The J Mag - Luxury Edition by The J Mag

NOV 2020

The all new

The Mag

luxury avatar

LUXURY

&Living

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Explore the Elegance in Luxury You loved The J Mag for its unflinching love for jewellery and the way it connected jewellery to the younger audiences through digital platforms. with all your love and support, we are now expanding our horizons by adding luxury and fine living to our portfolio. The new avatar will be built on three prime pillars - Luxury, Fashion and Premium and aim to create a unique digital reading experience for those who love to explore luxury on their screens. Our goal is to create content on luxury digitally and recreate its swag. Our designs and content speak for themselves in terms of authentic information, greater ideas and bringing - to - life images making every page richer and more layered in a sense when their numerous influences are explored simultaneously. The J Mag is widely distributed globally via digital newsstands and other digital platforms. The all-new J Mag is here to create an impact in the world of luxury with is new features and performances to build a richer orchestral experience for the readers. It also gives me immense pleasure in announcing our next project, The J Store, an online shopping platform for handpicked luxury and premium products. Come, let us experience the joy of living.

Divya Vijayan 2

IMAGE COURTESY: BIBHU MOHAPATRA

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CONTENTS

GRAPHY CLICKBUGS PHOTO

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ACCESSORIES PREMIUM ACCESSORIES THE BEGINNING LUXURY IS IN FINER DETAILS

OPULENCE WHY LUXURY IN 2020 IS ALL ABOUT PERSONALISATION TALK OF THE TOWN THE INHERITORS

INTERVIEW RAGINI PRAJWAL A TRUE ALL-ROUNDER

IN TALKS THE ENIGMA OF BEING HANUT SINGH

TÊTE-À-TÊTE THE CREATIVE WORLD OF NEIL FOLEY

FEATURE BIBHU M TRANSEN TRADITIO POWER O

THE BEG STUDIO T INNOVAT CREATIV

FEATURE SUPERLA EXPERTIS IMPECCA EXECUTI

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IN F MO ETE

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JE TH E

Copyright owned by respective brand owners. If any issues contact the respective owners, videos and images here are collected from various platforms. them for the audience by providing a suitable crediting titles. If any of the sources have objections or doesn’t want The JMag to feature them, they can c

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JEWELLERY WEDLOCK WOWS

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GADGETS STAY AHEAD OF TIME

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ITS TIME THE TIMES OF YESTERYEAR

E MOHAPATRA NDING ONS THE OF A DIAMOND

GINNING TARA: TION & VITY REDEFINED

E ATIVE SE AND ABLE ION

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FRAGRANCE 9 MOST EXPENSIVE PERFUMES IN THE WORLD

SPECIAL FEATURE DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

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INK IT UP FOUNTAIN PEN: COMPOSING THEIR OWN LUXURY TALE

LAP OF LUXURY FASHION: CREATING AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE

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BON VOYAGE CLASS, ELEGANCE & STYLE

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WAGONS PREMIUM WHEELS

FOCUS OTHER NATUREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ERNAL GIFT

EWELLERY HE ROYAL ELEPHANT EDITION BY ANMOL

The J Mag brings together content from various sources and represents communicate accordingly to the editor to take an appropriate action.

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Luxury accessories are the icing on the cake. Designer ﬁnishing touches keep you on trend, while being functional, simplifying everyday tasks. Choosing just the right designer purse, cosmetic bag, leather wallet, or unique key ring adds a chic touch, and keeps your belongings safe and secure. Leather and silver create unique jewellery that can be worn by both men and women, and provide versatility for everyday wear. Add sparkle to an elegant evening out with unique jewellery for women, fashioned from precious gems and gold. Sophisticated bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and rings are exciting to give as gifts, and even more exciting to wear. Everybody loves luxury. We owe everything we wear to fashion; even the simplest of our clothing is an end product of a designer’s dream. Along with that, it is also one of our many dreams, to wear better brands, and to look better. Fashion is synonymous with both over the top and subtle clothes, ramp walks, shows, and celebrities’ wardrobe.

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CESSORIES However, fashion does not stop at apparel only; it extends to accessories as well. The present article is aimed at keeping you well informed about what to wear and which brands to go for. We list the top 5 luxury accessories brands everyone should know. These brands are not only the epitome of luxury but also innovators and trendsetters in their line of work.

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PRADA Thinking outside the box and creative innovation has always been the trademark of Prada. Founded in 1913 by Mario Prada, this Italian giant is considered one of the top names in the industry. Prada enjoys such brand recognition that its very name has become synonymous with luxurious leather handbags. Through a series of successful brand endorsements and a history of classic products, Prada stands at the top of this list. Prada is known for leather handbags, shoes, travel accessories, fragrances, etc. Prada is most famous for its bags, any connoisseur would have at least one of its signature collections. 8

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GUCCI Guccio Gucci started the company in 1921 and established it as one of the very ďŹ rst names in luxury fashion. Starting as a couture company, it quickly branched out into accessories as well. Today, when you walk into a Gucci store, you will ďŹ nd belts, bags, perfumes, shades, etc. While its contemporaries were paying more attention to the material and ornaments used in their pieces, Gucci set to improve upon the craft itself. Paying particular attention to detail this Italian giant quickly made a name for itself.

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Yves Saint Laurent founded the company with his partner, Pierre Berge, in 1961. The French brand is one of the high-fashion powerhouses today and is known for its modern and iconic designs. Transitioning successfully from a clothes only brand, Saint Laurent has everything from shoes, belts, bags to shades, fragrances, and travel accessories. The brand embraces youth culture and embodies genderneutral clothing. It is youthful, cool, and luxurious. It has carried a similar attitude towards designing accessories as well. Some of the most iconic celebrities of today swear by its name when it comes to apparel and accessories.

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M FORD Though the brand was established in 2005, Tom Ford the previous 15 years revolutionizing Gucci. An engineer by nature and having no formal training in fashion, people underestimated the brilliance of Tom Ford. But having proved his critics wrong, Tom had nothing more to do than move on. Taking leave from his duties as the head at Gucci, he set up his brand as a onestop-shop for all your fashion needs. His idea is to create a well-groomed man. From apparel to fragrances, you will get everything at their stores. Tom ford personally designs most of the items that are sold under his name. He has designed a series of fragrances after his taste to make sure that they meet his impeccable standards. Having such a detailed level of genius only goes to show the qualitative brilliance of his products. 13

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Luis Vuitton is an extremely respected name in ready to wear fashion, but the brand, at heart, is still known for its trunks and luggage. If you want the best of travel, think of Louis Vuitton as your one-stop solution. Boasting of a legacy built-in accessories, LV might just be the number one in this ďŹ eld. At heart, they remain in love with travel, just like the young Louis Vuitton who decided at the age of 16 that wanted to be a trunk master. Building his brand in his name, LV spent a long time being in bags and luggage but slowly moved into other items of luxury too. From fragrances to belts, to bags, to shades, LV is what you want!

LOUIS VUITTON Courtesy: ceoworld.biz

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Lux

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xury

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IS IN

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Luxury is a form of lifestyle which

reﬂects in owning expensive goods, pampered interiors, luxury villas or penthouses, driving expensive cars or owning any object or real estate which is extraordinary, well equipped and maintained.

It’s the kind of lifestyle in which money isn’t a problem or a question when it comes to your well being and comfort. If you are one of those people who have enough money to buy anything, you understand the concept of luxury lifestyle. But, do you ever wonder what luxury throughout history was and what is a luxury now? There are many differences, but all in all, luxury remains the same. Wealthy people who live a wealthy life are doing everything they can to show us what luxury is for them. When you taste luxury for the ﬁrst time, you won’t be able to get enough of it. Every day, there is some new amenity, a new hi-tech gadget, a new luxury car, new fashion collection or trend which you must follow if you want to be a part of the luxury lifestyle.

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... The beginning

In the past, way back to the B.C. era, luxury was something to be seen only on pharaoh and rulers of the world. Not many people had the chance to live like that only two or three per one country had that opportunity. In Egypt for example, luxury was seen on Pharaoh in his decorations, jewellery, the quality material used to make his gowns and crown. Also, pyramids are the show-offs of the luxury life of pharaoh . The richer the pharaoh, the bigger and more decorated the pyramid was. Their tombs contained gold and luxury goods, so they could have a good life beyond grave and death. Even though their people lived in misery, pharaohs always had their palaces made with gold decorations and peculiar and rare objects, which were most of the time passed on to other generations as family heritage.

ROYAL ERA LUXURY Moving on to past times not so far away from us, in the regal era, the situation is almost the same. The royal family had more than they needed, all the luxury they could have in various forms. Their crowns were made out of the ﬁnest quality gold with the rarest jewels and precious stones. Their jewellery was their pride and glory and it could be used to buy some countries. Some of the rulers had their thrones made out of the ﬁnest materials. Royal palaces are still some of the most luxurious architectural wonders of this world.

LUXURY IN FASHION AND JEWELLERY In the past century, luxury had changed many forms. But some things always remind the same. Those who live the luxury lifestyle know what we’re talking about. Appearance is always important when we talk about luxury, so fashion, watches, jewellery and transportation are the main things to observe. Throughout the years, fashion has grown very much, from simple gowns and suites to today’s haute couture collections, from different designers which became famous for making something unique and special. Now we have a few luxury fashion designers like Gucci, Armani, Prada or Versace for example, and their designers are the utmost luxury products.

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Wanted throughout the world, their clothes and accessories are fashionistas must-have. It’s the same with jewellery; these days jewellery pieces are made out of finest and rarest materials, cost a lot of money, but luxury lifestyle participants don’t care about that. Most luxurious jewellery brand is probably Cartier, a world-famous and renewed brand. Cartier is a valued brand; almost all women want their engagement ring or any gift to come in a Cartier box, so they can show off their wealth and style. Another most wanted jewellery brand is Tiffany, with their famous little blue gift boxes. Watches are also important and luxurious nowadays. Many fine watchmakers use refined materials, which are rare and expensive, in combination with their prestigious and exclusive mechanics, which are unique and patented. Watch mechanisms are various complications with very elaborate designs, and their dials are true works of art. Every luxury watch brand has its craftsmen and artisans who create, design and develop new luxury accessories for your wrist. Watch straps are now created from the finest materials, giving you true comfort.

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LUXURY TRANSPORT EVOLUTION

When we talk about luxury transportation, we should focus on boats and yachts, at first. They are the oldest type of transport, used to transport people, goods and possessions, also, they are used for defence as army ships, like fishing ships and nowadays for luxury on water loungers. Viking longboats are the oldest longships which have the most similarities with today’s luxury yachts. They were built 1000 B.C., made very narrow so they could travel on the open sea, as well as on rivers. Some say that the first luxury yacht was built in the 1450s. When we talk about cars, it is pretty much similar to fashion. Now, we have supercars, manicured and designed to match your personality and something you want most. We have luxury car brands like Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Infinity, BMW or Aston Martin. A luxury car can make a difference.

Courtesy: lexus.eu

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Courtesy: maharajas-express-india.com

Each of those cars has its unique personality and amenities, which are personalized so every client’s wish is fulfilled. Airlines are also doing their best with keeping up with the luxury trends. For example, Emirates Airline created a unique luxury in-flight experience for their clients, which is tempting and unforgettable. Now, you can enjoy spa treatments in flight; have your favourite food, while you enjoy your favourite vintage wine. Virgin Atlantic airline now has in-flight entertainment for their passengers consisting of various performances by famous artist and comedians. 24

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just cars and yacht that are luxury when we talk about transportation. Even in the past, trains have been the utmost luxury treat for the wealthy. Famous Orient express was the transportation for the rich and famous, sleekly decorated with the newest amenities and luxury styles. Now, we have the Maharaja train, which is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most luxurious train ever. Decorated with high-quality materials and fabrics, it has the most comfortable seating and lounging areas, and, it looks more like a luxury hotel suite than a train cart. It is based on the eastern culture of Persia, India and Egypt; materials used are the highest quality silk, Persian rugs, Egyptian pottery and famous decorations made by various artists. The furniture shows off utmost luxury and comfort, creating an amazing atmosphere in every cart, and every cart is unique and stylish in its way. Courtesy: maharajas-express-india.com

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LUXURY TRAVELLING Travelling and vacations are also a part of the luxury lifestyle. Rich people have tendencies to go vacationing to exotic and unique places, where they can enjoy themselves without being disturbed. They tend to visit remote islands, ﬁve-star hotels and resorts. Luxury spa centres are private heavens for those who love to be pampered and spoiled. Most luxurious hotel in the world right now is Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the city which is becoming the luxury capital of the world, and it is becoming that fast. Luxury hotels and resorts have staff which will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and relaxed, and fulﬁl your every wish, of course, for a reasonable price. It is amazing what are the

things you can enjoy in when you visit one of those luxury establishments. Their services vary from the usual concierge and room service to the ones where you practically point your ﬁnger at something you like or desire and they get it for you. Every trip and vacation, every stay at a luxury establishment can be personalized according to your demands, and you can have anything you want, and we do mean anything. In the past, the popular luxury destination was Europe, but now, since the world is developing and growing quickly more popular places are those exotic unspoiled grounds, like islands, peninsulas and mountains. The most important thing for those places is to be secluded since the participants of the luxury lifestyle do not want to be disturbed while they enjoy themselves. Caribbean Islands, Hawaii,

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Seychelles, those are the most wanted luxury destinations nowadays, even though Europe with cities like Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Prague, Milan and many others has its luxury spirit and an aura of wealth. Every part of the Earth is famous for something, so you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bound yourself to one place, but enjoys them all. Many travel agencies are willing to plan your vacation for you. Every minute of it. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure what would you want to do on your vacation you should

Courtesy: tajhotels.com

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consult some of those agencies, they will make it worth your while and your money. The most expensive travel arrangement costs one million dollars, and it is a journey around the world. 27

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LUXURY REAL ESTATE When it comes to living the lifestyle, the place you live in tells more about you than you’d think. Luxury villas and homes are keynotes if you want to be noticed in the luxury circle. Nowadays, luxury villas are built everywhere. They have all kinds of designs, but the most important thing is they all feature the newest amenities and the most expensive furniture and décor. Luxury furniture mostly comes from Italy, land known for its designers and distinguished taste for materials and fabrics. France is the most famous when it comes to elegance and style, so they mostly dedicate their works to décor. Luxury décor and furniture can be the thing that changes a normal and common home, into a luxury villa from your dreams. Almost every luxury villa has its pool, beautiful garden and manicured lawns, ﬂoor to ceiling windows, and a beautiful panoramic view of their surroundings.

