AED 30 KWD 2.5 QAR 30
S I G N É
ARTISTIC EXPLORATION
HUBLOT’S 2023 A RTISTIC NOV ELTIES
PURPLE DELIGHT
ROLLS-ROYCE A METHYST DROP TAIL
STYLISHLY FOCUSED BRUNELLO CUCINELLI FW23
GOLDEN RETREAT
VILL A EL R INCÓN MAR BELL A
A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale
AT S O B H A S E A H AV E N
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FESTIVE FRIDAY
Friday December 22, 2023
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Publishers’ letter AED 30 KWD 2.5 QAR 30
Edition
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Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale graces the cover of our 52nd edition, following its glittering debut in the region. The one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail is resplendent in purple, while the legendary Bentley Blower shrinks to a manageable size thanks to The Little Car Company. Pininfarina unveils the World’s First Electric Hyper Barchetta and Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 57 One of One draws inspiration from a legend in blue. Two artistic masterpieces from Hublot get the ball rolling in our watches section, complemented by Bulgari’s high-jewellery masterpieces. Greubel Forsey once again ups the complication quotient with the Tourbillon Cardan, and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons venture into watch manufacturing with the launch of the Vyntage Horology brand. Zillian, the Dubai-based fashion brand debuts while the Brunello Cucinelli FW23 collection steals the spotlight and Tuni ups the holiday accessories game. Reuge unveiled a camel race mechanical game at DWW23, Montegrappa collaborates with Lamborghini to unveil a limitededition, and Fabergé unveils new resplendent eggs. Krasota Dubai presents a new dining experience while Zenon makes a grand debut. We visit Villa El Rincón, a Moorish-inspired estate on Marbellas Golden Mile and Banyan Tree’s Riverside Retreat at Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta in Thailand.
As always, enjoy the read!
All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright notice may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, without written permission from the Publisher. SIGNÉ does not take any responsibilities for incorrect information. The advertising appearing within this publication reflects the opinion and attitudes of their respective brands and not necessarily those of the Publisher or SIGNÉ.
ISSN 2410-4523
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REINTERPRETING A MASTERPIECE
ARTISTIC EXPLORATION Hublot’s 2023 Artistic Novelties
Chiron Super Sport 57 One of One
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ALL-NEW VINTAGE
A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
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The All-New Vyntage Horology Watch Brand
CAPTURING BRILLIANCE
Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale
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NEW HORIZONS
Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail
Zillian’s inaugural FW collection
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TOURBILLON UPGRADE Greubel Forsey Tourbillon Cardan
FAITHFULLY RECREATED Blower Jnr by The Little Car Company
Biver Carillon Tourbillon Danse du Temps
FESTIVE COLOURS Tumi‘s festive colourways
Automobili Pininfarina B95
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MATTER OF FABRICS
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EXPOSED EXHILARATION
DANCE OF TIME
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Etro FW23 collection
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STYLISHLY FOCUSED Brunello Cucinelli FW23
PURPLE DELIGHT
Bulgari’s high-jewellery masterpieces
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FESTIVE ESSENCE
Molton Brown’s Marvellous Mandarin & Spice
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REFINED TASTE
JAVANESE ESCAPE
FUTURE PROJECTION
Grand Fine Harvest Tea Collection
Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta Resort, Java
Imaginary Future by Krasota Dubai
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MECHANISED HERITAGE
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Montegrappa x Lamborghini Limited Edition
Season’s Specials at The Woodward Geneva
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BRANDED ABODE
AN IMMERSIVE FEAST
Camel Race by Reuge
25hours Heimat Branded Residences
Zenon at The Address, Dubai Mall
A SPECIAL 60
LUXURIANT DELICACIES
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Fabergé x Gemfields ‘In Bloom’ Collection
Villa El Rincón Marbella
WONDERFUL SURPRISES
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FESTIVE SPECIALS
Bab Al Shams festive Season Specials
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PREMIUM ARRIVAL
GOLDEN RETREAT
The True Honey Co in UAE
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WA T C H E S • A R T I S T I C E X P L O R A T I O N
Classic Fusion Black Magic
ARTISTIC EXPLORATION Hublot’s two newest artistic novelties featuring artists Takashi Murakami and Wissam Shawkat The two newest novelties from Hublot are highly limited timepieces created in collaboration with two renowned artists - Japanese contemporary maestro Takashi Murakami and Iraqi Arabic Calligrapher Wissam Shawkat. Classic Fusion Black Magic Dubai Watch Week As part of the 6th biannual Dubai Watch Week exhibition, Hublot and its regional partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons released two special edition Classic Fusion Black Magic Dubai Watch Week timepieces. Both were designed in collaboration with award-winning calligraphy artist Wissam Shawkat, whose artwork transcends boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences. “We are excited to be a part of Dubai Watch Week, together with our partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and releasing two exceptional special-edition timepieces. Following Hublot’s love for the world of art, we are pleased to reveal a special
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collaboration to resonate Hublot’s interpretation of Arabic heritage & culture – adding a great touch to the Art of Fusion,” said Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot’s CEO. Wissam Shawkat is an Award-Winning Calligraphy artist and designer specialising in letterforms. Born in 1974 in Basra, Iraq, he was first introduced to Arabic calligraphy at the age of 10. The form of four letters from the Arabic alphabet written across a school blackboard started him on a journey that has shaped him both in his early years and adulthood. Spurred on by supportive parents, he became his own tutor. His teen summers were spent lettering for a local sign shop before he began studying for a degree in Civil Engineering at Basra University, graduating in 1996. Life as a Civil Engineer, however, was not Shawkat’s destiny. In recent years, Shawkat has become known for a new calligraphic style, Al Wissam, which references several traditional scripts bringing them together with modern
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Classic Fusion Black Magic Diamonds
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Takashi Murakami wearing the MP-15
design. Based in Dubai, Shawkat engaged full-time as an artist, designer and Arabic typographer. He has received numerous prizes for his calligraphy and has participated as both an artist and committee member at multiple editions of local and International Calligraphy Exhibitions. His work is regularly featured in books on Arabic calligraphy and typography, as well as in private collections and museums around the world. The two timepieces designed by Shawkat, drawing inspiration from various phrases and words from the Arabic language, feature exquisite calligraphy inside their dials. The calligraphy introduces vibrant and contrasting colours that beautifully complement the sleek black cases and dials. The calligraphy reads “Al Zaman” and “Al Waqt” – both words meaning time in Arabic. The rich, bright colours set against the black background create an eye-catching and distinctive aesthetic. The Classic Fusion Black Magic Dubai Watch Week sits in a 42-mm black ceramic case with a matching black ceramic bezel. The Arabic calligraphy on the dial is highlighted in rich bright orange, blue, green, and red. The watch is powered by the HUB1110 self-winding movement which has 42-hour of power reserve. The alligator strap with a black steel deployant buckle complements the black ceramic. For those seeking a touch of opulence, the Classic Fusion Black Magic Diamonds Dubai Watch Week 38-mm elevates the experience with the addition of 36 black, brilliant-cut diamonds set on the polished black anodized aluminium
bezel. Wissam Shawkat’s calligraphy in this timepiece has sparkling diamonds accentuating every curve and stroke. At the launch event, Wissam Shawkat commented: “It is an honour to be collaborating with Hublot and to get the opportunity to showcase my take on Arabian heritage infused into luxury watchmaking. Inspired by my deeply rooted appreciation for our language and culture, it is a joyous experience to draw inspiration from various words & phrases and to design two exquisite timepieces.” MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Another recently unveiled Hublot novelty is the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire, limited to just 50 pieces. Derived from the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Only Watch Sapphire, the first Hublot with a central flying tourbillon, this MP-15 becomes the first limited edition Hublot watch with a central flying tourbillon. It is a quirky, playful, yet high-tech model offering a magnificent interpretation of the visual effects of sapphire. “Up until now, my work has focused on colour. It was a really exciting challenge to start a whole new chapter focussing on absolute transparency,” says Takashi Murakami. “The forms and volumes are perceived completely differently. With Hublot, we were able to preserve the individuality of my floral motif, but with a unique and different identity which was purer and perfectly in tune with Hublot’s mechanical universe. I’m very proud of the result!”
Hublot_MP 15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire
The MP-15 Takashi Murakami does not have a dial in the classical sense. Instead, Hublot has fused the case, movement and dial in a unique arrangement. In the dial’s customary location sits the complication, with the hands occupying a peripheral position. At the centre, is Hublot’s first seriesproduced central flying tourbillon. The mechanics of the watch are surrounded by Takashi Murakami’s iconic motif, a flower composed of 12 petals made entirely of sapphire. The flower features soft curves and bold, generous volumes. Hublot’s aim was to create absolute transparency in order to maximise the luminosity of the MP-15. Therefore it has a sapphire case, case-back and crown, as well as a translucent flange and strap. The sun passes straight through the floral work of art, illuminating its curves and reliefs. This central flying tourbillon features an impressive power reserve of 150 hours, almost a full week, an exceptional technical achievement for this type of complication. To enable it to be fully wound, Hublot has created a special stylus. Supplied with the piece, for which it has been specially designed, and rechargeable via a USB socket, the stylus is placed on the crown, which it winds through 100 revolutions smoothly and easily until both barrels that drive the central tourbillon are fully wound. The position of the tourbillon embodies its function as a visual treat, visible at all times. Takashi Murakami has ably underlined the watch’s mischievous nature by incorporating two twinkling eyes and a broad smile. The hours and minutes are indicated by the tips of two hands that run around the edge, literally passing beneath the tourbillon cage.
The escapement and the hour and minute hands are therefore layered in a single central space. To accommodate them, the cannon pinion and the hour wheel had to be pivoted around the tourbillon support by creating a coaxial construction. Hublot has also designed its tourbillon without an upper bridge. All of its components are skeletonised. This makes it easy to appreciate just how much work has gone into developing the MP-15, in which some of the gears and all of the tourbillon components – which appear to float in space – are visible. The deeply innovative MP-15 nevertheless features the standard markers that enable it to be worn and read naturally and easily. Twelve white indices appear on the flange, while black-plated hands with white SuperLuminova offer legibility both day and night. The model is traditionally wound and set using a crown at 3 o’clock. Moreover, the modest 42 mm diameter of this piece makes it supremely easy to wear, not least thanks to its integrated rubber strap. “Our customers do not want to choose between technology and style: they want both, with no compromise on either, says Ricardo Guadalupe. “Our mission is not to fulfil their expectations, but to surpass them. Our MP-15 is designed to do just that. It magnifies the sapphire, a material only the Hublot manufacture is able to work at this level, both in terms of complexity and geometry. A unique show of light for a major achievement: the first-ever central tourbillon produced by Hublot as an extremely limited edition. It’s a collector’s model – just like all of our MPs.”
