TIMELESS INSPIRATION
EXCLUSIVE
DAVID GANDY Racing into a new era
ISSUE
57
BESPOKE AUTOMOBILES | CLASSIC CAR INVESTMENT | BRITISH BOATBUILDING SPEED EDITION
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the all ne w 76 yacht
London | +44 (0)20 7355 0980 34-36 Davies Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4NF info@sunseekerlondon.com
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Image: Amy Shore Photography Location: Sports Purpose, Bicester Heritage
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“IN A REMARKABLY SHORT SPACE OF TIME BICESTER HERITAGE, IN ITS HISTORIC, EVOCATIVE SETTING, HAS BECOME THE TRUE HEART OF THE UK CLASSIC CAR SCENE.” David Lillywhite Global Editor-in-Chief, AutoClassics
“BICESTER HERITAGE – THE EX-MILITARY BASE THAT’S NOW THE DE FACTO HOME OF THE UK CLASSIC MOTOR INDUSTRY.” City AM
Buckingham Road Bicester Oxon, OX27 8AL bicesterheritage.co.uk
Bicester Heritage
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@BicesterH
BicesterHeritage
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MARKE TING & BRANDING +44 (0) 20 7610 7171
INTERIOR DESIGN
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT info@morpheus-sorores.co.uk
FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the Speed edition of Tempus – our guide to fast cars and fast living. We’re thrilled to have David Gandy as our cover star. What many people may not know is that, behind the glamour of the modelling world, Gandy is a die-hard classic car enthusiast. With this in mind, we took a day out at Bicester Heritage where we gave him the keys to a stunning JD Classics Jaguar XK120. Discover what happened next on page 42. We open the issue by delving into the motoring industry with a little help from automotive designer Afzal Khan and Princess Yachts chairman Antony Sheriff, who kicks off our new ‘Leaders’ column with a thought piece on the future of the luxury yachting industry. We then present the hottest launches and trends of the year, before racing through the world’s best car rallies and motoring events – don’t miss the ‘King of Gumball’ Maximillion Cooper’s craziest moments on page 36 – and delving into the world of classic car investment. As 'Speed' is about more than just motoring, we've also got the latest from the worlds of style, watchmaking, art, dining, travel and property – look out for our guides on where you should be visiting, and investing, this summer. And as the luxury world shifts to become more focused on philanthropy, we speak with Eva Longoria about how she's turned a charity fundraiser into a global giving phenomenon. Inspired by initiatives such as this, we’re proud to announce that on 31 May we'll be hosting the first Tempus Earth Conservation Gala, where we’ll also be making some exciting announcements about our upcoming editions. There are still tickets available so please come down and help us support a great cause, the WWF.
Until then, we hope you enjoy the issue.
Rachel Ingram
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Editor Rachel Ingram rachel@tempusmagazine.co.uk
Editorial Director Scott Manson scott@tempusmagazine.co.uk
Digital Editor Michelle Johnson michelle@tempusmagazine.co.uk
Creative Director Ross Forbes ross@tempusmagazine.co.uk
Events and Partnerships Director Georgia Peck georgia@tempusmagazine.co.uk
Digital Writer Rose Adams rose.adams@tempusmagazine.co.uk
Style Editor Marius Borg Høiby editorial@tempusmagazine.co.uk
Boutique Partnership Manager Scott Wheeler scott.wheeler@tempusmagazine.co.uk
Office Assistant Dan Krout dan@tempusmagazine.co.uk
Chief Executive Officer Shaun Prince shaun@tempusmagazine.co.uk
Contributors
Kyle Fortune
Graham Rowan
Dominique Afacan
Adam Hay-Nicholls
For 20 years, Kyle has driven pretty much every vehicle under the sun and called it work. In this issue, he visits Switzerland for the Geneva Motor. Read his review on page 24.
Graham chairs Elite Investor Club, a global network of high net worth investors. In his first column (page 52) he reports on the returns that can be achieved from classic cars.
In this issue, our yachting expert Dominique explores what Britain’s leading superyacht builders are working on this year. Read her article on page 32.
Car journalist Adam discovers what happens when the worlds of style and motoring collide in his article on Porsche Design, which you can find on page 68.
Office Address: Tempus Media Floor 5, 3-5 Wardour Street London, W1D 6PB
tempusmagazine.co.uk @tempusmagazine TempusLondon @tempusmagazine
Printed by Symbian Print
Phone Number: +44 (0) 20 3910 1449
Cover image Model: David Gandy Photographer: Amy Shore Car: JD Classics Jaguar XK120 Location: Bicester Heritage Article on page 42
© 2018 Tempus Media Limited Articles and other contributions published in this journal may be reproduced only with special permission from the Publishers. The Publishers Tempus Media Limited, accept no responsibility for any views or statements made in the articles and other contributions reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is accepted for the claims in advertisements appearing in this journal and the Publishers reserve the right to accept or refuse advertisements at their discretion.
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CONTENTS
Speed 16 The luxe list This season's most exciting new launches 20 The crest of a wave Princess Yachts chairman Antony Sheriff launches our 'Leaders' column 22 Speed into style Car designer Afzal Kahn on how vehicles can be the ultimate fashion statement 24 Ground breakers The best launches and biggest trends at Geneva Motor Show 30 The great debate Discussing the pros and cons of luxury sport SUVs 32 Made in England The rise and rise of the British boatbuilding industry 36 The world's best car rallies Combine your love of cars and adventure at these global races 42 Back to basics Getting inside the head – and wardrobe – of motoring enthusiast Gavid Gandy 52 Golden wheels Our finance expert reveals how to best invest in classic cars 54 The need for speed Everything you need to know about the Porsche Carrera Cup
Style 60 The time is now An insider's guide to Baselworld 2018 68 Driven by design What happens when fashion and motoring collide 70 Elements of style Wardrobe essentials for stylish gentlemen
Escape 76 The jet set Europe's top models unveil their favourite summer destinations 80 Heaven on earth We travel to Mauritius as the island celebrates 50 years of independence 86 Inner calm Riverside luxury in the heart of Bangkok 88 The perfect brew Could this be Zurich's most unique hotel?
Culture 92 Time for an upgrade Private jet terminals are the new member's clubs 96 Into the wild Art meets nature in Anthony Russell's works 100 The business of giving Eva Longoria talks style, money and philanthropy
Indulge 106 Coastal cool The best beach bars in the world 112 Lofty ambitions Does London's Fenchurch restaurant live up to the hype?
Property 116 Aim for the skies Helipads and private runways are the ultimate home accessory 122 The millionaire man cave How bespoke garages offer far more than just storage
Events 126 Concours of elegance A preview of one of Britain's top motoring events 130 Save the date This season's best upcoming events
ISSUE 57
Photography: Amy Shore. Styling: Jacket, Drakes; Shirt, John Simons, BD Baddies; Trousers, Adam Rogers; Hat, Bates; Belt, Anderson & Sheppard; Watch, Patek Philippe 5940R
Back to basics 42
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The LUXE LIST Our essential guide to the most exciting new launches and finest seasonal must-haves
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Tesla Roadster Set to be the quickest car in the world, the new and improved Tesla Roadster will be able to reach speeds surpassing 250mph. Add to this an acceleration of zero-60 in 1.9 seconds and a 620-mile range and you’ve got the most impressive electric car to date. While speedsters will need to wait until 2020 for the car to hit the roads, anticipation is fast building. The first 1,000 cars – known as the Founder’s Series – start at $200,000 (£145,000) and are available to reserve now. tesla.com
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Breguet Marine Alarme Musicale 5547
Turnbull & Asser With the royal wedding approaching, global attention has turned to Britain and, in turn, our artisans. Historic Jermyn Street tailors Turnbull & Asser is a Royal Warrant holder offering bespoke tailoring services and quality craftsmanship. Awarded the prestigious accolade by loyal customer The Prince of Wales, the tailor is best known for its handmade shirts. turnbullandasser.co.uk
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Morgan Aero GT
Bringing the Aero range to the close with a bang is this race-inspired GT version of Morgan’s Aero 8. The eighth and final model from the bespoke collection was unveiled at Geneva Motor Show and noted for its rather unconventional aesthetic, featuring aerodynamic enhancing rear diffusers and wing top louvres. It’s powered by the Morgan N62 V8 engine – your last opportunity to snap up this truly special engine. morgan-motor.co.uk
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A stunning addition to Breguet’s new generation of Marine timepieces, this model is a shining example of style meets practicality. Three horological complications – including an alarm, two time zone indicators and a date display – are housed in a gold or titanium waterproof case. When the alarm is set, a ship’s bell appears at 12 o’clock, while the wave-like patterned dial adds to the maritime design theme of the collection. breguet.com
Aerodrome by David Gandy The Spitfire is one of the most legendary planes in British history, so when Aspinal of London recruited the help of David Gandy to create a capsule collection inspired by the iconic aircraft, we knew something special was coming. Combining Aspinal’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and Gandy’s eye for design, the range of accessories, briefcases and travel bags is practical yet stylish. You won’t want to travel without it. aspinaloflondon.com
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Emma Willis
JD Classics
As spring turns to summer, warmer weather demands a wardrobe update. Light, breathable and stylish, handmade linen shirts from Jermyn Street shirtmakers Emma Willis provide a seamless seasonal transition. Explore the ready-to-wear collection or order your bespoke pieces and join an esteemed clientele that includes Daniel Craig and Colin Firth.
Over the last 30 years, JD Classics has built a first-class reputation for restoring, racing and supplying the finest classic cars in the world. With a team of 75 expert craftsmen and engineers, JD Classics ensures that its vehicles not only look great, but they drive perfectly too. With showrooms in Mayfair, Newport Beach and their state-of-the- facility in Maldon, you can explore a collection of exquisite vehicles, for everything from performance upgrades to acclaimed Concours restorations.
emmawillis.com
jdclassics.com
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Sunseeker Predator 50
Designed for a summer’s day at sea, Sunseeker’s new Predator 50 is, essentially, a floating barbecue party. The elegant cruiser features a built-in grill andOutrage a fold-down beach, where owners can Audemars Piguet Diamond host up to six guests comfortably. Sun, sea and sizzling wagyu steaks – perfect. sunseeker.com
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Bicester Heritage Bicester may be known to many as the home of Bicester Village outlet mall, but there’s far more to the town than shopping. A short drive from the boutiques lies one of the greatest classic car hubs in England. Rivalling Goodwood in terms of history, Bicester Heritage occupies a beautifully preserved RAF bomber base. Visit one of the myriad classic car and plane events that take place throughout the year or make a weekend of it and stay in one of the crew rooms, named after distinguished RAF station commanders.
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bicesterheritage.co.uk
Hatt et SĂśner
Hatt et SĂśner is the best kept secret in Champagne. Specialising in bespoke personal vintage, the family-run house invites connoisseurs to create their own champagne, developed to their own taste, and follow the whole process from grape to glass. The finishing touch? Your personal design on the back label. hatt-soner.com
Available on the BOUTIQUE 19
THE CREST OF A WAVE As Princess Yachts reports revenue orders exceeding $1bn, executive chairman Antony Sheriff tells Tempus why the future of yachting is riding high thanks to innovation, investment and customer focus
True innovation within the yacht industry moves slowly but, to me, it’s a key part of every industrial business. When I joined Princess Yachts, the first question I asked was: “How can we build a boat that is 40% better than the most efficient boat we currently have?” And in turn, how do we reduce the footprint of everything we make? Our answer was to invest in hydrodynamics. It’s extraordinarily important, much more so than aerodynamics is to cars because water is denser and more viscous than air. Building the R35, our most experimental boat yet, was an incredible opportunity to experiment with hydrodynamics and showcase what we’d
learned. We found a fantastic partner in Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR), with whom we worked to create our unique Active Foil System. The result? One of the most stable and efficient fully carbon fibre boats on the water. The R35 will launch in September 2018, and I’m tremendously excited about it. Investing into our product line to make sure we’re consistently refreshing and expanding our range is a major part of our strategy. As well as introducing new technologies, we’re always seeking ways to improve our customers’ experience of boat ownership and, perhaps most importantly, we’re looking for ways to make ownership less intimidating. There are many more people who can afford to buy a yacht than who actually choose to do so, so our challenge, and opportunity, is to show potential customers the many benefits of yacht ownership. Part of that is offering more variety and more choice – different boats for different folks, if you will. I have a number of new favourites. The R35, of course, and this year’s 55. It’s very hard to make a small flybridge – as the boat gets shorter, they tend to keep the same vertical height and look like floating caravans – but our 55 is a wonderfully elegant boat. It’s very beautiful and sophisticated. And then there’s our S78, which just looks like a missile on the sea. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I see yacht manufacture as a very interesting mix of technology and luxury. A yacht is a beautifully made, high-value product, but it has an inherent technical aspect. But technology alone can feel a little
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soulless, while luxury and craftsmanship can seem superficial to some. At Princess Yachts, the two combine in perfect harmony. We use cutting-edge technology, of course, but we also pride ourselves on our craftsmanship. Indeed, if you visit our facilities you can see the truly remarkable skills of our craftsmen. Those artisans take decades to master the techniques, so our craftsmen are fundamental to our future. We have people who’ve been in the company since they were 16, who’ve learned their trade with us, and we now rely on them to train the craftsmen and women of the future. It’s integral to what we do – and it’s very romantic. I come from an automotive background, having run McLaren for 10 years, and I can say that there are some wonderful things about the boating industry, that other industries, like the automotive industry, could learn from. A can-do attitude, the ability to create remarkable things on very strict budgets and go straight from a CAD design to the finished product in one iteration, for example. By contrast, there are also things that the boating industry could learn. Sometimes the processes involved can seem somewhat bureaucratic, but whether you’re making the best supercar in the world or the highest quality performance yacht, process can be as important as engineering, and that’s leading us to a really positive time across the whole industry. It’s a wonderful time to be in the business of building yachts. princessyachts.com
COLUMN
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SPEED INTO STYLE A coachbuilt car by Afzal Kahn is the ultimate fashion statement
Words: Michelle Johnson
W
hen it comes to the business of bespoke cars, Afzal Kahn is the man you want in your corner. A self-described “automotive fashion designer”, he is unique in the industry for being the first Briton to have been commissioned by Aston Martin. His custom-built Aston Martin Vengeance – featuring the engine, gearbox and suspension of a modern Aston Martin DB9 with an all-new hand-built aluminium body, bespoke wheels and more – hit headlines when it was unveiled in 2015 and is still making waves. Under the banner of his businesses Kahn Design, Chelsea Truck Company and Project
Kahn, the entrepreneurial designer has also brought us vehicles such as the Flying Huntsman 105 Pickup, a bespoke 4x4 that started life as a Land Rover Defender, and his latest projects can be found at his showrooms on Kensington High Street and Kings Road, Chelsea. With a discerning clientele from around the world, Kahn has no shortage of wild customisation ideas to inspire his quest to build the ultimate in one-off luxury cars. And for the man who trained as an architect before becoming a self-taught designer, engineer and manufacturer, it's only fitting that he should take a holistic view of what’s become a driving ambition and labour of love.
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SPEED
Kahn’s DB9-inspired Vengeance
Tempus: How did your passion for coachbuilding come about? Afzal Kahn: Actually, I was first studying to become an architect, but my heart wasn't really in property. It was in cars. I pulled out of university and decided to do something that I would enjoy, and that was making cars look a little bit different. As I gained experience, and taught myself more, I learned how to engineer, design and manufacture. I set up Kahn Design in 1998, which at first was focused on designing alloy wheels and bespoke bumpers. I fell more in love with the car industry the more work I did. My business grew – I became a genius in my field and so had to keep challenging myself, which is how my work with Aston Martin came about. You were the first coachbuilder to call your custom car, Vengeance, an Aston Martin. How did that happen? Yes, my car Vengeance was one of the first independent relationships with Aston Martin. It's a great opportunity, because a big brand like Aston Martin wouldn't give a company permission to make a teacup with their branding on it, let alone a car. But they gave me their blessing to go out and create this car, which is based on the DB9. It's a completely handmade, hammerformed aluminium car in an industry where most
are aluminium composites and formed by machines. I produced the Vengeance in the traditional way, and it took me seven years to design, engineer and create it. Aston Martin agreed that there should only ever be five in the world, so we make one a year – I've got one, of course. What excites you about coachbuilding? It’s different to many hobbies. With building a car, the buzz is in knowing you can build something from start to finish. You’re always working towards the end result. I’m very much a perfectionist and I think that’s why Aston Martin let me build the Vengeance. They share that perfectionism, and the finished product really does move like it should. When you drive it, it roars, and you can see the true British workmanship running through it. If you had no limitations, what would you create as your ideal custom car? If I had an unlimited budget I’d build some crazy machines, but the first thing I would want to do is design my own electric car. I think the future is electric now – in 10 years this planet will be a different place. You've acquired quite an impressive car collection. Could you tell us about some of your favourites?
