Tempus Magazine | Issue 78 | February-March 2022

TIMELESS INSPIRATION

MA R K RONSO N Audemars Piguet's brand ambassador leads a cool and creative new wave of watch fans

RAYMOND BLANC | BEYOND BESPOKE SKIS | TIME MILLIONAIRES ISSUE

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Time to reflect

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unbeatable flare for storytelling and determined focus to create unique experiences for my answer. Instead, I realised I would now define true luxury as time.

How do we choose to spend our precious time? Who do we want to share our time with? Where we devote our efforts on our own time is, perhaps, the truest measure of luxury in a world that places constant demands upon us.

This is echoed by a new wave of influential entrepreneurs known as Time Millionaires, who define their wealth by something more than material riches. Read more about how you, too, can cash in on this rising trend on page 28.

Elsewhere in this issue, we meet the cool and creatives superstars of sport and music who are joining the world’s biggest watch brands in our cover story on page 38, and take a daring drive to the summit of Mt Etna – the world’s most active volcano – to test the mettle of the Lamborghini Urus (22) as well as chat to Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner ahead of the new Formula One season (18). We also invite you to join us at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons with chef Raymond Blanc (64), discover the hottest members’ gyms in London (46), and much more besides.

We hope you enjoy the issue, and find that your time with us is truly well spent.

o you ever stop and wonder where the hours have flown?

Whether it’s a busy day at the office or the realisation that, somehow, March is suddenly closing in, we all have periods where time seems to slip away without our say so.

For many of us, that could easily describe periods of the last two years, where the relentless cycle of lockdowns kept people from all walks of life experiencing Groundhog Day. The sensation of wasted time can leave us feeling adrift or burnt out, and as we learn to live with Covid-19 and throw ourselves back into the rhythm of city life, is it any wonder that our desire to make up for lost time is at the centre of so many of our conversations?

Yet, throwing ourselves into the other extreme can feel just as wasteful in a age when work/life balance, selfcare and mindful practises have become essential goals for post-pandemic living – far outgrowing their roots as trendy self-help fads.

Late last year, I was invited to The Netherlands to discuss luxury travel trends for Heesen’s YachtTalk series. During the show, our host asked us how we define true luxury.

This is a question I am asked frequently in my role and, usually, I look to the luxury’s sector’s innovation,

Michelle Johnson Editor

HOW WE CHOOSE TO SPEND OUR TIME IS THE TRUEST MEASURE OF LUXURY

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update from the world of luxury lifestyle

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Contributors

Editorial team Editor Michelle Johnson michelle@tempusmagazine.co.uk

Judy Cogan Judy meets the ‘time millionaires’ proving wealth isn’t just about riches (28) and discovers the Hawaii of China (70)

Creative Director Ross Forbes ross@tempusmagazine.co.uk Digital Editor Gabriel Power gabriel@tempusmagazine.co.uk Wealth Editor Lysanne Currie Motoring Editor Rory FH Smith

Jamie Gill Sharing his meteoric rise to CEO of Roksanda, the very fashionable Jamie Gill appears on page 56

Chief Sub-Editor Dominique Dinse COMMERCIAL Business Development Director Remi James remi@tempusmagazine.co.uk +44 (0) 203 519 1005

Juliet Herd Join Juliet for an indulgent examination of Geneva’s gastronomic scene (86)

Sales Enquiries info@tempusmagazine.co.uk +44 (0) 203 519 1005 VANTAGE MEDIA Chairman Floyd Woodrow Managing Director Peter Malmstrom

Adam Hay-Nicholls Motoring expert Adam takes the Lamborghini Urus on a daring trip to the summit of Mt Etna on page 22 COVER IMAGE Mark Ronson, 2022 © Audemars Piguet Article on page: 38

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Time flies

10 years of ultra-luxury

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s we prepare our first issue of 2022 there is an extra pulse of excitement here at Tempus HQ. You see, this year we are celebrating a whopping 10 years.

Launched in 2012 as a specialist timepiece magazine for jewellery and watch boutique Frost of London, the first issue was hot off the presses just in time for watch and jewellery exhibition show Baselworld.

Tempus began with a mission to bring the very best of luxury lifestyle to a discerning, knowledgeable reader, working with the world’s top experts and luxury journalists to offer a fresh insight into the timeless world of watchmaking and beyond.

As well as its Baselworld preview – a tradition that would stand the test of time – that first issue contained an exclusive with the ‘enfant terrible of hip-hop bling’ Jacob Arabo, as well as reviews of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and Bentley’s Oyster Bar, and chats with sailing legend Ben Ainslie and star chef Richard Corrigan. Tempus was off to a flying start.

In the heady decade since we have enjoyed two redesigns – which offer a fascinating snapshot of the evolution of magazine design

in so short a time – but, through all its guises, the title never lost sight of its central mission.

Today, we are a multi-award-nominated title proudly distributed by London’s most prestigious and exclusive venues – from fivestar hotels to private members’ clubs – spas and boutiques (and the hallowed stretch of Savile Row), as well as luxury transport centres such as private jet terminals and British Airways lounges.

Our digital content, too, has gone from strength to strength. Tempusmagazine.co.uk launched in 2017 as the UK’s first independent daily luxury news website but soon found its own stride. Today, it offers exclusive daily content for its growing, diverse audience and reflects the exciting evolution of what luxury means to our readers.

As we take a moment to mark a decade of incredible content and reaffirm our mission statement – to bring you the most exciting and inspiring moments in luxury – we look forward to sharing even more exclusive interviews, experiences, recommendations and events throughout the year to mark this proud milestone.

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SAVE 25% ON YOUR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

To celebrate Tempus Magazine’s 10th birthday, we’d like to offer you the next six issues — posted direct to your door, or even given as a gift — for just £30.

Visit tempusmagazine.co.uk/subscribe, quoting TEMPUS10 at checkout, and we’ll do the rest*. * Offer available until 1 June 2022 9

CONTENTS

12 The luxe list Our pick of the most exciting launches and must-have gifts of the season 16 Ticking for eternity Discover the inner workings of the Rolex World Service network 18 Flying high We speak to F1’s reigning champion, Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner 22 Explosive performance We put the Lamborghini Urus to test on a daring drive to Mt Etna’s peak 28 Time Millionaires Could this new trend redefine the meaning of wealth?

32 Fiji: open for happiness Embrace the turquoise seas and slow-paced joy of this fascinating island nation 38 New faces DJ Mark Ronson, basketballer Giannis Antetokounmpo and longboarder Marina Correia lead horology’s newest stars 46 Urban wellness Uncover a new world of fitness with London’s coolest private members’ gyms 52 Scents & sensibility The remarkable perfumes about to stop us in our tracks 56 Power dressing Roksanda’s Jamie Gill on his extraordinary personal and professional journey to the top of British fashion 60 Live & in colour Discover the rise of coloured gems in our search for ultra-personalised jewellery 64 A chef for all seasons We visit Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons to meet superstar chef Raymond Blanc 70 Pacific playground How Hainan became the new millionaire’s getaway 74 The damsels of design How the first women of General Motors changed automotive design for ever 78 Get smart The coolest gadgets and accessories designed to elevate city living 82 High performance art Foil founder Andreas Pichler on his quest to create the best luxury skis in the world 86 A culinary tour Discover the gastronomic playground of Geneva 90 RE:VIEW MB&F looks back on its first 15 years of horological disruption, plus the best shows, books and events 96 Save the date The finest events of the season 100 The finishing touch Menswear expert Rikesh Chauhan’s accessories for the stylish traveller

ISSUE 78

38 New faces

Mark Ronson © Audemars Piguet

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The LUXE LIST Our essential guide to the most exciting new launches and finest seasonal gifts

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AirCar For generations we have been told that flying cars are the future, but it’s been a dream – until now. In the skies above Slovakia, the AirCar (right) – a dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle manufactured by Klein Vision – has been undergoing tests that have led to a certificate of airworthiness from the Slovak Transport Authority in January. Its creators are still awaiting its approval as a legal road vehicle, but this incredible machine could revolutionise the world of personal transport. The sky is the limit. klein-vision.com

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Partridges London Celebrating its 50th year, upmarket London grocer Partridges has released brand new Chelsea Bun Gin (left): a high-quality distilled liquor with a flavour profile based on the famous London teatime treat, with notes of orange, sultana and allspice. Partridges has pedigree to back up its produce too, serving as a Royal Warrant Holder to The Queen, while Chelsea Bun Gin is full of rich, fruity flavour deftly balanced with notes of juniper and hints of clove and cinnamon. A right royal tipple. partridges.co.uk

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Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Bacchus Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers workshop has announced the release of its Grande Complication Bacchus (left). This stunning piece is centred on astrological and mythological symbolism in tribute to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and celebration, while also featuring nods to 16th-century German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler. The double-sided wristwatch comprises 16 complications powered by Calibre 2755 GC16 with minute repeater and tourbillon, housed in an 18K 5N gold case. Your wrist will be ready to party.

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Hologram by Miguel Cullen A unique offering that sees poetry transformed into an immersive experience, the new video-book Hologram (right), by Argentinian poet Miguel Cullen, is a one-of-a-kind multimedia project showcasing where pop culture meets explosive Latinx roots. Featuring celebrities and mythological characters from Frida Kahlo to Timothée Chalamet, Maradona to Medusa, Cullen’s work investigates charged themes such as race, class and celebrity, enriched by a subtle quest for poetic imagery. With an exclusive print run of just 300 copies, this is an intriguing, boundary-pushing artwork. » odilopress.com

vacheron-constantin.com

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Piega Ace Wireless Series The stylish Ace Wireless series from Piega is a range of Swiss-crafted compact, quality loudspeakers with cutting-edge design and wireless sound from stereo up to 7.1 channel. The speakers (left), which showcase a delightfully minimalist aesthetic, are DLNA certified and offer analogue connectivity for legacy audio products, as well as integration for Spotify Connect, Bluetooth and Google Chromecast. Perfect for those looking for high fidelity in their lives. piega.ch

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Denison Project Unique 71 If yachts are your passion, Denison should be your next port of call. The American yacht broker has recently debuted Project Unique (right), a 71m custom yacht designed in partnership with SkyStyle, a design studio based in the US, Spain and Argentina. Project Unique 71 is intended for cruising oceans in speed and style, featuring a sky lounge and helipad, Jacuzzi and plunge pool, gym and sauna, and a 12-seat theatre and billiard room. This is serious cruise control. denisonyachtsales.com

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Ardross Single Cask Society The newly founded but already awardwinning Ardross Distillery, which opened its doors in 2019, is offering a unique investment, or a very special gift purchase through its exclusive Ardross Single Cask Society – personalised Scotch whisky casks. The society is formed by a community of whisky lovers, limited to 100 members a year and managed by legendary master blender Andrew Rankin, with members signing a purchase contract for 12 casks of Ardross single malt at £30,000. greenwooddistillers.com

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Arran With Mother’s Day just over a month away, luxury gifting company Arran has the perfect pampering treats from its new Sense of Scotland range including indulgent candles, fragrances and more. Included in the new collection is gorgeous signature scent After the Rain (left), the refreshing citrus fragrance of Glenashdale, and the fruity, floral freshness of Glen Rosa. The family-run brand, which has been operating for 30 years, has garnered a reputation for creating evocative scents made on – and inspired by – the Isle of Arran with its breathtaking scenery. arran.com

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Rafka New York City-based master jeweller Rafael Koblence of Rafka high jewellery has launched a brand new collection of cufflinks (right) and brooches for men, which the brand says comes “at the request of male clients who have historically loved Rafka creations on their female significant others”. Koblence’s backstory is fascinating, having been born in Latvia and wrestled at Olympic level under the Israeli flag before switching careers to jewellery. His work reflects his singular background and global influences – and his jewels add flair and personality to any outfit. rafka.com

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Chateau Denmark Due to open 4 April 2022, Chateau Denmark will be an intriguing, luxurious addition to London’s West End hotel scene. Inspired

by Denmark Street’s iconic history as a hub of music and counterculture, the establishment will take up 16 Grade-II-listed buildings along the street, with 55 session rooms and apartments all featuring distinct design narratives reflecting, as the brand puts it, “each building’s history while dialling into the rebellious spirit of Soho”. A sumptuous stay in the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. chateaudenmark.com

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Ticking for ET E R NITY Discover the inner workings of the Rolex World Service network – ensuring watchmaker Hans Wilsdorf ’s creations will forever stand the test of time

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hen Hans Wilsdorf established his watchmaking business in London in 1905, he did so with the intention that his creations would live on – and on, and on. Wilsdorf was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1881, into an age when watches were fragile and wristwatches were largely considered to be women's jewellery items, far from robust enough to withstand the rigours of everyday life. Aged just 24, Wilsdorf wanted to make a new kind of watch, which would live up to the active lifestyles of people in the 20th century.

Wilsdorf and his newly minted Rolex brand created the Oyster – the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. The compact piece went on to prove its durability in 1927, when Mercedes Gleitze became the first British woman to swim the English Channel – with a Rolex Oyster strapped securely to her wrist. At that moment, she became the first testimonee for the brand – a title that would be bestowed to only select few great sportspeople, adventurers and artists who embodied Wilsdorf's founding principles of, as Rolex calls it, “perpetual excellence”.

While making innovative, robust wristwatches was a considerable achievement, there was another pressing question developing as the popularity of his timepieces grew: how to maintain the excellence of each watch as time passed. Intent that each of his watches should be an “ambassador for quality”, as more of Wilsdorf ’s creations found their way around the world, he needed a global solution for servicing and maintenance.

Today, the Rolex World Service is a global network of watchmaking workshops tasked with ensuring each timepiece receives the same level of service wherever they are in the world. Situated on every continent (except for Antarctica), one of its most impressive centres is they eight-storey facility in the Harwood District of Dallas, designed

by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and finished in 2018.

Each centre is run by specialist watchmakers, who have earned their stripes through Rolex’s 18-month training programme, which enables them to carry out full servicing on Oyster movements. While the inner workings of the service centres are largely hidden behind closed workshop doors, the Rolex World Service offers a meticulous 13-step process that covers everything from initial assessment and evaluation of the watch’s components, all the way through to polish, finishing and handover.

SECRET SERVICE Every service starts with an initial assessment before the work can start in earnest. A few exceptional historic pieces, whose refurbishment requires specific skills, are handled by Rolex’s specialist restoration atelier at the company’s headquarters in Geneva.

Next, the watch is prepped for service, removing the movement – still fitted with its dial and hands – from the case, which has already been detached from the bracelet. Once separated, the movement, case and bracelet all follow separate paths during servicing before being reassembled at the end of the process.

The watchmaker dismantles the movement to inspect each component, replacing those that no longer meet the requirement. With the watch carefully broken up, its many components are cleaned using an ultrasonic bath to remove all trace of impurities. Once cleaned and dried, the movement is reassembled and lubricated.