WA T C H E S • A L L - N E W V I N T A G E
3B Monograph Light Blue
ALL-NEW VINTAGE The all-new watch brand Vyntage Horology marks the Seddiqi family’s stride into the creation of luxury timepieces Vyntage Horology, a brand new independent watch brand launched during Dubai Watch Week 2023, marks the Seddiqi family’s bold stride into the creation of luxury timepieces, and draws from the family’s unique outlook and vast experience in the industry. Vyntage Horology presents exclusive collections crafted as a tribute to the discerning connoisseur who appreciates the craftsmanship that transcends the ordinary. It caters to the growing demand for independent watches featuring timeless grace with a twist and Swiss hand-finished movements. “Vyntage Horology is a labour of love. It is a venture that is fuelled by our family’s dedication and passion towards horological excellence, and through it, we are committed to
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preserving and enhancing our timeless legacy. The launch of Vyntage Horology further expands our offering and underscores our ongoing commitment to elevate the region’s status as a destination for horology and luxury,” Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. Building on the concept launched during Dubai Watch Week 2021, Vyntage Horology launched its first two collections this year - Monograph and Purity. To commemorate the launch of the brand, two Inner Circle models were introduced - one each for the two collections. The opulent limited-edition of 25 timepieces are set apart with their exquisite craftsmanship, making them true
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1C Monograph Inner Circle
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WA T C H E S • A L L - N E W V I N T A G E
2B Purity Inner Circle
4C Purity Silver
collectors’ items. The Inner Circle models feature Grand Feu Enamel dials, one of the oldest and most traditional techniques in watchmaking. The timepieces are encased in high-quality titanium, and come with leather straps crafted from camel leather, as an ode to the heritage and culture of the region. Monograph Inner Circle, a 40mm timepiece, features carefully hand-applied Breguet numerals on the enamel dial, and an equally remarkable crystal flat sapphire case back, both with anti-reflective treatment on the inside. The choice of blue for the dial colour is inspired by the desert sky at midnight, adding a touch of allure to the timepieces. The Purity Inner Circle watch, a 39mm timepiece that is both durable and elegant, features a unique crown placement at 4 o’clock off-centre seconds hand. The striking white Enamel dial adorned with hand-applied Breguet numerals, coupled with Swiss-made precision, ensures both sophistication and reliability, all encased in a distinctive case.
Vyntage Horology also includes two other watches that are part of the Monograph and Purity collections at this year’s edition: Light Blue and Silver. The Monograph Light Blue features a 40mm stainless steel case and boasts a brushed light blue dial adorned with silver hand-applied Hindi numerals. Limited to 25 pieces, the piece is powered by a Swiss-made manual winding movement with a mono-pusher chronograph. The Purity Silver watch marries elegance with precision in a 39mm stainless steel case with distinctive crown placement at 4 o’clock and off-centre seconds hand. Limited to 50 pieces, it features silvered hand-applied Roman indexes on the brushed dial and Swiss-made manual winding movement offering a perfect blend of sophistication and accuracy. Vyntage Horology’s inaugural collections will be on display at Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons boutique in Dubai Mall.
WA T C H E S • C A P T U R I N G B R I L L I A N C E
CAPTURING BRILLIANCE We took a closer look at Bulgari’s high-jewellery horological masterpieces from GPHG and DWW23 Shortly after winning the Jewellery award at this year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève for Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra, Bulgari arrived at Dubai Watch Week to unveil three new magnificent additions to its Divas’ Dream Peacock collection. We took a closer look at these four new horological masterpieces from the house of Bulgari. Serpenti Misteriosi Cleaopatra Two years ago, Bulgari won the GPHG Aiguille d’or. Last year the Serpenti Misteriosi Piccolissimo and Octo Finissimo Ultra watches won first prizes in the famed Jewellery and Audacity categories. This year, Bulgari’s winning streak
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continued with the Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra, which won the Jewellery award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra - a high-jewellery, one-ofa-kind cuff watch - is the latest chapter in Bulgari’s love affair with the iconic serpent, and is part of a new chapter in Bulgari’s Colour Treasures series. Though unmistakably contemporary, its style is reminiscent of the cuff bracelets worn by the rulers of Ancient Egypt, and Cleopatra, both in real life and on film. In 1962 Elizabeth Taylor was photographed wearing an exquisite gold Serpenti braceletwatch while on the set of the film Cleopatra.
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While other Bulgari serpents have coiled themselves around the wrist, the Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra is a flexible manchette or cuff watch in 18kt rose gold. The design of the watch focuses on the snake’s scales, achieved through a colourful combination of smoothsurfaced gemstones surrounded by snow-set diamonds. Each of the three-dimensional scales is unique in shape and size to ensure the conical-shaped cuff is fluid and comfortable to wear. The faceted hexagonal gemstones used on the Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra include amethysts, citrines, an
aquamarine, rubellite, Chrome tourmaline, tanzanite and a peridot with a total weight of over 50 carats. These are accompanied by close to 4,000 snow-set diamonds. Setting the gemstones alone took more than 470 hours of meticulous work, with each of the six-sided gems custom cut to fit the design, sacrificing up to two-thirds of their volume to achieve the perfect clarity, brilliance and saturation of colour. The dial of this unique piece of horological art is entirely set with diamonds and covered with a facetted hexagonal transparent rubellite, originally measuring nearly 10 carats.
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WA T C H E S • C A P T U R I N G B R I L L I A N C E
Divas’ Dream Peacock Feather Marquetry
Divas’ Dream Peacock Mother-Of-Pearl Marquetry
Divas’ Dream Peacock Feather Marquetry The feather marquetry on the dial is an ode to the naturally luxurious plumage of the blue peacock, featuring twelve spectacularly hued feathers. These feathers are naturally shed by the bird and are meticulously selected for their extraordinary colours and textures. They are then inlaid using an extremely meticulous process that takes several days. Each feather is passed through an antique brass steam machine to reveal its natural lustre. It is then cut, assembled, glued and cut to compose a mosaic shimmering with silky reflections. This quartz movement watch’s 33mm case, bezel and crown are in 18K rose gold. The bezel is set with round brilliant-cut diamonds while the fan-shaped links are set with 28 round brilliant-cut diamonds. The crown has a cabochon-cut sapphire. The strap is a green alligator with a rose gold pin buckle set with 0.29ct diamonds. It is waterresistant to 30 meters.
Divas’ Dream Peacock Mother-Of-Pearl Marquetry The dial of this watch portrays the regal silhouette of a peacock in gold and mother-of-pearl. Its fan-shaped feathers sweep across the lower dial, while a tuft adorns its head, complete with a beak in rose gold. Set against this is a delicate backdrop of white mother-of-pearl engraved with rays. Creating this mother-of-pearl marquetry demands immense finesse due to the material’s fragility. The mother-of-pearl elements are painted on the reverse to introduce varying shades of blue, then intricately cut and set into recesses carved directly into the dial. Flush inlays, outlined in rose gold, accentuate the organic iridescence of the mother-of-pearl. The 33mm case, bezel and crown of this quartz-powered watch is 18K rose gold. The bezel is set with 48 round brilliant cut diamonds. The fan-shaped links are set with 28 round brilliant cut diamonds, while six brilliant-cut diamonds function as hour-markers. The crown has a cabochon-cut pink rubellite. There are a total of 82 diamonds of around 1.28ct.
WA T C H E S • C A P T U R I N G B R I L L I A N C E
Divas’ Dream Peacock Precious Marquetry Jumping Hours And Retrograde Minutes
Divas’ Dream Peacock Precious Marquetry Jumping Hours And Retrograde Minutes The peacock comes to life on the dial of this exceptional timepiece. A sapphire dome floats above the threedimensional layered marquetry inspired by the mosaics of the Roman Baths of Caracalla. It depicts the intricate detail of the peacock’s plumage using rose gold, snow-set diamonds, aventurine, and malachite. The peacock’s eye is an emerald. The 37mm case, bezel are crown are in 18K rose gold. The bezel is set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. The links have snow-cut diamonds and round brilliant-cut diamonds of 2.88ct. The open caseback reveals the BVL 262 mechanical selfwinding movement. The 6.1 mm thick calibre with a 42-hour power reserve orchestrates the unique time display of the watch. The “jumping” hours appear in the aperture at twelve o’clock. A retrograde hand, located at the upper part of the dial, indicates the minutes. To avoid overshadowing the time display, its stem is crafted from transparent sapphire, and extended by a metallic tip. The strap is green alligator with a rose gold folding buckle set with 0.55ct diamonds. This watch is water-resistant to 50 meters.
WA T C H E S • T O U R B I L L O N U P G R A D E
TOURBILLON UPGRADE Greubel Forsey’s delivers its 8th Invention in 20 years - the Tourbillon Cardan For the past 20 years of its existence, Greubel Forsey has been working from the standpoint that contemporary watchmaking is far from having exhausted all the technical possibilities of fine watchmaking. The Atelier has proven this on seven landmark occasions, developing Fundamental Inventions that rethink the basics of movement regulation and other major complications. This focus on chronometric innovation continues with Greubel Forsey’s 8th Invention: the Tourbillon Cardan. Designed to deliver better chronometric precision, it combines three principles. First, the tourbillon. The mechanism patented by AbrahamLouis Breguet in 1801 was designed to compensate for the differences in rate, in vertical positions. While most tourbillons have a revolution of 60 seconds, Greubel Forsey’s 8th Fundamental Invention is almost four times faster at just 16 seconds. This is the fastest yet for a Greubel Forsey tourbillon. It moves through more positions in less time, and therefore offers much a higher average performance.
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What’s more, this tourbillon incorporates, for the very first time, the large balance wheel designed, developed and made in-house by Greubel Forsey. It benefits from the exemplary balance of its masses, its large size (12.6 mm) and its optimised oscillations. Its high inertia also makes it less sensitive to shocks and variations in speed. The second principle is the tourbillon’s 30° angle. As it was conceived over two centuries ago, the tourbillon was designed for pocket watches worn vertically. For a wristwatch, its design needed to be completely rethought, and optimised for the positions adopted in everyday 21st-century life. Thirdly, this 30° high-speed tourbillon is guided by two mobile rings, linked by two 90° axes. In 48 seconds, they tilt backwards and forwards. This construction may seem reminiscent of gimbals, but is very different from a traditional gimbal where the two rings are free to move and their job is to keep the object they contain horizontal. In the Tourbillon Cardan, the tilt of the rings is controlled (+30° to -30° range), while the degree of inclination of the tourbillon is inclined
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(also 30°) and never varies, offering a better ratio of angular velocity to chronometric performance. The Tourbillon Cardan has four barrels. They are coaxially stacked, with a slipping mainspring to prevent excess tension during winding. They offer 80 hours of chronometric power reserve. Beyond that point, the timepiece still runs very well, but maybe outside the rigorous Greubel Forsey precision tolerances. As the tourbillon cannot be held in place by a fixed upper bridge, this function is performed by the two arched cardan rings. Without adopting the traditional construction, Greubel Forsey’s 8th Fundamental Invention creates a new type of tourbillon with a flying appearance, which is both original and patented. A seemingly complex construction but with a very small number of components, it offers an open, airy aesthetic that leaves the eye free to admire its kinematics. Some components of the Tourbillon Cardan require up to three days for hand finishing alone. A number of unique finishes have been developed specifically for this timepiece. Among them, the movement plates are in frosted nickel silver, with polished bevels and straight-grained flanks while a titanium mainplate presents a large polished flank as a backdrop to the cardan.
Even more particular: the upper bridge of the tourbillon cage is made of frosted titanium with straight-grained flanks and polished bevels, above and below. Finally, the arch is barrel-polished. It takes more than 30 hours to finish this single component. The cardan’s rings are matt finished, with polished bevels and straight-grained flanks, while the lower plate is frosted by hand, a task that requires particularly special expertise from the Atelier Manufacture. Finally, there are two dials (hours & minutes and seconds), one circular-grained with polished flanks and a very large mirror finish angle, the other with a polished exterior flank. Greubel Forsey has also developed a high-domed sapphire crystal for this piece. It houses the full height of the tourbillon and cardan system, offering a highly architectural technical vision. The view is completely unobstructed over the balance wheel measuring 12.6 mm in diameter. One can admire the majestic swaying of the two cardan rings into which it fits. The Tourbillon Cardan will be available in a 45.5 mm titanium case. This metal was chosen for its modernity and lightness, in keeping with the airy aesthetic of the Cardan tourbillon. Greubel Forsey plans to build just 55 pieces of the calibre over the next 5 years.
