton has become a new architectural icon in Paris and a vibrant nexus of French culture and artistic creativity. With the instantly recognisable futuristic lines of its 12 glass sails, the building conceived by architect Frank Gehry evokes future artistic journeys that pay tribute to France for all its visitors. As Gehry said: “I dream of designing a magnificent vessel for Paris that symbolises France’s profound cultural vocation.”

Paul Cézanne, L’Homme à la Pipe

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 38

rt Fair Calendar

London London Art Fair January 18th to January 22nd, 2017

Genève artgenève January 26th to January 29th, 2017

Miami Art Wynwood February 16th to February 20th, 2017

Paris PAD Paris Art + Design 2017

Los Angeles LA Art Show January 11th to January 15th, 2017

March 22nd to March 26th, 2017

Art Paris Art Fair 2017 March 30th to April 2nd, 2017

Milan

Art Los Angeles Contemporary January 26th to January 29th, 2017

Rotterdam

miart 2017 March 31st to April 2nd, 2017

Tokyo

Art Rotterdam February 9th to February 12th, 2017

Hong Kong

Art Fair Tokyo 2017 March 17th to March 19th, 2017

Madrid

Art Basel Hong Kong Tokyo International Art Fair 2017 May 26th to May 27th, 2017

Art Madrid 2017 February 22nd to February 26th, 2017

Dubai

March 23rd to March 25th, 2017

Monaco artmonte-carlo April 28th to April 30th, 2017

March 15th to March 18th, 2017

Art Dubai 2017

PLEIN.COM

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 40

BURBERRY Iconic British style with never ending elegance for modern times

Â© Burberry

by Ruth Elvin

FASHION

Fall Winter 2016 Collection

Think iconic British brands and Burberry immediately springs to mind. Few luxury design houses have such a quintessentially British style, yet sit so comfortably on the world stage. From their instantly recognisable check-print scarves to their time-honoured trench coats, Burberry is a brand that embraces British heritage to create modern ready-to-wear classics. Established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the global fashion powerhouse had modest beginnings. With just one shop in Haymarket, London, Burberry began as a small family-run business focussed on producing highquality outerwear garments, and even dressing Arctic explorers for expeditions. While their signature piece remains the trench coat, Burberry have expanded their line over the years to include a vast range of luxury products including clothing, accessories, make-up and fragrances. Their famous checked Haymarket pattern has become one of the most popular, and widely copied, trademark prints in fashion. Burberry now produces a range of collections, from the fashionforward Burberry Prorsum, to the smartly tailored work wear of Burberry London, to the more casual Burberry Brit collection.

The Burberry brand has never been stronger, ranking 73rd in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands report in 2015. With over 500 stores scattered around more than 50 countries across the globe, Burberry employs almost 11,000 employees and continues to enjoy an everrising popularity. Creative direction for the fashion house currently lies in the hands of acclaimed Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Bailey. Holding the role since 2014, he has increased the company’s share price by over 500% and expanded the brand into the lucrative Chinese market. Bailey has also been the innovator behind unique digital campaigns, such as the ‘Art of Trench’ streetstyle photography collection and ‘Burberry Acoustic’, which shares beautifully-shot videos of performances by the best of British musical talent (dressed in Burberry, of course) online. In 2017, Bailey is expected to hand over the CEO reigns to Marco Gobbetti, head of luxury French brand Céline, while retaining his role as President and Chief Creative Officer.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 42 Store Japan Osaka

Store England London

Burberry has been showcased by famous British faces, from Audrey Hepburn and Peter Sellers in the ‘60’s, to rising stars Eddie Redmayne and Cara Delevingne in recent years. Legendary photographer, Mario Testino, is the man behind Burberry’s stellar campaigns, perfectly capturing the brand’s distinctive style and propelling it firmly into the contemporary market. On the catwalk, Burberry is known for using the most up-and-coming new models, treating its packed celebrity audiences to enthralling musical performances from the likes of Paloma Faith, Alison Moyat and James Bay, and showcasing a whirlwind of sharply tailored silhouettes, heritage prints and delicate touches of embroidery and embellishments down the runway.

FASHION

Starting this fall, Burberry now makes all of the clothes featured in its runway shows able for immediate purchase, in-store and online. A significant departure from the conventional model in which clothes appear on catwalks four months before they go on sale, Burberry aims to reboot fashion and better service its customers. The brand will also reduce its four catwalk shows a year to two.

Fall Winter 2016 Collection

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 44

LA MAISON DELVAUX LUXURIOUS AND CHIC HANDBAGS FROM BELGIUM Established in 1829 by Charles Delvaux, la maison Delvaux is known today the world over for its savoir-faire and uncompromising craftsmanship, as well as for the outstanding quality of its creations. Since its early beginnings, Delvaux has enjoyed the trust and confidence of connoisseurs and has been an official supplier of the Belgian royal family since 1883. Delvaux’s history is long and rich. More than 3,000 handbag designs have been created by la maison, all of which have been lovingly documented in Le Livre d’Or. To this day, every new creation continues to be described, sketched, and catalogued in Le Livre. While proud of its heritage and traditions, Delvaux is firmly anchored in the present, creating contemporary classics imbued with elegance, fantasy, and wit. Steeped in the spirit of Belgian surrealism, la maison Delvaux brings a witty approach to all of its creations. Influenced by the innovative works of Belgian artists such as René Magritte and Paul Delvaux, la maison delights in putting a strikingly unconventional twist on its designs.

In the hands of its leather artisans, Delvaux bags become genuine works of art. Each Delvaux design is made of skins from the best tanneries in Italy and France, and handcrafted in Delvaux’s European ateliers. La maison is well known for its innovative treatment of rare, exotic leathers, such as ostrich, galuchat, python, lizard, and crocodile. Only the best skins are chosen and only the best pieces are cut for Delvaux creations. With a touch of Art Deco folly combined with geometric rigor, the new Autumn-Winter 2016/2017 collection is both precious and precise. The ability to conceive audacious and solidly structured designs is part of the innate heritage of la maison Delvaux. This season’s favourite, the Tempête Mini, is subtly slipping in right between the Micro and the MM versions.

Delvaux completes the line with a selection of lightweight, soft models. Le Mutin, with its 1970s allure, and derived from the 1962 “Chasseresse” bag, is the new emblem of the collection. While timeless Nude, Végétal, Noir, and Ivory are present as always in the collection, the focus is on delectable colours that are clean, stark, and yet delicate, such as Absinthe, Rose Candy, Rouge de Pourpre, and Tourterelle. The latter two colours also show up in a three-toned dégradé effect that is both lively and refined. Alligator, lizard, python, and galuchat are used in particularly exceptional and innovative ways, such as Alligator Hurricane brightened with shades of Rouge de Pourpre and Tourterelle. A sumptuous Springbok in Rouge de Pourpre is used for the Madame bag, while the Smoking Mink in Noir and Ivory is paired as trimming for the Tempête MM. Two new leathers enter the repertoire this season: the supple Dream, which is coupled with shiny Alligator in Végétal; and the naturalgrained Crispy Calf. Delvaux boutiques are located in multiple cities in Belgium, as well as in Paris, London, Vancouver, Kuwait City, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Macau, Taipei, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 46

WINTER COLLECTION

top designers & trends

VIKTOR & ROLF

ÂŠ Viktor & Rolf

For their Couture Autumn/Winter 2016 collection, fashion artists Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren take mementos from a multitude of past collections as a basis for their new creations. Fabrics are torn, mixed up and woven by hand to create new voluminous shapes and textures. Vintage becomes elaborately decorated garments. Embroideries consist of dense, organic mixtures of repurposed buttons, beads and crystals. Techniques such as weaving and collage, emphasising the "handmade" aesthetic, blend perfectly with inspiration from Dickens; vagabonds wandering from place to place with their thrown-together, tattered and seemingly mismatched look.

FASHION

ÂŠ Gucci

GUCCI The menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s autumn/winter collection moves inside the field of poetic reactivation, a field that destroys and liberates at the same time. In this operation the clothes become an assemblage of fragments emerging from a temporal elsewhere: resurfacing epiphanies, entangled and unexpected; fluid layers of the past, disorderly anchored to the present, survivals transfigured inside a renewed aesthetics. These fragments play with each other: they fade away in overlay, they detach from their original meaning to take on new interpretations, they reassemble through associations that free themselves from pure logical connection. The collection offers fresh emotional palimpsests exceeding sense and desire.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 48

SPRING 2017 ANTICIPATIONS

LOUIS VUITTON

Louis Vuitton’s show took place in the future home of its Place Vendôme flagship. On display were sophistication and tailoring, nestling between practicality and experimentation. Creative director Ghesquière showed a collection firmly rooted in Parisienne style, opening with a series of fluid, one-sleeved draped jersey dresses that seemed to float as they moved. Black and white polka-dot and checkerboard prints danced across Eighties-shouldered flippy dresses with circular cut-outs at the hip. Rigorously sharp with jagged angles, jutting necklines, shoulders cut to slant forwards, skewed wrap-over hemlines, dramatically sliced underarms and sleeves are the power suits of the future.

FASHION

ÂŠ Philipp Plein

PHILIPP PLEIN Known for his extravagant undertakings for his runway shows, this collection was no exception with a basketball court, cheerleaders, popcorn vendors and breakdancing mascots. Not to be missed were the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team and infamous rapper Busta Rhymes. The collection shouts sports-driven, unconventional and high-geared style. Black with orange, yellow and electric blues in soft cotton jersey, leisure chic blazers and sequined embellishments were just a few impressions.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 50

RISQUÉ ZURICH'S LUXURY LINGERIE Lingerie is not just underwear. It is a tribute to femininity and intimacy, an appeal to the senses. The Risqué lingerie boutique in Zurich, Switzerland offers a wide range of gorgeous lingerie from some of the most talented bespoke designers and couturiers in the world. This lovely boutique, located a short distance from the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse and its world-class luxury retailers, showcases exquisite lingerie, from one-piece sets and lacy tops to flattering bottoms, garters and accessories. Risqué prides itself on providing highly personalised customer service in a lush, intimate setting. Its special ambience was the conception of highly sought after interior designer Iria Degen, who designed the Risqué experience to be unique, private, and yet functional: an occasion for clients and visitors to engage in the utmost personal luxury.

Other brands at Risqué include: ‘Fleur of England’ with its luxurious fabrics, beautiful

Risqué offers two of its many brands exclusively to the Swiss market. ‘Bordelle’, a British luxury bondage lingerie, swimwear and accessories label, is a niche and unique concept in women’s lingerie and body-wear that combines true craftsmanship with ground-breaking designs that play with themes of seduction and domination, with a touch of elegant S&M. ‘Luna Mae London’ offers couture lingerie by invitation only, proudly handcrafted in England. Strictly exclusive couture collections presented in the finest double A grade silks, with solid eighteen-carat yellow gold fittings, are offered to individual clients. Beautifully constructed by exceptionally skilled seamstresses in a private atelier in England, each couture piece is crafted on a made-to-order basis with the option of a fully bespoke service.

styling, and exceptional fit; ‘Edge o’ beyond’ whose delicate gold plated jewellery distinctively merges lingerie and fine jewellery; the Kriss Soonik collection of fashion-forward lingerie, luxe loungewear, and ready-towear; ‘Lascivious’s experimental and indulgent directional lingerie; ‘Fräulein kink’ with its high-end bondage fashion accessories; ‘Moeva’ for emerging luxury swim and resort wear;

‘Paolita’ swimwear and beachwear; and the luxury lifestyle brand ‘210th’ for high fashion design luxury body care, erotic gift boxes, lingerie, and art photography. Every woman is unique. Every woman has special requirements. Risqué’s expert consultants are happy to answer questions at any time, including virtually. Risqué lingerie boutique

provides a comfortable, stylish, and private space for women to explore their femininity. RISQUÉ LINGERIE Kappelergasse 15 8001 Zurich - Switzerland +41 43 833 05 05 info@risque-boutique.com www.risque-boutique.com

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 52

Temperatures are dropping but your style doesn’t have to. With these favourite selections, you will breeze through autumn months with elegance, beauty and practicality.

Canali

Limited edition Pryma for Canali headphones Italian craftsmanship, technology and style come together in these hand-made headphones. The Sonus Faber audio quality is combined with a sleek design. The monogram leather strap has a microfiber padded underside for maximum comfort. Lightweight aluminum shells in Canali’s iconic texture have ultra-soft cushions to fit snugly while state-of-the-art technology creates an exceptional listening experience.

Monogram canvas trolley Meet the future of luxurious rolling luggage as imagined by industrial designer Marc Newson. This lightweight 4-wheeled carry-on has a completely flat interior thanks to its large external cane. Every detail exudes innovation and lightness: from the discreet new TSA lock, mesh lining and leather corners to aluminum metallic pieces and the most comfortable wheels ever designed by Louis Vuitton.

Berluti

Leather belt The Scritto adjustable fit belt in tobacco/nero is made with calf leather. The buckle is script embossed metal. Owned by the LVMH group since 1993, Berluti has sealed its reputation as a fashion house specialsed in menswear, blending expertise with tradition and modernity.

Louis Vuitton

FASHION

Isaia

Gregory suit This two-piece melange windowpane navy suit in wool, silk and linen has a notched lapel and two-button front. The Italian made jacket features front patch pockets with welt stitching, a chest welt pocket, basted sleeves and a double-vented back. The half-lined trousers are flat front with side tabs.

Berluti

High-top sneaker Berlutiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Playtime black leather round toe sneaker has perforated details at vamp and sides, a lace-up front, and a padded ankle with embossed logo tongue. A pull-tab at backstay, leather lining and insole, and contrast rubber sole assure comfort and durability.

Barton Perreira

ÂŠ Isaia, Berluti, Barton Perreira, Tom Ford via www.neimanmarcus.com

Sunglasses

The Gazarri polarised aviator acetate sunglasses feature titanium aviator frames, polarised lenses and a double nose bridge with pads. They are handmade and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection. Known for revolutionary technology, unsurpassed craftsmanship, and ingenious design, Barton Perreira shades are sought-after accents.

Tom Ford

Bow tie

This elegant solid velvet black bow tie is pre-tied with an adjustable clip at side. In cotton and made in Italy, the bow tie perfectly suits your holiday jacket. Synonymous with sexy, timeless elegance, Tom Ford uses only superior materials and workmanship.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 54

Brunello Cucinelli Reversible overcoat

This wool-blend sand coloured overcoat reverses to herringbone. It has a notch collar, button front and button cuffs. The fine tailoring is evident in the coat’s front patch pockets and center back vent. Made in Italy, the coat is wool and cashmere and a perfect example of Cucinelli’s sublimely luxurious fabrics.

Deakin & Francis

Cuff links

Salvatore Ferragamo

Loafers

It’s party time with these sharp velvet Gancini black evening loafers. Their leather trimmed collar, 1 inch stacked flat heel, and round toe make them your exquisite finishing touch. The silvertone Ferragamo Gancini bit across vamp, the leather lining and insole and leather sole with rubber heel inset remind us why Ferragamo was and still is shoemaker to the stars.

Dunhill

Dunhill Icon fragrance This masculine scent by British fashion house Dunhill, created by perfumer Carlos Benaim, was lauched in 2015 but continues to be a favourite this season in its sophisticated heavy metal bottle. The fragrance top notes incude neroli, Italian bergamot, black pepper and petitgrain, with delightful heart and base notes such as lavender, cardamom and sage as well as leather, vetiver and oakmoss, to name but a few.

