Following last year’s collaboration with streetwear purveyor Supreme, luxury jewellery Tiffany & Co. has once again pushed the boundary of its craft. For this year’s season of gifting, the American jeweller decided to merge the worlds of cars and timekeeping. Enter the “Time for Speed”, a clock that is modelled after race cars from the 1950s.
An artisanal keepsake that showcases the jeweller’s savoir-faire, this race car clock pays homage to Tiffany’s long history of making car trophies and the first being the Vanderbilt Cup in 1904. Fast forward to 2022, Tiffany unveiled its third racing trophy in over a century: the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
The car-shaped clock has an aluminium body with Tiffany Blue painted all over and features hard-wearing rubber tires with polished stainless steel spokes and rims. Tiffany’s expertise in watchmaking and gem-setting take centre stage as round brilliant diamonds with a total carat weight of 19.53 are assiduously placed by hand on the timepiece. These scintillating diamonds decorate the clock’s bezel and engraving plate in a pavé setting.
On the left side of the car clock features a brushed stainless steel aperture opening where its potential owner can read the time. At the front, Tiffany’s classic monogram can be seen on the grille while the number five is painted atop the car, which is a nod to the jeweller’s iconic flagship on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
The time can be set by rotating the three-spoke steering wheel counter-clockwise and its movement is wound by pulling the car backwards on a flat surface. One can observe the escape mechanism and balance wheel in the driver’s seat.
There are two versions of the Time for Speed: one with diamonds and one without. For the former, it will cost US$215,000 and comes in limited quantity while the latter is US$40,000. One of these exclusive iterations will be make available only in Japan.
The new Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series watch, the SPB295J1 Urushi Dial Limited Edition has a slice of Kanazawa on it. Kanazawa is home to celebrated Urushi lacquer artist Isshu Tamura and is where he produces works using techniques unique to Kanazawa. With the SPB295J1, Tamura highlights the beauty of summer in Kanazawa and the picturesque Hokuriku region (northwest Honshu). The warm green tones of the Urushi dial reminds us of a moss garden and summer foliage with the golden watch hands evoking rays of the sun piercing foliage.
The SPB295J1 comes powered by the automatic Seiko inhouse calibre 6R24. With this unique movement, the watch’s date, day of the week, and power reserve hands move in retrograde like a Japanese fan. The white and yellow hands, and indicators work well to contrast against the deep green of the smooth Urushi dial, offering a different expression for the dial every day.
About this verdant dial, Seiko has often collaborated with Tamura to create amazing dials for the Presage range. This release is no exception to the high quality of work that the much-respected artisan produces. To successfully combine metal and traditional Urushi for a smooth dial surface that glows with a deep lustre, the lacquer must be skilfully applied to the dial with a sufficient level of thickness without obstructing the motion of the hands. The final product is one for the ages as Urushi does not deteriorate and its durability improves over time.
Tamura is trained in the traditional Kaga Maki-e gold lacquer technique of Kanazawa and creates unparalleled original works of art that have received worldwide acclaim. The Urushi dial on the SPB295J1 is specially crafted by Tamura as an expression of his aesthetic sense and ensures that the watch is an ethereal fusion of traditional craftwork techniques and modern watchmaking.
A total of 2,000 pieces for this limited edition shall be created for those who enjoy true Japanese watchmaking and art.
Rolex is a watchmaker like none other. Beyond the realm of horology, it provides extensive support to disparate fields of endeavour, across different industries, with a belief in unlimited human potential. In the field of arts, one of the most enduring partnerships the brand enjoys is with the world of cinema.
The association between Rolex and cinema has deep roots and goes back many years. Its watches have played their own role on the wrists of stoic protagonists in numerous films since the era of black-and-white cinema. Rolex watches enrich the identity of the characters who wear them with their powerful symbolism. That they should appear in so many films is no coincidence. When a character wears a Rolex watch, this is an artistic choice made by the actors and directors. Thanks to these watches and their screen presence, Rolex is indissociable from the world of film.
And today, by its support of artistic and technical excellence in filmmaking, Rolex itself has become an acting participant in its own right. Rolex encourages the preservation and transmission of the cinematic arts, promotes excellence and celebrates progress by accompanying living legends as well as budding talents through its Testimonees (Martin Scorsese and James Cameron), its partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the institution, the awards and the Academy Museum in Los Angeles) and the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
Both Scorsese and Cameron are accomplished film directors whose films have entered the pantheon of classics. They have each received many awards and accolades, capturing audience worldwide with their inimitable style.