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WA T C H E S • D A N C E O F T I M E
DANCE OF TIME Pierre and Jean-Claude Biver present the oneof-a-kind Carillon Tourbillon Danse du Temps As a tribute to the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead, Pierre and Jean-Claude Biver have decided to create, in collaboration with the Mexican artist Joel Niño, a unique timepiece for the Salon Internacional de Alta Relojería (SIAR) to be held in Mexico City from October 17 to 19. Father and son launched their first watch last March, a minute repeater, carillon, tourbillon, with stone dials. For SIAR, the unique piece is the same Carillon Tourbillon but in rose gold and with an onyx dial. It features sandblasted motifs representing the traditional Mexican “papel picado” and hand-engraved rose gold appliques representing Calaveras - one of Mexico’s most famous symbols. This Calaveras is inspired by those of Diego Rivera, in particular his emblematic catrina. The Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead is an irreplaceable tradition, and has the particularity of giving
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a positive approach to death and the afterlife. This is why skeletons are always painted with a smile or a joyful action, the idea of which has been taken up on the dial of this unique piece - the dancing couple symbolizing eternal love. Moreover, the Day of the Dead is considered a celebration of memory, a ritual that privileges remembering over forgetting. Similarly, as Jean-Claude Biver explains, “the complication, through its vibration by means of the carillon, the beauty of mastering the invisible and fidelity to the mechanical watchmaking tradition, allows the soul of the piece to be born, to reach eternity, just as the Mexicans keep their ancestors and traditions alive through the Day of the Dead.” In this way, Pierre and Jean-Claude Biver have succeeded in uniting watchmaking tradition and Mexican tradition in a unique timepiece that simultaneously pays tribute to high horology and Mexican culture.
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AUTOMOTIVE • A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE The special series Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale made its regional debut at this year’s Casa Ferrari Abu Dhabi
Attendees at this year’s edition of Casa Ferrari Abu Dhabi - the ultimate Ferrari lifestyle event in the Middle East held annually during the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 GP weekend - were treated to an exclusive unveiling, the regional debut of the new SF90 XX Stradale. Based on the SF90 Stradale, the new limited series SF90 XX Stradale was first unveiled in June at Ferrari’s Fiorana test track in Maranello. At Casa Ferrari Abu Dhabi, one of the 799 examples of this new V8-powered PHEVs was showcased. The SF90 XX Stradale represents the latest and most extreme example of a concept of special versions. This concept pushes the performance of Ferrari’s road-going models to new levels. SF90 XX Stradale is also the product of Ferrari’s XX Programme, which offers a select group of expert client drivers extreme cars that are not homologated for the road, but that can be driven at the very limit on the track. All of the models produced by the programme have proved a huge success, with the most recent addition being the FXX-K EVO. The SF90 XX Stradale inherits the PHEV layout of the SF90 Stradale, in which the V8 internal combustion engine is integrated with three electric motors, two independent on the front axle, and one located between the engine and gearbox at the rear. This configuration allows the car to unleash a maximum of 1030 cv, 30 cv more than the SF90 Stradale. An additional 797 cv is provided by the mid-rear-mounted V8 turbo. The three electric motors deliver a maximum of 233 cv or 171 kW, thanks to the patented extra boost vehicle dynamics logic, an absolute first on a Prancing Horse road car. The SF90 XX Stradale’s high-performance lithium-ion battery powers the three motors, guaranteeing a 25km range in full-electric mode. When the ICE is off, the front motors give the car a maximum speed of 135 kmph. The SF90 XX Stradale’s soundtrack was redesigned to produce an even fuller, richer sound right across the V8’s rev range. The car’s hot tube system has been optimised to transmit the new higher frequencies of the Ferrari V8. The use of innovative materials has also improved the acoustic clarity in the cockpit. The driver can use the eManettino selector on the steering wheel to choose from four different power management modes. In eDrive
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mode, the internal combustion engine is turned off and traction is entrusted entirely to the front axle. In Hybrid mode, it favours battery energy depletion and manages transitions autonomously, maximising the full-electric range. In Performance mode, the internal combustion engine is kept running as the priority is on maintaining consistent performance, rather than on achieving the peak power. In Qualifying, the system unleashes its maximum power output, thanks to a control logic that prioritises performance, using the brand-new extra boost function. The SF90 XX Stradale retain the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox of the SF90 Stradale, however, the gear-shift logic has changed significantly. The car uses the patented logic introduced on the Ferrari Daytona SP3 to reach more engaging dynamic acceleration profiles. The new logic also improves the gear-shift sound by introducing an exhaust note similar to the overrun on lift-off noise. To that end, the Ferrari engineers developed a specific engine calibration that works in synergy with the gearbox control logic. According to Ferrari, the SF90 XX Stradale delivers the most efficient aerodynamic performance of any road-going car in its history. It delivers double the maximum downforce of the SF90 Stradale, improving grip and yielding palpably faster lap times. This October, an SF90 XX Stradale set the fastest-ever lap of Fiorano by a homologated road car. The time of 1:17.309” is 1.4” seconds faster than that set by an SF90 Stradale equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package and running on the same tyres. The SF90 XX Stradale has a redesigned cooling flow management for the thermal and electric components as well as the engine compartment to cope with the higher maximum power available. The new rear fixed spoiler – the first to appear on a road-going Ferrari since the days of the F50 – delivers 530 kg of downforce at 250 kmph. It was redesigned to efficiently hone the way in which the pressure field created by the wing interacts with the complex pressure and backpressure systems that develop around the shutoff Gurney. The latter, which was also redesigned, manages the downforce and has two configurations: Low Drag and High Drag. In Low Drag, the Gurney’s mobile element is raised and is faired in with the fixed section to minimise drag and enhance longitudinal performance. In High Downforce, the mobile element is lowered to generate an overpressure area which deflects the incoming flow vertically to help deliver the maximum rear downforce possible: 315 kg at 250 kmph.
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The new inclination of the front radiators has also improved the aerodynamic coefficients by simultaneously channelling hot air flows through and over the front bonnet. These flows are controlled and channelled over the car by two S-Ducts, located on either side of the vents in the centre of the bonnet. They increase front downforce by 20% compared to the SF90 Stradale. The new layout of the underbody was also optimised to improve the extraction of the air coming off the radiators ahead of the front wheels. The side louvres on the lower part of the front bumper were also redesigned and are now larger to reduce back pressure. The car also has a redesigned larger front splitter that generates a highly energised tube of airflow under the car and this is then exploited by the redesigned underbody. A larger, wider front diffuser also contributes to the increase in downforce of over 45 kg at 250 kmph. One of the key objectives of SF90 XX Stradale’s development was to deliver “maximum fun behind the wheel.” This has resulted in several new improvements compared to the standard Stradale. The Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (2.0), which enables drivers to manage the car’s drift, makes its debut. Another major new addition is the ABS EVO controller, which improves both performance and repeatability in high-performance braking in dry conditions.
Also debuting on SF90 XX Stradale is the extra boost control logic which guarantees additional power in short bursts. The availability of the extra boost is indicated by a graph on the right-hand side of the dash display, and shows the remaining number of bursts left. The maximum is 30. There is a 9% improvement in lateral performance compared to the SF90 Stradale in high-speed handling conditions, mostly as a result of downforce. Furthermore, the roll rate was reduced by 10% thereby guaranteeing better body control. The braking system was also upgraded with redesigned front discs to improve cooling and bigger 390mm-diameter rear discs and pads. The guiding principle of the SF90 XX Stradale’s interior design was to achieve significant weight savings. The main areas involved in this exercise were the door panels, tunnel and mats. These are now simpler in terms of their shape and mainly use technical fabrics, while carbon fibre was used for functional areas. The upper part of the dashboard is trimmed in Alcantara, while the lower part is trimmed in technical fabric. SF90 XX Stradale comes with Ferrari’s extended sevenyear maintenance programme which includes all regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions) for the first seven years of the car’s life.
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PURPLE DELIGHT Presenting Amethyst Droptail, a Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt automotive masterpiece One of only four unique expressions of the RollsRoyce Droptail, Amethyst Droptail is a breath-taking coachbuilt masterpiece that celebrates its commissioning client’s cultural heritage, family legacy and personal passions. Inspired by the amethyst gem - the birthstone of the patron’s son and an enduring symbol of purity, clarity, and resilience Amethyst Droptail was commissioned by a patron whose family business has grown from a gemstone boutique to a multinational corporation with diversified interests. This exceptional motor car is defined by the client’s passion for quiet artistry and subtle flourishes. Commenting on the project, Alex Innes, Rolls-Royce’s Head of Coachbuild Design, said: “Created for an individual with a passion for modern design, the minutia of haute horlogerie techniques and whose family has a special connection to gemstones, Amethyst Droptail is a remarkable projection of connoisseurship, contemporary design and personal heritage.” The inspiration for the Droptail’s exterior came from the patron and co-creator’s expressed desire to celebrate the cultural heritage of their home region, and in particular, the Globe Amaranth wildflower, which blooms in the desert near one of the client’s homes. The duotone exterior paint finish captures multiple stages of the flower’s bloom. The main body colour, named Globe Amaranth, is a soft purple hue with a delicate silver undertone and a captivating iridescent finish. This is beautifully contrasted by a deep purple Amethyst paint, used on the motor car’s upper coachwork. Additionally, in sunlight, the motor car also reveals a gentle hint of mauve paint on the inside of the 22-inch wheels, providing a subtle but elegant contrast to the mirror-polished aluminium surface; a touch that the client compared to the colourful lining of their favourite bespoke jacket. The exterior is finished with a subtle but highly complex treatment to the carbon fibre used to construct the lower sections of the motor car. The result of two years of development, the marque’s craftspeople created a chevron pattern book-matched along two axes, which adds geometric decoration to Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail’s technical exterior surfaces.
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The carbon fibre itself is finished with a fine layer of lacquer tinted with Amethyst pigment, which in most lights reads as body colour. This intricate and technically demanding detail is hidden until the motor car is closely scrutinised, speaking of the client’s passion for subtlety and restraint. The most challenging requirement demanded of Rolls-Royce’s artisans is the flourishes in the Pantheon grille treatment. The exterior grille surround and ‘kinked’ vane pieces are partially hand-brushed and partially hand-polished with a precise line demarking each finish – a surface treatment that had never been attempted on this scale before. The concept was suggested by the commissioning client’s son, a collector of haute horlogerie who was inspired by the brushed hands of a historically significant piece in his archive. Beneath this extraordinary expression of contemporary craftsmanship is an intricate lower front air intake. This highly detailed piece was digitally designed and ‘printed’ in a lightweight composite and incorporates 202 hand-polished stainless-steel ingots, each of which has been painstakingly painted by hand in the Globe Amaranth hue. The front end is resolved with a Spirit of Ecstasy figurine surrounded by amethyst cabochons. The cabochon treatment, whereby a gemstone is shaped and polished into a rounded form rather than faceted, was requested by the client to avoid a conspicuous sparkle. This subtle detail recalls the client’s early enterprise in the precious gemstone business.
The materials and crafts features in Amethyst Droptail were personally curated by the commissioning client and his family. The material selection began with a sample of Calamander Light open-pore wood offered by the client. The colours of this initial wood sample served as the inspiration for the motor car’s leather treatment. The gently contrasting leather, in the aptly named Sand Dunes hue, was developed to perfectly match the caramel strands on the Calamander Light open-pore wood. Rolls-Royce has also created the most extensive wooden surface area in its history, with the material extending from the motor car’s fascia and doors to the shawl panel, cantilevered ‘plinth’ centre armrest and onto the aft deck. Additionally, a completely new veneering process was developed specifically for Amethyst Droptail, with each veneer sheet placed upside down to expose the raw wood texture. To ensure the interior wood parts were compatible in a variety of climates around the world, they were tested to meet the same rigorous endurance standards as the exterior parts. Prior to its final construction, more than 150 samples underwent over 8,000 hours of testing. This included a full sunlight exposure simulation and lightfastness assessment, as well as testing for durability in temperatures ranging from +80°C to -30°C. The deck’s protective coatings, developed specifically for Amethyst Droptail, have been granted their own patent.