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I've got around nine cars now – I had more, but I've recently been selling some of my collection to invest back into my companies. I have a Vengeance, which is my pride and joy, as well as a Land Rover Defender and a Jeep Wrangler. I have a Porsche Turbo, which was the first Porsche I ever bought when I was 21. I've also got a new Bugatti Veyron, which is limited edition. I'm in love with it. You're also moving into more lifestyle products. Is that very different to designing cars? My businesses have so far focused mainly on car brands like Aston Martin, Bentley and Ferrari, or 4x4s like Land Rover, Jeep Wrangler or the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, but now I'm moving into designing my own range of watches, a line of sneaker-boots that will launch in the next few months, and luggage. I'm excited to move into lifestyle because, as a designer, I can do it without a problem – it's about what's trending, what's fitting. If it was the other way around and you asked a famous fashion designer to make a car, they wouldn't even know where to start. Engineering is a lot more involved and difficult than fashion design, but the beauty of lifestyle is that I don't have to crash test it. kahndesign.com
Ground breakers Tempus visited Switzerland’s annual Geneva Motor Show to discover this year’s hottest automotive trends Words: Kyle Fortune
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T
he car industry is clearly in the midst of a sizeable paradigm shift. We’re charging away from conventional, internal combustion vehicles into a future powered by hybrids and fully electric vehicles. And motor shows are the arena in which the automotive world unites, celebrates and experiments with its present and its future – none more so than the Geneva Motor Show show. The long-standing Swiss event hosts the world’s automotive great and good every year, taking up two halls of the Palexpo centre. Its halls are filled with the latest vehicles from long-standing, recognised brands; more than a few aspiring upstarts; and a collection of tuners, dreamers and traditional styling houses that make the Geneva Motor Show the only event of its kind worth visiting. Traditionally the busiest show for model launches, its March date suits the industry. Every stand sees new models revealed, be it a humdrum hatchback or outlandish supercar. You’ll see it all at Geneva, and this year was no different. That’s particularly true when talking supercars. Of all the shows, Geneva always attracts the eye-candy, the outrageous super and hypercars that are, ultimately, irrelevant for all but a small, wealthy few, but give the entire automotive world a shot of glamour. Ferrari rocked up with its 488 Pista, a lighter, 710bhp version of its already fast 488 GTB that’ll reach 62mph in 2.9
seconds and 200mph shortly after. Not to be outdone, Porsche brought along its track rat 911 GT3 RS. These two certain to be fighting for honours on the front pages of enthusiast magazines in the coming months. That Porsche also unveiled its Mission E Cross Turismo underlines the dichotomy of the Swiss show. A crossover touring vision of Porsche’s soon to be launched all-electric Mission E, it shows that every firm is chasing an electric future, even those more traditionally thought of as being indulgent. Jaguar revealed its i-Pace, the firm’s first all-electric car, beating its German rivals to market, if still trailing behind Tesla. In fact, you couldn’t move for electrified products at the Geneva show. If it’s not plugged in or hybrid, forget about it. Diesel is a dirty word this year, off the back of plentiful scandal about it – Volkswagen is running so quickly in the opposite direction from that particular nightmare so as to seemingly forget it’s in the business of producing cars. All the talk from VW’s people was of shared mobility, electric drive trains and autonomy – our cars are no longer things to be truly desired and enjoyed, but instead more simply a means to get about. VW’s I.D. Vizzion concept car – a 400-mile range plug-in electric car that was presented without a steering wheel – underlined that. That’s unlikely to be the reality when it’s actually produced, but this nightmarish utopian
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mobility concept caused some uncomfortable ripples at the show among those who actually like their cars. For them there was plenty to gawp at in awe, Bugatti presented a sharper Chiron Sport for those with €2.65m to burn on a 1,479bhp hypercar, for instance. It wasn’t the only mad flagship at the show burning only unleaded, however. McLaren revealed its Senna, a homage to F1’s most famous lost driver and, fittingly, a car that’s as uncompromising in its performance as the man it’s named after. How does 789bhp and under 1,200kg to shift sound to you? You want it, right? Tough, as every one of the 500 models the Woking firm is promising to build has already been sold. Good business too at £750,000 before local taxes – and your bill from McLaren’s MSO department when you decide how you want to personalise it. Add another couple of hundred thousand for good measure, then. Perhaps, if they build it, and they will (they’re suggesting a run of 75), you could go the whole hog and have the GTR version, which was revealed alongside the ‘road’ car in Geneva. Now, while the standard car’s looks are divisive enough, the GTR adds aero aids seemingly by the acre, to give it performance around a track only second to an F1 car. Not to be outdone, Aston Martin revealed a track-only version of its Valkyrie. Dubbed AMR Pro Hypercar, Aston references its recent F1 cars »
SPEED
GENEVA ALWAYS ATTRACTS THE EYECANDY, THE
OUTRAGEOUS SUPER AND HYPERCARS
THAT ARE, ULTIMATELY, IRRELEVANT FOR ALL BUT A SMALL, WEALTHY FEW
Clockwise, from the left: Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, McLaren Senna GTR, Aston Martin Valkyrie, Ferrari 488 Pista
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as comparable on performance. And, like the McLaren, its owners will get access to F1 simulators and training to allow them to get the best from their new toys. Money might not be able to buy you happiness, but it doesn’t half buy you a slice of speed. Want bonkers performance with a conscience? When Rimac will sell you a C_Two – a 258mph capable pure electric GT hypercar. Elsewhere on the Aston Martin stand was a more sedate, lounge-like look at the future, courtesy of Lagonda. If performance is one theme of the Geneva show, then autonomy and luxury is another. The Lagona Vision Concept is a batteryelectric powered luxury wedge, its charge held by solid state batteries, wirelessly charged in just 15 minutes. Aston and Lagonda hope it reaches production by 2021, but I wouldn’t hold your breath for that. Elsewhere Geneva wowed with concepts like BMW’s cool M8 Gran Coupe concept, a lithe, beautifully proportioned saloon that shows everything doesn’t have to be an SUV these days. Land Rover brought along its new two-door Range Rover – the SV Coupe – built in a batch of 999 at just shy of £250m each. Shame then it looks a bit awkward, though Land Rover won’t have any trouble selling them all. Bentley brought along its Bentayga Hybrid, Volvo showcased a beautiful estate and coupe courtesy of its Polestar brand – the Swedish firm resurgent at the moment – while Mercedes-AMG came correct with a new GT four-door model and Toyota teased its next-generation Supra. Throw in the oddities, from Alpine to Zenovo, and everything in between (including some near-production flying ‘cars’) and Geneva didn’t disappoint in 2018, indeed, we can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a few of the stars.
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SPEED
Interior of the Range Rover SV Coupe
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THE GREAT DEBATE: Luxury sport SUVs
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DEBATE
For
Against
Luxury SUVs are for grown up racer boys, argues MJS Capital’s Shaun Prince
Luxury SUVs are beasts without beauty, says Tempus style editor Marius Borg Høiby
t is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a sports car. There’s nothing I used to love more than speeding off on a great road in a powerful supercar. They’re created for the thrill-seeking bachelor’s lifestyle in every detail, from the attention-grabbing paint job and F1-inspired gadgets, to the tiny boot space – just enough room for your single bag of shopping or a takeaway meal. Even now, whenever I get a weekend to myself, I’m out in my business partner’s ludicrously orange Lamborghini, speeding away from my busy life as CEO of two diverse companies. However, recently I’ve had to admit that, despite my sporty weekend excursions still being a great escape, my no-longer 20-year-old body has begun to protest the uncomfortable seats and narrow interior spaces of even the best sports cars. Put frankly, the driving’s still great but by the time I get to my destination I struggle to heave my once toned physique from the exceedingly low seats – picture a newborn foal trying to find its legs and you’ll get the gist. Cue the luxury SUV – you still get the speed and power of your beloved sports car, but the comfort trumps anything you can get in a supercar or basic SUV and, even better, you can leap gracefully from the driver’s seat without looking like Bambi. Purists will tell you to just get both – one sports car for speed and power and one SUV that can handle any terrain. But where’s the fun in that? A normal SUV just isn’t fast enough for when you want to put your foot down. For me, SUVs are at their best when inspired by a sports car – look at the Range Rover Sport PHEV. When Jaguar Racing test driver Ho-Pin Tung was set the task of conquering China’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ on four wheels last summer, it wouldn’t have been right for him to do it in just in any car. For the mission, which involved speeding up 999 steps at a dangerous 45-degree incline, he chose the Range Rover Sport PHEV, which not only smashed the challenge, but it also did it in style (pictured left). The main problem people seem to have with the luxury SUV concepts we saw at the Geneva Motor Show in March was their look. But some disagree. Take my partner, for example. When I asked to buy a Lamborghini, I was flatly told no. When I put the Lamborghini Urus under her nose, she said yes. And that’s my point. Many of those who can afford to buy super cars are of the age where they may have families, so the luxury SUV can be the perfect compromise of style, speed and practicality. Luxury SUVs are a transitional car. They’re for the gentleman who wants a new sports car, but whose wife won’t let him get one; or for the family man who requires a four door but yearns for something more powerful. For me, this is a perfect example of where all these aspects meet. In 2019, Aston Martin is set to unveil a new luxury sports SUV – rumoured to be called the Varekai. The model is currently under production so not too much is known about it, but CEO Andy Palmer previously stated that it will stand out “because it has not sacrificed any beauty to achieve its practicality or performance”. Currently, the car leading the charge is the Land Rover Sport SVR –the brand’s fastest ever SUV – which has all the looks, engine power and comfort that you’d desire in such a car. But if Aston Martin’s Varekai is really as good as experts are predicting, it could transform the world of luxury sports SUVs as we know it.
hen it comes to buying a luxury SUV, there is only one question you need to ask yourself: what are you thinking? Not to be dramatic, but I can’t think of a single reason why a luxury SUV – that is, an SUV developed by a sports car brand – would be a necessary addition to any car collector’s garage. The vast majority are beasts without beauty, style or soul. And if you live in London – with so few spaces to park, hills to climb or, barring one week of freak weather earlier this year, very little snow to traverse either – there’s no reason to own a 4x4. But, you ask, what about those sports car enthusiasts that live outside the city? Don’t they deserve something with a little more style or power? To them, I say steer clear of luxury SUVs and opt for a traditional SUV. Although hybrid luxury sport SUVs promise all the speed and power of a sports car, the simple truth is something with the bulk of an SUV is never going to provide the thrill of a McLaren F1. There’s no room (or maybe there’s far too much of it) for the kind of aerodynamic design that makes a sports car look so sexy. And that’s the thing. If any car owner asks themselves honestly, the entire point of owning a Lamborghini, a Porsche, or the like, is to show off – to put your style and wealth on display and then drive. And drive fast. When you turn a sports car into an SUV you erase both handling and sex appeal. Frankly, most of the SUV concepts I saw at the Geneva Motor Show had all the design aesthetic and raw appeal of a Dyson hairdryer. Look at the Lotus SUV concept – it’s possibly the most hideous car on earth. And the Lamborghini Urus? My inner pre-teen is weeping at the very thought of trying to hang a poster of that machine on his bedroom wall. It’s almost as though the brand is trying to ruin their own image on purpose – perhaps for something more beautiful to come along in their next big reveal? I will hold on to hope. I will say though, the Bentley Bentayga, while visually unimpressive, is at least functional. As a brand focused on both luxury and sports, this car isn’t just for showing off. I would even say the BMW X5 or Audi Q7 share a similar aesthetic in functionality. If you want a fast SUV, go for a Jeep or a Land Rover that is as functional as it is fun to drive. If you are insisting on a sports SUV, why not take a spin in a Tesla Model X – faster than Lamborghini’s SUV and just as luxurious. Put simply, if you have enough money to buy a luxury SUV then I beg you – buy both a 4x4 and a sports car instead. After all, an elephant bred with a cheetah can never be as prized.
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Test Drive Tuesdays Coming soon to tempusmagazine.co.uk
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Witness the power of British boatbuilding at Falmouth harbour
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Made in
England Superyachts might be associated with far sunnier climes, but many of the world’s best are designed and built in the UK Words: Dominique Afacan
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et’s be honest. Britain is not the first place that springs to mind when we picture superyachts and sailing holidays. The Med perhaps, or the Caribbean, but England? No. Here’s the thing though – while the notoriously rainy country may not boast the best climate or cruising grounds, it builds yachts like they’re going out of fashion. And they’re quite good at it, as it turns out. The UK superyacht market employs almost 5,000 people and last year created a whopping £615m in turnover. Anthony Sheriff, CEO of Plymouth-based Princess Yachts, thinks England’s naval history might have something do with it. “Our 30m yachts are built on the same patch of land where Sir Francis Drake took the British naval fleet off to conquer the Spanish and the French,” he says. “The mock-ups of our boats are built in the ropery that was used by the British Navy. So even our dayto-day business of making new and innovative boats is steeped in the past. We can’t turn left or right without running into our naval history.” Princess now has a pretty powerful fleet of its own; it expects to build nearly 300 yachts this year alone – and it’s also set to release a sexy new line of high-speed all-carbon-fibre boats developed in collaboration with BAR Technologies – part of the British team in the America’s Cup. Down the road in Poole lies Sunseeker. Once famed for its compact and speedy performance boats, its yachts have been steadily growing in length in recent years, responding to an audience for whom size matters more and more. Formula 1 star Eddie Jordan is one of the company’s high profile repeat owners who sold his beloved Sunseeker Blush last year. The 47m yacht has room for 12 guests and 10 crew as well as a spa pool, fold-down balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s perhaps the perfect show boat to demonstrate the potential of this British brand, which will be sponsoring the Fifa World Cup in Russia later this year. And it’s not just fancy motoryachts that the UK is good a making – its top manufacturers can do mammoth sailing yachts, too. Just ask Pendennis, the Cornwall-based shipbuilders currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. This spring, the company will launch a 42m sailing yacht – it’s also busy refitting a 1915 classic schooner, Mariette. Mike Carr, the company’s CEO, believes Britain’s success owes much to superior craftsmanship. “British craftsmanship and design is at the forefront of our industry, being recognised on a global level,” he says.
WE CAN’T TURN LEFT OR RIGHT WITHOUT RUNNING INTO OUR NAVAL
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Pendennis specialises in custom boats
Interestingly, many of the world’s most celebrated craftsmen, yacht designers and naval architects are based in Britain, too. There’s Bannenberg & Rowell, responsible for the pale timber and carbon fibre interior of 65m Galactica Star and the slick exteriors of 70m Feadship, Joy. There’s Tim Heywood, a veritable celebrity in the superyachting world, responsible for the elegant lines of 115m Pelorus. And of course, there’s Andrew Winch, who designs jets and houses alongside groundbreaking superyachts such as Cloud 9. The list goes on. While many of the key designers are based in or around London, the shipbuilders tend to gather along the South Coast. Carr believes the location of Pendennis in Falmouth could actually be a draw for the company’s high net worth clients. “This beautiful corner of England can provide anonymity and relaxation,” he says. “The high standards of luxury accommodation supported by Michelin starred or award-winning local restaurants mean that we are more than able to cater to the expectations of discerning superyacht owners.” Perhaps it’s also foolish to write off Britain’s cruising credentials. Those willing to brave the risky climate can reap rewards, whether sailing along the Thames (as the 119m MotorYacht A did to great fanfare a couple of years back) or heading off to explore our rugged coastline. The new ‘Cool Route’ – a European-funded marketing drive designed to attract superyachts to Scotland and beyond – goes from Cork on Ireland’s south coast, up through western and Northern Ireland and onto Western Scotland before stretching up to the Faroe Islands and Norway. Given the trend for more intrepid travel by superyacht, it’s the sort of itinerary that is bound to grow in popularity. Those expedition-style trips require bigger and better yachts, capable of coping with longerrange cruising and trickier conditions. According to Andrew Harries from industry body British Marine, Britain’s on top of that, too. “A period of transition is shaping the UK superyacht sector,” he explains, “with yacht builders looking to shift into larger custom new build projects to compete with Europe’s largest builders.” The future, it seems, is bigger as well as better.
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Pendennis Shipyard
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THE WORLD’S BEST CAR RALLIES If you love cars and crave adventure, there are few better ways to combine the two than by taking part in an epic road trip with a bunch of like-minded petrolheads Words: Scott Manson
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ow do you see the world, without feeling like a typical tourist, and combine the thrill of fast cars and awesome parties in one trip? You need to investigate the heady world of the car rally. Put to one side the preconceptions of auto-loving bores, who gather at the end of each day to talk gear differentials and the difficulty of sourcing heritage paint hues, and instead get ready for a selection of bragging-right guaranteed ultimate drives in the company of people who love partying as much as they love the latest hypercar.
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Rolex Monterey The beautiful setting of Monterey, California, is the home of this much-loved annual historic car rally. Part of Monterey Car Week – which also includes the show-stopping Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – the event sees around 550 historic and period-correct motors from nearly every era competing on the 2,238-mile road course. Supporting the on-track racing is a paddock that’s open to everyone, Q&A sessions with legends, special exhibition laps and a marketplace of stalls showing a wide range of automobilia and products. On track, expect to see everything from pre-1940 sports cars to 19671984 F1 cars and some beautiful old touring cars. A must for classic car fans. weathertechraceway.com
Targa Newfoundland For true driving enthusiasts, this annual race is a dream – and one of the most enjoyable rallies on the planet. Make no mistake, it’s a challenging undertaking, not least because of the logistics involved in getting your car, parts and crew out to the beautiful north Atlantic island of Newfoundland. It’s open to owners of historic, classic and modern sporting vehicles, with each car competing against itself on a handicap basis, as well as against other vehicles. There’s a timed Grand Touring rally, as well as the Fast Tour – a non-competitive event which allows the owners of exotic cars to drive them the way they were meant to be driven, without the stress of competition. 1,400 miles in seven days (15 – 21 September) is what you’re in for, with some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the world as your backdrop. Beautiful. »
Photo credits Targa - Curtis Walsh Media
targanfld.com
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Gumball 3000 The daddy of all modern car rallies, this Britishborn 3,000-mile international celebrity motor rally is the brainchild of entrepreneur, designer, race car driver and former model Maximillion Cooper. Combining cars, music, fashion and entertainment, it’s set the bar for high-profile car rallies since it launched in 1999. It’s arguably best known for its glamorous parties and celebrity participants, often driving outrageously cool cars – David Hasselhoff in the original Knight Rider car, for example, or Lewis Hamilton in a Koenigsegg Agera HH – but it’s still a test of endurance. Spending several days in a car, combined with partying all night, can be tougher than you might imagine. This year, for Gumball’s 20th anniversary, this race runs from London to Tokyo (4 – 12 August) and promises to be the biggest event yet. Only 100 cars will make the journey so get your entry in now. gumball3000.com
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THE KING OF GUMBALL Maximillion Cooper, founder of the Gumball 3000 rally, talks fast cars, KGB security and how he ended up singing karaoke with North Korea’s supreme leader
Tempus: Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the Gumball 3000. How does its current incarnation match your initial ambitions?
