Signe - Edition 45 by Signé

AED 30 KWD 2.5 QAR 30

S I G N É

A YOUTHFUL CAMPAIGN

HUBLOT PR ESENTS NEW CA MPA IGN FEATUR ING K Y LIA N MBAPPÉ

GRACE ON ICE

IWC R ACING TEAM DEBUTS ON ICE WITH TWO EXCEPTIONAL MERCEDES-BENZ CLASSICS

THE ESSENCE OF REVIVAL

NESPRESSO PRESENTS EXOTIC COFFEE UNDER ITS REVIVING ORIGINS PROGRAM

A RESEARCH RETREAT

K ISAWA SA NCTUARY OFFERS LUXURY ECO-TOUR ISM WITH A FR ESH BUSINESS MODEL

TRIPLE THE FUN Morgan takes fun on three wheels to a whole new level with the new Super 3

Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Publishers’ letter AED 30 KWD 2.5 QAR 30

INDULGENT LUXURY

Edition 45

The cover of our 45th edition is graced by the Morgan Super 3, an automotive embodiment of the luxury of indulgence. To take this concept further, to a personal level, we present grooming rituals for men by Juana Skin, Codex Beauty Labs, BodyShop’s new Edelweiss range and Foreo Luna; and fragrances for the home by Maison Berger and Rituals. TempoFit home-fitness makes its UAE debut, while Nespresso debuts its Reviving Origins organic blend of coffees. Palazzo Versace presents Tekmida and IV Bar, innovative wellness in the lap of luxury. We visit Panerai’s new boutique concept at the Dubai Mall, the first of its kind worldwide. IWC Racing Team takes us to St Moritz to admire their classic racers, while Hublot unveils Kylian Mbappe as their new brand ambassador. Chopard’s L.U.C Strike One, Greubel Forsey’s Double Balancier and Trilobe’s Une Folle Journée take mechanical art to greater complexities. Girard Perregaux’s Casquette digital watch gets a redo. Breitling x Triumph and Boss x Porsche present co-branded limited editions. Gordon Murray presents his T33 masterpiece, the 2022 Mercedes SL gets a complete makeover, and the Jaguar experience goes virtual with the Gran Turismo collection. Piero Giglio, the man behind some of Dubai’s newest fine-dine destinations, gives us exclusive insights into his life and experiences and how it shapes his approach to hospitality. Anantara Kihavah Maldives and Kisawa Mozambique both offer eco-tourism with familyfriendly experiences.

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

A YOUTHFUL CAMPAIGN

Hublot presents a new campaign ft. Kylian Mbappé

38 RECLAIMING ITS PERCH

EMOTIONAL CHIMES Chopard’s new L.U.C Strike One

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL gets a complete makeovers

DUPLEX THEATRICS

Greubel Forsey’s new Double Balancier Convexe

A DYNAMIC CAPSULE

Presenting this year’s Porsche x BOSS capsule

ALL ABOUT THE DRIVE Gordon Murray Automotive’s second model

RETROFUTURISM IN QUARTZ

VIRTUAL EXHILARATION

Casquette 2.0 by Girard-Perregaux

Jaguar’s Vision Gran Turismo trilogy is now complete

THE EASE OF SUMMER Loro Piana Men’s Spring-Summer 2022

THE STYLE EDIT

Fashion-forward buys, picked by Signé for you

A HOROLOGICAL BALLET

IWC Racing Team made its debut on ice

Stay on trend with the best sneakers to own this season

Triumph and Breitling collaborates on a special edition

Morgan takes fun on three wheels to a whole new level

GRACE ON ICE

Trilobe presents Une Folle Journée

TWIN PRESENTATIONS

SNEAKER PICKS

TRIPLE THE FUN

LATEST

Our product pick is the Gucci Medium Tote Bag

RADO.COM

MASTER OF MATERIALS

CAPTAIN COOK HIGH-TECH CERAMIC DIVER

Brioni’s SS’22 - nonchalance of Roman summer days

Juana Skin, a new UAE-based clean beauty brand

IV Bar at Palazzo Versace Dubai offers intravenous therapy

Editor’s selection of fragrances for the season

Tempos home fitness and personal training products

100

An overview of Maison Berger’s collection

Beoplay EX by Bang & Olufsen

ESSENCE OF ROMAN SUMMER

NATURALLY REFRESHING

FRAGRANCE SELECTIONS

WELLNESS EXPRESS

FITNESS BY METRICS

ITALIAN FLARE & HOSPITALITY

Three historic buildings now available as private residences

SMALLER YET BETTER

CLEANSING AROMA

Foreo’s skincare solutions remove complexity from men’s grooming

Nespresso presents exotic coffee under its Reviving Origins program

110

EXPLORE THE ELEMENTS

THE ESSENCE OF REVIVAL

BETTER COMPLEXION WITH SIMPLICITY

Codex Beauty Labs curated grooming set for men

Rituals Savage Garden fragrance

Anantara Kihavah Maldives brings luxury into the natural world

114

A RESEARCH RETREAT

THE FRESHNESS OF SAGE

REHYDRATION WITH CONVENIENCE

Kisawa Sanctuary offers luxury eco-tourism with a fresh business model

118

FOR THE EVER YOUNG The Body Shop improves its best-selling Drops of Youth range

TRANSFORMATIVE SPACE

MAGRABI SELF-DISCOVERY

Panerai’s new flagship boutique concept at The Dubai Mall Piero Giglio of Mine Lifestyle Dining

Moroccan inspired treatment at The Spa, Palazzo Versace Dubai

110

THE POWER OF

EDUCATION

children and young people are currently in urgent need of educational support in 35 crises-affected countries

To make a donation, visit:

www.DubaiCares.ae

WA T C H E S • A Y O U T H F U L C A M P A I G N

A YOUTHFUL CAMPAIGN Hublot recently presented a new marketing campaign featuring Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé, one of the biggest names in world football these days, has been a Hublot brand ambassador since 2018. Now, Mbappé has become the face of Hublot’s latest advertising campaign. Very much youth-oriented, the new campaign has undeniable street-wear aesthetics that will appeal to a new generation of watch enthusiasts. The campaign came to life through the imaginative vision of Ezra Petronio - the Paris-based Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Self Service Magazine. He is also a highly renowned creative director and photographer who has worked such with luxury fashion brands as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Chanel. “What I love more than anything when creating a portrait is to capture that spark that is unique to each one of us – whatever that may be. And to evoke emotion in the viewer so that nothing can distract the gaze from the essence of the subject,” said Petronio. This new campaign featuring Mbappé is the latest in a long line of high profile Hublot promotions involving football, spanning 16 years. It all began with Hublot’s partnership with the Swiss National Team in 2006, which made Hublot the first luxury Swiss watchmaker to associate itself with “the beautiful game.” Over the past decade and a half, under the

“Hublot Loves Football” banner, Hublot has carved a niche for itself in the world of football by nurturing and growing its relationship with the sport at all levels. Currently, Hublot is the official timekeeper for the FIFA World Cup and Women’s World Cup, as well as major UEFA competitions - UEFA EURO, Nations League Finals, Champions League, Europa League, Women’s EURO and Women’s Champions League. Since the 2020-21 season, Hublot is also the official timekeeper for the Premier League. In addition to keeping time, Hublot’s most noticeable presence at these events is the now iconic Big Bang-shaped Referee’s Board held up by the fourth official to signal extra time and substitutions. Another Hublot innovation taking centre stage at these events, though not as noticeable, is the Referee’s watch that made its debut at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. As the name suggests, it is a smartwatch for referees to wear on the pitch during a game. It was developed to FIFA specifications, and includes live notifications from Goal Line Technology throughout a match. A “civilian” version of the Referee watch announces matches 15 minutes before their kick-off, as well as live notifications on yellow and red cards, player substitutions,

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Hublot Ambassador footballer Kylian Mbappé shot by Paris-based editor, creative director and photographer Ezra Petronio SIGNÉ • EDITION 45

WA T C H E S • A Y O U T H F U L C A M P A I G N

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goals, goalscorers, among other match statistics. For the 2020 UEFA Euro finals, Hublot presented the 42mm Big Bang E watch with straps in either black or colours representing the competing nations. Hublot has also produced watches for the UEFA Champions League Finals, the latest being a limitededition Big Bang E in blue ceramic. On the competitive side of the game, Hublot has had long-standing relationships with football clubs, managers and players. Juventus, Chelsea, Ajax Amsterdam, Benfica, Boca Juniors, Luis Figo, Didier Deschamps, José Mourinho, and Marcel Desailly are just some of the legendary names from the football universe associated with Hublot. A special mention has to be reserved for Pelé, “The King” himself, who has several special-edition Hublot’s bearing his name. Pelé and his 1958 Brazilian teammate Jose Altafini were the only teenagers to ever win the world cup until Kylian Mbappé lifted the Jules Rimet trophy in 2018, as a member of the winning French national team. The 23-year-old came to prominence in 2017 when, as a 17-year-old, he received the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year and the Golden Boy awards. That season, he was part of the Ligue 1 winning AS Monaco team. The following year, 2018, Mbappé made headlines around the world when he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain, worth

€180 million plus extras. It made him the second-most expensive player at the time and the most expensive teenager ever. Since then, he was won three Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de France, twice Ligue 1 Player of the Year, has been Ligue 1 top scorer for three consecutive seasons, and is currently the second-highest goalscorer in PSG’s history. 2018 was also the year of the World Cup in Russia, the tournament that made him a household name. After making his senior debut for France in 2017, at just 18 years, Mbappé became the youngest French player to score at a World Cup, the only teenager after Pelé to score in a final, and was joint second-highest goalscorer. He also received the Best Young Player and French Player of the Year awards for his performances. Since becoming Hublot’s brand ambassador in 2018, Mbappé has been spotted with a couple of Big Bang Unico watches, along with a Big Bang Millennial Pink, and a Spirit of Big Bang King Gold Rainbow – featuring 18K King Gold case and bezel, set with 220 Coloured Gemstones. When asked about his impressions about Mbappé, Petronio said: “What fascinates me about Kylian – apart from his creativity, virtuosity and the perfection of his art – is his passion, his intelligence and the inner strength that drives him.”

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WA T C H E S • E M O T I O N A L C H I M E S

The L.U.C Full Strike Tourbillon, L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire, and L.U.C Strike One

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EMOTIONAL CHIMES Chopard’s new L.U.C Strike One embodies some of the most remarkable milestones in the collection’s history

As part of the L.U.C collection’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, and fifteen years after presenting its first watch with a striking movement, Chopard presents the new L.U.C Strike One. Its chime was fine-tuned with the help of experts to evoke one’s passion, like a musical instrument. It chimes once every hour, like the first Chopard chimer of 15 years ago. Its hammer strikes on a patented monobloc sapphire crystal like its predecessor, the L.U.C Full Strike Minute Repeater. Its aesthetics is like that of the original L.U.C 1860 timepiece of 25 years ago. The L.U.C collection, arguably the most important in Chopard’s portfolio, at least from a technical standpoint, dates back to 1996, when the maison presented its L.U.C 1860. The thing that made this watch special was inside. Its calibre 1.96 was Chopard’s first in-house movement. This may not seem extraordinary these days, but back in the 1990s, very few luxury watch manufacturers had the capacity to produce their own moments. Chopard’s Co-President, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, took the bold step of initiating a program to produce the movements for all their timepieces entirely in-house, at its Fleurier manufactory. The importance of this program to Chopard and Karl-Friedrich may be gauged by the name given to the first timepiece to result from it - L.U.C 1860. The “L.U.C” initials represent the maison’s founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard, and 1860 refers to the year when he founded the company in Sonvilliers, Switzerland. Chopard’s Calibre 1.96, a splendid micro-rotor movement, gave birth to a highly respected collection of watches among watch connoisseurs - timepieces that combine simple and pure design with a high degree of mechanical sophistication.

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Sketch for the L.U.C Strike One

It also laid the foundations for numerous future developments at the maison. Today, 25 years later, Chopard workshops in Geneva and Fleurier have acquired a degree of maturity that encompasses the entire spectrum of horological complications - from movement development to adjustment and quality control, finished product design, gold casting, the stamping and machining of cases, movement components, engraving and traditional hand-crafted finishes, gem-setting, surface treatments, polishing, assembly and much more. In 2016, to celebrate the L.U.C collection’s 20th anniversary, Chopard introduced several models. The new L.U.C Strike One borrows its technical and aesthetic qualities from two of these: L.U.C Full Strike minute repeater and XPS 1860. The XPS 1860 pays tribute to the L.U.C 1860, the very first L.U.C model, with an updated aesthetic and, more importantly, featuring the calibre 1.96, the maison’s original micro-rotor movement. With its 40mm diameter, 7.2mm thickness and shorts lugs, XPS 1860 is an alluring, thin dress watch that wears exceptionally well. While the premium offering was in pink gold, limited to just 100 pieces, it was also offered in a steel case for collectors who wished to possess a watch with the original L.U.C calibre cased in a more accessible material. The L.U.C Full Strike, when unveiled in December 2016, became Chopard’s first minute repeating watch, and only its second chimer since the original L.U.C Strike One of 2006.

In the watch industry, the easiest and most common way of adjusting the tone of a chimer is through the choice of case material coupled with gongs usually made of hardened steel. With this arrangement, for example, a rose gold case is often considered to produce a “warmer” sound than platinum or titanium. Changing the material of the gong is the more unusual step. Given this context, it is commendable that Karl-Friedrich once again chose the more challenging path to present the world’s first chimer with sapphire gongs. Not surprisingly, it took Chopard’s technicians three years to develop the sapphire gongs, fine-tune them, and to ensure that they could withstand thousands of strikes without breaking. If this was not challenging enough, they also had to develop entirely new tools to cut the gongs and the watch crystal from a single block of synthetic sapphire, fine-tune them, and test them, along with a number of patented innovations to protect the watch’s delicate mechanisms from damage. Not surprisingly, The L.U.C Full Strike won the “Aiguille d’Or” best-in-show award at the 2017 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève The L.U.C Strike One timepiece borrows its aesthetic codes fromL.U.C XPS 1860, while building on the knowledge and experience acquired with its L.U.C Full Strike. Like the XPS 1860, the new Strike One has a solid gold dial in ruthenium grey, bearing a snailed rim and a hand-guilloché centre adorned with a honeycomb pattern. The beehive is one of the emblems that Louis-Ulysse Chopard chose to represent his workshops.