The carved onyx and sapphire twisted 18k gold bar cuff links are a fine example of Deakin & Francis’s outstanding workshop. Founded in 1786, the company creates and manufactures the world's finest cuff links, using precious metals and incorporating glass-like enamel and fine gemstones. Deakin & Francis has created over 1,000 luxury cuff link designs that are always timeless.

FASHION

Nina Ricci L'Extase perfume

Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Extase is an incandescently modest fragrance with a genuinely erotic signature. A touch of rose, pink pepper, musk and notes of benzoin, cedar, amber and musk whisper together in this lovely scent from Nina Ricci. The beautiful bottle is modeled on a couture clutch, in shades of dark mauve. Available in 30, 50 and 80 ml.

Tom Ford ÂŠ Nina Ricci; Tom Ford, Victoria Beckham, Gianvito Rossi via www.mytheresa.com

Micro Rock embellished box clutch Tom Ford packs a punch with this oh-so chic crystal-embellished clutch bag. The unique gunmetal grey ring feature evokes Old Hollywood glamour and will have your evening look ready for the red carpet. It features a push-lock fastening, leather lining, and internal zipped and slot pockets.

Victoria Beckham

Classic Victoria 18kt gold mirrored sunglasses The 'Classic Victoria' are designed for a hardly-there lightweight feel, with oh-so-cool 18kt gold mirrored lenses and frames. Finish any outfit on a standout note with this pair. The glasses are a lens filter category 3 and come in a logoembossed hard case.

Gianvito Rossi

Embroidered sandals Crafted in retro shades of soft yellow and olive brown, these sandals are a simple, sleek silhouette perfect for dressing up neutral edits. Shimmering embroidered detailing lines the toe and ankle strap, and the look is finished off with a slim velvet heel.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 56

Carolina Herrera

One-shoulder metallic gown Made exclusively for mytheresa.com, this stunning gown means after-dark glamour. Falling to an elegant floor-sweeping length, this Grecian-style design is a luxe show stopper in its metallic gold hue. 1

Gucci

Gold-tone embellished bracelet With signature flair, Gucci combines tough and glam in this standout bracelet (ring also available). A gold-tone mesh connects textured bracelet to a faux-pearl, brass knuckles-inspired ring piece. The pearls are topped off with studs and the GG logo for recognisable finish. 2

Jimmy Choo

ÂŠ Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Marni via www.mytheresa.com

Memento cloud crystal-embellished box clutch This clutch, from the label's 20th anniversary MEMENTO collection, is a culmination of meticulous attention to detail and the house's age-old scene-stealing style. Crafted from metallic fibre, this golden piece comes intricately adorned with tiny beads, shimmering crystals and a metal knot clasp feature. 3

Marni

Crystal-embellished brass earrings These oversized clip-on earrings are crafted in a dropdown style in a faux pearl and crystal design. Made in Italy, the earrings are brass with crystals.

FASHION

Chloé

Wool and cashmere coat Adopt the fresh-faced, Parisian aesthetic of the renowned design house with Chloé's wool and cashmere coat. The warm, luxurious blend has been brushed out for a soft look. A self-tie belt wraps around the waist, creating a curve-skimming silhouette. It is silk-lined with side slit pockets and a buttoned front. 1

Aquazzura

Fauna 105 embellished velvet sandals The grey crushed velvet pair is finished with insect embellishments at the almond open toe for a sparkling twist on the classic silhouette. A lace-up ankle and tall stiletto heel lend this pair feminine appeal. 2

Tiffany & Co.

CT60TM watch

The 3-hand Swiss-made watch in 18kt rose gold has a white soleil dial and gold poudré numerals. On a white alligator strap, it features a 34 mm case set with 60 round brilliant diamonds, and total weight of .60 carat. The self-winding mechanical movement and 42 hour power reserve plus its water resistance (to 100 meters/330 feet/10 ATM) makes this a stunner. 3

Piaget

Possession rings These stunning rings in pink gold and set with brilliantcut diamonds are part of the new Possession collection from Piaget. The two independent rotating bands play tribute to our changing times and renewed energies. Designed to turn, let your holidays be extra special with one of these unique rings that illustrate Piaget’s emblematic creative daring.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 58

ashion Calendar

New York

London

NYFW: Men’s

London Collections: Men

January 30th to February 2nd, 2017

January 6th to January 9th, 2017

NYFW: Women’s

London Fashion Week F/W 2017

February 9th to February 16th, 2017

February 17th to February 21st, 2017

Milan Milan Fashion Week: Men's

Berlin FW 17 Market Week January 17th to January 19th, 2017

January 14th to January 17th, 2017

Milan Fashion Week: Women's February 22nd to February 28th, 2017

Los Angeles March 13th to March 15th, 2017

Paris Fashion Week Men’s January 18th to January 22nd, 2017

Haute Couture January 22nd to January 26th, 2017

Ready to Wear February 28th to March 8th, 2017

Malaysia Asia Islamic Fashion Week March 30th to April 2nd, 2017

FW 17 Market Week February 20th to February 23rd, 2017

Tokyo Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO March 20th to March 25th, 2017

FW 17 Market Week

Las Vegas

Paris

BASELWORLD.COM

The one unmissable trendsetting show for the entire watch and jewellery industry, where all key players unite to unveil their latest creations and innovations. Be a part of this premier event and experience passion, precision and perfection in action.

MARCH 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30, 2017

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 60

CHRISTMAS Christmas is around the corner. It is the time to pamper, spoil and indulge your loved ones and those around you. With this time of year come the joys and pressures involved in selecting that right gift. We wanted you to relax, so we pulled together our own list of wonderful gifts we are sure you will want to consider for those special people in your life. From glamorous accessories to functional items, we have searched the globe for those not-to-be-missed little packages that you may want to put under your holiday tree.

Bogner

Magic Flash helmet This limited edition helmet will get you attention whether skiing, bicycling or skating. With over 3,000 individual Swarovski® stones, its black, silver and gold shimmers carry over from winter to summer sports. Made with polycarbonate and velvety suede materials, it offers an automatic climate control by 3 air chamber system.

Celestial mini desk globe

Weighing 5lbs, it is 23cm in diameter, sitting on a beautifully crafted champagne coloured cast metal base. Three roller bearings allow multidirectional unrestricted movement. Each base is fitted with an inscribed copper plaque noting the edition number and style, and a further disc for your own inscription along with a certificate of ownership. 88 handcoloured constellations adorn the unique globe providing a fascinating depiction of the sky above us.

Delvaux

Poussière d’étoiles handbag Delvaux’s striking end-of-year collection embodies la maison’s taste for both the unexpected and lavish refinement. Inspired by Gustav Klimt, this knock-out handbag is made up of dozens of polished and galvanised brass pieces, their various tints and finishes give the star motif dazzling subtlety and depth.

Bellerby & Co. Globemakers

LIFESTYLE

Baume & Mercier

Clifton Chronograph complete calendar watch With a generous 43 mm diameter, the watch presents a silvered dial with sun satin- finished decoration, Arabic numerals and rhodium-plated applique indexes as well as a set of blued steel hands that emphasise the elements of the chronograph’s complications.

Bentley

Ruslan Lobanov

Hand-crafted by Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division, this special gift is an exquisite installation which houses all the equipment required for a successful day on the river. There are different sections, the first of which is shown here: the master tackle station, for the cradling of reels, drakes, vises, and presumably tippets.

This 168 page book contains 104 black and white works by photographer Ruslan Lobonov. Describing the essence of beauty, the photos were taken during 10 years of travels to different countries, from Havana to Kiev, from Galle to Moscow. Each page shows stunning females in inimitable auras of each city. To purchase, contact info@ gallery-inadederer.com.

Bentley Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner

Nudes in the City book

Leica © Baume & Mercier, Bentley, Ruslan Lobanov, Leica, Oakley

M Edition 60 camera This limited edition camera has a stainless steel M body with no LCD. With its stream-lined design featuring no other buttons on the back except an ISO dial, the camera is lean and sleek. It shoots RAW only. In addition, the M60 comes with a stainless steel M 35/1.4 lens with a special hood, plus a leather half case and attaching strap.

Oakley

AirwaveTM goggles Airwave™ takes Oakley goggle design and technology to the next level with a built-in heads up display that integrates GPS, Bluetooth® and more. Onboard sensors give you instant access to speed, vertical drop, distance, and altitude. But there’s so much more: preloaded maps, music playlist control, buddy tracking, and so on.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 62

Feuerring

Mikimoto

Dior

This modern pit captivates with its individual height. With the second bottom, the fire will be visible in the perfect height. The Luna is a timeless piece of art, and a culinary tool with a new philosophy. You will enjoy conviviality with your guests having a barbecue together.

Mikimoto, a company that has dedicated itself to the pursuit of beauty for over a century, develops original jewellery designs and production techniques combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship and European finesse. This lovely pearl and diamond bracelet is part of Mikimoto’s fine jewellery and should be on your wrist this Christmas.

Purchase this wonderful men’s scent with its radically fresh composition for this holiday season. Its natural ingredients prevail as radiant top notes burst with the juicy freshness of Reggio di Calabria bergamot. Ambroxan, derived from precious ambergris, unleashes a powerfully woody trail.

The Luna fire pit

Aurora bracelet

Sauvage fragrance

Maserati Capsule Collection This new collection features leather goods, luxury clothing and personal accessories designed to reflect the craftsmanship and elegance synonymous with the two brands, Zegna and Maserati. Characterised by a refined mixture of premium leather, fine silk and cotton fabrics with the iconic chevron pattern, leather detailing and a dedicated “Ermenegildo Zegna Exclusively for Maserati” label, you can’t let this one go.

Sine

On-Ear headphone The world’s first on-ear planar magnetic is a blend of striking modern industrial design, top-quality build, and leading-edge planar magnetic technology. Lightweight, the headphones fold flat for easy travel and are available with an optional CIPHER Lightning cable.

Ermenegildo Zegna

LIFESTYLE

Renzo Romagnoli Boca do Lobo Roulette set

Remy Martin

This elegant roulette set contains a luxurious box made of poplar wrapped in crocodile-embossed leather, a mahogany wheel, playing chips, multiple balls, brass rake, and a felt roulette board. Made in Italy, the exquisite gift set is from a company reknowned for its innovation in the conception and design of novel gift and game articles for the luxury market.

LOUIS XIII dates back to the 19th century, nurtured by generations devoted to the finest Cognac ever produced. Each decanter is created as a unique expression of the traditional know-how of the House and is part of an iconic collection.

Knox luxury safe

An exquisite home piece, this safe can only be opened by inserting the right code in the center of a luxurious brass casted handle. When you open the door you can actually see it working through the glass applied on the inside of the door. Highly customisable, the safe’s interior can be arranged accordingly to the user’s needs, for an extra touch of exclusivity and uniqueness. Let it guard your most precious possessions.

Louis XIII Cognac

Dolce & Gabbana Hardcase for iPhone 6

This studded leather hardcore features a fabulous composition of opulent metal blossoms and a bee in gold as well as sparkling crystals. It is made with night black leather in embossed iguana look with the luxurious signature label.

zai

Spada skis The Spada, handcrafted in the Swiss Alps by zai, has evolved, now offering three new sizes, proven CFS® stone core technology and a groundbreaking top surface made from natural cellulose acetate. The world’s only ski with a solid granite core boasts a cellulose acetate upper surface and stainless steel upper edges.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 64

WHAT WATCH DO YOU WEAR? Watches today are much more than a simple accessory. They require careful reflection on functionality, style, brand and price tag. And they usually say more about you than you can imagine. Your watch tells time, but it also indicates taste and status. So take a moment to ponder: what is important to you? And what is right for your personal style and lifestyle?

Leather or metal? Breguet 3817

This calfskin leather strap watch has a steel case with a delicately fluted baseband. With a sapphire-crystal casebook, the 42mm diameter features a bidirectional rotating bezel, rounded lugs and a screw-locked crown. It is water-resistant to 10 bar (100 m) with a 48 hour power reserve.

Breitling

Bentley B06 special edition A perfect emblem of the Breitling for Bentley spirit, this chronograph watch blends stylish aesthetics with sophisticated chronometric. Distinguished by its ingenious 30-second chronograph system and the variable tachymeter with rotating bezel, the B06 calculates average speed whatever the time lapsed, distance covered or speed reached. The knurled motif on the bezel, a nod to the famous Bentley radiator grilles, is picked up in the dial.

Breguet Classique

Tiffany & Co. Chronograph 42mm

This Swiss-made men’s chronograph watch in 18k rose gold and stainless steel, has a white dial and features rose gold poudré numerals in a 42mm case with a self-winding mechanical movement. The watch has a 42 hour power reserve and is water resistant to 100 meters/330 feet/10 ATM.

The 7147BB /12 /9WU wristwatch in 18-carat rose gold with a delicately fluted baseband has a sapphire-crystal caseback. 40mm in diameter, the watch has welded lugs with screw bars and is water-resistant to 3 bar (30 m). Its silvered 18-carat gold dial is engine-turned; individually numbered, hours chapter with Roman numerals, self-winding movement, 45 hours power reserve.

LIFESTYLE

Bejewelled or time-teller? Rolex

Pearlmaster 39 This new version of the Oyster Perpetual Pearlmaster 39 is a treasure among gem-set watches. In 18 ct everose gold and adorned with the rarest diamonds, this interpretation highlights the extent of Rolexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise in gem-setting. The precious watch is also equipped with the new-generation calibre 3235, backed by 14 patents, incorporating the Chronergy escapement developed by Rolex.

De Grisogono Livivi S04

From this special collection celebrating the symbol of infinity, interwoven ties of love and life, the S04 bracelet is made with sculpted fossilised mammoth ivory, white diamonds and rose gold. With diamonds counted in abundance on the case (299 in total), dial (125) and clasp (170) varying from 3.25 to 6.9 cts, you will sparkle day and night.

Hublot

Big Bang Monochrome Gold Diamonds

ÂŠ Rolex, De Grisogono, Hublot, Chopard

With its warm, reassuring tones of pink gold, this watch plays with textures and materials to create a monochrome look of impeccable taste. The polished 18K red gold set with 36 diamonds for 1.80ct, sunray satin-finished gold-plated colour dial features a self-winding chronograph movement.

Chopard Precious

Part of the splendid new Haute Joaillerie collection, this spectacular jewellery watch is set with pear-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds. On its dials, matching baguettecut gems surround a dainty corolla evoking a floral motif using the snow-setting technique. The models are fitted with bracelets extending this jewellery lacework theme.

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FESTIVE JEWELLERY Indulge in luxurious sparkles that will shine through the holidays. This season’s focus is on the brilliance of earrings: drop or studs, chandelier or dangle, monochrome or colour, elaborate or simple, timeless elegance or ephemerally trendy.

Chopard Precious

Pear-shaped rubies swirl round these Precious collection earrings, inspired by a ballerina's tutu. The Precious collection represents the jeweller’s journey to the heart of dazzling colours that are distilled by the most precious of all gems: white diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and, as shown hear, rubies.