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The primary leather hue, named Amethyst, complements the exterior surface and is finished with a subtle pearlescent lacquer, reminiscent of the Amethyst gemstone. The client also requested the adornment of the rotary dials with these rare gems. As with the gems at the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, they too are shaped in a convex cabochon style rather than faceted. The stunning depth and clarity of each stone are of a standard usually reserved for fine jewellery. Each stone was examined by experts within the client’s organisation before they were personally and individually approved by the client. A removable hard top has been designed to give the RollsRoyce Droptail two distinct characters: without its roof, the Droptail is a lithe, open-top roadster; with the roof installed, it is a formidable and dramatic coupé. The roof incorporates electrochromic glass that allows the surface to change colour and transparency instantly. The client challenged Coachbuild designers to develop a glass that would alter its hue in order to correspond with the colourway of Amethyst Droptail. In response, the RollsRoyce Coachbuild Collective developed a unique chameleon effect for its electrochromic glass: when deactivated, it is completely opaque and has a subtle purple tint, mirroring
the motor car’s Amethyst exterior finish. Once the glass is activated at the touch of a button, it becomes translucent with a hue that matches the Sand Dunes leather colour used in the interior suite. Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail fascia is graced with a unique timepiece commissioned by the client from Vacheron Constantin. Handmade in Geneva, the piece, named ‘Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon,’ has an intricate handwound movement and is securely housed in a specially designed holder, enabling it to be removed and stored separately from the motor car if desired. The timepiece features a bi-retrograde display with instantaneous return of the hours and minutes as well as a biaxial tourbillon. Vacheron Constantin and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars worked closely together to ensure the forms, materials and colours of the timepiece were in harmony within the motor car. “Within Rolls-Royce design,” says Rolls-Royce’s Design Director Anders Warming, “Amethyst Droptail will stand in our history as a representation of how accurate our creative response can be in projecting the soul of an individual commissioning client through both literal and highly conceptual expressions of personal luxury.”
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FAITHFULLY RECREATED The Little Car Company’s first road-legal model is an 85 per cent replica of the Bentley Blower Bentley Motors and The Little Car Company have unveiled a road-legal, 85 per cent scale recreation of the most famous Bentley in the world. Blower Jnr, as it is called, is a faithful recreation of the 1929 4½-litre Supercharged Team Car No. 2, which is currently in Bentley’s Heritage Collection. Blower Jnr is the first road-legal car from The Little Car Company and the most sophisticated city car they have ever built. No other pre-war Bentley had an impact like the supercharged 4½-litre ‘Blower’ Bentley. While it never won an endurance race, the Blower Bentley was the outright fastest race car of the day, and counted amongst its fans the author Ian Fleming – who later decided that his famous fictional secret agent James Bond would drive a supercharged 4½-litre Bentley, with the often-associated rival British sports car merely the MI6 “pool car”. The Blower Bentleys were born from a philosophy devised by Sir Tim Birkin – notable racing driver and Bentley Boy – to extract more speed from the racing Bentleys of the day. While W.O Bentley’s method was to increase engine capacity – from 3-litre to 4½-litre and 6½-litre – Birkin was impressed by the Roots-type supercharger developed by British engineer Amherst Villiers, which boosted the 4½’s power from 130 bhp to 240 bhp in race tune. He persuaded Bentley Chairman Woolf Barnato to sanction the production of 55 supercharged 4½-litre Bentleys, with five allocated for competition. The car on Bentley’s heritage fleet - UU 5872 - is the second of the four ‘Team’ cars developed at Birkin & Co’s workshops at Welwyn Garden City with funding from wealthy heiress the Hon. Dorothy Paget. The cars competed in twelve races, with the most famous being Team Car No. 2’s adventure at the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hours. Team Car No. 2 was sympathetically restored in the 1960s, preserving much of its original patina. Owned by Bentley Motors since 2000, it has had only minor cosmetic maintenance, and is mostly as Birkin would have driven it. Since then it has competed in the modern Mille Miglia five times, has driven to Le Mans on several occasions and has
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also appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as well as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Team Car No. 2 inspired a highly exclusive edition of twelve Continuation Cars, each one an exact recreation handcrafted in the Mulliner Classic workshops using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The Blower Continuation Series is the world’s first pre-war continuation, and the final car is in the final stages of build now. A second Continuation Series of 12 Bentley Speed Six models is currently in development. Blower Jnr is a collaboration between The Little Car Company and Bentley’s Heritage Collection. It is crafted by hand to the same standards as any Bentley, and adorned with beautiful details all inspired by the original Team car. Blower Jnr is built around a 48V electric powertrain with a 15 kW (20 bhp) motor, meaning a top speed of 72 kmph in the UK and EU, and 40 kmph in the USA due to legislation. It has a reported range of around 105 kilometres, with tandem seating for two adults. The original Team Car from 1929 – insured for £25m – was used by The Little Car Company to master the design of Blower Jnr, with details recreated at a sizeable 85 per cent scale, measuring 3.7 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. Unlike
The Little Car Company’s other products, Blower Jnr is fully road-legal and designed specifically to be used on the road. Beyond the headline figures, the beauty of Blower Jnr is in the recreation and repurposing of details from the original car. The frame is painted steel, to which an authentic chassis specification is attached. Leaf springs and scaled-down, period-correct friction dampers bring a comfortable ride, while Brembo disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear provide the stopping power. The electric motor is mounted across the rear axle, while the batteries and drive electronics are all housed in a hidden undertray. The bodywork is crafted in two sections, and while the rear body structure is crafted in carbon fibre rather than being an ash frame, it’s covered in impregnated fabric, just as the original. The bonnet, with its multiple cooling louvres, is hand-crafted in aluminium using traditional techniques and fastened with beautiful leather buckled bonnet straps. The two-person cockpit is in a 1+1 layout, with a central adjustable driving position and the passenger travelling behind in the rear seat. An optional bespoke weekend bag fits behind, in the scaled-down and repurposed fuel tank complete with a lockable latch.
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At the front of the car, the supercharger now houses the charging port that connects the onboard charger to any Type 1 or Type 2 socket. It’s surrounded by the famous Bentley mesh grille, in an authentic nickel-plated radiator housing. At first glance, the dashboard looks like a scaled-down replica of the original, with Engine Turned Aluminium forming the dashboard itself. The fuel pressure pump has been repurposed as the drive mode selector, with a choice of Comfort (2 kW), Bentley (8 kW) or Sport for a maximum power of 15 kW. Forward, Neutral and Reverse are selected via a lever that looks and feels like the ignition advance control from the original Blower. Other switchgear for the headlights and indicators copies the form and materiality of the magneto switches from the Team Car, while the battery charge gauge recreates the original ammeter. A USB charging point is discreetly concealed until required, and a dual-function display that serves as a Garmin
satellite navigation screen and reversing camera completes the cabin. The first 99 examples of Blower Jnr will be First Edition Models. These will feature First Edition badging on the hood, door sill plate and dash as well as an engraved and numbered ‘1 of 99’ plaque. All First Edition models will be finished in Blower Green, with matching painted chassis and wheels, and a Union flag hand-painted on both sides of the body as per the original, while the seats and interior are upholstered in the Dark Green Lustrana Hide used by Mulliner for the Blower Continuation Series. The side panel and radiator carry the period-correct racing number, while the steering wheel is rope-bound. Blower Jnr made its world debut at Monterey Car Week through a schedule of appearances across the weekend. Production is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2024, starting with the 99 First Edition models.
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EXPOSED EXHILARATION A brief review of five fragrances that explore woody notes, from Cedar to Oud, Patchouli and Oak
At this year’s Monterey Car Week, Automobili Pininfarina unveiled its B95 - the world’s first pure-electric, open-top hyper Barchetta. The simplicity of its flowing open-topped bodywork provides a dramatic modern interpretation of the classic racers from the golden era, while being underpinned by pure-electric performance. B95 will be Pininfarina’s first production car based on the brand’s recently unveiled PURA design philosophy which emphasises an elegant silhouette and dramatic proportions. Paolo Dellachà, CEO of Automobili Pininfarina says: the PURA Vision is “a new design philosophy for all future models from our brand, across a spectrum of different segments. Now, our new Barchetta shows how these design principles can be applied – with a retro-futuristic vision fusing classic motorsport themes with the latest technological innovations, materials and processes.” Production of B95 will begin in 2025, marking the 95th anniversary of Pininfarina SpA. The ‘B’ in its name stands for Barchetta. Both these elements thus combine to create the name Automobili Pininfarina B95. Just ten B95 examples will be made, each one meticulously handcrafted as per the specification agreed between the Automobili Pininfarina design team in Cambiano and the individual clients. This will ensure complete exclusivity as no two will be the same. Clients can also order bespoke helmets, in a finish coordinated to match their chosen B95 specification. The design of B95 is exemplified by the full-width enveloping bodywork which wraps around into the front fenders. The high swage line gives the outer body a stunning muscular appearance. The sleek, timeless lines contrast with technical detailing to create a pure, beautiful design. Pronounced wheel arches emphasise the shape and power of the vehicle. The design team has defined the cabin space with a surrounding loop, which incorporates the seats, the world’s first electronically adjustable aero screens and the domes behind each passenger. Taking inspiration from vintage fighter planes, the clear polycarbonate design of aero screens feature intricately engineered and exposed aluminium supports, and can be raised and lowered by the client. The B95 that made its debut in Monterey is finished in metallic Bronzo Superga, providing a dramatic contrast to the distinctive Giallo Arneis gloss section at the front and atop the driver’s dome, itself featuring Black Gloss ‘95’ lettering. Exposed black carbon delivers a contrast to the elegant paintwork. This same detailing of contrast can also be viewed around the carbon fibre splitter at the front and around the rear aero outlet. The body finish is a multi-layered gloss which combines gold metallic flakes to give it an incredible depth of colour. In the daytime, the accents appear gold in texture and colour, while at night it takes on a bronze hue, giving the impression of two different colours. The new 20” front / 21” rear forged aluminium wheels are finished in Matt Black and contrast with exposed aluminium matt precision-polished outers. The centre lock rings are finished in brushed aluminium anodized
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in black, while the brake callipers are Giallo Arneis that match the exterior accents. The interior continues the theme of a classic race car meeting futuristic design. From the driver’s seat, the expansive dashboard appears to merge with the exterior by extending the distinctive lines of the hood into the cabin. Together with the sculptural carbon-fibre dashboard, a floating wing effect is created. The dashboard is upholstered in tan ‘Sustainable Luxury Leather’ with bespoke embossing, which contrasts with the brushed black aluminium anodised finish that features elsewhere. The seats, also finished in Tan leather, are also inspired by those of a classic race car and are designed to curve around the occupant. Both seats have been profiled to cosset the driver and passenger, and feature a two-part design with aluminium inserts. The headrests, featuring electro-welded Pininfarina logos, are finished in a Pied de Poule Houndstooth textile while black and tan contrast stitching continues across the seats, door interiors and dash. There are seemingly unlimited bespoke opportunities for collectors while specifying a B95. One of the most noticeable bespoke opportunities is the laser-engraved aluminium door plate, located on the outer edges of both doors and easily visible when entering and exiting the car. Finished in anodised black with bespoke B95 engraving in white, they add a sense of theatre to entering the hyper Barchetta.