Only then does the watchmaker start to make adjustments to the precision of the movement.

Like the movement, the case is completely disassembled and the middle case, bezel, case back and bracelet are re-polished or satinfinished according to how they were originally produced. Using high-speed polishing tools and 16

steady hands, the metalwork is brought as close to the original finish as possible – or left with its charismatic nicks and scratches on show, depending on the owner’s preference.

Once finished and the watchmaker is satisfied with the results, the case parts are reassembled and the seals replaced. At this point, the case is tested for waterproofness, just as Wilsdorf intended when he first created the Oyster back in 1926.

As the watch gradually starts to come back together, the movement – to which the dial and hands have been refitted – is put back into the case after it’s been mechanically and visually checked.

Once all the components are united with each other, it’s time for testing to begin. The watchmaker measures its chronometric precision and makes any final adjustments. The case back is then screwed down and the watch undergoes a rigorous test lasting a minimum of 24 hours, to verify the performance of the movement over time.

Finally, he watch is submerged in water and pressure tested to ensure it’s fully watertight and lives up to its depth rating. Only then is the bracelet re-joined before it, too, undergoes a final inspection ahead of collection, and the issuing of a two-year guarantee on parts and labour.

Just like a house or a car, a fine watch requires care, attention and occasional maintenance to ensure it stands the test of time. As a stickler for detail and unwavering in his quest to develop the world’s greatest watches, Wilsdorf ’s perpetual desire to see the brand become the best in the world lives on, long after his death in 1960.

With strong desirability and the iconic fivepointed crown still shining bright over a century on, it’s unsurprising that Wilsdorf ’s global network of service centres remains dedicated to keeping every Rolex ticking for eternity. rolex.com

IMAGES: © ROLEX

Words: Rory FH Smith

WATCHES

FASHION, FOR ME, SITS AROUND

CONFIDENCE

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FLYING HIGH As the boss of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner is the longest-serving team principal in Formula One. With his team’s Max Verstappen taking the 2021 championship in a dramatic finish, we find out why his reign is only just beginning Words: Jeremy Taylor

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MOTORING

MOTORING

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I REALISED THE GLOVES WERE OFF AT THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX IN JULY. THAT’S THE MOMENT I REALLY SAT UP AND TOOK NOTICE

hristian Horner looks impassively at a stack of trophies in the foyer of Red Bull HQ near Milton Keynes. Scores of F1 mementos are arranged 12-high to the ceiling, coveted sculptures once doused in champagne then brought back home to Buckinghamshire.

“When I see the trophies, I feel an energy and excitement about the place – they’re a massive shot in the arm,” he says. “I think the tough years of not winning battle harden you. It makes me more determined than ever to succeed because I remember the feeling of being a winner.”

From 2010 to 2013 Horner and Red Bull ruled the pit lane, as Sebastian Vettel raced to four consecutive drivers’ championships. The first was the most memorable, a victory in the final race of the 2010 season at Abu Dhabi, against Fernando Alonso and the might of Ferrari.

Sound familiar?

For the past seven years, however, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have proved the dominant force in Formula One. Then in 2021, bitter rivalry between the seven-time world champion and Red Bull’s young ace, Max Verstappen, provided one of the most exciting and controversial season ends in years – at the same racetrack.

“Mercedes and their team principal Toto Wolff have been pretty much unbeatable but, if you keep pushing, keep believing in yourself then 2021 proves anything is possible,” says Horner.

The 47-year-old, who married former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell in 2015, has had a hand in all of Red Bull’s F1 success. When he was brought in to manage the fledgling team in 2005, nobody would have guessed, not least this former racing driver from Leamington Spa, that 17 seasons later he would still be at the helm.

“Everybody thought an energy drink maker from Austria, with no proper experience in F1, stood no chance,” recalls Horner. “We were up against Ferrari, McLaren and Williams. There were big characters, big egos – we were almost starting from scratch. Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley were still running the show then.

Ron Dennis was at McLaren and Jean Todt was in charge at Ferrari. Frank Williams was hands on at Williams and Flavio Briatore was the flamboyant boss at Renault.

“They were huge names but the one thing most of them shared was the ability to look beyond their own team and do what was best for the sport. If Netflix had made a documentary series then it would have been unmissable.”

The streaming platform’s hit series Drive to Survive has provided F1 with a much-needed younger audience, helping to broaden its appeal in the US, too. Now in its third season, it was noticeable that Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton barely featured in the first series.

“Mercedes didn’t get involved at the start because they wanted the series to focus solely on them, as world champions,” says Horner. “I think they were sulking a bit for the first year – Toto didn’t think it was a good deal, it wasn’t right for the sport. Then they saw the impact Netflix could have and suddenly there’s a lot more Lewis.”

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A THIRST FOR VICTORY As the 2021 championship roared towards the final grand prix in Abu Dhabi in December, there was still everything to race for. Just a handful of points separated Hamilton and Verstappen, with Horner hungry for his first championship since 2013.

“Normally by that stage of the season the title has been wrapped up – but not last year,” he said.

“I hoped it didn’t have to go to the final race but now I think it was inevitable. This championship went to the wire, which was great for F1 but not much good for my sleep pattern.

“I realised the gloves were off at the British Grand Prix in July. That’s the moment I really sat up and took notice – when Max and Lewis crashed on the first lap. I don’t think many people realise the severity of a crash like that at over 200mph. It was brutal. Max was momentarily knocked out and we couldn’t reach him on the team radio. Your immediate focus is on the health of your driver.”

In the pit lane, the media played up the rivalry between Horner and Wolff – two very different characters. “The intensity of the competition was so fierce last year that one mistake might have cost either team the title,” says Horner.

“It was also the first time Mercedes had been under that level of pressure in seven seasons.

Toto and I are not similar characters. He is a financial guy and I grew up in the industry.”

The 2022 season will see big changes in F1 legislation, focused on aerodynamics. It will mark a return to the ground-effect formula that allows underbody tunnels in the cars – a feature not used in F1 since the 1980s.

“Not relying on wings for downforce reduces the ‘dirty air’ affect, which until now has prevented following drivers from getting too close to the car in front,” explains Horner. “Making the cars easier to follow will promote overtaking and is a totally different philosophy to what we have now. It’s a clean sheet of paper for everyone. Some will get it right and others won’t.”

Until then, Horner will be filling a new space in the trophy cabinet and hoping Verstappen continues to take the chequered flags in 2022.

“There’s definitely a lot more room for silverware – and this time the pressure is on Mercedes.” redbull.com

Clockwise from bottom left: Christian Horner at the F1 Monaco Grand Prix 2021; taking the trophy at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (both Getty Images/ Red Bull); and at home (©Jeremy Taylor)

EXPLOSIVE PERFORMANCE We put the Lamborghini Urus through its paces on a daring drive to the top of volcanic Mt Etna – but can this powerful supercar really take the heat?

Words: Adam Hay-Nicholls

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MOTORING

‘V

olcanic’ may be a suitable word to describe a Lamborghini’s performance. Its vast engine’s combustion chambers are the scene of violent energy, the earth shakes, and flames erupt from the exhausts. It makes guttural roars or devilish hisses and, with terrifying force, punches a hole through nature at 190mph.

The steep slopes of Mount Etna, therefore, sound like the ideal location to test the marque’s high-riding four-wheel-drive model, the £172,000 Urus. Launched in 2018, the 641bhp super-SUV instantly claimed its status as the fastest car of its type in the world. The Urus is as capable off-road as it is round a racetrack – though you’re more likely to find it crawling around Mayfair’s Berkeley Square.

Yet Etna, which rises 3,357m above the

east of the island of Sicily, feels like its spiritual heartland. In Greek mythology, the deadly serpentine monster Typhon was trapped under the mountain by Zeus, and the forges of Hephaestus – god of metallurgy and fire – were said also to be underneath it.

This volcano is extremely active and has been for 500,000 years. In fact, it’s grown 30m in the last six months alone, such have been its recent eruptions. There have been 56 explosive activities just this year. The magma chamber is five miles deep and can spurt lava as high as a mile in the air. Lower down, fertile volcanic soil makes for superb vineyards and olive groves (of the former, I recommend Pietradolce’s smoky yet crisp vintages).

The glamorous coastal town of Taormina is an hour’s drive north, which is where we’ve

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based ourselves. Its opulent San Domenico Palace hotel, part of the Four Seasons group, has hosted Hollywood royalty since the earliest days of the silver screen, including Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Ingrid Bergman and Sophia Loren. It also attracted some of the 20th century’s most illustrious writers, like Truman Capote, John Steinbeck, Tennessee Williams and Rudyard Kipling.

It was the concierge at the San Domenico Palace that advised Francis Ford Coppola on where to shoot parts of the Godfather trilogy, here in the province of Messina.

Art, mafia, mythology, the rich and famous and, towering above these sybaritic scenes, an organic weapon of mass destruction. As I said – a fitting place to experience the Lamborghini Urus. »

REVVING UP THE DRAMA As we pull off the highway towards Catania and ascend the Strada Provinciale 92, wisps of ash start getting kicked up by the Urus’ gigantic tyres. The higher we go, the blacker the road gets, a dark cloud engulfing our mirrors. Cars ahead have a trail behind them like that of a bellowing Victorian locomotive.

The visibility in the sky is better, which is especially fortunate for two-time paragliding world champion Aaron Durogati, who’s joined our group. The 35-yearold Italian has been soaring through the air since he was six and, sponsored by Lamborghini as well as Red Bull, he climbed the mountain ahead of us and lifted off to add even more awe to the picture.

The Urus grips like Kratos on the Sicilian tarmac.

We steer off road, across the basalt, turning off the electronic stability to throw the SUV into a dramatic series of slides as we tear up Etna’s eastern slopes.

Someone sets out some red cones around which we pirouette the Urus with a ‘Scandinavian-flick’.

Some people, usually with hot-rodded hatchbacks, choose to burn their rubber in car parks. This is next level. To those revving their Aventadors at 20mph around Harrods; may I suggest you use a little more imagination.

Lava spilled down the path we’re on as recently as last August. As the rocks get bigger, we raise the ride height 30mm by putting the car in Terra mode. The 21in wheels find greater traction, the suspension adapting to what is a most incongruous challenge for a car with a raging bull on its badge.

Mars and Moon Rovers are tested here, and I can see why. As we emerge above the clouds the hills of black ash, some coated with fresh snow, look like they’re from another planet. Ash is an insulator, so even in summer you can find ice just below the surface. Dig a foot deep, though, and you can feel the heat of the volcano.

Access to Etna’s summit is restricted, so we park the Urus and make the final part of our ascent on foot towards its tallest point: the southeast crater.

There are five distinct craters and this is the newest (‘born’ in 1978) and most active, a spill of yellow sulphur visible on its flank. A constant puff of white smoke is blowing out of the crater. It looks as though this is where God puts out his cigar.

It is a glorious and humbling sight. Yet, volcanic eruptions are highly polluting. As well as raining ash, they emit huge volumes of carbon dioxide. A single small eruption from Etna lasting just a few hours might add many millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. »

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MOTORING GEAR CHANGE As the temperature of the Earth and the level of its oceans rises to a critical level, Lamborghini is about to change direction. Supercar companies are in the same boat as the giant mainstream manufacturers. Unable to sell automobiles powered by internal combustion engines from 2030 in the UK and elsewhere, they’re turning to alternate means of propulsion.

Lamborghini is investing an extra £1.26bn into the company between now and 2024 to electrify all of its models. In three years, every new Lambo will be either hybrid or fully-electric.

The emissions across its fleet will be cut by 50%, and its factory will be carbon neutral.

The power will still be great – maybe greater – and the speeds will continue to thrill, but there will be no more flames and, irrevocably and inconceivably, no more roar. A silent Lambo?

That’d be like Miles Davis without a trumpet or a judge without a gavel. Italy without Andrea Bocelli. One of the senses will be bereft.

So, let’s savour what we have while we still have it. Floor the twin-turbo V8 and frighten the birds. Blast back down the piste of the volcano and make the pipes spit flames. We haven’t got long left.

AS THE TEMPERATURE OF THE EARTH AND THE LEVEL OF ITS OCEANS RISES TO A CRITICAL LEVEL, LAMBORGHINI

IS ABOUT TO CHANGE DIRECTION

IMAGES: © LAMBORGHINI lamborghini.com

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LIFESTYLE

T I M E MILLIONAIRES When it comes to true wealth, we discover why money alone no longer makes the world go round Words: Judy Cogan

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ike many people before her, Fatinah Hayat spent the first decade of a high-powered career in fashion merchandising “working extremely hard and focusing solely on progression,” which led her to surrendering weekends and holidays to emails and meetings. “To achieve results I had to give more and more time,” she recalls. “It just wasn’t sustainable and I reached burnout pretty quickly. I was left feeling so frustrated.”

In April 2017, Hayat made a life-changing decision. “Instead of taking the Eurostar to Paris to attend a trade show one day, I found myself resigning from my job.”

She flew to Bali for a month of “good rest” and to rethink her future while enjoying yoga, sea swims and learning Ikigai – a Japanese technique for finding purpose in life.

“I discovered more about myself than ever

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before. It struck me, I don’t want to look back at my life one day and think I spent most of my time doing something I didn’t enjoy.”

Returning to London the 36-year-old still had no idea what she’d do next but felt “a greater sense of self and what excites and drives me”.

First, she spent time cooking and catching up with friends and family. Then she started up her ethical fashion brand The Hayat and she hasn’t looked back. “Hayat in Arabic means ‘life’ so it felt like an appropriate name for a business that gives me life,” she says. “Now I don’t need a holiday form, I can find my own balance and manage my time in a way that works best for me.”

Hayat is part of a growing movement of Time Millionaires: professional people who measure their worth not in terms of financial capital, but according to the time they can claw back from work for recreation. »

TIME RICH The term was coined by writer Nilanjana Roy in her 2016 column for the Financial Times: How I became a time-millionaire. ‘Time is so valuable it’s like having money in the bank’. In the article Roy writes: “For a growing number of affluent professionals, it’s regarded as inefficient to be too busy to fit in exercise, family life, travel, hobbies, and positively old-fashioned to boast about long working hours.”

Post-pandemic, this work revolution is on the rise. In the US, by November last year, a record 4.5m people had quit their jobs, with 2021 being dubbed the year of the “great resignation”.

Meanwhile in February this year as part of his work for wellbeing app BetterUp, the Duke of Sussex came forward to encourage employers to give staff more time to focus on their mental health. He suggested business leaders factor “me time” into their employees’ daily routines with access to meditation and regular breaks.

In the words of English philosopher Alan Watts: “Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing than a long life spent in a miserable way.”