Russia, though, was another level of craziness. At one point we were crossing the border – we’d appointed former KGB staff as security and they were on the ground and circling above us in a helicopter. As we drove into St Petersburg, the drivers were genuinely scared. All the roads were closed, blacked out Mercedes cars were shadowing us – it was quite something.
Maximillion Cooper: It’s gone above and beyond anything I’d imagined. I wanted to create something that combined all my passions, from motoring to music to action sports but, more than anything, it was just a way of getting a group of friends together to do something different and have an adventure. 70% of the people taking part in the first rally weren’t even car people. They were just there for the parties and the social aspect. And that’s something we’ve seen grow year-on-year.
Talking of crazy, is it true you sang karaoke with the late Kim Jong-il, supreme leader of North Korea?
Other rallies have launched since Gumball began, but yours is still regarded as the best of its kind. What’s made it such an enduring success? No one else plans like we do, and we try something new every year. From year two, we flew cars to the rally. Recently in London, we had 3,000 staff at the capital’s event alone and one million people attended. We put on the biggest concerts and get the most exposure of any rally. Can you reveal any special experiences you’re planning for this 20year celebration rally, running from London to Tokyo? After 20 years, we have the perfect format nailed. A six to seven-day trip, with three to four of those as ‘public days’ – like our city festivals. They combine a car show with a music festival and action sports demos This year, Tokyo will have two days of music festivals. The city has been really supportive – they’re even sponsoring the Tony Hawk vert ramp demonstration, to publicise the 2020 Olympics in the city. Skateboarding is being added to the games for the first time, you see. A few friends of Tempus took part in a Gumball a decade or so ago, and picked up some speeding tickets along the way. What sort of reputation does the rally have with local authorities these days? We never do anything dangerous or illegal. In fact, councils close roads or sections of cities for two days for us now, which is very different to the old days. Besides, you can’t really do anything illegal in these digital-first times as the whole thing is pretty much constantly streaming on Facebook Live or YouTube.
Yes, that was the San Francisco to Beijing run. We drove to Vegas and then shipped the cars to China. The drivers got to spend 24 hours in North Korea, hosted by Kim Jong-il. We ended up watching a show in their national stadium – just 300 of us in a stadium built for 150,000 people, which was incredible. More amazing is that we spent the night doing karaoke with Kim Jong-il. I think he was particularly impressed with my version of the Sex Pistols’ My Way. The 2014 rally, which ran from Miami to Ibiza, was also memorable. We parked all the cars at Ibiza’s Old Port, which was quite a sight, and Deadmau5 was DJing for us. He’s a big car guy actually – this year he’s taking part in a car that looks like a fish, apparently. Most importantly, I married [singer] Eve this year at the Blue Marlin beach club. So clearly this was the best ever Gumball! There have been so many amazing cars on the grid at Gumball over the years, but which ones for you personally have stood out? The McLaren F1 LM at the first rally, for sure, as it’s only one of five ever made. Oh, and in 2015 we had the Tumbler car from the Batman movie. It got the best reaction of any car from the public – certainly more than any hypercar we’ve featured. In 2012 I got to drive a Shelby Cobra from New York to LA, which was a dream realised. Who’s been your favourite celebrity participant? And who would you love to see to take part in the Gumball? Obviously, my wife [Eve]. She took part in 2010, which is when we met. And Hugh Hefner doing the whole trip in a limo – that was pretty cool. I’d love to see Steve McQueen and Paul Newman take part, as they are definitive car guys, but you can see how that might be tricky! For the fans, I think The Rock [Dwayne Johnson] would be awesome. I’d love to make that happen.
Some places have proved challenging though?
Finally, what’s next for you personally in terms of business ambition? Are you drifting into the slow lane to relax and enjoy the fruits of your success – or are things still going full throttle?
Oh, of course. We’ve been to 60 countries over the years, so there have been testing moments. Weirdly, given its history of racing drivers and great car manufacture, Germany has been the trickiest country to date – we were there in 2010 and 2013. They have a total ban on road rallies, but timed stage races are okay, which is odd. Oh, and they hate cars with stickers on them.
I’m always looking for the next challenge. If things get too easy then we just step it up a gear. I’m back to more of a creative director role now, rather than logistics, which is the fun part. I’ve just completed a fashion collection with Kappa, for example, and have worked with brands like Puma, Adidas and the Morgan Motor Company. So, life is still moving pretty quickly. »
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BEHIND THE WHEEL Chris Ward, operations manager at JD Classics, on the charm of the Mille Miglia and how to survive four days on the road
Tempus: What does the Mille Miglia mean to you?
How is JD Classics getting involved this year?
Chris Ward: It’s a very special event to be part of, not only because you’re getting to drive such fantastic cars past fantastic scenery, but also to experience the passion that the Italian people have for this event. It’s truly amazing. I’m in awe of the passion that every single person has for the cars. Italy is, obviously, the home of Ferrari so I guess that’s where a lot of it comes from. Whether you’re going through a large city like Rome or a small village in the mountains, there are people, from children of five-years-old to elderly people of 90, lining the roads, waving flags, and supporting the event from the moment it starts to the moment it finishes. It’s really special.
We’ve been a gold sponsor for the past three years and we’re running 12 cars at the event this year so we are probably one of the biggest single entries from a classic car business taking part. We’re very fortunate that we’re able to offer our customers a complete experience, from sourcing and preparing their car to running their car during the event, and tuition right the way through. How do you prepare drivers for the rally?
It is incredibly intense, not only for the car but for the human body as well. You can be in the car from 7.30am through to 10.30pm. I’m lucky that I’ve done it in our C-type, which is actually an incredibly comfortable car to drive. Although the cockpit is very short and you’ve got a strange seating position, I haven’t got out of the car thinking ‘Cor, I’m really aching’. I’ve got out of the car feeling quite refreshed from a physical point of view but obviously quite drained mentally because of everything that’s going on.
We have a day’s training prior to the event itself so participants have the opportunity to drive their car and get a real feel for it. We take them to a proving ground that simulates some of the mountain roads we have on Mille Miglia. We also give them an insight on how the event works from start to finish. Part of that is introducing those people to their service crews. They are the most important people that our drivers need to form a relationship with, because the first thing you need to do when you get back after a day driving is communicate the car’s performance with your crew so they can create a job list of requirements from your feedback. At JD Classics, I would align us with the Italians and the passion they have for motoring. We are lucky to have such a fantastic team of engineers supporting the drivers and working on the cars overnight to make sure they’re ready to roll the next day.
Tell us about the gorgeous Jaguar C-type you’ve previously raced in the Mille Miglia.
As a Mille Miglia pro, what’s your advice for drivers participating for the first time?
I’ve been very fortunate to drive it. It was originally owned by Fangio, who was a very well-known Formula 1 world champion. It’s a beautiful car to drive. At JD Classics, we have a great selection of cars, dating back through whole period that the original Mille Miglia was run, so it’s not just C-types that we can cater for, we can cater for cars as early as the late ’20s, early ’30s, right the way through to 1957. I think whatever car you’re able to drive in the Mille Miglia, it is a privilege and you’ll get the best out of it and really enjoy the event.
I would say that people need to understand the event as a whole and understand that it’s not only a test of the driver but it’s also a test of the car. You need to understand how the car works and be mechanically sympathetic in the way that you drive it. You’re able to drive quite quickly on the Mille Miglia but the cars need to be treated as you’d be expected to be treated as a person. It’s about taking your time, too, not trying to rush, and enjoying yourself.
Four days of consistent driving is a tough feat for even the most enthusiastic classic car owner. What keeps you going for such long stretches on the road?
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Verve Driven by the desire to create a rally that wasn’t just for male petrolheads, two serial entrepreneurs launched a female-friendly, carbon-neutral supercar rally that’s worthy of any bucket list – and described by GQ as “the closest you’ll get to living your dream.” This year’s event runs 1-9 September across seven European countries, starting in London and ending in Belgium. There’s also a six-day London to Ibiza rally in July, which is sensibly limited to four to five hours driving every day, allowing participants more time to enjoy the nightly parties and high-end hotels that are booked for them along the way. This is not a challenge of speed or endurance – as co-founder Darshana Ubl says: “A race is a timed event. A rally is two or more cars sharing an adventure.” And if you don’t feel your car quite cuts it, or you simply fancy trying something different, then Verve can rent you a stunning supercar for the duration of the event. ververally.com
Mille Miglia Running annually since 1927 (apart from an understandable break during World War II), this 1,000-mile race through the roads of Italy ended in 1957 after a car struck spectators. However, it was revived in 1982 as a four-day rally – and one limited to cars produced no later than 1957 – running a Brescia-RomeBrescia round trip. Bringing together the best of tradition and elegance, it’s become one of the world’s most iconic road races that’s as special for the spectators as it is for the drivers. Those in the know ensure that they check out the road between Rome and Siena – regarded as the most beautiful stretch of road in Italy – where you’ll get the perfect view of some of the world’s finest old automobiles being pushed to their limits. On that note, if you’re a driver then speed limits are not terribly well-enforced. Because this is Italy – and this is the country’s most famous race. 1000miglia.eu
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BACK TO BASICS We strip back the glamour surrounding Britain’s most iconic model to discover the man behind the David Gandy brand Words: Rachel Ingram
Photography: Amy Shore
Gandy’s passion for design is behind his love of motoring
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Styling: Adam Rogers
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GANDY GRABS THE WHEEL OF THE JAGUAR XK120 AND SPEEDS OFF, OUR PHOTOGRAPHER
HANGING ON FOR DEAR LIFE
Styling: Watch, Patek Philippe 5940R; Suede coat, Vintage Italian; Polo LS top Anderson & Sheppard, Cotton trousers, Adam Rogers; Shoes, Edward Green
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avid Gandy may have “fallen” into modelling but, despite a 15-year career in front of the camera, it’s not fashion that inspires him. Sure, he takes an interest in shoots and certainly knows how to work his angles – we discover this first hand as Gandy grabs the wheel of the Jaguar XK120 and speeds off, our photographer hanging on for dear life – but his passion lies in photography rather than clothing. The most successful male model of his generation, Gandy’s experience in the industry is unparalleled. But instead of sitting back and riding the wave of success, he has begun stepping away from the lens, focusing instead on designing capsule collections for brands such as Aspinal of London, and directing short films for the likes of Breitling. The bigger the challenge the better, for this passionate perfectionist.
But while his professional achievements speak for themselves, the question remains – who is David Gandy? When we meet him on a sunny spring day at Bicester Heritage, we want to get to know the man behind the ‘David Gandy’ brand that he has, admittedly, built – and cleverly so. What does he dream about at night? What sets his heart racing? What keeps him awake with anticipation until the early hours? The answer is simple. His true love, his unrivalled passion, the one thing that makes him feel “like a kid at Christmas” time and time again, is cars. And not just any cars. Gandy’s motoring collection, past and present, rivals that of some of the world’s greatest collectors. From his first car – a 1987 Ford Fiesta Ghia, he admits with a hint of embarrassment –
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to the XK120 he’s getting custom-restored for the 2019 Mille Miglia, and an impressive selection of Mercedes and Porsche classics in between, his garage has housed some serious metal. And this is just the beginning. Describing himself a “purist driver”, Gandy’s love for motoring is about more than just the vehicles. It’s about the incomparable feeling of elation he gets when positioned behind the wheel. “I am at home in a car. That’s my happy place,” he says with a grin while reminiscing on his favourite models. So, what happens when we make one of Gandy’s dreams come true by sticking him in one of the most iconic classic cars ever made and giving him full range of one of Britain’s most historic motoring locations? Magic can’t quite begin to explain it. »
Tempus: Where does your passion for classic cars stem from?
Styling Below and top right: Suede shirt and V neck jumper, Anderson & Sheppard; Shirt and trousers, John Simons; Chukka boots, Sanders from TRUNK
David Gandy: I don’t know where my passion came from. Nobody in my family has a passion for it but that passion was in me from a young age. My mum says I used to look at car magazines before I could even read. Obviously, I’ve fallen into fashion, but that wasn’t engrained in me like cars were. And I think the older I’ve got, the more I can appreciate that we’re never going to get cars designed like classic cars anymore. I’m probably an old head on young shoulders, but I love everything from British tailoring and craftsmanship to classic cars. It’s not necessarily always about cars, it’s about design – from the clothing I’m designing now to interior decorating, watches, bags… to me, I’m passionate about anything with a design element. There’s something so romantic about the classic car industry… It is romantic. We’re a cottage industry but it’s important. It’s not always about driving the cars, at the end of the day it’s about keeping those cars on the road for another 60 or 70 years, keeping them for the next generation. It’s that cliched thing of – you’re not restoring them for yourself, you’re restoring for the generation after. Obviously, they’re also a great asset, a good investment. But I’ve never really bought classic
from a great asset point of view. I’ve bought them because I love them. I’ve always loved the Porsche 356, which is being finished at the moment, and the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. Of course, I would have loved the Gullwing, but I couldn’t quite afford that at the time. And then the XK120 because I’ve raced them. I’m buying them for the beauty of the cars and the feeling I get from driving them. You can’t drive them every day – you’d be mad to. But for one day a week, I love to get back in the Jag. How do you feel when you climb into one of these classic cars? It’s that feeling that you get from actually going back to real driving. Modern day cars are so easy to drive, you have assisted steering, assisted braking, and so on, but you have nothing on these cars. They’re manual with no power steering, so you have to be careful of what everyone else is doing in front of you. You have to really re-calibrate your brain on how to drive again. Sometimes it’s not the most relaxing drive, it’s actually quite hard, and being 6 ft 3 in, I don’t always fit in classic cars, but it’s always a pleasure. If you love driving and you’re a purist driver then you love getting the best of these cars. They’re not hugely fast or powerful cars, but there’s a thrill in getting the best out of them, especially when you’re racing. Racing a classic car at 80mph seems like 150mph. It’s kind of mad.