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Chopard L.U.C Strike One

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The periphery of the dial bears a railway-type minutes track engraved on the sapphire crystal. Just below this is the element that makes the L.U.C Strike One so exclusive: a monobloc sapphire gong. At one o’clock, the dial features a cut-out revealing the mirror-polished steel hammer that generates the chime through a likewise hammer-shaped opening. The chime-in-passing mechanism rings out only when the minutes hand reaches 12 o’clock. Twenty-four times a day, on the hour, its hammer is automatically armed and strikes the gong, just once. To optimise and perpetuate the acoustic richness of the sapphire gong, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele initiated a new approach. The story goes that In 2018, while attending a concert given by violinist Renaud Capuçon, KarlFriedrich realised that a minute repeater watch should be designed as a musical instrument. He felt it should deliver something more than just indicating time with sound – emotion. Renaud Capuçon is a virtuoso violinist and a specialist in acoustics and sound – just like his brother, cellist Gautier Capuçon. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele decided to call upon the two soloists to join forces with Professor Romain Boulandet – head of the Applied Acoustics Laboratory at Geneva’s HEPIA engineering school – who works in an anechoic chamber, isolated from noise pollution. The three have combined their expertise to conduct an analysis beyond the measurable criteria of acoustics, to that of sound as perceived by the listener. The L.U.C.

Strike One timepiece, therefore, benefits directly from their contribution. And thanks to the unalterable nature of sapphire, the sound emanating from L.U.C Strike One’s gong is not only unchanging but is also “powerful, harmonious and crystal clear.” Inside, the new L.U.C 96.32-L features the typical architecture of L.U.C calibres, with its automatic winding via a micro-rotor in engraved “ethical” 22-carat gold. The Chopard Twin technology, with its double-barrel, delivers 65-hours of power reserve, even when the chiming mode is activated. This calibre boasts several new features compared to the Strike One of 2006. For one, the pusher controlling the chime, previously located at 10 o’clock, is now integrated into the crown. This enables the wearer to switch between silence and striking mode, indicated by a gold-ringed aperture at 12 o’clock. Overall, the watch is more discreet and more comfortable on the wrist. This is because the L.U.C 96.32-L movement is thinner than its predecessor, the L.U.C 96.14-L. This, in turn, enables the case of the new L.U.C Strike One model to be less than 10mm thick at 9.86 mm, and borrow the understated elegance and wearability characteristics of the XPS 1860. The grey alligator leather strap with tone-ontone alligator lining is secured by an ethical 18-carat rose gold pin buckle. The L.U.C Strike One, encased in 40mm “ethical” 18-carat rose gold, is limited to just 25 units worldwide.

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WA T C H E S • D U P L E X T H E A T R I C S

DUPLEX THEATRICS Greubel Forsey’s new Double Balancier Convexe doubles the visual delight on a wrist

Greubel Forsey is less than two decades old - in an industry where the age of legacy brands are measured in hundreds of years - and yet, every new timepiece from the boutique watchmaker is awaited with great anticipation and generates impassioned opinions among watch aficionados. This year Greubel Forsey has unveiled Double Balancier Convexe, which brings together two streams of innovation from the La Chaux-de-Fonds based watchmaker – its Double Balancier mechanism and its convex curved case design. The Double Balancier, as the name suggests, has two regulating organs. It was patented by Greubel Forsey in 2007 and was first demonstrated as an Experimental Watch Technology prototype. It had two superimposed regulating organs inclined at 20-degrees. A second iteration followed soon after, this time in a six-piece limited-edition. It had two regulating organs, positioned in different three-dimensional planes and inclined at 35-degrees. Finally, in 2016, Greubel Forsey presented the Double Balancier in its current, double-patented form. In which, the two balance wheels are dissociated, inclined at 30-degrees, and separated by a constant spherical differential which calculates their average timing rate. This latest iteration of Greubel Forsey’s “6th invention” is now presented within the watchmaker’s signature curved case design. Greubel Forsey’s house style may best be described as contemporary with a focus on complications, which often requires oversized cases. The 40mm-plus case sizes of its earlier models inevitably drew comparisons with sports watches. Then, in 2019, Greubel Forsey unveiled its first timepiece designed as a sports watch – the GMT Sport. Despite having an Earth-synchronised rotating globe as its centrepiece, the most important technical aspect of this watch,

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The Greubel Forsey Double Balancier Convexe

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with respect to the new Double Balancier Convexe, is its case design. The 42mm Titanium “sport” watch was the first Greubel Forsey to present a longitudinally curved crystal and bezel. While the case appears circular when viewed from above, it is, in fact, tonneau-shaped, with the crystal and bezel being oval. The two predecessors of the Double Balancier Convexe - Balancier S (2020) and Balancier S2 (2021) - were also presented with this case design. The 43.5mm curved titanium case of the new Double Balancier Convexe complements the curve of the wrist. The simplicity of the beautifully curved surfaces belies the “significant” technical challenges faced by Greubel Forsey technicians to realise it. It not only required special machining of the sapphire crystal but also required all the moving components to function effortfully within the curved space. The three regulating organs of the Double Balancier Convexe – the two balance wheels and one differential – occupy more than half of the dial space, and provide a visually enticing 374-part mechanical theatre in 3D. The gear train seminally emerges from below the surface of the semicircular-ish black-treated titanium bridge and extends into the hour and minute hands which tower above it. The two balance wheels, although identical in shape and function, occupy different planes and thus offer a complementary spectacle. The centre bridge is multi-level, open-worked and black polished with several interior angles. It supports the hour and minute hands above the movement. The inclined escapement platforms are straight-grained with hand-polished beveling

and countersinks. The differential bridge and balance wheel bridges are flat black polished with hand-polished beveling. The intended semicircular shape of the dial is further eaten into by an opening for the barrel cover, the base of the central hours and minutes indication, and an opening for the small seconds subdial hidden in between the mechanical theatre. On the cover of the barrel, with a power reserve of 72-hour, is relief-engraved text. Circular-grained with polished chamfer, it describes the properties of the two coaxial barrels in series, rotating at one revolution in 3.2 hours. Each hand has its own geometry, finish and colour depending on the role assigned to it. The hour and minute hands take on a curved profile to complement the case, and are filled with Super-Luminova that complement the hour indexes. The minute indexes are engraved and lacquered onto the three-dimensional chapter ring. In between them are significantly bolder and polished hour indexes that plunge deep into the movement. The small seconds hand and the four-minute hand indicating the rotational speed of the spherical differential - are in polished blue steel. The power reserve indicator, which now has a new font, has a polished, open-worked hand with a red tip. The integrated and profiled lugs reinforce the ergonomic character of this timepiece, and extend onto either a textured rubber strap or titanium bracelet. The watch is waterresistant to 100 meters. According to Greubel Forsey, only 22 Double Balancier Convexe timepieces will be made per year between 2022 and 2024, for a total of 66 pieces overall.

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WA T C H E S • R E T R O F U T U R I S M I N Q U A R T Z

RETROFUTURISM IN QUARTZ Casquette 2.0 by Girard-Perregaux recreates a design revolution from a revolutionary period

In 1976, Girard-Perregaux unveiled a quartz watch with a tubular LED display, presenting the hours, minutes, seconds, day and date. While the other quartz watches merely swapped the conventional display for a circular panel with a LED display, Girard-Perregaux took a completely different approach. Its quartz watch embodied the futurism of the 1970s, popularised by the likes of Marcello Gandini at Bertone. This bold design approach not only set it apart from the crowd back in the day but is also the reason it is sought-after by collectors today. Affectionately nicknamed “Casquette” by collectors, Perregaux produced 8200 units of this model from 1976 to 1978. This year, the watchmaker unveiled the officially named Casquette 2.0, a new model that upholds the design language of the original, but is encased in new materials and possesses additional functionality. Unlike the original, Casquette 2.0 is limited to just 820 pieces. The Casquette 2.0 is housed in a scratch-resistant ceramic case and features a Grade-5 titanium caseback. Titanium and ceramic, both hypoallergenic and light materials, give the watch an exceptionally low mass (107g) and make it comfortable to wear. It also has titanium pushers and a badge. The latter is positioned atop the watch head and emblazoned with a period GP logo.

Like the original, the new Casquette displays the hours, minutes, seconds, day, and date. Additional functions include the month, year, chronograph, a second time zone and a “secret” date. This latter function allows the wearer to save a memorable date of the wearer’s choosing. The secret date (date, month and year) can be shown each day at a time specified by the wearer, for example, a wedding anniversary. Casquette 2.0 allows the wearer to view the time on demand, thus prolonging battery life. If we assume the pushers are pressed on average 20 times per day, the battery is expected to last for two years. The watch has a ceramic bracelet with a rubber interior, making it more flexible and comfortable than the one fitted to the original Casquette. The bracelet is now fastened with a folding titanium buckle. After unveiling Casquette 2.0, Patrick Pruniaux, GirardPerregaux CEO, remarked: “Since production of the original Casquette ceased in 1978, the interest in this watch has never diminished. We regularly receive enquiries and have witnessed these models attract much attention, fetching ten times their original sales price on the pre-owned market... Quite simply, the original Casquette serves to further validate our reputation for designing watches with lasting appeal.”

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Girard-Perregaux Casquette 2.0

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WA T C H E S • A H O R O L O G I C A L B A L L E T

A HOROLOGICAL BALLET The French boutique brand Trilobe presents its newest timepiece - Une Folle Journée

Une Folle Journée, “A Crazy Day” is the name Gautier Massonneau chose for his latest masterpiece. Building on the concept he realized with his first two designs - Les Matinaux and Nuit Fantastique – Gautier now presents his horological ballet in three-dimension. Gautier, an economics and finance graduate, established the Trilobe watch brand in 2016 to reimagine how time is told. In 2018, with Les Matinaux, he did precisely that. The hours-minutes-seconds watch did not have hands to tell time. Instead, three rings rotated on the plane of the dial. The outer ring had the hours marked on it, the middle one had minutes, and the inner one had the seconds. With Une Folle Journée, Gautier reinterprets his presentation of time by releasing it from the confines of the dial’s two-dimensional plane, and liberating it to perform a ballet in three-dimensional space. The dial, as we know it, does not exist within Une Folle Journée. Instead, we have three rings seemingly suspended in space. As with Les Matinaux, the largest and outermost ring has hours marked on it, the median one has minutes, and the smallest and innermost one has seconds. The rings are colourised using Diamond-Like Carbon coating, and the numerals are then pad-printed onto the rings with an exceptional degree of precision. However, unlike the previous two models, the three rings of Une Folle Journée are angled and have a

curved surface. They are also tiered, with the hour ring at the lowest position, and the seconds ring “flying” at 10.2mm above its base. This elevation is achieved through supporting pillars. For rotation, the hour and minute rings are attached to geared rings beneath them while the seconds ring rotates around a central axis. To make the indicator rings and their attached gears as light as possible, which also reduces power consumption, they are made from a titanium-aluminium-vanadium alloy. Chosen primarily for its lightness, this alloy also offers exceptional levels of finishing once it is hollowed out and polished. However, the alloy is one of the densest and most complex to work with, often catching fire during the machining process, and is “extremely difficult” to polish, especially at such a small scale. The three-dimensional effect is further enhanced by a colossal sapphire dome. It is manufactured in Japan, using flame fusion, and then smoothened and polished in Switzerland. At 10.2 mm in height, it takes the overall height of the 40.5 mm watch to 17.8 mm. Une Folle Journée’s perfectly round case, alternating between polished and satin finish, is in grade-5 titanium. The brought lugs on either side attach to leather straps. Inside, the redesigned X-Centric3 calibre, a signature automatic movement developed exclusively for Trilobe, with 196 custom-made components, takes shape around multi-tiered bridges and plates.

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The Trilobe Une Folle Journée

The Une Folle Journée dial has three rings seemingly suspended in space. The largest and outermost ring has hours marked on it, the median one has minutes, and the smallest and innermost one has seconds. The rings are colourised using Diamond-Like Carbon coating, and the numerals are then pad-printed onto the rings with an exceptional degree of precision.

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WA T C H E S • T W I N P R E S E N T A T I O N S

TWIN PRESENTATIONS Triumph and Breitling have collaborated to present special editions for watch and bike enthusiasts

Triumph Motorcycles was first established in 1902, which makes 2022 the 120th year since the Triumph name first appeared on a motorcycle. To celebrate this special occasion, Triumph and Breitling have collaborated to offer commemorative co-branded special editions. Triumph has unveiled the Speed Twin Breitling Limited Edition. Only 270 of these motorcycles will be manufactured. Breitling has unveiled two watches. The Top Time Triumph watch is available for purchase. The Top Time Triumph Speed Twin Owners’ Limited Edition, as the name suggests, is only available to owners of the commemorative Triumph motorcycle. Following the presentation of the co-branded products, Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, said: “Triumph’s heritage and modern-retro aesthetic are just two of the many things we have in common. Their blending of tradition with technology is completely in sync with what we do.” Triumph CEO Nick Bloor added: “This collaboration is born out of a shared philosophy of bold and original design. The Top Time Triumph brings that uncompromising style and craftsmanship together.” In the mid-1960s, auto racing was an integral part of youth culture. And within this universe, a subculture had sprung up around “café racers” - stylish motorcycles used to transport their riders from one hip café to the next hip café. Triumph’s Speed Twin - named after the iconic Triumph initially introduced in the late 1930s – was launched in 2019 to recapture the spirit of the café racers of the 1960s. It combines the high-output version of Triumph’s 1200cc “Modern Classic” engine from Thruxton R with a more relaxed

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The Triumph Speed Twin Breitling Limited Edition

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WA T C H E S • T W I N P R E S E N T A T I O N S

The Breitling Top Time Triumph

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chassis similar to Bonneville T120 or Street Twin. As a result, Triumph’s Speed Twin offers a retro riding experience and styling along with the handling and responsiveness of a performance bike. Not surprisingly, it has earned a great deal of praise from critics and owners alike since its launch. The most distinguishing feature of the Speed Twin Breitling Limited Edition is the polychromatic blue color scheme on the tank. We are informed that the color scheme was inspired by the Triumph immortalized in the legendary 1953 biker movie The Wild One. The motorcycle’s speed and RPM gauges, co-designed by Breitling, take their styling cues from the Top Time Triumph watch’s dial design. The seat is perforated black leather with contrasting grey stitching - complementing the strap of the Top Time Triumph watch. The seat features an elegantly embroidered Breitling “B” on it. Breitling’s “B” logo also appears on the exquisitely finished clutch and alternator cover, in dark anodized aluminium. At the rear, a pair of fully adjustable Öhlins rear suspensions, not available on the regular model, combine with other latestgeneration Speed Twin performance upgrades to deliver “the greatest Speed Twin ride ever.” The spirit of the 1960s also gave birth to Breitling’s Top Time collection of watches. First introduced in 1964, these watches were conceived for “young and active professionals,” and thus, are characterized by a bold and elegant design. The Top Time watch was marketed as an instrument panel for the wrist, while one competes in outdoor activities. It is precisely the type of watch that would have appealed to café racers. Despite being the entry-level chronograph of the brand, it soon became a highly popular timepiece. The fact that these watches were endorsed by celebrities from the world of

entertainment and sports - Sean Connery in the James Bond film Thunderball, for example - elevated these watches to pop-icon status. For their debut collaboration, Breitling has produced a Top Time Triumph watch with a distinctive brushed finish in the bow-tie motif nicknamed “the Zorro dial” by Top Time collectors. The owners of the 270 Speed Twin Breitling motorcycles have the privilege of purchasing a special owner’s version of the Top Time Triumph. It has a sunray dial and engraved caseback featuring the individual number of the bike. The most distinguishing feature of both watches is their ice-blue dials, matching those of the bike. This unique colour has two significant references: a blue Triumph Thunderbird 6T from 1951, and a rare, blue-dialled Breitling Top Time Ref. 815 from the 1970s. There are a few other distinguishing features as well. The subdued racing-themed calfskin leather strap, matching the seat, lets the hero dial shine. Breitling and Triumph logos sit subtly at 12 and 6 o’clock, respectively. Oversized mushroom pushers allow for easy control of the chronograph’s stopstart and reset functions. A high-contrast tachymeter scale provides clear legibility of speed readings. The caseback is etched with a detailed design sketch of Triumph’s paralleltwin engine. The watches are powered by the Breitling Caliber 23, a COSC-certified chronometer with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. At 41 mm in diameter, the Top Time Triumph, like the original, is a fit for both sexes. For fans of the Triumph brand and prospective owners of the Speed Twin Breitling Limited Edition motorcycle, it’s an absolute must-have.