Scorsese received his award in 2007 for The Departed and he had been previously nominated nine times — making him the second-most Oscar nominated director of all time. Cameron won his Best Director Oscar for Titanic earlier in 1998 and he was also nominated in 2010 for Avatar.
These two directors personify excellence in their craft, exemplifying shared values of excellence and craftsmanship with Rolex.
James Cameron
Canadian filmmaker James Cameron was the first Rolex Testimonee from the world of cinema. He has helmed a series of iconic movies that punctuated many a youth. His early films worked almost exclusively in the realm of science fiction. The Terminator (1894), Aliens (1986) and Terminator 2 (1991) are all classics of the sci-fi action genre. These movies melded high-tech engineering with solid action and memorable performances, introducing the world to memorable characters like Ellen Ripley, Sarah Connor and the sinister T-800.
With his reputation as a bankable director in place, Cameron had the clout to make blockbuster film and he exceeded expectations. True Lies (1994) was the highest-grossing movie that year; Titanic (1997) was the highest-grossing movie ever, until he surpassed himself with Avatar (2009).
Cameron’s association with Rolex has been linked for decades. Apart from featuring Rolex watches on the silver screen to lend identity to his characters, he has personally worn a Rolex for many years. After the success of Aliens, he bought the Rolex he always wanted: a Rolex Submariner and worn it on his many dives in the Russian MIR submersibles; on his film sets; when doing dives to the Titanic wreck; and on stage to receive a record 11 Oscars for Titanic.
Apart from the sci-fi engineering angle and trailblazing visual effects, another thread running through Cameron’s work is that of exploration. This featured prominently in The Abyss (1989) and his documentary Ghosts of the Abyss (2003), melding his loves of diving, exploration and science fiction.
Cameron has always had a fascination with the deepest reaches of the ocean. In March 2012, after building on years of experience, he set the world record for the deepest crewed dive when he piloted the Deepsea Challenger into the Mariana Trench — 10,908 meters under the surface of the Pacific Ocean. During this historic dive, he was wearing a Rolex Sea-Dweller, and an experimental watch, the Rolex Deepsea Challenge was mounted on the submersible’s arms (the timepiece flawlessly withstood the tremendous pressure of the seven-hour dive).
To commemorate this feat, Rolex released the Rolex Deepsea with a D-blue dial. On 1 November, James Cameron unveiled the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge. Inspired by the experimental watch that accompanied him on his historic descent into the Mariana Trench, the Deepsea Challenge represents a new milestone in the world of Rolex divers’ watches. Guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 11,000 metres (36,090 feet), crafted from RLX titanium, and equipped with a helium escape valve and the Ringlock system, it is capable of accompanying divers in any environment — during freedives, submersible dives or in hyperbaric chambers. A watch designed to turn pressure into an ally in any situation, and an invitation to expand yet further the horizons of the deep.
A towering figure in the world of cinema, Martin Scorsese is one of the greatest directors of his time. His career spans over 50 years, gifting the world with a vast filmography of 26 films and numerous documentaries. Many of his films have become iconic: Mean Streets (1973), Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990) and The Departed (2006).
Scorsese is a meticulous director and one who participates in every stage of the production — be it at the scriptwriting stage, working out the score or in the editing room. He is a master of the language of cinema with an uncanny ability to build antiheroes into sympathetic protagonists, producing cinematic masterpieces that offer a personal vision of America while intricately exploring the human condition.
Sharing the same beliefs as Rolex in the importance of preserving the arts and transmission of knowledge, Scorsese is behind The Film Foundation as well as a past mentor in the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
As the founder of The Film Foundation, he is dedicated to protecting and preserving motion picture history. The realisation for the need to preserve this fragile legacy came about early in his career around the 1970s, when he watched movies from the black-and-white film era that had degraded badly. Conscious of the need to preserve this fragile legacy, he was joined by seven other prominent directors. They are Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, Stanley Kubrick, George Lucas, Sydney Pollack, Robert Redford and Steven Spielberg. A few years later, Robert Altman and Clint Eastwood also came onboard.
With support from Rolex, The Film Foundation has restored over 925 films to date, including 50 films from other countries. These films are made accessible through public festivals around the world. To promote the importance of film preservation, the foundation offers a free educational curriculum — The Story of Movies — that teaches young people about film language and history.