Speaking of racing, you’re planning to take part in the Mille Miglia for the third time in 2019 – the second time in a classic Jaguar XK120. What do you love about this rally? I suppose I have a love of Italy. We always travelled to Italy when we were young, so it feels like a second home. People always say to me, ‘you love eating, you love fast cars, you love style and you love woman – are you sure you’re not Italian?’ Unfortunately, I’m not, but there’s a passion for cars in Italy that you will not get anywhere else. It’s incredible. In Mille Miglia, you have 400 classic cars driving through towns and people, from grandmothers to little children, come out and applaud. You couldn’t do that in the UK – they would stop the rally. Plus, with regulations now and with speed cameras and other people filming, you can’t drive like you would love to. But in the Mille Miglia, you can. There doesn’t seem to be many rules in the Mille Miglia, or if there are I have yet to break all of them. What’s the craziest thing that has happened to you during the rally? There was a time when I was doing the rally with Yasmin Le Bon – we were driving through Tuscany in beautiful sunshine, she was map reading and we were exhausted, so we lived on Red Bull, coffee and Haribo. So, I’ve got Yasmin Le Bon as my co-driver, driving through Tuscany in the Mille, and she was feeding me Haribo, and at that point I thought, ‘does life get any better? This has got to be it. If someone wanted to kill me now, I’d be in a happy place.’ So, tell us, what was your first car? It was a 1987 Ford Fiesta Ghia with electric windows that didn’t work, or they did work but you had to press them and bang the door at the same time, so I’ve paid my dues, car wise. It wasn’t like I went straight into brand new cars, I gradually worked up to a decent car. What are you driving right now? At the moment, there’s that electric blue beast, the Jaguar F-Type SVR, which is actually one of my favourite cars. It’s an everyday supercar – easy to drive but with supercar speed. I love the Britishness of it. Jaguar have had a very hard time throughout certain decades, but they’re an incredible brand, with an amazing heritage and I love being part of that. I’ve been part of that for 11 years, so I suppose there’s something quite heartfelt for me working with Jaguar. I’ve also got a Mercedes 190 SL and the Porsche 356, which is being finished at the moment. How did you find driving the Jaguar XK120 from JD Classics today? It was a dream! That’s the car I did the Mille Miglia in, and I’ve bought one. The spec of the car is quite amazing. That’s how I’ve specced my XK120. When you’re speccing a car you never actually get
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to see one in the flesh, so when I was looking at that I was like ‘oh wow it’s got the dark rimmed wheels and the bucket seats and the double windscreen’. It’s virtually exactly the same, apart from the fact we’ve got a quick release steering wheel and quick release petrol cap because we’re racing it. I’m also having mine in black. When that came out I was like ‘great, that suits me down to the ground’. Beyond cars, what else do you collect? I collect vintage watches from the likes of Breitling and Omega. Suits, I won’t say I collect them, but I don’t sell them, even if I’m not wearing them, because I’m thinking that either my son or nephew will some day have this astonishing range of Savile Row and Dolce & Gabbana suits which I’ll be proud to give them. How do you define luxury? Is it about the artisan craftsmanship or designer labels? To me it’s about individuality; it’s about the craftsmanship and something that has taken many hours to create. That’s probably why I like classic cars. I always try and find trends that not many people are wearing, or a brand that no-one has heard of, so that’s not necessarily luxury, but it means different things to different people. Depending on where you are, luxury could be anything. When I first started modelling, I
literally couldn’t afford anything, I could only afford to go to London and cast and travel back, so luxury to me then was my one Starbucks a day. It’s about where you are and your own perspective on luxury at the end of the day. Who do you think is doing really interesting things in the fashion industry right now? When people ask me what’s on trend, I actually don’t know. The designers and luxury fashion brands are setting the trends that the high street will follow, and I totally understand that, but I will buck the trends. When skinny trousers came out I wore a wide pair of pleated trousers. Everyone said ‘oh they’re so old fashioned’ but I loved them, and now they’re back in – I’m wearing them on this shoot. But that’s fashion, it will go in cycles. What I don’t like about fashion is people saying there are wrongs and rights – my take is that there are no wrongs. From directing to designing, you very much seem to be moving away from the modelling world. Why now? People always laugh when I say this, but I’ve never been that comfortable in front of the camera – I much prefer being behind it. I studied photography so even when I came into this, I could see what clients were trying to convey in a picture and what would look better. Hence
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why I’m involved in the whole process, from campaign to styling. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still the connotations of ‘you’re a model, what do you know?’, so you really have to try and leap that barrier and prove yourself. In the UK we love stereotyping people and if you’re in fashion, that’s where they sort of dismiss you. It’s something we have to stop. Where does your inspiration come from? When I design, a lot of my inspiration comes from military tailoring. That’s where tailoring »
Below: Safari overcoat, Anglo Italian; Shirt, John Simons; belt, Anderson & Sheppard; Shoes, Edward Green
Gandy recreates the Mille Miglia in the JD Classics Jaguar XK120
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originally came from, when the military didn’t want to wear their uniforms but they still wanted to be smart. I work a lot with Henry Poole & Co, which made Winston Churchill’s suits. It’s one of the oldest tailors in London and they only make a small number of very expensive suits. Not many people are going to have them, and people visit from around the world. The sort of craftsmanship that goes into those suits is, to me, the definition of luxury. There’s nothing quite like a Henry Poole suit, they’re quite old school, very ‘Savile Row’. But I will go from working with those guys to someone like Private White – all made in England, which I think is important. I think their quality and attention to detail is incredible. Tell us about your latest design project, Aerodrome by David Gandy, in partnership with Aspinal of London. I’ve always loved the design of bags and leather goods, especially. When I had the Mercedes 190 they had a six-piece luggage set made especially for it in Italy, with the same leather as the interior of the car, and I thought that was a great idea. I love the Aspinal brand, one because it’s British and two, because it’s very disruptive within the luxury luggage market. We wanted to base the collection around something within British history, and we said what is the greatest, most evocative piece of engineering? The Spitfire. It made complete sense. I’ve been involved in every part of that process, from concept and design to the launch. If I put my name to something, I’m involved in every element of it.
Styling Suede coat, Vintage Italian; Turtle neck, Private White VC; Cotton, trousers, Adam Rogers; Shoes Edward Green; Watch,Patek Philippe 5940R; Bag, Aerodrome by David Gandy for Aspinal of London
The launch, which saw you take to the skies in an historic Spitfire, must have been an incredible experience! It was just surreal. We went up towards the south coast, like the pilots would have done during the Battle of Britain. It was me and the creative director of Aspinal in the plane and the sun was going down, and there was a Spitfire not far away – I looked at it and it was almost like an out of body experience. I just couldn’t believe we were actually there. And then we started doing loop the loops and barrel rolls – it was the most incredible experience. It’s the next step on from driving a classic car. Do you think you’ll be taking up flying lessons now? Well, on the day one of the Spitfires broke down so Goodwood had to fly another plane in – the pilot, who I gather owns the Spitfire, flew it in from Lincolnshire. At the end of the day, I said ‘bye, thanks guys’ and got in my Jag, and this guy just went ‘thanks guys’, got in his Spitfire and flew home. It was so cool. That killed me – there’s nothing that can compete with that guy. He went around, buzzed the tail, went up and flew off. You can’t beat that. We all had goose bumps. We were just like ‘Christ, that’s so cool’.
Special thanks to: JD Classics for supplying the Jaguar XK120 Bicester Heritage for the location Antony Rawlings and Redken for the hair styling
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GOLDEN WHEELS Classic cars that outperform every other asset class Words: Graham Rowan
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on’t be misled by the headlinestealing works of art. $450 million for the Salvator Mundi when some experts doubt if it was even painted by Leonardo Da Vinci? I suspect the Louvre’s new franchise in Abu Dhabi decided that it needed a Mona Lisa-like trophy of their own regardless of the cost. While art came in top of Knight Frank’s 2018 Wealth Report with an average of 21% price increases for works sold at auction, there’s no doubting the star performer over the last decade is classic cars. Nothing comes close to matching the 334% gain from what you might call automotive art, with prices of the rarest classics continuing their journey into orbit. Competition provenance always adds to a car’s value, as proven by the $22.5 million paid for a 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 raced in period by Sir Stirling Moss. It’s hard to lose money if you own a classic Ferrari, with one lucky investor trousering $18m when his 1959 250GT California Spider LWB came under the hammer at Sotheby’s. Choose carefully and even a ‘modern’ can make a mint, none more so than a 1995 McLaren F1 that was recently bid up to $15.6 million at Bonhams. Those of you with long memories will recall that we’ve been here before. In the ‘greed is good’ years of the 1980s we saw prices of Ferraris and Porsches zoom up like a spaceship then burn out like a supernova. Lots of city traders who thought they were onto a winner learned a sharp lesson that the price of cars, like stocks and shares, can go down as well as up. Is it different this time? Yes, I think it is. Why? Because back then there was a small pool of investors chasing a relatively large and expanding classic car market. Today, the pool of cars remains static – but the whole world is chasing them. There were few, if any, Chinese, Russian or Indian billionaires in the 1980s. Today they predominate and, like all freshly minted generations, like to accumulate the finer things in life. Things like art, wine and Big Boys’ Toys. According to Knight Frank, capital appreciation ranks second to the joy of ownership when people decide to buy classic cars. Yes, they want a safe
haven for their capital and a well-diversified portfolio, but they also want to impress their friends. And nothing makes a stronger or a louder impact on arrival than the accompaniment of a Ferrari V12 engine on full song. The question is, how can you join this four-wheeled party? One approach is to put down a deposit on a limited-edition supercar and flip it just as you take delivery. When Ferrari introduced the F12 TDF as a homage to their success on the automotive Tour de France, the list price was £339,000. Production was limited to 799 cars and today you’d have to part with £1,050,000 to have one on your drive. Another strategy is to find the most undervalued classics and snap them up before the rest of the market catches on. Some are saying the original 2006 Bugatti Veyron is the top of this league – you can grab a great one for around £1.1 million, though be prepared for running costs that include £24,000 for a set of tyres and around £100,000 for an annual service… If those prices have you reaching for the blood pressure tablets, fear not. There are some bargains to be had on a mere mortal’s budget. Contacts in the trade are telling me that Aston Martin DB7s are just turning the corner from their lows and starting to appreciate. High mileage examples in OK condition are hovering around the £20,000 mark, while £25,000 or so will secure a very nice DB7 that could be worth putting in dry storage for a year or two. Just remember that this model belongs to the era when Ford owned this historic marque, so be ready for bits from the Mondeo parts bin to drop off at regular intervals. Want to go even lower on the classic car limbo? How about a 4.2 litre Jaguar XKR turbo from the early years of the new millennium? Grace, space and pace were Sir William Lyons’ watchwords and one of these modernday classics could be sitting in your garage with a 6 month warranty for less than £15,000. Choose your classic well and you could join the 334% club with your golden wheels. Graham Rowan is a London-based wealth coach and chair of the Elite Investor Club, eliteinvestorclub.com
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The McLaren F1
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With a new car on the track and ÂŁ300,000 up for grabs, the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain is the most closely-fought of the series Words: Rachel Ingram
Will Bratt driving the Porsche 911
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ith more than 32,000 victories under its belt, Porsche’s history with motor racing is unrivalled. In fact, the manufacturer’s first production automobile – the Porsche 356, built in 1948 – went on to become a successful racing car, entering Porsche’s first competitive race, Le Mans in 1951. Fast forward 60 years and Porsche is still a true pioneer in the world of motorsports, hosting regular racing series such as the Porsche GT3 Cup and the Porsche Carrera Cup (PCC), and participating in championships old and new – in 2019 it will join the ABB FIA Formula E Championship for the first time. The ever-popular Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain – which pits both leading and emerging racers against one another but behind the wheel of the same car, the Porsche 911 – returned to the UK this spring for its 16th edition. Taking place from April through September, it’s one of the most competitive and professional legs of the worldwide series. The PCC stands out because all drivers race the same cars, making it a battle of human skill rather than machinery. And there are strict rules, enforced by Porsche and the British Automobile Racing Club, to ensure cars are near-identical. James MacNaughton, manager of Motorsport, Porsche Cars Great Britain Ltd, says: “From a technical point of view, the cars are very heavily scrutinised. There are very few things that you can change on the car. There are lot of random spot checks, too, to check people aren’t swapping components. In all aspects, it’s run incredibly fairly – if one person asks a question and an answer is given, that information would be fed back to everybody so that even small advantages aren’t gained.” This year, participants will be racing the new 911 GT3 Cup. Dubbed a “precision instrument for the race track”, it’s already a favourite of motorsports teams and drivers around the world and beloved for its speed, durability and efficiency. Its rearengine configuration offers drivers an additional challenge that makes the driving experience quite unlike most other racing cars. MacNaughton says: “Everybody who races our cars absolutely loves driving them. They’re very difficult to learn to drive because of the unique way the components are laid out within the chassis, but once drivers get their head around it, it’s so rewarding. If you learn to drive a race car with a more traditional layout, say a front engine car or a mid-engine car, the driving style is easier to learn than with ours. But after you’ve mastered driving a 911, you can jump into any car other and drive it quickly.” Another factor that makes the PCC so exciting is its three-class system. While all participants – who jet in from as far as South Africa, Australia and Singapore – drive on the track at the same time there are, in essence, three competitions going on at once. Based on their past experience, drivers can choose to enter the Professional, Professional-Amateur or Amateur categories, all of which offer some incredible winnings. This year, the total prize pot exceeds £300,000, with £40,000 of which going to the overall champion. »
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As the PCC is so respected in the motorsports world, the championship welcomes a mix of expert drivers looking to practice their alreadyhoned skills and up-and-coming drivers who use the experience as a springboard to enter further competitions worldwide. Some participants, meanwhile, are amateurs who are in it for the sheer joy of the race. “These individuals, who we call ‘gentlemen drivers’, do it as a hobby,” says MacNaughton. “They’re normally towards the back of the race but they’re still very, very good. Those guys can have a really good race against each other but at the same time, improve their racing ability because they are also racing against some of the best young, up-and-coming racing drivers in the world. They can actually compare lap times on the same car driven, on the same circuit, in the same weather conditions, which gives them a really good platform to be able to improve their skills.” And like many motorsports events, half the fun is the hospitality. With the Porsche name on the event, everything has been carefully considered, so that means first-rate food, entertainment and activities for the 800-plus guests who visit over each event’s three-day weekend. MacNaughton says: “Being Porsche, everything has to be on brand. One of the nicest things is the quality of everything within the race centre, especially the food, which is absolutely fantastic. But the nice thing for guests is that they really feel they’re in the middle of it. We don’t have segregated areas for the teams so when guests sit down for lunch, they could be sat next to a racing driver, or a VIP, or the bloke that cleans the wheels on the cars.” And if you’re a loyal Porsche client, it only gets better. “We have a very strong hospitality programme with our official Porsche dealerships who bring customers along and introduce them to the world of Porsche motorsport,” MacNaughton explains. “Generally, being Porsche customers, they’re high net worth individuals, some of whom have never set foot near a race track before, while others are massive fans. They all get a fantastic experience which includes a tour of the paddock using the latest technologies, a meet-and-greet with our Porsche junior, an introduction to the race car, and much more.” While the PCC will, naturally, appeal more to Porsche enthusiasts, there is so much for all motorsports fanatics to enjoy. Whether spectating or participating, race weekends are an exhilarating whirlwind of speed, sound and first-class hospitality. porsche.com Upcoming races: 11 – 13 May, Monza, Italy; 8 – 10 June, Oulton Park, UK; 27 – 29 July, Snetterton, UK; 24 – 26 August, Knockhill, UK; 14 – 16 September, Silverstone, UK; 28 – 30 September ( final), Brands Hatch, UK
Will Bratt speeding ahead at Donington Park
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In the driver’s seat: Will Bratt Tempus-sponsored driver Will Bratt, talks cars, ambition and the thrill of racing Tempus: How did you first get into racing? Will Bratt: I started karting when I was a kid, at eight-yearsold, and my dad raced before me. When he first started, he raced motorbikes, and then Renault Clios, Renault 5 Turbos, Renault Spiders, and a brief run in single-seaters in Formula Renault. He used to drag me to the circuits from when I was about five. Being there around the noises, the smells and competitive atmosphere really drew me in. Racing is like a bug, once it bites you, it keeps drawing you back. Why are you so keen to race in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB? It’s for two reasons. The first is the cars – they’re fantastic machines. They’re prestigious cars and the Porsche brand has a lot of history, especially when it comes to racing. Secondly, as a driver, it’s one of a select small pool of championships that sits within the realm of GT racing and is considered worth competing in. The British championship is quite prestigious in itself. It gives you a springboard to potentially look at doing the Supercup, which is European, and other main GT series which feature a mixture of manufacturers. What’s been your career highlight so far?
THE PORSCHE CARRERA CUP STANDS OUT BECAUSE ALL DRIVERS RACE THE SAME CARS, MAKING IT A BATTLE OF HUMAN SKILL RATHER THAN MACHINERY
In terms of career highlights, my favourite car to drive so far was probably the Formula 3000 car – I won the championship with that car in 2009. It was a single seater with slicks and wing, so quite a different car to the 911 but also there are some similarities as well. We hear driving the 911 GT3 is a bit of a challenge... Yes, it is. With a GT car you get a sense of weight because the car is larger than a single seater. The cars generally feel very fast and tend to take a little bit longer on the brakes to stop them, because of that mass, but I’m hoping there should be some aerodynamic grip to the car. Obviously, it’s got wings and a splitter at the front so the faster you go, the more the weight of the air will actually push it into the ground. What are you hoping to get out of taking part of the cup? First and foremost, I’m doing it for the thrill! Obviously, I want to do as well as I can, and I will do, but ultimately it’s for the experience of driving such fantastic cars.
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S T Y L E THE TIME IS NOW
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DRIVEN BY DESIGN 68 - 69 ELEMENTS OF STYLE 70 - 73
FROM INNOVATIVE NEW WATCHES TO WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERN GENTLEMEN, DON’T MISS OUR NEW SEASON STYLE GUIDE
The time is now 60
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NOW Luxury brands at Baselworld set the scene for the next year of watchmaking Words: Rachel Ingram
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hen it comes to watch fairs, Baselworld is the largest and most exciting. An essential date in a collector’s diary, it’s held at the Messe Basel every spring and attended by almost 800 brands. Despite criticism that the industry is losing interest in the event, all the bigleague players were in attendance – as Tempus discovered when we jetted in for the show. Join us as we take a look at the newest novelties and most innovative trends set to shake up the world of watchmaking in 2018.
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Left to right: Inge Solheim, Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron
Spirit of adventure Breitling used the fair to unveil its pioneering new campaign, bringing together threeperson teams of experts and innovators across various creative fields. The trio of trios includes the Cinema Squad with Brad Pitt, Adam Driver and Charlize Theron; the Explorers Squad with Bertrand Piccard, David de Rothschild and Inge Solheim; and the Surfer Squad, made up of three of the world's top pro-surfers, Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore and Sally Fitzgibbons. Each ‘squad’ is rooted in one aspect of the brand's enduring ethos of action, purpose and pioneering spirit. Representing the brand's commitment to corporate social responsibility, the Explorers Squad brings together a team of respected adventurers and environmentalists who represent Breitling's aims of becoming carbon neutral and engaging in ocean conservation. This group includes Solheim, one of the world's leading expeditionists and extreme travel guides, who led two expeditions for Prince Harry's Walking with the Wounded charity, leading the royal and a group of veterans to the North Pole in 2011 and South Pole in 2013. "I am very proud to team up with Breitling as part of its Explorers Squad," Solheim exclusively told Tempus. "We have so many interesting expeditions and environmental projects coming up. The Breitling Emergency has been my favourite watch for over 20 years. An emergency beacon is essential for safety on my expeditions. There's nothing better to wear on my wrist." »
Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 46
Breitling Navitimer 1 Automatic 38
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The dark side All-black timepieces are all the rage this year, with some brands choosing to add a splash of colour to give a softer touch to the otherwise strong aesthetic. The TAG Heuer Monaco Bamford – a special edition of the iconic Monaco that’s been revitalised by the illustrious Bamford Watch Department – is a prime example of this. Bold in design and mechanics, this modern timepiece features a carbon case that’s hard-as-nails yet feather light, and a jet-black dial with luminescent aqua blue chronographs. Omega takes a similar stance with the new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. Commemorating 50 years since the Apollo 8 team journeyed to the other side of the moon, the timepiece’s skeletonised dial features an exact replica of the moon’s surface, etched into the surface via laser ablation. Turn it over to see the reverse of the moon – or the ‘dark side’ – along with the words of former NASA astronaut Jim Lovell, “we’ll see you on the other side”. The chronograph, made from black ceramic steel, is a beautiful collector’s item, powered by Omega’s famous Moonwatch calibre 1861.