It’s true most happily successful people, such as Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey and Sir Richard Branson, have the knack of enjoying what they do for work but take time off for activities they love. But the rest of us still have a long way to go, says author Oliver Burkeman, whose best-selling book Four Thousand Weeks: Embrace your Limits, Change your Life explores the idea that we all have roughly four thousand weeks on earth and asks how best we can use this time. Burkeman claims it comes down to a shift in perspective. If you stop trying to do everything, you may finally get around to doing what counts.

“At some point you have to see that the key to a fulfilling and meaningful existence is choosing a few of things you really want to do and pouring your time into those things,” he says. “It’s about coping with the fact that sometimes this will make us feel anxious. It really is that simple – not easy, but simple.”

He also believes it’s not about putting off your passions until the work is done, because it never will be if you don’t change your approach to time.

“If you care about doing some specific thing in life, at some point, you do actually have to do that thing,” he says. “You can’t always put it off into the future. That feeling of ‘if not now, when?’ is really powerful.”

While Hayat says she relies on “goal mapping, strict time management and routines” to manage her work and life, her biggest piece of advice is to “check in with yourself and allow yourself time to actually do whatever sparks joy.

Trust the process.”

But if being time-rich over money-rich is the goal, use the extra time wisely. “Be mindful that if you get super-efficient at work, more work is going to be sucked into your life by your greater efficiency,” says Burkeman. “If people are ambitious and successful, making more space in their schedule is making more space for more work.”

PRESENT AND CORRECT Jonathan Wicks, who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona USA and is president of property management company JD Wicks Co, “wholeheartedly” identifies with being a Time Millionaire and says it not only benefits his life, but his employee’s lives too.

“We live in a 24/7 society, and that has worked its way into businesses often to the detriment of the individual workers,” he says. “We ask our professionals to be fully present both physically and mentally and that distinction also translates to a “switch off ” that allows team mates to truly rest and enjoy their lives outside of their work.”

When the 35-year-old isn’t working he likes to spends time in nature. “The vividness of seeing real things through a screen-free lens is the ultimate leisure for me. In those moments, I try to refrain from using any screens at all.

For instance, if I’m golfing, I’d rather keep score on a traditional scorecard vs a digital one. Little adjustments of the mind allow me to feel rested in a way that is very different from watching a TV show.”

For Wicks, ultimately, time off should be celebrated. “We often try to swing pendulums, and that leads to even more defeat, so take small steps” he says. “Vocalising the need for true rest within your organisation will start to set a culture that doesn’t frown upon “switching off ”, but rather works toward it.

Teammates will rally around giving others those rest periods because they know it is a full-circle process. Celebrate a full vacation or a long lunch break. The culture of a rested and ready-to-rock team will start to prevail, and you and your organisation will be better for it.”

Break away: Time Millionaires such as Fatinah Hayat (right inset) are embracing a mindset that prioritises meaning; Wellness in Bali, Indonesia (main) 30

LIFESTYLE

HOW TO BECOME A TIME MILLIONAIRE Leilani Franklin-Apted (below) is an Experience Designer and Remote Work Consultant and former Chief Design Officer at Unsettled. Here are her top three tips on how to embrace the lifestyle of a time millionaire and value “being” over “having”.

1.

Life balance is a process not an outcome. It is not a “set it and forget it” one-time solution. Think of balance like a moving target and regularly check in to see what you need and what tools you can use for tracking, following, and tweaking as you go.

2.

There is no right or wrong way to reimagine your life. The aim in fluid lifestyle design is to take down the barriers in your work/life structures to better access what you value. It’s a great exercise in learning to be yourself.

3.

A big part of being a time millionaire is about being the guiding influence in our lives, rather than relying on external direction. Burnout often comes when we are detached from our own guidance and trying to fit into moulds that don’t work for us.

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Fiji Open for happiness With international travel to Fiji open once more, discover a world of thrilling adventure, fascinating culture and joyful community, ready to welcome us all

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hen we think of Fiji, images of 333 sun-kissed islands with white sandy beaches as far the eye can see spring instantly to mind but, if you ask the natives of the Pacific Island nation, Fiji’s true charm lies in its people. This is a place where the tenets of hospitality reach another level, thanks to the mix of major resorts and familyrun boutiques all benefiting from the locals’ simple credo: Sega, na leqa.

This phrase essentially translates to “no worries” – a reminder to embrace island time and focus on one’s own happiness. And there is plenty on offer to make visitors smile. From lush forests that are a hiker’s heaven, to beautiful beaches made for relaxing on as the world goes by. Fiji’s astounding coral reefs provide peerless diving experiences, while the community’s rich culture offers legends and rituals to uplift the spirit and enrich your experiences. Here, we take a dive into a handful of the diverse experiences – and most extraordinary hotels – that Fiji has to offer… »

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C API TAL E X PE RI E N C E | SU VA Suva, Fiji’s capital and second largest city, is located on the island of Viti Levu and home to the country’s government, botanical gardens, museum – which is home to some remnants of the HMS Bounty – and rugby stadium. Vacation like a royal at the historic Grand Pacific Hotel, where many members of the British royal family have stayed during official tours. With beautiful architecture and bustling modern shopping and nightlife, Suva is a must-visit.

While here, take a car ferry to the nearby island of Ovalau, where you can explore the historical port town of Levuka – the ancient capital of Fiji from 1874 to 1882, and now an UNESCO World Heritage site.

PE ARL O F T H E O C E AN | S AV U S AV U For serious diving fans, one of Fiji’s most impressive destinations is surely tropical Vanua Levu island, where the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (created by the son of famed marine explorer Jacques Cousteau) offers unbeatable underwater exploration of what he described as the "soft coral capital of the world".

Dedicated to marine conservation, the resort has an in-house marine biologist, a reef protection programme and a giant clam-breeding project. As in traditional Fijian villages, buildings are tailored to their tropical environment, with natural ventilation and sustainable construction. Spend the day exploring the beautifully preserved reef and diving for pearls in the pristine waters before heading to J Hunter Pearls (one of the few black pearl farms with high sustainability credentials) to create a piece that will remind you of Fiji forever.

With this resort as your base, it’s easy to head to the nearby deep-water bay of Savusavu, which will soon have a superyacht port.

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PARTNER FEATURE

T H E G ARD E N I SL AN D

I SL E

|

TAVEUN I

Known as the garden of Fiji, Taveuni Island is the perfect place to start if you want to get a sense of this heavenly island nation. Geographically placed on the 180-degree Meridian line – exactly half- way across the world – it is a lush and verdant island perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

Head to the sea and Taveuni’s colourful coral reefs for some of the best diving on the planet, hike through the waterfall laden forests of Bouma National Heritage Park or kayak the Lavena coast – where waterfalls fall directly into the ocean.

An eco-tourist’s paradise, Taveuni Island is home to native flora and fauna unseen anywhere else in the world – including endemic birds such as the Blue Crested Flycatcher or the elusive Orange Dove, and rare flowers including the Tagimoucia, which blooms 823m above sea level.

Stay at nearby COMO Laucala, a 25-residence five-star private island resort known as one of Fiji’s finest hotels – and with good reason. This is somewhere you won’t want to leave. »

FIJI IS HOME TO NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA UNSEEN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD

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I SL AN D VI BE S | YA S AWA I SL AN D S Beyond the Mamanuca Islands all your tropical dreams come true with a tour of the Yasawa Islands. Yasawa is the first of 15 Fijian words to mean ‘heaven’, and these 20 unspoilt isles are aptly named. No trip would be complete without a stop at the Sawa-i-lau caves; two limestone caverns dominated by luminous saltwater swimming pools. The first lit by a natural overhead vent and the second is only accessed by an underwater tunnel. Both are steeped in mystery and local legend.

Stay at the bare-foot chic Yasawa Island Resort, with its 10 private beaches, or one of just 14 villas at cultural Turtle Island, which offers vistas of the magical blue lagoon.

C O O L C O R AL | KAD AV U Take a short flight from Suva or Nadi by private seaplane to Kokomo Private Island – where it's just a hop and skip to the blue lagoon and nearby Astrolabe Reef. The fourth largest barrier reef in the world, this is the perfect place to observe manta rays, while the area is also home to active marine conservationists. Guests can take conservation dives where you can get handson experience planting corals on the reef or cleaning clams in a nursery.

IMAGES: COURTESY © TOURISM FIJI 36

PARTNER FEATURE

C A ST AWAY | P O RT D ENAR AU & MAMAN U C A I SL AN D S If you’re seeking a true ocean getaway, Denarau Island is the marine gateway to the popular Mamanuca Islands. The remarkable South Sea islands are the backdrop to blockbusters such as Tom Hanks’ Cast Away (2000), and an idyllic way to explore the islands of the South Pacific.

Port Denarau itself boasts a world-class marina teaming with sensational superyachts, as well as a plethora of big-name hotels, golf course and racquet club. While there, true adventurers should head to Cloudbreak – a mecca for the world’s best-known surfers.

For inimitable luxury, venture out to Vomo Island, Tokoriki Island or the Six Senses Fiji on Malolo Island – the latter resort is home to 39 Fijian crested iguanas, a critically endangered species that staff are devoted to conserving through a hatchling programme.

UN RIVAL L E D C ULT URE | PAC I F IC H ARB OUR Not far from the capital, Pacific Harbour is an interesting hub for tourists keen to experience Fiji’s I-taukei cultural practices. Local resorts, including Nanuku Resort, introduce visitors to the famous Kava Ceremony, where visitors are invited to partake in a welcoming ritual that includes drinking a mildly narcotic and calming beverage made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant – normally sundried before being pounded into fine powder and locally referred to as Yaqona.

The ceremony will certainly leave open-water diving enthusiasts relaxed for the exhilarating Beqa Lagoon shark-feeds. The shark god of Fijian folklore has long been revered by locals and, for two decades, locals have made it possible to experience cage-free swimming with eight types of shark (through Beqa Lagoon’s Shark Reef Marine Reserve) thanks to a tradition of sustainably feeding the sharks – a remarkable, internationally acclaimed experience.

Beqa Island, just 45-minutes away, is home to Fiji’s famous firewalkers – stay at Royal Davui Resort to be in prime luxury position to experience this wealth of native culture in style.

Find out more about what Fiji has to offer and plan your trip at fiji.travel 37

New faces As DJ and producer Mark Ronson joins Audemars Piguet, we meet the cool creatives taking our favourite watch brands to new heights

“I thought I would study journalism – I was like, if I can’t play music [then] I want to write about it. I just wanted to be around it.”

But Ronson became a hit DJ in the 1990s New York music scene, known for his genrespanning sets of diverse tracks fusing funk, hip hop and rock ‘n’ roll. Soon enough, he was being booked for high profile events and private parties, until making the leap to producer in 2001. His 2003 debut album, Here Comes the Fuzz, was a critical hit and featured artists including Mos Def, Ghostface Killah, Jack White and Sean Paul.

“Busting my ass for 10 years, I ended up making a career in music,“ he said of what seemed, to the public, like an overnight success. “It’s crazy when I think of the [artists] who I love [and] who I’ve got to work with.”

Since then, Ronson has won seven Grammys, a Golden Globe and an Oscar for his work. His collaborations with artists have produced some of their seminal hits – such as ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse (he also produced much of the late singer’s Back to Black album), ‘Oh my God’ by the Kaiser Chiefs, and ‘Uptown Funk’ by Bruno Mars.

He has also collaborated with Duran Duran, Adele, Lady Gaga, Queens of the Stoneage and many more, often catapulting those he produces to new heights.

Interestingly, it was Daft Punk that first

introduced the stylish musician to Audemars Piguet. During an early gig in Paris, he noticed members of the Daft Punk extended family wearing the brand’s Royal Oak expression – and immediately decided to track down the iconic Gerald Gentadesigned timepiece.

“All the cools guys had this watch. I don’t think I could even pronounce Audemars Piguet at that point,” he said.

“I ended up tracking one down through a great dealer... I remember the day I went in and she said ‘I’ve got your watch’,” he recalled.

That watch was the 36mm Royal Oak in yellow gold that Ronson still wears today.

“This is a piece of art that I wear, essentially.”

To celebrate his new ambassadorial role, Audemars Piguet recently invited Ronson to visit its Le Brassus workshop in the Vallée de Joux, where it has been crafting fine watches since 1875.

“Being in the factory, I really noticed the attention to detail and combination of analogue instruments and soulful maestros who make these watches,” he said of his visit. “It’s so similar to what we do in the [music] studio, with our heritage and sense of dedication to craft.”

Evidently, this is a collaboration made in perfect harmony. » audemarspiguet.com

IMAGES: MARK RONSON © AUDEMARS PIGUET

I

nternationally acclaimed DJ and music producer Mark Ronson has taken a new step into the fashion world, as the new brand ambassador of renowned watchmaker Audemars Piguet.

The collaboration is a perfect match between Ronson’s modern-vintage style and genuine love of watches, and the Swiss watch brand’s dedication to creative artists – it launched a music programme in 2019 which included a new global partnership with Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival.

Born in London’s Notting Hill and raised in New York, the British-American producer was surrounded by music as a child. His father, Laurence Ronson, was the manager of British Eurovision sensation Bucks Fizz, in addition to his role in the Ronson real estate dynasty.

Ronson was eight years old when he moved to New York with his mother, Anne DexterJones, stepfather – Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones – and twin siblings Charlotte and Samantha. Growing up in Manhattan, Ronson counted Sean Lennon (son of John and Yoko Ono) among his childhood friends, and secured a summer internship at Rolling Stone magazine at the age of 12.

“I was never a prodigy at any instrument so there was never any guarantee that I was going to make it in music. But I loved music, I was fanatical about it,” he said in a recent discussion with Audemars Piguet (below).

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WATCHES

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Slam dunk Basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo joins the Breitling Squad – and cements his MVP status as a role model for future generations

IMAGES: GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO © BREITLING

B

asketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has joined Breitling as the brand’s newest squad member, with the brand welcoming its new MVP into a line-up that includes actors Brad Pitt and Charlize Theron, explorer David de Rothschild and surfer Kelly Slater.

The collaboration is an exciting new addition for the watch brand, which is famed for its dynamic star-power and purposefully casual approach to high elegance. Breitling is known to eschew the title of ‘ambassador’ in favour of ‘Squads’ of unique individuals, who share a mastery of their field – be that aviation, exploration, cinema or sport – and represent the watchmaker’s core values of action, purpose, and pioneering spirit.

In his nine years since joining the National Basketball Association (NBA), Antetokounmpo has hit nearly every career milestone achievable – including Most Improved Player, two-time Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP. Last year, he also led his team, the Milwaukee Bucks, to win its first NBA

title in 50 years.

The 6ft 11in player has had an unconventional journey to the NBA. He was born to Nigerian parents in Athens, Greece, and rose from humble beginnings to shoot through Greek basketball youth leagues before being drafted by the NBA as a teenager.