Rolex strongly believes that it is essential for excellence to be passed on, from one generation to the next. So as to ensure the perpetuity of crafts and expertise, the brand has established the Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, in which promising young artists can benefit from the guidance and experience of great artists in their field. Martin Scorsese took on the mentorship role in the initiative’s 2008-2009 cycle. The protégé he was paired with was aspiring Argentinian filmmaker Celina Murga, who worked with him on the set of Shutter Island (2010). She has since gone on to direct documentaries in her native Argentina. Her first feature film, The Third Side of the River (2014) had Scorsese as Executive Producer.
Scorsese credits one of his university lecturers in New York who has set him on the path to greatness: “He set a fire in our hearts… If you were crazy enough to think you have got to make a movie, he was the one who inspired you.”
The close ties between Rolex and cinema is an essential feature of the global cultural landscape and Rolex is committed to support the artistic and technical excellence in filmmaking, and in perpetuating this form of art.
Heart Media Group today announced the launch in Singapore and Malaysia in March 2023 of two new international editions of the global fashion brand GRAZIA.
Present in all major fashion and luxury markets, GRAZIA is the first 100 per cent Italian fashion magazine to have exported its successful formula worldwide, from Italy to China. The Mondadori Group brand, which now counts 21 editions worldwide in 23 countries, reaches a global audience of 15 million readers, 45 million unique users and over 30 million followers on social media.
Singapore and Malaysia are both vibrant fashion hubs within Southeast Asia, boasting large economies and a growing luxury and fashion-savvy clientele. GRAZIA, born in Italy in 1938, will use its authority and influence to offer readers in both countries a new lens across the fields of fashion, jewels, watches, beauty, lifestyle and culture.
“The GRAZIA winning formula, which combines the authoritativeness of content with upscale and contemporary positioning, responds not only to the needs of readers but also to the interests of advertising clients from the world of luxury in these territories” said Daniela Sola, managing director International Business Mondadori Media.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of both GRAZIA Singapore and GRAZIA Malaysia this coming March 2023. With a unique Italian flair, GRAZIA will prove an immediate success in both markets. The experienced teams of both editions know what readers are expecting in terms of both straight-forward information as well as inspiration and guidance” commented Olivier Burlot, CEO of Heart Media Group.
Olivier Burlot added, “The editorial mission of GRAZIA in both Singapore and Malaysia will focus on a blend of local and international content and the elevation of Southeast Asian fashion and design talents. GRAZIA Singapore and GRAZIA Malaysia will set themselves apart from the competitive set, and develop their own unique identity as a daring, innovative and sophisticated representative of the worldwide brand”.
GRAZIA Singapore and GRAZIA Malaysia aim at becoming the most influential guides to fashion, with a mission of crafting impactful visual storytelling to empower and inspire women. Its editorial will focus on a blend of local and international content and the elevation of local fashion and design talent.
GRAZIA Singapore and GRAZIA Malaysia will launch in March 2023 with both an English-language print issue, a website and presences on all relevant social media platforms.
Fendi has designed its first exclusive Home Décor and Lifestyle Accessories Collection that’s available for purchase this December. Much like its clothing and accessories, Fendi’s homeware collection follows the house’s codes to a T, with the incorporation of signature logos like the O’Lock, Fendi Roma and Pequin displayed across the range; a strong reflection of the Fendi identity so many have come to love.
If you’re looking to add a little pizzazz to your home for the new year, look no further. The collection features a number of skilfully designed tableware and decorative materials to accentuate the homely feeling of your space. Look out for Fendi’s glasses, designed in collaboration with Silvia Venturini Fendi‘s mother Anna Fendi, the creator of the house’s Casa line in 1987. With both visionaries’ skills put together, the collection’s crystal-crafted glassware comes in sweet conical shapes, available in both transparent and black.
Other notable features of the range include the Art de la Table tableware line (curated from fine French Limoges porcelain and inspired by key visuals of the house’s ready-to-wear and accessories collections), O’Lock logos on table décor, slim Murano glass vases, cashmere home textiles in FF logos, and more; all a testament of Fendi’s expertise in craftsmanship.
Having spent a decade in investment banking and several years running a hugely successful manufacturing firm, Michael Gelpke’s career has seen him work across the globe, including extended stints in Asia and Europe. While amassing his small fortune, Gelpke simultaneously built a high society network that even the world’s top promoters would be jealous of. Just one scan through his contact list and you’d see names from Middle Eastern royalty and global politicians to high society people, pro-golfers and A-list celebrities.