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8
TAG Heuer Monaco Bamford
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Defying gravity Flying tourbillons are the complications of the moment, with many leading Swiss manufacturers launching new ‘floating’ movements. A standout example is Carl F Bucherer’s Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral (left). The movement, a new in-house CFB T3000, is so special that the whole watch was built around it. A world first, it features a peripheral automatic winding system and a peripherally mounted tourbillon that appears to float in mid-air. While technically brilliant, its classic style means it’s not showing off its brilliance until you take a closer look. Ideal for the understated gentleman. Another brand with a similar ethos is Blancpain, which unveils the new Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde. The timepiece may be a mouthful to say but for this launch, Blancpain has stripped back to basics. A simple yet elegant handcrafted white grande feu enamel dial allows the movement – a reinterpretation of Blancpain’s famous flying tourbillion – to speak for itself. Spot the addition of jump hours and retrograde minutes. Those who love to make a statement should look to Zenith, which has taken the trend one step further with the Defy Zero G. Beyond floating or flying, this incredible movement actually defies gravity. The skeletonised 44mm Defy, inspired by early marine chronometers and powered by the El Primero movement, encompasses an innovative patented mechanism known as ‘Gravity Control’, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Whichever way you hold it – horizontal, vertical or anywhere in between – the balance stays level. It’s available in titanium or gold. »
Carl F Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral
WHILE TECHNICALLY BRILLIANT, ITS CLASSIC STYLE MEANS IT’S NOT SHOWING OFF ITS BRILLIANCE, UNTIL YOU TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde
Zenith Defy Zero G
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Digital revolution As luxury brands debate the question of how they can adapt to draw in a new audience of technologically-savvy buyers, digitalisation is the buzzword that people keep coming back to. One businessman who knows the importance of evolution all too well is Jean-Claude Biver, head of watchmaking at LVMH, which owns Hublot and TAG Heuer, among other leading watchmakers. “Digitalisation is the future,” says Biver. “Whoever talks to millennials who are up to 20 years old will notice that online digitalisation is the future, and you cannot go against it. We all have to adapt our communication, we have to adapt our distribution, we have to adapt to digitalisation. It will be part of the future, so you cannot resist it.” He references the example of luxury e-commerce platform Alibaba, which launched the sale of 1,200 special Lamborghinis on Guanggun Jie (Singles’ Day in China). “In 18 seconds they were sold out,” he revealed. “Young people, they buy the car online, they don’t need to go and look at it. There is another attitude, it’s another mentality, it’s another culture, we just have to adapt.” Biver stays ahead of trends by consulting with young people through a special advisory board. “The average age [of the board] is seventeen,” he says. “If you want to, you can come and attend this advisory board and you will be afraid for what you hear and what you see because [this generation] is not like me and they are not like their fathers, nor their grandfathers.” At Baselworld, Hublot premiered its first luxury smartwatch, the Big Bang Referee 2018 World Cup Edition Russia. Designed with the avid football fan in mind, the sports-inspired timepiece is capable of instantly connecting the wearer to 2018 FIFA World Cup matches. Limited to just 2018 pieces, the watch’s digital display on its analogue mode dial provides the wearer with a 15-minute warning before their kick-off, while during the match, the dial shows statistics including the score, names of goal-scorers, player substitutions, red and yellow cards and match time. A special version of the watch, which will be worn by FIFA referees throughout the World Cup, will also allow them to communicate with the controversial Video Assistant technology. Look out for the watch when the championship kicks off in June. In the same week, TAG Heuer unveiled the newest addition to its digital watch collection, the Connected Modular 41. The innovative timepiece, which follows the larger Connected Modular 45, connects technological innovation with the history and prestige of Swiss watchmaking. It was developed with the help of engineers at Google and Intel and features a GPS, a contactless payment function and various digital capabilities, as well as several customisable dial and strap options. And while Apple users will have to wait for the next generation – the device is currently compatible with Android – it’s certainly one of the most impressive digital watches in the market.
Hublot Big Bang Referee 2018 World Cup Edition Russia (also above)
TAG Heuer Connected Modular 41
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Going green Blue was the ‘it’ colour in 2017, but in 2018, it seems the tides are turning. Green was the standout colour at this year’s fair, and no piece showcased the trend better than the Glashütte Original Sixties Panorama Date. Combining two trends in one – vintage throwback and green hues – the timepiece is a limited-edition addition to the cult Sixties retro collection. The striking dégradé dial features a beautiful green hue that blends from green to black in a design that explodes outwards like a firework. Simply beautiful.
The golden touch Patek Philippe’s Golden Ellipse is an enigmatic 50-year-old model known for its ultra-thin calibre and case. In honour of its golden anniversary, the brand has created a limited-edition series of 100 special watch and cufflink sets. In a nod to traditional Genevan craftsmanship, Patek has engaged the help of skilled engravers and enamellers to create stunning hand-engraved dials, etched with the motif resembling the Calatrava cross, Patek Philippe’s logo – an exceptionally time-consuming feat, the brand tells us. Completing the set is a pair of matching cufflinks, featuring the same design. »
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Our fair lady From wearable works of art to sparkling jewellery watches, this year’s selection of women’s timepieces is rich and varied – emphasis on the word rich. Jaquet Droz, which is celebrating its 280th anniversary, went above and beyond with the creativity of its dials. Our favourite? The Petite Heure Minute Smalta Clara Tiger. To create its intricate tiger face dial, artisans resurrect the ancient art of plique-à-jour enamelling – a famously intricate technique that dates back 1,500 years. Plus, for the first time, watchmakers have removed the case back, enabling light to stream through, creating a beautiful stained glass window effect. High jewellery house De Grisogono, meanwhile, brought elements from its jewellery lines to its watches. The diamond-studded Cascata, featuring a torrent of over 30 carats of diamonds, is guaranteed to be a highlight for those who love a generous splash of sparkle, while the distinctive Allegra 25, with its interlacing rings of rose gold, is guaranteed to make a style statement.
De Grisogono Allegra 25
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Smalta Clara Tiger
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Luxury sustainability Sustainable luxury was at the heart of the fair and Chopard lead the way with its pledge to move to 100% ethically sourced gold and gems by July 2018. The Swiss brand has been highly praised for its commitment to sustainability but decided to make further changes after a Human Rights Watch report examined its sourcing policies. Speaking at Baseworld, Chopard co-presidents Caroline and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele were joined by celebrity friends of the brand including Julianne Moore, Colin and Livia Firth, and Arizona Muse to discuss the turning tide in responsible luxury. “The most important gem is our planet,” says president and creative director Caroline, adding that it was meeting ethical fashion advocate Livia in 2013 that started her plan to ‘go green’. “I’m very proud that five years down the road we have achieved what we have,” she says. “It seemed very complicated in the beginning, and I think the most complicated thing was to also convince everybody in our production that they have to change, they have to get out of their comfort zone and produce the pieces in a different way. In the beginning it was the first 88 kilos of gold that arrived directly from Colombia, and this gold was treated like a VIP client going into the production, completely separate from everything else.” “It is an approach that I think suits and fits our independent, family company,” adds co-president Karl-Friedrich, adding that it’s an intuitive move from their conservation work. “Back in 2010, when we had our 150th anniversary, Caroline designed a beautiful collection called Animal World. We connected with WWF and realised that we were really not perfectly in line with sustainability. They suggested we join the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and that’s when the journey began.” Chopard will now responsibly source all gold from two traceable routes, artisanal freshly-mined gold from small mines under the Swiss Better Gold Association (SBGA) umbrella, fairtrade or fairmined schemes, or through the brand’s partnership with the RJC Chain of Custody gold refineries. Chopard also partners with the ethical Gemfield mines for their precious and semi-precious gems – a collaboration that was premiered by Julianne Moore on the red carpet as she wore pieces from the new High Jewellery Green Carpet Collection, made from fairmined gold. Other premium brands also showcased their support for sustainable causes throughout the fair. Breguet, for example, joined forces with the Race For Water Foundation to create a special edition of its Marine 5517 timepiece – just one example of the brand’s long-term commitment to the support of oceanic scientific research. On the mid-range level, Oris unveiled a collection of watches featuring dissolvable straps, while Swarovski has developed a range of manmade diamonds for its fine jewellery collection. Seeing so many brands band together in support of this year’s sustainabilty theme begged the question – did the brands that didn’t show steer clear because of lack of interest, or did they avoid it because they had nothing to offer an increasingly eco-conscious clientele?
Discover fairtrade gold in Chopard’s Green Carpet collection
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Driven by
design Why Porsche’s exclusive car and watch set is igniting the passions of petrolhead horophiles Words: Adam Hay-Nicholls
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ou know the feeling when you take delivery of a brand-new car and, for at least a few days, you can’t help peering at it from your home just to check it’s still there? Well, if you own a Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series then you can also get that new car feeling every time you glance at your wrist. To explain, just 500 of these special turbos are being fashioned in Stuttgart’s Exclusive Manufaktur enclave – built to order, of course – and with them the company is preparing watches made to match the owner’s motor. See one of these chronographs flirting under a gentleman’s cuff and you know he’s dropped £187,000 for the limited-edition machine as well as £8,600 for the wrist attire. No need for the masonic handshake. The dial incorporates carbon-fibre from the factory storeroom and is finished with original Turbo S Exclusive Series exterior paint (most customers have gone for gold), while the strap’s leather comes from the same cows that gave themselves up for your supercar’s perforated seats. Underneath, the rotor is exposed and finished to look exactly like your 911’s custom-designed carbon wheel rim, complete with that famous coat of arms. Ferrari have Hublot and Bentley have Breitling, but Porsche remains the only car company to make its very own timepieces. Porsche Design introduced the first matt black watch, developed the flyback mechanism to measure laptimes, and
The watch pays homage to the 911’s wheel
the whole range comes with lightweight titanium casings inspired by the crankshaft the Porsche 917 pioneered at Le Mans. The passion project of Professor Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche, the urbane grandson of the car company’s founder and the man who gave the world the 911, Porsche Design was established in 1972 with its first chronograph, built 200 miles from Stuttgart in Solothurn, Switzerland. Today’s range, in addition to the bespoke models, comprises the Chronotimer, the Monobloc Actuator – with its lunar-looking casing and engine-inspired single rocker switch perfect for recording laptimes – and, launched this year at Baselworld, the 1919. Here, timeless elegance takes precedence over sportiness. It is purist, functional, understated yet distinctive. Prices for this all-new timepiece start at £2,580 rising to £5,200. Porsche Design isn’t just some merch spin-off – its kit is imbued by the sports car company’s mind-set of minimalist perfection and bountiful performance. These watches are the result of 45 years of Porsche design innovation, combined with the technical knowledge that comes from 30,000 race victories. Add in the exclusivity of this bespoke car-watch combo and you have the holy trinity of high-speed horology. With that car and this watch you’ll never have an excuse for being late. porsche-design.com
The launch enables Porsche owners to match their watch to their supercar
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Elements of
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Who makes the definitive men’s suit? And what about the ultimate pair of jeans? These questions, and more, are answered here. It’s time to rethink your wardrobe Words: Scott Manson
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THE SHOES
THE BOMBER JACKET
As every man should know, the best shoes are made in Northampton, Britain’s cobbling capital. The area is renowned worldwide for its handmade shoes and many of its shoemakers have been in operation for over 150 years. The venerable Grenson (est. 1866) is among the elite because it’s both embraced tradition and adapted to change. One of the first brands to use the now-established ‘Goodyear Welt’ style of shoemaking, Grenson’s London boutique should be the first stop for anyone seeking fine footwear.
What started out in Stoke, England as rugged wear for motorbikers has now become a firm favourite with the celebrity set, with Brad Pitt, Gerard Butler and Johnny Depp all donning Belstaff ’s iconic jackets. These are quality pieces that can we worn with shirt and tie, as well as jeans and t-shirt, and you know that it’s only going to look better with age. The Speedmaster range is particularly strong.
Grenson.com
belstaff.com
THE POLO SHIRT If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for us. We’re talking about the beautiful blue polo T-shirt worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, made by Sunspel and based on a classic 1950’s design for the French Riviera. A timeless retro piece. sunspel.com
THE JEANS A controversial one, perhaps, as everyone has a favoured jeans brand. But here’s a company that should be on your radar, with its jeans worn by everyone from the Arctic Monkeys to super chef Rene Redzeppi. That brand is Huit, manufactured in a small town in Wales that was the former home to a massive jeans factory. When the factory went bankrupt, putting 400 people out of work, the former founder of the Howies clothing label stepped in to re-employ the out-of-work jeans ‘grandmasters’ of sewing and cutting. Each pair takes over an hour to make (compared with 11 minutes for most jeans) and are crafted from top-grade selvedge denim from Japan and Turkey. The jeans to rule them all, in other words. hiutdenim.co.uk
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THE CUFFLINKS Former city hotshot turned accessories designer Robert Tateossian is the maverick design whiz behind his eponymous brand, personally sourcing a lot of the unusual and eclectic materials used. From meteorites to dinosaur bones to the shells of sea snails, Tateossian always pushes the boundaries of product design – and has become known to many as the ‘king of cufflinks’. Fresh, modern and bold, these are essential arm candy for your dress shirt. tateossian.com
THE SHIRT Now, this is a tricky one. Turnbull & Asser, Eton and Etro are all up there when it comes to quality shirt-making but, recently, we’ve become increasingly impressed with the output of Jermyn Street’s only female shirt-maker, Emma Willis. She counts Daniel Craig and our cover star David Gandy among her clientele, and she brings a subtle, feminine perspective to her work. From body-flattering cuts to a relaxed, warm retail experience at her flagship London store, Willis adds a new twist to a traditional business. emmawillis.com
THE WATCH
THE SUIT With more than 200 years’ experience and commanding a prime position on London’s Savile Row, this pre-eminent English tailor is internationally renowned for the quality of its suits. The holder of three royal warrants, it takes a minimum of 12 weeks to craft your bespoke suit but it’s worth every minute. Prices start at £5000.
Yes, there are many fine watches in the world but if you’re looking for the perfect dress watch, then the Patek Philippe Calatrava is it. There may be those who see it as something of an elder statesman’s choice – probably those who sport humungous Hublots – but none other than Ed Sheeran recently wore one for a GQ cover shoot. Quite simply, it’s the choice of a serious watch guy.
gievesandhawkes.com
patek.com
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THE TRAINERS Still wearing Adidas and Nike? That’s fine for the track, but if you’re heading for anything other than a workout and want to wear trainers then you need something like this pair from Common Projects. Streamlined and minimalist-leaning, they’re a far cry from those gaudy childish kicks that other men still consider acceptable going-out wear.