De Grisogono Melody of Colours

White gold, oval-cut amethyst, emerald and red sapphire are combined in these earrings that belong to a high jewellery collection that evokes both haute couture and artistic composition. Cuts, shapes, light and texture abound in this colourful pair of earrings that will take center stage this winter.

Louis Vuitton Blossom collection

These eye-catching earrings in white gold, with 25.76 carat spinels, sculpted 12.14 carat opals and 3.40 carat diamonds, will fit perfectly with any holiday occasion. They are part of Louis Vuitton’s High Jewellery collection featuring 60 pieces of exquisite design, craftsmanship and stone sourcing.

LIFESTYLE

Graff

The Eternal Twins A magnificent pair of 50.23 carat D flawless emerald cut diamonds have been set in this pair of earrings totaling 132.53 carats of exceptional brilliance. Graff’s master craftsmen and design team have combined true artistry with breath-taking fire and scintillation in the creation of these beautiful jewels.

Piaget

Possession These drop earrings in 18K rose gold are set with 16 brilliant-cut diamonds of approximately 0.25 carats. Wear them with your party outfit or even casual wear for a glamorous look. With its beautiful Possession collection, Piaget continues to marvel.

Mikimoto © Tiffany & Co., De Grisogono, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Piaget, Mikimoto, Graff Diamonds

Gold South Sea These opulent golden pearls are produced by the goldenlipped oyster. Harvested in sizes of 9mm and up, their warm, natural golden colour is said to be rarer than gold itself. The colour palette ranges from light champagne to a very rare, deep gold. These Mikimoto pearl earrings are exceptional and will be a great addition to your earring collection.

Tiffany & Co. Diamond Tsavorite

From Tiffany’s Out of Retirement collection come these lovely graphic earrings in 18k gold. With tsavorites of .45 carat weight and diamonds of .37 carat, these little earrings will shine throughout the holidays no matter the event. Inspired by designs from the Tiffany Archives, the Out of Retirement collection pieces are as modern today as they were when they were first introduced.

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FINGER FOCUS by Eilidh MacRae

When it comes to beauty, trends generally don’t seem to change that often. Red lips are always classy, groomed eyebrows always look great, and we love a lick of mascara. But in the nail world things are changing, and new innovations are being unveiled all the time. So, what’s hot right now?

FINGER MASKS Dry, hard cuticles and brittle, weak or discoloured nails are two things that can easily ruin a good manicure. Even if your beautician does an amazing job of pushing back the cuticles and moisturising your hands, these recurring problems can be quite annoying between appointments. Finger masks could well be the answer.

Photo by Ludovica Bastianini. © Background: Rattanasiri Inpinta

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These intensely hydrating pouches slip over your fingers, where you leave them for around 15 minutes (this may vary depending on brand) while you relax. When the time is up, you simply slide the masks off your fingers and enjoy the instant results. Look for masks that use shea butter, argan oil and/or rosehip as their primary ingredients, as these natural products help to heal and hydrate both the nail and the surrounding skin. The masks are quite long, so they are able to accommodate longer fingernails, while those with shorter nails will enjoy moisturised fingers too! The aim of the masks is to create softened cuticles that are easily removed, as well as healthy, strong, clear nails that look just as beautiful without polish as they do with.

MALE MANICURES Gone are the days when men felt awkward walking into beauty salons and asking for a file and tidy up of their nails.

Now, there are whole businesses popping up dedicated to helping the male population achieve healthy, strong nails. After all, businessmen spend all day shaking hands with potential clients/partners/investors, so those hands need to be as groomed and presentable as the rest of them. But other men are starting to notice the importance of male manicures, too. Guitarists, for example, base their whole careers on their ability to twang their guitar strings. For this, their nails need to be short and neat, otherwise they may catch on the string or just get in the way. The constant pressure on the fingers can also be an issue, but regular manicures help with this. The introduction of male salons makes a lot of sense. Traditional nail bars often have a very girly feel, which immediately makes men feel out of place, especially when surrounded by women. Add to this the fact that many female beauticians refuse to treat men— especially if they tend to work alone—and the need for male-centred salons is clear. Think of them more like a male retreat, where you just happen to get your nails filed too.

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BEAUTY FOODS TO ADD TO YOUR DIET by Chloe Crockford

The influx of superfoods and new healthy lifestyles has swept across the world to encourage a more ‘green’ and ‘healthier’ lifestyle. Which ones should you pick? With the fitness and health industry forever adopting the latest fad diets and beauty tricks, it can be quite challenging to pinpoint what exactly we should incorporate into our diets to be the best we can be. So to help you stock your cupboards full of beauty foods, we have compiled some simple ingredients that can help revitalise your natural beauty. For Brighter Eyes… Now as many of us know, having bright, sparkly, crisp white eyes can be essential to avoid appearing ‘tired’ or ‘dull-looking’. Our retinas have the highest

concentration of fatty acids in comparison to any other tissue in the body, therefore adding antioxidants to your diet is a great way to protect your eye health. Key nutrients such as vitamin A, beta carotene and B vitamins can be found in a wide variety of foods including chia seeds, eggs, carrots and blackberries. Try adding these as part of your daily diet to help protect retinal tissue and to support cell membranes. For Shinier Hair… Dry and brittle hair is usually caused by a nutritional deficiency caused by a poor diet, hormonal imbalances, post-pregnancy, ageing and daily stresses.

LIFESTYLE

These factors can have an impact on our hair and scalp and could even put us at risk of hair loss.

ÂŠ subbotina

Try eating foods rich in vitamin C, protein, antioxidants and silica. These can be easily added to your daily diet and can help improve your circulation to the scalp. In particular, having too little protein in your diet can lead to slow growth and brittle ends. To Banish Dark Circlesâ&#x20AC;Ś The skin around our eyes is our most delicate and as we begin to age that skin may become much darker and appear dull. Especially when we experience

changes in our water balance, the body tends to retain fluid which can cause bags and dark circles. Hydration, in particular, is essential to help improve the skin around our eyes. When the body is dehydrated, our skin becomes thinner and blood vessels tend to appear much more obvious. To avoid dark circles and premature ageing, try eating foods with a high water content. This can be found especially in cucumber and watermelon. However, adding berries to your diet such as blueberries and goji berries can help to protect the skin from ageing, as well as improving circulation to the eyes.

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WINTER SKIN AND HAIR REMEDIES by Chloe Crockford

For most of us, the winter cold can be quite damaging to our hair and skin. While adding a rosy glow to our cheeks, less welcome are the uncomfortable dryness to our face, hands, feet and hair, and we aren’t just talking about women, it can affect men just as much. Here are some excellent remedies. Argan Beauty - Silky Lip Balm With the active ingredients of argan, sesame and almond oils and shea butter, this slightly rose scented lip balm will keep your lips smooth and soft throughout the winter months. Argan Beauty works directly with a small manufacturing center in Morocco to ensure that are exclusively pure and organic organ oil and fragrances are used.

Skin care doesn’t have to be considered a chore, neither does it need a cabinet full of products. To help you repair and protect hair and skin ready for the winter, we have compiled some easy remedies that can help you tackle those cold temperatures.

Stay Hydrated Staying hydrated is important during any season, but during the winter drinking plenty of water is essential for our bodies to function, digest food and help flush toxins away. When our bodies are fully hydrated, our blood consists of approximately 92% water, therefore it helps to keep the blood moving freely through our veins and arteries. It is also vital to keep our skin soft and smooth and can even add a subtle healthy sheen to the skin.

Icy winds, a drop in temperature and the increased use of central heating can all have an impact on your skin and hair, leaving them feeling dull and lifeless. A boost in your winter skin and hair care can help to revitalise hair and skin, whilst protecting them from becoming dry and brittle.

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Use A Scrub It is always important to exfoliate all year round, however during the winter months, investing in a good exfoliater can help to remove dead skin, improve your complexion and improve new skin cells. When exfoliating, the rubbing action helps to boost circulation and helps drain your lymph nodes, by increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface. Treat Your Tresses No matter if you are male or female, during the winter our hair can become much more dry and flat. Especially for those who shampoo daily, you may want to consider reducing this to every other day so that you do not dry out your hair or scalp. Always use conditioner as this can help to protect hair as well as de-tangling. Try to leave hair to dry 50-60% before using a hairdryer, as blow-drying hair straight from the shower can encourage breakage and dandruff.

Moisturise Probably one of the most obvious remedies, but moisturising every day can help to hydrate skin, as well as protecting it from the winter cold. Focus especially on specific areas such as your hands and face as these will be most exposed to the bitter temperatures. Ensure you always use a moisturiser that targets your specific skin type, as well as one that contains an SPF. Even during the winter, an SPF is essential to protect the skin from premature ageing.

La Mer - The Revitalizing Rehydrating Serum This powerful age fighter accelerates skin's natural renewal process to visibly diminish lines and wrinkles. With the nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, skin is refined and rejuvenated for a firmer, younger-looking complexion. This potent serum is also powered by the Regenerating Ferment™ which help skin trigger its natural production of collagen, elastin and other "youth proteins." Skin looks revitalised on contact and, over time, even in winter, the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores is dramatically diminished.

Dior - La Cure The three week luxurious treatment package from Dior Prestige is bound to change your skin. The Reset, Renew and Perfect antiaging oil-serums, based on Dior’s exclusive formula using Rose de Granville Oil, improve the texture of the skin, reducing signs of aging, making your skin more firm and radiant through tough winter dryness.

REN Clean Skincare - Luxury Moroccan Rose Collection A luxurious selection from REN’s multi-award winning Moroccan Rose Otto range, this holiday collection will leave your skin soft, smooth and lightly scented with 100% natural rose oil.

Jo Malone Jo Malone will launch Myrrh & Tonka, a new unisex fragrance in the Cologne Intense Collection, in January. Myrrh & Tonka was developed by perfumer Mathilde Bijaoui, and features notes of myrrh, almond, lavender, vanilla and tonka bean. Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka will be available in 100 ml Cologne Intense. It's a perfect winter scent.

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THE BENEFITS AND BEAUTY OF THERMAL SPAS by Emma Hudson Thermal spas, also known as geothermal baths or hot pools, have naturally warm waters that are rich in minerals and provide a unique and enjoyable experience for bathers. They are found all over the world in remarkable locations in countries such as Iceland, Japan, the United States, Costa Rica, Peru, and New Zealand. Although renowned for their beauty, they also offer many benefits. The Thermal Spa Experience Thermal spas come in many forms, from ponds and pools to lakes and lagoons. They are often surrounded by spectacular natural beauty and can possess striking features like cascades, waterfalls, and vivid colours. Some spas are found in luxurious bath houses, while others have entire resorts built around them dedicated to their therapeutic nature.

While every thermal spa is unique, they all have in common their naturally warm waters, which come from geothermally heated hot springs. Their temperature can differ quite considerably, but many of the most popular range from 35 to 40 degrees. Spas that are enjoyed outside in the open can sometimes be cooler as they are affected by the weather and the seasons.

ÂŠ Filip Fuxa, Artur Nyk

LIFESTYLE

ÂŠ Brian Jones, maridav, Dmitry Islentyev

Unique Qualities There are many reasons to visit a thermal spa. Beyond their idyllic beauty, many spas are surrounded by fascinating ancient tradition and folklore. A typical spa will therefore have something to offer both the nature lover and the curious student. But spas have much more to offer than pleasant scenery and interesting stories. It is believed that thermal spas can provide a number of genuine health benefits because of the mineral content in the water. Although the exact mix can vary, spa waters can include trace amounts of chlorides, boron, silica, potassium, fluoride, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphates. Geothermal waters have been used for centuries to promote health and healing, a treatment called balneotherapy. In Europe and Japan, bathing in thermal spas and hot pools has long been regarded as both physically and mentally therapeutic, and the practice is still popular today. Improved Wellbeing The relaxing and immersive experience provided by thermal spas can lower stress and anxiety, which can improve sleep. People often report feeling happier and more content after bathing too.

Health Benefits The soothing, mineral-rich waters can also help relieve pain in muscles and joints, and ease spasms. Studies conducted in Israel even suggest that spa bathing can increase strength and alleviate stiffness in arthritis sufferers. It has also been found to lessen some symptoms of fibromyalgia. The minerals in the water may boost metabolism and circulation as well, while also helping to eliminate toxins from the body. Skin Benefits Thermal spas are particularly well known for improving the condition of skin, hair and nails. Silica in the water is believed to promote collagen formation, which can make skin appear rejuvenated and more youthful looking. Sulphates can help clear skin problems like acne, and sooth eczema and psoriasis. With so many benefits, it is easy to see why thermal spas and the therapies based on them are increasingly sought after. The impressive beauty of their natural environments further adds to their irresistible allure.

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A LUXURY WINE TOUR IN BORDEAUX Everything you will need to give the wine lover in your life an unforgettable luxury wine tour in Bordeaux Bordeaux is the capital of the fine wine world. Fine Bordeaux wines always make great Christmas gifts, but why not go one step further? Give the wine lover in your life an unforgettable luxury wine tour in Bordeaux this year. When to go For city breaks, Bordeaux is good all year round. For wine tours, you should try to avoid en primeur week in April, and the harvest season between September and October. Roads will be busy, hotels full and wineries will have other things on their mind. Between harvest and spring, be warned that there will not be much to see in the vineyards themselves as the vines lay dormant. The summer season is best as the weather is good, vineyards are alive and the châteaux ready and waiting for you. Where to stay Bordeaux has no shortage of top hotels and restaurants, and you can always take the ultra luxury option of staying at one of the region’s many historic châteaux. Many have been converted, in part or whole, into private luxury accommodation.

Must-see châteaux With nearly 10,000 individual châteaux in the region, there’s just no way to see it all. To help you in your planning, here’s our top picks for must-see wineries and vineyards. •

Château Mouton Rothschild. One of the five “first growths” of the Médoc, known especially for its collaboration with famous artists on its labels. Visit the château and you’ll gain access to a museum of all the famous labels including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

• Château Troplong Mondot. This right bank estate offers beautifully refurbished guest houses, a hillside wine terrace and a Michelin-starred restaurant! • Château Smith Haut Lafitte. This is a luxury wine tourism destination not far from the city, featuring a hotel and spa among many other amenities. • Château d’Yquem. The home of the world’s rarest sweet wine has only recently opened its doors to visiting wine enthusiasts. Explore the 400-year old château, the most highly regarded of them all in Sauternes.

Where to go The Bordeaux region contains many smaller distinct regions, some of which will be more interesting than others. Most of the top Grand Cru Classé estates are located in either the Médoc, located on the left bank, or the Libournais (prominently including St Emilion and

Pomerol) on the right bank. If sweet wine is your thing, the Sauternes region is the place to be. Graves and Pessac-Léognan are famous for their dry whites, and are just a stone’s throw from the city centre.

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What you need to know • Allow yourself at least one day in each locality that you would like to see. On average, winery visits can last between one and two hours, and when you factor in driving time and breaks for lunch, your schedule starts to look pretty tight!

•

Watch your alcohol intake. Wineries offer spittoons, don’t be afraid to use them. When driving it’s essential, but even if you’re not, you may be surprised how quickly all those tasting measures can add up after a day of winery visits.

• Book in advance, where possible. While some châteaux will welcome walk-ins, many won’t. Without an appointment most top estates will not even open their gates for you. Avoid disappointment by contacting the estate directly or doing so through a wine tour operator or wine merchant.