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AUTOMOTIVE • RECLAIMING ITS PERCH

RECLAIMING ITS PERCH The new 2022 SL gets a complete makeover and an exclusive badging worthy of its heritage

The seventh generation of the Mercedes SL-Class returns to its performance heritage as an AMG-only model range. Officially designated as the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL, with the internal designation R232, two models are on offer - SL55 and SL63. Both models have V8 power under the hood but produce 476 and 585 horsepower, respectively. The SL concept, conceived to reinvigorate the Mercedes brand through motor racing, came into existence with the 1952 300 SL (W194). In its very first year, the road-legal track car achieved, among other things, an impressive one-two victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It then took an even more impressive first four places in the Nürburgring Grand Jubilee. The dominating performance of the SL badge on the race track led to the launch of the 300 SL production model (W198) in 1954, better known by its nickname, the “Gullwing.” Seventy years since the SL badge made its impressive debut, “the new SL combines the sporty genes of the original SL with the driving performance typical of AMG. At the same time, it offers luxury and comfort at the absolute top level. This combination is unique in the sports car segment and is also reflected in the interior – where... the high-quality combination of the analogue world and state-of-the-art digital equipment makes it clear that the new SL is the rebirth of an icon for the modern era,” says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management, M ercedes-AMG. The exterior design language of the new SL gives subtle hints to its “Gullwing” heritage, for example, the two power bulges on the bonnet. The interplay of light and shadow makes the car’s overall appearance visually light and low. The 2022 model has a longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs, and a longer bonnet compared to its predecessor. The passenger compartment is set further back with a strongly raked windscreen. The wheel arches, voluminously sculpted to accommodate the large alloy wheels, add to the roadster’s dynamic appearance.

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The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63

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AUTOMOTIVE • RECLAIMING ITS PERCH

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63

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The folding hard-top roof has been replaced by a soft top, which not only gives the car a classic convertible look but also reduces the overall weight by some 20 kilograms, improves weight distribution, and lowers its centre of gravity. At the front, it sports the AMG-specific radiator grille, with 14 vertical slats. This is reminiscent of the 300 SL racing car of 1952. On either side of the grille are the slim, sharply outlined LED headlamps. The rear end is beautifully sculpted to appear fluid and is infused with extremely slim LED rear lamps. Beneath its skin, the new SL has a completely new architecture. Not a single component comes from the predecessor SL or any other model such as the AMG GT Roadster, we are informed. The chassis was designed to offer “the highest possible rigidity” while being lighter. It has a lightweight composite aluminium structure. The windscreen frame, made of steel, serves as roll-over protection in conjunction with the roll bar system behind the rear seats. One of the focus areas of the new SL’s design was high aerodynamic efficiency. Specifically, a perfect balance between low drag and reduced lift. With “all streamlining elements seamlessly integrated into the exterior design,” the car’s drag coefficient is reported to be at 0.31. That is lower than the previous models and an excellent one for open-top sports cars. At market launch, the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine will have two output levels. In the SL 63, the engine develops

430 kW (585 hp) and a maximum torque of 800 Nm over a wide rev range from 2500 to 4500 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph is reported to be 3.6 seconds, while the top speed is 315 kmph. In the SL 55, the V8 unit develops 350 kW (476 hp) and a peak torque of 700 Nm. The sprint from standstill to 100 kmph takes 3.9 seconds, and the top speed is 295 kmph. AMG engineers achieved the increased output of the SL 63 primarily through higher boost pressure, greater airflow, and a “modified engine software.” At a later date, we are informed, AMG will also offer the SL as a performance hybrid as part of its E-Performance drive strategy. For the first time in its 70-year history, the SL is equipped with AMG’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive technology as standard. It is capable of delivering fully variable torque distribution to the front and rear axles. Sitting between the engine and wheels is AMG’s Speedshift MCT 9G transmission, adapted for the new SL. It offers shorter shift times and is more responsive to accelerator pedal commands, especially during spurts and load changes. The SL 55 model is equipped, as standard, with a newly developed AMG Ride Control steel suspension. The SL 63, meanwhile, debuts AMG’s Active Ride Control suspension with active, hydraulic anti-roll stabilization. Also, for the first time, a series-production AMG vehicle has been fitted with a multi-link axle, arranged entirely within the rim, in the front and rear. This system is designed to improve the

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AUTOMOTIVE • RECLAIMING ITS PERCH

Mercedes-AMG SL 55

Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and SL 55

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car’s dynamics, precision, feedback and ride comfort. The new SL models will also feature AMG’s high-performance composite braking system for shorter braking distances, sensitive response and better stability. The completely redesigned interior space of the new Mercedes-AMG SL, like its predecessors, combines a sporting aesthetic with luxury, but offers more room and functionality. It features a combination of analogue and digital elements, which the brand calls “hyperanalogue” – and is exemplified by the fully digital instrument cluster, which is integrated into a three-dimensional visor. The cockpit design as a whole, right down to the adjustable central display in the centre console, is focused on the driver. The rear seats offer more space than before. Among the many highlights in the interior of the new SL is the sculptural seat design of the standard, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats. The head restraints, integrated into the backrest, come with the Airscarf system as standard. It brings warm air into the passenger compartment from air outlets in the head restraints and wraps around the head and neck area of the driver and front passenger like a scarf. AMG Performance seats are available as an option. The second-generation MBUX system, which debuted in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, has been given SL and MAG specific content upgrades, such as “AMG Performance”

or “AMG Track Pace” in the menu listings. There are six driving modes - Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Race and Individual. The latter allows the driver to configure individualized driving experiences to match different driving conditions. As with all AMG models, customization options on the new SL is diverse, and ranges from sporty-dynamic to luxuriouselegant options. There are twelve body paint colours on offer, including the two exclusive SL paints - Hyper Blue metallic and Manufaktur Monza Grey magno. There are three roof colour variants. A range of aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels – which are designed to reduce drag through less turbulence – are available in diameters of 19, 20 or 21 inches. It appears that the senior management team at MercedesBenz have decided to return the SL badge to the vaunted position it once held, as evidenced by the complete redesign of its exterior, interior, performance dynamics and the AMG only badging. Commenting on what the SL badge means to the brand, Britta Seeger, Member of the carmaker’s Board of Management, said: “The SL is an icon: For almost 70 years, the distinctive sports car has delighted Mercedes customers of every generation around the world. With the rebirth of the roadster from Mercedes-AMG, the new SL more than ever remains the symbol of this timeless fascination.”

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AUTOMOTIVE •

ALL ABOUT THE DRIVE

ALL ABOUT THE DRIVE Gordon Murray Automotive’s second all-new model is one for the ages

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Gordon Murray Automotive’s T.33 is its all-new second model after the highly successful T.50 and its T.50s Niki Lauda variant. Unlike its predecessor, the T.33 is a more conventional two-seat, mid-engined supercar designed and engineered to offer exceptional on-road driving experience and everyday usability. The T.33, limited to 100 units, will be powered by a specially reconfigured version of T.50’s 3.9-litre V12 Cosworth engine. Professor Gordon Murray CBE commented: “With the T.33, our second all-new car, we gave ourselves a very clear brief: to create another timeless design. It has been designed and engineered to the same exacting standards as our T.50, with the same emphasis on driver focus, performance, lightweight and superlative, pure design, but the outcome is a very different motor car. This is a car where comfort, effortless performance and day to day usability are even more front and center in its character.” The T.33’s conceptualization and design process was led by Gordon Murray himself with “strict adherence” to his seven guiding principles: timeless beauty, driving perfection, lightweight design, premium quality construction, every component a piece of engineering art, a personalized customer experience and exclusivity. To further enhance the

last two principles, each owner is welcome to collaborate with the GMA design team to personalize their T.33 through their choice of colours and liveries, thus ensuring that no two cars are alike. The T.33 is built on a newly developed super-lightweight aluminium architecture with a carbon fibre monocoque core. This architecture, according to GMA, delivers “the perfect balance of torsional rigidity, and lightness” while also delivering “exceptional occupant safety” thanks to its F1-inspired ‘safety cell.’ All this in a car weighing less than 1100kg. “The beauty of simplicity is the key to the design of every GMA model, and the new T.33 is no exception,” says Gordon. “As with the T.50 and T.50s, each component and every curve and radius is a bespoke design on the T.33 and is there because it has a function to perform. Our slavish adherence to the concept of engineering art extends far beneath the surface of the T.33’s body. Every part, no matter how small and no matter that the owner may never see it, is designed to the same exacting standards as the body.” The lessons learnt with the T.50 project led to the development of the T.33’s Passive Boundary Layer Control (PBLC) system, which freed the car from wings,

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AUTOMOTIVE •

ALL ABOUT THE DRIVE

The Gordon Murray T.33

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“The T.33 is all about the driving experience,” says Professor Gordon. “We have engineered the T.33 to provide exceptional levels of highly tactile and deeply immersive involvement to elevate the driver to a higher plane behind the wheel. ”

Gordon Murray Automotive T.33 Supercar

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AUTOMOTIVE •

ALL ABOUT THE DRIVE

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skirts and excessive vents. The active rear spoiler, which deploys automatically or when activated by the driver, provides a high downforce mode and an aero enhanced braking function. At the front of the car, a ground effect inlet channels air underneath the floor. A diffuser with a boundary layer removal duct activated by the base suction behind the car enables a level of aerodynamic efficiency that is reportedly 30 percent more effective than a conventional ground effect supercar. The T.33 has lightweight double wishbones at the front and rear in conjunction with coil springs over aluminium alloy dampers. A newly developed rack and pinion, hydraulically assisted steering system is calibrated to impart exceptional levels of feel and feedback. Its forged aluminium alloys - 19inch front and 20-inch rear - weigh less than 7kg each. Weighing a mere 178kg, the 3.9-litre V12 Cosworth revs to 11,100 rpm and reportedly produces 615 PS at 10,500 rpm and 451 Nm at 9,000 rpm. It has been engineered for “ultrarapid engine response,” with 75 percent torque delivery at just 2,500 rpm and 90% maximum torque between 4,500 rpm and 10,500 rpm. Its power to weight ratio is stated to be 564 PS per tonne. The T.33 engine has completely new camshafts, variable valve timing, and engine mapping for optimal power delivery. A new ram induction intake system combines with a new exhaust system to deliver the spine-tingling GMA signature sound. Renowned British transmission experts Xtrac have

created a custom six-speed transmission for the T.33, which will be offered as a manual, or as an optional paddle shift. “The T.33 is all about the driving experience,” says Professor Gordon. “We have engineered the T.33 to provide exceptional levels of highly tactile and deeply immersive involvement to elevate the driver to a higher plane behind the wheel.” As with the exterior, nothing in the driver-focused interior of the T.33 is included unless it serves a purpose. Therefore, the exquisite yet simply designed cabin is devoid of anything that would dilute the driving experience. So, there are no touchscreens or column stalks. The indicators are operated by thumb-buttons on the carbon fibre steering wheel’s horizontal spokes. All primary and secondary controls are rotary and analogue, all machined from the highest quality aluminium alloy, which provides a wonderfully tactile feel. The floodlit, 120mm diameter rev counter is analogue, as are the controls for the aero, lights, aircon and HMI. The pedals are also crafted from aluminium alloy. The front stowage compartment and twin side luggage lockers offer a combined storage capacity of 280 litres, large enough for 6 cases. “The cabin and its controls provide the conduit through which the driver engages with the engine and the car’s other attributes. The T.33’s driver-focussed cabin enables each journey, no matter how short, to be relished free of distraction, and it also provides the practicality for longer trips to be undertaken,” says Gordon.

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A U T O M O T I V E • V I R T U A L E X H I L A R AT I O N

VIRTUAL EXHILARATION Jaguar’s Vision Gran Turismo trilogy is now complete with the unveiling of Gran Turismo Roadster

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Jaguar Vision GT series - Gran Turismo Coupé, Gran Turismo SV and Gran Turismo Roadster

Jaguar has completed its trilogy of virtual, allelectric sports cars in the Vision GT series. Comprising the Gran Turismo Coupé, Gran Turismo SV and the Gran Turismo Roadster, the trio will make their debut as a set with Gran Turismo 7 - the latest and the “most immersive” iteration thus far of the class-leading racing game. To commemorate the completion of the Vision GT trilogy, Jaguar’s design team has created a new bespoke livery for each one. The specially-developed black and grey paints and subtle graphics emphasize the cars’ dramatic and beautiful designs. These are unique to the cars’ in-game liveries.

Oliver Cattell-Ford, Exterior Designer, Jaguar Advanced Design, said: “As a car designer, being part of the team that has delivered three virtual cars for the Gran Turismo series has been a dream project. Since the reveal of the Vision GT Coupé in 2019 and Vision GT SV in 2020, we wanted to curate the perfect way to present the full line-up of the three cars together when we revealed the Roadster and Gran Turismo 7 is the perfect way to do it. The visual effect is dramatic and wouldn’t look out of place on any track or circuit around the world, from the streets of night-time Tokyo to California’s Laguna Seca raceway.”