Courtesy: mercuriodesignlab.it

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Courtesy: sothebysrealty.com

Most rich people build a few luxury villas. One is usually in the town they live in and the other is something like a vacation house in exotic places. Those exotic villas are mostly settled on sea or ocean shores, have private lagoons or ponds. Their town luxury villas are mostly classically decorated, with utmost elegance and style. Minimalism, even though its name says different, is one of the most luxury architectural and dĂŠcor styles. All in all, the luxury industry is growing rapidly, and all luxury brands are now competing in this race of most extraordinary services, top quality products and unique object. We surely canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what is waiting for us in the near and far future, because when it comes to luxury, the sky is the limit.

Courtesy: luxury topics

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Why luxury in 2020 is all abo personalisation 30

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The paradigm of luxury is shifting to a become something that is relevant to, and reflective of, the individual. Today’s world is all about self-expression, about personalised experiences that reflect an inner calmness with one’s being, and yet also satisfy a deep desire to be unique and inimitable. The paradigm of luxury is shifting from the somewhat aloof, predictable and touch-me-not nature of traditional luxury brands, to a much more existential luxury that is relevant to, and reflective of, the individual. In this new avatar of luxury, design is still principal, but this design is custom created for an exclusive and almost emotional interplay between the user and the creation. Some brands have been creating collaborations with symbols from deep rooted culture and beliefs to become the new alternatives of choice. This could be “streetwear” brands like Supreme with super limited runs of exclusive high end streetwear, so exclusive that people queue up to buy, to Insignia Group’s customized credit cards, inlaid with precious gems and carrying family crests or sports logos, to Ferrari’s Icona Monza SP 1 (single seater) and SP 2 (2 seater) sports cars, inspired by legacy Ferrari models, and produced in only 499 numbers that were all presold at the time of launch. In the luxury furniture world, some such brands that stand out include Borzalino, Foscarini and Tacchini. Borzalino’s avant-garde Gordon bookcase is a conversation piece that is often paired with a minimalist look for a glimpse into the home owner’s persona or even with a Mia armchair, the epitome of comfort, creating a further personalized zone within one’s home. Foscarini’s MyLight is an intelligent lighting system that allows smartphonebased mood setting including switching the lamp on to adjusting brightness and altering the colour

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temperature. Tacchini’s Joaquim is the winner of the 2020 Wallpaper Design Awards. The Joaquim collection is designed for the eco-conscious customer with sustainability at its core, incorporating linear, geometric shapes, salvaging off-cuts. Separately, Tacchini has tied up with Studiopepe for immersive design concepts like in their staging “Club Unseen” which interweaves memory and contemporariness using augmented reality. So what do these buzzing companies have in common? These companies are rising above brand names to provide a heady cocktail of (a) passionately inspired designs, fueled by innovation (b) a legacy of superior craftsmanship, with deliberately limited production, resulting in exclusive

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creations, not easily available to all, and (c) personalisation for greater reﬂection of ME / MINE. For suddenly, luxury is much more than something mere money can buy. Another very important aspect to be considered in luxury interior design is the impact of lifestyle journalism and social media. In addition to creating spaces that are reﬂective of one’s personality, quirky solutions like Sian Zeng’s changing hand-painted magnetic interactive wallpaper or personalised tapestry become conversation pieces and a ready background for one’s Insta feed. Luxury isn’t about extravagance, in 2020 it’s all about personalisation. Courtesy: FE

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By Anil Prabhakar 34

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H H Tikka Shatrujit Singh and his son, M K Suryajit Singh of Kapurthala have inherited a great legacy from their ancestor, Maharaja Jagatjit Singh ( 1872 – 1949). Their passion to revive India’s glorious heritage and preserve the Kapurthala brand also makes them benefactors to the nation. I had an opportunity to engage in a freewheeling conversation with the father son duo on separate occasions for several hours. While Singh is based in Delhi Suryajit lives in London. One thing that struck me while talking to them is their humility and willingness to help others. These qualities are rather rare among wealthy individuals associated with the luxury industry.

Both of them underplay their success and give credit to the legacy, good luck and the role played by their mentors in the achievements.

H H Maharaja Jagatjit in his early years

Singh heads JMC, a leading global consulting company advising luxury brands. He is the former Chief Representative in Asia for Moet-Hennessy and Group Advisor to the French ﬁrm, Louis Vuitton. He has pioneered the entry of Moet Hennessy, LVMH perfumes, cosmetics and the LVMH fashion group into India. Singh is actively involved in various restoration projects in Punjab and has had other initiatives undertaken for the protection of India’s heritage monuments.

Singh says his great grandfather Maharaja Jagatjit Singh was his beacon who helped him make the right choices.

We began our conversation with Singh recounting the stories from Maharaja Jagatjit Singh’s life. Jagatjit started travelling at an early age. In 1893, the remote Kapurthala did not even have electricity. The frequent travels broadened his world view. Jagatjit was fascinated by European architecture. While he travelled to Spain and other countries in the US and Europe, Parisian culture had a lasting and enchanting effect on him. Paris was known as the aesthetic capital of the world. His interaction with nobility at an early age helped develop a sense of reﬁnement and aesthetic taste in him. His etiquette and hospitality were impeccable. He was a perfectionist and enjoyed hosting parties. The invitation to Jagatjit’s elaborate luncheons and lavish soirees was coveted and much sought after. Jagatjit, the perfectionist, personally looked into the minutest details during the planning and execution of these galas. From designing of the invitation cards, selection of wines and gourmet cuisine to the choice of music, no task seemed trivial. The chefs were trained at Le Cordon Bleu.

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Jagatjit commissioned the reputed French architect, Alexander Marcel to build a palace inspired from the Palace of Fontainebleau and Versailles. Under Jagatjit Singh’s reign, Kapurthala soon came to be known as the Paris of Punjab. The politically astute Jagatjit ensured that his love for all things French and regular visits to Paris did not offend the British in any way. Jagatjit spent the hot summer months in the hill station of Mussorie with his family. He built a French-style chateau there that is now known as Kapurthala house. It became his summer abode. This mansion was inspired by French renaissance style but in reality, was designed by English architects. It remains

private property and Singh says that it needs to be preserved in its full glory. During our conversation, Singh made a fond mention of his father Brigadier H H Sukhjit Singh and Cynthia Meera Frederick’s book, Prince, Patron and Patriarch: Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala. The book is a memoir, family album, a design diary and an important historical document recommended for those who wish to know more about the life of the illustrious Maharaja. Brigadier Sukhjit Singh the recipient of Mahavir Chakra for his gallantry during the 1971 Indo Pakistan conﬂict is now actively involved in Philanthropy, heritage preservation and in the rehabilitation of retired military personnel.

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One thing led to another and Singh became an advisor to Moet and Chandon guiding them for their entry in the Indian market. Singh’s relationship with Moet Hennesey was growing strong. Another chance meeting at a party, two years later in Paris, brought him in contact with Yves Carcelle, the chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton.

Brigadier H H Sukhjit Singh

Serendipity has played an important role in Singh’s life. He started his career with a bank in New York and then went on to Hong Kong, Zurich and London. A chance meeting resulted in a challenging assignment with the LVMH group in India. Singh recollects the incident from the year 1993 when he was invited to a party in Paris by a friend. At this party, he was introduced to the then-president of Moet & Chandon, Monsieur Pierre Letzelter. Singh struck an instant rapport with the president and travelled to Champagne on his invitation. After a sumptuous lunch over Dom Perignon, they visited the president’s private museum. To his amazement, Singh saw his great grandfather’s portrait hung on the museum wall. The Maharaja was Moet &Chandon’s largest consumer 100 years ago and had become their family friend.

Nawab Jassa Singh

Carcelle’s private museum too had the Maharaja’s portrait. Jagatjit was Louis Vuitton’s VIP customer and had commissioned 50 special trunks. Yves appointed Singh as his global advisor, soon after this meeting. This professionally rewarding relationship continued for 16 years. Singh cherishes his friendship with Yves Carcelle and credits Louis Vuitton’s success to his dynamic leadership.

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Tikka Singh laments that we Indians have forgotten Jassa Singh’s stellar contribution in Indian history. He was the supreme leader of the Dal Khalsa. Under his leadership, the Sikhs freed all slaves from Nadir Shah’s clutches and sent them home. Peacock aigrette1

H H Maharaja Jagatjit was known for his exquisite collection of fabulous jewels. The source of these was the Mughal treasury.

Later in 1762, when Ahmed Shah blew up the golden temple in Amritsar, it was Jassa Singh who played an important role in rebuilding it. Jagatjit mentioned about the Mughal treasure in his diaries. He wore some of these fabulous jewels himself. There were belt buckles studded with rubies, diamonds and emeralds. One of them was the 100 carat carved emerald.

Singh recounts a story of the powerful Iranian ruler Nader Shah. In 1739, Nadir Shah looted the Mughal treasure in Delhi that among other jewels had the Kohinoor, the Dariya e Noor diamond and the peacock throne.

Horse harnesses, bejeweled tents and loose stones also formed a part of these treasures. The loose gemstones were later given to Cartier and other European jewellers for remodelling.

On his way back, Nadir was confronted by the Sikhs who relieved him of some of his booties. The Sikhs were led by Singh’s ancestor, the legendary Nawab Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (1718 to 17830 , founder of Kapurthala state.

Jagatjit commissioned Cartier to make a turban ornament for himself in 1926. It came to be known as the pagoda style tiara and was described by Newsweek as one of the most famous pieces ever made by Cartier.

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Anita Delgado wearing the peacock aigrette

The tiara featured 19 exquisite emeralds in various shapes and sizes from the Mughal treasure. The central hexagonal cabochon emerald weighed 117. 40 carats. The sketch for the ornament was drawn by the Maharaja himself. In 1926, the Maharaja appeared in a Cartier print ad that featured the pagoda style tiara. Equally fascinating is the story of the 1950 peacock aigrette commissioned by Jagatjit for his ladylove Anita Delgado to Mellerio dits Meller, Paris. The exquisite enameled aigrette made with gold and diamonds was a versatile piece. It could be worn both on a turban and also as a hair ornament. It was Anita’s favorite jewel

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H H Maharaja Jagatjit Singh wearing the Cartier Pagoda Style tiara

and she wore it on many occasions as a corset brooch, as an adornment on the shoulder of her sari and in her hair. Singh said that the aigrette fuses the master craftsmanship of Mellerio and reﬂects the Maharaja’s love for Anita Delgado and also for India.

The peacock motif holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Indians. The graceful peacock is the symbol of joy, beauty and pride. It was passed on by descent to Anita’s son Ajit Singh who later sold it to a Spanish family. The ownership ultimately passed on to Qatar’s Al Thani family. The aigrette fetched a price of $735000 at a Christie’s auction in June 2019 much more than the list price.

Cartier Pagoda style Tiara

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Singh says the hallmark of the global luxury industry is its entrepreneurial nature. Hermes, Prada, Armani all started as single owner brands. These brands have been painstakingly built by passionate, creative and visionary entrepreneurs.

Among the contemporary single brands, Singh holds the Italian luxury brand, Brunello Cuccinelli in high esteem. The brand is built on the foundation of deeply rooted moral values, such as being a “humanistic enterprise” and using craftsmanship to lend moral dignity to both the artisan and the owner.

He also has high regards for Indian jewellers such as Viren Bhagat and Santi Jewellers who have made their mark on the international scene. Viren Bhagat is the iconic low proﬁle Mumbai jeweller whose creations are collected by the global elite. Krishna Choudhary of Santi jewels from Jaipur makes jewellery that is rooted in India’s rich heritage. His jewellery is inspired by the legacy of India’s maharajas and is yet modern, contemporary and global in spirit. The fact that these entrepreneurs are self-made makes their brands extremely credible. Chip off the old block may be a clichéd term but is most appropriate to describe M K Suryajit Singh. In the literal sense, Suryajit was born in the lap of luxury. He grew up in the house that had a glorious heritage and power to customize luxury products by being the biggest buyers of iconic brands. He grew up listening to the fabulous stories of the Kapurthala family heritage from his dad. Suryajit recalls the fascinating conversations that he had with his dad and his clients, the executives of global luxury brands who wished to enter the Indian market.

Maharaja’s elaborate lumcheon

His entry to the world of luxury thus began at an early age.. Joining Louis Vuitton as a retail sales associate at the Fifth Avenue store in New York was a humbling experience. His

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boss the head of Louis Vuitton in North America told young Suryajit, a retail outlet is the Mecca for luxury professional. It is the best place to start your career journey, as it allows you to interact with an end consumer. A retail store earns the proﬁts and subsidizes the expenses of other departments.

Two years’ grind at this store helped Suryajit understand the nuances and intricacies of the retail business and the consumer mindset. The work experience at Louis Vuitton during his formative years has made Suryajit a consumercentric professional.

Serendipity has played a role in Suryajit’s life too. A chance meeting with a former senior colleague culminated in a stint with Ralph Lauren. He relocated to London and was heading the sales function in Europe. He decided to take up the assignment as it offered freedom to implement his learning in new geographical territory with a new company and a new product line.

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At Ralph Lauren, Suryajit was exposed to a new way of working. Louis Vuitton is an extremely structured organization. It has well deﬁned Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the companies in the LVMH the group almost function like well-oiled machines. Ralph Lauren headed by a passionate, iconic designer is an entrepreneur driven company.

Louis Vuitton has had a glorious legacy of 150 years. It remains contemporary, modern and extremely consumer-focused. The management team is proactive and makes plans with the next 10 to 20 years in mind. The management control rests with Bernard Arnault and his family. His son Antoine is the CEO of Berluti known for making the best shoes in the world. His second son Alexander is the CEO of high-end luggage company Rimowa. His daughter Delphine is the Director and Executive Vice President of Louis Vuitton. LVMH group has created strong, charismatic leaders such as the legendary Yves Carcelle, Pietro Beccari the chairman of Dior Couture and many others.