“Giannis’ willpower, dedication, unwavering vision, and desire to give back make him an inspiration,” says Breitling CEO Georges Kern. “Plus, he’s just one of the coolest, most down-to-earth guys you’ll ever meet.”

One of five children, Antetokounmpo and his brother Thanasis (also a player for the Milwaukee Bucks) helped their parents by hawking goods in the streets of Athens when work was hard to come by. The brothers’ sporting prowess and hardworking mindset saw him overcome poverty – and finally gain his Greek citizenship in 2013.

Not forgetting his roots, the star athlete works with two of his brothers to run a basketball academy in Athens that helps children from similarly underprivileged

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backgrounds get involved in the game and, through it, build confidence and life skills.

The AntetotounmBros Academy partners with Nike, the Onassis Foundation and the Eurohoops Organisation to provide children in underserved communities with “positive basketball experiences, mentoring and life skills, unlocking their potential to become better athletes, better teammates and better citizens”. It is inclusive to all nationalities, religions and genders, and actively promotes the empowerment of women and girls. The academy provides programmes for players and coaches.

The Academy says: “Giannis has already started trying to act as a role model for future generations and show that, if you fight hard for your dreams, nothing is impossible.”

“When we recruit a squad member, it’s not just because they’re the best at what they do,” adds Kern. “It’s because they bring character and integrity to everything they do.” » breitling.com

Savage elegance Just three years after taking up longboarding, Cape Verde’s Marina Correia was crowned world champion in the sport in 2020. Now, she’s taking on a new role with Swiss watchmaker Maurice Lacroix Words: Gabriel Power

T

he only thing with more zip than Marina Correia as she races down the French Riviera in Nice on her signature longboard, is her astonishing career trajectory. After packing up and moving here from the gorgeous, lunar landscapes of Cape Verde at the age of 14, she soon found herself ensconced in the longboarding scene, focused on the peculiar upcoming sport that is something of a hybrid between skateboarding, surfing and freestyle dance.

Skip forward to 2020 and, at the age of 23 and just six years after first picking up a board, Marina was crowned world champion in longboard dancing and freestyle. And now, her accolades, relaxed ethos, sharp sense of style and her moves on the board have drawn the attention of Maurice Lacroix, the Swiss watchmaking firm, which made her a friend of the brand late last year.

We speak to this remarkable young athlete about her career and triumphs, and what this new collaboration means to her. »

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WATCHES Marina, how did your career in longboarding start?

I was born in Cape Verde, and came to France when I was 14. I started longboarding when I was 17, three years later. There is no culture of longboarding in Cape Verde; we know kitesurfing, we know bodyboarding and we know skateboarding, but longboarding? No. I didn’t even know about longboarding before moving to France.

But I love it. It’s like a mix of surfing and skateboarding. We dance on the board and throw a few tricks in, making it very difficult.

The hardest part of the sport is knowing where to go next, or what the next step is, so you have to think ahead constantly. So when you’re competing, you have to balance the dancing and the tricks mentally, and it’s all improvised so you have to have the next few steps planned out at all times.

How would you describe your style on the board?

I would say my style is unique. I know a lot of women in the longboarding community and my style is quite different. I love putting myself in danger, whether it’s jumping down stairs or going much faster than other boarders. I like to describe my style as elegant and savage at the same time.

IMAGES: MARINA CORREIA © MAURICE LACROIX

How did it feel to be crowned world champion in 2020?

It’s amazing to be told you are the best. But at the same time, we all have our own styles and tricks, and one is not necessarily “better” than the other. If you win a championship, like I did, you might have simply been the best on that day, not the best overall. Still, it feels amazing to have won.

I also feel like it’s not just me as an athlete

that has been recognised, but also as a personality. A lot of people write to me telling me how inspired they are by my history, not just my longboarding. I like to push [others] to be the best they can, both on the board and in their personal lives – I’m very close to my fanbase and I love to talk to them about life and mental health, not just longboarding.

I feel like lots of people think I represent black girls, and girls in sport in general.

How so?

I think a lot of girls take on the world quite slowly. Particularly where I am from, many don’t even know they can go out into the world and get more from life than they currently have, that they can do better than they are currently doing. I think I’m the only Cape Verdean girl longboarding professionally, so I’d love to push more girls into longboarding and am trying to get more people to take it up in my home country. Women in Cape Verde are told that they should cook, clean and look after their children. It is a highly traditional society.

How did you first get involved with Maurice Lacroix?

Thiébaut [Bentz, marketing director] sent me a message to arrange a meeting, and once we were there he started talking about the brand’s aims and values, and I was totally into it. We match perfectly; both the brand’s values and my values line up almost exactly.

I’m not very materialistic, and I tend not to get along with people who are; the kind of people who show off their watches and brag about their wealth. I’m very humble and prefer simple things, and as such I love the human element of Maurice Lacroix.

Do you see a connection between your longboarding and your fashion choices?

Absolutely. Longboarding is a huge part of my life but I also love fashion – I’m always trying to mix and match my outfits to change things up depending on my mood. I don’t just wear bland sports clothes either; I like bright colours and photos and things like that.

It’s a little difficult to explain, but my style is based on uniqueness. I’m not, like, 100% woman. I don’t like skirts, I don’t like dresses and other typically feminine items of clothing.

Instead, I like to mix things up. Yesterday, I wore large boys trousers with a crop top; a blend of feminine and masculine. I love contrasts, and this can also be seen in my longboarding. As I said: elegant and savage.

What’s next for you?

I just found out that I was nominated to be the ambassador for Cape Verde at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. It’s awesome. I think being nominated, as a girl, is a huge step for women in my country. I’m the face of Cape Verde at the Olympics. The whole country is very proud.

What’s your perfect way to spend an hour?

For me, it’s smiling, because I love being positive and it puts me in a good mood, along with reading positive things and generally improving my mood. And of course, longboarding. That caps off the perfect hour for me, because when I’m on the board, it’s impossible to be sad. mauricelacroix.com

I LOVE PUTTING MYSELF IN DANGER, WHETHER IT’S JUMPING DOWN STAIRS OR GOING MUCH FASTER THAN OTHER BOARDERS.

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U R B A N W E L L N E S S Looking to get back into your fitness routine in championship style? These luxurious London establishments uncover a whole new side of wellness Words: Gabriel Power

L

et’s face it; while we all appreciate the tireless work of home fitness gurus – Joe Wicks has solidified his place in the heart of the UK populace – getting pumped up, heading out and hitting the gym is one of life’s great underappreciated pleasures.

Many of us have been reminded of that in recent months, as lockdown restrictions lift and workout sessions regain their communal properties. The gym is where like-minded people, be they fitness fanatics or relative newcomers, can converge and silently, but diligently, work toward the same goal: bettering themselves.

Those looking to get back on the treadmill or elevate their gym experience need look no further, as we present the best and most luxurious member gyms in London for 2022 – as well as how to upgrade your home studio.

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SPORT

FIGHTING FIT | BXR The celebrity favourite boxing gym backed by British Olympian Anthony Joshua, BXR has multiple branches across the capital, including Canary Wharf and Marylebone (pictured), and offers studio-based, instructor-led classes including its renowned full-body cardio workouts.

But the sky’s not the limit for this ambitious gym chain, which is soon to open a new location inside London’s 22 Bishopsgate. Located on the 25th floor of this towering building, BXR City will be the highest gym in the City of London, along with having the highest climbing wall in the capital. » bxrlondon.com

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CUTTING EDGE | KX Founded in 2001, KX has become a haunt of the high society figures of West London, from Hollywood A-listers to billionaire CEOs, all of whom swear by the club. This is in part due to its strict adherence to the latest academic developments in sports science, nutrition and beauty therapies. Over the years, KX has developed a reputation for introducing cutting edge technologies to its gyms, and the latest peer-reviewed dietary schemes to its kitchen, in an attempt to stay ahead of the curve.

Of particular note is the KX Red Fit Cardio Detox, an exercise space in which guests, be they partaking in pilates or a strenuous cycle, are blasted with infrared light (right) as they get their sweat on. This rather aesthetically intense feature, the first of its kind in Europe upon opening in 2021, is emblematic of KX’s drive to always be at the cutting edge of wellness by harnessing the power of bizarre – but effective – science. kxlife.co.uk

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ELEVATED EXERCISE | LANSERHOF Lanserhof at The Arts Club is one of London’s leading private wellness clubs, offering what it describes as “an elevated approach to health, fitness and vitality”. The facility hosts a private gym equipped with cutting-edge fitness equipment and a wide range of different studio classes on offer such as yoga, reformer pilates or HIIT training.

Furthermore, medical services offered by orthopaedists, general practitioners and cardiologists are complemented by a team of physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors who use pioneering analytics and equipment to create bespoke health and wellbeing plans. » lhtac.com

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GET READY TO EXPAND YOUR EXERCISE REGIME INTO UNCHARTED TERRITORY

HOME WORKOUT | CICLOTTE If you’re not quite ready to head back out into the world to get your heart pumping, or prefer to enjoy your workout from your home gym, there’s no need to sweat; Italian brand Ciclotte is offering state-of-the-art gym equipment for your home in the form of its uniquely shaped stationary bike.

The Ciclotte Bike, with its aesthetically pleasing circular design and range of colours, was created using high-tech materials like carbon fibre, glass fibres and steel. The bike’s resistance is managed using an innovative electromagnetic system remotely controlled via Bluetooth. ciclotte.com

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SPORT UNIQUE REGIME | BODYISM Bodyism, based in Notting Hill, is a holistic wellness club with a vast array of treatments and training programmes available to its members.

Whether you are looking to sharpen your boxing skills or push through a thorough barre workout, performance specialists and instructors offer high-quality, unique classes designed to expand your exercise regime into uncharted territory.

Beyond this, the team also offers massage and body treatments along with nutritional therapy and osteotherapy to complement all aspects of its members’ lifestyles. bodyism.com

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INDULGE

&

Scents sensibility

The most extraordinary fragrances can stop us

in our tracks. Tempus discovers the remarkable perfumes defining our signature scents

Words: Lauren O’Neill

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ragrance has long been known to leave a lasting impression and, thanks in large part to Gen Z influencing an overhaul of the beauty industry with their sophisticated appreciation of quality, as with the boom in skincare in recent years, attitudes to fragrance are also shifting.

In Q1 of 2021, a year into the pandemic, perfume sales surged 45% when compared to the same period the previous year (particularly in the luxury sector) as people sought to find comfort through scent – and, no doubt, escapism too. We’ve all experienced a moment where a familiar scent has stopped us in our tracks, transporting us to a bygone place or moment. Scent is powerful. It has the power to evoke memory, and the power to alter mood.

If you’re looking for your next signature scent, or just to treat yourself to something new, try a spritz of something from one of these specialist perfumers. »

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MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN

FLORAÏKU

ELECTIMUSS

This French perfume house was founded in 2009 by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, and businessman with an eye for the arts Marc Chaya.

At the very beginning of his career, aged just 24, Kurkdjian created what went on to become one of the world’s most iconic fragrances, Le Mâle by Jean Paul Gaultier. The brand’s collection is loyal to the tradition of luxury French perfumery, with a contemporary vision. With what is described as a ‘wardrobe’ of fragrances, the house seeks to create a number of ‘sensory adventures’ and inspire emotion through its scents.

Launched eight years ago, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 (below) has had something of a renaissance recently. Sweet, warm, and intoxicating, it combines top notes of saffron and jasmine with amberwood, fir resin and cedar. For Kurkdjian, the power of this intense scent lies not only in its careful composition, but in its silage – the trail a perfume leaves behind once its ingredients disappear.

Created to celebrate crystal manufacturer Baccarat’s 250th anniversary, the fragrance was originally available only in 250 numbered, crystal bottles but, because of its popularity, it was later launched in partnership with Baccarat under Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

This Parisian fragrance house takes its inspiration from Asian culture and its appreciation and respect of nature. Each of its three collections pays homage to the traditional ceremonies at the heart of Japanese heritage, customs in which flowers, incense and teas play a major role. Founded in 2017 by husband and wife, Clara and John Molloy, Floraïku follows the success of the duo’s niche perfume house Memo Paris, launched a decade prior. The name Floraïku is a nod to the haiku – a small, three-line poem rooted in Japanese literature – which cofounder and poet Clara creates to tell the story of each perfume.

Perhaps the most interesting and innovative of Floraïku’s scents is its Shadowing collection.

Comprising just two fragrances, Between Two Trees and Sleeping on the Roof (below), these can be worn alone or layered with any other Floraïku scent to create a light or dark ‘shadow’, making your fragrance truly unique. Sleeping on the Roof is the light shadow, described as floral and musky with green accents. Containing notes of sandalwood, geranium, lily of the valley, orange blossom and amber musk, it will lift another fragrance when worn side by side.

Established in 2015, this independently owned, niche luxury British perfume house launched into the global market in 2019. Founded by Luke Granger and Jason Collison, it is driven by the creative forces behind brands such as Boadicea the Victorious and Thameen. Inspired by Ancient Rome and their obsession for perfume, which was woven throughout their everyday rituals, the name Electimuss is Latin for ‘to choose the best’, with the founders citing a shared obsession for ‘creativity and quality.’ Working with a selection of talented perfumers, including Julien Rasquinet, Christian Provenzano, and Sofia Bardelli, this relatively new-kid-on-the-block has expanded rapidly and now boasts 17 fragrances across four collections.

Mercurial Cashmere, part of the Nero Collection (previous page), is currently gaining a lot of attention thanks to its sweet, spicy and seductive scent. Telling the story of the god Mercury – who was fickle and untrustworthy but adored for his wit and irresistible charm – it has a spicy citrus top featuring Madgascan pink pepper and Italian bergamot, with a base of oud, musk, vanilla and cedarwood.

Baccarat Rouge 540, £215 for 70ml franciskurkdjian.com

Sleeping on the Roof, €255 for 50ml floraiku.com

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Mercurial Cashmere, £225 for 100ml electimuss.com

INDULGE

LA MAISON VALMONT SERGE LUTENS

More widely known for its luxury skincare, where it has been an elite staple for three decades, La Maison Valmont launched its first collection of perfumes in 2020, taking CEO Sophie Van Guillon back to where she began, in fragrance.

Storie Veneziane by Valmont is the embodiment of the company’s motto ‘Where art meets beauty’ – inspired by the vibrancy of Venice, and combining Sophie’s technical expertise and nose with her partner’s (Valmont president and artistic director, Didier Guillon) love of art, the seven bottles are all sculpted works of art featuring Venetian masks, each in a different colour, hand-blown by a master Murano glassblower, with caps trimmed in dyed saddle leather in Venetian tradition. This storytelling runs throughout its boutiques, including its latest, Parisian flagship store La Maison Valmont pour Le Meurice, where a bold Murano chandelier takes centre stage alongside a personalised selection of artworks curated by Didier himself.