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A U T O M O T I V E • V I R T U A L E X H I L A R AT I O N

The Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupé

The Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV

The Roadster, the newest edition to the trilogy, is a convertible version of the Coupé that debuted in 2019. The two are identical in terms of performance dynamics but differ considerably in appearance. The SV is an endurance race car version of the Coupé, re-engineered to deliver extreme performance, traction and high-speed stability. The single-seater Roadster - reminiscent of the vintage speed demons of the black-and-white era - is designed to

offer gamers a “pure, visceral driving experience.” The flowing curves, smooth surfaces and balanced proportions of the first two Gran Turismo Vision cars are instantly recognizable. However, in place of a two-seater cabin covered by a deployable canopy, the open-cockpit of the Roadster has only a swept-back aero screen as protection for the driver from the elements. The Roadster’s driver-focused interior is luxurious with intricate detailing. Looking out

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The Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Roadster

onto the gracefully long bonnet, the cockpit offers allaround visibility. Behind the driver, the Roadster also distinguishes itself through a modern interpretation of the fin synonymous with the three-time Le Mans-winning D-type. The fin has been aerodynamically-optimized, using the latest computational fluid dynamics tools, for enhanced stability with minimal drag. It proudly displays the form of a Union Jack, etched using the Jaguar monogram pattern and subtly illuminated by LEDs. The Union Jack motif also finds expression on the hand-crafted leather straps on the front fenders and on the roundel lights in the front grille. The Coupé and the Roadster are powered by three electric motors, whose performance metrics are based on Jaguar’s Formula E experience. The cars have one motor on the front axle and two on the rear, generating a total power output of more than 1,020 PS (750kW) and nearinstantaneous maximum torque of 1,200 Nm. Acceleration from 0-to-100 kmph is achieved in under two seconds, and the maximum speed is in excess of 320kmph. The low placement of the lithium-ion battery pack contributes to the low centre of gravity, low roll centre, and near 50:50 weight distribution. Jaguar’s Vision GT SV is designed with one objective in mind – to create the ultimate Jaguar endurance racer for gamers. The Coupé’s elegant silhouette is still clearly recognizable in the SV, and features design references from C-type, D-type, XJR-9 and XJR-14.

While the SV has the same wheelbase as the Coupé, at 2,721 mm, it is 861 mm longer overall, measuring 5,540 mm from nose to tail. The change is driven entirely by aerodynamic needs, with the prominent features being the new larger front splitter and the new deployable rear wing - inspired by Jaguar’s endurance racers from the past. Designed as an integral element of the bodywork, the rear wing has two moveable sections that automatically rise at high speed to increase downforce and drop back at lower speeds to minimize drag. Overall, the SV has a drag coefficient of just 0.398, and generates 483 kg of downforce at 320 kmph. Its Four electric motors, developed by Jaguar Racing and Jaguar SV, generate a combined output of 1,903 PS (1,400 kW) and 3,360 Nm of instant torque. It can accelerate from 0-to-100 kmph in just 1.65 seconds, and hit a top speed of 410 kmph. Explaining the design process, Jamal Hameedi, Engineering Director, Jaguar SV, says: “We were given one objective: take everything that makes the Jaguar Vision GT Coupé so special – the performance, the handling, and the soundtrack – and take it to another level.” “The team didn’t just achieve that target – they exceeded it, developing a virtual electric car which really could compete successfully in the extremes of 24-hour endurance racing. Not only that, they were able to see their work in the virtual world, turned into reality with the production of the stunning full-scale model which will no doubt excite gamers about what’s to come in Gran Turismo.”

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AUTOMOTIVE • GRACE ON ICE

GRACE ON ICE IWC Racing Team made its debut on ice with two exceptional Mercedes-Benz classics

Austrian racing driver and IWC Schaffhausen brand ambassador Laura Kraihamer with the IWC Racing Cars

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IWC Racing - IWC Schaffhausen’s official classic cars racing team - kicked off its fourth racing season at the inaugural edition of the International Concours of Elegance (ICE) event in St. Moritz. This event also marks the team’s debut on snow and ice. Despite being on unfamiliar terrain, Austrian racing driver and IWC brand ambassador Laura Kraihamer put in a strong performance at the wheel of the team’s iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing.”

To the delight of classic car enthusiasts, IWC Racing brought along a second car - the 300 SLS Porter. Designed and built by American racing driver Chuck Porter in 1956 using components from a damaged 300 SL “Gullwing.” The SLS Porter is, therefore, a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Philippe Franke, IWC’s Brand Director for Switzerland, visibly delighted by what he was witnessing, commented: “Seeing these two 1950s legends, the Gullwing and the

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AUTOMOTIVE • GRACE ON ICE

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” and 300 SLS Porter at the ICE event brand ambassador Laura Kraihamer

Car line-up at the inaugural edition of the International Concours of Elegance (ICE) event in St. Moritz

Austrian racing driver and IWC Schaffhausen brand ambassador Laura Kraihamer

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The iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” at the inaugural edition of the International Concours of Elegance (ICE) event in St. Moritz

300 SLS Porter, compete in the company of other historic racing cars on snow and ice for the first time was a truly unforgettable experience.” IWC founded its racing team in 2018, becoming the first watch brand to compete in classic car races with its own team and car. The team’s chosen car is a silver 1955 MercedesBenz 300 SL. The “Gullwing” - still capable of producing 215 hp and a top speed of 250 kmph - was chosen, according to the brand, because “it perfectly embodies IWC’s core values of style, quality, originality and outstanding craftsmanship.” The stage for the inaugural ICE event was the frozen Lake St. Moritz. Located 1,800 metres above sea level, the icy surface of the lake is no stranger to sporting events. Among other winter sports, the lake is a popular venue for winter horse racing. However, on 26 February 2022, a different kind of horsepower took centre stage. Classic race and sports cars from all over the world made their way to St. Moritz to be admired and to compete. The 50 or so participants were grouped into six themed categories and competed with studded snow tires. In addition to participating in the event, IWC is also a supporter of the ICE as its Official Timing Partner. Since its founding, the IWC Racing Team has contested in select historic racing events, including several Goodwood Members’ Meeting and Goodwood Motor Circuit

competitions. In 2019, the team participated in Arosa ClassicCar, the famous mountain race set in the breathtaking landscape of the Swiss Alps. A total of 162 drivers took part in the event, cheered on by some 27,000 spectators. In a show of intent, the IWC Racing Team moved into its new home in 2020. It is now housed within the allnew IWC flagship boutique on the Bahnhofstrasse, Zürich’s prime commercial street and one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues. Furnished in the style of ‘IWC Racing Works,’ the new boutique blends motorsport memorabilia, engineering artefacts and unique timepieces to narrate IWC’s longstanding relationship with the world of motorsport. The boutique’s centrepiece is the IWC Racing’s Gullwing. In the past four years, racing legends such as David Coulthard, Karl Wendlinger and Bernd Schneider have been among those in charge of the “Gullwing” cockpit. In 2019, David Coulthard bagged the first place in the Tony Gaze Trophy race at Goodwood. Last year, when the IWC Racing team returned to the Goodwood Members’ Meeting, it presented Laura Kraihamer, an IWC ambassador since 2021, as its driver for the Stirling Moss Trophy. In her second appearance for the team, Laura steered the SL Gullwing and the SLS Porter around the temporary track carved over the frozen Lake St. Moritz.

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AUTOMOTIVE • TRIPLE THE FUN

TRIPLE THE FUN Morgan takes fun on three wheels to a whole new level with the new Super 3

It would not be untrue to say that Henry Morgan built his distinguished Morgan Motor Company on the backs of three-wheelers. It all began with a humble single-seat three-wheeler called The Runabout, initially fabricated for his personal use in 1908. This year, Morgan introduced the Super 3, the marque’s newest three-wheeler designed from the ground up to offer more performance, driving pleasure and customization options than its predecessor – the “3-Wheeler.” Between 1932 and 1952, Morgan produced the F-Series three-wheeler models that had car-derived Ford engines placed conventionally inside the bonnet instead of the exterior V-Twin engine mounting in front of the car. The F-Series models offered more power, space and a better driving experience. The F-Series form the conceptual base for the new Super 3. However, rather than offering a 21st-century reincarnation of the F-Series, Morgan chose to introduce a completely new design philosophy with Super 3. It draws influences from the dawn of the “jet age” - an era in which form and function formed a symbiotic relationship. Given the new approach to design, Super 3’s aerodynamic and mechanical requirements have heavily influenced its form and proportions. This is most notable in the cast aluminium structures that provide the face of the vehicle, brace for the engine and control the corner packages, while also directing air into the side-mounted cooling packs. Two rectangular ‘diffuser plates’ manage cooling requirements while also presenting a platform for panniers, luggage racks and liveries.

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The Morgan Super 3

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AUTOMOTIVE • TRIPLE THE FUN

The metallic impressions in the footwell side panels, which stiffen the surface, are exposed as a design feature. The exposed structural front casting, which provides rigidity to the car and mounting points for the suspension, has the finish required of an exterior surface. “Powerful, efficient, and characterful” is how Morgan’s literature describes the Ford 1.5-litre inline-three-cylinder petrol engine inside the Super 3, as in the F-Series. According to the carmaker, “extensive development has gone into tuning the engine’s acoustic content and enhancing its natural and distinctive three-cylinder character.” It is coupled to the same Mazda MX-5 five-speed gearbox used in the outgoing 3-Wheeler. However, unlike the previous model, no compensator is required in the driveline, therefore minimizing complexity and weight. The compact engine fits snugly behind the front axle line, delivering optimum weight distribution and proportion. The latter is a key principle for Morgan’s designers, who determine it vital that the car’s body is visually towed by its front wheels rather than the car appearing to rest on top of them. Super 3 has a mechanically intricate front end and exhibits linear geometry, which is intentionally contrasted against the trailing aerodynamic passenger compartment. Super 3 is the first Morgan to have a true monocoque platform - a bonded aluminium Superformed monocoque platform, to be precise. Superform is the heating of aluminium to a superplastic state before vacuum forming it into intricate exterior shapes. Superformed aluminium, which has lower material stress than pressing, is commonly used for exterior panels, but Super 3 is the first vehicle to use them as structural components. The result is a lighter and more rigid chassis, improved dynamic capability and more interior space with no intrusion. More importantly, it enables Super 3 to meet the same exacting M1 and Reg-12 frontal impact standards as Morgan’s PlusFour and PlusSix four-wheeled cars.

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AUTOMOTIVE • TRIPLE THE FUN

The Morgan x Malle driving jacket, available in black or desert sand, with a matching knee guard to protect the occupant’s legs in adverse weather conditions

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“The Morgan Super 3 represents a new level of engineering integrity for Morgan,” says Chris Arthur, Morgan’s Chief Engineer. “Superform techniques have allowed us to achieve something that is typically out of reach for niche manufacturers. The monocoque platform is light, stiff, strong and resilient and looks good. Throughout the vehicle, the quality of finish is comparable to that of much larger manufacturers, and we feel we have engineered a car that delivers a lot more value to Morgan customers.” Morgan’s designers have curated an extensive list of more than 200 options and accessories, allowing owners to tailor their Super 3 like no other Morgan before. The key to the Super 3’s accessorizing options are the patented “accessory rails” – flexible fixing mechanism that allow the addition of a broad range of items such as hard and soft panniers, an

exo side rack, an internal cup holder, mounting for phone, helmet and camera, and even wind deflectors. Toby Blythe, Morgan’s Head of Marketing, says: “Options, accessories, and customization are fundamental to the ethos of Super 3. We identified several key themes among owners of the previous Morgan 3-Wheeler and looked to expand on them. Working with a hand-picked selection of project partners in the premium lifestyle, outdoor and technology industries, we have been able to offer Super 3 owners an almost endless choice of vehicle options that can be specified at order point or at a later date.” He adds: “We are confident that Super 3 will build on Morgan’s incredible heritage of three-wheeled vehicles by offering something to our existing customers as well as appealing to those who are new to the brand.”

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FA S H I O N • A D Y N A M I C C A P S U L E

A DYNAMIC CAPSULE Presenting this year’s Porsche x BOSS collaborative capsule collection

Porsche and BOSS, the two iconic brands from Germany, have teamed up with American rapper and singer Future to present the newest Porsche x BOSS capsule collection. Part of Boss’ Spring/Summer 2022 lineup, the seventh collaboration between the two brands offers clothing that is youthful and geared for the active lifestyle without compromising on style and craftsmanship. Made for Porsche owners and those who identify with its brand values, the collection’s design language is contemporary, with sharp silhouettes that highlight elements from the two German brands. The capsule offers sweatshirts, tracksuits, sneakers, graphic t-shirts, and polos in classic black, navy, and white, with pops of vibrant aqua. The signature piece is an elegant mixed-leather slim-fit jacket featuring a chunky two-way zip through the front.

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American rapper and Boss ambassador FUTURE sporting the SS’22 collection alongside a Porsche Taycan

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FA S H I O N • A D Y N A M I C C A P S U L E

Porsche x BOSS SS’22 capsule collection 66

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It has a mix of perforated and plain leather for a subtle contrast. The Olivenleder used to make this jacket, according to the band, has been tanned using the innovative “wet-green method” – a “100% natural” tanning agent developed from olive tree leaves. It produces high colour intensity with minimal environmental impact. A minimum of 60% of the leather used to make this jacket has been “sourced from certiﬁed tanneries using low-impact methods.” In the promotional content, American rapper Future is seen sporting some of the standout examples from this new collection alongside a white Porsche Taycan. Future is the BOSS brand ambassador for the Spring/Summer 2022 season, and is part of the #BeYourOwnBOSS campaign launched in January. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he is one of the most successful and influential figures in hiphop, with his own label Freebandz. He has been nominated for countless music awards and has won BET Awards, a Grammy, and MuchMusic Video Awards.

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FA S H I O N • T H E E A S E O F S U M M E R

THE EASE OF SUMMER A quick peek at Men’s Spring-Summer 2022 collection from Loro Piana Loro Piana’s Spring-Summer Men’s 2022 collection is heavy with chic staples. This season, the luxury Italian brand blurs the dividing line between sophisticated city-wear and casual leisurewear. There is a discernible sense of ease within the collection. As one would expect with a Loro Piana collection, a specialist in high-end, luxury cashmere and wool, there is an abundance of knits and tailored outerwear - each one cut to be comfortable, and constructed to hold its composure. The color palette is dominated by neutral hues, with a proportionate smattering of blues and greens, both light and dark, to enhance the sense of ease so often associated with summer. Staples include a motley crew of outerwear: blazers, jackets, trench coats and hooded bomber jackets are presented in a plethora of colors. Knitted pullover sweaters in signature cashmere and mixed yarns add depth to the collection. Vests, one of the hottest trends in fashion these days, is represented by Leiston, in a fusion of cashmere and Papiro cotton. The Enfield crewneck T-shirt foregoes the ubiquitous cotton for a bold combination of silk, cashmere and linen. Multicolored loafers are presented in suede, wool and a combination of cotton and silk. Sneakers in different designs and colors are in technical fabric, nubuck and calfskin.