•

Give yourself at least one day to explore the city of Bordeaux itself. The old town is beautiful and easy to get around on foot, by tram or by bike. There is a wealth of wine bars, restaurants and other activities, not least of which is La Cité du Vin, the new interactive wine museum on the Garonne river.

•

Most visits take place on foot, so dress accordingly. It’s unlikely that you’ll need to hike too far into the vineyards, though just in case it may be best to avoid high heels.

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ENJOYING COGNAC A practical guide to selecting fine brandy What is Cognac? Cognac is a type of brandy that comes from the French region of the same name. All Cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac: in order to label their brandy as Cognac, producers must adhere to the strict rules and regulations as set out by the Cognac Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP). Broadly speaking, Cognac is produced like this: Grapes grown within specific, designated vineyard sites within the Cognac appellation are fermented to produce a white wine, which has relatively low alcohol and is not pleasant to drink.

3. The eau-de-vie is aged in oak barrels, where over time it will gain colour and flavour while also losing alcohol and water content. 4. After sufficient ageing, the eau-de-vie is blended with other eaux-de-vie in order to produce a Cognac. © Martell

2. This white wine is distilled, twice, to produce a highly potent neutral spirit known as eau-de-vie, which will reach approximately 70% alcohol-by-volume.

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What makes a good Cognac? Though brandy in general can vary widely in terms of quality, there really isn’t very much bad Cognac. The region has built a deserved reputation based upon quality and tradition, and many top houses have centuries of history and savoir-faire behind them. With that said, there are grades of varying quality, indicated by the age of the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend. There are many age-related grades, and some are used a lot more frequently than others. Those that you are most likely to see will include: • “VS”, “Very Special” or “***”. The youngest eau-de-vie has been aged for two years. • “VSOP” has been aged for at least four years. • “XO” currently has a minimum ageing of six years, though as of April 2018 the minimum will move to ten years. In addition, the specific vineyard site (or “cru”) from which the grapes have come will have an influence on the flavour profile of the finished product. • Les Champagnes are composed of two vineyards. The first, Grande Champagne, is the top cru in the entire region, producing the finest Cognac. The second, Petite Champagne, also produces a high-quality Cognac, though in a lighter style. Cognac labelled as “Fine Champagne” is a blend of the two, with at least 50% coming from the Grande Champagne vineyard. • Borderies is a considerably smaller cru, notable for producing Cognac with floral aromatics and a nutty character. • Les Bois includes the crus Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires. These sites cover a lot of vineyard land and produce some interesting and distinctive Cognacs in their own rights.

Drinking Cognac the right way Cognac can be enjoyed either by itself, straight, or mixed as part of a cocktail. • •

Straight: Older, higher-end Cognacs will have all the complexity of a single malt whiskey, and should be savoured straight up. Serve a measure with or without ice, depending on your preference. Try one part Cognac and one part water to open up more of the flavour. Mixed: Cognac is very versatile and can form the basis of cocktails both complex and simple. Mix with Cointreau and lemon juice and you’ve got a Sidecar, or with Amaretto for a French Connection.

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THE MILLION DOLLAR DOG by Scott Preston

A record setting breed to take as seriously as its price tag For a long time there was debate about which breed of dog was the most expensive and the most prized. Top contenders were the Argentine Mastiff – the Dogo Argentino, the Egyptian Pharaoh Hound, the rare purebred English bulldog, and the angelic looking Samoyed whose puppies routinely fetched a price of up to $11,000. That question, however, has now been firmly answered after a Tibetan Mastiff named Hong Dong (Big Splash) was sold at a dog show in China for $1.5 million dollars. A price the new owner, a Chinese coal baron, is more than confident will be made back once Hong fathers some pups of his own, puppies estimated that will be worth $12,000 each.

The larger the dog the bigger the litter you can expect and the Tibetan Mastiff is one of the largest, often giving birth to as many as 12 puppies in one litter. With a potential to make $140,000 per litter that $1.5 million dollar price tag doesn’t seem so outrageous anymore.

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Why is the Tibetan Mastiff such a prized dog in China? The most expensive dog breeds often have a few things in common; many are very large dogs, they often have a reputation for violence, and they possess certain qualities that can be selectively bred for. Think of the sloppy jowls of a bulldog, the curly coat of a poodle, or the perfectly triangular ears of a pharaoh hound. If you take the world’s most popular dog, the Golden Retriever, it is difficult to pinpoint any one feature that would make an individual dog valuable. People are more interested in a good tempered Golden Retriever than one with a dazzling golden goat or long fluffy ears. The Tibetan Mastiff, on the other hand, is something of a triple threat. They can weigh up to 160 pounds, they have a reputation as Genghis Khan’s chosen dogs of war, and they have several characteristics you can breed for.

In America you can pick up a Tibetan Mastiff pup for a few hundred dollars but they usually won’t have puffedup red coats, deep set eyes like buried coal, or have quite the same tremendous size. In China especially they pay a lot for a Mastiff with those qualities — the more the dog looks like a fearsome lion the better. The Tibetan Mastiff is a mythical creature. The Tibetan Mastiff is both a cultural icon in China and a worldwide status symbol for those rich enough to buy and look after them. In mythology each Tibetan Mastiff carries the soul of a monk or nun who failed to make it to the heavenly realm. It is a dog that has historically been seen alongside European royalty such as Queen Victoria and King George V. If you ever plan on getting your own you need to be ready for the challenge. Keeping a Tibetan Mastiff happy can cost you as much as $1,000 a year in food and maintenance. They can also be hard dogs to train having the intelligence of a sheep dog, a rebellious nature, and the heft of a small man.

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THE BOAT OF YOUR ZEN DREAMS by Kelly Dunning

The ultimate two deck yacht and vessel designed for pleasure Step aboard the 262-foot ZEN superyacht and you will feel like you are living in a James Bond film. This mindblowing pleasure craft is one of the most impressive recreational yachts in the world, with spacious interiors, semi-circular couches, lounge chairs and a 26-foot swimming pool shimmering in the sunshine.

Wrapped around each side of the yacht are spacious balconies providing views of the endless blue sea. The middle of the boat has an open-air dining area with sliding doors and a skylight. The deck partitions can slide outwards from the hull of the yacht in order to expand the deck space even more.

ÂŠ Sinot Exclusive ÂŠ ZENYacht Design

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The beach platform offers access to the water and is perfect for parties or sunbathing. Guests can lounge on the custom-designed chairs and the natural stone service station can be used as a bar. On the foredeck, there is a large jacuzzi, the perfect place to soak and watch the stars in the evenings.

dozen guests. The yacht is capable of cruising speeds of up to 18 knots. The ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suite has a large bedroom, an office, his and hers bathrooms, dressing rooms and floor to ceiling windows. All of the furniture within the private ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area is custom-designed, yet it flows perfectly with the rest of the interior decor.

A perfect balance of style and amenities This enormous ship was conceived by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and brought to life with technical and naval architecture input from Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects. ZEN is capable of accommodating up to a

The interior is decorated with warm textures and tones, including chenille, silk and dark wood. The details are inspired by nature and the combination of French walnut, sandstone, casted copper and other elegant materials creates a calming atmosphere.

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of the spa features warm tones, natural materials and subtle, diffused lighting in order to create a sense of tranquillity.

Luxurious pampering on board The ZEN superyacht has its own spa on board, featuring a massage table, a hair salon, a nail salon and lounge sofas. There is also a snow room and a sauna available for keeping cool or warming up. The design

Another impressive luxury feature is the panoramic stern lounge, which doubles as a cinema. It has a retractable screen that is 4.5 metres wide with sunblock sheers behind it. This screen is stored in the ceiling but can be brought out to offer a movie theatre experience

ÂŠ Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design

Each of the VIP state-rooms have floor to ceiling windows so that guests can enjoy the seascapes and the natural daylight.

ÂŠ ZEN

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at sea. While enjoying the film, you can relax on the custom-made soft chenille sofas and listen to the state of the art ceiling speaker sound system. Every square foot of this gorgeous luxury yacht is designed for comfort, style and elegance. This yachting dream has been transformed into a reality using sophisticated details and truly beautiful materials. Who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to take it for a ride?

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FLYING UNDERWATER WITH THE SUPER FALCON 3S by Scott Preston

Take a deep sea trip with this newest transport wonder The Super Falcon 3S personal submarine was unveiled in autumn 2016 to take people on exhilarating underwater flights. Thanks to a partnership with Rainbowfish Ocean Technology, DeepFlight Adventures will be offering excursions in the Super Falcon 3S at luxury, seaside resorts in 2017. Like all DeepFlight submarines, Super Falcon 3S is also available for purchase for superyachts.

DeepFlight Super Falcon 3S

See a piece of the planet no one has seen before It’s likely that many of us have been snorkelling on holiday and seen a foot or two down into the ocean. If you’ve gone scuba diving you might have taken this further and gone as deep as 100 foot down. With the Super Falcon you are able to operate at 400 foot deep with unparalleled viewing access of the world around you. These are depths professional deep sea divers can access, but they are completely out of reach for the average person – and even the professionals can only stay at those depths for mere minutes.

It often seems like we have discovered and mapped all our small planet has to offer – tourist outposts can be found in uninhabitable deserts, on the tops of mountains, and in the thick of the jungle – yet one location has remained largely unseen by humans: the seafloor. With travel to the moon soon to be commercially available to everyone it is remarkable how little has been made

of our limited means of exploring this underwater world – 97% of which is unexplored. The Super Falcon 3S personal submarine, however, may have just changed recreational ocean exploration forever.

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The 2-person Super Falcon (pictured above) is already in operation at Laucala Island in Fiji. The new Super Falcon 3S will allow a shared experience, with a trained pilot and two guests. Each passenger sits in his own cockpit, with a crystal clear, acrylic viewing dome overhead, providing nearly 360 degree views of the ocean around you. Imagine flying alongside whales and dolphins, skimming over a reef, or flying over an ancient shipwreck. This is all possible in the DeepFlight submarines.

What is special about the Super Falcon 3S The idea of a personal submarine has been around for a while. The Super Falcon 3S differs from these models substantially and there’s a reason people are getting excited. Traditional personal submarines were built more like lumbering air tanks which would slowly descend or ascend through the water. While many of these can

Super Falcon cockpit

operate further down they were far from manoeuvrable or smooth rides. In these submarines you could not zip around underwater canyons or glide close to the reefs and this is the Falcon’s main selling point – what it calls the ‘DeepFlight’ experience. The Super Falcon 3S is designed much like a jet and it flies through the water like air, reaching speeds of up to 6 knots. The Falcon isn’t just giving you another platform to view the ocean; instead it lets you experience the ocean in a whole new way. You’ll be fully submersed with your viewing dome and working with the water to see what it has to offer. Flying through the water gives you a unique perspective on our beautiful ocean planet. Safety should not be a concern for those worried about flying underwater. The submarine is positively buoyant and will automatically float to the surface if left to its own devices.

Super Falcon diving off Laucala Island, Fiji

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JAGUAR F-PACE A SPORTS CAR FOR THE MORNING COMMUTE by Scott Preston

Jaguar has not always been known for practicality when it comes to its cars. Classiness, precision and beauty: these words have all nearly become trademarks for some of Jaguar’s classic automobiles. But few of these have been serious contenders for workhorse cars — that is, until the arrival of the F-Pace in 2016. The F-Pace is Jaguar’s first ever SUV and, like the other high-end family-sized cars on the market, such as BMW’s X3 and Audi’s Q5, it is a well-designed car that combines sophistication with reliability. F-Pace performance It has been said the F-Pace has been designed with women in mind. While it is certainly less muscular than its predecessors and more adaptable to the school run, it is in no way dainty or wrapped in cotton wool. The power Jaguar is known for has here been engineered into a 4X4 with a 178 horsepower 2.0 litre diesel engine, and 18-inch alloy wheels on its basic economic model, called the R-Sport trim. The F-Pace

comes with the option of upgrading to a supercharged V6 engine with an eight-speed automatic, known as its Portfolio trim. Even though the R-Sport model can be a noisy engine before it gets going, when it does it provides a smooth ride and is fun to drive, both in the city and out on the motorway. Where it truly excels is in its exceptional handling. Thanks to its lightweight design, you are able to manoeuvre tight corners and bends as though you were driving a classic Jaguar F-type. All-wheel drive is available for those who want to go beyond the city, where it can hold its own with plenty of grip and grit.

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The insides and its gadgets On first look, the interior of the five-seater car is not revolutionary; it is clearly going for a look that is simple and tasteful, possibly even timeless, like the Jaguar XE or XF. It comes with a leather-finished dashboard and ample storage space in the boot and door-bins. The big talking point for many is the driving seat; it’s a classic sports car seat that is adjustable for all body sizes and can come with lumbar support and up to a 10-way electrical adjustment setting. The car’s infotainment system carries all the features you’d expect. It works as a Wi-Fi hotspot, has a comprehensive navigation system with live traffic updates, options for up to 10 GB of music storage, and booming surround sound. There is even a keyless smart locking system available. If you want to take things further, you can add to the good visibility found in the front and

back windows with cruise control, parking sensors, and even self-parking. These are all good options to help balance out the F-Pace’s large turning circle. Your buying options If you want to get in on the F-Pace, it comes in four trims. The starter Prestige and R-Sport trims offer excellent value, with lower fuel consumption potential on the 2.0 litre engine. This is a less powerful engine, but if you opt for the adaptive suspension, you’re still very much buying a car that drives like a Jaguar, for prices starting at ₤37,000. If you want to take your SUV to the next level, you may want to look into the F-Pace S. The price starts at ₤52,000, but for this you get the 3.0 litre supercharged V6 engine, all the luxurious fittings and add-ons, and impressive 20-inch alloy wheels.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 90

PAGANI’S HUAYRA BC THE LATEST WONDER FROM ITALIAN SUPERCAR AND CARBON FIBRE MANUFACTURER, PAGANI The Huayra BC is the most technologically advanced Huayra Coupé yet, introducing innovative technical solutions that will be applied to the Pagani cars of the future.

The suffix “BC” represents the initials of the late Benny Caiola, a larger-than-life real estate developer and founder of B&L Management who greatly inspired Horacio Pagani over the years. Benny, famous for owning one of the world’s most extensive Ferrari collections, was so impressed by the passion and technology of the cars Horacio was designing, from the very beginning, he made history as the first customer to buy a Pagani automobile.

Conceived primarily as road-going car giving maximum exhilaration and performance during track days and special events, the Huayra BC has been inspired by its “track-focused” predecessors: the Pagani Zonda R and the Zonda Cinque. In recent years, Pagani has presented with elements and components that have delivered a new direction for the supercar, introducing hybrid propulsion, a combination of combustion engine and electric motor.

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Pagani Automobili decided to focus efforts on technological areas of development aiming to create the lightest, globally homologated Hypercar and to develop chassis and suspension systems that are derived from motorsport to deliver a dynamic and secure car, fast and fun, that retains the comfort typical of a Pagani.  To develop a completely new AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), paying particular attention  to both the performance and comfort without compromising the weight and balance of the car, is also critical for Pagani.   PL&A SPOKE TO PAGANI’S LUCA VENTURI, GLOBAL PR AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Your new model, the Huayra BC, is a stunner. What are your commercial expectations for this model? The Pagani Huayra BC is going to be made in 20+5 units but all of them are sold already. How international are you in terms of representation and clients? Is international development a priority for Pagani? We currently have 25 dealers worldwide, from Japan to California, and our cars are homologated for all countries. At the moment, our most important markets are California and the US.