The latest scent in the collection is Zafferano I, launched at the end of 2021, a unisex scent inspired by trade at the San Polo Marketplace, which fuses saffron, bigaradier flower, and oud essence.

The man behind this eponymous perfume house is a true artist, citing photographer, filmmaker, fashion designer and hairstylist alongside perfumer on his impressive CV. Prior to launching his own line, he took on the role of creative director at Shiseido and challenged gender rules with the idea for the first ever unisex perfume, Féminité du bois, a vision brought to life in 1992 by perfumers Pierre Bourdin and Christopher Sheldrake. 30 years later, the fragrance is now sold under his own brand, Serge Lutens, launched in 2000, where it remains one of its bestsellers.

The unique scent, which heralded a new approach to how we perceive and wear perfume, perfectly blurs the line between feminine and masculine, with the warmth of cinnamon and ginger, earthiness of cedarwood, musk and cloves, and sweetness of orange blossom, peach and rose.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of this revolutionary and timeless scent, Serge Lutens has launched this signature perfume in a limited-edition bottle, available exclusively at Harvey Nichols.

Storie Veneziane Zafferano I, £451 for 100ml lamaisonvalmont.com

Féminité du bois, £110 for 50ml sergelutens.com

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Power dressing Roksanda CEO and British Fashion Council board member Jamie Gill’s career path has taken him from the Mumbai start-up scene to one of the UK’s most exciting and collaborative maisons. We find out about his extraordinary personal and professional journey Words: Lysanne Currie

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t was September 2021 and the shiny, box fresh ballroom of The Londoner, the city’s newest, hottest hotel, swung open its doors to 200 luxury industry business leaders for Walpole’s Future of Business Summit. The energy was palpable – no cool insouciance here – this was one of the first in-person work events since Lockdown, the decibel level was high as people greeted each other grinning, happy and hyped to see each other – and to swap ideas and experiences all with the aim of ‘resetting’, making the world a better place.

The first panel of the day – on luxury’s mission to drive responsible change – was hosted by Vogue Business’ Sarah Shannon, and panellists included Jamie Gill (right), CEO of Roksanda and British Fashion Council board member. He talked passionately with fellow panellists ( from Modus, FarFetch and Estée Lauder) about the moral and business case for diversity and inclusion, how transparency and accountability is key to future success, as well as the need for more female voices in the climate conversation and why workforce diversity and inclusion (D&I)

has to be scrutinised at all levels.

Three months later, Jamie’s passion for D&I is still bubbling when we meet in Roksanda’s 2,500ft David Adjaye-designed flagship store in Mayfair. We talk about how the Covid-19 pandemic has been for the business and for him personally. He is an optimist, he says. “The reflection period has been useful for us all to take time and really look at our policies and manifestos – there’s a greater sense of purpose in business now – although this has always been part of Roksanda’s DNA.” Gill sits on the board of the British Fashion Council and has a particular remit to look at increasing diversity in the industry. “It’s never going to change unless it’s top down. It has to be board, executive level, management (then) team down.”

Wise words from the young Asian, LGBTQ fashion leader, who trained first as an architect, then an accountant, before becoming CEO of the luxury fashion house (beloved by the Duchess of Cambridge and former US first lady Michelle Obama) at just 30 years old. » 56

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Fashion focus: Roksanda’s specially choreographed SS22 presentation in the Serpentine Pavilion

I STARTED TO REALLY SEE THE POWER OF THE BRAND...

IT’S THE EMOTION, THE CONNECTION

CREATIVE GROWTH Growing up in a Derbyshire mining town, the son of second-generation South Asian immigrants with a strong work ethic, Gill’s curious, creative mind drew him towards architecture from an early age, inspired by the likes of Norman Foster and Richard Rogers. “As a child concealing being gay, I wanted to do something creative,” he says.

“It was a way of fuelling my passion but not announcing myself.”

On graduating in architecture from Nottingham University, however, he’d walk slap-bang into a market still reeling from the 2008 global economic crash. “I jumped around different architecture practices, but I wasn’t enjoying it at all.” After a spell at Deloitte London, he became fascinated by luxury – “I started to really see the power of the brand. I understood why people would pay the premium. It’s the emotion, the connection.”

However, his entrepreneurial itch needed to be scratched so he quit his corporate job and headed to Mumbai with a friend to cofound a luxury wedding dress company. “It was almost arrogant when I look back on it,” he laughs. “To think that I was going to start my own fashion brand aged 25.” Call it grist to the

leadership mill: “We sourced factories, worked with embroiderers, raised funds and sampled the collection. And we sold some pieces. I look back at this start-up as my real-life MBA in the business of fashion.”

It certainly taught him about resilience – but also the pitfalls of a relentless foot-on-the-gas lifestyle, and the importance of mental health. “I learned by doing it the wrong way. I worked way too hard. I ate badly or didn’t eat. I socialised and drank too much. I was so burnt out I lost my hair.

I just thought, I’m never doing that again…”

After a round of funding didn’t come through, the company was wound down and Gill returned to the UK, “skinny, sad and in debt. I moved back in with my parents and had to pick up the pieces”.

Undefeated, he took a job with investment house Eiesha Ltd, (then a stakeholder in luxury boutique Roksanda) in 2014 and four years later its founder, Serbian designer Roksanda Ilinčić asked Gill to become CEO. “I realised very quickly that I had an innate merchandising skill set, as well as the strategic and financial,” he says. “Marrying all my experiences together – brand, product, investment, marketing – meant I could grasp situations quite quickly. As soon as there was

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an inspiration or an intention for the collection, I could get involved and take it on through the rest of the journey, to building it, to selling it, to producing it, to shipping it to marketing it and then building a budget and making a plan.”

Under Gill’s leadership Roksanda has gone from strength to strength: it was one of the first houses to merge its seasons, there’s been a collaboration with Lululemon, and an interiors project too – the Roksanda penthouse in the Gasholders complex in King’s Cross.

An unusual journey, then – but he wouldn’t have had it any other way. As Coco Chanel herself once said: “Fashion is architecture. It is a matter of proportion.” If architecture forced him to think about everything from “the socio economics of your creation to the financials of budgeting and funding”, his accountancy training proved invaluable in helping him become a CEO, “to look at an ever-evolving situation calmly and work out the different scenarios depending on which lever you pull…

I’m the biggest advocate for doing it the way I’ve done – especially for someone who’s unsure where they want to go.” roksanda.com

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LIVE IN COLOUR We explore the rise of coloured gems – and why rare precious stones are heralding a new wave in ultra-personalised jewellery

Words: Polly Jean Harrison

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A fine emerald can be priced higher per carat than a diamond, so is often seen as the ultimate coloured gemstone. Its rich green hue is associated with the lushest landscapes and it has been desirable for centuries.

“We also find that blues are particularly popular, such as sapphires. In colour psychology, blue is associated with depth, stability, knowledge, power, gravity, and calm.

It also symbolises confidence, trust and faith. Blue gemstones are loved globally by gemmologists and jewellery collectors alike.”

As well as these timeless traditional gems, other coloured precious stones have also reached high demand – and high prices.

“In the recent past we have seen greater interest in stones such as tourmaline as they are available in pretty much any colour, have great clarity and are quite hard-wearing stones,” says Blacklock. “Additionally, pearls have also grown in popularity as people have become more comfortable with them not just being ‘for Granny’. You get wonderful South Seas pearls of various colours and hues being used by lots of the jewellery houses. Over the last few years, there has definitely been a renaissance; we now create three to five bespoke pieces a year featuring them in some form.” »

re diamonds really for ever? It might seem not, as gone are the days of perfectly clear crystals adorning the fingers of every socialite and partygoer.

There’s a bright new trend bursting through the industry, with colourful gemstones becoming increasingly popular in fine jewellery.

From aquamarine to emeralds, morganite to pearls, these striking gems are skyrocketing in demand at even the most prestigious of jewellery houses. With a plethora of gemstones in hundreds of colours, varieties and cuts, a few in particular seem to be rising above the rest in this rarefied industry.

Chris Blacklock, the sixth generation MD of Blacklock, a British jewellery firm founded in 1832, says: “For us, the traditional coloured gemstones of sapphire, emerald and ruby have never been out of fashion – if anything they have been going from strength to strength.”

Alison Cooper, founder and CEO of Alicia J Diamonds (whose Bold collection is pictured, right), agrees, stating that the “classic” three have always been in high demand, commanding lively prices at auction.

“Emeralds remain a firm favourite,” she says. “This precious gemstone has a value associated with rarity, durability and beauty.

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RAINBOW CONNECTION There are many reasons why these colourful gems are becoming increasingly popular in fine jewellery. Cooper believes consumers are more interested in wearing original jewellery that has particular resonance.

“Birthstones and stones with a personal significance to the wearer have seen a surge in sales, particularly emeralds, rubies, sapphires and coloured diamonds, which are having a big impact just now,” says Cooper. “Since the pandemic, more consumers are also looking to tap into the powers and spiritual meaning of particular gemstones for healing, good fortune, and different energies.”

Celebrity endorsement can also be responsible for these shifts in trends, with glamorous personalities having a huge influence on the comeback of colourful gemstones. From seeing some wonderful gemstone jewellery on the red carpet to bold star-shaped engagement rings, many celebrities have opted for a colourful gem rather than a diamond. Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring, for example, features the rare padparadscha sapphire, with its beautiful dusky pink-orange hues.

“We’re not going to see the end of diamonds – they will always be a constant despite more interest right now in coloured gemstones,” says Blacklock. “However, often the two can combine beautifully in one piece, complementing each other to form an exquisite creation.”

“Many of the coloured gemstones in nature are rarer than diamonds,” Cooper explains, “and so they appeal to a new, discerning generation of millennials who put rarity and uniqueness above all else.

“Another factor to consider is that modern luxury is no longer just about the labels you wear.

Now it’s also about the significance behind a piece of clothing or jewellery. People want something that they can wear forever. Runway collections show a fresh dramatic fashion direction, and luxury brands are focusing on power-styling with renewed vigour. Coloured gemstones are being used by the big fashion houses to create jewellery to match accessories and clothing.”

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A QUESTION OF ETHICS? As our awareness about being more ethical in our everyday lives increases, the way we source our jewellery is no exception. With the diamond industry finding ways to remove itself from a somewhat tarnished history of conflict and blood, coloured gemstones may provide a more sustainable alternative that is well worth investing in.

Mariaveronica Favoroso, CEO and co-founder at business-to-business gemstone marketplace Gemolith, says: “Investing in responsibly sourced and traceable coloured gemstones will become more and more important and appealing as consumers are now very conscious and aware of the importance of sustainability in luxury. Fashion houses and designers are demanding to know the origin and provenance of gemstones and need to be able to trace their journey to make sure gemstones are sourced within ESG standards.”

Blacklock echoes this, saying: “It’s clear that customers want to know where their stones have come from and how they have been mined – whether they are diamonds or coloured stones. We are constantly looking to ensure our stones are ethically sourced and have a clear line of traceability – we only do business with stone dealers who have the same attitude as ourselves. Five years ago, it was a differentiator to source sustainable stones whereas today it is considered table stakes.”

It’s clear that, whatever stones are in fashion, consumer demand will ensure that ethical and ecological concerns are at the top of the industry’s agenda, making it a key factor for investment.

FIVE YEARS AGO, IT WAS A DIFFERENTIATOR TO SOURCE SUSTAINABLE STONES. TODAY IT'S CONSIDERED TABLE STAKES – Chris Blacklock

aliciajdiamonds.com; blacklockjewellery.com; gemolith.com

Bold & beautiful: Alicia J Diamonds Bold Collection (main) includes the Desire Ring ( far left); Blacklock Infinity Collection (top) and an uncut ruby (left, Vincent Pardieu Greenland/Blacklock Jewellery) 63

A chef for all seasons Tempus heads to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons to meet Michelin-star chef and sustainability champion Raymond Blanc OBE

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he world of fine dining is explosive. The best establishments live and die by their bold flavours and bolder personalities, where the chef is a tastemaker leading with personality, passion and creative genius.

But French Chef Raymond Blanc OBE, 72 (pictured), has a different view of what it means to be a chef célèbre. His is an energetic philosophy of scintillating contrast and surprising balance; of impossibly fresh, straight-from-the-garden ingredients combined to delight and dazzle the palate.

Born near Besançon in eastern France, he inherited his love of cooking from his parents – particularly his mother, the influential Maman

Blanc. Entirely self-taught, Blanc has mentored top chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre White, yet his early career as a waiter was cut short after being fired from a restaurant for offering the head chef advice on how to improve his cooking.

Arriving in Oxfordshire in 1972, he worked under André Chavagnon at French restaurant La Sorbonne before striking out on his own in 1977. The first Les Quat’Saisons was among a row of shops in Summertown, Oxford – its overnight success went on to earn him two Michelin stars.

His first La Maison Blanc boulangerie opened in 1981 and then, in 1983, Blanc bought

the Oxfordshire manor that has become today’s two-Michelin starred gastronomic hotel Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – ubiquitous with the very best food in England. Blanc is not only the chef patron of Le Manoir, he is also the driving force behind the designs of each palatial suite as well as the beautiful kitchen and herb gardens, and his team hosts regular cookery classes for guests who visit from around the world.

With all this on top of the release of recipe books, television appearances, luxurious events and his 20 Brasserie Blanc restaurants across England, we head to Le Manoir to discover what inspires this joyful approach to gastronomy and hospitality. »

IMAGES: © LE MANOIR AUX QUAT'SAISONS

Words: Michelle Johnson

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Raymond, how has your philosophy of cooking evolved over your career?

My parents taught me from a young age about the importance of growing your own produce; planting, nurturing and when to pick and creating the most delicious meals for us all. It was simple, delicious food, and my Maman taught us to use the food wisely – to use what we had so we never wasted anything – making meals, pickles, jam. So, for me, the importance of seasonality has always been my philosophy.

What makes seasonal food so appealing?

For me, there is something truly wonderful about growing your own [ingredients] and using them to create meals for family and friends. I have the fondest memories helping my Papa in the garden and then bringing in the vegetables and fruit to Maman, so she could work her magic.

Here at Le Manoir, we take guests in our Raymond Blanc Cookery School into the kitchen garden to select produce to use to create their dishes. We rely on our local suppliers, who have proved so important during the pandemic.

I think we are so grateful for what we have close by, and we must make sure we support them. By buying locally, you are supporting the craftsmen who give life to our villages. You help your local farmer to keep his farm and, therefore, support his staff. It’s like a tower of cards – if the farm is alive, the village keeps its post office and its pub.

It keeps the community alive.

Do you have a favourite childhood dish that brings back memories?