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Loro Piana Spring-Summer Men’s 2022 collection SIGNÉ • EDITION 45

THE STYLE EDIT

EDITOR’S PICKS

Glasses, Prada

Baseball Cap, Off-White x Eden Rock

Leather Belt, Alexander McQueen

Classic Collar Shirt, Bottega

Shirt, Paul Smith Trousers, Les Benjamins

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Dolce&Gabbana_SunriseCollection

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THE STYLE EDIT

EDITOR’S PICKS

Square Frame Sunglasses, Etudes Logo Buckle Belt, AMIRI

Jacket, Paul Smith

Tailored Trousers, Valentino

T-Shirt, Jacquemus

Flow Runner Sneaker, LOEWE

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Gucci

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FA S H I O N

Adidas X Wales Bonner - Low-Top Sneakers

Burberry Monogram Print Cotton Sneakers

Gucci Gucci Tiger Sneakers

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Valentino Garavani Crochet Sneakers

First introduced in the Spring/Summer 2022 women’s ready-towear collection, the Sprint Runner is created in myriad iterations for the new season. Classic in all-white, all-black and black and white leather, the sneaker is also available in canvas variations in bone, navy and red.

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LATEST

GUCCI

Medium tote bag with Interlocking G AED 7,650

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FA S H I O N • E S S E N C E O F R O M A N S U M M E R

ESSENCE OF ROMAN SUMMER Brioni’s SS’22 collection draws inspiration from the nonchalance of Roman summer days Since taking charge as the creative director in 2018, Norbert Stumpfl has reinvigorated Brioni, Kering’s only pure classical menswear brand based in Rome. Stumpfl, now in his fourth year, keeps the trend going with “a reimagining of nonchalant Roman dressing through a versatile wardrobe of effortless silhouettes.” This season’s collection invites the wearer to take a relaxed approach to life, as though in a Roman summer. The fitting is loose, and the fabrics are light to offer comfort, breathability, and fluidity of movement. Each piece is put together with exceptional craftsmanship and refined tailoring, the bedrock on which the maison built its reputation. The setting for the presentation of this season’s collection was in and around a neglected yet romantically charming house that was once home to a faded Milanese textile dynasty. Models present gowns, jackets, panelled-front knits, and pants, all crafted from upcycled tie silks. Washing instructions for the fabric have been deliberately left alone.

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Brioni Spring-Summer 2022 Collection SIGNÉ • EDITION 45

FA S H I O N • E S S E N C E O F R O M A N S U M M E R

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There are deconstructed jackets in the finest cashmere and linen, tonal jackets in earthy colours and greys, and extravagant jackets in an array of blues. Outerwear in water-repellent nubuck offers a sense of reliance. A chic boiler suit is offered in linen, wool and silk. The star piece of last year’s collection was a decadent suit made with silk plated in 24k gold. The same one was worn by American actor Leslie Odom Jr. to the Oscars. This year, perhaps as a homage to that shining star, Stumpfl presents a dark grey jacket embellished with oriental impaired floral patterns. The jacquard fabric, woven at the rate of five centimetres a week, we are told, was realized using gold and silver threads. The collection offers an eclectic selection of footwear, from formal leathers to the bare minimum slippers. The precious metallic theme continues with a pair of silver shoes. Stumpfl designed it as a homage to his mentor, the late designer Alber Elbaz, who passed away last year. Elbaz had worn a similar pair in gold to Stumpfl’s wedding 14 years ago.

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FRAGRANCE FILE

EDITOR’S PICKS Colonia C.L.U.B, Acqua Di Parma Amir TWO, Ajmal

Notes of lemon and bergamot right from the start, giving a sparkling allure and providing a feeling of togetherness and connection. The spicy touch of pink berries and black pepper create an indissoluble bond with the aromatic heart of the fragrance, to which is added the freshness of shiso and rosemary. In a ﬁnal embrace, the comfortable notes of cedarwood and musk close out the composition.`

The fragrance’s top notes begin with opulent Floral and Spicy hues of Rose, Geranium, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Pepper. Ambery, woody tones of Amber, Cypriol, Patchouli, and Cashmere Wood resonate at the perfume’s heart. And its base is classic Ajmal Perfumes Oriental, with Balsamic, Musky, and Oudhy nuances of Gurjun Balsam, Incense, Musk, and Oudh.

Oasis Verte, Rituals Cosmetics Invigorating vetiver and green patchouli fuse effortlessly with the fresh coolness of spring water and a woody hint of fresh oak. A perfume that is as elusive as the desert wind. The Vetiver grass species originates from India. The oil is distilled from the roots and has a characteristically sweet and earthy scent that comes into its own in perfumes.

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CLEANSING AROMA An overview of Maison Berger’s product range currently available in the UAE Most of the premium home fragrance brands available these days tend to be the sub-unit of a perfumery or cosmetics company. One exception to this rule is Maison Berger, which began life more than a hundred years ago as a manufacturer of hospital air purifiers, but soon evolved into one of the most sought after home deodorising brands among the Parisian elite. Today, Maison Berger offers four products – Lampe Berger, scented candles, scented fragrance sticks (or reed diffusers) and car diffusers. Each of these products are high-quality, visually appealing and available with a wide range of changeable signature fragrances. In 1898, Parisian pharmacy dispenser, Maurice Berger, invented the Lampe Berger to purify the air in hospital rooms by killing bacteria and unwanted odours. The Lampe Berger - the signature product of the brand to this day – functions similarly to an oil or kerosene lamp. However, instead of using generic oil to fuel the flame, Maurice used his innovative antibacterial and deodorising blend. In the early 1900s, when Art Nouveau and Art Deco were the guiding aesthetic philosophies, the glass container of the purely fictional Lampe Berger began to transition into works of art, while its oil was infused with the fine French fragrances. It transitioned from an accessory to an essential object; a must-have item in the homes of the Parisian elite - Coco Chanel, Picasso, Colette and Jean Cocteau among them. As time passed and more products were added to the brand’s catalogue, it transitioned from the Lampe Berger brand to the Maison Berger of today. From a single store in Paris, the brand has grown to over 7,000 points of sale, in around 50 countries spread across the five contents. Maison Berger’s Lampe Berger is ideal for simultaneously deodorising and refreshing a home or office. It helps remove pet, food, smoking and other domestic odours and, according to the brand, “eliminates 67% of bacteria within 30 minutes.” The oil containers come in a range of elegant designs and bold colours, in materials ranging from artisanal glass to porcelain. Maison Berger’s collection of reed diffusers, called bouquets, are available as specific deodorisers – Animal, Tobacco, Bathroom, and Kitchen – or as mild room freshers in a selection of around 30 signature fragrances. For a stronger effect, the maison offers a selection of scented candles in nine fragrances. There are also animal and bathroom anti-odour scented candles. Maison Berger’s bouquets and candles may be used as stand-alone fragrances or as a complement to the Lampe Berger. To freshen up one’s car interior, Maison Berger offers car diffuser clips in four designs. The “Car Wheel Black” design is in the style of a gun-metal finished car wheel. “Graphic” is an elaborate industrial design in matt nickel colour. The “Honey Comb” features chrome hexagonal prisms. “Blissful” stands out from the others with a more feminine design that features curvy lines and a natural brass pink colour. The maison’s signature fragrances are grouped into eight categories – Aroma, Floral, Fresh, Functional, Fruity, Pure, Spicy & Woody and Sweet. To give customers a greater choice - the freedom to choose the container design and fragrance independently - the Lampe Bergers, bouquets and car diffusers are sold separately from the fragrances. This arrangement also allows customers to choose a different scent when refiling their Maison Berger product. The full range of Maison Berger products are available online at www.maison-berger.ae

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GROOMING • BETTER COMPLEXION WITH SIMPLICITY

BETTER COMPLEXION WITH SIMPLICITY Foreo’s facial skincare solutions are designed to remove complexity and reduce time from men’s grooming routine

Swedish Skincare brand Foreo presents an easy approach to facial skincare for men – one that is uncomplicated, not time-consuming, and thus, can be easily incorporated into one’s daily routine. This routine is ideal for men who are either new to facial skincare or who do not have the time or patience for complicated routines. Founded in 2013, the self-proclaimed wildly creative Swedish beauty-tech brand says its mission is to make “self-care simple, easy, and enjoyable.” In under a decade, Foreo has grown to become a leading provider of beauty tech products globally, with more than 20 million customers in over 80 countries. The Foreo story begins with the unveiling of Luna, the world’s first soft silicone facial cleansing brush. Other devices soon followed. Last year, Foreo launched its first beauty-tech device designed specifically for men, the Luna 3 Men. The “3” is indicative of its 3-in-1 functionality. First, its 8,000 T-Sonic pulsations provide the face with a deeper cleanse than washing by hand. Foreo claims it can clear “99.5% of dirt, oil and dead skin” to leave the user with a clearer complexion. Secondly, it works as an anti-ageing facial massager. Its gentle T-Sonic pulsations deliver a relaxing massage to tone and help diminish visible signs of ageing. The T-Sonic pulsations also

deliver a deep yet gentle cleanse to prep the skin for shaving. The pulsations reduce breakouts, remove ingrown hairs, prevent razor burn, and help razor blades last up to twice as long. Convenient in size and functionality, the Luna 3 Men requires just one minute to complete its routine. To keep the facial skin clean while on the go, Foreo launched Luna Mini 3. As the name suggests, this is a smaller variant of the Luna, and is designed to be transportable. It has a dualsurface silicone brush that covers a larger surface area. It has a combination of thick and thin ultra-hygienic silicone touchpoints for all skin types, 12 adjustable massage intensities, and a “Glow Boost” mode – a faster 30-second cleansing mode. Foreo’s Micro-foam is the brand’s facial cleansing cream suitable for all skin types. Its hydrating amino acids replenish the skin’s natural moisture levels, while antioxidant-rich vitamin E protects the skin for a healthy-looking complexion. Luna’s T-Sonic pulsations help massage the formula into the skin, allowing for a deeper cleanse and better absorption of the active ingredients. According to the brand, the gentle and non-stripping cleanser has been dermatologist tested, is vegan friendly, and contains “no harmful ingredients” such as sulfates, phenoxyethanol, silicone, disodium EDTA, or mineral oil.

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G R O O M I N G • R E H Y D R AT I O N W I T H C O N V E N I E N C E

REHYDRATION WITH CONVENIENCE Exploring Codex Beauty Labs curated daily grooming set for men Codex Beauty Labs - well aware of men’s preference for efficiency and simplicity, particularly when it comes to grooming - has put together a simple yet effective three-step routine to achieve clear, healthy, and protected skin. Since its debut in 2018, Codex Beauty Labs has quickly established itself as a brand committed to natural cosmetics, sustainability and transparency. The brand was founded by Dr Barbara Paldus, a PhD holder from Stanford University and a Canadian born to Czech parents. Since earning her PhD in electrical engineering, Dr Paldus has been awarded 40 U.S. patents and numerous prizes in spectroscopy, telecommunications, and biotechnology. She has also founded two Silicon Valley companies and Sekhmet Ventures. Codex, Dr Paldus’ latest venture, also based in Silicon Valley, was conceived with a team that comprises leading dermatologists, medical herbalists, experts in natural and organic product formulation, and bioengineers. The brand has a stated commitment to creating effective, clinically proven, plant-based skincare of “the highest standard,” as well as pioneering a new data-driven, transparent and sustainable approach to beauty. The brand sources its natural, “vegan compliant,” and “sustainably sourced” ingredients from around the world – “from the forests of Patagonia to the bogs of Ireland.” These ingredients are then used in formulations or Codex’s patented “technology complexes” – such as the plant-based Bia hydration complex or the food-grade preservation system PreservX. Then, for each formulation, clinical tests are conducted, and the data is published to not only demonstrate the efficacy of the product but also to ensure transparency. To comply with its commitment to sustainability, Codex controls its complete supply chain, from the harvesting of its wild ingredients to the pharmaceuticals-grade manufacturing processes. The products are presented in carbon-reducing polyethylene containers and tubes. Codex’s polyethylene is made from sugar cane. The tubes and containers are shipped in packaging and cartons that are PSC-certified and fully recyclable. Despite being just four years old, Codex products are already sold in over 15 countries and territories worldwide. These products address key skincare concerns, including eczema, psoriasis, maskne (mask induced acne), conditions specific to sensitive, dry, oily and inflamed skin, wrinkles, and eye care. Currently, Codex has two collections. The Bia skincare collection, as the name suggests, is built around Codex’s patented BiaComplex - designed to soothe dry skin, help shed the dry outer layers, moisturize, and retain the water by improving osmotic function and

by forming a protective surface film. The Bia collection combines indigenous Irish botanicals and BiaComplex for improved hydration, moisture retention, and skin cleansing. It also supports the microbiome - the skin’s community of natural micro-organisms. The Antü collection is built around Codex’s patentpending AntüComplex - designed to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation, especially from sun exposure, pollution, and inflammation. The Antü collection focuses on protecting, restoring, and strengthening the skin barrier by managing the skin’s reactive oxidative stress while supporting its microbiome. Codex’s curated daily procedure for men comprises four products from the brand’s two collections, arranged into three convenient steps. Step one is to cleanse the skin with Codex’s Antü Refreshing Gel Cleanser in the morning and evening to get rid of debris that may clog up pores, and to leave the skin feeling refreshed. It is especially suitable for those who shave as it is formulated to purify and soothe the skin post-shaving. Its key ingredients are M3 Antioxidants, Soap Bark, and Fatty Acids. The second step is to hydrate with Bia Hydrating Skin Superfood. This multi-use hydrating and nourishing treatment cream helps treat dry, flaky and irritated skin. It is also ideal for post-shaving irritation and deep hydration of the face, hands and body. Since it is formulated without any essential oils, it is suitable for sensitive skin. For those who of us live in warmer climates, or prefer a lighter texture, Codex recommends adding an additional layer of hydration with the Antü Brightening Moisturizer. This is a restoring daytime moisturizer that protects the skin barrier and helps defend against exposure to airborne particulate matter pollutants. This product is clinically proven to alleviate the damage caused by UV light exposure and refine the appearance of pores. Step three is to give a little TLC to the under-eye area. The skin underneath the eyes is much thinner than elsewhere, and is therefore, especially prone to sensitivities, sun damage and signs of ageing. To protect the area around the eyes and to fade the appearance of under-eye dark circles, Codex recommends Antü Brightening Eye Cream. This lightweight eye cream strengthens the skin barrier and helps defend against exposure to airborne pollutants with the use of ingredients such as AntüComplex, Muira Puama, Suma, and Dragon’s Blood. The complete collection of products from Codex Beauty Labs is available on Powder.ae.