Many call you a “boutique” or bespoke automobile manufacturer. Would you agree? Yes, as our annual output is (at the moment) around 40 cars, all on-demand and handmade. Thus, it’s an exclusive, tailor-made production. What role does design play in your company, and what is your creative approach? Art and Science is the company motto, meaning that in the Pagani spirit, the creative process tends to fuse together aesthetical appeal and functionality, trying to achieve the perfect blend. No single component in the car eludes this philosophy: there is not a bolt or a suspension block that has not been conceived as a sculpture. A main observation in your communication materials is that the Huayra BC and your other models speak to “passion” in driving. How do you perceive, process and promote passion? Passion is what drives us to do what we do: it’s the necessary fuel to create perfectly useless objects like supercars, but capable of causing strong emotions. Just like a tailor-made suit, each car is a very personal object of desire, a symphony of sounds, sights, sensations; it’s vital for us to share this passion with our customers.

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Does Pagani work with incubation laboratories or engineering test centres outside the company, or do you bring all these new directions in-house? Of course, we have a few engineering test centres among our precious collaborators, but our design studio is in charge of designing every single component of our cars, so basically it’s all created in-house. Do you think being an Italian car manufacturer is an asset? It certainly is. First of all, for the tradition and the history of car manufacturing connected to this place, thus for the heritage. Then for the know-how and the technological knowledge we have inherited from those who came before us. But most of all it‘s the people that matter: people that live and work here who are skilled craftsmen, accustomed to reach a certain level of perfection. MEET THE CAR The Huayra BC is powered by a V12 Bi-Turbo engine developed exclusively for Pagani by Mercedes AMG. The engine unleashes more than 750 horsepower, and is approved CARB and EU6.  The sports exhaust includes a low back pressure muffler, careful acoustic design in geometries and materials such as titanium. The Huayra BC features a 7-speed AMT developed from scratch and represents a new benchmark in this transmission technology.

The gearbox, developed and manufactured by Xtrac, features a new electro-hydraulic actuation system and new carbon BRE synchronisers, and its clutch control programme has also been heavily revised, allowing greater accuracy. A brand new electronic active differential has been introduced to the platform allowing the differential to adapt to a full range of demanding driving conditions, from low grip situations to the extreme driving performance required on the track. The weight of the gearbox, including the electronic differential, is approximately 40% lower than that of the present generation dual clutch transmission. The transverse layout contributes towards the compact packaging and focuses the mass towards the vehicle’s centre of gravity. To complete enhancements to the transmission package, there are all new tripod axle drive shafts, derived from the world of Le Mans racing. The Huayra BC’s specially developed, bespoke suspension system is the lightest and most effective ever applied to a road going hi-performance vehicle. The components are forged from HiForg, a lightweight aeronautic aluminium alloy of exceptionally high strength. It boasts fully redesigned uprights and a weight saving of 25% compared to the suspension of the Huayra Coupe.

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Brembo, a long-standing partner of Pagani Automobili, has developed a dedicated CCM (carbon-ceramic) braking system and the stiffer callipers are made with a new proprietary manufacturing technology.

allows optimum performance and maximises the available traction, assisting even the most experienced drivers, without hindering the driver involvement or enjoyment.

Like all Pagani models, the Huayra BC will be exclusively equipped with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, guaranteeing the new hypercar from Modena high levels of safety in all usage conditions. Pirelli’s engineers have created a bespoke product for the Huayra BC that uses new polymers of high molecular weight, improving grip. A new structure has reduced the weight of the tyre by around 3%.

Even the internal aerodynamics have been treated to equal attention in order to extract the maximum available performance. The air speed has been increased across all ducts and inlets, ensuring not only the effective cooling of the mechanical components, but critically the evacuation of the air.

The Bosch ESP system has been specially calibrated to make the most of the newly-developed components and in addition to the familiar driving modes of “Comfort” and “Sport”, a third mode has been added for track use, aptly named “Track”. The modern generation of traction control systems

The interior of the Huayra BC was designed with appealing traditional Pagani aesthetics and built with a racing emphasis and weight-saving in mind. An electric parking brake replaces the previous mechanical model, saving on some additional weight. The steering wheel is covered in suede leather for optimum grip.

PROJECT LUXURY & ART 94

AUTONOMOUS CARS REMOVING THE HUMAN ELEMENT by David Layzelle

actively working in the field, and with the Google fleet of cars becoming permanent fixtures on Californian roads, this is technology that has become hot. Road vehicles fall into a number of well-defined categories that clarify exactly what they do and how much interaction they need. The current classification system, as decreed by the Society of Automotive Engineers, breaks out as:

Are autonomous vehicles set to take over the roads? Like it or loath it, driverless cars – sometimes referred to less fetchingly as autonomous vehicles – are going to be part of our future on the road, and with over twenty-five different manufacturers working on the concept, it won’t be too long before they become commonplace. Ford, BMW, Jaguar, Honda and even Volvo are either sponsoring research or have teams

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Ford Fusion: Ford will introduce a highvolume, fully autonomous SAW level 4-capable vehicle in a ride-hailing or ride-sharing service. Ford has collaborated with four start-ups, has doubled its Silicon Valley team and more than doubled its Palo Alto campus.

Level 0: The driver is in complete control of the vehicle at all times and any automation is restricted to navigation guidance and similar systems only.

ÂŠ Ford, Honda

Level 1: Some individual vehicle controls are automated, such as electronic stability control or automatic braking via a series of external sensors. This level includes the automatic parking systems found on some cars. Level 2: At least two controls can be automated in unison, such as cruise control operating in combination with lane-following technology.

Honda: Honda's Civic LX Sedan driverless car can be equipped with advanced-driver assistance systems (ADAS) which allows for adaptive cruise control, automatic breaking, keeping a car in its lane, vehicle trajectory correction, speed adjustment.

Level 3: The driver can fully hand over control of all safety-critical functions under certain conditions. The car senses when conditions require the driver to retake control and provides a short transition time to enable the driver to do so. Level 4: The vehicle performs all safety-critical functions for the entire trip, with the driver not expected to control the vehicle at any time. At this level the vehicle would control all functions from start to stop, including all parking functions, it could include unoccupied cars.

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BMW: BMW has established partnerships with Intel and Mobileye to develop individual mobility in the digital age, pooling knowhow from their respective fields of expertise; automotive engineering, technology, computer vision and machine learning.

Google: Google’s self-driving car is not a new project. Initiated in 2009, but was dreamt up further back. Google is dedicating its technology to create a new era of cars.

To date they have completed a total of one and a half million miles in fully autonomous mode around the streets of California. However, those miles haven’t been without incident, and to date, Google cars have been involved in fifteen road incidents, but mostly these have been the driverless cars being rear-ended by other road users who weren’t paying attention. By any standards, that is insignificant compared to the carnage of human controlled vehicles. It is reckoned that one person is killed every 25 seconds on the world’s roads, and only 28 countries have what are considered to be adequate road or vehicle safety systems. Faced with these statistics, driverless cars would seem to be the logical conclusion.

The dreams of generations past Actually not a new idea, driverless cars have been a dream for the motor industry since at least the 1920s, but they didn’t become even close to a reality until the 1980s, when the Navlab and ALV projects were devised by Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University and the joint Mercedes Benz and Bundeswehr University Prometheus project. While neither of these designs produced serious road-going vehicles, they formed the basis of later designs, and inspired both the Tesla software system and the concept of the Google Driverless car. Of these, the Google vehicle fleet currently comprises around a dozen vehicles that have been designed to be truly driverless.

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Uber & Volvo: The two have formed a strategic partnership in autonomous drive technology to develop the next generation of autonomous cars. Volvo will also set up a jointly-owned company with leading automotive supplier Autoliv to develop software. Volvo’s Drive Me experiment has released the Volvo XC90 SUV in its Torslanda plant.

The interest in driverless cars is, ahem, driven partly by the technology being available and capturing the public’s imagination, partly by safety factors, and partly by ecological issues. Driverless cars are seen as an antidote to much of the bullish behaviour seen in car drivers and, once the infrastructure is in place, they are likely to become the vehicle of choice for getting around cities. Termed ‘Transit Orientated Development’ many cities are now starting to think about altering roadways for driverless cars, but are they really the future of road safety, or just another means of taking the joy out of driving? The future is green, and eerily quiet The driverless cars that are being designed are, in line with current ecological thinking, electrically powered. No need to go and fill up with smelly diesel or petrol, and with technology like the Plugless L2 system that allows electric cars to be charged using inductive technology, this means that they can charge just by being near a charging device, so another piece of human intervention disappears. You just park and charge, and with chargers being east to fit in the road or on walls, the cars are unlikely to ever run down. The infrastructure needed to successfully run autonomous vehicles is gradually being put in place, but can they coexist with normally driven cars? The evidence says not. Computer scientists from the University of Texas have developed smart intersections which are essential to the operation of driverless cars. These junctions are completely unlike any currently on the road and are

without traffic lights and stop signs. The right of way is determined by signals between the autonomous vehicles rather than set timespans between signal changes, which plainly isn’t going to work well with normal cars. Given that the unconnected car is the weakest link in the system, a road vehicle think-tank proposed that they are removed from what will become increasingly busy driverless-car dominated city centres. The future looks like being a split between driverless cars in cities and driven cars in outlying areas where it is difficult to create the necessary systems needed to run them. Dan Rather, the former CBS news anchor, once said “Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn’t block traffic” and with networked cars creating their own route plans, traffic jams will become a thing of the past. If you want to see the future, think of pleasant, unhindered journeys. Unhindered, but not very awe-inspiring! Road to nowhere? Our technology is now at a standard where it is better than our reactions, and that just makes the case for driverless cars all the more compelling, but what of the thrill that we get from our cars? A driverless car promises to transport us between A and B in comfort and without having to get involved in the process at all. Like trains and airplanes, we can sit back and enjoy the view. It is transport at its most fundamental level, but one with the passion subtly removed. Get behind the wheel of a Ferrari and the blood sings; step into a driverless car and your heartbeat rises not one iota. Driverless systems offer safer driving, courtesy at junctions, and none of that annoying tailgating which are all good things, but it’s going to be hard to give up the roar of a throaty V8 any time soon!!

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LUXURY CARS DEFINE THE RICH AND FAMOUS by David Layzelle

Luxury cars have always been a significant part of Hollywood – both on and off screen. Speed demon Steve McQueen, who drove the iconic 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 Roadster in the classic film, Bullitt, loved racing his 1963 Jaguar XK-SS in Los Angeles. In the 1960s, tuxedo-clad James Bond, played by Sean Connery, could be seen at the wheel of a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger. In classic style, Richard Gere in American Gigolo cruises in his black 1980 convertible Mercedes-Benz 450SL. Famous movie stars, top sports celebrities and rappers who have no qualms about spending surround themselves with the most exotic sports and luxury cars, which often become a major part of their image as they strive to make a personal statement when selecting automobiles. Here are a few examples. Jay Leno Jay Leno, the well-known talk show host, loves his collection of cars. He houses his formidable collection of super cars, including his Jaguar XK 120M (one of only two existing models), SLR McLaren, McLaren P1 and F1,

Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic SC, Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, EcoJet, and many more extremely rare vintage cars, in a 17,000 sq. ft garage. Simon Cowell Multimillionaire Simon Cowell, the music entrepreneur and TV producer with demanding principles, is not afraid to show off his amazing wealth. Cowell is famed for his part in reality TV’s American Idol, The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, and likes to enjoy the better things in life, making no apology for amassing more than £300m. The finest example of his luxury car collection is the Eagle Speedster, the ultra-rare reboot of the original Jaguar E-type hand-built by the Sussex-based Jaguar specialist, Eagle. Based on the original Jaguar E-Type chassis with power from a 228kW 4.7l six-cylinder petrol unit with 460Nm torque, the Eagle Speedster is arguably the sexiest car in the world. Cowell, a confirmed Jag fan, includes in his collection an E-type classic, F-type and two XK models.

Ferrari California: Hugh Grant

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Bentley Continental GTC: Jennifer Lopez

When he saw the Eagle tested on BBC’s Top Gear in June 2011, he was so smitten with it that he sold his hardly driven Bugatti Veyron and bought the Jaguar Eagle.

He purchased the stunning Ferrari California convertible on release, to mark his 50th birthday. It was the Italian luxury car maker’s first front/midengine, V8-powered vehicle.

Hugh Grant British star Hugh Grant, nursing a love-hate relationship with acting, views his film career with grudging acceptance.

The California is powered by a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.9l V8 engine producing 412kW at 7,500r/min., fully structured in aluminium. It can do 0–100 km/h in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 315km/h.

Although he is undoubtedly a Hollywood superstar following his successful acting career, he might have succeeded as an art dealer. He was, in fact, once offered the chance to pursue a PhD in Art History at London's Courtauld Institute, and in 2007 he earned a sizeable profit when he sold a painting of Elizabeth Taylor by Andy Warhol. He is also recognised as a smart property investor.

Celine Dion Celine Dion, the all-time great singer of Titanic fame with a net worth of over $400 million, is more modest in her choice of cars, owning a classic and elegant 1995 Rolls Royce Corniche convertible. Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez, a girl from a Puerto Rican workingclass family in the Bronx neighbourhood, enjoys a very successful career in the entertainment world.

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Porsche 911 GT3 RS: George Clooney

She is a beautiful singer and actress presently acting in Shades of Blue, the NBC crime drama she developed and produced, as a tough-minded street cop. One of the advantages of being one of Hollywood’s richest women is that she can own a white Bentley Continental GTC convertible, and she loves the smooth ride of the car. The Bentley‘s 440kW output allows it to accelerate from 0–100km/h in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 330km/h. David Beckham Superstar footballer and Rolls-Royce fanatic David Beckham sold his Lamborghini Gallardo in 2012 but still owns a range of exotic cars, with a Porsche Turbo Cabriolet, a customised Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, a Cadillac Escalade, an Audi S8, and a Jeep Wrangler in his collection. He favours the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II version, boasting a 6.6l turbocharged V12 engine capable of 420kW, over his previous Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead. Its eight-speed automatic gearbox allows the smoothest drive. Although a V12, its engine is barely audible, with only a slight hum noticeable at normal city driving speeds. However, the Ghost’s BMW-designed V12 delivers the kind of Germanic thrust that will satisfy the automotive perfectionist in anyone.

George Clooney George Clooney has a confirmed penchant for classic cars, and was more than a little surprised when his wife Amal gifted him a Porsche 911 GT3 RS on his 54th birthday. The high-powered perfection of the GT3 RS even exceeded that of his earlier black Porsche 911 Carrera. The Porsche GT3 RS, powered by a 4.0l flat-six engine, generates 368kW and 460Nm torque, directed to the rear wheels through the Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch paddle transmission. It is fitted with a rear wing for added high-speed stability, and also to reduce weight for improved handling, with magnesium and carbon fibre body panels. The Porsche, capable of reaching 100km/h in 3.3 seconds and 193km/h in 10.9 seconds, tops at 8,800r/ min with a maximum speed of 320km/h. The Porsche shares a garage with a 1959 red and white Chevrolet Corvette formerly owned by Nick, Clooney’s father. Nick gifted the car he purchased new to his son George more than a decade ago. Considered a top sports car at the time, George later restored it lovingly to perfection. A long-time human rights activist, Clooney has visited war-torn Sudan and Darfur often in a continued attempt

While the later model is a bit slower at 4.8 seconds, Beckham’s Series 1 version can do 0–100 in 4.2 seconds. The car maxes out at 248km/h.