One of my favourite dishes that we used to have was a simple tomato salad. We grew the Marmande variety – they were fat, meaty and so juicy. Maman would slice them and put shallots with them, and she made a mustard dressing – just delicious. The memory of the taste of that tomato essence has not faded, and it is still one of my very favourite meals today. »

Garden fresh: Raymond Blanc (inset) uses fresh ingredients to create spectacular two Michelin-star dishes 66

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You have influenced a generation of talented chefs. Is it important to you to inspire others?

I believe that you never stop learning – this is our ethos here at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and also at Brasserie Blanc. I have always thought it is crucial to pass on skills to others and, as a selftaught chef, to have nurtured so many successful chefs through our kitchens and to have helped create a network of fantastic talent… there is nothing greater and I am a proud man.

Every single member of the team here at Le Manoir works to exceed expectations – from the team in the kitchen, housekeeping and front of house. We look out for each other and help one another; we are lucky to have such a good team.

What do you think of any rising new trends in gastronomy?

Gastronomy has changed a great deal over the years. The consumer is really starting to

understand more about what they are eating but, also, how they want to be treated when they are out dining. Here at Le Manoir, we ask if you want to be disturbed or not. If you don’t, we put the menu on your table and you can see what you’re eating; if you do, we can tell you everything you want to know. We give options – to me, that’s true luxury.

Le Manoir is a true gastronomic escape. What inspired you to create this experience for guests?

I am involved in every part of Le Manoir and I truly love it. It is a place for celebration, creating memories and. spending time with loved ones. I wanted to create somewhere that would exceed every expectation. Each of the 32 bedrooms is individually designed, drawing inspiration from my travels. The areas of the gardens evoke memories; our Japanese Tea Garden gives guests a taste of Japan. I have chosen artwork,

WE GIVE OPTIONS – TO ME, THAT’S TRUE LUXURY

sculptures – some from my own collection at home. I must add that I have been lucky to work with my team for many years – my head gardener Anne-Marie has been here for 35 years, Mark Peregrine in the cookery school has worked with me for nearly 40 years – so we share the same passion.

What’s next for you?

I have recently finished filming the second [television] series of Simply Raymond – it has been hard work but the feedback for the show and book has been positive, and it was exciting to do a second series. We have some lovely events this year at Le Manoir, including our summer party in July, and a wonderful calendar for guests. I’m also already preparing for Jardin Blanc at the Chelsea Flower Show in May and then Royal Ascot in June. raymondblanc.com; belmond.com

The right ingredients: Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons (below); the Jade Suite (right)

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A TASTE OF PERFECTION

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rriving at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is to step into the imagination of Raymond Blanc. The path leading to this picturesque Oxfordshire chateau is lined with lavender, soothing the senses from the very first step towards the main house and restaurant.

Each of the hotel’s 32 suites and garden rooms is uniquely designed to reflect some aspect of the chef ’s life and travels. We stay in the Jade Suite, a stunning split-level orangescented room designed in Japanese style – complete with bonsai and precious gems.

Personal touches include a signed copy of Blanc’s latest recipe book, waiting next to a handful of sweetly wrapped chocolates and a chilled bottle of champagne.

A tour of the grounds begins at the lounge, where the hotel’s dessert chef prepares a delectable lemon drizzle cake – soft, sweet and sharp, it is a rich taste of what is to come. A stroll around the kitchen gardens winds through zenlike Japanese garden to a sculpture lake, before coming upon the herb garden dedicated to Maman Blanc.

After dressing for dinner, we enjoy an aperitif on the lawn before heading into the palatial dining room for a seven-course tasting menu.

The menu includes classic courses such as French onion soup, chargrilled Scottish langoustine and Cornish turbot – all with some sensational twist of vibrant flavour or delicate sauce. Catering for an allergy, I go off-menu to enjoy a fresh risotto complete with edible flowers picked from the gardens.

A melt-in-the mouth Rhug Estate venison is the star of the main courses, before moving onto a trio of desserts including Le Chocolat au Lait (milk chocolate with parsnip and salted caramel), Le Café with petit fours and, to finish, a selection of French and British cheese. Our excellent sommelier’s choice of wine pairings feature a Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes 2018 and a Saint-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé 2011, Bordeaux.

With the fines of meals unashamedly at the centre of the Le Manoir experience, every moment is nourishment to the body, mind and soul thanks to Blanc’s emphasis on great food and company. There’s nowhere we’d rather be.

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PACIFIC PLAYGROUND Described as the Hawaii of China or even the new Monaco, Hainan is living up to its reputation as the luxury destination of choice. We discover why it’s such a well-kept secret

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Words: Judy Cogan

TRAVEL

Hawaii of China: The Phoenix Island, Sanya Bay (left); Rosewood Sanya (above)

W

hen it comes to planning your next desert island getaway it could be all too easy to opt, yet again, for The Maldives, Bora Bora or The Seychelles. Why not take a (gold) leaf out of Chinese billionaire Jack Ma’s book and consider Hainan? China’s smallest and southernmost province, Hainan is made up of more than 200 islands, known as ‘the Hawaii of China’ and a hub for impressive five-star resorts, golfing and the silkiest white sandy beaches.

Ma was spotted playing golf at Hainan’s Sun Valley Golf Resort in February 2021 and is thought to have spent three months enjoying downtime on the island in complete privacy.

If we were to tell you Hainan has unparalleled luxury shopping, surfing, yachting, world-class restaurants and year-round sunshine, you might begin to believe the hype.

Where you need to focus your attention is the 12,700sqm Hainan Island, specifically the city of Sanya – home to several bays hugged by luxury beach resorts. Yalong Bay, for example, is known for upscale hotels, while Wuzhizhou Island offers up stunning coral reefs for scuba diving, surfing and other water sports.

Caroline Donaldson-Sinclair, PR consultant and founder of 802 PR, a boutique PR company specialising in destination profiling, growth and promotion, predicts Sanya is on a trajectory to 71

join the same elite circles as Monaco and Dubai.

“As a billionaire’s tropical playground, it has everything going for it,” she says. “A splendid yacht club, beautiful beaches and of course a glittering array of hotels with all the big names from Four Seasons to Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental, creating chic and luxurious purpose-built palaces of pleasure.”

An estimated 83million tourists visited Hainan in 2019, according to China Daily, but until recently the majority were domestic visitors.

For western travellers this is new and exciting terrain, since the government announced in 2018 that Americans could visit for up to 30 days without a visa. With Hainan Visa Waiver Policy, tourists from the UK can travel visa-free to Hainan Island, with arrangements made by a local travel agent.

Sanya offers faraway visitors a lot more than its rivals, according to Donaldson-Sinclair.

“A breathtaking tropical island setting, with rainforest to explore,” she says. “Plus fascinating Chinese cultural, religious and historic sites, the community’s love of nature and pride in Hainan island’s indigenous arts and crafts.”

Phoenix Island, an artificial archipelago with multiple hotels, restaurants, luxury residences and a marina, has already drawn comparisons to Dubai and is connected to the city by a long bridge that’s only open to hotel guests. Maybe »

it’s the combination of natural beauty and glamorous living that sets Hainan apart.

In 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping designated Hainan as China’s largest free-trade zone opening the island up to exclusive duty free designer shopping. Travel expert and cultural writer Siyuan Meng, who is based in Shanghai, has visited Sanya several times and believes shopping is the island’s golden carrot.

“Since July 2020, Hainan has raised its annual tax-free shopping quota to 100,000 RMB (approx £11,535) per person,” she says.

“The duty-free policy has attracted an influx of travellers (mostly domestic), which results in a stronger luxury market locally and therefore we can expect an increased number of premium brands to enter Hainan.”

A luxury shopping paradise it will be, with Hainan’s duty-free sales set to triple to $46.5bn by 2025 and a roll call of the world’s top luxury brands from LVMH to Kering, L’Oréal to Shiseido already present. Patrice Louvet, CEO of Ralph Lauren, told Bloomberg: “Hainan is a strategic priority for us. Every business is looking at it.”

The luxury resorts aren’t missing a beat and refuse to lose guests to CDF, China’s biggest dutyfree shopping mall. Last summer The Sanya Edition – one of Hainan’s newest and most exciting resorts – launched its DIORIVIERA pop-up store offering guests access to Dior’s latest collections and a private pool experience.

Elaine Fu, PR director for The Sanya Edition, says while most visitors are attracted to the natural scenery, they also have retail needs. “We created a luxury retail boutique space and art gallery by working with Jinghope Life Aesthetics Community,” she says. “We create regular popup experiences by collaborating with luxury brands such as Christian Dior Couture, Fendi and Burberry.”

With the best beaches found at Yalong Bay, Dadonghai, Sanya Bay, Qingshui Bay, Haitang Bay and Shimei Bay the island certainly lives up to its nickname as “the Hawaii of China” – in fact, Hainan and Hawaii are on the same latitude.

And Meng says Hainan is already jumping on a resurgence of high-end surf tourism, “thanks to the rising surfing scene there since the pandemic,” which ties into efforts to preserve Hainan’s natural beauty working towards an eco-friendly and sustainable future.

“The surfing boom will continue and make the island an even more appealing tourist spot for travellers from all over the world,” she says.

Stay at The St Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort and you’ll get private access to more than 800m of white sandy beach and beautiful coastline, plus a marina and a protected mangrove forest

surround the hotel. “The island of Hainan is often compared to Hawaii because of its tropical climate and beautiful beaches,” says Wonder Wang, communications director at The St. Regis resort.

“It is rapidly gaining distinction as an exclusive tropical playground for the world’s most cosmopolitan travellers. The resort is nestled between the lush forest hills, the Qing Mei River Delta and the Yalong Bay Bank. The average temperature every year is 22-26˚C. It’s like spring all year around.” Wang recommends visiting between September and April. “The climate is very pleasant; warm yet not too hot and there’s always a nice breeze wafting around one’s nose.”

Why does Wang think Hainan is so appealing to western visitors? “I truly believe Hainan is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and its natural and cultural attractions as well as the luxury service is a big reason. We have a lot of returning guests, as well as ones that are visiting Hainan for the first time.”

Looking to the sea Sanya’s yachting industry grew in 2020 during the pandemic, with a 28% rise in new yacht registrations, according to the Global Times, an English-language Chinese newspaper. The destination’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean brings with it an abundance of seafood along with traditional Chinese dishes.

“You may have tried Hainan chicken rice in Singapore or Malaysia — the dish actually has its origins in Wenchang chicken, which uses Hainan’s native free-range chicken,” says Rosewood Sanya managing director Chiping Xu. Located in Haitang Bay, the ultra-luxurious Rosewood Sanya opened in the summer of 2017.

“Guests can feast on a never-ending supply of seafood here,” adds Xu. “What makes Hainan a truly unique destination is the local culture.

Hainan boasts a rich cultural heritage, with three important ethnic minorities, the Li, Miao and Hui, playing a significant role in its colourful history.”

Don’t miss a glimpse of the Guanyin statue standing 38m tall at Nanshan Buddhist Cultural Gardens. It is embellished with 100kg of gold, 120-carats of South African diamonds as well as other jewels such as emeralds, pearls and green jade.

Donaldson-Sinclair recommends aiming even higher. “Start your exploration of the region with a visit to Luhuitou (Deer Looks Back) park,” she says. “Stand atop a mountain with spectacular 360˚ views of the coastline and hills.

This will give you a real sense of the romantic heart of the people of Hainan.” explorehainan.com; rosewood.com; editionhotels.com; marriot.co.uk

HAINAN IS RAPIDLY GAINING DISTINCTION AS AN EXCLUSIVE TROPICAL PLAYGROUND FOR THE WORLD’S MOST COSMOPOLITAN TRAVELLERS 72

Exclusive escape: Tropical style at The Sanya Edition (above); the lobby of the Rosewood Sanya (right)

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Driving force: Gere Kavanaugh, Dagmar Arnold, Peggy Sauer and Jan Krebs works on the 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible (© General Motors LLC) 74

MOTORING

THE DAMSELS OF DESIGN Ahead of International Women’s Day, we remember the remarkable women who defied the odds in the male-dominated, mid-1950s Mad Men era of automotive design to create some of the most innovative features found on cars to this day Words: Rory FH Smith

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icture this: it’s 1955 in motor city, Detroit, USA. Memories of the Second World War are starting to fade and give way to optimism, prosperity and technological advancement. The streets are alive with the sound of steel presses stamping car panels for Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, while new artist Bill Hayley and His Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock” plays on the radio. A brandnew Cadillac Coupe de Ville drives down Detroit’s vast Woodward Avenue, covered in chrome and sporting fins like a fighter jet and exhausts like rocket boosters.

There’s a tangible feeling of change in the

air, not least in General Motors radical, spaceinspired Technical Centre, designed by Eero Saarinen. Here, General Motors’ legendary vice president of design, Harley J Earl had, a few years earlier, made a radical decision. In an industry almost exclusively dominated by men, the automotive executive recognised the need for diversity in design thinking and hired his first female designers, who went on to make their mark in the company throughout the 1940s.

By the mid-1950s, he had expanded his team, hiring in a group of 11 female designers, most of whom had recently graduated from New York’s prestigious Pratt Institute. By the 75

time the first six were in post, General Motors’ public relations department had already dubbed them ‘the damsels of design’.

Although the name wasn’t particularly flattering for a group of talented designers, each with their unique creativity and flair, it was a major step-change in the workplace and a decision that would shape the cars we drive to this day. However, Earl’s thinking wasn’t entirely driven by a desire for female empowerment.

Witnessing the societal changes in post-war America, the GM boss believed that women designers could help make automobiles more attractive to female consumers, stating in a »

press release at the time that, “the skilled feminine hands helping to shape our cars of tomorrow are worthy representatives of American women, who today cast the final vote in the purchase of three out of four automobiles”.

While Earl might have been busy thinking of new ways to sell more cars, his crack team of designers got to work, making their mark and excelling in the Mad Men era of the automotive industry. Earl’s early hires included Helene Rother, who joined the company in 1943, and Amy Stanley in 1945, before Earl recruited the larger group of 11 female designers a decade later. Working for brands like Buick, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Chevrolet, the ‘damsels’ largely worked on the interior design of seats, doors, trim, detailing, colour and fabrics.

Between them, their design work touched tens of millions of car owners, pioneering devices such as child seats, safety latches, illuminated makeup mirrors, retractable seat belts and even advanced head-up displays, which have only become more prevalent in recent years.

Impressed by their work, Earl decided to hold an exhibition in 1958, called the Feminine Auto Show in the company’s hometown of Detroit. Held in GM’s very own futuristic Styling Dome, the designers showcased a variety of bold new fabrics, exterior colours and interior features. One particular car – a 1958 Oldsmobile “Carousel” station wagon – had a magnetised back to the front seat which, when used along with built-in flexible straps, could hold toys in place. Alongside this, the car sported door warning chimes and rear window controls on the dashboard, all of which have gone on to be common features on today’s cars.