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GROOMING • FOR THE EVER YOUNG

FOR THE EVER YOUNG The Body Shop has rebranded and improved its best-selling Drops of Youth range

The Body Shop, the UK-based brand that pioneered naturally-inspired skincare, has changed the name of its best-selling skincare range, Drops of Youth, to Edelweiss, along with a new, more concentrated formulation. This is a bold step, to say the least, given that a bottle from the Drops of Youth range is “sold every 20 seconds around the world.” The change, we are informed, is “about going back to the brand’s activist roots.” Although the name has changed, the core essence of the range has not. Edelweiss is the name of a resilient flower with exceptional antioxidant properties. Found growing in the harsh Alpine conditions - extreme wind, snow and rain - the resilient Edelweiss flower not only survives here but thrives. It is able to protect and repair itself thanks to the antioxidants it produces. This includes Leontopodic acid, which is only produced when the flower is distressed. Along with the name change, the range has been reformulated to deliver double the concentration found in Drops of Youth. The stem cells and the extract of the Edelweiss plant are combined with natural-origin peptides, known to boost the skin’s defence mechanism and

barrier function. The Body Shop sources its peptides from rice. Like all Body Shop products, Edelweiss is manufactured under the ‘green chemistry’ principles. This means Edelweiss is organically farmed and harvested by hand, undertaken by a trusted supplier. The plant is cultivated in areas where the flower is not endangered. It is then extracted using “zero chemical waste” - first through drying the plant, and then distilled using a renewable process. The Edelweiss line-up reintroduces all the products from the Drops of Youth range but has been extended to include two more products – Edelweiss Cleansing Concentrate and Edelweiss Intense Smoothing Cream. Edelweiss Cleansing Concentrate is a water-gel daily cleanser enriched with natural origin edelweiss extract. Suitable for sensitive skin, it clears pollutants. Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate is a fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic serum enriched with edelweiss extract, peptides, hyaluronic acid and CFT moringa seed oil. It is formulated to provide 24 hours hydration, while also protecting the skin against indoor and outdoor pollution.

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Edelweiss Eye Serum Concentrate is an eye treatment that makes the skin around the eye look smoother and firmer. It is enriched with edelweiss extract, peptides, hyaluronic acid and CFT moringa seed oil. Edelweiss Intense Smoothing Cream is an intense cream with edelweiss extract and naturally sourced peptides that help moisturise and recharge the skin, as well as maintain the skin’s barrier. Edelweiss Liquid Peel is a gel-to-peel formula enriched with edelweiss extract and hyaluronic acid. This product traps and peels off impurities, pollutants and dead skin cells – leaving the skin looking brighter and feeling smoother. Edelweiss Bouncy Jelly Mist is an onthe-go face mist enriched with edelweiss extract, buddleja extract and CFT moringa seed oil. This light mist protects from indoor and outdoor pollution as well as the effects of blue light. It also provides 24 hours hydration. Edelweiss Serum Concentrate Sheet Mask is a biodegradable sheet mask infused with Edelweiss Concentrate. It is formulated to leave the skin looking and feeling firmer, smoother and replenished with moisture in 15 minutes.

Intense Smoothing Cream

Liquid Peel

Serum Concentrate Sheet Mask

Bouncy Jelly Mist

Eye Serum Concentrate

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Cleansing Concentrate

G R O O M I N G • N AT U R A L LY R E F R E S H I N G

NATURALLY REFRESHING Presenting Juana Skin, a new UAE-based clean beauty brand that’s shaking things up Launched in October 2021, Juana Skin is the UAE’s first Cannabidiol (CBD) based beauty brand. The homegrown pioneer presents itself as a “clean beauty brand” that offers “nontoxic, vegan and cruelty-free skincare products” for “wellnessconscious people looking for clean skincare that actually works.” Founded by the UAE-based mother and son duo Juana Martini and Yann Moujawaz, the brand has set itself the goal of revolutionising the way people think about and use CBD, from the way it’s sourced and tested to how it’s formulated and packaged. “I spent the better part of two years researching and visiting laboratories in Europe to test and clinically trial our product. The calming effect of CBD is well known, and as a skincare ingredient, it offers amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s almost unsurpassed in terms of its ability to heal the skin and effectively treat common skin concerns,” says Yann Moujawaz. Unlike its psychoactive sister compound THC, the use of CBD is regionally approved, safe to use, and natural. The human

body produces its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which regulate and balance our system. The use of CBD has been clinically proven to positively impact mental and physical well-being. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a highly effective candidate for treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, anxiety, insomnia, pain conditions, dry skin and more. Yann’s mother, Juana Martini, says: “I spent my childhood in Syria, in my family’s olive tree fields where I forged a deep connection with earth and nature. I learnt that in order to enjoy the immense therapeutic benefits of natural ingredients, we must patiently preserve the natural state as much as possible. We wanted to find a completely clean and natural beauty routine that actually works.” Juana Skin recently became the first-ever European CBD brand and the first brand in the GCC region to be awarded the Environmental Working Group’s “EWG Verified” mark – one of the strictest verification standards for clean beauty products globally.

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Established in 1993, EWG is a US-based non-profit organisation with a 30 million-strong community of advocates and a dedicated team of specialised professionals. Through its internationally recognised “EWG Verified” mark, WEG ensures a product is free from ingredients with health, ecotoxicity and contamination concerns. To get its EWG certification, Juana Skin had to submit over a hundred documents to prove where each ingredient, including trace ingredients, was sourced from and how they were processed. Then they had to provide test results to affirm that the formulations were not contaminated by toxins. Juana Skin products are “free from gluten, GMOs, parabens, artificial fragrance, heavy metals and over 2,000 other ingredients” banned by EWG. The bottles are made from “100% recycled glass” and, therefore, are infinitely recyclable. The boxes are made with recycled materials, while the outer packaging is FSC-certified – currently the highest standard of protection for endangered species and forests. Here is the brand’s current lineup of products. Exfoliating Face Scrub is a hydrating and purifying face scrub enriched with CBD and natural oils to provide a deep cleanse, remove impurities and dead skin, and to prepare the skin for regeneration by enhancing its absorption properties. Deep Cleansing Emulsion (Universal), packed with CBD, removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells without stripping away its natural oils. Cleansing the skin before bed increases its blood flow which, in turn, increases the absorption of any product that’s applied to the face after cleansing.

Face Oil (Zen Me Out) sinks into the skin to help hydrate, nourish and protect it. The oil is enriched with Hemp CBD, grapeseed oil and golden root extract to help boost the skin’s moisture and tone its surface. Ultra-Rich Night Cream (Switch Me Off) is packed with CBD, Jojoba oil and Squalane to rehydrate and regenerate the skin by going deep into the layers. This cream is suitable for all complexions, even the most sensitive skin. Brightening Day Cream (Wake Me Up) is packed with nutrient-rich botanicals, CBD, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E. CBD takes care of oiliness and dark spots while hyaluronic acid looks after hydration and texture. Both tend to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, thus restoring the skin’s youthful radiance. This cream is best applied in the morning, as the last step of the skincare routine. Cooling Gel (Fix Me Up) combines the healing properties of CBD, arnica and active botanicals to reduce fatigue and relieve muscle aches, stiffness, and swelling. Arnica has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help the body’s own healing system react to pain and encourage speedy relief. When CBD and arnica are used together, they have a compound effect on pain relief. Velvety Body Butter is a body cream packed with CBD, Macadamia Oil and Shea Butter to provide deep nourishment, moisturisation and reduce inflammation. Shea Butter soothes, conditions, and tones the skin while also being anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Macadamia oil is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and other nutrients that make it a superfood for the skin.

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OBJECTS OF DESIRE

FITNESS BY METRICS Introducing Tempos AI-driven home fitness and personal training products Tempo - the world’s first athome personal training solution plus home gym designed to deliver results through AI-powered personal guidance is now available in the UAE. Tempo was co-founded in 2014 by Moawia Eldeeb - a former fitness trainer - and Joshua Augustin - a Computer Science degree holder for Columbia University – who teamed up with fitness scientists, physiologists, personal trainers, and engineers to develop their product. Launched in the US in February 2020, Tempo Fit replicates the experience of working out in a fullyequipped gym - with a real personal trainer - within one’s home. It provides real-time guidance, custom weight recommendations, personal training plans, competition-grade weights, and accurate progress tracking. So far, according to the brand, seven million workouts have been logged on Tempo Fit’s innovative system. Users can enjoy access to over 3,000 live and on-demand classes, including HIIT, strength, yoga, core, pre-natal and many more engaging workouts created by some of the world’s best trainers.

Tempo Fit uses 3D infrared sensors to track each user’s movements, provide immediate feedback, and ensure their form remains perfect during every rep. The AI will tell users if they’re squatting low enough, lifting too heavy or too light, and encourage them to push themselves to new limits. 3D Tempo Vision, the brand’s patented computer vision and AI technology, uses 3D sensors to track 250,000 points on the user’s body up to 30 times every second. This allows the programme to gather accurate data about each user and ensure they remain on track. Tempo Studio, the brand’s flagship product, comes with a 42-inch touchscreen display, a heart-rate

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monitor and premium Olympic weights, including competition-grade barbells, dumbbells, and 75 pounds of plates. A live leaderboard in every class provides an added incentive. Each member can host up to six accounts, which means family members can join the sessions. The newly launched Tempo Move is similar to Tempo Studio but in a more compact, affordable bundle. Easy to ﬁt in homes of all sizes, Tempo Move includes a stylish weight storage cabinet, dumbbells and 35 pounds of weight plates. Users simply need to provide their own standard TV screen, connected via an HDMI cable, and an iPhone XS/XR or higher. As in Tempo Studio, a Tempo Move member can host up to six accounts. David Bisset, the Managing Partner of Covetor, the venture capital ﬁrm responsible for introducing Tempo to the UAE, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Tempo Fit and bring their unique, patented technology to the UAE. Tempo provides a safe and convenient way to train while still getting serious results. Based on the success in the US market, we expect Tempo to be a game changer in the UAE and wider GCC region.”

SMALLER YET BETTER Beoplay EX by Bang & Olufsen is designed to deliver more punch in the smallest package yet Beoplay EX, the latest addition to Bang & Olufsen’s wearable audio portfolio is, according to the brand, “the most versatile true wireless earphone model from Bang & Olufsen to date.” Designed to “simplify personal sound,” it offers exceptional sound, adaptive ANC and a fully waterproof design. Dorte Vestergaard, Bang & Olufsen’s category director, says: “Beoplay EX embodies the seamless blend of comfort, luxury and quality sound that threads the entirety of our legendary audio portfolio together. From our award-winning Beoplay H95 over-ear ANC headphones to Beoplay Portal, our premiere entry to the gaming market, Beoplay EX is the natural next step in our superior sound offering.” Beoplay EX differs most notably from previous Bang & Olufsen earphones in the shape of its design. The stem-based shape has been adopted and transformed into a product that combines style and

comfort. The earphone’s housing, the part placed inside the ear, is smaller than ever before to offer a more comfortable and stable ﬁt that can be worn for hours without readjustment. It has a mirror-like glass interface surrounded by a brushed aluminium ring. It is available in slick Black Anthracite, opulent Gold Tone or striking Anthracite Oxygen ﬁnish. It comes complete with a matching brushed aluminium charging case, which is conveniently pocket-sized and doubles as a charging device. Beoplay EX has been designed for use in the office, on the move, in the gym or at home. It has been tuned by the brand’s acoustic engineers to deliver the exceptional sound that listeners expect from Bang & Olufsen, but in a comparatively-miniature package. It has Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation technology to deliver depth, detail, and sound clarity.

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Its 9.2 mm speaker driver, the biggest ever used for a true-wireless device by the brand, delivers a signiﬁcant upgrade in the power of each audio moment. Beoplay EX has up to 20 hours of total playtime with ANC turned off, and 6 hours of playtime with ANC turned on. The combination of improved sound quality and ANC also delivers an upgrade in call quality. Each earphone has three microphones, beamforming technology and its own voice functionality built-in to ensure a seamless call experience. Wireless connectivity is enabled via the latest Bluetooth 5.2. With Multipoint connectivity, the earphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing wearers to listen to music from one and make calls with the other. Beoplay EX is sweat and IP57-certiﬁed dust resistant and waterproof, making it an extremely durable personal sound solution.

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THE ESSENCE OF REVIVAL Nespresso presents the latest exotic coffee under its Reviving Origins program

Coffee farming in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

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Coffee lovers in the UAE can now enjoy a new organic Nespresso coffee while also helping to revitalize one of the world’s most vulnerable coffee-growing regions. Kahawa ya Congo - which means “coffee from Congo” in Swahili – is the first organic blend in Nespresso’s portfolio to be offered under its Reviving Origins program. Kahawa ya Congo is a 100% arabica coffee, grown mainly on the rain-rich volcanic soils along the shores of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This smooth and fruity seasonal blend is grown by Congolese smallholder farmers. They were once part of a thriving coffee farming community that had been devastated by years of conflict and political instability. These farming families now face extremely difficult conditions and restrictions. Kahawa ya Congo, through Nespresso’s Reviving Origins program, is a ray of hope for an entire community. Every cup of coffee from Congo sold under this program contributes to the equipment, training or resources farmers and their communities need to create a better future. One with a sustainable and healthy ecosystem that preserves this unique and exceptional coffee for the future. Turanyi Kabasura, a Kivu coffee farmer, while sharing his experiences, said: “I see my remaining days being better

than those in the past, because I am going to work, assured of receiving regular pay and a bonus each time after the coffee sale. In my whole life, no one has ever given me such a bonus. I can use that to develop other strategies, such as raising small livestock, or my wife can run a small business. I am starting to see the results of my work.” To promote the Reviving Origins program, Nespresso is collaborating with Jennifer Kolomoni, a Belgian-Congolese creative director, stylist, and humanitarian based in Dubai. Following the launch of Kahawa ya Congo in Dubai, she said: “When Nespresso approached me to collaborate on a campaign for the launch of Reviving Origin’s Kahawa ya Congo, I saw this as a great opportunity to help my community. This campaign really spoke to me, and aligns with other projects I am involved in. “With the Reviving Origins program, it is my hope that Nespresso’s efforts to revive coffee production in DR Congo bring both stability to the farmers and their families while doing so in a sustainable, equitable, and ethical manner. Having sampled a cup of the smooth Congolese coffee, I found it to be a true testament to Congo being home to the best coffee beans in the world.

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Nespresso Kahawa ya Congo 94

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This launch is more than just a new product, it puts DR Congo on the map and reminds us that human beings are at the centre of Nespresso’s Reviving Origins ecosystem.” For more than three decades, Nespresso has been assisting farming communities around the world in producing the highest quality coffee, resulting in a positive economic effect that ripples throughout the coffee farming ecosystem. In 2003, Nespresso unveiled its AAA Sustainable Quality Program in collaboration with The Rainforest Alliance. It is the brand’s sustainable sourcing model in coffeeproducing countries, and currently involves over 110,000 farmers across the world. The program is designed, according to the brand, to “help improve yields and quality of harvests while protecting the environment and improving livelihoods of farmers and their communities.” Reviving Origins is an integral part of Nespresso’s AAA Sustainable Quality Program, as it is a long-term approach to restoring coffee production in the regions impacted by adversities such as conflict, economic hardship, and environmental disasters.