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The winds of change are blowing at Ralph Lauren. The legendary designer has built his company brick by brick. He made a modest beginning by selling ties from Bloomingdales. As he turns 82 he and his team are involved in putting together a robust structure that will carry forward, Lauren’s legacy in future.

on the lookout for a strong mentor as his earlier ones had moved on. Flohr fitted the bill perfectly. A 15-minute conversation later, Suryajit decided to Join Vista Jets as their Vice President, Sales and Business Development. Flohr has had a phenomenal journey. Starting with one plane fifteen years ago, Vista has a fleet of 72 aircraft, revenue over $15 billion and a double-digit sales growth. Just like his father, entrepreneurship is a subject of curiosity and research for Suryajit. He is all praises for Falguni Nayar’s Nykaa, India’s largest omnichannel beauty destination and compares the brand as an Indian equivalent of Sephora.

Golden Temple

Suryajit says he was fortunate for having worked with a French company in America and an American company in Europe. For a dynamic sales and marketing professional, working in the ﬁeld is stimulating and invigorating. Having worked for two luxury fashion houses, Suryajit was getting labelled as the fashion guy. He wanted to try something new in the luxury services space. He met the visionary entrepreneur Thomas Flohr by chance at the airport. Suryajit was 42

He believes that Indian fashion designers such as Tarun Tahiliani have built successful homegrown luxury brands. Compared to global brands, they, however, lack scale. The challenge they face is to remain relevant and contemporary for the next 100 years. Suryajit downplays his royal heritage. While I am proud of our heritage, I don’t consider myself privileged and have never demanded special treatment or favours. I have led a simple life as everyone else during my days as a student at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania and later as a team member working for luxury goods companies such as Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren.

Humility is in Suryajit’s DNA and is hereditary. The luxury industry in India surely needs committed professionals like the Singhs to grow and prosper.

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R Ka up in lov ent life

RAGINI P R A J W A L

PAVEN DAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Ragini Prajwal who made her big screen debut in annada movie Law is bound to go places. She lights the stage with her performances and her performance Law is much appreciated by the critics and cinema vers alike. Ragini dons multiple hats of being a dancer, trepreneur, and someone who masters the art of balancing e personally and professionally. Adept at Bharatanatyam and Kathak, dance is her first love and she loves to be known as a dancer first. She has proved her mettle as an actress, dancer, and a businesswoman, but it was not just enough for her. Her craving to learn more and achieve more never stops her from exploring and experimenting with new things.

A TRUE ALL-ROUNDER In an exclusive interview with The J Mag, she talks about her dance, her journey to success, her family and much more.

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Dance is my ďŹ rst love and its magical The dance opened a world for her, and everything revolves around the dance. She started learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 4 and later, she joined Shiamak Davar Dance School which she continued for 8 years. Her passion for dance did not end there, once after watching the performance of Kathak maestro Nirupama and Rajendra (Her guru), she was fascinated and drawn by the dance form and decided to pursue Kathak. From then on, there was no looking back. Today, it has been more than 15 years with Abinava dance academy, and she is now part of the core team.

My gurus gave me a rich traditi and dance vocabulary, awakening m sensibilities. They taught me to en adapt, then stay true to your passi Dance with joy, passion, and trut Dance is an endless process with g depth. It brings out my happy hor and calms my mind eliminating all negative thoughts.

Beauty is being nonjudgemental and not doing anything with physical appearance because that is very superficial. Beauty is about being nonsuperficial. RAGINI PRAJWAL IMAGES

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ion my nhance, ion. th. great rmones ll the

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Luxury is different for each and my luxury is when I am in my comfort space, it doesn't have to be any purchase or anything materialistic. My comfort zone is my luxury. With a belief that anyone can give class, but it takes a lot to teach, she opened Urhythmix Dance Studio in Bangalore and become to known for the unique teaching in dance and ﬁtness.

Passion is incomplete without Purpose She was always into multi-tasking and never felt it tough. The experience never reinforced the difficulties of trying to do it all, and all at the same time. It was always challenging but never difficult for her. She had mastered the art of balancing numerous tasks at different levels. “If you have clarity in life then, adorning various hats is not a problem. There is always a time when you experiment in life. When you have a passion, it is also important to have a purpose to define that passion. One cannot carry passion just for its ‘liking’. Uncluttering your thoughts will give you clarity and paving the way to better focus.” Ragini believes.

Art of Balancing Ragini argues against the merits of being average, of being nonchalant, dull, and mediocre. She says never to settle for normal and try to achieve beyond. The pull towards mediocrity is too strong and easy to attain

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but nothing can be accomplished out of it. “I have always told myself that mediocracy is not enough. Do not be happy with that which is only normal. Do not deﬁne yourself by saying this is all you can do. I always had this urge of learning, which is why it was never a pressure to do anything and instead it is always a pleasure with everything I do with any ﬁeld that I am. So, balancing has always been the part and parcel of what I have been doing.”

I love travelling and the most enchanting experience was my honeymoon in Norwegian cruise and then taking the Mediterranean coast of Europe, had the best time travelling in Rome, Barcelona, walking and trekking with my husband.

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Love for Kundan Ragini loves her jewellery and Kundan jewellery is very close to her heart. ‘ I am a huge admirer of jewellery and love wearing them. Being a Kathak dancer, I love traditional jewellery unconditionally and Kundan jewellery is my favourite. “Occasionally I also secretly sneak into my sister’s jewellery box”, as she has a great collection, says Ragini with a chuckle. CLICKBUGS PHOTOGRAPHY

WATCHMEKA

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The Recipe of Happiness According to Ragini, it is simpler to be happy in life while you are not keenly involved in making yourself unhappy. So, instead of adding up more things to your life, it is more valuable and sensible to remove what hurts our happiness in the first place. The positive attitude anywhere around makes her happy. She loves people with a positive attitude around her and the vibes they pass it on. “My journey has been everything thing that I have planned from being adventurous to risky. Throughout my journey, a lot of observation has taken place, which helped me to be what I am today. My journey has been very non-judgemental from my end. It is always important to make me happy first and then going on to the journey. Because if it does not make me happy, then I would not go for it at all. I see my self-worth; I know what I want and what is a definite dealbreaker for me.”

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From one woman to another When the conversation hit on what every woman must try once, Ragini said it without a blink is ‘self-love’. Adding to further she said, it appears apparent to some people, most of the woman struggle with the idea of putting themselves ﬁrst. They were raised to believe that they ought to continually put others before themselves, ignoring their needs.

Action-oriented ‘Never stop learning’ is what Ragini’s mantra. Even during the pandemic, her hands are full, and she is action-oriented with her dance and fitness studio and online sessions. Besides, her dance she is also super busy with her platies certifications, and fitness regime.

We woman always keep ourselves as a second priority which is a very innate quality in every girl/woman. I feel a woman should think of herself as a priority first, as when we don't prioritise ourselves, then there is a lot of things that we miss it out in life.

APTURE

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The Enigma of bein By Anil Prabhakar

“I make jewellery woman who know mind; the quintess Hanut Singh w doesn’t need an a from her father or h to make the purch

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y for a ws her ssential woman approval husband hase.”

If you haven’t heard about Hanut Singh then you are probably not his target audience. The Delhi based jeweller neither has an online store nor does he have a retail outlet in any part of the world. Hanut doesn’t even believe in advertising his products. Yet his creations are adorned by global celebrities like Rihanna, Meryl Streep, Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey among many others.

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Hanut says he was fascinated by gemstones and jewellery from the age of four. He didn’t need formal jewellery training as jewellery is in the DNA of the royal Kapurthala family. His great grandfather Maharaja Jagatjit Singh was known for his ﬁne taste in life and was a big buyer of jewellery from Cartier, Boucheron and Van Cliff and Arpels. His grandmother, Maharani Sitadevi, also known as Princess Karam was regarded as one of the most glamorous woman of her time. She was listed among the twelve most beautiful women in the world. Princess Karam and her contemporaries, Maharani Sitadevi of Baroda and Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur were a part of the charmed international jet set club. These Maharanis regularly appeared in fashion and lifestyle magazines such as Vogue, Tatler and Harper’s Bazaar.

They patronized luxury jewellers a couturiers like Mainbocher. Their reﬁned taste for ﬁner thing them befriend socialites Simpson, Barbara Hutt Wolfe.

Hanut’s uncle the late Ma popularly known as Mapu founder of INTACH. A her cultural revivalist, Mapu h with the legendary Japanese Issey Miyake. He was the ﬁrst I a fashion show along with the form editor, American star Diana Vreela York’s Metropolitan Museum. Map Bhushan awardee, was also a ment Indian fashion designers including Hanut thus inherited fashion, jewe luxury from his ancestors.

Hanut’s career started with writing Publications that published L’ofﬁc magazines. From writing to being indeed been a fascinating journey

Known for using innovative mater creations, Hanut’s ﬁrst collection u shells and baroque pearls. Hanut c ji Jhala from the Dhragadhra royal introducing him to the merits of A Abalone is known for its healing p ji is the associate professor of Anth college of liberal arts in Philadelph

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and reputed wealth and ngs in life helped s such as Wallis ton and Elsie De

artand Singh, u, was the ritage and had worked e designer, Indian to curate mer Vogue and for New pu, the Padma tor to many ng Rohit Bal. ellery and

g for Ogaan ciel and Elle written has y.

rials in his used abalone credits Jaysinh al family for Abalone shell. properties. Jhala hropology at the hia.

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“Hanut’s designs are contemporary and made for global charismatic, intelligent women. Among his Indian muses are his sister Devaki Singh, journalist Shikha Singh, Shweta Bachchan Nanda, Malini Ramani and MeherJesia.”

He is known for his colourful creations using emerald, rubies, pearls and other quality gemstones. The inﬂuence is courtesy of the Mughals who brought them to India from Persia centuries ago. Kapurthala family had a large collection of gemstones in their possession from the Mughal treasure. Sourcing quality gemstone is Hanut’s passion. He travels all over the world attending jewellery fairs, meeting dealers and stone cutters. His collections are an amalgamation or a rainbow of stones such as Paraibas, rock quartz of highest quality, tourmalines, emeralds, and pearls sourced from Madagascar, Afghanistan, Brazil, and Japan. A mixologist at heart, Hanut fuses vintage with the contemporary. It is not uncommon for him to use

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rock crystal beads with diamonds or rubies in pendants or earrings. Hanut draws inspirations from the elements of nature such as the ďŹ&#x201A;ora and fauna. Architecture is another recurring theme in his creations. He has even used ebony wood pierced with 18K gold and diamonds in an earring set with ďŹ&#x201A;oral design. His designs are edgy, and he prefers to buy rough stones that are carved to perfection. The creations are

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From the

Aristocratic Treasures

manufact ďŹ nish and

Hanut sai wears his jewellery

His collec priced at chandelie instant hi

In the US located in his choice bungalow is a favou

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tured in Delhi and Italy for the perfect d craftsmanship.

id, he primarily designs for himself. He s own jewellery and has also made men’s y for his global clients.

ctions typically comprise of 35 to 45 pieces Rs.2 lakhs and above. His crescent moon, er and Pyramidal and drop earrings are its.

S, Roseark, the 5000 sq ft luxury goods store n the heart of Los Angeles is the venue of e. The store located in an indoor-outdoor w offers a unique shopping experience and urite of global celebrities.

Fred Leighton, the high-end jewellery store located on Madison Avenue is the preferred location in New York. Fred Leighton is renowned for extraordinary vintage style and rare collectable jewellery. In India, Hanut retails out of his home in Delhi. Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore are the other cities where he conducts his trunk shows. Atul and Tina Malhotra’s Evoluzione in Chennai and Maithili Ahluwalia’s Bungalow Eight Mumbai are the regular venues for his trunk shows. The Haute homemaker in Bangalore, Vinita Chaitanya hosts Hanut Singh show over weekends. Hanut embodies the characteristics of a luxury brand… artistic, selective, and yet global in spirit. The adage less is more best describes his retail strategy.

“ I am an artist by temperament and has never thought of retailing out of departmental stores. I prefer to do trunk shows in London, Los Angeles and New York.”

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Understanding gaps and cultural referen

THE CREATIVE 60

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nces is a fantastic tool for innovation

‘Neil Foley Designs’ (NFD) is a multi-disciplinary design consultancy ﬁrm based in Bangalore, India, known for its highest quality of design excellence. The ﬁrm has won over 39 national and international design competitions. They believe in transforming the lives of people through their product designing. In an exclusive e-interview with The J Mag, Neil Foley, founder of Neil Foley Designs talks about his design approach, his innovating curiosity, and his journey towards achieving success as one of the top product designers.

E WORLD OF NEIL FOLEY 61

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An Active Designer Spirit from an Early Age As a child, I was always curious to ﬁnd out how things worked. I always then questioned – “Is this the only way it can be made or done? What if?”. I used to put down my ideas in the form of rough drawings. I think this curiosity and blending it with communicating them through drawings led me to take up design as a profession.

I learnt the skill of drawing and painting from my father, who is a retired Lt. General from the army, an avid painter, and a lover of wildlife.

After my 12th grade, I joined the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and specialized in Product Design. On graduating from design school, I worked with Titan and designed many successful collections of watches, sunglasses and retail solutions. Post which I started my design ﬁrm and have worked on a variety of design projects with various companies and designed numerous successful products in the ﬁeld of consumer durables to retail solutions, automobiles to urban space solutions, branding to packaging ideas which have helped clients elevate their business.

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Design is the voice through which we hope to make the world we live in better, for each one who comes in touch with the ﬁnal product and the chain of production.

The Unique Approach Tool Our approach to design thinking is collaborative and we use design as a tactical tool to approach today’s evolving consumer needs in the context of evolving cultures.

As most of our clients put it, ‘Neil Foley Designs brings breath-taking ideas to reality’, because of their strong knowledge of manufacturing, consumer understanding and a superlative sense of style.