FOR MORE STYLE TIPS HEAD TO
tempusmagazine.co.uk
commonprojects.com
THE CREWNECK SWEATER A statement knit helps fight off the boredom of cold-weather clothes and can make jeans and biker boots look like a proper outfit. Paul Smith always come up trumps in the crewneck sweater stakes – look for fine merino wool, either patterned or plain. paulsmith.com
THE SUNGLASSES Tough one this, as we love Ray-Ban, of course, plus more challenging upstarts such as Chrome Hearts, but our current shades of choice come from Linda Farrow. Tinie Tempah sported a pair at last year’s British Fashion Awards and the brand’s combination of retro design with modern sophistication has won it a legion of fans. uk.lindafarrow.com
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FROM THE MOST FASHIONABLE SPOTS IN THE RIVIERA TO CULTURAL ESCAPES IN THE INDIAN OCEAN, HERE’S WHERE YOU SHOULD BE TRAVELLING THIS SUMMER
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THE JET SET An insider’s guide to where the fashion set are holidaying this summer, starting with the most talked about new opening in the Mediterranean, Nobu Hotel Marbella
Words: Sophie Ball
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ge before beauty’ is not an adage that resonates deeply in Marbella. This is a city where youthful good looks reign and a notable proportion of visitors are expensively manicured and cosmetically enhanced. However, one of Marbella’s most ironic qualities is it’s reputation. It may be nouveau riche but its also one of Europe’s chicest escapes. The paradoxical perception continues as you pull up to the recently launched Nobu Hotel Marbella, where the understated luxury of the resort combines with the indeterminable age of its guests. Nobu, a name that has become synonymous with fine Japanese dining, has recently expanded its portfolio to include hotels and resorts in Las Vegas, London, Ibiza and Miami. Nobu Hotel Marbella is the latest offering and the resort is unlike any other in the city. Exquisitely designed and immaculately serviced, it carries its name well. Positioned as the city’s leading five-star destination, the resort offers 81 leading designer rooms and suites, a spa by Six Senses, five restaurants and bars, an underground nightclub and an incredibly skilful curation of indulgence and serenity in one of the city’s smartest addresses. A collection of flower-covered low rise white buildings pay homage to a traditional sleepy Andalusian village. The complex centres around a Roman bridge which crosses a stream running through the gardens from the mountains behind the hotel, and on down to the sea. As you walk
down paths lined with subtropical plants to enter the high-octane glamour of the Nobu Lounge, you’re reminded of the destination’s paradoxical quality yet again – and it’s surprisingly seamless. The resort’s exceptional facilities include an exclusive beach area with comfy sun loungers, a Six Senses Spa, a fitness centre and a tennis club. There’s also a personal concierge service, which organises extras such as airport collection in a chauffeured Tesla S car and in-room signature Nobu treatments. The rooms and suites are a masterclass in understated luxury – natural materials like marble, stone and rope compliment a cool palette of whites, golds and Andalusian blues that reflect the ocean which can be viewed through the floor to ceiling glass doorways leading out to spacious terraces. The Nobu Suite is the most luxurious of them all, sleeping eight in four bedrooms, with spacious living and dining areas for relaxing and entertaining. Guests can enjoy the bubbling jacuzzi on the private terrace, take advance of an on-demand private DJ, or indulge in a 24 hour inroom dining menu, featuring Nobu favourites Nobu Hotel Marbella is an incredibly impressive offering and has forever altered my perception of the destination. I would come back in an instant – but it’s Nobu, rather than the city, that has really stolen my heart. nobuhotels.com/marbella
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Four of Europe’s top models unveil their favourite summer destinations
PAROS, GREECE & SVETI STEFAN, MONTENEGRO Eliza Cummings As a model, I spend a lot of my time living out of a suitcase, which is hard for someone who loves nothing more than to be in the comfort of their own home. My idea of a holiday is being at home, but there are a couple of places in the world that I would leave home for any day. Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa in Paros, Greece, is one – amazing staff, beautiful food and the best spa around. I had such a wonderful time there and would return in a heartbeat. The second is Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro. It’s such a special place. The rooms are unbelievably beautiful, and my suite had one of the very few beds I preferred to my own. The spa is also outstanding, which is always a benchmark for me as I need to unwind from all the travelling. I’m writing this and thinking – actually, I need to go back soon!
AMALFI COAST Katie Keight The Amalfi Coast is stunningly picturesque – it’s my favourite place, despite its bendy roads! I like to stay at the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, which is an old monastery. It’s located on a cliff top, so the views are breathtaking – so blue and still. There are lots of unique and beautiful shops in Capri – I still wear these really glamorous lemon earrings that I bought there. They will always remind me of Capri, as you see lots of lemons hanging off the trees there. My favourite food spot is seafood restaurant Da Adolfo in Postiano, which is essentially a cave on the beach – you need a dinghy to get there! It’s unforgettable. Although all the seafood is great along the Amalfi Coast. I hope to go back soon.
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VENICE, ITALY Eve Delf Venice was somewhere I’d dreamed of going ever since watching Don’t Look Now when I was about 10 years old. If you love to be near the water, have any interest in boats, and like art, alcohol, great food and shopping, then Venice is the perfect place to be. It has really beautiful architecture and some of the best museums in Europe. My favourite place to stay is Hotel dei Dragomanni, where you can get a private water taxi to the hotel’s own pontoon. There are no cars, just lots of little boats meandering through the canals. The most incredible meal I had there was at Club Del Doge – we ate by candle light while floating on the water. I felt like I was in a film. It was truly luxurious.
IBIZA, SPAIN Isabel Getty Ibiza will forever be my go to. If it’s not for the endless nightlife and wonderful restaurants, it’s for its matchless beauty and the secret towns that can be found as you journey north of the centre. The city exhibits an electric vibrancy which is said to be due to the small island next door, Es Vedra, which, legend has it, possesses magic powers. Restaurants like Lío and Heart provide customers with jaw-dropping entertainment from Cirque de Soleil performances to Chicago-like dancing. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, Es Torrent, Can Pujol and Es Xarcu will satisfy your need for authentic Spanish cuisine while providing you with gorgeous backdrops of Ibiza. Once you’re tried all of Ibiza’s restaurants, pop on over to the island of Formentera for some paella and sangria at the chicly rustic Pirata. While there, enjoy a soothing swim in turquoise water and take a walk through the old town. Before I go out in Ibiza, I love to head to Kumharas or La Bodega for cocktails and a fun vibe. Going out starts late on the island (we’re talking 2.30am) so there’s a great bar culture while people wait for the clubs to open. Clubs that are infamous and timeless are Pacha, Space and Amnesia, though my favourite parties are thrown at DC10, where you can arrive and dance at any time of day.
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Heaven on earth As Mauritius celebrates 50 years of independence, Tempus explores the future of this paradise island Words: Michelle Johnson
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ark Twain famously wrote that “Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius”, and it’s pretty hard to disagree. If we made a checklist for paradise, this small island in the Indian Ocean would tick every box – golden sands and lush hills, blue skies and warm seas – but it’s the island’s incredible fauna and flora, and its people’s collective devotion to sustainability, that’s really elevating Mauritius from a honeymoon hotspot to the destination du jour. A small volcanic island with a complicated colonial history (it was settled in the 1500s and host to the Portuguese, Dutch, French and English, with a high population of Indo-Mauritians indentured after the abolition of slavery in 1835), Mauritius’ proudly multicultural communities have flourished since the island became an independent republic in March 1968. This year, as the island celebrates its past, it’s also looking firmly ahead. Far from the nation that once relied solely on its sugar production, now Mauritius boasts a booming economy focused on technology and tourism, with extraordinary resorts focused on safeguarding and optimising the natural beauty that is so beguiling to its visitors. So numerous are the island’s luxury resorts and pristine beaches that it can be hard to know where to start. One rule of thumb is to choose your area by your interests – Balaclava and Grand Baie in the north are tourism hubs known for their nightlife; the south is perfect for eco-travellers seeking wild landscapes and protected nature reserves; the east boasts some of the most stunning and stilluntouched beaches; and the west, including the delightful area of Flic-en-Flac, enjoys some of the calmest waters – the perfect base to start exploring.
Culture and conservation Five-star resort Maradiva on the west coast is my first point of harbour. It’s an elegant sprawl of 65 villas – each with its own private pool for those who want to shake off an evening’s humidity with a moonlight dip – across 27 acres of land. From the grasses to the beach, the resort is home to a host of protected species and 150 native plants. The private beach enjoys mountainous views of the inner island, while family-owned Maradiva’s Indo-Mauritian heritage is clear from its winding paths and open plan architecture. It’s so open, in fact, that each opulently fitted bathroom includes an outdoor ‘waterfall’ shower, though you may be joined by the local bird-life if you do choose to take your ablutions al fresco. Holistic treatments in the Indian spa and haute cuisine in the resort’s Coast2Coast or Cilantro restaurants are available, but to truly embrace the hotel’s ethos you must try dining under the stars – or, more accurately, ‘Under the Tree’ – an area illuminated by fire torches and fairy lights where I enjoyed a traditional Mauritian meal of exquisitely fresh fish, with my toes buried in soft sand. If you’re keen to explore the island, there are plenty of opportunities, from touring the historic Grand Port by electrobike to horse riding along Belle Mare Beach. At less than an hour’s drive away from Maradiva, the island’s capital city Port-Louis is well worth a short visit for culture seekers and history enthusiasts. The bustling metropole is a delightful mash of different cultures and architecture – and there’s no more delicious way to experience it than with My Moris Street Food tour. The walking tour samples Mauritian cuisine inspired by French, Créole, Muslim and Chinese communities, beginning at the French Harbour, through Spice Street (the breakfast chilli balls are exquisite) and China Town (where a hidden corridor serves fresh Chinese dumplings), and finally visiting a local market worth braving the intense humidity just for a taste of traditional Mauritian-style rotis. Escape the city heat later in the day with lunch at Eureka, La Maison Creole – a colonial mansion turned restaurant that will transport you back in time – before a private sunset cruise with Harris Wilson. Protected by a coral reef, the seas around Mauritius
From top left, clockwise: Maradiva’s Coast2Coast Restaurant, Private Plunge Pool, Presidential Villa, Pool Villa Interior
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From top left, clockwise: Bois Cheri Tea Factory, Shangri-La Le Touessrok master bathroom, Central pool, Front entrance, Sega Dancers on the beach
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are remarkably calm, even if your trip happens to hit stormy weather – as ours did, thanks to a mild cyclone that skirted the island just days before my flight. Yet, with the sun shining brightly on the beaches, the stray storm cloud lingering around the centre of the island did nothing to hinder our holiday. In fact, if an unlikely rain shower does try to threaten your time on the beach, it’s time to head up into the lush green hills to Bois Chéri Tea Factory, the most famous tea plantation on the island, where you can enjoy a spot of black vanilla blend overlooking the verdant rolling slopes of the plantation, which is still partly tended by hand.
A FULL BODY TIPIK MASSAGE TO SEGA MUSIC WILL RELAX YOU INTO THE RHYTHM OF ISLAND LIFE LIKE NOTHING ELSE
Private paradise With the island’s history fully explored, it’s time to get back to nature in luxuriant style with a stay at the Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resport & Spa on the east coast. Renovated in 2015, Le Touessrok is a resort designed to ensure all your stresses fall away, from the zenlike paths leading between rooms to the wide balconies where you can watch the gentle ocean waves lap against the rocks. For the ultimate in exclusivity, private villas offer everything from personal chefs to Sega musicians, while in the main area of the hotel guests are carefully placed according to their interests, with pools and private beaches segmented in a boutique style that promises tranquillity and uncrowded sands even at full capacity. And it’s the little touches that are especially welcome – I arrived in my room to a complimentary bottle of rosé champagne. The resort is home to five restaurants and bars, each serving specialist food and entertainment for any mood. Be sure to start your day with breakfast at Le Bazar, an open plan restaurant with breathtaking views across the resort and out to sea. If you love wildlife, select a balcony table – I was delighted to share my breakfast with a family of colourful indigenous birds. The Sega Bar is a lively spot for a sophisticated nightcap with a wide selection of cocktails, as well as homemade rums flavoured with vanilla, banana, strawberry and more. Elsewhere, the resort hosts a golf course, a children’s club, and its own conservation effort – Le Touessrok is custodian to three giant tortoises, including a 150-year-old male and two females. The jewel in Le Touessrok’s crown, however, is its Chi Spa, where a full body tipik massage to Sega music will relax you into the rhythm of island life like nothing else. Another highlight is Shangri-La’s paradisiacal private island, Ilot Mangénie. Located a five-minute boat trip and a world away, Ilot Mangénie is pure white sand dotted with volcanic rock, shady trees, and still turquoise seas – an ideal setting for travellers who desire an experience beyond the usual luxury fare. Doze in the sun from the seclusion of your private cabana, which comes complete with butler service, or socialise in the island’s organic beach bar and restaurant. Ending a trip so indulgent of my every appetite – food, culture, history and postcard views – in this private way, I understood exactly what Twain meant. Mauritius is a bustling, thriving island with a take on luxury that will leave you breathing free long after you’ve left its heavenly shores. maradiva.com shangri-la.com Return business class flights from London to Mauritius with Air Mauritius start at £2,700. Visit airmauritius.com
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Inner calm A riverside hotel in the heart of Bangkok is the perfect post-flight pick-me-up
Words: Scott Manson
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really hate flying. Not in a pop-a-sleepingpill, high anxiety sense, but more just the sheer drudgery and energy-sapping nature of the experience. Flying first class or by private jet are different, of course, but on my recent trip to Thailand I was flying coach – 12 hours of babycrying, passenger-snoring, lumbar-damaging hell. Add to this the airport transfer through Bangkok’s notorious traffic and, by the time I reached The Siam hotel, I was more tightly wound than a cheap Russian wristwatch. It was early too, so I steeled myself for the words that strike fear into the hearts of every long-haul traveller: “I’m sorry sir, but your room isn’t ready yet.” And yet, despite it being 9am, within five minutes I was upstairs in my beautifully appointed room – even pausing on the way to take in the exquisite public areas of this boutique hotel. It’s the definition of serene, all bubbling fountains, natural light and impressive vegetation. Vast plants reach up to the huge skylight ceiling above the central courtyard – I could almost feel their oxygen release pumping into my flight-tired body. The room itself is a mash-up of Art Deco meets Thai auction house. Its heritage feel comes from well-chosen art on the walls – old Muay Thai fighters in my case – as well as fascinating vintage documents and letters from the 19th and 20th century. Elsewhere, the bed is vast and looks
towards a light flooded lounge area, complete with chaise longue and a courtyard view. There’s also a large, stylish bathtub – another key antidote to those hours on a plane. Heavy dark wood furniture and brass ceiling fans complete this picture of a century-old Thai house. The exterior space is no slouch either. Little wonder, given the whole hotel was designed by celebrated hotel guru Bill Bensley. There’s a riverside swimming pool, complete with bar and loungers that let you watch the sun set, and check out the surprisingly busy boat traffic that chugs past just a stone’s throw from where you sit. You can eat in the hotel of course, and very good it is too. But I’d encourage you to make use of the free boat service that runs regularly from The Siam’s private pier to take you to your riverside restaurant of choice. It’ll stop pretty much anywhere there’s a jetty on the Chao Praya river and it’s also handy for visiting the many temples that line this waterway. Crucially, you can go your whole Bangkok trip without ever having to endure the bumper-tobumper road traffic that the city is so famous for. The hotel is a true one-of-a-kind and I’d encourage everyone – particularly those that usually stay at the luxury chain hotels – to discover a taste of old Thailand at The Siam. thesiamhotel.com
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THE PERFECT BREW With a rich history and a wealth of surprises up its sleeve, the B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa could be Zurich’s most unique property
Words: Rachel Ingram
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urich may be known for its banks and finance firms but there’s much more to the well-polished city than office buildings. Down by the lake there’s a flurry of modern designer shops and stylish restaurants, while the historic Old Town offers an insightful glimpse of the city’s surprisingly rich past. And while it could be tempting to stay waterside, heading slightly off the beaten track unveils one of the city’s most charming properties, the former Hürlimann brewery – now the B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa. Dashing Zurich’s corporate image, this place has character, charm, and, from its rooftop spa, some serious views. Housed in the former factory of what was Switzerland’s largest brewery until its closure in 1996, the hotel retains much of the original building’s industrial character. The brewery’s tower stands tall, casting a grand shadow over the valley, while architects have remained true to the site’s roots, preserving authentic structures where possible. Likewise, designers have given a nod to the brewery throughout the interiors, from photographs of the renovation to chandeliers made from Hürlimann beer bottles – if you wish to sample the real thing, simply open the fridge. Each day, guests are gifted complimentary Hürlimann beer – a
nice touch that’s a prime example of the hotel’s excellent hospitality. The hotel contains 51 unique rooms across several tiers – the best are the twostorey Hürlimann Suites, located in the former brewery coolships. As the coolships are protected structures, architects have constructed a building within a building in order to preserve the exterior – a fascinating sight for architecture enthusiasts. The level below is the Hürlimann Executive Rooms, where we stayed. Our generously-sized room featured a modern open plan design and panoramic views over the city and neighbouring chateaux – once the Hürlimann family residence. A tour of the hotel reveals a number of characterful spaces, such as the Wine Library, a stunning lounge lined with bookshelves containing 33,000 books rescued by the hotel owner from a German library that closed down. It’s here that a European buffet breakfast is served each morning. The venue also doubles as a lounge and bar where wine and cheese evenings are hosted. Another highlight is the Machine Hall, a protected space with original floors and brewery machines, which is now mostly used as an events space. Next door, in the former pump room, modernity meets
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history in one of the world’s most unique gyms – “you can pump iron in the pumping room” says our guide with a laugh. There’s also a stunning conference space that wouldn’t look out of place in a Bond movie. Aptly nicknamed the ‘007 room’, it features high-tech control systems and an incredible sculptural tunnel that funnels natural light into the room. And while the hotel has all the amenities to suit business travellers, it’s far from corporate. In fact, it’s home to one of the most relaxing spaces in the city – Zurich’s only rooftop thermal spa. Water is supplied by natural thermal springs which run from the nearby mountains and were originally intended for use in the brewing process. While not suitable for beer, the springs now power the spa’s series of bubbling baths, set beneath historic arches and on the rooftop. With hot water, a cool breeze and stunning views over the city and Lake Zurich, an alfresco swim in the rooftop pool is an enlightening experience for the mind, body and soul. So, before you book into one of Zurich’s lakeside properties, consider this jewel on top of the hill for a fresh taste of the city. The beer isn’t bad, either. b2boutiquehotels.com
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THE BUSINESS OF GIVING
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DISCOVER PHILANTHROPY WITH A PURPOSE AND ART WITH A CONSCIENCE IN ‘CULTURE’
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UPGRADE Private jet terminals used to be ramshackle affairs. Today, things are very different Words: Scott Manson
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ven if you fly first class, you’re still subject to the vagaries of airport operations. From slow baggage delivery to endless queues and the indignity of shuffling through security, shoeless and beltless. Private aviation, though, is a different world. You can be on a plane and take off within 10 minutes of arriving at an airport – the captain will even carry your luggage on board – and the airports you fly to and from will almost always be closer to your final destination than the city hubs served by commercial carriers. Until recently though, private flying was let down by the
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makeshift terminals that mainly served business jets. Often little more than a wooden hut with bad coffee and some ageing sofas, it was hardly the sort of glamorous start to a trip that those paying, say, £5,000 for a London to Paris journey might expect. Today things are very different, with brands such as Harrods and Hilton running terminals and offering hotel-level service to a new breed of travellers. Read on to discover some of the world’s best places to arrive early for your trip and enjoy an experience that matches the thrill and sophistication of flying privately.