The seed that would eventually grow into the Reviving Origins program has its origins in South Sudan. Back in 2011, Nespresso first discovered the potential of reviving a forgotten coffee through its experiences in bringing the limited edition Suluja ti South Sudan to market. This coffee became the country’s second export after oil in 2015 and 2016, and helped to diversify the economic base of the world’s youngest nation. In 2016, Nespresso launched another limited edition - Aurora de la Paz. This was Nespresso’s first coffee from the Caquetá conflict region of Colombia. Similarly, Cafecito de Cuba, produced exclusively for the US market, became the first Cuban coffee sold in the US in more than fifty years. In 2019, alongside the latest single-origin coffees Tamuka mu Zimbabwe, Esperanza de Colombia, and Cafecito de Puerto Rico - Nespresso officially launched its Reviving Origins program. Since its launch, the program has enabled the production of exceptional coffees from challenged areas of Zimbabwe, Uganda, Colombia and now, the DRC, to be offered as seasonal coffees for Nespresso coffee lovers.

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L A D O L C E V I TA • T H E F R E S H N E S S O F S A G E

THE FRESHNESS OF SAGE Rituals presents Savage Garden fragrance, refreshing addition to its collection of home fragrances Rituals, the Dutch luxury cosmetics brand, presents Savage Garden - a fragrance from its Private Collection of home aromatics. The fragrance, with the green notes of Vetiver grass and zesty lemon as its base, is infused with the herbaceous notes of Clary Sage to recreate the essence of a leafy, breezy summer on a sun-kissed meadow. Over the years, as consumers have increasingly adopted a more holistic approach to living, a home’s fragrance has become ever more important to set the right mood. The reason for this growing trend is quite apparent. A fine fragrance holds the power to transform one’s mood, conjure up long lost memories, or invoke a sense of comfort and well being. A good example of this is the preference for oud based fragrances in the Gulf region, given its cultural significance in the region. Rituals became the first brand to combine personal beauty products with home fragrances when it debuted in 2000, because of which, it was able to tap into the latter’s growth in the last two decades to become a market leader. Raymond Cloosterman, the brand’s current CEO and founder, and a man inspired by the ancient traditions of Asian cultures, did not want to create just another beauty brand.

He wanted to create a distinctive brand experience. He wanted his stores to be a calming environment where customers could relax, unwind, and slow down – where every customer gets a hand massage, a cup of tea, and a choice of product samples. Cloosterman often likes to say: “We don’t sell products. We sell experiences. We tell stories.” Ritual’s home fragrances are created by some of the world’s top perfumers and can be enjoyed in one of five ways. The most popular are the scented candles, available with artisanal porcelain or glass candleholders. Fragrance Sticks are thin aroma diffusers that look similar to incense sticks, and are presented in sleek gift boxes with glass phial and wooden cuff. An oil aroma diffuser is an innovative approach to home fragrance that can be managed through an app. The Parfum d’Interieur is a room spray that unleashes a strong aroma and is ideal for quickly masking unwanted smells. Rituals’ Private Collection of exclusive fragrances is presented under three themes. “Rich” combines oudh and patchouli with a combination of rich spices. Precious Amber, Wild Fig, Black Oudh, Sacred Saffron and Imperial Rose are the scents one can find here. “Floral” is based on intense rose notes, combined with

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fresh watery elements and traditional green tea. Here, we have Sweet Jasmine, Imperial Rose, jade Vine, and Orris Mimosa. “Fresh,” as the name suggests, offers a selection of crisp and lively fragrances, empowered by zesty lemon and the green notes of vetiver - a perennial fragrant bunchgrass whose oil is known as the “oil of tranquillity.” Along with Green Cardamom, Goji Berry and Oriental Vetiver, this is where one finds the Rituals products infused with the Savage Garden fragrance. Savage Garden’s distinguishing scent is Sage, which has long been considered a sacred herb since ancient times. Often associated with long life, Sage oil has been recommended for boosting strength and resistance. Its aroma has an invigorating and warming influence. The Savage Garden Parfum D’Interieur creates an invigorating ambience with just a single spray. In contrast, the luxurious Savage Garden fragrance sticks give off a wonderful subtle aroma. However, if one prefers a more intense aroma, the sticks should be turned over, and the more often they are turned, the stronger the aroma.

To fragrance a home in style, Rituals has curated a collection of elegantly designed holders for the fragrance sticks. Each holder is made from hand-crafted glass and comes capped with a golden bottleneck. These Cognac inspired round bottles are suitable for all of Rituals’ regular Private Collection refill fragrance sticks. These holders may also be used as a container to hold liquid fragrance, or as a container for a selection of dried flowers. As with every Ritual product, each fragrance stick holder comes wrapped in a luxury box, and is therefore, an ideal gift for any personal or professional occasion. Any home fragrance collection would not be complete without a scented candle, and Rituals’ Savage Garden is no exception. According to the brand, a candle typically lasts for about 60 hours. To get the best results, when lighting the candle for the first time, it is advisable to let it burn for at least four hours to melt the top layer for an even burn. Rituals’ range of personal and home fragrances are available at Rituals stores in all the major malls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as the brands online portal – rituals.com.

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L A D O L C E V I TA • S PA S

MAGRABI SELF-DISCOVERY Tekmida is a new, Moroccan inspired treatment introduced at The Spa, Palazzo Versace Dubai This new immersive experience is inspired by, and takes its name from, the ancient Moroccan Tekmida ritual, during which, hot wet towels are used to relieve tension, soothe muscle pain, and restore energy circulation in the body. The ritual at the Palazzo Versace Spa begins with a face and body exfoliation using Miel D’Ambre - a detoxifying and exfoliating body balm - and Grains de Lumiere - an exfoliating wax cream that transforms upon contact with the skin to gradually work its magic. Following a warm purifying shower, the therapist massages the body with gentle techniques derived directly from the authentic Teksal movements, while using Onguent d’Argan - a fragrant balm which nourishes without being too oily - and hot wet towels to deeply unwind the body, leaving it refreshed and relaxed. In addition to Tekmida, The Spa offers an extensive menu of body and facial treatments, from the classics to the exotic. Standing head and shoulders above them all is The Ultimate. This seven-hour experience includes chauffeur driven car service to and from the hotel within Dubai, breakfast at Giardino Restaurant, Signature Hammam treatment followed by Ceremonial Massage, a two-course lunch at Vanitas or at a private cabana by the pool, Rejuvenating Rose Facial, a blow-dry session, and culminating with a manicure and pedicure.

Located on the ground floor, west wing of Palazzo Versace Dubai, The Spa’s décor draws its inspiration from the sea world. Its Granito Nero Assoluto marble floors match the grey mosaics and the white birch wood walls with mother-of-pearl details. Motifs of cornucopia are interlaced with small seashells and embellished curlicues. The plunge pools are in vibrant turquoise mosaics. Occupying almost 1,000 square metres, the spa comprises seven treatment rooms and two Moroccan Hammams. An exquisite spa suite comes complete with its own private Jacuzzi, monsoon rain shower and full changing facilities. The spa offers dedicated male and female thermal suites, each containing a spa pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge, spacious changing facilities and a luxury Moroccan hammam sanctuary. The spa’s Nail Studio offers manicure and pedicure treatments using luxury products and the latest techniques. Meanwhile, George Massoud helms the spa’s dedicated Salon, offering a selection of treatments, from brushing and blow-outs to hair extensions, haircuts and total makeovers.

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WELLNESS EXPRESS IV Bar at Palazzo Versace Dubai offers intravenous therapy with luxurious service

The Spa at Palazzo Versace Dubai presents IV Bar, where clients can avail the latest in Intravenous (IV) Therapy. Presented in collaboration with Hobbs Clinic - one of Dubai’s leading cosmetic enhancement clinics – guests of the IV Bar can choose from an extensive menu of IV drips, each one customised to a guest’s specific needs. The IV drips are administered by experienced nurses, following consultation with specialised physicians. The drips are formulated to deliver results, in the fastest way possible, by supplying the nutrients needed directly into the bloodstream. The drip generally comprises a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other therapeutic substances. This treatment is ideal for those feeling low on energy or need a fast track recovery after a heavy workout. While the tailored IV dose of goodness floods the body during a treatment, guests relax in a luxurious heated seat, sip on warm tea or a cooling drink, and enjoy fresh fruits and treats. These treatments can also be administered in-room or at one’s home for an additional charge. A typical treatment lasts around 45-minutes, but some may last longer. IV Bar’s menu of treatments currently comprises no less than twelve items targeting a broad range of concerns. These include treatments to boost the immune system, maintain proper cell

function, combat stress caused by free radicals, detoxify the skin, achieve glossy and healthy hair, balance the hormones, metabolise body fat and support muscle growth, Improve cardiovascular functions, and improve overall digestive health. IV Bar’s signature treatment is the aptly named Palazzo Versace Dubai Drip. Designed to rejuvenate your skin from the inside out, this treatment contains an essential mix of antioxidant and anti-ageing vitamins and minerals customised to a guest’s specific needs. For guests seeking to boost their immune system, there is the Immune Boost and Hydration drip. Designed to help increase resistance to most pathogens, this drip comprises a high dose of vitamins and minerals such as ascorbic acid, B vitamins and magnesium. In addition to the extensive bouquet of treatments available on the menu, IV Bar also offers tailor-made bespoke blends to achieve specific wellness goals as required.

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L A D O L C E V I TA • T H E T H R E E C L A S S I C S R E N E W E D

THE THREE CLASSICS RENEWED Presenting three historic buildings, each unique, now available to own as private residences One Wall Street and Towers of Waldorf Astoria in the heart of New York, and No.1 Grosvenor Square by Lodha in upscale Mayfair, London – three historic buildings, each with a distinguished legacy and individuality, are being transformed into luxury abodes. Equipped with the latest amenities and re-designed with a peculiarly modern touch, this trio, each in its own way, caters to the needs of the GCC residents looking for that perfect second home.

One Wall Street, New York Built in 1931 by Ralph Walker, One Wall Street is an Art Deco masterpiece that towers over Wall Street and Broadway, right at the centre of Downtown Manhattan. In 1931, the Broadway Association designated the building as the “most worthy of civic endorsement” out of all structures erected around Broadway at the time. Its lobby is graced by a beautiful mural decoration, one of the costliest and ever attempted in the United States. Originally built to be the home of the Irving Trust, it then turned into the headquarters of the Bank of New York, before being acquired by a joint venture led by property developer Harry B. Macklowe’s Macklowe Properties. Macklowe then partnered with former Prime Minister of Qatar Hamad Al Thani to undertake the largest office to residential conversion in the history of New York City. The 56-storey landmark today comprises 566 condos with retail at the base. The condos range from studio to four bedrooms, including a triplex penthouse positioned in the building’s historic crown. Each condo offers airy and bright interiors with ceiling heights up to 10 feet, and fluted bay windows that offer panoramic views stretching south, to the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, or west to the Hudson River. Living rooms are tranquil yet grand, equally suitable for quiet moments or for entertaining guests. Exceptional craftsmanship, carefully chosen materials and finishes are consistent throughout. Kitchens feature white Calacatta honed marble and ribbed lacquered cabinetry for a smooth and minimal elegance. Bathrooms are finished in white Bianco Dolomiti marble slabs and matte white lacquer vanities, while the bathtub is wide and deep for a long relaxing soak. The One Club, encompassing 100,000 square feet of amenities, includes a 75 ft indoor swimming pool on the 38th floor, and over 4,000 sqft of Landscaped Terrace on the 39th floor overlooking New York Harbor.

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Towers of Waldorf Astoria New York Originally built in 1931, The Waldorf Astoria is one of the world’s best-known hotels and, recognised as one of the original branded residences. It was previously home to the global elite, world leaders, cultural icons, and royalty who kept permanent residence, often for decades at a time. These include Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe. This historic building is being meticulously restored into a collection of 375 contemporary residences, and a 375-key hotel arranged over 52-storeys. The extensive renovation of this Park Avenue landmark offers over 50,000 square feet of private residential space with exclusive private amenities in The Towers, above the hotel, and complemented by a wealth of world-class services. Inspired by the hotel’s classic grandeur, internationally acclaimed designer Jean-Louis Deniot has created residences that balance modern comfort with Art Deco opulence. Each residence features handcrafted finishes, natural materials,

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and subtle Art Deco references to bring a sense of history to these gracious contemporary spaces. Windows replicate the building’s original design and flood the rooms with dynamic views of the New York cityscape. Kitchens feature wood and lacquer cabinetry customdesigned by Deniot and fabricated by Italian design house Molteni&C. Cleverly concealed are top-of-the-line German appliances by Gaggenau. Elegant primary bathrooms offer heated floors, rain showers, and custom Italian vanities. A spectacular 25-meter swimming pool, overlooking Park Avenue, is at the heart of the extensive residential wellness facility on the 25th floor. Residents also have exclusive access to the private fitness centre, including spa-like wellness lounges with saunas, steam rooms, treatment rooms, and changing areas. There are private fitness studios and a personalised health and fitness program facilitated by the hotel spa. The landscaped terrace, Winter Garden, Monaco Bar, Grand Salontake, Stage & Screen Theater, Monte Carlo Gaming Room or The Empire Club are common spaces to unwind, socialise, or talk business.

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No.1 Grosvenor Square, London Home to British aristocracy since the 1700s, No.1 Grosvenor Square has been at the centre of fashion and status ever since Sir Richard Grosvenor set the first stone. Located at the heart of the Duke of Westminster’s Grosvenor Estate, No.1 Grosvenor Square has a unique history as a seat of global power, having hosted both the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission. The historic building, now privately owned by Lodha UK, has been meticulously reconstructed by the award-winning Eric Parry Architects, with 44 residences designed by Yabu Pushelberg. The building’s west-facing façade benefits from casts of light from dawn till dusk, with grand balconies to enjoy views of Grosvenor Square. Its interiors boast some of the highest ceiling heights of any new residential offerings in London. The westfacing apartments also have a private lift and entrance foyer.

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A grand drawing room, classically designed, features velvet, silk and tweed, an imposing silk rug commands the centre, complemented by a marble and gold centre table and plush sofas. The adjoining dining room features hand-painted wall covering by Fromental and an antique French art deco console table as the centrepiece. An expansive kitchen has integrated, state-of-the-art appliances, natural stone floors and marble worktops. Bespoke bathrooms have underfloor heating, warm lighting and the highest quality fixtures and fittings, offset by the classic elegance of Italian marble and natural stone. No. 1 Grosvenor Square apartments are fully serviced by a team of 30 professionals under the Saint Amand hospitality brand. The Residents’ private Club & Spa includes a private gym, swimming pool and cinema.