We believe, the design is the way forward for an improved lifestyle and through it, we hope to bring a progressive and positive change in the lives of people emotionally and physically. We aim that the consumer’s experience with our product is always driven towards usefulness and wellbeing.

Our list of successful and popular products is in the ﬁeld of consumer durables to retail solutions, automobiles to urban space solutions, branding to packaging ideas which have helped clients elevate their business.

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An Advocate of Good Designs I always start with thoroughly understanding the challenge at hand. Asking as many questions as possible to clarify the intent. I believe the more one deep dives into understanding the product, its customer and the environment it is going to be used in, the closer I get to solve the challenge through design.

Behavioural and ReďŹ&#x201A;ective Design Principle The overall design approach remains the same. But every new project we work on comes with its own set of challenges. What changes is the product itself, its usage, the environment it is going to be used in and the target consumer. I believe the design process needs to be ďŹ&#x201A;uid and over the years we have been evolving our design process to make it behavioural and reďŹ&#x201A;ective.

Product design to is about the perfe blend between functionality and aesthetics which brings about the perfect custome experience, phys and cognitive.

o me fect

d h

er sical

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Spanning Different Disciplines with “Challenge Accepted” mode Everything around us is designed. It has always been designed whether one interacts with it through touch and feel or visually or by all. The design was always a necessity, today there are no questions. Every project we work on comes with its own set of challenges. I am deeply connected with all the products I have designed since each one of them solved a unique consumer or technology challenge. Among the many the kitchen appliances especially the mixer grinders posed several design intents that needed to be incorporated into a single product. These mixer grinders helped companies create a whole new kitchen experience and thus have generated huge revenues and have substantially impacted the image and valuation of companies.

As a designer, I push the envelope of creativity, design sensibility and manufacturing levels and continuously up my design thinking and visualization levels by participating in platforms like International design competitions. The toughest award was one of my earlier awards- ‘The Braun Prize’. My sewing machine design has highly innovative and broke technical and aesthetic barriers. The product sill appears in trend magazines and the innovation still is shown in design schools. I feel happy to be a future thinker.

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From Product’s Viewpoint

Walk the Talk with Nature for Inspiration

Everything around us is sensitive to design and therefore impacts everyone. A subtle change of colour and form can alter one’s mood. Colour, form, textures, usability, ergonomics, semantics etc. are elements of design that alter perceptions. Like these elements, price is an integral part of a product design. Just because a product is designed it does not mean that a product is going to be expensive. It is all about where the product is going to be positioned and designing for that need. In our design process, we build in design thinking where we design to cost, i.e. we design around a product price ﬁt and where design and price go hand in hand.

Inquisitiveness, passion to learn and my want to change the future for the better plays an especially important role in my creative process. Nature is one of my greatest sources of inspiration, I cannot work without understanding the science behind the art. I ﬁnd the design solutions in nature, we have what we need, we only need to ﬁnd it. I am also an aviation enthusiast and everything about it inspires me. I try and bring that love for a subject into my work. The Squadron watch collection was one such product line inspired by my passion.

www.neilfoleydesigns.com | email- info@neilfoleydesigns.com | www.instagram.com/neilfoleydesigns

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We have our strengths as a country, and it is up to us to take our crafts and skillsets to the next level. Design plays a large role in the same. Understanding gaps and cultural references are a fantastic tool for innovation.

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NFD and Beyond We are in the process of taking our design studio to more countries. We have been undertaking design projects from across the globe and see the increasing need for design in most businesses. From Hollywood to Bollywood, from software companies to hospitals, from consumer durables to automobiles, we continue to do design projects and are lucky to be able to enhance the lives of people through our designs. Neilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs speak for itself and he has been described as one of the most inďŹ&#x201A;uential designers known for his uniquely innovative and yet practical designs. of his generation. Working across a wide range of disciplines and with some of the best-known and most prestigious brands technology to transportation, fashion, jewellery and the luxury goods sector, Neil is certainly a creative source of inspiration.

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BIBHU MOHAPATRA

TRANSCENDING TRADITIONS THE POWER OF A DIAMOND From Sari’s to diamonds and everything in between, in this episode, Indian fashion designer, Bibhu Mohapatra, speaks to editor and broadcaster, Mimma Viglezio about stepping away from a traditional Indian role to pursue his career in fashion. They discuss his childhood on the East Coast of India, the initial exposure and inﬂuence of his Indian heritage and the importance of staying true to who you are.

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The conversation begins with Bibhu explaining where his love of creativity and design was ﬁrst brought to life, in Eastern India, as a child. “When I was about 11 or 12 years old, I saw my mother on a sewing machine making things and I showed a lot of interest and one day she said, you want to try? And I said yes, so she got up and taught me how to sew.” Enthralled by the vivid colours and craftsmanship, this is the moment that sparked Bibhu’s creativity, from then on, with his family’s encouragement, he would cut up his mother’s old saris and bed sheets to experiment with and create a range of different and exciting shapes and designs.

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It was then, a few years on from this, that Bibhu realised the true power that his clothing could have on people. “It was at a reception evening, my sister was sixteen or something and also very shy but I remember her walking into that hall, so conﬁdent and every head turned because she looked very conﬁdent and beautiful.” That’s when I realised clothes could empower. As a designer, Bibhu pulls so much inspiration from his Indian heritage, whether it’s through the vibrant colours that he uses or the beautiful pattern of the embroideries. “My heritage is always there, but when I process it through and I put pencil to paper, it comes out in some modern version of it.”

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One traditional Indian craft that Bibhu feels particularly passionate about, is Ikat, a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles. Having grown up around this craft, with its bright colours, it has helped form Bibhuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design aesthetic today, so he feels particularly passionate about reviving and keeping this technique alive. With this in mind, Bibhu plans on continuing to use this ancient craft within his designs, supporting and commissioning the small villages that still continue to make the craft. This showcases how these Indian traditions can stay alive and transcend into modern designs today.

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As well as the bright colours and bold fabrics within Indian culture, jewellery is also a huge part. So, considering this, and Bibhu’s strong passion for the longevity of traditional crafts, it was only fitting that Bibhu’s first fine jewellery collection, in collaboration with Forevermark – The Forevermark Artemis™ collection – heroed natural diamonds that are billions of years old that will live Forever. By staying true to his heritage, it was Bibhu’s stunning Indian inspired designs that helped lead him to his big break and a turning point in his career. Michelle Obama, the First Lady of the United States of America at the time, wore one of his designs on a visit to India and every news media covered it. This high-level exposure helped bring Bibhu’s designs to the forefront as well as making him a world-renowned fashion designer and highlighting the creative talent in India.

I always say my heritage, gives me my edge. Through this inspiring podcast, Bibhu takes us on a journey of his life, showing us the importance of staying true to who you are and your values, encouraging us all to take inspiration from where we come from.

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Innova creat &

REDEFI By Anil Prabhakar

Bharathi Raviprakash is an unusua extremely passionate about her jew like most women, has always loved spend her entire income buying her she even used her fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and husb ďŹ nance her purchases.

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ation tivity

INED

al jeweller who is wellery business, and jewellery. She used to rself treats and at times bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s credit cards to

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After a p about th already w Changer the coun India. Sh Fortunat company able to p coloured Institute

Serendip that led h in Gandh in her hu she mov Rangan r in close p Studio T moving t

Bharathi at the Me good res the outb has done Chicago, response

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point, her family suggested she should learn he nuances of the craft of jewellery. She was well on her entrepreneurial journey as a Money r and was the ﬁrst woman money-changer in ntry, having 8 branches all over the South of he soon found jewellery was her true passion. tely, she was able to ﬁnd a buyer for her y, who took over her business while she was pursue her dream and did a course in diamonds, d stones and CAD/CAM from the Gemological e of America, London.

pity thus played a big role in Bharathi’s life her to set up her own boutique- Studio Tara hinagar, Chennai. Initially, the boutique was usband’s ofﬁce but as business picked up, ved to a more spacious showroom on Kasturi road, Alwarpet - a prime location that was proximity to the other prominent jewellers. Tara did business there for over 15 years before to its current location at CIT colony, Mylapore.

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Her design aesthetic is decidedly modern. Studio Tara jewellery is meant for fearless, independent and unconventional women as a means of self-expression and to denote individuality and freedom. Showcased here is the Mulino collection, denoting alternate energy, inspired by windmills and the process of milling.

hi’s ﬁrst show was held in London back in 2003 errill Lynch lobby. Although she received sponse, it didn’t culminate in good sales, due to break of the Gulf war. Since then, Studio Tara e many international shows in UK, USA (NY, , Washington) and Singapore. The consumer e was very good.

r, post 9/11 things took a different turn. It cumbersome carrying jewellery personally as oms rules became more stringent and she used d-ﬂagged everywhere she went. She therefore to focus on the Asian market. Singapore, hi says, is her biggest market after Chennai.

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Bharathi caters to consumers from the age of 8 years to 80 years and she believes that the younger they are, the more discerning they become, with regard to their taste in jewellery. By the time they are in their teens, they begin to ask for specific designs such as charm bracelets or customized pendants that help them express themselves freely. Bespoke jewellery becomes a part of their lives. Bharathi has collaborated with reputed fashion designers such as Abraham and Thakore. She loved their extreme simplicity, beauty and flow of their clothes. Studio Tara launched an entire line of jewellery with the designer duo. It took nine months to conceive, design and manufacture a collection that comprised of 35 exquisite pieces. The design inputs came by way of sketches made by Rakesh Thakore. Emeralds and other gemstones, as big as pebbles were used to create this collection. Trunk shows were organized in Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai and the collection was received very well. The jewellery was displayed in specially sourced bamboo bird cages from Bangkok. Studio Tara’s jewellery, in addition to the Chennai boutique is also available at ‘Tijori’ stores located at The Oberoi hotels in Mumbai, Udaipur and Delhi. Powerful, Independent women who are confident in their skin are her muses. Bharathi’s special relationship with gem stones and her interaction with her muses throws up interesting design ideas that result in stunning creations.

“The prestigious retail tie up gives a perfect opportunity to reach out to a diverse set of customers. We get many international customers who travel to India for business and tourism. We also hope to be present in other Oberoi stores soon”. Post CO-VID, as life limps back to normality, social distancing is still the norm. Weddings and other occasional gatherings are less elaborate. Bharathi feels that, during these times, simple, smart, bold & sculptural jewellery would work better as people are reassessing and analyzing their situation, whilst cutting back and prioritizing expenses.

“The quintessential Studio Tara woman is she, ‘herself’. The Studio Tara woman knows what she wants, is bold, beautiful and self-assured.” 78

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Studio Tara is perhaps the first jewellery boutique to have used the unconventional Corian (Patented by Du Pont) along with rubies and sapphires in its Dali Collection. The sculpture inspired jewellery collection pays tribute to the Spanish surreal artist Salvador Dali.â&#x20AC;?

IN TALKS

Millennials and generation Z prefer light weight jewellery and do not differentiate between occasions. Every day is a celebration for them. Experience rather than ownership is more important to them. Bharathi Raviprakash is a progressive lady. She believes in being inclusive. The current polarized climate in the country has motivated The Studio Tara team to launch the Diversity Bangles. The bangles have the cross, the Aum, the crescent and the motifs of Sikhs as well as Zoroastrians. The bangles have been diverse in terms of their metals as well and contain all the three metals- copper, silver and gold.

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The Om and Allah ďŹ nger rings launched along with diversity bangles have received good response too. Silver is used as the base metal, with custom cut crystals on top, in the shape of a dome (which is considered auspicious), while the Aum and Allah motifs are in gold.

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NOV FEATURE 2

DE GRISOGONO

SUPERLATIVE EXPERTISE AND IMPECCABLE EXECUTION DE GRISOGONO DOPPIO TRE N01 De Grisogono Doppio Tre N01‘s stainless steel bezel cannot be overlooked. The display contains a contrasting black colour. Date calendar stationed on De Grisogono Doppio Tre N01‘s dial that shows you the date at a glance. The black alligator leather strap the Doppio Tre N01 comes with, ensures both superior comfort and great ﬁt. The Swiss automatic mechanical movement assures the owner sense of credence and conviction both of are created due to its reliability and accuracy. Compassing 36 millimetres across and 16 millimetres in thickness the stainless-steel case certiﬁes lasting quality. Water resistant up to 165 feet below mean sea level is appropriate for shallow water swimming for watch bearer. The dial is safeguarded by a scratch resistant sapphire dial window which is one of the most durable substances. The wristwatch is equipped with a deployment buckle one should not forget about.

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LARGE PORTRAIT-NEW RETRO WS03 Set entirely in gold, stingray and coloured gemstones, the New Retro watch models are all about bespoke details. The styling is almost severe with its clean austerity which works well when it comes to the overall tone of classic minimalism of the watch’s offset by the scintillating precious stones. Achieving the ultimate perfection in shape, style, and proportions – de Grisogono debuts its most sophisticated and aesthetically reﬁned range of female timepieces to date. New Retro Lady features four tailor-made models in vibrant bright colours that enhance the watch’s contemporary large rectangular shape.

TONDORMS52 The Tondo 38.5mm Automatic in White Gold is noticed with a 2-Row Diamonds Bezel on a Black Galuchat Strap with Silver Guilloche Dial.

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NOV SPECIAL FEATURE 2

FABERGÉ

DARE TO BE

DIFFERENT

FABERGÉ LADY COMPLIQUÉE WINTE

FABERGÉ FLIRT The timepieces in the Fabergé Flirt collection boasts of perfect manufacturing quality, reﬁnement, and authenticity. Surprising, authentic, and unexpected, the Fabergé Flirt watches are for those who want to be bold and dare to be different. The Fabergé Flirt timepiece features a black lacquer middle ring, two-tier matt black lacquer dial, laser cut Roman numerals and index hour markers and an automatic Vaucher Manufacure movement encased in a 36mm 18 karat rose gold case, with alligator strap.

This specially created Lady Compliquée timepiece features a handcrafted sky-blue lacquer fan that opens to form a carpet of fros concealing a white mother of pearl mosaic dial. Fabergé work masters have not only added blue sapphires to the bezel but also afﬁxed four sapphires at the crown - to help th owner read the time using the Lad Compliquée’s highly praised movement. The watch face be the inspiring message ‘crea beauty to do good’ hand carved above the spread blades.