The B95 is powered by the same state-of-the-art powertrain in the Battista hyper GT. It can accelerate from 0-60mph (95kmph) in less than 2 seconds, and has a top speed of more than 300kmph. It features a high-capacity 120 kWh lithiumion battery generating a peak power of 1400 kW (1900 PS). The T-shaped liquid-cooled battery pack, protected within a strong and lightweight carbon fibre housing, can be charged using DC fast chargers up to 270kW – for a 20-80% top-up in as little as 25 mins. The power is delivered to the road via four independent high-performance electric motors – one driving each wheel. Five distinct drive modes - Calma, Pura, Energica, Furiosa and Carattere - leverage the Full Torque Vectoring technology to enable the driver to tailor power delivery and handling to suit their preference and driving conditions. The five driving modes are activated via a tactile rotary selector located next to the steering wheel. Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of Pininfarina SpA, said: “The B95 is elegant, bold, beautiful, and innovative. Everything that defines a true Pininfarina design. It will be the perfect celebration of the 95th anniversary of Pininfarina, which has an unrivalled history creating rare icons that are now the most revered and sought-after collectors’ cars in the world. B95 will undoubtedly continue this legacy and also deliver a statement of intent for Automobili Pininfarina as it develops an incredible portfolio of new luxury electric cars.”
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REINTERPRETING A MASTERPIECE Chiron Super Sport ‘57 One of One’ - the Molsheim creation car inspired by a 90-year-old masterpiece The Chiron Super Sport ‘57 One of One’ is, as the name suggests, a one-off expression of Bugatti’s flagship. The 57 refers to the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic, a timeless Jean Bugatti masterpiece now nearly 90 years old. Beloved by aesthetes and automotive enthusiasts alike, the three known examples of the Type 57 are regarded among the most valuable and exclusive automobiles in the world. Many of the Type 57’s design features − including the bolted fin that runs the length of its body − inspired Bugatti’s modern design DNA. And one of these became the inspiration for the Chiron Super Sport 57. “I remember the day like it was yesterday. I visited the Mullin Automotive Museum at Oxnard, and there it was, one of only three cars that still remain, on a pedestal all by itself. I fell in love with it from the very second I saw it,” recalls the Super Sport 57’s proud owner. Twenty years after that encounter, her wish to own a Bugatti came true on her 70th birthday. Her husband – a Bugatti owner himself - surprised her with a personal invitation from Bugatti to come to Molsheim in France to configure her own Chiron Super Sport. At the home of Bugatti, Jascha Straub, Lead Designer Sur Mesure at Bugatti, was on hand to introduce her to the extraordinary history of the Château Saint Jean and the brand – the first part of a co-creation journey that would stretch over a year. “During her visit, when we passed a scale model of the Type 57 SC – the very first Atlantic and the exact one she had seen all those years ago – there was an immediate spark of recognition between us that this is the direction we should take. For years I have been idly dreaming of reinterpreting this icon, so I already had my own ideas of what I would do to honor the most elegant car ever designed. That meant that right away we could sit down and begin evolving the design, to realize her vision together,” said Straub.
For their homage to the Type 57 SC, there was only one colour the customer and Jascha could envision - the striking silver-tinted blue hue of the Type 57 in the Mullin Automotive Museum. However, replicating this colour was no mean feat. As each Sur Mesure project is meticulous in its process - especially when referencing one of the greatest pieces of automotive design - Jascha Straub had to travel to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao where the original car was the central art piece in a temporary exhibition called “Motion, Autos, Art, Architecture. “That original car had such a deep effect on our customer that we wanted to get the exact same colour for her Chiron Super Sport. What we really wanted to achieve is that, every time she sees her car, she feels the same emotion that she felt on that day 20 years ago, when her admiration for the Type 57 SC Atlantic began. I flew to Bilbao, with a color swatch that we had created, to observe the paintwork under different light conditions. It needed to be completely authentic to the original.” On the Type 57 SC Atlantic, the large horseshoe Bugatti grille sits proudly upright, seemingly suspended between the shapely wheel arches. This design aspect was an important reference point. For the Chiron Super Sport 57, the Sur Mesure team worked hand-in-hand with engineers at Bugatti to create a faithful homage to the original that would also remain true to the Bugatti ‘Form Follows Performance’ design philosophy and the car’s engineering requirements. Each inlet, line and vent of the Chiron Super Sport is carefully considered to meet the extreme cooling and aerodynamic needs of a 440kmph hypersports car. The unique resulting design – a new grille with polished vertical lines and a thicker centre spine – is a beautiful modern interpretation yet true to the iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic.
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The design is paired with five-spoke Super Sport wheels – combining polished chrome with the same blue as the original. The underside of the rear wing features a hand-drawn silhouette of the Atlantic, finished with ‘57’ and ‘One of One’ lettering in a subtle nod to the craftsmanship and design that inspired this unique work of automotive art. “The customer’s enthusiasm and active engagement throughout the whole design process were a constant source of inspiration,” continued Straub. “Her perspective, rooted in a profound respect for Bugatti’s heritage, and driven by a desire to craft an authentic homage, guided us in creating a vehicle that stands at the intersection of history and innovative engineering.” Inside, the customer selected ‘Gaucho’ leather – deciding on a timeless colour to further accentuate the exterior design. Notable highlights include the Atlantic’s silhouette handstitched in ‘Lightning Blue’ on the door panels and a centre console with a custom inlay that proclaims ‘57 One of One’. The iconic ‘Dancing Elephant’ sculpture of Rembrandt Bugatti is delicately embroidered on the headrests, signifying the customer’s passion for animals. The signatures of Jean Bugatti, the genius who was the creative force behind the Type
57 SC Atlantic, and Rembrandt are applied to the door sills. Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director at Bugatti Automobiles, said: “When crafting a bespoke car for our customers, we will always look to pay tribute to our rich heritage. For a customer to embrace our lineage in such a way, and lead in the inclusion of such design elements, it is a proud moment. “A creation like the ’57 One Of One’ is the perfect match for our Sur Mesure offer, bringing a passionate customer with bold ideas together with our endlessly creative and talented design and engineering teams. The result is a breathtaking new chapter in the legend of the Type 57 SC Atlantic; authentic, beautiful and formed in the spirit of Jean Bugatti’s original. The Type 57 SC Atlantic will always be an icon and this latest homage can proudly sit alongside it on the concours lawns of the future.” Eventually, the ’57 One Of One’ will achieve the same iconic status as its predecessor, earning a rightful place at the Concours d’Élegance. But for now, the customer is enjoying her Bugatti driving experience, having explored the scenic routes of the American West behind the wheel of her exceptional Bugatti on the US Grand Tour.
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STYLISHLY FOCUSED The Brunello Cucinelli FW23 Collection is built around key garments that form the basis for an overall look.
Every look in the Brunello Cucinelli Fall Winter 2023 Collection is characterized by a key garment. As the focal point, it expresses the overall style and, at the same time, is defined by a harmony of combinations. A tailored cashmere coat, a special hand-knit sweater or a suit made of a precious fabric can constitute this focus of attention, which is then balanced in a contemporary way by overlays, trousers and accessories. All the elements are organized based on a search for balance between references, proportions and style. A selection of the finest fabrics, characterized by special textures and micro-effects such as Donegal, chevron and broken twill weave, epitomizes the quest for a new value through classic materials. Colours take on intense hues, inspired by historic wine blends, those that transcend trends. Shades of red – barbera, maroon and burgundy – are presented in a greyish version as though to convey the passing of time. The overall harmony is created by tones of beige moving from medium camel and sand to light panama and ecru. These are accompanied by fascinating shades of noble deep blue and modern light blue. Urban hues of grey complement the backdrop with the brand’s distinctive colours. The suit confirms its role as a cornerstone of the collection: contemporary, comfortable, and versatile thanks to fabrics that allow wearers to convert the style of a jacket by matching it with different trousers. Outerwear pieces enhance their distinctive features depending on their intended purpose: elegant coats maximize their exclusive sartorial feel, while parkas and down jackets highlight their dynamic and contemporary flair.
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Special garments featuring luxurious beaver fabrics or cosy cashmere and vicuña enrich bomber and aviator jackets lined in very soft shearling. The contemporary aesthetic of trousers is the element that best complements the balance of the looks. Loose fits, high-rise silhouettes and pleated details alternate and blend to create new volumes, offering endless styling options. The winter knitwear collection has been broadened to offer more choices: from lightweight sweaters that match with the tailored lines of blazers to cardigans made of cozy yarns with an outdoor feel. Noble fibres of cashmere, virgin wool and silk are accompanied by the soft, shaded effect of alpaca. The fascination of traditional stitches is enhanced by new proportions, combinations and colours. New hand-knit creations of high quality complement the selections. The selection of accessories includes skillfully handcrafted bags, hats, small leather goods and knits. Footwear selection includes a wide and organic selection of designs. New leathers refresh the style of classic derbies, while the design of loafers is updated with a wintery feel and materials. Hiking shoes and boots strike a balance between artisanal tradition and contemporary dynamism, both in sporty combinations and more elegant looks. Elegant menswear dedicated to evening and gala events recreates the fusion of glamour and charisma iconic to 1950s and 60s Hollywood through a contemporary colour palette and modern style combinations. Tuxedo jackets diffuse red velvet’s enveloping charm or ennoble corduroy textures with tartan patterns in refined seasonal blues. Patent calfskin footwear and the range of accessories offer all the impeccable details needed to elevate men’s style for the evening.
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FA S H I O N • N E W H O R I Z O N S
NEW HORIZONS Zillian is a brand-new luxury fashion brand founded by Emirati designer Abdulaziz Al Saeedi Zillian is an innovative new Emirati luxury brand that officially launched last month. The brand was brought to life by Abdulaziz Al Saeedi, a distinguished Emirati designer, artist and author known for his contribution to the UAE’s national identity. His background in art and passion for fashion has helped shape the values of the brand. “The concept of ‘Zillian’ symbolizes infinite possibilities, mirroring my own infinite passion for fashion and luxury brands,” said Abdulaziz. Zillian’s philosophy is rooted in reimagining fashionable suits and attire as daily wear, for both men and women. The brand’s designs encapsulate comfort and premium quality, and created in limited-run quantities to ensure they remain exclusive. Zillian’s inaugural Fall-Winter collection beautifully encapsulates the founder’s ethos, drawing inspiration from
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the rich tapestry of multicultural influences found within the vibrant landscapes of the cities across his native country. The carefully selected fabrics and meticulous design elements pay tribute to the cultural diversity and high-end aesthetics that the Emirati fashion designer deeply cherishes. “Our mission is to provide unique unisex fashion that pulses with creativity while emphasizing luxury, quality, and comfort. We aim to become a globally recognized brand, making the name ‘Zillian’ synonymous with distinctive, yet grounded, unisex fashion.” the founder explained.”Each creation is a catalyst for self confidence, empowering the customer to embrace their individuality” In the future, Zillian aspires to collaborate with other regional and international brands.
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FA S H I O N • M AT T E R O F FA B R I C S
MATTER OF FABRICS Etro’s FW23 collection is Marco De Vincenzo’s first men’s collection for the house As a fashion house, Etro has been built on fashion’s founding matter: fabrics. Taking the matter into his own hands, Marco De Vincenzo builds his first men’s collection for the house around matter, as both an homage to the Etro roots and as a way to connect with his own personal past. The Etro house and Marco’s household overlap and mingle, and a broad sense of domesticity comes through, on the backdrop of stacks of fabrics culled from the Etro archives, arranged to frame the show. The creative path originates in the sense of reassurance offered by a jacquard velvet blanket, which Marco cherished as a child and whose pattern is reproduced onto broad woollen coats and jackets. Tactility is key, with jacquard and weaving overtaking print. Pieces are put together and assembled to stimulate both sight and touch, with 3D crochet fruit growing on jumpers, melton patches defining jacket collars, and psychedelic swirls liquefying on fuzzy pullovers. Domestic camouflage is the thing: upholstery fabrics are cut into blousons, long shirts and overalls recall curtains, and dress shirts resemble tablecloth. Teddy shorts and tops provide further homely cosiness. Hidden from sight, patterned linings are a private pleasure that further augments the play of motifs and textures, with tartan - an early Etro success - in a leading role. Tailored pieces are slim and elongated. At night, little flowers bloom over smoking lapels and cummerbunds. The idea of merging the public and the private, the homely and the social, carries over in the accessories: felt aladdin clogs with thick soles, studded clog sneakers, jacquard velvet shoppers and oversized laser-cut totes suited for daily usage or room furnishing.