Although the arrival of women in GM’s design department was a radical departure from the norm, it was a relatively short-lived experience.

When Earl retired from GM in 1958 after 31 years in the job, his replacement – Bill Mitchell – didn’t share the same enthusiasm for the group of female designers. “No women are going to stand next to any senior designers of mine,” said Mitchell in 1959, just one year on from Earl’s departure.

Still, some remained in post and continued to challenge the norms of car design while others left to take up jobs at other companies like IBM, start families or work in other areas of design.

While the branding of this innovative and pioneering group as ‘damsels’ was demeaning, the tales of each have gone on to inspire countless women and men to defy the odds and blaze a new trail in not just the workplace, but in wider society.

Other than the inspired inventions this crack team of designers gave the world, more importantly, they broke the mould and showcased what was possible for women in an era when societal restrictions were rife and resolute. generalmotors.com

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MOTORING

THE DESIGN WORK OF THE 'DAMSELS' TOUCHED TENS OF MILLIONS OF CAR OWNERS, PIONEERING DEVICES THAT HAVE ONLY BECOME MORE PREVALENT IN RECENT YEARS

Clockwise from top left: Marjorie Ford Pohlman in the 1958 Buick Shalimar; 1958 Chevrolet Impala "Martinique" Convertible Show Car; GM's female automotive designers in 1959; 1958 Oldsmobile "Carousel" Super 8 Station Wagon Show Car styled

by Peggy Sauer (Images: © General Motors LLC) 77

Get smart Presenting the coolest gadgets and accessories to elevate your city living Words: Polly Jean Harrison

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hen it comes to gadgets, 2022 is set to be a pioneering year, with new and exciting products due for launch over the coming months poised to take the world by storm. With the market looking more and more like a futuristic science fair each day, it has many of us wondering what can possibly come next?

These state-of-the-art gadgets are packed with innovations designed to make our fastpaced lives easier, better and, frankly, more fun. Right now, if you can dream it, it seems to be possible and there’s tech out there bringing solutions to any problem you can think of – as well as looking pretty cool.

With superhero-esque gadgets combined with gorgeous, futuristic designs, here are our top picks for the latest in luxury tech…

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LIFESTYLE

THESE GADGETS ARE DESIGNED TO MAKE OUR FAST-PACED LIVES EASIER, BETTER AND MORE FUN

THERAGUN PRO LIMITED EDITION GOLDPLATED MASSAGER Got a knot in your shoulder you can’t quite reach? The quietly powerfully Theragun Pro may be the relief you need. The brand’s most advanced percussive therapy device has been handcrafted to provide a professional deep tissue treatment to combat muscle soreness, improve mobility and increase relaxation.

With a rotating arm, continuous battery life and wireless charging, this limitededition massager is one of a kind. Oh, and did we mention it’s plated in 24K gold? therabody.com

SENNHEISER HD 820 HEADPHONES Audiophiles try to keep calm; Sennheiser has created the perfect headphones for you. Combining an innovative glass reflector and ring radiator transducer technology, the HD829 (left) provides a unique listening experience that defies physics.

It’s as vivid as it is uninterrupted – so not only will you experience your music in the sweetest way possible but you’ll also be treated to luxurious comfort when wearing them, with an ultra-ergonomic adjustable metal headband and a durable microfibre earpad, making these headphones perfect for long-term wear while being sturdy enough to last for years. Music lovers will not be disappointed. en-uk.sennheiser.com

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LG SIGNATURE OLED R ROLLABLE TV The world’s first and only rollable TV has arrived in the form of the OLED R. This ultrathin screen rolls out when you need it and disappears when you don’t – transforming into a state-of-the-art sound system.

Combining out of this world picture quality with LG’s rollable technology, you can step straight into the future every time you use your television.

Whether it’s catching up on the latest blockbuster or binging your favourite shows, the OLED R is ready to help elevate your nights on the sofa. lg.com

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LIFESTYLE LEICA M11 Wrapped in a 70-year legacy of distinctive and timeless design, the new Leica M11 combines the experience of traditional rangefinder photography with contemporary camera technology to deliver a maximum of flexibility to every photographer.

Though this camera maintains the iconic look of a traditional Leica M, the new model sets a new benchmark in digital photography and is the most flexible M-System camera in Leica’s storied history. With an exclusive triple resolution sensor, expanded ISO range, dual memory and extended battery life, the M11 delivers unprecedented image quality and detail resolution, creating outstanding photographs every time. leica-camera.com

STROMER ST3 PINION BIKE Who said commuting had to be boring?

Ditch the car and get yourself a Stromer ST3 Pinion Bike, designed for the experienced rider and ready to zip you around the city streets. This dynamic ride is perfect for daily use, with a customisable riding position and smart extras for stylish, efficient mobility in commuter traffic.

Combining fun with careful city competence, the ST3 gets you where you’re going fast, with a range of up to 150km.

With innovative security features that offer triple protection via GPS localisation, email and text notifications if moved, this ride is an e-bike ready to wow everyone you pass. stromerbike.com

JURA Z10 COFFEE MACHINE If nothing quite kickstarts your day like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, look no further than the Jura Z10 coffee machine.

Freshly grinding and extracting beans at the touch of the button, this machine creates the perfect brew without a single pod in sight.

With an easy-to-use touchscreen display, java aficionados can create perfect coffee tailored to their tastes with the Speciality Selection. You can even enjoy a whole new world of coffee with cold brew specialities, doubling the range of enjoyable beverages.

Whether you enjoy an espresso or flat white, if your daily brew keeps your world running, this machine is your new best friend. us.jura.com

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HIG H PERFO R M AN CE AR T Competitive skier and award-winning designer Andreas Pichler founded Foil to deliver the most luxurious bespoke skis in the world. Here, he tells us about the quest for perfection – and love of Alpine living – that drives him

Words: Michelle Johnson

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or many designers, the adage ‘form follows function’ is the beating heart of innovation. But just because a design needs to meet its objective doesn’t mean it can’t also be a piece of art. This is the credo of Foil, the bespoke ski company founded by award-winning designer and former professional competitive skier, Andreas Pichler (right).

Foil creates skis that are, in Pichler’s words, “high performance art”. Using exquisite materials and designed to the buyer’s exact specifications, these bespoke wooden skis are as at home racing down the slopes as they are displayed as a piece of art upon the wall.

With famous fans including Arctic explorer Inge Solheim and actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, Foil is perhaps most widely known for its limited-edition Oro-Nero skis, which went viral when announced in 2018. The decadent edition is crafted from 8,000-yearold certified Bog-Oak with 14 carat gold plated bindings. Each order comes with a handcrafted leather carry, poles and inlays, and priced at an astonishing $65,000 (£48,000).

“The Oro-Nero skis really represent my love for this lifestyle, rather than being just a gimmick,” says Pichler. “These really are the Rolls-Royce of skis. I wanted to use the most precious wood I could find, which is this BogOak that costs $550,000 per cubic metre for the wood alone. The material and gold binding don’t change the performance, but the finishing is beautiful.

“For me, I wanted to know how far I could go in perfecting a product, and this is truly a piece of art that should be kept on the wall,” he adds. “Although, I do have clients who use them every day.” »

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THE ARTIST’S WAY Foil’s story begins with the combination of Pichler’s two passions: skiing and design.

A fifth-generation artist and designer from the medieval town of Doellach, Austria, he joined the country’s ski team at a young age, competing professionally until the age of 20 in events including the Alpine Ski Europa Cup. “I grew up in the Renaissance era of skiing,” he says. “My dad built his own skis, so I was surrounded by fascinating wooden and vintage skis. They didn’t have any real lifts in the town, so we prepared our own slopes to have races. It was really beautiful.

“But I was struggling with whether I wanted to be a skier or a designer. I was evaluating my gifts and, ultimately, the ability to be a great craftsman and designer was more appealing to me than pursuing a skiing career.”

Pichler moved to Los Angeles at 25 to work with musicians, creating custom guitars and design concepts for companies such as Fender and Red Bull. However, while his career went to new heights, Pichler did not ski for a decade until, aged 30, he hit the slopes with friends.

“When I picked up skiing again, I realised how much I love the whole lifestyle,” he says.

“I found an amazing custom ski-maker in Italy – Alessandro Marchi – and I was totally blown away. The difference in performance made me fall back in love with skiing.”

Pichler teamed up with Marchi to co-found Foil, offering the ski-makers bespoke, high performance approach with his own flair for sleek design and rare materials.

Two-and-a-half years later, the first Foil skis were hitting the slopes to great acclaim.

Schwarzenegger said: “Foil Skis are oneof-a-kind. I have never before seen such craftsmanship, nor have I experienced such balance and ease of control on a pair of skis.”

THE STEINWAY OF SKIS The quality of custom skis is night and day, says Pichler, who explains that Foil takes height, weight and physical form into consideration when designing for their clients.

“Often, with generic racing skis, it feels like you’re battling against all the forces. Our custom skis are in perfect balance with you, so they respond to you,” he says. “When your skis are in tune to your body and your ability, skiing feels effortless. You just dance down the slopes.”

Foil’s two central models are an allmountain ski, which is perfect for any slope conditions and a racer-style ski for those with a competitive edge. “When we begin the customisation process, we ask how often you ski, where you ski, what you preferred conditions are like. All this is important to making sure your skis fit like a perfectlytailored suit."

In addition to creating super-bespoke skis, Pichler is determined to ensure Foil is curating truly luxurious options for stylish skiers. With a lifestyle offering based in Courchevel, skiers can rent Foil skis and benefit from one of the brand’s own ski instructors. Soon, Foil will offer customised boots, outfits and more to complete the experience.

“We want to offer the whole experience,” Pichler says. “Skiing is becoming more and more of a lifestyle. So, our vision is to create a small club, more like a family, which offers all the benefits of Foil’s high-performance products and instructors – a kind of concierge service.”

Pichler’s competitive nature certainly drives his quest for perfection, but when asked about his own favourite places to ski, there is a romance that shines through, too.

“I always like to ski where there’s a lot of sun,” he says. “There are so many beautiful places in the US, such as Jackson Hole in Wyoming, and Aspen in Colorado. In Europe, the lifestyle of the French Alps is amazing.

You get the whole experience: perfect slopes, the social aspect – you can connect with nature and with people.

“That’s what skiing means to me,” he adds. “When I compare today’s plastic skis to the wooden skis of old, I miss the superb art of the product. I want to create the Steinway Piano of skis, to represent the absolute pinnacle of this lifestyle – which is timeless beauty.” foilskis.com

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A C U L I N A R Y T O U R Beaches, sailing boats, vineyards and Michelin-starred meals. We discover the gastronomic playground of Geneva Words: Juliet Herd

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am at the beach. It is hot and crowded and there’s nothing for it but to take regular dips in the glimmering turquoise water to stay cool. It could be a typical summer’s day at a popular Mediterranean resort but, in fact, I’m on the sandy banks of Lake Geneva – or Lac Leman, as it’s known by locals, the largest body of water in Switzerland – just minutes from the heart of the bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis that is Geneva.

At first, it’s hard to reconcile this carefree holiday scene with a city synonymous with diplomacy and banking. But, as I am to discover, French-speaking Geneva is full of contrasts and surprises that make it so much more than just a destination for heavyweight conventions and shopping as well as a convenient alpine gateway.

During summer, the city switches into full holiday mode: sailing boats tack leisurely back and forth on the lake; elderly men play chess in the Botanic Gardens on giant pavement boards; families picnic on the grass and couples stroll through the Medieval cobbled streets of the Old Town. At night, Geneva comes alive with fireworks and festivities: open-air food stands serve perch fillets and Toblerone churros, and lakeside bars pulse with music. The famous Jet d’Eau fountain lights up like a Christmas tree in the middle of the lake. In the English Garden, you can ride the Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views of the Alps and catch the salty tang of seawater as the Rhone swirls like molten

black enamel below.

I’m here for three days to immerse myself in the cuisine and culture of this sophisticated global hub but often-overlooked tourist playground. The first thing to mention is how easy it is to get around. From the moment you arrive, everything you could need or want is at your fingertips – and all public transport in Geneva, including yellow taxi-boats, is free with a transport card, available at any hotel. There’s also the Geneva City Pass, which gives you access to more than 50 attractions.

I’m staying at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues (right), which bears the distinction of being Geneva’s first luxury hotel and maintains a commanding lakeshore presence. Built in 1834, this neo-classical palace hotel has played host over the centuries to royalty, statesmen and business magnates but these days, is equally equipped to satisfy the most discerning of modern travellers. While the lavish décor created by renowned interiors architect Pierre-Yves Rochon nods to French classic – think marble floors and Louis Phillipe-style furniture – there’s nothing old-fashioned about the facilities.

There are two restaurants – northern Italian-style Michelin-starred Il Lago, and the rooftop Izumi, which features a JapanesePeruvian inspired menu – and intimate lounge Le Bar des Bergues, as well as the top-floor Mont Blanc spa with pool, sauna, hammam and treatment rooms. »

TRAVEL

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A GASTRONOMIC TOUR It seems fitting to start my gastronomic tour with lunch on the terrace at Il Lago, where Italian chef Massimiliano Sena sends out dish after dish of fresh seasonal fare. His creations are as light as they are beautifully presented, with signature dishes including Carabineros prawns with black truffle, roasted scallops with Jerusalem artichoke, beef carpaccio with truffle and roasted turbot with green apple and hazelnuts.

To get to grips with the city, I embark on a twohour tour with a private guide who tells me I’m following in the footsteps of the 19th Century British travellers who put Geneva on the tourist map when they started stopping off there as part of their Grand Tour. As we explore the Old Town, my guide explains that Geneva was one of the great centres of the Reformation and of Calvanism – out of which the famous Swiss watch industry grew.

Although Protestant leader John Calvin, who was based here until his death in 1564, banned luxuries including jewellery and rich foods, the wearing of watches was deemed acceptable. “Jewellers started making watches, including pocket watches which they could hide and show off in private,” he explains. “Here in Geneva we hide everything – money, gold, bomb shelters, secrets.”

With a food scene that ranges from fancy Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafes serving traditional fare, Geneva offers something for all tastes. Unsurprisingly, for a city that is second only to New York in terms of the number of international organisations based on its soil, the cuisine is also decidedly multicultural. I put this to the test when I dine at the eclectic Helios restaurant in the Eaux-Vives district, which offers sharing plates of French-Peruvian fusion.

Specialities include sea bream ceviche, sharp and tangy Peruvian corn, caramelised beef Tataki and grilled octopus with Espelette pepper and Chimichurri sauce.

My next dinner is at Balila restaurant in Hotel Longemalle, where I’m presented with a colourful feast of sharing plates prepared by Lebanese chef Hussein Hadid, including slow cooked chickpeas, tartar of char with citrus fruits and sumac and perch fillets meunière.