Beneath the watch, a rounded sapphire crystal case reveals the details of th unrivalled Lady Compliquée movement, with delicate lines of frozen ice decorating the rochet, while ice blue screws hold everythi in its place.

SPECIAL FEATURE

FABERGÉ FLIRT BLACK & 18K ROSE GOLD WATCH

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COMPLIQUÉE PEACOCK EMERALD

The Compliquée Peacock Ruby Timepiece features a dial set with diamonds and Rubies, hand-engraved peacock, diamond-set bezel, minute and hour indicators in ruby and a retrograde hand-winding movement, encased in a 38mm platinum case, with an alligator strap.

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The Compliquée Haute Horlogerie ladies’ collection upholds Peter Carl Fabergé’s tradition of surprise and meticulous execution with a new and spectacular time display, which won the prestigious 2015 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) – the Swiss watchmaking industry’s highest honour – in the ‘High-Mechanical’ category. The original display of the collection, features a fan at the heart of the watch; a movement exclusively developed for Fabergé by Agenhor Manufacture. It thus perpetuates the ingenious and freethinking spirit of Peter Carl Fabergé; the display in the Compliquée Peacock timepiece pays homage to the famous “Peacock Egg” of 1908.

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NOV

The timepieces in the Fabergé Flirt collection boasts of perfect manufacturing quality, reﬁnement and authenticity. Surprising, authentic and unexpected, the Fabergé Flirt watches are for those who want to be bold and dare to be different. The Fabergé Flirt timepiece features a black lacquer middle ring, two-tier matt black lacquer dial, laser cut Roman numerals and index hour markers and an automatic Vaucher Manufacure movement encased in a 36mm 18 karat rose gold case, with alligator strap.

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NOV LAP OF LUXURY 2

Luxury used to be a synonym for quality. Fashion’s most storied brands built their brands on the best materials and the most skilled craftspeople, then charged customers a premium for both. But at some point over the last 15 years, things changed. Luxury now isn’t about selling the dream but about creating an emotional response and the feelgood factor it generates. In the 21st century the style trends of the fashion industry dominate the world more than they ever did, and control not only the way people dress but also trends in home ware design, makeup fashion and people’s overall attitudes. In the 60s flower power did not only mean flares and tunics, it summed up the whole attitude of a generation, and this is even more prominent today. Nowadays, fashion is bold and daring, and this reflects a noughties generation that is not afraid to say what they think, or wear what they want. Fashion

FASH

CREATING AN EMO

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is not just a means of clothing your body, it is the essence of your personality and beliefs, and designers are well aware of the power they hold. Designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; predictions and designs for the coming season are more hotly anticipated than any other revelation in the world. Trends in fashion unify women and men around the world, yet they still allow people the ability to portray their own individual style at the same time. A period of time portrayed in a picture can be identiďŹ ed immediately just by the style of clothes the people are wearing, and this sums up just how powerful and all-encompassing fashion is.

Courtesy: FAD Institute of Luxury Fashion & Style

HION

OTIONAL RESPONSE

Fashion can change from one second to the next, but what never changes is the hold it has over society, and the role it plays in the modern world. Fashion is so important that whole magazines are dedicated to it, TV programs dedicate hours of transmission time to the subject, and people discus it between their friends continually.

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NOV LAP OF LUXURY 2

High fashion - more eloquently known as haute couture - is the creation of exclusive clothing made from exceptionally high quality fabric and sewn with expert ﬁnesse by trained hands. Luxury fashion houses design, create and market high fashion clothing and accessories which are trend-setting, limited in quantity and extremely expensive to purchase. For labels to be classiﬁed as a high fashion brand, the designer must show their collection at one of the world’s four annual major fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, London or New York. Many of the world’s top designer brands are based in Europe, most notably across France, Italy and the UK, and despite global economic uncertainty the luxury fashion sector continues to grow faster than many other industries.

TOP DESIGNER BRANDS 88

Foun Gucci in is one luxury of the w apparel a The labe for its ex and Guc red ﬁt t while re highest q craf atte

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GUCCI

PRADA

nded by Guccio n 1921, the label e of the original y labels and one world leaders in and accessories. el is best known xtravagant style d luxury textiles. cci continues to deďŹ ne fashion to the 21st century epresenting the quality of Italian ftsmanship and ention to detail.

Prada always thinks outside the box and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t create their designs based on preconceived styles or fashion trends. As a result, the label prides itself on the uncompromised quality and freedom of expression. The Italian luxury fashion house is one of the biggest names in the industry, founded in 1913 by Mario Prada. Specializing in leather handbags, travel accessories, shoes, ready-towear, perfumes, and other fashion accessories, the brand has managed to stand the test of time.

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SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Salvatore Ferragamoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream was always to transform his brand into a great fashion house, so when he passed in 1960, he left it as his legacy, hoping his family would fulďŹ ll his goal. Eventually succeeding, Salvatore Ferragamo is now one of the biggest and most well-known shoe labels, made from high-quality leathers and other unique materials.

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FENDI Founded in 1925 in Rome, Fendi is one of the original designer brands, reaching over 90 years of age. The Italian fashion house was just a fur and leather shop when it was ďŹ rst launched by Adele and Edoardo Fendi. Keeping to their roots, the label is still, to this day, the only brand to have an in-house, fur atelier. Their product line also includes bags, shoes, accessories, eyewear, fragrances, leather goods, and ready to wear clothing.

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NOV LAP OF LUXURY 2

STELLA MCCARTNEY Stella McCartney launched her brand in 2001, owning a 50% partnership with the Kering group. The label was one of the ďŹ rst fashion brands to join the sustainability movement, choosing to follow in the footsteps of her mother, Linda McCartney, an animal rights activist. Due to this, the brand uses non-violent materials to create their ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, lingerie, and eyewear, strongly believing in sustaining the planet and taking care of animals. Stella McCartney menswear has a unique urban look and is known for its soft tailored shapes and sporty feel.

LAP OF LUXURY

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GIVENCHY The French luxury fashion and perfume house were founded in 1952 by designer Hubert de Givenchy came to prominence through his mastery of silhouette. The label strikes the perfect balance between traditional and modern style, keeping to a casual yet classic look that has been inspired by many artists, friends, muses and loyal clients. Though the fashion house is now owned by the luxury conglomerate, LVMH, the brand is still known for being one of the original topdesigner brands, and a leader in the fashion industry.

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NOV LAP OF LUXURY 2

SAINT LAURENT Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, founded the brand 1961. The French luxury house is still considered one of the world’s most prominent fashion houses, known for its modern and iconic pieces. Saint Laurent embodies youth culture and emphasizes genderﬂuidity through their gender-neutral clothing and simple, yet classic style, that’s explosively cool, entwining rebellious, punk with luxury.

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BALMAIN Balmain has a design heritage of rich decorative fabrics and luxe trims. The label uses innovative ways to embody its French legacy. It has a unique style and immaculate craftsmanship that is evident in the small details. Each design carries one of their signature embellishments, including their gold medallions, the new re-designed logo, buttons and symbols, the blazon coat of arms, their gold ornaments, or tassels. Recent designer collaborations include H&M, and Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secret.

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NOV LAP OF LUXURY 2

BALENCIAGA Balenciaga is now more than 100 years old, with the luxury fashion house being founded in Spain back in 1917, by CristĂłbal Balenciaga. Though the brand is now owned by the French multinational company, Kering, they have managed to uphold the labelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-end status, as well as its on-trend style that can only be described as inventive, expensive, and bold.

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KENZO The French fashion house was founded in 1970 and created by Kenzo Takada, whose Japanese background inspired him to create the brand’s looks based on his Japanese inﬂuences and the culture of Paris. For that reason, the company has upheld his creative concept to this day, merging exotic prints with an ethnic twist, as well as many ﬂoral designs.

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NOV LAP OF LUXURY 2

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN British fashion designer, Lee Alexander McQueen founded his label in 1992 after completing an apprenticeship at London’s prestigious Saville Row. Exaggerated shapes and innovative tailoring combined with traditional techniques are the label’s key look. Punky streetwear and strong graphic effects are also an essential part of the brand’s DNA.

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LOUIS VUITTON Louis Vuitton decided that he wanted to become a trunk master at the ripe age of sixteen. Not only did this lead to him becoming a designer, but also an inventor, creating locks that had never been seen before. The brand continues to be best known for their bags and luggage, with travel remaining at the heart of the house alongside their RTW collections.

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NOV INFOCUS 2

Actress Ana de Armas stars in Only Natural Diamonds Premier â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;For Moments Like No Otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Campaign naturaldiamonds.com

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NATUR

Natural diamon Mother Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diamond being o age, it is no won found their way

It is only possible for a diamond to grow naturally under the right temperature and pressure. Due to the constant changes in the conditions, some diamonds may get affected during their formation. These defects can cause diamonds to become unique and different. Did you know that some fancy colour diamonds such as red, orange or brown get their rare colour due to these changes?

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Natu Diam

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Many of us may call this as an imperfection in a diamond. The conditions in which natural diamonds form cannot be stabilized, such as a laboratory where temperature and pressure can be controlled and continuously measured. It is not only the colour of the diamonds that get affected but many times the diamonds can have other minerals trapped inside them during the formation process.

her Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

rnal Gift

RAL DIAMONDS

Crystal inclusion inside the diamond â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this would be another mineral which got trapped inside the diamond during the formation process.

nds form within the earth and are s eternal gift to humankind. With each over a few million to billion years in nder that these sparkling stones have y into history.

ural Fancy Pink monds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the colour

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The above is what makes a natural diamond such a rare commodity to possess. With the depletion of diamond mines across the world, natural diamonds will soon become an heirloom that will be passed down from one generation to another. An exclusive knowledge sharing series by HRD Antwerp. To know more, reach out to: www.hrdantwerp.com

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NOV GALLERY 2

The Royal Elephant Edition by Anmol

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Celebrated for Luxury & Elegance, ANMOL introduces another era of design with The Royal Elephant Edition, a collection that is reminiscent of India’s heritage and culture, where the ornate motif of the regal Elephant is meticulously translated into breathtaking statement designs making them elegant heirloom pieces. The Royal Elephant Edition is a tribute to the magniﬁcence of Lord Ganesha. This classic and timeless collection is handcrafted in 18 K yellow gold and rose gold and every marvellous piece is embellished with Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, Amethyst, rosecut diamonds and fancy coloured diamonds. Each piece is curated keeping in mind the ‘Anmol’ Indian woman who identiﬁes with her traditional roots but also carries a global spirit. The pieces are designed to match the diverse moods and make an everlasting impression. The Royal Elephant Edition is ideal statement piece for glorious Indian celebrations.

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WEDL

WOW By KOHI

JEWELL AGR

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LOCK

WS INOOR

LERS RA

The thought of bridal jewels is synonymous with traditional polkis & jadaus. On the contrary, every bride wants to make a statement on her big day and stun one and all with her bridal beauty. BeďŹ tting every brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner desire to look exceptional Kohinoor Jewellers Agra presents Wedding Wows, featuring unique and exquisite coloured gemstone & designer jewellery sets.

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Courtesy: jetboardengland.com

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NOV GADGETS 2

Stay Ahead of Time

Courtesy: Beosound Edge

With technology changing so rapidly, gadgets and gizmos are being invented that change the way we perform mundane tasks making the ordinary extraordinary. Then there are luxury gadgets that add a little (or a lot) of ďŹ&#x201A;air that test the bounds of innovation and become must-have items for those with the means to afford them. Advancements in technology have allowed for gadgets at home, in the workplace, and those used for leisure activities to push the boundaries of usability, function and are just downright jaw-dropping. From the largest outdoor T.V. to a smart working station to an engine-propelled jet board, here are the top luxury gadgets

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Apriori Extraordinary Diamond Editions New to the Apriori, innovators in the oral care sphere, is their Extraordinary Diamond Edition ($19,000) toothbrush. Available in both white and black ceramic versions, both inlaid in pure, silver-white rhodium-treated stainless steel, these unique products are the most luxurious toothbrushes on the market. Both versions feature 512 diamonds in a classic pave setting, which takes 18 hours of ďŹ nishing, engraving, and assembly after the manufacturing process by their skilled craftsman. Both styles come in their own elegantly designed travel case, a toothbrush holder, and two spare heads, one medium, and one soft along with an exquisite toothbrush stand and carries a one-year warranty covering all manufacturing defects.

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C SEED 201 C SEED Entertainment Systems is the maker of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest outdoor T.V., the C SEED 201. Created by Porsche Design Studio, the streamline aesthetics of the T.V. features durable high-grade materials and impeccable workmanship and is the pure simplicity of form. Hidden underground in its storage casing, waiting for activation by a simple push of a button on the remote control, the T.V. takes column takes 15 seconds to

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achieve its full height of 15ft. Once the column is fully erect, seven L.E.D. panels unfold equally soundlessly within the next 25 seconds. Upon its ďŹ nal install, the T.V. is a massive 201â&#x20AC;? across and wraps ultra-powerful technology (each of the over 2.220,640 LEDs processes image data up to 100.000 times per second enabling the C SEED 201 to display 281 trillion radiant colours) and 12 broadband speakers for the left and right audio channels and three subwoofers. Photo credit C Seed.

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SmartDesk by Cemtrex The SmartDesk by Cemtrex ($4,499) welcomes the modern worker to a workstation completely reimagined in a sleek, seamlessly integrated sit/stand desk. This cleaner, more effective solution comes with three 24-inch touchscreens along with a keyboard, trackpad, and even a gesture control module so you can control content with the wave of your hand. Their proprietary touch interface combined with the Stark gesture control gives you complete control of your workstation, allowing users to accelerate their job functions with ease. The fully motorized sit/stand desk can range from 38.9â&#x20AC;? to 64.4â&#x20AC;? and comes with a built-in document scanner, fast-charging wireless phone charger, and Bluetooth desk phone earpiece connection. Powered by Intel i7-8700 and Windows 10 Pro, take on your biggest and most complex task with ease.