Usain Bolt Although he is the fastest man on Earth, it is said that Usain Bolt yearns for more speed than that he achieves by just running around the track. He used to have a modest BMW M3, but crashed it a couple of years back. His most recent addition is a Nissan GTR. He also owns a Ferrari 458 and an F430.

LIFESTYLE Maybach Exelero: Jay-Z

to draw attention to the genocides and strife and resulting starvation in the region. However, though he is committed to environmental and humanitarian causes, sentiment didn't affect the 2008 Tesla Roadster, which he sold after tiring of the numerous breakdowns he endured. Janet Jackson Talented singer and performer Janet Jackson, youngest of the Jackson family, is the proud owner of an Aston Martin Vanquish and two Lamborghinis. She also owns a white Bentley Continental GTC.

Leonardo DiCaprio Leonardo DiCaprio, an outspoken environmentalist despite his partying on fuel-guzzling yachts, does his bit for the planet with his silver Tesla Roadster, accelerating from 0–100km/h in an astoundingly rapid three seconds, and running 380km on a single charge. The Tesla Roadster, a sexy-looking electric car, is just right for city driving. Its only disadvantage is the mere 201km/h top speed. But the next-generation roadster, based on the Tesla Model S, when it is set to “Ludicrous Mode” will do 0 to 100 in 2.8 seconds, much quicker than the McLaren P1 hypercar. It makes the Tesla S the speediest four-door sedan on earth to capture an enormous portion of the luxury sports car market to be released in 2019. DiCaprio, who finally won his first Oscar in 2016 on his sixth nomination, swears by green technology to reduce his carbon footprint to a minimum. He believes in setting a good example.

Jay-Z Hip-hop artist Jay-Z, promoter/executive/star, owns an extremely expensive car, the Maybach Exelero. Though the high price is ridiculous for a car that doesn’t compete on Formula One tracks, the Exelero ranks as the largest and fastest car to be made, and exactly the type of street-legal vehicle a record mogul desires to own. The car is manufactured in Germany at the Sindelfingen factory owned by Daimler-Benz, and is seen as one of the most expensive cars produced. Weighing 2.6 tonnes, the Maybach Exelero attains 100km/h in the relatively slow time of 4.4 seconds, albeit maxing out at a race-car-worthy 354km/h. Powered by a 5.9l V12 engine, it produces 522kW.

Jay-Z test drove the car in Germany while it was still in the prototype stage and he is seen in his video driving the Exelero for the song “Lost Ones”. An influential figure in the music industry, Jay-Z is married to Beyoncé.

Tesla Model S: Leonardo DiCaprio

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SPIKE S-512 SUPERSONIC JET by Hilary Mills

You’d be forgiven for assuming the Spike S-512 is an impressive idea for a futuristic, high-budget movie, however this magnificent and modern creation is actually set to be the world’s first supersonic business jet. In 2013, Massachusetts manufacturer Spike Aerospace proudly presented its design and development details proposing future production of the Spike S-512, immediately proving popular with the press and public. Updates revealed in 2015 were also positively received with excitement and enthusiasm.

With exceptional engineering and extensive expertise, Spike Aerospace are leading the way in aviation and aerospace advancement. Earlier this year, specialists in computer aided engineering (CAE) officially became new additions to the already impressive team. The Spike S-512 is certain to provide passengers with the ultimate travel experience that’s memorable for all the right reasons.

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The exterior of the Spike S-512 is strikingly smooth and sleek. The streamlining and aerodynamics primarily improve speed and overall performance, while reducing shock wave impact and noise. In addition to these practicalities, applying artistic attention has resulted in a stylish and appealing shape. Sheer class and sophistication continue on-board the luxurious yet comfortable cabin, which carries up to eighteen passengers. Replacing the windows are highquality panoramic images, captured using strategically placed external cameras. Entertainment is available and includes films, electronic displays and tourist maps. Passengers have plenty of personal space to work or relax while enjoying the journey. Amazingly, the supersonic Spike S-512 will reduce travel times by almost 50%. For example, flying from New York City to London and from Paris to Dubai will take only three hours, perhaps becoming popular day trip destinations. Gruelling long distance journeys will be a thing of the past. Switzerland to Sydney takes the supersonic jet ten hours as opposed to the current duration which is almost an entire day. International business, partnerships and meetings will be much more accessible. Distance will no longer be a barrier.

Visiting friends and family living overseas will be easier, with less time spent travelling. Long distance relationships will also benefit as loved ones share more time together. Top speeds of 1100mph (Mach 1.6) mean this powerful craft will be the fastest non-military passenger jet in the world. The supersonic Spike S-512 boasts an incredibly high speed which is 450mph quicker than other jets in its class. This business jet also has an extremely impressive range of 6,200 nautical miles. Costing an estimated $100 million per unit, Bostonbased Spike Aerospace predict approximately 700 sales of the supersonic Spike S-512. The simply stunning supersonic jet is 40 metres (131 ft.) long, with a wingspan of 18 metres (60 ft.). The Spike S-512 has a gross weight of 19,958kg (44,000 lb.) and the flight limit weight is 38,102kg (84,000 lb.). We now excitedly await the production of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first supersonic business jet, which will probably occur in the early 2020s. In the meantime, we look forward to the launch of the Spike S-512 prototype which will be unveiled very soon. Watch this space!

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PRIVATE JET OWNERSHIP by David Layzelle

Tips before you buy With more manufacturers entering the small aircraft market, it’s now becoming easier to own a jet rather than use charter services, but buying your first jet can be fraught with problems if you don’t know what to look for, or fail to appreciate the cost of ownership before taking delivery. Private jet ownership is a complex business, and one that can incur many hidden costs if you don’t research it properly before you buy. If you are too keen to get your hands on a new Gulfstream or Piper M600, you ignore the potential costs which mean you could end up with some expensive bills to pay, and this can take the fun out of ownership. First off, you need to be honest with yourself about the number of hours you fly every year. If it’s fewer than 250, then buying outright might be false economy anyway. You may be better off either chartering, or owning on a shared basis – usually called ‘factual ownership’ – and putting up with the fact that you may not be able to fly on a whim. Once you add in airport landing fees, fuel costs, and maintenance and storage costs, ownership as opposed to charter or factual ownership can get expensive.

While your broker will be adept at connecting you with a seller and, if you have done your homework in selecting them, will have a good knowledge of what is important when buying an aircraft, you are going to want some first class technical advice too, so that means using the services of an aviation engineer. Just as much as you will need technical assistance, you are likely to want to retain the services of a qualified aviation insurance specialist too, since this is a complex field fraught with issues that can trip up the unwary. The likelihood is that, in order to buy your first jet, you are going to want to build up a team of qualified people to advise you, so you might as well get your accountant involved as well. Aircraft come in all shapes and sizes but are generally quite small, so if you are above average in some aspects – height, in particular – you need to research your aircraft properly or you might find that extended hours of flying can become uncomfortable. The same applies if you are going to regularly transport large or ungainly items, such as sets of golf clubs, or your favourite surfboards or hunting rifles. You need to have enough hold space for all your equipment and that of your passengers too, so be realistic as to what you are going to use the aircraft for. Plan to take more luggage than you would normally pack, as once you get your new jet you’ll find plenty of people who will want to share the experience with you. Generally, you should try to secure an aircraft that will meet your needs for at least 90% of the time and have the option of chartering a bigger plane for the remaining 10% of the time, if you

But if you simply must buy – whether you are going for new or used – then using the services of an experienced broker is always a good start. However, that too has its share of potential pitfalls. For instance, you need to understand whether the broker that you choose also acts for sellers, as there could be the possibility of a conflict of interest. So ideally you should try to find a broker that only works with buyers, in order to prevent that possibility. Brokers, like many intermediaries, generally take their fee once the deal is complete, but again, it’s worth checking before you start the buying process.

But even with that professional help, there are a few things that you need to look out for to stop your dream turning into a nightmare.

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need it. Speed costs money so you need to be realistic about the length and duration of journeys that you plan to make. If you intend to routinely travel a few hundred kilometres, then spending money on a jet aircraft doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make sound economic sense. If, however, you intend to regularly fly over greater distances, then the extra speed of a jet will make sense, but you will need to appreciate that you are going to be spending a lot more on aviation fuel. Aircraft are uniquely high-performance products and need almost constant regular maintenance alongside several periodic major overhauls of engines, airframe, landing gear, bodywork and instrumentation. For preowned aircraft, you need to check the maintenance record to ensure your potential purchase is in tip-top condition before you buy. The good news is that, because the FAA and CAA require an aircraft to be fully serviced, if the log is up to date then you are looking at

a jet that is in almost as good condition as when it first left the factory. Conversely, if it is coming up for a major overhaul and service, you could be looking at an outlay of several thousands to get it in A1 condition. Because you have to carry out so much maintenance on your aircraft, you need to consider the availability of spares and replacement parts. If your aircraft is new on the market, or coming to the end of its production run, spares may become increasingly difficult to get hold of, and if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find them or have to get them made to order by a specialist shop, then it might keep you out of the air. When you narrow down your search for a new plane, have a good look at spares availability too. Private jet sales are soaring, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty easy to join a growing band of elites who enjoy the freedom that comes with owning a jet. But you need to do your homework first, or you might be spending more time on the ground than you had hoped. Happy flying!!!

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Since 20 years, the SASS CAFE proposes a unique concept in the Principality of Monaco: Restaurant, Piano Bar and Club. Inaugurated in 1993, the SASS CAFE owes its name to the owner “Sassa”, is a must of the Monegasque nights. In a refined décor with subdued lights, you can appreciate a traditional Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Every night, Sassa, Yolande and their son Samy, the owners, welcome you in this exclusive and mythical place, in a distinguished and elegant décor.

Discover a refined menu with Mediterranean and Italian dishes… It all seems peaceful... But at the dinner‘s end, the SASS CAFE spirit works and the metamorphosis begins... The musicians arrive, voices start to warm the atmosphere and the live music accompanies you… Then, our resident DJs begin their eclectic mixes to lead you until the end of night. Mythical place in the Principality of Monaco, the SASS CAFE is internationally known for its exclusive parties!

11, Avenue Princesse Grace - Monaco - +377 93 25 52 00 www.sasscafe.com - sasscafe@mac.com

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GADGETS & MORE Here are the latest finds we want you to see this winter for indoor and outdoor adventure or improvement to your lifestyle.

360 FLY This game-changing action camera misses nothing and changes everything thanks to the full 360 degree horizontal x 240 degree vertical field of view. The immersive, interactive cameras, available in either HD or 4K, are now 1/4-20 mount system compatible. Its lens is spherical and points straight up into the air so you can capture everything happening around you all at once thanks to the single eye recording everything in its view. Accessories such as innovative mounts and spare chargers are also available to make your 360fly even more fabulous, and of course the 360fly mobile app.

SAMSUNG FRIDGE The Family HubTM is a revolutionary new refrigerator with a Wifi enabled touchscreen that lets you manage your grocers, connect with your family and entertain like never before. Three built-in cameras take a photo every time the doors close. Your phone connection can access photos so you always know what you have in the fridge and what you are missing. Coordinate schedules, leave notes and reminders, sync calendar’s and show off photos. And use your fridge for music and TV shows thanks to Family Hub’s built-in speakers and Pandora or Tuneln Radio.

MAVIC PRO Your personal drone is ready to go with you everywhere. When folded, Mavic Pro is compact and weighs only 743 grams. Its flight time is 27 minutes and it boasts a 7 km control range at a speed of 18 minutes per second. With a 4K video resolution and 12 MP camera resolution, the Mavic Pro can avoid objects, follow you around and land on its own. It can also recognise objects can be told to follow them, is controllable with a new, smaller radio-controller or through your smartphone. You can gesture to it and it comes, and it can take pictures with a simple gesture.

LIFESTYLE

SMOVE (1) Smove is the only smartphone stabiliser that doubles as a charger for your phone of any size, with pro features. Advanced features include automated 360 degree panorama shots, auto face follow video recording, full rotational control for maximum stabilisation, tripod and extension adapter mount. Smove is easily portable and fits in your pocket. Imagine the selfies you can now take!

COZMO (2)

Say hello to Cozmo, a gifted little guy with a mind of his own. He’s a real-life AI-powered robot like you’ve only seen in movies, with a one-of-a-kind personality that evolves the more you hang out. He’ll nudge you to play and keep you constantly surprised. Cozmo is your accomplice in a crazy amount of fun. A high-tech toy but not technical, Cozmo is ready to go out of the box and into your life for hours of play. All you’ll need is a compatible iOS or Android device. And things like safety, security, and durability have all been rigorously tested.

TRAVELMATE (3) Travelmate is the first true robot companion and fully autonomous suitcase. It navigates seamlessly in large crowds and doesn't require any extra peripherals. Travelmate can move vertically and horizontally when autonomous, and recognises and avoids objects as needed. You can take it with you when you're going to the airport, commuting to work or just walking outside. It'll match your speed accurately and can go as fast as 6.75 mph. Travelmate integrates with your smartphone to accomplish complex tasks that no other suitcase can do.

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VOAVAH MALDIVES THE WORLD'S BEST PRIVATE ISLAND by Olivia Werapermall

Ever dreamed of lying undisturbed on a beach of shimmering white sand on a secluded tropical island surrounded by endless sparkling aquamarine waters all to yourself? Want to be pampered like never before? Then you are invited to spend your well earned holiday among the Maldivian Atolls on the first Four Seasons private island, experiencing the luxurious ambience of Voavah Maldives and exploring the seas in the isle’s 62ft (18.9m) private luxury yacht, the Voavah Summer. Voavah Maldives beckons you for a dream-filled holiday.

The Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah stands on five acres of the Baa Atoll. It takes about 20 minutes to get there by speedboat from the Four Seasons Resort Maldives on Landaa Giraavaru and just 40 minutes to get you there by seaplane from Malé International Airport.

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Once there, you can expect the property to host a group of up to 22 guests comfortably in seven rooms, and to experience a level of luxury no other property in the Maldives can offer. Indulge in a bespoke spa treatment overwater offered by the ‘Oceans of Consciousness’ unique to the island; or you may prefer to take classes in yoga or meditation, or experience the art of breathing in pranayama. The Voavah also has a consultant in hair treatments and cuts from Italy’s salon Rossano Ferretti. There are two pools and a Beach House that allows you to play pool in the games room, relax in a library or visit the gym. The bedrooms are in overwater villas and in standalone beach houses. The Beach House also has bedrooms. Staff quarters discreetly placed within the interior of the island allow you to procure assistance whenever you want, day or night.