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FA S H I O N • F E S T I V E C O L O U R S
FESTIVE COLOURS Tumi presents a special assortment of silhouettes in limited-time colourways for this holiday season For this holiday season, Tumi has curated a special assortment of men’s and women’s silhouettes in limited-time colourways.
Alpha Bravo & Voyageur Tumi’s Alpha Bravo men’s holiday collection focuses on Castle Grey with embossed leather detailing for a modern reinterpretation of its ballistic nylon. The women’s holiday assortment of best-selling Voyageur silhouettes features Grey Ombre with gunmetal hardware, a special play on neutrals that is an ideal match for holiday looks.
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19 Degree Backpack & Minaudiere The 19 Degree Aluminum collection has always epitomized the Tumi brand through its exceptional quality, design excellence, technical innovation and functional efficiency. Now the highly coveted collection extends beyond travel into everyday life, with its first Backpack as well as a Minaudiere that serves as a unique and fashionable clutch in stylish Silver and sleek Matte Black.
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Nassau & Tumi+ Nassau, Tumi’s accessories and small leather goods collection offers styles to support various aspects of life on the move. They are designed to suit any occasion by effortlessly transporting from one bag to the next. The Tumi+ collection also adds flair and function to any bag while storing small essentials like cards, cash or keys.
Tegra-Lite With its superb engineering and innovation, the Tegra-Lite travel collection is made for globetrotters who demand modern design and unparalleled strength during their journeys. Each piece is built to last with the exceptionally durable yet lightweight Tegris material along with elements made from recycled materials. This season’s colours are T-Graphite and Blush.
Alpha X Engineered to withstand the elements as well as exceed all 40 of Tumi’s endurance tests, Alpha X is the brand’s strongest softside collection to date. Made with PX6, an ultra-durable fabric with a unique combination of high strength and thermal stability, the thoughtfully designed and feature-packed luggage also showcases elevated finishes including a mixed hard and soft side exterior and gunmetal hardware.
19 Degree Luggage A core example of Tumi’s mission to support and promote sustainability, the 19 Degree collection features a recycled polycarbonate shell as well as recycled materials in select interior and exterior components. This holiday season offers several new hues and textures. One per cent of the proceeds of this collection will be donated to the 1% for the Planet initiative which supports certified global environmental efforts.
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GROOMING • FESTIVE ESSENCE
FESTIVE ESSENCE Marvellous Mandarin & Spice is Molton Brown’s New Limited Edition collection for the festive season
Molton Brown, British fragrance makers, splendidly stir up a festive feast for the senses with the new Limited Edition collection - Marvellous Mandarin & Spice. This citrus-gourmand fragrance reimagines the magnificent – and very British – tradition of making Christmas cake. The collection is infused with exceptionally generous fragrance concentrations for a complex trail that temptingly lingers on the skin and in the air. Senior Perfumer Nathalie Koobus, the house’s returning festive expert, captures a warmly familiar recipe passed down through family generations, refreshed with modern elegance. “I wanted to recreate a fragrance that evokes a traditional British Christmas cake, abundant with fresh citrus and warm spices. This addictive, nostalgic and naturally festive scent reminds us of time spent in the kitchen with loved ones preparing a sweet feast for the special day,” says Nathalie. Scattered ingredients are gloriously strewn across the
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Christmas kitchen table - jewels of wintry citrus and warm, deep spices. The golden vibrancy of ginger unravels with a tart swirl of sparkling mandarin zest and responsibly sourced orange seed oil extract – an upcycled byproduct from the UK food and beverage industry. Well-seasoned with tasting notes of ground cinnamon and crunchy clusters of seedy dried fruits, the scent is finished with a grating of earthy nutmeg. The Marvellous Mandarin & Spice ritual starts with the gloriously shimmering Fine Liquid Hand Wash. The fragrance is deepened with a moisturising Hand Lotion that winter skin will love. Meanwhile, the gold-foiled Scented Candle weaves an irresistible aroma of baking throughout the space. According to the brand, this collection is cruelty-free and made at its carbon-neutral factory in Hertfordshire. The plastic bottles are made with at least 50% recycled plastic. The Festive Bauble and Signature Candle boxes are made from 100% recycled materials and are also recyclable.
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N O VA L T I E S • R E F I N E D T A S T E
REFINED TASTE TWG presents The Grand Fine Harvest Tea Collection of single-estate teas TWG Tea introduces the Grand Fine Harvest Tea Collection, the brand’s first and only fine harvest collection to be packaged for retail. It comprises a set of four exclusive single-estate teas, harvested from renowned tea-producing countries around the globe. Each tea in this special collection represents the highest standard of quality unique to its teaproducing region. Established in Singapore, TWG Tea was founded by Taha Bouqdib, Maranda Barnes and Rith Aum-Stievenard in 2008.
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A subsidiary of V3 Gourmet, the brand was developed as a luxury concept that incorporates unique and original retail outlets, elegant tea rooms and an international distribution network. The brand is currently present in over 70 locations around the world. TWG Tea is committed to procuring its teas directly from source gardens located in every tea-producing country. The brand is recognised for its extensive selection of exclusive handcrafted tea blends. These include new blends of tea
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created every season in collaboration with renowned estates. Exquisite signature tea accessories and delicate tea-infused sweets and savouries complete the TWG Tea experience. Taha Bouqdib, co-founder of TWG Tea is a distinguished tea visionary with over two decades of experience in the luxury tea industry. He spearheaded the curation of the Grand Fine Harvest Tea Collection. He remarked: “The Grand Fine Harvest Tea Collection highlights the extreme geographic diversity and complexity of the tea plant, the multitude of forms it can take and the magical variety of flavors and aromas it can produce. To illustrate their value, I created an extravagant tea composed of silver tips - known as Yin Zhen - dusted with 24ct gold, which literally comes alive in the teacup. Golden Yin Zhen is the ultimate indulgence, the proof that tea is a living work of art.” The four teas featured in this collection, now available in the UAE, are Grand Malawi, Grand Lung Ching, Grand Oolong and Grand Golden Yin Zhen. From the verdant plantations of
Asia to the lush fields of Africa, each tea variety showcases the unique terroir of its origin. This one-of-a-kind tea compilation stems from the most celebrated tea-producing regions of China, Formosa, Ceylon, Darjeeling, Japan, and Malawi. The Grand Fine Harvest Tea Collection is distinguished not just by the quality of its teas but also by its opulent packaging. Encased in exclusively designed gift boxes, these precious teas are stored in molten black hand-blown glass flasks that protect the leaves from sunlight while complementing their elegance. The gold-embossed boxes, adorned with mystical birds symbolizing Nature’s sacred presence, serve as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship behind this extraordinary collection. Additionally, the lids of these boxes are ingeniously crafted to double as measuring cups. The Grand Fine Harvest Tea Collection is available at TWG Tea Salons and Boutiques in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Online.
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N O V E LT I E S • M E C H A N I S E D H E R I TA G E
MECHANISED HERITAGE Reuge unveiled a new mechanical Camel Race automaton at Dubai Watch Week 2023
At Dubai Watch Week 2023, Reuge unveiled a mechanical Camel Race automaton as “an ode to the unique and magical nature of the Middle East.” Specially developed for this event, Reuge is offering a modern and region-specific take on the classical Escalado Mécanique horse racing game. The Camel Race automaton game is based on the mechanics developed for Reuge’s ‘Milarius’ horse racing and ‘Racing Legend’ F1 car racing games. It has now been adapted to represent the sport of camel racing which, since 2020, has been part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage.
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The mechanics of the game offer an entirely power-driven haphazard race experience, while the winner is greeted by the sublime harmony of 144 mechanical notes. The runners can be randomly placed according to the wishes of the audience. The Camel Race automaton has a 41-minute power reserve, which means the running of several races without having to wind the mechanism. In line with the new values promoted by Reuge since its acquisition by independent watchmaker De Bethune last February, this timepiece is all about fun, lightness, play and sharing.
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N O V E LT I E S • A S P E C I A L 6 0
A SPECIAL 60 Montegrappa presents Automobili Lamborghini 60° - a limited-edition writing instrument collection Montegrappa in collaboration with Lamborghini presents the Automobili Lamborghini 60° - an all-Italian, limited-edition writing instrument collection. Fusing advanced materials and futuristic design, Automobili Lamborghini 60° pays tribute to the Italian automotive icon as it celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023. Sixty years of iconic automotive designs provide the inspiration for Montegrappa’s new collection comprising just sixty fountain pens and rollerballs, both offered in six factory colours. Pure surfaces, precise contours and determined proportions provide the sensorial pillars for the collection’s design codes. The instruments, with hexagonal profiles, are constructed for numerically milled ultra-light aerospace aluminium that is clad in forged carbon fibre. On fountain pens, Montegrappa’s signature Power-Push mechanism offers writers the convenience of one-touch filling. Meanwhile, both modes are equipped with a one-step release system developed for rapid ink chamber access. Inspired by Lamborghini’s iconic start button guard, a red alloy flip switch located on the pen’s base operates a mechanical complication never previously integrated into a Montegrappa writing instrument.
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Further mechanical treatments include a threadless cap, while identity elements include a Y-shaped clip made from stamped black alloy, and a hexagonal nameplate brandishing the luxury maker’s 60º Anniversario emblem. On fountain pens, Automobili Lamborghini’s shield shines in gold, engraved into a reference-level, ruthenium-plated 18K gold nib. The colours offered across the edition echo Lamborghini’s unique palette, with a choice of bold body finishes in highgloss – Arancio Apodis (orange), Bianco Siderale (white), and Verde Viper (green) –with Blu Aegeus (blue); Grigio Titans (grey) and Nero Noctis (black) in matt. All examples are delivered in a black 60th Anniversary collector case. Like all Montegrappa writing instruments, the Automobili Lamborghini 60° collection is manufactured by hand at the company’s Venetian headquarters, located beneath Monte Grappa in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. In 2023, its artisanal factory celebrates 111 years as Italy’s oldest and most advanced fountain pen manufacturer. The collaborative design and development process for Automobili Lamborghini 60° spanned a total of 24 months. The Montegrappa Automobili Lamborghini 60° collection is available at the Montegrappa store in The Dubai Mall.
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N O VA L T I E S • W O N D E R F U L S U R P R I S E S
WONDERFUL SURPRISES Fabergé x Gemfields present two new additions to their popular ‘In Bloom’ objet d’art collection Fabergé is introducing two new additions to their popular ‘In Bloom’ Limited-Edition objet d’art collection, which fuses the iconic egg with the celebrated flower studies for which Peter Carl Fabergé was renowned. Both designs Anemone and Cactus Surprise - are each destined to become future heirlooms as they are limited to just ten numbered editions per design. The Fabergé x Gemfields Heritage Limited-Edition 18k Yellow Gold Purple Guilloché Enamel Egg Objet with Anemone Surprise. Each Fabergé x Gemfields Anemone Surprise Objet boasts 18k Yellow and White Gold with Purple & Blue Guilloche Vitreous Enamel, three round Brilliant Cut White Diamond
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with a total weight of 0.03ct G VS+, one Round Gemfields Zambian Emerald Total Weight 0.09ct, and an aventurine stand. Fabergé x Gemfields Heritage Limited-Edition 18k Yellow Gold Yellow Guilloché Enamel Egg Objet with Cactus Surprise. Each Fabergé x Gemfields Cactus Surprise Objet boasts 18k Yellow and White Gold with Yellow and Green Guilloche Vitreous Enamel, one round Gemfields Zambian Emerald with a total weight of 0.10ct, carved Carnelian Flowers,and an aventurine stand. The two limited-edition Fabergé eggs are available to purchase at selected Fabergé boutiques and on Faberge.com.