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WineStation Cellar™ As the No.1 wine dispensing system in North America, Napa Technology debuted the WineStation Cellar™ ($5,999) in August 2018 designed for the serious wine connoisseur. The two-in-one solution combines an 80-bottle commercial-grade wine cooler with the company’s premier intelligent dispensing system. With the ability to store wine in the ideal temperature-controlled environment and dispense three pour size options – taste, half, and a full glass (.25 – 9oz) – the WineStation Cellar™ has been engineered for optimal wine preservation and dispensing. Inclusive of seven slide-out wooden wine racks and the automated WineStation 3.0 dispensing system, it features customizable LCD screens showcase wine information and pricing. Designed for four-bottle conﬁguration, the argon gas preservation system includes 60-day wine preservation within the unit and patented Clean-Pour dispensing heads keep the wine fresh and allows for swift bottle changes.

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NOV GADGETS 2

Expedition by Turtleback Trailers Today’s outdoor enthusiast wants to do more and has modern amenities during their stay in the wilderness. Thanks to the Expedition ($26,995), the company’s ﬂagship camper, and the largest in the Turtleback Trailer family, it is the ultimate off-road trailer for a group. Designed and tested for the toughest of trails in North America, the trailer comes with all of the company’s customizable options and modular add-ons (other options include solar systems, tents and awnings, refrigerators and more) to allow for a longer and more leisurely stay in the wilderness. The trailer supports between two and six people and features a 42-gallon water tank, 6-gallon water heater, electronics package, and over 52 cubic feet of storage; the trailer also comes with a shower and slide-out kitchen. From durable Baltic birch cabinetry, solid maple countertop, slide-out pantry drawers two-burner partner steel stove and cover and more features, become a gourmet cook in the middle of nowhere.

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SEABOB F5 S.R. with camera

The SEABOB F5 S.R. with a camera ($17,045) is the most powerful water toy in the Cayago SEABOB F5 series. With a top speed of 14 mph over water and 12 mph underwater, the SEABOB has an operating time of 70 minutes at maximum power level. The average playtime is two to three hours. Accumulators charge from zero to 100% in eight hours, with the add-on quick charger even in 90 minutes. With a maximum thrust of 745 newtons, the power is controlled in seven power levels, and this model comes with several extras as standard. Cruise through the water at a relaxed pace in a low gear or propel yourself at maximum speed, with two integrated cameras, a built-in 64GB memory, and a Wi-Fi transmission module. The SEABOB F5 S.R. has two rear ďŹ ns for driving stability, which improve the end-user experience and emphasize its sporty design. Weighing 77 lbs and just under 20 lbs buoyancy weight in water, this luxury sea toy is available in 12 colors and many special editions designed with the most luxurious global yacht manufacturers.

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NOV GADGETS 2

JURA Z8

JURA Inc. is an innovation leader in the automatic coffee machine industry with over 20 home and professional products. The Jura Z8 features a 4.3’, high-resolution touchscreen colour display, which allows for one-touch crafting of the end user’s favourite coffee beverage. It is the world’s ﬁrst automatic coffee machine for the home with a one-touch Americano function, which results in a full-bodied drink. Expanding on the home coffee machine, this smart system features 16 different specialties can be selected simply by touching the start screen, and a total of 21 beverages are available via the Rotary Selection. It’s AromaG3 grinder, and making use of the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.®) allows for superb speeds of crafting and optimum extraction time along with creating milk and milk foam. For those that want even more functionality, the Z8 is equipped with JURA’s Smart Connect for use with JURA’s exclusive app, J.O.E., allowing the user to control the Z8 from a smartphone or tablet. The CLEARYL water ﬁlter is detected automatically through RFID technology. Available at Sur La Table.

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Jabra Evolve 65t Engineered to be the world’s first UC-certified true wireless earbuds, the Jabra Evolve 65 deliver professional-grade sound and superior call quality for business use. Built for on-the-go professionals, the earbuds block out disruptive background noise with a small, medium, and large fit, providing a snug in-ear fit and giving Passive Noise Cancellation to help enhance concentration. Featuring four-microphone technology and Skype for Business Certified, the Jabra Evolve 65t lasts up to five hours on a single charge and 15 hours with the included pocket-friendly charging case. The Jabra Evolve 65t can connect to two devices simultaneously so users can seamlessly move between their laptop and phone and with onetouch access to voice assistant devices (Amazon Alexa, Siri®, or Google Assistant™), you always stay connected. Users can also personalize their music and call experience with a customizable equalizer in the Jabra Sound+ app.

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Mako Slingshot Jetboard The Mako Slingshot Jetboard ($9,979) is the next generation of the jet board – a motorized surfboard – that is compact, lightweight, and playful so that everyone can enjoy. Offering maximum maneuverability and control recreating the true experience of surfing, the jet board is fun to ride and easy to use. With a 90-minute cruise time reaching up to speeds of 34mph, the Mako Slingshot combines advanced hydrodynamics, premium composite materials, and aerospace manufacturing technology. The ergonomic handheld throttle puts all the control right in the palm of your hand, allowing users to start and stop the engine at the touch of the conveniently placed button and accelerate in a matter of seconds. Featuring a tool-less fin system, versatile foot straps, ergonomic carry handles, traction pads by Seadek, plug and play battery pack and a rapid-fill fuel tank, the jet board’s XT100 2-stroke engine makes it ideal for every waterbased adventure, from a short trip around the lake to a full day of family fun out on the ocean.

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NutraMilk

Gone are the days of it taking hours to make your own nut milk and butter as now with the NutraMilk , users can make up to two liters of their favorite nut milk, or up to ﬁve cups of nuts or up to three cups of alternative butter, in less than 12 minutes. No longer do home-cooks need to soak nuts for hours overnight and use additives or other fancy equipment to make homemade nut milk and butter. Thanks to NutraMilk’s patented process, crafting your favorite milk or butter is simple as all you need to do is pour any nut into the machine, add any ﬂavours desired and then add water, mix and dispense. With virtually no pulp leftover and no wastage, make everything from nut butter to milk, smoothies, dips, and more, a must-buy for the general health-conscious consumers. Dishwasher safe, the system comes with a book of 200 versatile recipes and can be purchased on Amazon or their website.

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Omigo

Omigo is the Japanese-inspired electronic bidet seat designed for the modern American bathroom. Featuring a heated seat, warm air dryer, customizable warm water washes, and even a cool blue nightlight, Omigo easily replaces your existing toilet seat while introducing a superior level of comfort and hygiene to your restroom routine. With its intuitive one-touch remote, users can easily customize water temp, pressure, and position during invigorating warm water washes. There are even three heated seat settings, four warm air dryer temperatures, and a built-in deodorizer to provide a touch-free experience, all while saving you money on inefďŹ cient toilet paper or wasteful wet wipes. Omigo connects to your freshwater supply and plugs into your nearest GFCI outlet, for a quick and easy D.I.Y. install. Get your Omigo and enjoy 20% OFF your ďŹ rst-time purchase, use code: ULMX020. Upgrade to a more comfortable, healthier, and smarter routine with Omigo. Photo credit Omigo.

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Beosound Edge Global luxury lifestyle brand Bang & Olufsen has pushed the boundaries of audio technology since 1925, and their release of the Beosound Edge in 2018 is their latest masterpiece. Created in collaboration with globally acclaimed designer Michael Anastassiades the speaker reimagines how we live with sound at home. Its circular shape allows it to be placed on the floor or table as a centrepiece or on the wall as a gravity-defying statement that divides spaces in the home. With a huge 10” woofer bass driver on one side and proximity sensors detect when you get close to the speaker, discreetly illuminating the aluminium touch interface, the speaker delivers the first patent-pending Active Bass Port. With 360-degree room-filling sound from both sides of the speaker and the new Directional Sound Control, the speaker allows you to connect to all smart home devices. 121

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MIRROR After launching the first-ever immersive in-home connected fitness system MIRROR, the fitness technology company poised to revolutionize in-home workouts announced that it had closed $38 million in financing. Available for purchase on MIRROR’s website MIRROR’s connected fitness system combines a sleek, responsive display with best-in-class content to bring the boutique studio experience in-home. Combining decades of experience in the boutique fitness space by Brynn Putnam, the MIRROR features cutting-edge and responsive software; as the all-inone, a responsive display is comprised of an LCD panel, a camera with a lens cap for privacy, stereo speakers, microphone and a one-way mirror to create a truly immersive fitness experience. Ranging from beginner to expert personalise your workout and join the community of yogis, boxers, and others using the system and join other users who are making use of the nearly invisible interactive home gym.

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THE WORLD NEEDS A SHARED VISION TO TACKLE NATURAL DISASTERS In the throes of the century’s worst-ever pandemic that has left a deep scar on humanity, India’s intellectual elite urged a new direction for the world at a symposium on Buddhist philosopher and peace activist, Daisaku Ikeda’s annual peace proposal to the United Nations. Drawing from a repository of ancient wisdom and compassion that originated in India, Ikeda’s latest peace proposal that is titled “Towards Our Shared Future: Constructing an Era of Human Solidarity,” urges nations to recognize their common heritage to confront issues like natural disasters and climate change.

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Ikeda, President of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), submits a peace proposal to the UN every year, outlining pragmatic solutions to vexing global issues such as the impact of global warming and trade frictions. Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG), the Indian arm of SGI, conducted the peace symposium through a ﬁrst-ever webinar. “The basis for the conscious pursuit of shared living is found in an appreciation that people who live under the shadow of severe threats are essentially no different from ourselves,” says Ikeda. Speakers at the peace symposium said such global solidarity must begin with rekindling core human values. “The world today needs youth imbibing the universal human values of truth, love, and compassion, holding the spirit of inclusion, embracing the ones who have fallen down, being sensitive to the environment around, youth who promote harmony and world peace, youth who are good human beings,”

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said Prof Aditya Shastri, vice-chancellor, Banasthali Vidyapith. He emphasized upon the need for universal education to help bridge any gaps in society. Keynote speaker Padma Vibhushan Dr Raghunath Mashelkar said, “Disruptive inclusive innovation, which can create the magic of access equality despite income inequality, will be the way to build our peaceful future.” In his peace proposal, Ikeda says that the world needs to take a holistic approach to issues such as natural disasters and climate change which force people to abandon their long-accustomed homes. “Loss of connection to the land and the associated feelings of grief have been an inescapable aspect of major disasters such as earthquakes and tsunami,” he says. “The pain, compounded by the sudden loss of friends and family, can be truly unbearable, and responding to this depth of anguish is an imperative for society as a whole.” 125

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Echoing these thoughts, Rajendra Abhyankar, former ambassador and Professor, Indiana University, Bloomington said, “Only a shared sense of crisis will create conditions for nations and people to work together.” Reﬂecting on Ikeda’s concern for affected people, Shloka Nath, executive director of Indian Climate Collaborative and Head of Sustainability, said purposeful change requires a shared vision and goal. “You have to ensure everyone you bring on board is gazing outward, in the same direction. That is the task before us, in combating climate change,” she said. “It exempliﬁes what we know — no one is protected, and everyone has a responsibility. The time is now, and we have to come together.” Vishesh Gupta, Chairperson, BSG highlighted the importance of sensitizing youth as an imperative to bring about a

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change. “Young people are the game changers and natural peacemakers. Their power and passion can ignite the path to limitless growth and development for entire humanity towards the endless future”, he said. Daisaku Ikeda is the President of Soka Gakkai International is a peacebuilder, philosopher and proliﬁc writer. He is a recipient of around 395 honorary doctorates from universities across the globe. In India, he has been the recipient of 18 academic honours including honorary doctorates/professorships from the University of Delhi, Rabindra Bharati University, Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, Himachal Pradesh University and Bharathidasan University, and Manav Rachna University, among several others. Recognizing his contribution to peace, President Ikeda has been conferred with over 800 honorary citizenships. Among the various awards and accolades, he has also been conferred the UN Peace Award in 1983.

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The Times of

It’s one thin watches, it’ buy, when t pay. This vi at affordab becoming a

YESTERYEA OMEGA SPEEDMASTER Although the technology had been around since the late 1800s, Omega didn’t introduce their first chronograph until 1957. The wait was worth it. The OMEGA Speedmaster was presented as a sports and racing chronograph, and took its name from the model’s novel tachymeter scale bezel. Since then, many notable chronographs have been produced under the Speedmaster name, including one worn during the first walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. A vintage Speedmaster is a can’t-fail choice for collectors. The Speedmaster is still affordable, despite its icon status, and has maintained its value over the years. Definitely one of our preferred vintage watches. PRICE RANGE: $2,000-$3,000 YEAR: 70S OR 80S

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ng to start collecting vintage ’s another to know what to to buy it and how much to intage watches feature looks ble options to assist you a savvy collector.

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HEUER AUTAVIA The Heuer Autavia began its life as a dashboard timer from 1933 through 1958. In 1962, the Autavia was given a makeover and carried on as a wristwatch until 1986. The name “Autavia” indicates that the chronograph was originally designed for timing Automobile and Aviation events, but in its lifetime it’s seen many uses. No other Heuer model offers such a large variation of styles and designs, so there’s probably an Autavia out there for you somewhere, regardless of your taste. Expensive versions exist, but more common ones are affordable (perhaps even undervalued). PRICE RANGE: $2,000-$2,500 YEAR: LATE 1960S TO EARLY 1970S.

BREITLING NAVITIMER & TOP TIME Breitling’s famous aviation chronograph, the Navitimer, was first introduced in 1952 with an innovative “navigation computer” capable of executing every calculation a flight plan requires. To this day it’s still revered by pilots and aircrews, though it’s hardly a practical watch for the rest of us to wear on a regular basis. A better choice for those of us who aren’t calculating airspeed and rate of descent is the Breitling Top Time, a watch once worn by Bond himself. The Top Time is similar to a Heuer Carrera, but is much less difficult to find. PRICE RANGE: $2,000-$2,500 YEAR: VINTAGE 1960S MODEL

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TUDOR SUBMARINER Think of a Tudor watch as a Rolex without the Rolex stigma. According to Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, Tudor was created in the 1950s to be a more affordable watch brand – but don’t confuse “affordable” for “subpar.” Though the movements differed, all Tudors until the mid1990s featured Rolex crowns and cases, and Rolex bracelets were used until 1971. A safe bet is the Tudor Submariner range, which actually were ﬁtted with the famous Rolex calibre 390, a 17 jewel movement based on the Valjoux 722 automatic, in the early days. Another of our preferred vintage watches. PRICE RANGE: UP TO $5,000 YEAR: 1960S TO START OF 70S

PANERAI A vintage Panerai is an exceptional addition to any collector’s stash, but good luck getting your hands on one. In its initial stages, Panerai made just 300 watches, all for the Italian Marina Militare, between 1938 and 1993. Even after the brand was resurrected later in the 90s, Panerai timepieces remain scarce. Only about 1,000 were made between 1993 and 2000, and in the following years they’ve come in bursts of 500, 1000, 2000 or 4000 units. Vintage Panerai watches are hard to come by at any time, but especially here in Australia where they weren’t retailed.