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You have the option and the facilities to cook your meals or have the staff take care of everything for you if you wish. Meals can also be pre-ordered to be served in the dining room or by the pool. The chef will always be glad to prepare a picnic on the sandbanks, or have him prepare the freshest sashimi, hand caught to order. ‘Lobster Celebration’ or ‘Maldivian Fisherman’s Feast’ are themed dinner nights that guests can also sample. Sail on the island’s private yacht, the Voavah Summer, and explore the surrounding atolls and little-known surf spots, or dive and snorkel among turtles, manta rays and reef sharks. Take a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the Maldivian people by visiting the Archipelago’s capital Malé, a sharp contrast to the resorts where life can be laid-back. More than 133,000 people live there in an area of under six square kilometres. Visit the National Museum and historic mosques, and reflect on the rich Maldivian heritage of a key port serving sea routes for thousands of years. Watch as the daily catch is brought in from the harbour to the fish market, it is a fun experience, and be surprised by the massive size of tuna, grouper and octopus. Shop for souvenirs along Chandani Magu, south of Republic Square, and carry home some tasteful mementoes.

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LUSCIOUS LAKES Bubble gum pink, jewel blue, shades of green, changing tones, deep azure and bright white – a rainbow of colours from our favourite lakes. There are stunning lakes in all corners of the world – from Japan, Indonesia, India, Tasmania, and Australia, to Switzerland, Croatia, Scotland, California, and Peru. It was a difficult task to choose our favourites, but we had to do it. Here is our pick of the top 5 lakes whose unique colours leave us speechless. LAKE HILLIER, AUSTRALIA Lake Hillier is a saline lake, 600 m long and 250 m wide, located just inside the edge of Middle Island, the largest of the islands and islets that make up the Recherche Archipelago off Southwestern Australia’s coast. Its colour a shockingly bright bubble gum pink, this magnificent lake contrasts spectacularly with the surrounding dense green woodland, the white sand beaches of the nearby Goldfields-Esperance shore, and the deep blue waters of the encompassing Southern

Ocean. It is believed that the colour comes from the presence of organisms like the algae ‘Dunaliella salina’ and certain ‘halophilic’ bacteria that are orange-red in colour and can withstand intensely saline (salty) environments. Lake Hillier remains pink year round, and stays so even after it is bottled and carried away. The lake is part of a protected reserve, and visitors are not allowed to land on the island. So the only way to view this brilliant body of water is from the air.

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LAKE PUKAKI, NEW ZEALAND Lake Pukaki, the largest of a triad of alpine lakes in the Mackenzie Basin on New Zealand’s South Island, boasts a most remarkable blue colour. Its colour is the result of a high concentration of glacial ‘flour’, or fine rock particles ground off of nearby mountains and deposited in the lake by the Tasman and Hooker Glaciers. Standing on the shores of Lake Pukaki, visitors enjoy grand views of Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Though the water in this mountain paradise never freezes over, its temperature is rather frigid, ranging from 10 to 18 degrees C. So if you’re planning to go for a swim, you may want to bring along your wetsuit.

PLITVICE LAKES, CROATIA Blue, green, grey, and azure tones suffuse this series of sixteen cascading lakes located in the world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park, halfway between Zagreb and Zadar. The result of several small converging rivers (some of which are subterranean), these interconnected lakes are separated by natural dams of travertine, a substance — deposited over time by moss, algae and bacteria — that gives the lakes their unique colours. The colours of the lakes shift constantly depending on the sun’s angle and the changing content and quality of the minerals and organisms in the waters. The lakes together cover a distance of over 8 km within the national park’s 300 sq km. Plitvice Lakes is a very popular tourist destination and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

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KELIMUTU LAKES, INDONESIA Three crater lakes are all located on the same volcanic peak of Kelimutu, on the island of Flores, Indonesia. Surprisingly, though, each lake has a completely different colour, and the shade of each is constantly changing. Local populations believe that each lake changes shade according to the moods of the ancestral spirits who rest there. Colours have been reported to range from blue and green to red and black, even to white. According to national park officials, the fluctuations in colour are the result of frequent changes in the mineral content of the lakes, changes that may be triggered by volcano gas activity. All three change colour independently, even though they are all connected to the same volcano. Tiwu Ata Bupu (Lake of Old People) usually appears as blue, while the other two lakes, Tiwu Ko'o Fai Nuwa Muri (Lake of Young Men and Maidens) and Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched or Enchanted Lake), are typically green or red.

LAKE BAIKAL, RUSSIA The world’s deepest (1,642 m) freshwater lake is a rift lake in Southern Siberia. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, it is rich in biodiversity, hosting many thousands of species of plants and animals existing nowhere else in the world. Estimated to be 25 to 30 million years old, Lake Baikal is among the world’s clearest lakes. Stunning of course in summer thanks to its deep blue colour against the backdrop of snow-capped, milehigh mountains, it is considered most spectacular in winter, when it is frozen over by a transparent layer of ice. As this layer shifts and breaks in the winter cold, gigantic blocks of emerald-green ice emerge out of the surface, their colour juxtaposing brilliantly with the bright white snow to create a true winter wonderland.

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EXPERIENCE ANTARCTICA AN UNFORGETTABLE LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE by Kelly Dunning

When it comes to luxury travel experiences, Antarctica might not be the first destination you think of. It is the world’s driest and coldest continent and its pristine frozen scenery is barely touched by humans. However, thanks to many superb pioneering adventure companies there are luxury experiences to be found out there amongst the barren ice and snow. From high end cruises to luxury resorts, there are many ways that you can admire the rugged wilderness while travelling in style. Where to stay Luxury travellers to the South Pole now have the opportunity to stay in a five star hotel with its own bespoke furnishings and private aircraft fleet. The White Desert camp has hosted celebrities such as Bear Grylls and Prince Harry and it is known for its “sleeping pods”. These are fibreglass heated domes that are kitted out with fur throws, bamboo headboards and en suite bathrooms. Guests can escape from the extreme weather in the lounge and dining room, while enjoying three course meals prepared by a private chef with ingredients and wine flown in from Cape Town. During your stay you can enjoy many exciting expeditions including kiteskiing, abseiling and trekking into blue ice caves.

What to do • One of the most exciting activities to try in Antarctica is kayaking. It’s a great way to explore part of the coastline that most travellers will never get to see. • Take a sailing trip through the famous Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific meet the Great Southern Ocean. • Cruise around the Antarctic Peninsula and slowly drift through stunning icebergs. • If you are lucky you can spot penguins, seals, whales and seabirds thriving in this remote, harsh environment. • Visit Port Lockroy to take a trip back in time and see what life would have been like on an Antarctic base in the 1950s.

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Tips • If at all possible, try to take a trip with an expert polar guide. You’ll learn so much more about the flora and fauna of this incredible natural destination.

• No vaccinations are required, but make sure that you have good travel insurance that covers all activities you will be doing – including medical evacuation coverage.

•

Try to take a trip on a smaller boat. In the Antarctic you are not allowed to land more than 100 people on an island at once, so if your ship is smaller you will be able to see more.

• If you are feeling seasick while on the boat, don’t go to your cabin. Instead, stay on the deck where you can see the horizon and breathe the fresh cool air.

Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. You might not think you would need them in the cold, but there is a hole in the ozone layer in Antarctica and the harsh UV rays reflect off the snow.

The Antarctic is an extreme destination to travel to and it is not always easy. Be prepared for the unexpected and listen carefully to your guides so that you can make the most of your authentic journey to this vast, remote and wildly beautiful continent.

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MOUNT EVEREST WALKING ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD IN STYLE by Scott Preston

Ever since Everest was mapped as the world’s tallest mountain in the mid 1800s, reaching its summit has been the gold standard for physical human achievement. Even today fewer people have climbed to the top of Everest than have won Olympic gold medals. The awe and mystery of the Holy Mountain remains but the methods and tools for climbing it have greatly improved in recent years. The days of hobbling up the side of Everest in a tweed coat with a clunky oxygen tank dragging behind are long gone. Reaching either of Everest’s base camps is accessible to all those who are fit for the challenge and with the rise of holiday base-camp climbs in the 90s you can even get there in style. Climbing Everest as a VIP Several tour companies now offer what they are calling the VIP experience. Adventurers usually begin with a stay in a 5 star hotel in the ancient city of Katmandu where you meet up with the 10 to 20 hikers that will make up your team.

You then make your way by plane to the town of Lukla where you’ll get your first real taste of the Himalayas. Here you meet the porters and pack mules that will help you on the rest of your journey. From Lukla it takes two days to trek to the foot of Everest giving you time to become acclimatized to the thinner atmosphere up at 9,000 feet and to explore the surrounding Sherpa settlements including Thami and Namche Bazaar. The ancestors of these mountainside villagers have lived on the roof of the world for hundreds of years. After exploring the region’s glaciers and monasteries you carry on up to Gorak Shep – the last village before the Everest base camp. You are only able to camp on the mountain itself if you have the correct permit so many choose to stay here overnight before making the big push the next day.

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Getting to Everest’s South Base Camp is only a 9 mile round trip from Gorak Shep but many of those miles are near vertical and you’ll be making your way up to 17,650 feet when you arrive. For those aiming for the summit you are still a long way off from that at 29,020 feet. However, the luxurious options continue with the ability to be accompanied by seasoned summiteers, a trained doctor and a Sherpa guide all the way to the top.

So exactly where does the VIP treatment come in to all of this? Throughout the trip you’ll stay in well-equipped lodges, hotels and campsites. Most including hot showers, comfy beds, and functioning flush toilets (a prize-worthy

attraction this high up). When you get to the more rudimentary settlements nearer Everest your porters will provide you with quality bedding and snacks. Wherever you stay – be it a spacious tent or deluxe teahouse – you’ll be catered to by chefs offering the best of local Nepalese and Sherpa cuisine. At the top of the Himalayas the usual supply lines are lacking so everything down to a can of cola needs to be hand delivered to you. Treks are made more manageable with friendly porters that can carry the bulk of your gear or even set-up camp in advance for you. For the truly decadent you can even charter helicopter rides around the magnificent peaks, while letting you cut the walking section of your journey in half.

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How to get on a luxury expedition Typically guided treks take 15 to 17 days giving you plenty of time to make the hike without rushing and allowing you to become acclimatized to the atmosphere.

make sure of is that you are happy with the mountaineer who will be leading you (it’s possible to meet them before setting off) and that you will be provided with the right equipment.

These treks are big business in Nepal and there is a lot of competition for your money especially in the peak seasons of spring and autumn. When choosing a tour provider make sure they are organising the tour themselves and not merely passing you off to another company in Nepal that they cannot vouch for.

Katmandu is notorious for selling knock-off hiking gear and you want to be sure that the sleeping bag your porter hands you at the foot of Everest isn’t stuffed with only a handful of pigeon feathers.

Nearly all of the treks will take you along similar paths so the itineraries do not vary much. What you want to

For a standard base climb you will not need any climbing gear but it’s a good idea to buy your hiking kit before arriving in Nepal. You can hire an additional porter to further lighten your burden.

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Can anyone make it to the base camp? A hike to the Everest base camp can be done in luxury but it is nevertheless a relatively intense experience at times. A well-planned tour will let you go at your own pace and will give you an extra day if you need it. They are usually designed so that no one day has more than a few hours hiking and you’ll get plenty of rest time. But this is not a holiday for couch potatoes.

It is not technically a climb and if you’ve comfortably hiked in mountain ranges around the world you should be fine here – if not there is a risk you will injure yourself or have a difficult time.

At least a year before your trip you should be doing regular weekly cardio workouts in the gym and taking weekend trips to conquer moderately difficult trails that are near you. Carrying a loaded pack while doing this will let you know what you can handle. For most people of reasonable general good health the base climb should be well within their grasp. Many use a trip to Everest as a morale boost to getting fit and getting back in touch with nature. If this sounds like you then the base climb is an opportunity you should leap at. Lots of travel destinations claim to be life changing – Everest is one of the few that truly delivers.

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THE ROGER FEDERER FOUNDATION The heart-warming story behind tennis superstar Roger Federer’s international foundation

“I am tomorrow’s future”. Nolonwabo Batini, a 15-yearold girl from Ndzondelelo High School in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, made this self-confident discovery when Roger visited her school. Her conviction became the vision and the central theme of the Roger Federer Foundation. Roger was only 22 years old and not yet number one in the international tennis rankings when he set up the

foundation in 2003. This early start of his philanthropic engagement is rooted in his education and social environment. Roger’s mother comes from South Africa. During holidays spent in the region, Roger, who grew up in the rich country of Switzerland, became aware at an early age that not all children of the world enjoy the same privileges. Based on this experience, he developed a desire to support children living in poverty, to empower them in a way that would enable them to utilise their potential. Family members mostly constitute the Roger Federer Foundation Board of Trustees and the values of the family are reflected in the Foundation’s work. Roger’s unwavering attitude to life is based on the idea that everybody has potential: you only need to nurture it and allow it to blossom.

In 2016, the Roger Federer Foundation supports 17 programmes in Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and in Switzerland for around CHF 6.5m. Nearly 650,000 children have benefitted so far from these projects. It is the Foundation’s goal to reach one million children by the end of 2018.

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One of the key “theories of change” of achieving this is education. Consequently, the Roger Federer Foundation invests in the improvement of the quality of education in existing educational institutions for children aged 3 to 12 in Southern Africa and Switzerland. And it consistently pursues an empowerment approach in doing so. Its beneficiaries are always in the driving seat and take responsibility in every initiative. The Roger Federer Foundation is not a handout charity: it concentrates on mobilising and empowering the local communities to initiative a process to increase the quality of education. The Foundation’s goal is the mindset change of people. Through mentorship they start to understand that a better future lies in their hands; that in a joint effort, they are able to achieve sustainable change.

From a small and erratic beginning, there is today a professional managed Grant-Making Foundation committed to the rules of the Swiss Foundation Code. The organisation strictly follows a system of checks and balances and an efficient project management cycle. Transparency, measurability and evaluation of the activities are fundamental. As a learning institution, the Foundation seeks the advice of experts and stakeholders.

Currently, the Roger Federer Foundation works with 15 carefully selected local organisations in long-term partnerships. Consequently, it is a strategic choice to partner with local NGOs directly based on the conviction that developing countries need strong local stakeholders and with the result that more than 93% of the Foundation’s expenditures flow into the countries hosting its programmes. As a result, there is need of a higher involvement in the development of the programmes and in the capacity building of the local partners. The Roger Federer Foundation limits its geographical outreach to the countries of Southern Africa and Switzerland in order to have a clear profile as a Grant Foundation and maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of human and financial resources. There is potential to become a stronger stakeholder in the selected region. The organisation has gained a deeper knowledge of the Southern African region, its mechanisms and cultures. There is the opportunity to compare projects and share lessons learned between the programmes. And most importantly, the probability of achieving systemic change increases.

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LUXURY IN THE MILLENNIALS’ AGE by Cyril Demaria

A former editor for technology at Newsweek, Dan Lyons is a columnist at Forbes and a screenwriter for HBO’s hit show “Silicon Valley”. In his New York Time’s best-selling book “Disrupted” (Hachette Books) Dan shares his “misadventures in the start-up bubble”. His comments on Millennials at work provide an interesting perspective on the future of luxury.

The start-up culture described in your book appears to be defined by speed, relatively short attention

spans, impatience, and a lack of in-depth knowledge. However, in "Meta Luxury" Robins and Ricca define luxury as a combination of timelessness, knowledge, purpose, and history (itself the result of longevity, culture, and effort). These two worlds — the Millennial culture and luxury — seem at odds. What is your analysis of these opposing value systems? Is the culture of start-ups and Silicon Valley "antiluxury"? Yes, I think the current ethos of Silicon Valley sets itself directly at odds with the concept of "luxury." Look at how most of these people, even the very successful and wealthy ones, dress. Look at how they eat, how they live. They are middle class and defiantly so. They regard things like nice clothing (expensive suits, wellmade shoes) as ridiculous.