City of contrasts: Restaurant Il Lago offers Italian-inspired cuisine at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues

COUNTRYSIDE DELIGHTS One of the best ways to see the surrounding countryside, as I discover, is to hire a chauffeurdriven Tuk Tuk – my driver Carlos gives me a running commentary as we head out of town the next morning, pointing out places of interest such as the Gaudi-style apartment blocks in the artisanal Les Grottes district. It’s hard to believe that just 10km from the UN and World Trade Organisation headquarters lies Switzerland’s third-largest wine region, producing international award-winning wines. I stop for a tasting at Domaine Les Perrières, run by the 8th generation Rochaix family, followed by Sunday lunch at Café de Peney, where I opt for a refreshing gazpacho with buffalo mozzarella followed by seat trout with samphire, and strawberry and rhubarb tart.

For the rest of the afternoon, I take refuge from the heat in the rooftop sanctuary that is the Spa Mont Blanc, indulging in a re-energising massage using acupressure point stimulation and a Dr Burgener anti-ageing facial with collagen firming treatment.

After several days of fine dining, the bar has been set high, so I’m delighted to report that Fiskebar restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel De La Paix blew me away with its Nordic-inspired fusion cuisine. From the open kitchen, Italianborn chef Francesca Fucci choreographs a culinary ballet of seasonal delicacies – from a sea charcuterie platter presented like a rock pool with crab nestled in its shell and a shellfish broth, to the sweetest green pea tartelette I’ve ever tasted. The eggplant dessert sounds dubious but the contrasting flavours work wonderfully – coated in dark chocolate, it tastes almost fruity and is complemented with a punchy black garlic ice cream.

As so much of city life revolves around the lake, a brunch cruise on one of the Belle Epoque steamers that journey daily between Geneva and Lausanne seems a fitting finale. I hop on board the wood-panelled Savoie, which gives a glimpse of a bygone era as we pass opulent hillside villas once occupied by deposed kings and princes, artists and musicians, while dining on local Swiss dishes such as lake-caught perch, prepared by Café Leman.

Seeing Geneva in full holiday swing is a revelation; like experiencing an entirely different city. geneve.com; fourseasons.com

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RE:VIEW MARKING 15 YEARS OF HOROLOGICAL DISRUPTION WITH MB&F

PLUS + • Margaret Atwood tackles life’s ‘Burning Questions’ live on stage • Uncover the secrets of Stonehenge at the British Museum • Artist Dawn Okoro celebrates spontaneity in an electrifying exhibition • Save the Date: your luxury events calendar

MB&F HM10 Bulldog

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BOOK | SUZANNE WONG AND WILLIAM MASSENA THEATRE | PUNCHED

MB&F:

Taking a stand the First Fifteen Years Donna Air on the importance of standing together against gender-based violence, and

A Catalogue Raisonné of horological machines

how her new play is giving a voice to survivors

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nspired by the catalogue raisonnés of Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell My Daughter famed sculptors artists, horological onna Air’s involvement in Punched was first andcalled About Men, about the machine have released theongoing spectrum of abuse that inspired by her pivotal role in TV’s Theartists Split inMB&F face.

We titled spoke about the statistics of abuse in by a watchmaker.

312-page book, 2020. Overwhelmed byfirst letters from viewers Thewomen UKshowcases and how, during MB&F: the Firstabuse Fifteen the Years, the the pandemic, they spiked to who related to her character’s story of domestic an alarming level, and we decided that that’s what we s remarkable timepieces, machines and gaslighting, Air establishedbrand’ her own production wanted2005 our first collaborations created between andproject 2010, to be about. company, Madre, to put the spotlight on these issues. featuring 160 “It made me realise the responsibility we product have as variations in more than The castnever-beforeis incredible. Were you surprised how 400 photographs – and including actors to tell stories that can really provoke positive prototypes. change,” she says. “The truth is, seen we have all either had many women wanted to get involved?

It’scame awesome. wrote a wonderful call to idea for thehas project aboutAnnie whenLennox a an experience with abuse or know “The somebody who which [director] who had bought an LM2 in red gold Sam Taylor-Johnson filmed experienced abuse, and so it’scustomer our responsibility to action, in herhad home in made, LA. Sadie Frost is performing a piece wrote asking been ” stand up and let these women’s stories be told.how ” many models she has written. says MB&F Büsser. We’ve “So, I got some incredible new talent Soon after, she and writer Lorien HaynesFounder set outMaximilian such as Trinity was Tristan and Storme Toolis – and looked it up told him –that his timepiece to launch Punched, a star-studded play of and survivors’ actresses Sofia Barclay. All these actresses, writers onecharities of 31 pieces backlike in complete stories, to raise money for three thatmade. eachHe wrote and possibly survivors have given their time to the project be correct supports vulnerable women andsurprise, girls. saying that it couldn’t because it’s something as his watch wasn’t a limited edition.

I told him we all really believe in. I’m just With proceeds benefitting Refuge, Southall Black by everybody’ s generosity of spirit. the number and hethrilled was ecstatic. ” Sisters and The Circle, the play isthat in support of thewas UN’right, s really Journalist and watch expert Suzanne Wong Global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based canthewe do to help combat genderhas written introduction exploring history Violence (25 Nov-10 Dec). Directed

by Jude an Kelly CBE, What based violence? of MB&F, chapters go into fascinating the impressive cast includes Sadie Frost, before Tracy-Ann one of the big problems with domestic abuse depth about Horological Machines, Legacy Obermon and The Circle founder Annie Lennox in a I think is that a lot of –women, Machines and exclusive collaborations with especially during lockdown, short film directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. felt very and didn’t know where to go or such luxury brandswill as L’Epee 1939 isolated and Bulgari.

Here, Air tells us how she hopes the project what toexpert do. But there are places like Refuge that help Meticulous William inspire and empower audiences to standresearch togetherby watch novelty.and children who need to escape very difficult against gender-based violence. Massena brings life to eachwomen s important “Over our first 15 years,situations. we crafted It’ only about that victims of abuse know they are not alone.and I hope that by speaking out and 3,000 pieces, spread across 18 calibres Donna, tell us about Punched... sharing experiences, variations,” Büsser says.our “If you do the we can shine a light on a very Punched is a live fundraising countless theatre performance darkfew issue and empower maths, you quicklytold realise how pieces of each those in need. of monologues about gender-based violence, there there. By sheer coincidence, by incredible performers. We’vemodel got one of are theout most next William for this project? about our friend interesting and diverse group ofatactors I’vethe eversame cometime,What’s don’tofseea why we couldn’t do Punched in other Massena suggested catalogue across – a really wonderful array of female talent –the I idea countries, as from this isthis very much a global problem. Then raisonné to me. So, the idea was born which, as a producer, is a dream.

The performance creatively, production company, Lorien and I have to share our whole bodyasofa work in benefits three incredible women’interaction s charities: The Circle, many micro-stories that could be expanded. I would full transparency.”

Refuge and Southall Black Sisters. to create and1,500 produce content that can actually Just 2,000 copies will belike available, with women – and we MB&F partners and 500 available to need lots of incredible men to What inspired you and reserved Lorien for Haynes to help the public from October. stand up and help, too. produce the show?

I launched my production company, Madre, to at the Criterion Theatre on 6 Dec 2021. mbandf.com collaborate with women andPre-orders shine the now lightopen on atPunched, important female stories. Lorien made a great film unwomen.org

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Arachnophobia by MB&F; inside

MB&F: the First Fifteen Years (inset) 93

EVENT | ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL

Margaret Atwood: Burning questions

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ppearing live on stage in an exclusive event at the Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall, Margaret Atwood (left), the prolific award-winning author of The Handmaid’s Tale and Cat’s Eye tackles some of the themes in her new book of essays, Burning Questions.

Expect thought-provoking insights, impish humour and a handful of special guests as Atwood takes on question such as: why do people in all cultures tell stories? So what if beauty is only skin-deep? How can we live on our planet? Is it true? Is it fair? And what do zombies have to do with authoritarianism?

“Atwood moves through subjects including feminism and freedom, the environment and technology, beauty, storytelling, and when to dispense advice to the young (answer: only when asked),” says The Southbank Centre.

“Entertaining yet edifying, down-to-earth yet visionary; we have no better questioner of the many and varied mysteries of our universe.”

Royal Festival Hall, 24 March, 7:30pm southbankcentre.co.uk

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EXHIBIT | THE BRITISH MUSEUM

The world of Stonehenge

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ne of the world’s most awe-inspiring and mystifying manmade structures, Stonehenge (left), in Wiltshire, has long inspired folklore and speculation. In this new exhibition, the British Museum sheds light on the secrets of the ancient monument: its purpose, cultural power and the people that created it.

History buffs can immerse themselves in the myths and legends that surround the structure and follow the story of Britain from 4,000 to 1,000 BC – a time of radical transformation throughout Europe. Stone axes from the North Italian Alps, gold jewellery and metalwork such as the Nebra Sky Disc – the world’s oldest surviving map of the stars – reveal the human element. Taking centre stage is the incredibly well-preserved 4,000-year-old timber circle known as Seahenge, which is on loan for the first time.

Informed by archaeological and scientific discoveries and illustrated by tools and objects that give life to a forgotten time, this exhibition will transport you back to the time of Stonehenge – though will it raise more questions than it answers?

The British Museum. Opens 17 February 2022 britishmuseum.org

ART | MADDOX GALLERY

Mad explosive spontaneity

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exan artist Dawn Okoro brings her explosive new exhibition to London’s Maddox Gallery this February. Mad Explosive Spontaneity is inspired by hip-hop, punk and fashion photography, and consists of 12 conceptual portraits including ‘Free Fall’ (right). Showcasing black artists, musicians and actors, Okoro’s dynamic work captures movement and emotion through pattern and texture, using materials such as gold leaf.

“My work is a dance between me and the person I am painting,” says Okoro. “I consider my paintings conceptual portraits because I incorporate elements of reality as well as embellishment. In the paintings you see faces of real people, but the patterns and colours on the clothing are often changed to reflect the energy that I see in them and want to express.”

Maddox Gallery, 9 Maddox Street, London. Opens 25 February 2022 maddoxgallery.com

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SAVE DATE Your luxury events calendar for February to April 2022

18-22 Feb

LONDON FASHION WEEK The best of womenswear, menswear and gender-neutral style hits the runways of London at this year’s hybrid event, elevated by virtual showcases, talks and more with the biggest names in fashion. londonfashionweek.co.uk

9-13 Mar

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW All aboard the largest and most exciting boat show in the UAE, this year located at the brand-new Dubai Harbour. Marvel at the impressive superyachts, marine vessels and ocean toys lining the pier. boatshowdubai.com

15-18 Mar

THE FESTIVAL AT CHELTENHAM Exclusive hospitality meets the most thrilling horseracing of the year as the Festival at Cheltenham returns. Don’t miss the height of the action at steeple events, including the 98th Gold Cup. thejockeyclub.co.uk

30 Mar - 5 Apr

WATCHES AND WONDERS Returning to Geneva’s Palexpo centre for a hybrid physical and digital fair, FIHH’s landmark showcase event welcomes star exhibitors from A Lange et Söhne and Jaeger-LeCoultre to Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. watchesandwonders.com

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, changes to event calendars may occur. Please check with individual event organisers for more information.

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13 Mar

BRITISH ACADEMY FILM AWARDS Celebrate the biggest night in British film as Belfast, Don’t Look Up and Dune go head to head. Nominees, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga and Will Smith, promise a star-studded guestlist. bafta.org

3 Apr

64TH GRAMMY AWARDS The world’s biggest music awards returns, live from Las Vegas. The dazzling and diverse line-up will see stars such as ABBA, Ed Sheeran, Kanye West and Billie Eilish in fierce competition. grammys.com

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D R IN K R E SPON SIB LY

COLUMN

The finishing touch Our style expert Rikesh Chauhan gets to grips

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he devil has always been, and always will be, in the detail. Whether it’s the dimple in a tie knot, the fold of a pocket square, the cuffs on a pair of trousers or the shine of an Oxford cap toe, there’s something incredibly special about the smaller, refined elements of dress.

Accessorising is well and truly an art form and, like all art forms, it takes years to master. To factor in colour and patterns, cloth and texture, as well as the occasion for which you’re dressing – and the journey to it. Get any of those wrong and you’re in for a world of trouble. It still pains me whenever I see people match their pocket square with their tie. Similar colours, fine – but using the exact same fabric for two different accessories only reiterates that this is something one is yet to master.

So what accessories do I consider the most important? If I had to answer that question before the pandemic, I would not have hesitated to say the tie.

Bennett Winch Full Brown Leather Tote Available in brown or black, this evergreen bag is functional and quintessentially stylish.

A must-have whether you’re city-bound or an international jet-setter.

I am still a big fan and wear ties four days out of five, but I am aware I’m now in the minority in this regard.

Today, my first port of call would be an accessory that’s not directly included in your attire, but will definitely accentuate it: the bag. This could be a beautiful leather good or a sustainable cotton tote but, either way, a functional and stylish bag is an absolute essential in an aesthetic and practical sense.

The perfect blend of both worlds is the leather tote

by Bennett Winch. I’ve relied on this for a couple of years, and it’s probably the most essential accessory I own. It’s sleek, stylish and works with any outfit and, considering the dimensions, it packs an incredible amount. In fact, I am writing this article from my hotel room in Milan following a trip to visit Vitale Barberis Canonico and, beside me, my Bennett Winch tote currently holds my laptop, camera, two lenses and hard drives, a book for the plane back to London, charger cables, cigars, and my scarf and gloves. This

might tell you everything you need to know.

Another must-have is Aspinal’s slim credit card holder. The supple pebble grain leather in tobacco can be spotted by aficionados a mile out, and that’s no bad thing. It’s beautifully crafted, in keeping with the brand’s ethos, and ensures your cards remain intact. My favourite thing about it is that its slim design allows you to keep it in your internal suit jacket pocket without it bulking out.

Finally, I am a sucker for a neckerchief. I’ve found that it’s a great solution for those who love the necktie but want to dress their look down without annexing the accessory altogether. Rampley & Co’s prints are unrivalled. They take famous works of arts and use their pocket squares as blank silk canvases to be adorned. Their size enables you to repurpose these squares as neckerchiefs with aplomb, and the array of styles and colours will ensure you’ll have the perfect option, no matter your outfit.

Aspinal of London Slim Credit Card Holder in Tobacco Pebble

Rampley & Co’s The Course of Empire – Destruction Pocket Square

A signature piece from Aspinal, the quality craftsmanship of their card holder in this beautiful tobacco shade will ensure you have an accessory that will last you for years to come.

The stunning pocket square can moonlight as a neckerchief, and is made using a hand-rolled, 100% silk. rampleyandco.com

bennettwinch.com aspinaloflondon.com

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PORTRAIT: © HANNAH MILES

with the fine art of accessorising

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