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LONGINES AVIATOR Known for its ‘Aviators’ watches (a company director was a friend of Charles Lindbergh, who designed a pilot watch for the brand after his transatlantic flight), Longines has been in business since 1832. Despite their popularity in the worlds of sports watches and chronographs, Longines timepieces are still flying slightly under the radar. Classic, simple Longines watches can be procured for under $1,000, but interest in the brand has been on the rise since the release of its heritage lines. It may be worth grabbing one of these now, before the company’s profile – and prices – increase. PRICE RANGE: ABOUT $1,000 YEAR: 1960S

ETERNA KONTIKI Eterna is a Swiss luxury watch company founded in Grenchen on 7 November 1856 by Josef Girard and Urs Schild. The company has been responsible for many innovations in its time, from the smallest production wristwatch with a Baguette movement in 1930, to their ﬁrst automatic watch in 1938, to an advancement in selfwinding watch technology in 1948. Worth a look is the Eterna KonTiki, a timepiece named after the raft used by a Norwegian explorer during a journey across the Paciﬁc Ocean from South America to the Polynesian Islands. He was, of course, wearing an Eterna at the time. PRICE RANGE: AROUND $2,000 YEAR: 60S & 70S

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THE 9 MOST

EXPENSIVE PERFUMES

IN THE WORLD Fine fragrance does not have to cost a fortune. But it can. Clive Christian’s No. 1 Imperial Majesty, which was named the World’s Most Expensive Perfume by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2006, was priced at $2,355 per ounce— splurge that included delivery in a Bentley. A bottle of DKNY’s Golden Delicious, designed by jeweler Martin Katz and featuring nearly 3,000 precious stones—including 2,700 diamonds—sold at a charity auction in 2011 for $1 million. And even now, in an Emirati mall, you might still be able to find a diamond-and-pearl encrusted vial of Shumukh by Spirit of Dubai, which was priced at $1.295 million when it debuted last year. The price of a perfume typically reflects the scarcity or quality of the natural materials you’ll find in the bottle, the ornaments you’ll find on the bottle, and/or the craftsmanship of the master perfumer who concocted the scent.

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JOY BACCARAT LIMITED PURE PARFUM EDITION $1,800 Jean Patou’s Joy, created in 1930, has always been notoriously pricey. It was, for most of the 20th century, considered the costliest perfume you could buy due to the sheer extravagance of its floral content—an astonishing 10,600 jasmine flowers and 28 dozens or roses per bottle. This limited-edition marvel ups the ante even more with a keepsake Baccarat bottle—an expression of Joy that isn’t fleeting.

L E D

Briti Roya of an and t

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ORIGINAL COLLECTION NO. 1 FEMININE $850 Clive Christian’s No. 1 Imperial Majesty, created in 2006 and issued in a limited-edition run (as in, 10 bottles) of diamond-studded Baccarat crystal ﬂacons, was named the World’s Most Expensive Perfume by the Guinness Book of World Records. That elite juice is no longer available, but you can snag this one, Original Collection No. 1 Feminine, for $850, a bargain by compare. Prepare to be bowled over by a complex, lush composition of white peach, plum, jasmine, rose, and spicy carnation.

LES ROYALES EXCLUSIVES JARDIN DAMALFI FRAGRANCE $995

ish perfumery Creed, creator of fragrances beloved by Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, introduced this al Exclusive scent in 2011 to celebrate the house’s 250th anniversary. The notes are an olfactive evocation n Italian garden—effervescent, sunlit citrus, soft rose and apple, woody cedar, vetiver, and cinnamon— the hand-blown Pochet bottle features an open-neck pour, to facilitate lavish slathering.

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR LIMITED EDITION $1,210.00 You could do worse than gifting a perfume lover— or just a lover—with this ode to amore. Sensuous white musk, delicate jasmine, and ﬂeshy plum characterize the romantic juice, but it’s the bottle that puts it over the top: gemstone-encrusted glass, topped with two silver lovebirds.

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AMOREM ROSE PARFUM PRESENTED IN A LALIQUE CRYSTAL FLACON $3,000.00 An opulent, smoky rose, crafted by master perfumer Maurice Roucel with notes of Bulgarian Rose, Saffron flowers, Baltic Amber and Mahogany wood, Amorem Rose is housed in a Lalique crystal flacon, “Les Hirondelles,” representing the flight of love. Could there a more suitable vessel for this spectacularly OTT tribute to the Queen of Flowers?

ROJA HAUTE LUXE $3,500.00 Roja Dove is a lavish, ﬂamboyant perfumer, a man who isn’t afraid of even the most decadent overdose of exquisite ingredients. Haute Luxe is a chypre oriental that practically drips money. Stuffed to the brim with rose, jasmine, and ylang ylang, and grounded with earthy, spicy, ever-evolving base notes of ginger, cinnamon, clove, patchouli, woods, resins, and ambergris, a fresh batch of Haute Luxe is whipped up every year, and limited to 500 bottles.

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MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN PARIS À LA ROSE EAU DE PARFUM $515.00 Another almost inconceivably petalpacked eau—containing 250 Grasse centifolia roses per bottle. And for those not yet willing to pony up for the celebrated perfumer’s bespoke services, which start at $35,000, a way to own a Kurkdjian masterpiece for a relative steal.

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ELEGANTER SCHWAN 06 LIMITED EDITION PERFUME

$415.00 Albert Krigler was inspired by Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein Castle (the model for Disneyland’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle) when creating this warm, romantic rose-and-sandalwood eau, and named it after the historic site’s famous swans. An early 20th century favourite, it was recently re-introduced by the storied fragrance house as a covetable limited-edition.

$3,800.00 The Les Exclusifs de Chanel Parfums represent the house’s most haute fragrance creations and Grand Extrait Gardenia is no exception. A voluptuous, creamy gardenia envisaged as an homage to Coco’s beloved camellia, housed in a magniﬁcently oversized iconic faceted bottle. Courtesy: Town&Country

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Fountain Pen: Composing Their O Luxury Tale 140

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: Own

Normally we use writing instruments to record down our stories, but what if the pen itself told a story? Crafted using some of the finest materials and techniques these fountain pens feature design elements that tell intricate tales of prominent figures from human history and lore.

Joining Montegrappa’s Ancient Civilisations series, the Thoth fountain pen enjoys a special presence, for Thoth was the Egyptian deity ascribed with the invention of the alphabet and writing. The Thoth writing instruments are imbued with the design language of ancient Egypt. The pen’s shape, possesses curves recalling a mummy’s sarcophagus, the decoration emphasising the likeness. The burnished laser-cut engravings recreate the atmosphere of highly-adorned walls in an Egyptian throne room. Hieroglyphics encircle the bottom of the cap, while motifs inspired by period Egyptian clothing may be found on the upper part. On the bottom of the barrel is the symbol of Thoth, a stylised ibis, while the barrel is engraved with the inscriptions from one of Thoth’s emerald tablets, believed to be written in the ancient language of Atlantis.

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ANTOINE DE SAINTEXUPÉRY LIMITED EDITION 1931 BY MONTBLANC

With a limitation number of 1931 in reference

to the year Saint-Exupéry earned international acclaim as an author for Night Flight, the pen revisits the theme of aviation that is central to the novel with rivet engravings and cockpit-inspired ﬁttings. Reminiscent of a cockpit window, the skeletonized cap features a clear covering through which the nib can be seen. A reminder that Saint-Exupéry was also a skilled illustrator, the engraving on the cap is one of his self-portraits and his hand drawing for “Le Petit Prince” inspires the engraving on the barrel, while the bi-colour nib features Saint-Exupéry’s own star illustration from “Le Petit Prince”.

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EMPERO BY NAM

In Japanese myth

Guardian of the East The pen features bot belonging to the sky illustrated on the ca Taka (raised) Maki-e techniques which re The sky dragon depi ﬁercely guarding a p the wish-fulﬁlling pe considered benevole

COUNT CAGLIOST BY MONTEGRAPPA

Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (1743–1795

Giuseppe Balsamo – a controversial ﬁgure enca Hermetism, Alchemy, Kabbalah and Freemason occultist, the Count Cagliostro Pen is decorated various mystical arts. The pen’s clip is crafted w representing the Caduceus and Cagliostro’s per barrel and cap are a mixture of silver or gold cu sigils engraved on the pen are the “eye in the py the square-and-compass of the Freemasons and Life of the Kabbalah. While Montegrappa ascrib Cagliostro Pens, those who write with it will und

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OR DRAGON MIKI

hology, the dragon is highly-regarded as the t and symbolises strength, power and protection. th of the two types of Japanese dragons; one y while the other is found in bodies of water as ap and barrel. The illustrations are done using the e technique – the highest level of advanced Maki-e equires Namiki at least three months to produce. icted on the cap of the fountain pen is seen pearl within its three-clawed grasp, believed to be earl jewel. In Japanese culture, dragons are also ent and the bringers of wealth and good fortune.

TRO A

5) was the alias of the occultist apsulating a mixture of notions from nry. To convey the trappings of the d with images associated with the with the lost-wax casting technique rsonal seal symbols, while the pen’s utwork and micro-milling. Among the yramid” associated with Illuminati, d the grid that represents the Tree of bes no mystical powers to the Count doubtedly experience its charms.

GAME OF THRONES COLLECTION BY MONTEGRAPPA With its epic storylines of treachery and nobility, family

and honor, ambition and love, and death and survival, Game of Thrones has captured the imagination of fans everywhere. Montegrappa’s collection represents of each of the four key families: Stark, Baratheon, Lannister and Targaryen. The House Baratheon pen features a stag’s head for its pocket clip, with a stag rampant on the cap’s top, above the motto, “Our Is The Fury”. The House Lannister pen features a lion’s head for its pocket clip, and a lion rampant on the cap’s top, above the motto, “Hear Me Roar”. A direwolf’s head forms the pocket clip of the House Stark pen, while the top of the cap shows the direwolf’s proﬁle, above the motto, “Winter Is Coming”. On the House Targaryen pen a dragon’s head forms the pocket clip, while a dragon coils above the legend, “Fire and Blood”, on the cap’s top.

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Class, Elegance & S 144

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Highly subjective and constantly evolving, luxury travel is increasingly becoming harder to define, as it continues to adapt to the changes in our society, culture, and technology. For me, the idea of luxury travel is more about the experience, rather than just the appearance. Being able to fuel your needs in their entirety, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual. An appreciation for the finer things in life tempered with the hidden gems of a destination’s local culture. It is an enrichment, authenticity, and exclusivity. Luxury travel is the delivery of superior services and products in a convenient and engaging way. Our clients want the best – from the positive and professional greeting by our doormen, to our plush beds and gourmet meals from in-room dining – the products and services should be outstanding. Luxury can also be synonymous with convenience. Trump Attaché™ and our associates do their best to anticipate our clients’ needs, and in cases where we could not do so, satisfy those needs quickly and with little effort on the client’s part. You might think the entries on your travel bucket lists are aspirational – a trip to see the Northern Lights doesn’t come cheap, after all, nor does a cruise to Antarctica – but we all wonder sometimes what would these wish lists look like if money were no object. What if you could not only hit up that must-see country, but do so with first class tickets, luxe hotels with the best views, and no thought about the tab at Michelin-starred restaurants? In other words, what would it be like if you could travel like a billionaire? Welcome to the ultra-luxe world of gilded hotels, iceberg-dodging super-yachts, and 24-hour butler service. If you’re indulging your imagination, follow along to a list of destinations where your every whim will be catered to, where adrenaline-rush adventures are followed up with soothing spa treatments, and where private suites are fit for a king. We’ve rounded up six dreamy places to blow those lottery winnings that are one Powerball ticket away.

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Necker Island BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

For the ultra-rich who haven’t already bought their own private island, unspoilt Necker Island, owned by billionaire Sir Richard Branson, is available for exclusive hire from US$102,500 per night. The 74 hectare, flamingo-inhabited paradise in the British Virgin Islands can accommodate 40 guests across its casually luxurious accommodations, including the Great House, with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Free from the scourge of other holidaymakers, guests can bask on one of the powder-sand beaches, take wakeboarding lessons in the crystal-clear waters, or work on their backhand with a pro tennis coach, before sitting down to a meal prepared by a culinary team led by Michelin-starred chef Simon Dyer – if they’re not too full from snacking at the floating sushi bar. And don’t think that all this luxury comes at the cost of sustainability – Necker Island meets 80% of its daily energy need with renewable sources, while Branson also has implemented conservation programs that benefit some of island’s permanent residents, namely, the flamingos that call Necker home.

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Burj Al Arab DUBAI

Dubai’s Burj al Arab hotel has been not-so-quietly setting the “seven-star” standard for others to follow since it opened in 1999. Entirely comprising luxury suites, the 321m-high, sail-shaped building claims to be the world’s most luxurious hotel, with 1790 sq metres of 24-carat gold leaf throughout, chauffeur-driven Rolls Royces for guest transport, and duvets made from feathers handcollected from abandoned eider-duck nests in Iceland. Naturally only a Royal Suite will do: for a starting rate of US$1500 per night in low season, a private elevator glides you to 780 sq metres of opulence over two ﬂoors, including a library, cinema, chefs on hand to create a personalised menu and, of course, world-class round-the-clock butler service.