Amsterdam Schipol, Netherlands Located in the private jet terminal, the Summum lounge (the name means ‘summit’ in Dutch), is a stunning space designed by renowned architect studio FG Stijl. The venue offers 5,400 sq. ft. of meeting and lounge space outfitted in a nature-inspired colour palette with contrasting ochre, orange, green and metallic tones. The two Michelin-starred restaurant De Bokkedoorns takes care of the food, plus there's a cigar bar, two stunning boardrooms and a lounge. Elsewhere, hand-woven carpets, huge floral displays, bespoke furniture and a brilliant view of the runway from the lounge’s fourth floor windows make this a discreet and delightful travel hub. selectcatering.nl/en/summum-lounge
Cannes Mandelieu, France It should come as no surprise that Cannes has its own airport, as high-flyers arriving for a holiday in the south of France, or to attend award ceremonies, have little time for the traffic-choked journey around the region’s hub airport Nice. Located only three miles from Cannes the terminal offers an open bar, complimentary food – the pastries are excellent – plus free WiFi and a relaxed, light flooded space in which to work or relax. The only way to arrive in the Cote d’Azur. » en.cannes.aeroport.fr
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Houston, USA They build things bigger and better in Texas, and the brilliantlynamed Million Air private terminal at Houston is a case in point. Among the amenities on offer is a concierge, hospitality bar, theatre room, business centre, pilot lounge and conference room. A congenial club-like atmosphere – that famous Southern hospitality in effect – has made it a firm favourite for the many private flyers heading to and from the state of Texas. millionair.com
Farnborough, UK A contemporary and striking space, it’s little wonder that the awardwinning TAG Farnborough Airport has become a well-known location for many films and TV programmes featuring private jets. Take a look at the ‘Austrian’ airport in Bond movie Quantum Of Solace, for example, or the ‘Japanese’ airport in Inception. There’s on-site customs and immigration clearance on offer, plus meeting rooms, showers, refreshments, private lounges and even a charging point for a Tesla car. A truly five-star affair. tagfarnborough.com
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Long Beach, California, USA This four storey VIP executive terminal includes a pilot’s lounge, conference rooms, VIP lounge, flight planning room, passenger lobby, crew rest area and 132,000 sqft of hangar space for aircraft storage and maintenance. It’s an exquisitely designed space that even boasts a gift shop and showers, plus it’s just a 20-minute drive south of Los Angeles. rossaviation.com
Dubai, UAE The fast-growing chain Jetex runs this airport’s newest facility for private jets, and what a sexy thing it is – more like an adult playground than a business facility. Should the mood take them, passengers can strum guitars on hammock-shaped sofas around a coffee table designed like a campfire. Others amuse themselves by playing table football, checking out the cigar lounge or having elaborate spa treatments. Oh, and Rolls-Royce transfers to your plane are standard, of course. Little wonder it was crowned private jet terminal of the year in 2017. jetex.com/dubai
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Into the wild Anthony Russell shows us how beautiful things can happen when art and philanthropy combine
Words: Rose Adams
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rawing heavily on his experience of growing up in Africa, Anthony Russell uses mixed-media art to illustrate the wildness of the African landscape. Though he defines himself as an artist, Russell’s ambitious nature has propelled him to pursue many creative career paths – he has worked as a designer, musician, photographer and conservationist. His extraordinary upbringing between the UK and Kenya inspired a deeply-rooted passion for philanthropy – particularly in the preservation and support of Kenya’s Maasai culture, which has become the cornerstone for a series of personal works displaying tribal life in a way that Russell hopes will dispel Western misconceptions. It’s fair to say conservation is a cause held extremely close to Russell’s heart. His public and private exhibitions have raised substantial proceeds for philanthropic initiatives benefiting both wildlife conservation and local community projects in Kenya, while his close relationship with the Maasai forms the basis of his Shompole partnership – an elegant eco-lodge in the Great Rift Valley, which he has now donated entirely to the Maasai people. More recently, Russell has donated one of his most intriguing works, Lion Girl (pictured right), to be auctioned at the Tempus Earth Conservation Gala on 31 May to raise funds for conservation charity WWF. Ahead of the event, he tells Tempus how encountering a contrast of cultures has changed his art for the better. »
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Tempus: Your childhood in Kenya has had a profound affect on your art. What is it about Africa that you find so inspiiring? Anthony Russell: From an early age, I was entranced by the tribespeople that worked for my parents on safari. They had intricate tribal markings and would wear copper brass beads and talismans, and there was always blood and ash around our campfire. These early visions became much like the mood board of my art. I think the wild landscapes of my early safari days created a subconscious art plan – I want to go back there, and my art represents that. I hope my work drives collectors to come and see Africa. It isn’t the dark continent that people envision.
You use many organic materials and animal products in your work. From where do you source your materials?
I source many materials from Africa, from old artifacts to newer productions. I also use Glass beads from Venice or the Czech Republic. I Much of your work is focused on wildlife. source snake skins that have been naturally shed; Why is wildlife, and nature consercation, so some butterflies and moths have been found important to you? dead, while others have been under beds in boxes in huts for many years from colonial times when Wildlife is a part of the ecosystem in which we live collection of all species was the norm. – if the system gets sick then so do we. Protecting our wildlife is extremely important to me, as I You work closely with the Maasai. How do know I am connected to it. My work is focused they influence your art? on this reality because Africa is so feminine and curvaceous – it’s like a mother to me. Many of my Living with the Maasai, I learned a lot of deeper artworks have women in them because women customs and traditions. I am now an honorary are grounded; they are earth and home. member of the Olodikalani Maasai of Shompole, and so I am at one with them. Our Shompole You’re donating a piece to the upcoming lodge was a shareholding between us but I have Tempus Earth Conservation Gala. What recently given them 100% ownership because inspired this artwork? I realised they were not able to completely buy us out. I’ve left my legacy in Maasai land and It’s called ‘Lion Girl’ and is based on a beautiful have been rewarded by living there with them, Kenyan girl, Roshinara, who has Eritrean blood. enriching my experience and therefore my art. I was inspired by her beauty, her love of lions and talismans and I wanted to capture her aura. You partner with An African Art Affair, I chose black with sepias to create a timeless which champions several development and quality, which was also pensive for this moment. I sustainability projects. Could you tell us captured Roshinara in her Mali talisman and with about this? her protector, her lion. Above the lion is a secretary bird which represents freedom and lightness. The Monica Crembola, founder of An African Art last layer over the art is a guinea fowl feather, and Affair, has assisted a lot of indigenous artists, leopard spotted edges to add a sense of power. especially those from Ethiopia. She champions their causes and uplifts them, showing them how What steps do you think need to be taken to and where to sell. With her help, the artists can help wildlife conservation? keep their lands and traditions. I’d like to see the same level of donation and awareness offered to causes like the African parks. Up in Lake Turkana in Northern Kenya, [Kenyan paleoanthropologist] Richard Leakey is going to build a huge museum in honour of where we all came from genetically and where he discovered ‘Turkana Boy’. People need to know about where they came from and realise why conservation is so important.
While known for your art, you’ve also dabbled in architecture. How did you find the challenge of designing camps such as Shompole? Shompole was a dream, a literal work of art. I was determined to only use materials from that area so we could pay the Maasai for them. Witnessing a buffalo wallow in mud in the midday heat gave me ideas for cool pools in each room. The inspiration for the colour scheme came from the rounded white quartz and salts of Lake Natron, while the reeds from the Shompole swamp gave us thatch. I then put it together in curves, just like the feminine landscapes in my artworks. anthonyrussellart.com
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The business of giving How do you turn a charity fundraiser into a global giving phenomenon? The Global Gift Gala’s Eva Longoria reveals all Words: Michelle Johnson
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he phrase ‘fiscal responsibility’ is hardly the sexiest of buzzwords, but for Eva Longoria Bastón, it is the single ethos that has turned her charitable endeavour into a modest fundraising empire. While Longoria may be best known for her stylish television roles in Desperate Housewives and Telenovela, at the heart of this powerful actress, producer and director lies a true entrepreneur, with a conscience. While other Hollywood stars might view philanthropy as a passion project to dip into from time to time, Longoria has turned it into a full-time business with an impact reaching to all four corners of the globe. When the Latina actress founded the Eva Longoria Foundation in 2012, she aimed to bridge the education gap faced by many Latina adults and children in the US, using her rising celebrity status to create a voice of advocacy. In time, she ended up doing far more, using opportunities beyond the foundation to create education and entrepreneurial opportunities for those less fortunate across the US, Mexico and beyond. One such endeavour is the Global Gift Gala. Created in partnership with long-time friend and Global Gift Foundation president Maria Bravo, the unique initiative comprises a series of glamorous auction and gala events around the world which produce extraordinary numbers for charities. However, it’s not just any gala, as Longoria exclusively tells Tempus.
“My foundation has so many programmes in the United States and Mexico,” she says. “But all over the world, every country’s problems are different. In one country it might be hunger, in another it might be education. We really look hard for fiscally responsible charities, pair them up with companies and celebrities and just connect the dots to ensure that everybody’s doing the most good they can do.” And the pace is gruelling. Unlike many of the world’s biggest charities, which usually have one major annual fundraising drive, Longoria and Bravo are set to host an astonishing eight Global Gift Galas in 2018, alongside several pop up events in London and Cannes. Galas in each new city benefit the Global Gift Foundation, the Eva Longoria Foundation, and a local charity that shares a similar ethos or approach – at their record-breaking London 2017 gala that charity was Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital – and each event is treated like the most important event in the calendar. “The main thing we try to do with the Global Gift Galas is to raise funds for charities all over the world,” Longoria says. “We find fiscally responsible charities who have the same ethics that we have, and we want to make sure they have the funding they need to do the good that they’re doing. It’s so important that we align with like-minded people.” »
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A global approach On 24 April 2018, the organisation was the charity partner and beneficiary of a dinner at the Rosewood London that celebrated the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, before its organisers jetted off to host the Paris Global Gift Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel George V the next day. Longoria, who is expecting her first child with husband Jose Bastón in May, shows no signs of slowing down and has been deeply involved in the organisation of each event. “There is a lot involved in any event like this,” she says, adding that the most important aspect to making the event pay out to their chosen charities is the sponsoring partners. “We have to ensure our sponsors pay for the actual events, so that our charities can benefit from all the money raised on the night. Every single dollar raised goes to these funds, for these charities. We are so lucky all our partners are so philanthropic and generous – it really means so much to us and the charities we support.” In London, those partners included the Corinthia Hotel, which donated its ballroom, rooms and a three-course meal to the cause, premium vodka brand BeringIce, and private jet company JetSmarter, which also donated several holidays as auction prizes. “And then of course when we have great celebrity friends. They bring the light, they bring the voice and they amplify the message, and that’s kind of the secret sauce,” she says of supporters including fashion designer Victoria Beckham and singer Ronan Keating. “London is one of our biggest fundraising cities, this is a very generous city, and there are so many generous people here in the UK, who want to get involved and do so much. The charities that we fund here do such amazing work.”
Photo credits (Above and far right) Photos by Colin Hart for Tempus; all other images courtesy of the Global Gift Gala
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WE ARE SO LUCKY ALL OUR PARTNERS ARE SO
PHILANTHROPIC AND GENEROUS – IT REALLY MEANS SO MUCH TO US AND THE CHARITIES WE SUPPORT
Money on the mind Longoria says the success of Global Gift Gala – last year alone it raised £1m for charities around the world – is its business model. It’s a phrase that comes up throughout conversation with her and partner Bravo, and if it seems like a rare admittance in a philanthropic organisation, it’s also refreshingly honest. “We run it like a business,” Bravo tells Tempus. “Everything is paid for before a single guest goes into the Gala, so that 100% of the funds raised can go to the charities. Hotels, such as The Corinthia, offer us rooms and space for the events, our brand partners pay for drinks, and in return we bring brands and celebrities to the gala and that’s how we pay them back.” “Because we are raising money for so many different projects that require continued, responsible funding – and because the galas are one after another around the world – you do have to approach it with a business sense,” Longoria says. “How do we create a sustainable business model for our beneficiaries to get consistent funding for their programmes? The galas feel like a night of fun and celebration, but behind the scenes it’s a lot of hard work – but totally worth it.” Part of their model, explains Longoria, is choosing local organisations. This ensures that the charities they work with have a fuller and more immediate understanding of the issues which need to be tackled, and therefore can create fundable projects that address the needs of their communities. “We always want to partner with charities that are indigenous to the cities we host the Galas in,” she says. “And we like to celebrate the work of charities we feel think like us – we have partnered with mothers2mothers, UN Aids, Place2Be Scotland and the Diana Award. All of these charities concentrate on raising funds and awareness of serious issues for women and children.” Last year, The Global Gift Gala’s reach spanned London, Edinburgh, Cannes, Madrid, Marbella, Mallorca, Dubai and Haikou in China, and this year they’re looking even further afield. “This year we are looking at Vietnam as a new destination, and I cannot wait to go as CocoBay are a big supporter of our work. I love all of our Gift Gala cities,” says Longoria. globalgiftgala.com
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I N D U L G E COASTAL COOL LOFTY AMBITIONS
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TREAT MORE THAN JUST YOUR TASTE BUDS AT THIS SUMMER’S BEST BARS AND RESTAURANTS
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Coastal cool From glamourous partying to chilled-out luxury, these beach bars offer something to suit all tastes. With extra style points for those arriving by yacht, of course
Words: Scott Manson
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n the face of it, creating a great beach bar is pretty easy. Stick a shack up on a good stretch of sand, serve some ice-cold beers and decent burgers, and you’ve got yourself a business. Indeed, one of my most treasured travel memories is visiting a wooden hut called Smilin’ Harry’s on Antigua’s Half Moon Bay. There was one menu item – jerk chicken, rice and peas – and a couple of rickety seats, but the setting was glorious, the owner Harry was great company and the food was perfect, authentic Caribbean cuisine. But for those looking to take things up a notch, there are a host of cool coastal spots that anyone seeking beachside luxury should check out. Some are DJ-led party extravaganzas, others more a feetin-the-sand, long and lazy lunch affair. Like a siren call, though, all will draw you in and keep you in their warm embrace, long after a sensible time to go home has passed.
JUAN Y ANDREA, IS TRADITIONALLY REACHED BY BOAT – THE RESTAURANT WILL SEND OUT A TENDER TO YOUR YACHT TO COLLECT YOU
Juan Y Andrea, Formentera, Spain This small island sits a half hour’s boat ride from Ibiza and is the destination of choice for those seeking to escape the hedonistic excess of the party capital. Its aquamarine seas, powder-white sands and tranquil feel has seen it used as a stand-in for a tropical location over the years, perhaps most famously in the Bounty chocolate bar TV adverts, and it does feel unlike any other Spanish destination. There are few cars on the island, a handful of hotels and several very good restaurants and bars. The best of these, Juan Y Andrea, is traditionally reached by boat – the restaurant will send out a tender to your yacht to collect you – and serves fabulous lobster, grilled fish and paella. The white-suited waiters walk barefoot and the clientele comprises everyone from movie stars to top DJs to partygoers in need of some R&R. No trip to Ibiza is complete without a jaunt over to this place. juanyandrea.com
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Beach Rouge, LUX hotel, Bodrum, Turkey A series of cascaded terraces overlooking the sea, plus 650m of private blue-flagged bay, is the setting for this lively bar. Traditionally, the day begins at a slower pace, with visitors enjoying locally sourced produce and pizzas from the wood-fired oven. But as the sun sets, the music ramps up with a number of top international DJs dropping in to get the party started, while the cocktail mixologists are kept busy by one of coolest crowds in Bodrum. Little wonder that this characterful hotel has already won s stack of a travel awards – it really is the place to be right now. luxresorts.com
Atzaro Beach, Ibiza, Spain On an island renowned for its brilliant beach bars, it takes a lot to stand-out. But the luxurious hotspot that is Atzaro Beach does just that. It’s an offshoot of the island’s famous ‘agrotourismo’ Atzaro hotel, which has long been a favourite of boho chic types. The new beach club sits near the pretty shores of Cala Nova and offers breakfast, plus fresh fish, tapas, grilled squid, lobster, crayfish and the restaurant’s popular traditional seafood rice, paella and more. It’s a big space – with room for around 500 people – and when the sun sets it morphs into a livelier affair with live bands and DJs appearing. Keep your ears open for cheeky after-parties here too. Arguably the best new beach bar on the White Isle. » atzaro.com/beach
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Platinum, Porto Montenegro The luxury nautical resort of Porto Montenegro is no slouch when it comes to great bars and restaurants but the opening of nightclub Platinum in 2015 took things to the next level. Located at the newly refurbished Lido Pool complex, it offers breath-taking views over Tivat bay and the 64m designer infinity pool. It’s already picked up a ‘World’s Finest Club’ award and plays host to a number of top international DJs, making it one of the must-visit venues on the Adriatic. Expect beautiful people and an energetic vibe. platinum-portomontenegro.me
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Lofty ambitions Does the signature restaurant in London’s ‘Walkie Talkie’ building offer an experience as spectacular as its views?