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L A D O L C E V I TA • F U T U R E P R O J E C T I O N
FUTURE PROJECTION Krasota Dubai presents “Imaginary Future” - its second gastro-theatre experience Krasota Dubai, the cutting-edge gastro-theatre marrying culinary creativity with artistic innovation, has unveiled its second experience. Titled Imaginary Future, the latest production seamlessly blends storytelling
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elements with visual arts and AI technology to explore the wonders of the future. Krasota Dubai’s debut show, Imaginary Art, brought paintings of international artists of the late 19th, and early
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20th century to Dubai’s thriving epicurean scene. In Imaginary Future, immersive dining reaches new levels of interactivity. Imaginary Future comprises seven visually stunning acts that reveal future scenarios of humanity. Accompanying the seven acts is a meticulously crafted seven-course meal, each course designed by award-winning Chef Vladmir Mukhin to harmonise with the unfolding acts of the show. The menu delves into the realm of future gastronomy, exploring the question: “what will food be like in the future?” The result is an array of innovative dishes that tantalise the taste buds and challenge culinary norms. The show depicts a future epoch when human life and artificial intelligence work together to advance space exploration, a voyage to Mars and other planets leads to interplanetary civilization. Exploring themes
such as new food rituals and future plant production, the pursuit of time control, a world where cyberpunks rule with eternal celebrations of neon night, and the emerging rise of technology to ocean exploration. The gastronomical theatre is an auditorium with a large circular table for 20 diners, with a 3D multimedia performance projected across the curved walls and adorned table. This AI-curated gastro-theatre creates a truly immersive experience, where guests can interact with the performance in real time, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Krasota is a venture by the White Rabbit Family alliance. A highly experienced production team of tech innovators, culinary artists and visual designers, has brought this visionary venture to Dubai.
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L A D O L C E V I TA • A N I M M E R S I V E F E A S T
AN IMMERSIVE FEAST Zenon, the new avant-garde restaurant at The Address, Dubai Mall
Zenon, the new avant-garde restaurant and lounge, which opened its doors recently after a dazzling Grand Launch event, seamlessly integrating art, design, and exquisite cuisine. It is poised to be the ultimate destination for those seeking elevated bar and restaurant experiences. Zenon’s sensory journey is nothing short of enchanting, and its commitment to innovation extends to the world of AI. Digital art, modern architecture, and cutting-edge technology converge to create an ever-evolving, aweinspiring dining atmosphere. Guests are treated to a mesmerizing spectacle of holograms, dynamic video projection mapping, and an atmosphere that exudes the extraordinary at every turn. At the core of this captivating fusion of art and technology lies Ouchhh, the pioneering creators behind the AI aspect, pushing the boundaries of interactive and immersive experiences. At the heart of Zenon’s allure is its culinary masterpiece, a harmonious fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavours. The culinary team, led by three accomplished chefs, is the backbone of this epicurean adventure. Italian Executive Chef Lorenzo Buccarini, Japanese Head Chef Tatsuya Ueda, and Grecian Head Chef Thomas Papas ensure that each dish is a masterpiece. Guests can explore the delicate balance of flavours with dishes like Usuzukuri, Wagyu Beef Tartare, Tuna Tataki, and Burnt Eggplant, showcasing the art of Mediterranean-Asian fusion. The Pure Breed Wagyu Striploin from Australia is a culinary masterpiece in itself followed by the rich and delectable Rigatoni and Tagliolini. Diners can complete their culinary odyssey with a Traditional Sabayon and Marsala Ice Cream, adorned with crunchy pearls and nuts. The journey continues with the signature Zenon cocktails. Each cocktail, a work of art in its own right, tells a story. From the captivating Corinthian Blossom to the Lost Pearl of Ishigaki, the adventurous Mystical Puffer to the Pythagoras Elixir, Sakura Bliss and the mighty Trident of Poseidon.
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Zenon elevates the dining experience even further with the use of Hermès crockery and cutlery sourced from around the world. This exquisite tableware enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of each dish, ensuring that every bit is a multi-sensory opulent experience. As the night unfolds, Zenon comes alive with spectacular live entertainment in the lounge. Resident DJs, including the talented DJ and Music Producer Sider, spin Afro-fusion beats, while melodic-techno DJ Rita Atallah sets the perfect mood. These DJs, equipped with specialist headwear that transforms their energy into bespoke digital artwork, create an atmosphere of euphoria and excitement, leaving guests dancing into the night. Zenon also brought the electrifying beats of DJ Hugel to Dubai, whose performance delivered an unforgettable experience. The venue comes alive at night with spectacular live entertainment in the lounge by Resident DJs, such as DJ and Music Producer Sider, who spins Afro-fusion beats and melodic-techno DJ Rita Atallah, who performs nightly. Each DJ, equipped with specialist headwear that transmits their brainwaves and energy, possesses a unique talent for creating an unforgettable atmosphere of euphoria and excitement, leaving guests dancing into the night while their energy becomes bespoke artwork. The visionary architect Davide Algranti has crafted an architectural work of art that transcends conventional boundaries. Each aspect of the restaurant exudes luxury and artistic expression, creating an exhilarating multi-sensory masterpiece. Located at The Address Dubai Mall, the venue has an expansive terrace area boasting year-round outdoor air conditioning and an exclusive VIP lounge. Zenon is the embodiment of innovation in culinary and entertainment, offering an experience that transcends the ordinary. With its unique fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, cutting-edge technology, and an all-encompassing sensory journey, Zenon is set to redefine Dubai’s dining and entertainment scene.
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L A D O L C E V I TA • L U X U R I A N T D E L I C A C I E S
LUXURIANT DELICACIES The Woodward, Geneva, and Piaget present the season’s gourmet specials
The Woodward Hotel in Geneva and Piaget have come together for the second consecutive year to brighten up the holiday season with elegant decorations and bold gourmet delicacies. The Woodward is a 26 suites luxury hotel Located on Quai Wilson, on the shores of Lake Geneva, and offers panoramic views of Mont Blanc. It became the first all-suite hotel in Geneva when it reopened in 2021 following an extraordinary renovation by renowned architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. Originally built in 1901 in a post-Haussmann style, the hotel has two gourmet restaurants - L’Atelier Robuchon and Le Jardinier - two bars, private lounges, a 1200 square-metre Guerlain Spa and a private sports club. For this festive season, the hotel’s talented pastry chef, Titouan Claudet, has created the “Extraleganza” Yule log. Inspired by Piaget, it subtly combines the extravagance and elegance of the Swiss jeweller and watchmaker. On a crunchy dark chocolate biscuit, topped with a creamy fleur de sel chocolate, hides a delicate flowing praline heart, refreshed with a delicately fruity cocoa pod juice, and coated in a light cocoa nib-flavoured mousse. Chiselled in homage to the House’s signature Palace décor motif, the solar sphere reflects
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the brilliance of light, and is beautifully contrasted by the softness of the velvety beige topping. This limited edition is available for purchase online, for 4 to 6 people, and is available for pick-up at the hotel from 22 to 26 December. Proceeds from each sale will be donated to the Action Innocence foundation, which plays an active role in the education of children and teenagers by creating content and tools to support them in their digital practices, as well as dealing with dangerous subjects online. Meanwhile, the hotel’s two restaurants have curated festive menus skilfully prepared by executive chef, Olivier Jean. The Christmas Eve menu at Le Jardinier will be served in one of the venue’s two verandas. The New Year’s Eve menu will be accompanied by live music throughout the evening. Festive brunches, serving a generous and convivial dining experience from 10.30am to 3pm, will be on the menu between December 25 and January 1. L’Atelier Robuchon, recently awarded two Michelin stars, will serve a 6-course menu on December 24. Guests wishing to watch the ballet of the chefs in the kitchen from the counter to celebrate the New Year will be offered the New Year’s Eve menu, accompanied by live music.
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L A D O L C E V I TA • G O L D E N R E T R E AT
GOLDEN RETREAT Villa El Rincón is an exclusive beachfront estate on Marbella’s prestigious Golden Mile Villa El Rincón is an exceptional beachfront estate located on Marbella’s prestigious Golden Mile. The private, spacious property, situated on expansive grounds, provides complete 5-star amenities in a personal setting. It offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking a secluded haven of relaxation and indulgence, be it for family vacations, corporate events, or memorable weddings. Marbella’s temperate environment, holiday atmosphere, pristine beaches, energetic nightlife, entertainment, and historic curio destinations have long made this city one of the leading holiday destinations in Europe. Its blend of Andalusian and Moorish architecture, combined with modern influences make the location a visual feast, particularly with the Mediterranean coast and the Sierra Blanca Mountains as a backdrop.
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Villa El Rincón, a private estate, is the perfect holiday home for travellers from the Gulf. With 20 bedrooms available, the versatility of the space allows for multi-generational families or groups of friends to stay in comfort, with numerous relaxing, dining, and entertaining spaces, as well as two swimming pools, a gym and sauna, and a private cinema. Guillermo Puig, Director for Villa El Rincón, said: The property isn’t just a luxury home, it’s a luxury experience. We want to make sure guests enjoy their holiday with us to the fullest, so we ensure that their time at Villa El Rincón is perfectly tailored to them.” The property sprawls across a plot of 11,800 square metres, with 2,635 square metres of exquisitely designed living space in a historic villa - a masterpiece of architectural design. It was built in 1968 in Andalusian Moorish style by the architect
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Robert Mosher, who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright. Every detail of the estate reflects his exceptional vision and impeccable taste, with carefully selected features and finishes throughout. This spectacular property has 15 bedrooms in the main house and guest house, with an additional five bedrooms available in the service house for staff or additional guests. Much like a five-star hotel, Villa El Rincón, has a Villa Manager to take care of the guests’ every need, as well as daily breakfast served according to guests’ preferences. There are daily housekeeping services, with regular linen changes, as well as pre-stocking of the villa with amenities, beverages, and food items that guests may require, as well as unpacking services on arrival. Additional prospects available to guests include flexible check-in and check-out times, concierge services, the services
of a private chef, laundry and pressing service, and an inhouse butler, while private transportation can be arranged, including airport pick-ups and drop-offs. Villa El Rincón can also provide round-the-clock security if clients have a requirement. A personal trainer can be arranged, along with yoga classes in the garden for those looking to keep fit or practice relaxation techniques under the care of a qualified masseur. For the younger members of the family, activities can be organised to keep little minds occupied or for adults looking for a little time away, childcare services can be organised or supplemented, while day trips and excursions can be arranged for the entire group, such as yacht charters or beach days at Marbella’s famous clubs.