It seems that your experiences in the start-up world have provided you with some important insights into the "Millennial" generation. Would you agree? If so, and according to you, what are the defining characteristics of this group or generation? I agree. I think one defining characteristic of Millennials, one your readers might find interesting, is that they have a different conception of what "luxury" means. My generation, I think, connected luxury with time — objects that have already lasted a long time or that are built to last a long time. Objects that transcend time. I do not think Millennials have as much regard for that. Maybe no regard at all.

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Apple may be an exception but its rhetoric is bullshit. Apple sells an image of "luxury" or "near luxe" products but really its products are ordinary electronics with a tiny touch of design savvy and a huge dollop of marketing. People are easily fooled. An Apple Watch is not a luxury item. But it is marketed as one.

Dan Lyons

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Luxury is, in a way, a line of horizon in human activity: the best humanly produced at a point in time. Is there any reason to believe that luxury as you understand it could survive the dual Millennial theses of "minimum viable product" and "fail fast"? I don't think so. I think Silicon Valley has thoroughly embraced the idea of "minimum viable product."

Luxury, as much as fine arts, requires the ability to set aside one's self to explore and appreciate. But is there anything beyond self-centeredness in the start-up world? More specifically, when reading your book, "changing the world" appears as a leitmotiv for the younger generation, while at the same time being subject to multiple interpretations. Not all of them look altruistic, which raises the question: is there altruism at all in the Silicon Valley? It's difficult to generalise. There are people doing good things in Silicon Valley, trying to solve hard problems. There are even some who really do hope to make the world a better place. (Example: artificial intelligence will make the world a better place. Self-driving cars will make the world a better place.). But the Valley also now attracts the kind of people who once would have gone to Wall Street trying to make a lot of money in a short period of time. Vulgar, tacky, uneducated, narrow, and greedy. Charlatans. Hustlers. There are both kinds there.

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THE AGE OF THE CHATBOT by Tom Cropper

Chatbots have evolved greatly over the past few years, but developments are coming which could truly change the game. If you should receive a message from a personal assistant called Andrew, there’s a good chance you’re interacting with one of the hot new trends hitting business. Chatbots are coming and they are set to change the way we live, shop and do business. Andrew is an artificial personal assistant equipped to mimic human speech and to learn as he goes. He comes from a start-up called X.ai, which is one of a host of new development companies paving the way for the next generation of chatbots. They are, of course, nothing new – they’ve been with us for decades, ever since Joseph Weizenbaum created ‘Eliza’, a computer with the ability to mimic human interaction. But now the technology is more sophisticated and businesses are learning to make use of them. You’ll find chatbots being used in just about every area of business: from personal assistants, such as Andrew, to other roles in healthcare, fashion, travel, retail, and much more. Here are just a few examples of how they are transforming the landscape:

Healthcare: A host of start-ups are using artificial intelligence to revolutionise the way patients interact with doctors. YourMD, for example, has a chatbot which uses machine learning and language recognition software to engage effectively with patients. The potential is enormous. These bots can remind patients to take

Automated assistants: As well as X.ai, other apps, such as Talla, offer virtual personal assistants who can do everything from schedule meetings to arrange travel. Recruitment: Companies are using more freelancers. TARA is an automated project manager which can assign a project to a set of screened professional freelancers. Cyra also uses machine learning, to ensure employers receive a list of ideal candidates for any position. Chatbots are a great way to manage a more fluid and mobile workforce while taking the load off HR teams. Travel: Concierge services such as Pana can make travel much easier. They can monitor your journey, spot any potential delays, and rebook flights if necessary. Workplace: Workplaces are also bringing in chatbots to improve employee engagement. Slack is developing messaging chatbots, which can help employees book travel, manage documents, answer queries, explore sales leads or resolve technical problems, all with a messaging interface which is as easy as speaking to one of their colleagues. They would no longer have to switch between multiple apps for separate tasks – instead the chatbot messaging system can bring these all together. Legal: Chatbots can help people get quick legal advice for simple issues. The new site DoNotPay, for example, has already helped thousands of people avoid parking fines.

Retail: Retail outlets are harnessing chatbots to improve their customer service. One of the most successful comes from H&M, and uses a series of questions to help customers choose the right outfit for them.

medication, resolve simple queries without the need of an appointment, and check up on a patient’s condition.

BUSINESS

Lifestyle: This is a more general term, but people can use chatbots for every aspect of their day-to-day lives. Often this involves solutions they never knew they wanted. One of the more bizarre is Eternime, an app which creates an avatar of a person and mimics speech and personality so that you can continue talking with them long after they are gone. There are two kinds of chatbots. The first uses artificial intelligence to learn and develop; the other uses multiple-choice questions to help produce a more personalised experience. The first has some way to go before it’s truly ready to transform the mainstream. Just ask Microsoft Corporation, who created their own chatbot ‘Tay’ partly as an experiment with the technology and as a way of engaging millennials. Operating via Twitter, Tay used machine learning and could engage people in conversations. Unfortunately, Tay had to be taken offline after only a few hours as its personality veered dangerously to the right, with messages supportive of Hitler and Donald Trump.

There have been false starts, but true innovation is never without its hiccups. Looking into the future, chatbots have enormous potential for businesses. They can offer one-to-one customer service to thousands of people, without taking up the time of human staff. They can be available 24/7 and provide customers with an instant response to any query, no matter what the time. In the workplace, they can improve staff satisfaction and productivity, by resolving simple questions more quickly and bringing several functions under one umbrella. What’s causing the most excitement is that we’ve only just begun to explore their possibilities. The technology is moving quickly. Complex AI algorithms will enable chatbots to respond naturally to people and to recognise natural speech and various dialects. They will also attempt to develop a personality so that the next generation of apps can be not only effective, but also likeable. The age of the chatbot, then, is truly upon us.

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THE ROTHSCHILD NAME GETS ATTENTION Giovanna Lagutaine is a banker through and through. In our interview, she tells us about the inspired vision of Mayer Amschel, the founder of the Rothschild dynasty; about what it is like to work for a family bank like Rothschild and what Rothschild and Chanel have in common. Why do you think the Rothschild family has succeeded in this regard where others have failed? The founder of the family firm, Mayer Amschel Rothschild, was an exceptional businessman based in Frankfurt. He taught his sons that they would be more successful if they worked together, rather than alone, sharing talents and profits and supporting each other. In 1810, Mayer Amschel formed a partnership, with his sons, which embodied these principles. He emphasised the importance of a long-term view and of dealing with clients in a fair and open way.

Rothschild is a big name in European history and in the world of finance. Is it a particular honour – or perhaps even a burden – to work for such a brand? It’s an honour, of course, because Rothschild is more than just a brand. Behind the name is a real family steeped in banking tradition, stretching back more than 200 years. We’re currently in the middle of the transition from the sixth to the seventh generation. Not many family businesses can boast such continuity, and certainly not listed companies.

BUSINESS After his death, his five sons developed the business across Europe, not just in Frankfurt, and used their own communication style and network to support it. These days, everyone is talking about globalisation and new communication technologies, yet these concepts, as well as innovation, have always been part of the Rothschild business model.

What was so special about their business model? In addition to the geographical presence, their confidential and rapid communication system also enabled them to be absolutely up-to-date on the important social and political developments in those locations. Information has always been crucial for making good business decisions. They were able to lever their trans-European knowledge in support of their first major client, the Elector of Hesse, who entrusted his assets to the family when Napoleon invaded his territory. At the same time, they earned a mandate from the British Government and these two things – skilful management of the Elector’s portfolio and successful execution of a complex series of transactions – led to the family becoming recognised as a major financial house. The Rothschilds, innovators and leaders in this field, also helped states such as Prussia, Austria and the United Kingdom with financing. Nevertheless, even the Rothschild family have had some downs to go with the ups? Yes, they have. When French President François Mitterrand nationalised Rothschild Bank in Paris, in 1982, this was a serious blow for the Rothschilds. However, they bounced back with considerable entrepreneurial zeal and set up a new bank from scratch. This is now the Rothschild Group.

You manage clients for Rothschild Bank in Switzerland. Is being able to mention the family’s long-standing history an advantage? The name Rothschild certainly gets the attention of the people you are talking to. If we contact someone, at the very least we receive an answer. Our former Chairman, Baron Eric de Rothschild, used to say that the name would get you a better table in a restaurant but no more than that. Ultimately, it’s about the professionalism. Clients are not satisfied with a good name alone, and rightly so. Has this changed over time? Yes, it has. Clients, these days, are well informed and are looking more for a partner than simply a bank that handles their financial affairs. This is particularly so for us since most of our clients are entrepreneurial families and they are used to questioning things and being involved in decisions. You need to be professional and well prepared to interact with this type of client on an equal footing. That takes a lot of time, though, and time costs money. How does that work out in an environment where all banks are having to make savings and cut back on their services? We have relatively few clients per relationship-manager. The partnership-based support we deliver would not be possible, otherwise. However, we look after our clients in a team, which means the time we have to spend on this can be spread around. Furthermore, there is also a trend towards greater volumes of assets per client.

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So, assets per client are greater than before. Are there any other trends? Yes, there are. Although most clients are still men, I have more and more women as clients. In the past, women often shied away from financial matters. Thankfully, that has now changed. Moreover, women also mostly ask very good questions, with keen attention to detail. Another trend in banking is, of course, digitalisation. Does that mean clients want an Internet bank? Some of them do but there are others who still appreciate being able to discuss things with a professional partner. Rothschild will never become an online trading bank. We’re not the right choice for any client looking for that. That said, we are taking advantage of digitalisation, in that it is helping us to increase efficiency, deliver better monitoring and reporting for our clients and to structure information. Everyone has access to information these days. That’s true. However, in this age of infinite means of communication, much less real communication is taking place. In other words, despite the glut of information, nobody is really informed any longer. That’s where we come in – intelligent partners who clients can talk to and who can structure, prepare and interpret the information.

Rothschild is also associated with wine and art. Do clients come to you because of that? No. Although these are areas that interest many of our clients and Rothschild does indeed have a lot to offer in these respects, as I said before, our clients are mostly entrepreneurial families. We are an entrepreneurial bank for entrepreneurs, a family bank for families. Let us return to the subject of your brand. Which luxury brand do you think is most comparable with yours? I’d choose Chanel. Chanel is synonymous with style and tradition, but also innovation. It also has a rich history. And just as people there still have a sense of Coco Chanel’s presence, we have a very keen awareness of the Rothschild family being with us and the family is even still involved in the business. I certainly have the feeling that I’m part of a family company. Despite the size? Yes, because our daily business centres on people, and because we don’t have some financial investors as our owners who want to see figures every three months. We don’t have to sell products quickly and we don’t have any false incentives. The Rothschild family takes a long-term view.

BUSINESS

GORDON WATSON Chief Executive Officer Vertu

The Vertu range of mobile phones is made up of three distinct models – Signature, Signature Touch and Aster, and the Vertu mobile phones are handmade in England using the world’s finest materials; each one assembled by a single craftsman. Vertu is available from around 500 stores, including 70 Vertu Boutiques, in 66 countries. Watson moved into his CEO position after successful stints within the company, such as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, leading different activities including the company’s unique concierge services, certainty or security services and Vertu’s lifestyle club. Watson joined Vertu in early 2010 as General Manager Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and in 2013 went on to become Vertu’s Global Sales & Retail Director. Prior to joining Vertu, Gordon spent more than a decade in the watch and jewellery industries, holding management positions with top names such as retailers Allders, Alfred Dunhill, Gucci Group Watches and Links of London. He launched Gucci’s first-ever jewellery collection and managed Links of London’s expansion and franchising in the United States, Middle East and China. Gordon studied Jewellery Design & Manufacture and Gemology at the Glasgow School of Art.

His solid experience within Vertu, prior to this new role, as well as his talents for business development have primed Watson for what may be a more competitive market. Wearables, for example, seem to be inevitable for Watson; a category where Vertu’s reputation for reliability will prove important and where numerous players are already battling. Watson sees change as a great opportunity, welcoming new entrants in a market that was actually quite empty beforehand. Watson will spearhead the new turn for Vertu, which will include new products and services, new product categories, materials, technology and intensified customer management.

Gordon Watson has been appointed CEO of luxury technology brand leader Vertu. Vertu was recently acquired by the Hong Kong-based investment group, Godin Holdings, backed by international, as well as Chinese, investors. Consequently, long-time Vertu veteran Watson has an exciting new mission ahead. Watson’s new role is to keep the British company thriving and growing in the increasingly dynamic “mobile technology with a luxury twist” market. Vertu aims to deliver the world’s best luxury mobile phone experience for its customers by combining expert craftsmanship and peerless materials with innovative technology and unique services.

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SÜREYYA WILLE Gallery Partnerships and Head of EMEA at Artsy

What do you anticipate being the future of the art world? The internet is here to stay and will continue to grow as a powerful tool for research and sales. As more and more companies acknowledge this, online platforms like Artsy will become even more valuable as they partner with comparatively traditional, brick and mortar, operations. These approaches will be increasingly symbiotic. What are the opportunities or the risks for art in the digital world? Nothing will ever replace seeing an artwork in person. Artsy’s purpose is to help educate the user and, where possible, have them physically view the show or piece. I don’t think there is a risk that people will stop attending exhibitions because they have seen the artworks online. If anything, exposing people to more artwork online will promote higher foot traffic to these institutions as people become hungry to learn and see more. How would you recommend starting a collection? Works on paper and photography are great entry points for new collectors as artists’ editions and multiples tend to have a lower price point. Young, living, artists can also be less expensive and it’s always exciting to meet and see the artist in action. Importantly, set a direction for your collection: is it locally focused? Perhaps in one medium only? The art world is about discovery and excitement, so take any opportunity to educate yourself, go to galleries, auction previews and Artsy, and, most importantly, buy a piece you love!

Currently in charge of Gallery Partnerships and Head of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East at Artsy, the online resource for art collecting and education, Süreyya Wille stands at an interesting point in today’s rapidly changing art world. Her path has taken her into both the business of art, including client outreach and business development, and the specialised worlds of Middle Eastern and South Asian contemporary art, from legacy brands to innovative and adaptive institutions. Trained at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Süreyya Wille has cultivated a remarkable sensitivity to work between and within different cultures and the role of information and knowledge in buying, selling, and collecting art. Prior to Artsy, she was Senior Account Executive at artnet where she dove into international markets and online sales. She has also worked with Phillips de Pury & Company, Aicon Gallery in New York, Sotheby’s and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Why did you decide to join Artsy? Attracting collectors to art from around the world, you have to exhibit artworks as honestly and accurately as possible - Artsy does this. The average distance between buyer and seller on Artsy is 2,700 miles (4,345 km) and growing! As someone whose personal taste has always veered towards non-Western art, I feel Artsy has tapped an enormous opportunity to promote and explore an international art world that barely surfaces in your hometown museum show or local gallery scene. Artsy, free to the public, has reached more than 13 million unique art lovers, collectors, students, curators, and scholars in 190 countries since its launch in October 2012. The vastness and potential of this reach is exciting and astounding.

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