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While nearby Croatia has long has its ties to the billionaire set, it’s only more recently that the super rich have turned their eyes and wallets towards Montenegro. The Chedi Luštica is just two years old, set amidst a larger resort complex that includes ﬁve star vacation rental condominiums, two marinas, an assortment of private residences and, soon, Montenegro’s ﬁrst 18-hole championship golf course. But the real draw is its private beaches on Trašte Bay off the Adriatic and proximity to the UNESCO-protected Old Town of Kotor and Boka Bay, giving those with deep pockets unique access to this off-the-beaten-path corner of the Balkans. The Chedi Luštica’s penthouse suite is a “cavernous,” soundproofed 1765 square feet, with two bedrooms with ensuite baths, powder room off the living area, a dressing room, and a private balcony with ocean views, which will run you a cool US$14,000 for a week at the tail end of peak season, or about US$2,021 a night.

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The Chedi Luštica Bay Hotel MONTENEGRO

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Palms Casino Resort, LAS VEGAS What happens in Vegas usually stays in Vegas, but art-loving guests at the Empathy Suite in the Palms Casino Resort won’t want to keep quiet. Reserved for US$1 million high rollers or those who can pay the US$200,000 rate for a minimum two-night stay, the 835 sq metre suite was designed entirely – from the bedlinen to the cantilevered balcony pool overlooking the Las Vegas skyline – by British artist Damien Hirst. Grey marble and furnishings are offset by Hirst’s characteristic colourful dots, butterﬂies and pill motifs, and the suite displays six specially commissioned works by the artist including Winner/ Loser (2018), two sharks preserved in his infamous style. Aside from the art, there’s a “healing salt room”, a gym, two massage rooms and a 24-hour concierge.

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Seeing the Big Five on safari in Africa is top of many people’s wish lists, but the Royal Malewane Safari Lodge, set in the 15,000-hectare Thornybush Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park area, ensures the most exclusive experience for the discerning holidaymaker. Private game drives conducted by “the most qualiﬁed guides in Africa” guarantee an intimate insight into life on the savannah. Back at base, every need is catered for in sumptuous interiors accented by handcrafted Persian rugs and the ﬁnest antiques. The signature African Harmony massage treatment, carried out by two therapists in tandem at the award-winning spa, is essential for soothing weary muscles after a long day covering rough terrain. For the ultimate safari, exclusive use of the entire 46-bed lodge can be yours for US$77,000 per night.

Royal Malewane Safari Lodge SOUTH AFRICA

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Spending a summer sashaying between French, Spanish, Italian, and Croatian ports is peak frivolity, and hiring a full-service vessel to meander around the Mediterranean and rub shoulders with the Clooneys and Jay-Z starts at about US$50,000 per week – just don’t forget to factor in the marina fees. From around US$3150 per night during peak season, Italy’s ultra-exclusive Portoﬁno isn’t the priciest place to park your luxury liner, but with only 16 moorings and one oftclosed road in and out of the pretty village, it’s reserved for the veriest of VIPs. The ﬂashiest spot to splash the cruising cash is undoubtedly Monaco, though, commanding marina fees of around US$100,000 (depending on the size of your boat) to stay in the premier spots for the duration of the Grand Prix.

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Yachting in the MEDITERRANEAN

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Heli-ski in Greenland from the MV Cloudbreak Wealthy adrenaline junkies seeking thrills beyond the black runs of the French Alps might want to consider the ultimate winter sports adventure: chartering the ice-enduring super-yacht MV Cloudbreak for a week of heli-skiing in Greenland for up to 12 people. No chairlift, no problem: taking off from the on-board helipad, guests and their expert mountain guides will be airlifted to some of the most remote and inhospitable terrain on the planet. For all its Arctic-enduring credentials, the 75m luxury liner is the epitome of splendour inside, with exquisite furnishings, a glass elevator to move effortlessly between decks, a spa, ďŹ tness suite and cinema room. One high-octane week of yacht and helicopter experience will set you back around US$1 million. Courtesy: jetsetter

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Premium WHEELS 156

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Show your attitude with your gorgeous automobile. The world of the automobile changed drastically in the last few decades. Browse different technology, style and sizes and choose your car. A luxury car is the epitome of automobile engineering - it offers the best driving comfort coupled with a luxurious and relaxing interior. As the prosperity of Indians increased over the years, the number of luxury car brands in the country has also multiplied manifold. Today, India is one of the biggest luxury car markets in the world and growing further. If you are planning of buying a luxury car then this BP Guide is just for you. Cars are something which everyone wants, they are not just needs for convenience but they have been turned into a style statement. A person with a ﬂashy car is supposed to have a good style statement, and people want to be with them, hang out with them and be friends with them. Sure cars are still used for travelling, whether they are leisure drives or whether you need one to go to work or some other important stuff. People die to take a sweet ride in big luxury cars or fancy, bright sports cars. Cars are something, which nobody can’t live without. Cars sure can make a style statement for anybody, whether it’s for bragging your driving skills or just ﬂaunting your unique choice. All these things do make a style statement.

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Simple CARS

These are the normal sedans or hatchbacks, the usual cars we see on the street, they sure can make a style statement if one maintains their ride, its color is bright and the design looks perfect; there can be some graphics put on your car if you just want to enhance its look. They may be simple cars, but they have a very important part in your lives from taking you from one place to another and making a style statement or rather a status symbol. It has become need of the time, choose a car with strong features and powerful engine and enjoy safe driving in your budget.

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Cars sure have been with us for a l have evolved from time to time, can easily make a style statement their ride on the streets.

Sports CARS

Now this is something which you always want to take out on the street, especially teenagers and youngsters who want to race, want to brag a little, these things do their work really well. They are fast, rigid and just like lightening. Sports cars sure make a whole lot of style statement about everyone. And people love it especially when they want to feel the speed and the power of the car. Sports car sure does make a whole lot of style statement for anybody. The fast growing world of sports car offers wide range of cars, browse the exciting world of sports car and pick a stunning car and pump up your blood.

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long time and and now one t by bragging

Luxury CARS

These are something which everyone craves for, luxury cars, which have comfortable seating, a super powerful air conditioner and a nice television, so one doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get bored while travelling. These cars do have a lot of other features as well but they certainly make the greatest style statement one needs. Explore the wide world of luxury cars designed by some of the amazing car manufacturers and pick your dream luxury car.

When the question of travelling arises, most individuals prefer to complete their journey in the most expedite, relaxed and quick manner as possible. But for some of you, the journey also needs to be completed in the lap of utter luxury and comfort - inside a luxury car with substantial engine power, excellent design, breathtaking interiors and equipped with the latest technology. A luxury car assures the commuter to complete their trip with extravagant space, culinary feasting, reserved approvals, and so much more. Hence, the luxury car brands mentioned below are the brands to go for if you are looking forward to a top-class design backed by quality customer service born from a passion of providing an utterly relaxing travel experience; that and a plethora of ďŹ ner services for customers. There companies are here to cater to the needs of those discerning customers like you! Buying a luxury car requires you to spend a hefty amount of money and so you need to make sure you get the answers to all your questions from the luxury car manufacturing company, no matter how silly they sound. You need to be absolutely sure if you want to spend the money on the luxury car or not, for it is not just a small payment but an investment for years to come.

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BEST CARS

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T LUXURY S IN TOWN

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JAGUAR XJ L

Choose a proﬁcient luxury car brand that is devoted to delivering unmatched products and services to its clients. It should be committed to providing you with exquisite designs of very high quality. In this case, the Jaguar XJ L provides optimal consumer satisfaction! The XJ model is Jaguar’s most premium sedan in line. This is because it encompasses a genuine British outlook both on the exterior and the interior. The exquisite seating is made of high-quality leather and the sleek ﬁnishing provides a topnotch experience to the users. The extravagance does not end here; the 3-litre V6 engine that powers this luxury sedan. Jaguar XJ L is an entire package of features that includes strong connectivity to the internet as well. The Jaguar XJ L comes in two variants and thirteen colours, starting at Rs. 1,10,00,000.00.

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BMW X5 The BMW X5 is a stretched, classy car that people love to hire for special occasions. More often than not, BMW X5 is looked upon as a status symbol, and it is absolutely overwhelming to see this stunning vehicle, making its way to party venues. The car provides for the needs of individuals who opt for a luxury SUV paired with off-road capabilities. The leather seats, panoramic sunroof, sufﬁcient lighting provide the users with timeless comfort. It comes with two 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engine system options; this means that you wouldn’t have to get the oil charged inside the car every few hours. You can pack your bags, charge the petrol engine once and head out of the city with no worries on the mind. The engine comes conﬁgured with an 8-speed “Steptronic” auto transmission with an all-wheel-drive that entails xDrive. All of these features coupled with the addition of supplementary air suspension for safety makes this an excellent car to purchase.

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VOLVO S90 The Volvo S90 is one of the most underrated cars in not only India but the entire world. What many of us do not consider while evaluating the Volvo S90 is that it is the best choice in the sub-crore price category. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll practically be living the luxury dream at a comparatively reasonable cost. What makes the Volvo S90 even more attractive for us, the millennial generation, is the iconic Thor Hammer LED headlamp! The safety of a Volvo coupled with the extreme comfort at less price makes it the dream car for many. This luxury car is available in two variants and four colours and comes with a price tag upwards of Rs. 52,00,000.

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AUDI Q7

If you’ve been to fancy office parties, you’ve probably seen top executives flaunt this car. Trust us when we say it isn’t their fault; everything about this car makes you want to babble on about it for hours. The Audi Q7 is offered in both diesel and petrol variants in India. The car’s exceptional Quattro allwheel-drive structure brings about a great level of comfort and stability on all kinds of tracks. Whether it’s a dinner party or an adventurous trip to the rustic countryside, the Audi Q7 will always be there to make your life easier. It also includes Volkswagen’s qualified MLB platform - the foundation for the Porsche, Bentley and even the Lamborghini. This easy-to-go car is available in six variants and eight colours.

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LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER India has deﬁnitely been offered one of the most exquisite cars from the British brand Land Rover, the Range Rover. It is an exotic amalgamation of extravagance and performance showing its users the end of both the spectra. Not only this, but the Range Rover also offers excellent off-road handling capability commensurate to what’s expected from a Land Rover.

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MERCEDES BENZ S-CLASS The recent model of Mercedes Benz S Class is the epitome of what the concept of luxury and premium is; this is because of the perfect combination of its robust outlook and extraordinary performance with respect to all other luxury cars. You can opt for the opulent sedan, classy coupe or exotic convertible; regardless of which model you opt for, these top-notch Mercedes Benz are the ultimate package of modern technology and ﬁne materials. The Mercedes Benz S Class has what it takes to please anyone and everyone; it has an interior that could impress a Sultan, operations that can astound a hot shoe, a presence that can dominate all other cars and the comfort that attracts everyone else. Its performance is without doubt, charismatic. Even though the Mercedes Benz S Class is one of the most expensive cars of this decade, you should take comfort in the fact that your investment in this car will be fruitful for years to come. After all, it’s not only the brand name that you’re paying for but the trusted quality as well.

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BMW 7-SERIES

The BMW 7 Series can rightfully be called the best driver-focused luxury car if not the best luxury car in the market. The most recent G12 BMW 7 Series presents a wide array of modern features and technology such as gesture control and remote-parking that delivers the user utmost comfort. For this very reason, these features have been introduced in the new BMW 5 Series as well as in the BMW 6 Series.

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MG HECTOR

MG Hector’s vision is fully visible in its design: bringing the exquisite aspects of highend SUVs in line with a low price. Hector’s vision roars in its robust manufacturing, engineering, quality and performance. The car’s motive is “brain meets brawn” which clearly deﬁnes how the ﬂexible, smart and exotic outlook of the car dominates the streets. The robust engineering is highlighted in the way the car’s 1.5 l turbo petrol guzzler gives out 143 horsepower with 350 Nm of torque. If you go for the diesel variant, you’re automatically getting an extra 35 horsepower. In this way, MG Hector is the best of the best. For a low price, of 14,00,000.00 you’ll be treating yourself with exquisite SUV perks coupled with the multi-functionality of the car.

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SKODA KODIAQ SCOUT

Skoda Scout is quite simply a perfect mechanical model of power, agility and extravagance. Even though the car was initially manufactured for off-road trips, its street base openly boasts of top-notch luxury treatment the car provides. In terms of technicality, the car inculcates a 2 l diesel engine that spits out 140 horsepower with 300 Nm of torque. This is quite decent for a car of this size; however, it also provides other engine variants for different mileage. The predecessor of Skoda turned out to be a huge success after which the brand decided to capitalize on India’s massive SUV market and updated the car with even more interesting aspects. This magniﬁcent piece will cost you ₹ 34,00,000.00.

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HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OUT OF THESE LUXURY CARS Due to the luxury cars they manufacture, these brands are not only the best in India but also some of the leading global carmakers. When you buy from these brands you are not only paying for the brand but also for the trusted quality. They not only provide exclusive quality but also hold a higher reputation amongst all luxury cars in town. Their high reputation emerges from the due professional diligence offered to the customers. Their preliminary goal is to make the customers delighted. What satisďŹ es the customers to an ever greater extent is the extensive range of features that these cars have.

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COMING SOON

The J Mag - Luxury Edition

Articles inside

WAGONS PREMIUM WHEELS

GADGETS STAY AHEAD OF TIME

INK IT UP FOUNTAIN PEN: COMPOSING THEIR OWN LUXURY TALE

JEWELLERY WEDLOCK WOWS

JEWELLERY THE ROYAL ELEPHANT EDITION BY ANMOL

IN FOCUS MOTHER NATURE’S ETERNAL GIFT

FEATURE SUPERLATIVE EXPERTISE AND IMPECCABLE EXECUTION

LAP OF LUXURY FASHION: CREATING AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE

TÊTE-À-TÊTE THE CREATIVE WORLD OF NEIL FOLEY

FEATURE BIBHU MOHAPATRA TRANSENDING TRADITIONS THE POWER OF A DIAMOND

IN TALKS THE ENIGMA OF BEING HANUT SINGH

SPECIAL FEATURE DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

INTERVIEW RAGINI PRAJWAL A TRUE ALL-ROUNDER