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L A D O L C E V I T A • J AVA N E S E E S C A P E
JAVANESE ESCAPE The newest Garrya resort, by the Banyan Tree Group, opens its doors on the Indonesian island of Java Banyan Tree Group’s new minimalist brand Garrya is continuing its global expansion with the launch of Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta on Indonesia’s island of Java. Inspired by Asian sensibilities and natural elements, Garrya promotes beauty in simplicity by offering serene spaces designed for simplified living, cultural immersion and authentic experiences. Following hotel openings in China, Japan and Thailand last year, the newest Garrya property is located on the banks of the Denggung River in Gabugan, a serene village located in Yogyakarta’s Sleman Region. Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta encapsulates the area’s rich traditions and draws design inspiration from Javanese culture and from Yogyakarta’s iconic temple. Connecting guests to the storied past of ancient Javanese architecture, Arte Architect and Associates centred pyramid-like structures in a magnificent inner courtyard, complementing a joglo-style lobby clad in recycled wood. Meanwhile, the brand’s commitment to sustainable design has guided green building practices and the selection of ecofriendly materials such as terracotta bricks and teakwood to create intricate carvings. The resort will feature 24 modern villas, a residential two-bedroom villa with a full-size swimming pool, gazebo, jacuzzi and a spacious living room, as well as a signature Wellbeing Sanctuary Villa for the ultimate rejuvenating experience. With clean lines, private plunge pools and décor that merges the charm of Javanese heritage with contemporary sensibilities, the villas will suit travellers seeking peace on a solo getaway or reconnection on a trip with loved ones. The resort’s focus on mindfulness and wellbeing is centred around the four-room 8lements Spa, specialising in indigenous wellness therapies. Guests will also be able to join group wellbeing activities ranging from poolside
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yoga at the riverside deck to dance workshops in the dedicated Movement Studio, or workouts in the gym. Meanwhile, culinary offerings at the resort are a celebration of Yogyakarta’s rich and flavourful cuisine. A variety of traditional Javanese dishes made from locally sourced ingredients will be offered at the resort’s “Refresh” all-day dining venue, “Kopi Zop” lounge and bar, and a private dining room. Guests will also have a chance to purchase handmade arts and crafts commissioned from local artisans at the on-site shop, while a dedicated event space will provide a refreshing setting for meetings immersed in nature. In Yogyakarta, guests can explore traditional arts and crafts or visit the Sultan’s Palace with its numerous open-air pavilions that host classical Javanese dance shows and concerts of gamelan music. Kotagede, an upmarket suburb of Yogyakarta
and the hub of the silver industry, is another must-visit. “Following the success of our first minimalist resorts under the Garrya brand, we are excited to bring our holistic approach to wellbeing and relaxation to the beautiful island of Java with the opening of Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta,” said Philip Lim, Senior Vice President, Head of Regional Operations and Group Specialist Services at Banyan Tree Group. “We look forward to welcoming travellers seeking a sense of seclusion and immersion into nature, with a keen curiosity about the rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene of Yogyakarta.” In keeping with the current expansion pace, by 2025 Banyan Tree Group’s fast-growing Garrya brand is poised to open four resorts in Vietnam – in Mu Cang Chai, Da Nang, Hoi An and Hoa Binh, and two in China – in Xianju and Yangcheng Lake.
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BRANDED ABODE 25hours Heimat Dubai branded residence is set to open its doors at Downtown Dubai
25hours Heimat Dubai, the first standalone branded residence by 25hours Hotels, will be located in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Proposing “a revolutionary approach to downtown living,” 25hours Heimat is part of parent company Ennismore’s strategic focus on branded residences, which has grown its global pipeline across brands to 20 properties. Developed by East & West Properties, presented by D&B Properties, and imagined and branded by the team behind the 25hours Hotel brand, this new project will bring together the expertise to offer branded residences across 73 floors, comprising studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments and duplex penthouses. 25h Heimat Dubai is designed by Studio Aisslinger in collaboration with the 25hours core team and its founder, Christoph Hoffmann. The Berlin-based designers have created three 25hours Hotels in Berlin, Zurich and Cologne. Beyond the conventional residential offerings, 25hours Heimat Dubai will boast a range of distinctive amenities, including a distinctive and spacious hotel lobby with a working space, screening room, podcast studio, and state-of-the-art launderette. The podium will have a destination family pool, a music room, a padel court, mini golf, indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, communal BBQ areas, and outdoor kitchens. The 63rd floor will be an adult-only space with a sky lounge with unobstructed views of Burj Khalifa and a pool on the other side with stunning views all the way to Burj Al Arab. The rooftop will boast a unique wellness offering, including
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a sauna, Onsen, cold plunge, relaxation deck, and mini observatory. “Heimat” is an untranslatable German word describing places and feelings alike. Heimat is where one feels at home and secure, where the food, the music, the aromas and the company are just right. 25hours Heimat was conceived to be “the new eclectic home for cosmopolitans with a sweet spot for nostalgia.” 25hours Hotels has 15 hotels in operation across Germany, Dubai, Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Denmark, with a further nine hotels in the pipeline, taking the brand to Indonesia, Australia, Portugal and Saudi Arabia for the first time. Louis Abboud, Chief Development Officer and Deputy Head of Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, at Ennismore, said: “We’re incredibly excited to announce 25hours Heimat as a new residential brand extension of the much-loved 25hours. We know that 25hours Heimat Dubai will shake the residential market, much like 25hours Hotel Dubai took the hotel market by storm back in 2021.” Husni Al Bayari, Chairman and founder of D&B Properties, added: “25hours Heimat Dubai seamlessly integrates the DNA of 25hours’ acclaimed hospitality into the fabric of everyday life, promising a home and a lifestyle crafted around individuality and innovation. Situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, residents will be treated to unobstructed views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and the vibrant Downtown
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Boulevard. Just five minutes away from the renowned Dubai Mall, 25hours Heimat Dubai serves as your personal gateway to culture, shopping, and limitless entertainment. We are confident that 25hours Heimat Dubai will redefine the notion of urban living, setting a new standard for branded residences in the region.” Ennismore’s branded residential properties, including 25hours Heimat Dubai, are supported by Accor One Living, the company’s industry-first, mixed-use platform focused on supporting the development and operation of branded residential communities. Through Accor One Living, homeowners, guests, and partners are connected to Accor’s diverse ecosystem of brands, expertise, and solutions. The branded residential space is one of the fastestgrowing sectors in real estate. At the same time, lifestyle is the fastest-growing category in hospitality – appealing to a
new generation of homeowners who appreciate a modern and casual sense of luxury. Ennismore has 28 branded residences open and under development, including Mondrian Burleigh Heads in Gold Coast, Australia, and Maison Delano Seoul. Dubai is one of the strongest markets for Ennismore’s branded residence, and D&B Properties has been critical to the group’s residential growth in the city, supporting various strategic deals. Flagship Ennismore residential properties in Dubai include SLS Residences The Palm Dubai, the first standalone residence outside of the Americas, set to open in 2026; Mama Shelter Residences, Dubai, the first Mama Shelter residence in the world is set to open in the Business Bay area when it opens in 2024, and opening later this year, SO/Uptown Dubai Residences, a 227-residence property bringing style to a fashion-forward generation of homeowners.
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L A D O L C E V I TA • F E S T I V E S P E C I A L S
FESTIVE SPECIALS Bab Al Shams Desert Resort’s collection of enchanting offerings for this festive season
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, UAE’s iconic heritage resort, has curated a collection of enchanting offerings for families this festive season, between December 12 to 23, and on January 6. This season’s experience kicks off with the Private Festive Roast in the Desert, requiring a minimum booking for 8 persons. Surrounded by the breathtaking desert landscape, guests can enjoy an intimate and exclusive dining experience. It includes delectable appetisers, festive roasts, and sumptuous desserts, making it a true feast. With the serene desert as their backdrop, guests can relish in the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with their loved ones. The Festive Roast is available from 12 to 23 December. The Festive Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge, also available from 12 to 23 December, offers guests a festivethemed afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge. It combines classic favourites with seasonal delights, including mince pies, gingerbread bites, and traditional scones accompanied by clotted cream, all crafted to capture the essence of the holidays. To elevate the festive spirit, guests can choose from the traditional curated tea menu and savour signature non-alcoholic cocktails selected by the resident mixologist. The Christmas Eve Dinner at Zala, on December 24, begins with tantalising entrees, featuring palatable delicacies like Foie Gras terrine, Scottish Salmon Wellington, and a Gin and tonic citrus-cured Salmon. The culinary journey culminates with a mouth-watering whole roasted Turkey, accompanied by all the quintessential trimmings. For a sweet ending, luxuriate in the decadent desserts on display, including the Mandarin Yuzu with Bitter chocolate log, making this evening a memorable and delectable experience. The following day, we have the Christmas Day Lunch at Zala. It offers an alluring afternoon filled with scrumptious spreads, featuring seared Foie Gras and a grand seafood
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display with King Crab. Guests can feast on holiday specials such as the whole roast turkey and Beef Wellington and conclude with a traditional Christmas pudding and a chestnut chocolate yule log. The peak of the day comes with Santa’s arrival for gifting, a dedicated kids’ play area, pony and camel rides for the little ones, kids’ entertainment, and a live band delivering a jolly backdrop to the festivities. The merriment continues with the Boxing Day Festive Lunch at Zala, on December 26. From sage-flavoured roast chicken, homemade terrines, fish roe stations, saltcrusted seabass, whole roasted turkey and trimmings, with Gugelhupf to complete the culinary selection. Featuring live music and a range of recreational activities for kids, including pony and camel rides. For a more laid-back option, there’s Unplug at the Fire Pit, available from December 12 to 23. Nestled under the vast, starlit desert sky, the fire pit provides a serene and rustic setting that invites guests to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. With unlimited servings of warm and aromatic winter staples that are sure to chase away the chill and infuse the evening with a sense of easy comfort, including hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts. On January 6, id the Orthodox Christmas Eve Dinner at Zala. This celebratory meal will include signature dishes such as Oliver Salad with Oscietra Caviar, Salmon Caviar, hearty Borscht and a Seafood Display showcasing the ocean’s finest treasures. The following day is the Orthodox Christmas Day Lunch at Zala, featuring a festive banquet set against the musical backdrop of a live band. Classic dishes on offer include Pelmeni Russian Turkey Dumpling, Blinis and Sour Cream and Pistachio with Blueberry Yule Log. The day’s merriment includes Santa’s arrival and gift distribution, kids ‘entertainment activities, as well as pony and camel rides.
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PREMIUM ARRIVAL The True Honey Co.’s products are now available in the UAE at Aster Pharmacy
The True Honey Co., one of the world’s leading premium mānuka honey producers, has launched its brand and products in the UAE as part of the rapid growth plans across the region. The New Zealand brand recently broke its own world record when it launched a Rare Harvest mānuka Honey vintage rated at 2050+MGO - the new highest grade mānuka honey available globally. Sourced from remote native forests across New Zealand, The True Honey Co.’s premium mānuka honey combines nature’s medicine with modern science to unlock the true value of mānuka and its health benefits. Its products will now be available in the UAE following a partnership with Alfa One. Products will be sold in 70 Aster Pharmacies, with plans to extend into 200 stores in the UAE. Four of the seven jarred mānuka honey ranges are available in store now, with more targeted mānuka wellness products becoming available later this year.
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“We’re excited to share our premium mānuka honey products with more customers across the Middle East,” said Jim McMillan, Founder of The True Honey Co. “We are also looking forward to connecting with customers who understand that prioritising their health isn’t indulgent, but essential and worth the investment.” Aster Pharmacy, claiming the largest pharmacy network in the UAE, is a one-stop shop for health-related products. Welcoming the new products to the Aster retail network, NS Balasubramanian, CEO, Aster Pharmacies, Alfa One, said: “We are pleased to launch ‘The True Honey Co.’ brand of mānuka honey from New Zealand in Aster Pharmacies and other leading stores in the UAE. “It boosts the immune system by enhancing resistance to common infections and soothes sore throats.” The True Honey Co. product range aligns with the health and wellness space of Aster Pharmacy. Educating consumers on the benefits of mānuka honey remains a focus for the brand.”
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