Words: Nik Myers
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erched on top of 20 Fenchurch Street – aka the Walkie Talkie – is Fenchurch, a stylish contemporary restaurant with bird’s eye views over the city. Fittingly, given its 37th floor location, the initial experience is a bit like preparing to fly. There are serious security measures downstairs before a vertical take-off lift whisks you dramatically upwards. You arrive at the Sky Garden, an odd mix of public space, cocktail bar, Kew Gardens and airport architecture. But the view is magnificent – particularly over the river Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral. Being at the centre of things, and not as distantly high as The Shard, gives a unique perspective on the capital. And at night, the Sky Garden glimmers in spotlights and steel, matching the city outside. The restaurant itself is a glass box within a glass box, and strangely set back from the building’s cliff face. Frustratingly, that means that there isn’t that much to see from your table. It’s subtly lit and smart-hotel chic, but it’s difficult to put a finger on exactly what sort of a place Fenchurch is. On our Thursday evening visit we share the setting with business diners, special occasion couples, and a few families. Fenchurch offers à la carte and tasting menus. We settle in for the evening with the seasonal tasting menu and wine pairing. The portions are delicate and delightful, with fish featuring heavily. From citrusy ceviche of Dorset char with yuzu and shiso dressing to roasted Orkney scallop with
hazelnut and pumpkin, and monkfish with sprouting broccoli, there’s a lightness of touch to everything we try. The only exception is the chicken terrine, which is a bit uneventful, but then it is competing against some big hitters. The star of the evening is a wonderful loin of venison, served very rare, with buttery celeriac and portglazed black figs. The wine choices are adventurous. There are labels from Croatia, Georgia and Hungary, as well as the Old World. The aged, sparkling Ferrari Perlé, poured with the char, has an unexpected almondy warmth. The Hungarian Bock Cuvée 2013 is a deliciously rich companion for the venison. The service at Fenchurch is friendly and informative without being intrusive. This kind of meal is improved by knowing exactly which south-facing stretch of the Adriatic your wine was reared on. And one advantage of taster portions is there’s still space left for pudding. Or two in this case – a delicate plum tart with Mirabelle sorbet, and the most luxurious dark chocolate, mandarin and cardamom concoction, each with excellent dessert wine pairings. The danger for a restaurant like Fenchurch is that the location overshadows the food. And to be truthful, it does. But this is far from novelty dining. Even without the views, the menu’s beautifully-prepared courses would still be worth the visit. skygarden.london
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P R O P E R T Y AIM FOR THE SKIES
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BOOST YOUR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO WITH BESPOKE GARAGES AND SECOND HOMES WITH PRIVATE AIRFIELDS
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AIM FOR THE SKIES First-class travel with first-class residences
Words: Cheryl Markosky
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rivate helicopter pads are outclassing airstrips these days. As helicopter pads require less space and less cost, they’re becoming more popular than land-hungry airfields for UHNW property owners. “They’re an absolute must for a house this size and at this price,” declares Quada’s Richard Bellman, who’s supplying a helicopter landing zone with his upperscale, £30m Berkshire estate. Home Hunts’ Tim Swannie says hedge fund owners like to fly by helicopter direct to their villas in the south of France,
“particularly when there’s heavy traffic during the busy season”. Daniela Sprea in Sotheby’s International Realty’s Florence office is selling a Tuscan olive estate with its own helicopter pad. She says that unusually, there are no time restrictions, “as it’s not something used all that often compared to a hotel”. Like most of his clients, Farhad Vladi of Vladi Private Islands travels by private jet and then helicopter to his New Zealand island. “Airstrips can prove difficult, because of maintenance, security and weather issues, while helicopter pilots can
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easily see and monitor where they land,” he explains. Sphere Estates’ Rob Green says that one client buying a chalet with helipad in Verbier is proud of the fact that “since starting his business, now worth billions, he’s never borrowed anything and owns things outright – even if it doesn’t always make financial sense.” And while “no one says they won’t buy a beautiful house if there isn’t an airstrip or helicopter pad – it certainly makes it more exclusive if there is one”, adds Anthony Lassman of Nota Bene Global. »
Petra Island, US Only 15 minutes from the skyscrapers of Manhattan, touch down on the rooftop helicopter pad of this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house on a private island in the middle of New York State’s Lake Mahopac. There are also two guesthouses, a teahouse and dock set in 11 secluded acres. $14.9m (£10.5m) vladi-private-islands.de
Grosseto, Italy You’ll never run out of olive oil on your own Tuscan olive grove estate, comprised of nine bedrooms, eight Carrara marble bathrooms, fitness area, home cinema and private helipad between the modern, principal residence and caretaker’s house. £5.2m (£4.5m) sothebysrealty.com
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Nandana, Bahamas Hit the 6,000-foot runway and clear customs at your own airport at Nandana, which means ‘Paradise’ in Sanskrit. You can also reach the Asian-inspired beachfront estate on Grand Bahama Island in a yacht of up to 115 feet at the private dock. » $14.9m (£10.5m) sirbahamas.com
HIT THE 6,000-FOOT RUNWAY AND CLEAR CUSTOMS AT YOUR OWN AIRPORT AT NANDANA
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Domaine de Provence, France Garbo-like solitude on a Saint-Jean estate with three five-bed villas, two-bed guesthouse and accommodation for six staff. Resting in 75-acres of olive groves, lavender fields and meadows, extras include a fitness trail, tennis court, three heated pools, spa and helipad to whisk you over to Cannes’ La Croisette in two minutes. €53m (£46.4m) sphereestates.com
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Harford Manor, UK Be the king of your castle on a contemporary, 40-acre estate near Windsor that redefines the English country house. As well as six bedrooms with marble bathrooms, two kitchens, a spa with 12-metre pool and a 1,000-bottle wine cellar, there’s a private helicopter landing area. £30m quada.co.uk
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MAN CAVE As motoring continues to be a lifestyle choice, garages are more than places to store your collection of cars Words: Lauren O’Neil
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PROPERTY Above and below ground, Cardok garages impress
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ith property prices on the increase, and a distinct shortage of space in major cities, the once humble garage has become something of a modern luxury. It’s therefore no surprise that garages are a prime target for conversions, with most becoming a spare room or getting lost in an extension. However, for those with a particular passion for expensive, classic or incredibly rare cars, garages have had something of a revival and are fast becoming a unique place for owners to spend time with their cars when they’re not on the road. These modern day ‘man caves’ are not just a place to house a car, they are a place to show them off. Furnished to the highest standard, featuring mechanical turntables, heated floors, bars, and in some cases car elevators, these are certainly no ordinary garages – you’re more likely to find an oil painting than an oil spill. “We’ve had clients hang fantastic artwork in their ‘car showrooms’, which gives a real gallery feel,” explains John Pope, director of Octagon Bespoke. One of the most extravagant developments the company worked on was for a collector who owned 12 classic cars. “The showroom was filled with fiberglass pods for each individual car and was housed next to the leisure suite in the basement of their home, with glass walls so the collection could be viewed from the pool, spa, sauna, and games room,” says Pope. So why have these super garages become such a hot commodity? The trend is largely down to the growing popularity of supercars among UHNWs. Gone are the days of practicality when one car would suffice – car aficionados collect these cars like watches, and with some vehicles costing upwards of £1m, you can understand why they expect more than the average, draughty garage to accommodate their prized fleet. Such is the demand, one company has taken it a step further – selling luxury, customisable automotive storage units like commercial condos. Based in Minnesota, US, AutoMotorPlex offers unique spaces that can be transformed into your own personal hang out, complete with features such as a golf simulator, cinema area, or even a basketball court, combined with a plush garage to store and showcase your motors. “Most owners build out their spaces to display their private collection of art, wine, watches and motorsports collectibles,” says Bruno Silikowski, founder of AutoMotorPlex. “One couple who love the game of golf just as much as their vehicles have a full on professional golf simulator. These spaces are less a ‘mancave’ and more an urban retreat.” »
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As you can expect, just like the cars themselves, these super garages come with a hefty price tag. Last year, a Gulf royal reportedly forked out an eye-watering £21m for a parking garage in Knightsbridge, to house his 80-strong collection of modern and classic supercars. Pope explains: “In my experience, those who are looking for a ‘luxury’ garage know exactly what they want – they have extensively researched the best ways in which to keep their collection in mint condition, getting ideas from top-end showrooms.” And tech lovers will be happy to hear that James Bond-esque gadgetry and secret entryways are becoming more mainstream. “Space-saving techniques are popular within the London homes we’ve worked on – we have installed turntables both inside and out, and car lifts to take the vehicles down to the basement are relatively commonplace.” Developers are taking note, with more and more prime developments now offering garages as high-spec as the apartment itself. These garages are very much an extension of the home in terms of finish and come with top-of-the-range climate control and ventilation systems to ensure the cars are kept in optimal condition. The Porsche Design Development, which opened to quite a fanfare last year in Miami, allows residents to drive their cars directly into their apartments. Unique, expertly-lit glass elevators transport the vehicle to a private garage attached to one of the 132 units, each featuring a glass partition, allowing the car to take centre stage at all times – for the lucky owner of the $32.5m (£22.7m), four-storey penthouse, the car can be driven directly into the living room. For car lovers, the garage is much more than just a storage space. In the property world, these once neglected dumping grounds have become as coveted as the supercars inside them.
LAST YEAR, A GULF ROYAL REPORTEDLY FORKED OUT AN EYE-WATERING £21M FOR A PARKING GARAGE IN KNIGHTSBRIDGE Garages become leisure hubs with AutoMotorPlex
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Octagon High-end developers based in Surrey. The bespoke arm of the company enables customers to build their home to their own requirements. Octagon has fitted many homes with impressive garages, with its ÂŁ9.5m Saddle Stones property featuring a motorised outdoor turntable. octagon.co.uk
Wildblood Macdonald This chartered architecture practice based in North West England offers bespoke solutions for private properties, including the development of a private underground car park in the north of England, constructed to house a fleet of priceless collectables. wildblood-macdonald.com
Domvs London A luxury, boutique London-based developer with offices in America and Asia, Domvs has helped to craft some of the most prestigious homes in the world. Lavish garages designed by Beverly Hills based creative director Gavin Brodin can set buyers back between $500-$1,000 per square foot. domvslondon.com
Cardok Cardok is a Swiss-born company specialising in robust car elevators, creating intelligent, unique parking solutions. For those wanting to showcase their cars, the shaft can be finished with glass, so they can admire it from the adjacent room. Made-to-measure solutions can cost upwards of ÂŁ100,000. cardok.com
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A certain VINTAGE The seventh Concours of Elegance will bring together an exceptional array of the world’s rarest collector’s cars at the historic Hampton Court Palace
Words: Rose Adams
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ince it began back in 2012, Concours of Elegance has been an exciting fixture on every classic car enthusiast’s social calendar. Famed as the only motoring event to have been granted access to the grounds of Windsor Castle, the event takes place this year at the equally historic Hampton Court Palace, the former home of Henry VIII. Likened to a ‘beauty pageant’ for automobiles, Concours of Elegance is notorious for showcasing priceless cars from across the globe – and never failing to enthral crowds. The 2018 show – which runs from 31 August to 2 September – will boast a selection of 1,000 of the finest and rarest motor cars from around the world, many of which will be showing in the UK for the first time. Another important draw of Concours of Elegance, presented by A Lange & Söhne, is its commitment to fundraising. To date, the event has raised more than £1,250,000 for its chosen charities. Funds generated from this year’s event will be donated to Marie Curie and Springfield Youth Club Hackney. So, what can we expect this year’s event? The main concours area will bring together 60 of the world’s rarest and most exclusive cars, presented by their owners who will narrate their stories from start to finish – a sure fire way to get guests’ engines revving. And as 2018 marks a monumental 70 years since the introduction of the Jaguar’s iconic
XK120, the brand will put together a special showcase of finest XK models ever built will be on display – from the XK120 Roadster to the XK150 Fixed Head Coupé. Another focal point will be the central stage, which will display a selection of special feature cars, as well as the live stage which will showcase some of the most iconic cars ever produced. While the event’s royal setting has frequently changed – it was held at Windsor Castle in 2012, St James's Palace in 2013 and The Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2015 – the competitive spirit of each exhibitor has remained, as every driver eagerly showcases their product of innovative motoring design in a bid to win the coveted accolade of Best of Show. Examples of those vying for the top prize this year include a 1903 Panhard et Levassor and a 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Taj Mahal, alongside a Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, once owned by actor Steve McQueen. In order to participate, cars must be invited to attend, with the final decision on acceptances made by the event’s Steering Committee, made up of world-renowned motoring experts. Winners are then chosen not by an external panel of judges, but by the owners of the cars showcasing at the event – a fine example of why Concours of Elegance is so popular among motoring enthusiasts. Tickets from £25 concoursofelegance.co.uk
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Thursday 31 May From 7PM The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London
Dress Code: Black tie Ticket Price: £600 / Table: £4,800 EARTH CONSERVATION GALA In aid of WWF
Purchase your tickets or tables by emailing georgia@tempusmagazine.co.uk www.tempusmagazine.co.uk/TempusEarthGala | #TempusEarthGala
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funds raised in aid of: Join us for an evening of fundraising combined with the finest immersive theatre, art and classical music. Guests will be treated to a champagne and caviar reception, a sumptuous three-course dinner, live music from a 40-piece orchestra and two concert pianists, a luxury auction, and performances from Tom Grennan and the London Essentials.
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SAVE the DATE Your luxury event calendar starts here MET Gala Ball
Cartier Queen’s Cup
7 May
22 May – 17 June
Held in aid of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City, the MET Gala Ball is one of the most highly anticipated dates on the annual fashion calendar. And as the A-listers descend on the red carpet, their glamorous ensembles never fail to delight. We can’t wait to see what the stars come out with for this year’s event, which carries the theme Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.
Tempus is proud to be media partner of Guards Polo Club, not least because the prestigious polo club is home to the Cartier Queen’s Cup – one of the most important polo tournaments in the world. Set against the stunning backdrop of Windsor Great Park, this premier competition brings together some of the highest calibre of polo players and an equally enviable guest list.
metmuseum.org
guardspoloclub.com
Monaco Grand Prix 24 – 27 May World-renowned as one of the biggest events in the Formula 1 calendar – and a favourite of spectators and participants alike – the Monaco Grand Prix is the race every driver aspires to win. Set in the historic principality of Monaco, the innercity race is notorious for attracting the biggest names in European racing, and their glamorous supporters. formula1.com
Hampton Court Palace Festival 7 – 20 June
Cannes International Film Festival 8 – 19 May No cinephile should miss out on the chance to attend the 71st edition of this famous film festival. Anticipated cinematic treats in store for this year include the premieres of Solo: A Star Wars Story and Everybody Knows, a Spanish-language film starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, and of course, the Festival is home to some of the biggest charity events in the calendar – including the 25th AmfAR Gala . festival-cannes.com
Taking place in the grand setting of the Tudor Courtyard, this festival presents a collection of world-class acts. There’s a wealth of talent on the bill this year including Lionel Richie, Paloma Faith and Sir Tom Jones, while the event will be rounded off with a spectacular fireworks display to the soundtrack of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Book your tickets now – don’t forget your bottle of bubbles. hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
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Royal Ascot
Coys Spring Classics auction
19 – 23 June
30 June
It’s once again time to don your smartest attire, stock up on champagne and place your bets at Royal Ascot. A favourite event of the Queen, who attends each day to watch some of the world’s finest racehorses compete for a grand prize of more than £6.5m. Book your tickets now to secure the best views of the equestrian action.
Classic car specialists Coys of Kensington is making a triumphant return to the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace this year with its Spring Classics event, and it’s sure to get your engine revving. The foremost auction in the world of finest, historic cars, this year’s event is showcasing the highly coveted Jaguar Legend. coys.co.uk
ascot.co.uk
Henley Royal Regatta
British Polo Day
4 – 8 July
27 June Famous for attracting an audience of international VIP guests, British Polo Day is undoubtedly one of the most important organisations in the equestrian world – and this June you could be there. Part of the event’s core ethos is to raise funds for important causes across the globe, so don’t miss your chance to show your support.
This oar-inspiring event never fails to draw fans from across the country, and with more then 200 international standard races this year, the regatta is tipped to be more exciting than ever. International rowing crews from as far as Australia, Canada and China are set to compete along the Henley reach, as spectators support their favourites while enjoying quintessentially English hospitality on the banks of the river.
britishpoloday.com
hrr.co.uk
Tempus Earth Conservation Gala 31 May The urgency to take action against the threat to our planet’s species has never been more important, so with this in mind Tempus is hosting its inaugural Earth Conservation Gala to raise vital funds for WWF. The exclusive evening at The Dorchester London will entertain and educate guests with a delightful mix of immersive theatre, art and music from a 40-piece symphony orchestra and two concert pianists. Join us for a champagne reception, a three-course dinner and live entertainment from Tom Grennan and the London Essentials. There’ll also be a luxury auction where guests can bid on incredible prizes such as two tickets to space on the Virgin Galactic flight, a commissioned Bran Symondson art piece and an expedition with WWF. For ticket enquiries, please email georgia@tempusmagazine.co.uk tempusmagazine.co.uk/tempusearthgala
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