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ITALIAN FLARE AND HOSPITALITY We look back at the career and industry achievements of Piero Giglio of Mine Lifestyle Dining

When it comes to old-school hospitality in the UAE, Piero Giglio is considered one of the best in the business. The man behind two of Dubai’s newest and suavest venues - Chic Nonna at DIFC and L’Amo at Dubai Harbour – draws on an impressive career. From his humble origins in Italy, Piero has explored the exotic and the unorthodox during his travels. All of which he now draws on to present some of the finest Italian and International cuisine to Dubai. Piero Giglio is the Managing Director and Partner for Mine Lifestyle Dining - a subsidiary of Italy-based Mine & Yours Group – specialising in the design and management of restaurants and customised services in the luxury industry. “Mine & Yours group vision is to create spaces, whether they be restaurants or facilities, where we can bring together women and men from around the world who share a passion for luxury and lifestyle, into one comfortable setting. Mine Lifestyle Dining was created to expand the group’s reach and operations within the Middle East,” explained Piero recently during an exclusive conversation with Signé. Piero was born and brought up in the coastal town of Puglia, Calabria, in the southern part of Italy, often referred to as ‘the Toe of the Italian boot.’ “Calabria is very popular as a summer destination and is best known for its hospitality towards guests,” says Piero. “This was instilled in us from a very young age as the entire community would come

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together to welcome guests and make them feel like family. Also, growing up in the suburbs of the city, I would often help my parents grow our own produce in the backyard – with a majority of it going from garden to plate. “This is my aim for both Chic Nonna and L’Amo Bistro del Mare. To use the freshest ingredients in our dishes and to welcome our guests in a manner that makes them feel like family, no matter where they are from, while providing them with the highest level of service.” Piero’s journey into the hospitality profession from placid Puglia to dynamic Dubai included evaluative stopovers in London and Miami. “Me stepping into the hospitality industry was completely unplanned and the result of complete chance,” recalls Piero. “During high school, I used to work during my summer break at one of the restaurants down by the beach, and this is where I discovered my fascination for the hospitality sector. I was super intrigued by how my seniors and mentors would go about their operations, both at the back of the house and when greeting the guests. “I was always inquisitive to learning the ‘how and why,’ which fuelled my quest to delve deeper into the sector. I was always outgoing and loved meeting new people and seeking out new adventures, and I quickly realised that this industry would allow me to do the same. After working in

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Piero Giglio, Managing Director & Partner, Mine Lifestyle Dining

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many high-end luxury hotels and restaurants throughout Italy, I left my hometown when I was 21 years old and moved to the city of London.” Some of the high-end London properties in Piero’s resume include names such as Halkin Hotel, the InterContinental, and the JW Marriott Grosvenor House. After four years in London, he flew across the Atlantic to Southern Miami, where more high-profile appointments followed, including Robert De Niro’s Ago Restaurant at the Shore Club Hotel and the Joia Madonna Restaurant and Lounge. There, he cemented his reputation as a leading mixologist and sommelier. “I spent the ten years learning from my peers and mentors about mixology, what it took to interact and cater to an international audience, what it took to create a concept from scratch and how to turn that concept into a reality,” recalls Piero. In 2007, while Dubai was still in the process of establishing itself as a global luxury destination, Piero took the bold decision to move halfway across the world, seeking new adventures. However, far from an impulsive decision, it was taken “following about a year of research conducted on the region, the F&B and Hospitality sector, how fast it was growing at the time, and the calibre of international venues that were entering into the market,” reveals Piero. He adds, “looking back at when I entered the market 15 years ago, I think it was the perfect time for me to get my footing within the ever-evolving F&B and hospitality industry we are currently in today. It helped me grow my connections within the region, work with some of the best people in the industry, and with some of the most remarkable concepts.”

Piero’s three-plus decades of professional experience have contributed to the conceptualisation and realisation of the two new venues launched by Mine Lifestyle Dining in Dubai. Chic Nonna at DIFC is an Italian-inspired concept comprising a restaurant, lounge and bar. It features a state of the art open-plan kitchen, a Chef’s table and what is believed to be the region’s largest wine cellar. Located on the upper floor, the upscale lounge offers views of the Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa. L’Amo Bistro del Mare - which means “love and hook of the fish” - is an upscale Italian seafood restaurant serving an extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. Located at Dubai Harbour, it offers floor-to-ceiling glass windows or alfresco dining to enjoy the seascape. To recreate the flair of Southern Italian restaurants, its nautical-themed interiors are highlighted by Terrazzo-style tiles. Located below L’Amo is Delizie Gourmet, an all-day casual dining concept that combines café culture with restaurant-quality dishes for a chic but relaxed ambience. “Chic Nonna and L’Amo Bistro del Mare mark a new era within the F&B industry in Dubai as they aim to break through the norms of the industry with concepts like no other, combing tradition and culture with state-of-the-art luxury and craftsmanship,” says Piero. And hinting at things to come, he adds: “Chic Nonna and L’Amo Bistro del Mare are only the beginning for Mine Lifestyle Dining in Dubai. We have something super exciting already in the works, and it fits perfectly with Dubai’s ultraluxurious and outgoing residents and visitors. It is set to open by the end of 2022.”

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EXPLORE THE ELEMENTS Anantara Kihavah Maldives combines luxury with the exploration of the natural world around us.

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Located on the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah Maldives is a luxurious island resort that invites guests to immerse themselves in nature. Guests may snorkel with mantas and sea turtles or dine submerged in their midst, stargaze into the night sky above at an observatory, or lose themselves within the island’s botanical gardens. To keep the island’s pristine nature intact, not one tree was removed or moved while constructing the resort. Instead, the structures were constructed around them. For centuries, these islands gave refuge to Arab traders sailing to the Far East. The resort’s design, therefore, pays homage to the seafarers of old, fusing the Indian Ocean, Arab and Portuguese motifs with indigenous materials. The resort’s 80 accommodation units comprise villas and residences, all stand-alone units located either on the beach or over the water, and offering either sunrise or sunset views.

The resort’s villa comminations consist of four two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom pool villas. The one-bedroom villas are ideal for single families - two adults and two children with separate sleeping quarters for children under 12 years. The two-bedroom villa is enveloped by lush landscaping, just steps away from the beach. A 12m swimming pool runs alongside an extensive outdoor sun terrace. The bathroom has an outdoor shower, an oversized bathtub, and a waterfall feature. It has two separate bedrooms – one King and one Twin. Both bedrooms have a day bed, a fully-equipped refreshment centre, and an en suite bathroom. An additional sleeping room, suitable for one adult, is located within the interconnecting space between the two bedrooms, a convenience for parents travelling with children or additional family members. The resort’s Residences – offering two-, three-, and fourbedroom accommodations are ideal for larger families or a

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Anantara Kihavah - Manzaru pool aerial view

SKY Over Water Observatory and Bar

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Anantara KihavaWh Spa Thai bed treatment room

group of friends. Each residence features Kajan thatched palm roofs and Balau hardwood flooring on its expansive outdoor decks. Rattan details and Maldivian motifs further accent the tropical vibe of each room. Floor-to-ceiling doors of the living and dining room offer views of the ocean or the gardens. Each residence has a working kitchen, double-bed spa treatment room, a well-equipped gym, a dedicated Villa Host, a Sommelier and Personal Chef service on request. With six restaurants and bars, each offering a distinctive menu and ambience, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining at Anantara Kihavah. However, none is more spectacular than the award-winning Sea - the resort’s signature underwater restaurant and wine cellar. Whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner, guests are entertained by the diverse marine life playing hide-and-seek amongst the coral reefs. Sky is a rooftop bar serving sunset cocktails and light dining. Located on an independent island, this venue is adjoined to Maldives’ first and only over-water observatory, featuring Maldives’ most powerful telescope. Guests can learn about the constellations and planets with the resort’s own “Sky Guru.” The resort’s spa - with six over-water treatment suites with all-around ocean views - offers world-class holistic Ayurveda treatments crafted with indigenous plants and fruits. The spa houses the region’s only Cocoon Medical Spa, featuring restorative facials, Vitamin IV Infusions and other detoxification therapies. Slumber Guru Massage, lasting around 90 minutes, is the spa’s signature treatment. Conceived around the importance

of a good night’s rest, this evening in-villa ritual begins with a soak in a luxuriant essential oil bath surrounded by candles, followed by a deeply relaxing massage using lavender essential oil. Anantara Kihavah has two exceptional green spaces for lovers of nature. One is the Nala Orchid Garden, which houses around 1,200 orchids of 25 different varieties. Guests can enjoy the garden at their leisure or take a guided tour with the resident “Orchid Guru” to learn about the different orchid varieties and how to grow and treat them. This garden also doubles as a delightful setting for an elegant afternoon tea - featuring the finest tea, coffee, or champagne with Maldivian or English sweets. The Organic Garden, the other dedicated green space, is a vegetable and herb garden whose produce is used as ingredients in the resort’s dining venues. Guests can learn about organic gardening and sustainable practices with the resort’s resident organic gardener. The resort’s ‘Spice Spoons’ cooking classes include a visit to this garden to learn about the ingredients used in the recipes, and guests may also pick their own herbs and vegetables for their cooking class. Offshore, guests can snorkel or dive at one of the best reefs in the Maldives, home to Hawksbill Turtles, Nurse and Reef Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, and hundreds of tropical fish. Experienced instructors, high-quality rental equipment, comfortable dhonis and reef dive sites cater to beginners and experienced explorers. For children aged six to eleven, the resort offers marine biology programmes managed by the resident marine biologist.

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RESEARCH & CONSERVATION RESORT Kisawa Sanctuary offers luxury eco-tourism with a fresh business model Kisawa Sanctuary is a 300-hectares eco-friendly beachfront and coastal-forest resort on Benguerra Island, Mozambique. In addition to offering guests tranquil privacy across five kilometres of the Indian Ocean coastline, it also enables guests to support marine research and conservation via Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) - Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory. Kisawa Sanctuary and BCSS are sister entities. Both are located on Benguerra Island, and both were founded by Nina Flohr - entrepreneur, philanthropist and a member of the Greek and Danish royal families. The two entities are part of Nina’s “symbiotic business model,” whereby for-profit hospitality contributes directly to non-profit marine science and research. BCSS monitors multiple ecosystems and ongoing climate change across the Western Indian Ocean. Part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, next to the southern third of Mozambique, Benguerra Island is home to some of

the richest and least explored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. More than 150 bird species call this island home, including flamingos, parrots, the rare dugong (cousin of the manatee), Nile crocodiles, and samango monkeys. Humpback whales, orca, several species of rays and sharks, including whale sharks, five species of sea turtles, marlin, tuna, groupers, and an assortment of dolphins are either regular visitors or permanent residents. Benguerra Island is situated 15 kilometres or around 30 minutes by boat from the nearest airport at Vilankulo. The coastal town with regular commercial flights to Johannesburg and Maputo. Private travel arrangements and personalised helicopter charters to the sanctuary can be arranged. The design and construction of the resort were driven by “a desire to blend in, rather than interrupt.” Thus, a conscious effort was made to tread with “the lightest possible footprint on the land, with no heavy machinery used.” A conscious

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attempt was also made to involve and create work for as many people from Benguerra and the neighbouring islands as possible. The skilled work of local weavers, thatchers, carpenters and textile makers is showcased with pride. Some 80% of the construction workforce were from Benguerra Island, half of which were women. Kisawa is currently run by a team of 220 staff, with 90% of the operational team from Africa. Unique art and antiques were sourced from across Africa and sit alongside locally made bespoke furniture. Colourful patterns and prints, evocative of the region, add a graphic element and intrigue, while contrasting textures provide layers` of tactility and patina. Kisawa has 22 spacious bungalows located within 12 residential areas. Each “Residence” is a secluded plot of at least one acre comprising beachfront, sand dunes and forest. Some Residences are located on the calmer cove side, others shelter in the dunes on the ocean side, but all are carefully positioned to offer privacy and an appreciation of the natural environment. The bungalows are available as one, two and three-bedroom accommodations. Some are stand-alone, while others are positioned in groups so family or friends can enjoy a balance of privacy and togetherness. The largest accommodation unit on the resort is the Kisawa Residence, also known as the “founder’s residence.” It is a four-bedroom residence that connects a couple of two-bedroom bungalows via an open-air deck. It is the only unit with views of both the ocean and the cove sides of the

island. As a unit, it has two generous living rooms, four king bedrooms, dressing rooms, joint bathrooms and powder rooms. It also has a separate day area set next to an infinity pool, comprising an outdoor kitchen, living room, and an outdoor shower. A 24-7 personal service team and a colourful fleet of electric Mini Mokes on call means guests can either choose to be secluded within their bungalow and its surroundings, or to explore the resort and the island at their own pace. Away from the residences, the resort has shared spaces dedicated to dining, relaxation and wellbeing. Kisawa has seven dining venues that offer a wide variety of dishes with a focus on Mozambican and African flavours. All venues are committed to using sanctuary or locally-sourced organic ingredients, using no processed ingredients, and operating a zero-waste policy. The Natural Wellness Center, located amongst the dunes, offers individual treatments or personalized programmes rooted in Ayurvedic medicine. The centre also has a Japanese Iyashi dome sauna and a fully equipped gym. In addition to exploring the waters around the island, Kisawa guests have the unique opportunity to learn about the research being done at the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, such as spending the day tagging sharks from the deck of the research vessel. Coined ‘resort to research,’ these are authentic, active, day-to-day relationships that allows for the harmonious existence of Kisawa Sanctuary and BCSS.

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TRANSFORMATIVE SPACE We explore Panerai’s new flagship boutique and concept at The Dubai Mall Panerai has unveiled its new flagship boutique concept called “Modularità Espressiva” at The Dubai Mall. The first of its kind, the boutique is characterized by innovative modularity and Italian design, a space that blends the physical and the digital worlds to deliver a fresh sensorial experience. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a luminous green wall clock inspired by Panerai’s iconic dial design. The most eye-catching novelty, however, is the large floor-to-ceiling “videowall” on which animations can be displayed. There are also TV screens, touchscreen

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monitors, and lightbox displays that invite customers to learn about and interact with the watches. Overall, the boutique is a visually stunning place with modern-ish Italian furniture surrounded by iconic design pieces, Italian literature, design books, and, of course, some of the most prestigious complications and special edition Panerai timepieces. The lounge can undergo rapid transformation to become an elegant dining or gathering space to host members of the press or clients during special events. On one side, an Art Deco-inspired bar

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serves a dual purpose. It functions as a café serving select Italian coffee and beverages. It also serves as an interactive rotating shelf through which customers discover Panerai’s strap and case combination. The bar is supported by ten containers holding ten different coffee beans from around the world, turning a mundane, functional object into an impressive piece of art. The new “Modularità Espressiva” boutique concept will be soon adopted in Panerai boutiques all over the world refreshing the brands’ relationship with its customers.

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