Three years ago, Gelpke moved to Dubai, keen to diversify some of his assets into property and quickly accumulated an extensive portfolio of some of the most luxurious real estate in the city. Now, as CEO of Glam Properties, Gelpke and his team of high-profile agents are selling these — among others — to key figureheads across the world…
Can you tell us a bit about your life and background?
It’s a pretty crazy story — I started in investment banking as a trader. I had a marvellous 10-year run and acquired incredible capital from that. But I knew that I had to start my own business to stay wealthy. Only the bosses make the big money, and I knew that. So, I teamed up with my current business partner, the remarkable — and stunning — Jennifer Urwyler, and together we launched a manufacturing company.
The first few years were brutal. We worked all hours with no holidays. After about three years it began to pay off. We turned it up a gear and now I’d say that we’re very successful, achieving an annual turnover of €120million.
After this adventure, we began to purchase real estate in Switzerland, before expanding to Dubai. That’s how Glam Properties came to be.
What prompted the move into real estate?
I saw the massive drive and appetite for this city. The government is making all the positive future steps to position Dubai as one of the best cities to live in.
Geographically it’s fantastic, too. I always needed a foot between Asia and Europe. Couple that with zero taxes (at present), and I genuinely can’t think of any city that comes close to how good we have it here.
Dubai’s luxury real estate market is booming right now. Why do you think that is?
Fewer positive alternative investment strategies are driving investors to safer shores. We have seen the equities market bruised, and continued volatility in the market makes it all the more challenging. Not to mention, the exchange rate is also seeing historical depreciation, and the overall political environment remains unstable and unpredictable. This is all driving demand in Dubai. The higher the uncertainty and instability in markets, the more Dubai profits from it as it positions itself as a stable and striving market.
Is now a good time to invest?
We’ve heard Dubai’s favourite real estate word — “bubble” — too many times. Why does it have to be a bubble? With so much instability in the world, why wouldn’t more people come here? For me, living here fulfils the most important parameters in living quality. The rest of the world is getting a taste of this and I’ve no doubt that more people will come and see what a great city this is.
At Glam Properties, you have a curated selection of luxury properties for sale, but you also provide a number of other services. Could you explain those to us?
Apart from real estate services, we offer a full exclusive package to our clients from concierge to consultancy. We manage our own properties as well, so we have our own “skin in the game,” so to speak.
Glam Properties buys its properties first, which is highly unusual. That’s some huge capital backing you have…
Oh, absolutely. There’s huge advantages to that, too. We buy a lot of luxury villas and high-end apartments and many pre-launch. This means that we have fantastic relationships with real estate developers. We have the advantage of access, often seeing new properties before other real estate companies in Dubai.
What do you believe sets Glam Properties apart from other real estate companies in the region?
We’re boutique and small in comparison to the big fish in the market. But it’s a very tailored, luxurious service, where our clients are picked up in a Rolls-Royce. We want to remain small. I promised my agents that a strong team spirit will endure and that we’d always be able to sit down all together for dinner as opposed to becoming too impersonal where agents are just numbers.
There is no doubt that I have the finest real estate agents in the markets. These are not just young professionals who’ve flown to Dubai to make a quick buck. They’re not aggressive or willing to make a thousand calls a day. My agents are high-profile themselves, with a vast network that other real estate companies can only dream of. We’re talking about the pro-golfer market, politicians and royalty. And we prioritise transparency and high moral standards. We’re good people, not cowboys, who focus on quality not quantity. While other agents fight for fish in a pond full of sharks, we focus on external markets.
Are there any particular locations or neighbourhoods in Dubai that property investors should zone in on?
Generally the greener areas are the most sought after. Projects such as Al Barari, for example. That’s a personal favourite. It encompasses a perfect, luxurious community. I’ve flipped a lot of houses there. A lot of celebrities live there from TV personalities to footballers and CEOs. We’re also very interested in Al Barari’s new development on the World Islands. They’re building Dhs70 million homes. Personally, I don’t want to be living on an island — it’s too far away from the fun in DIFC — but we’ll present these options to high profile individuals, who’ll find these villas particularly tempting.
Let’s talk work/life balance. How do you relax and unwind in Dubai?
During the week, I’m an angel. I focus on fitness and keeping up with market news and shifts. On weekends, I spend my time in DIFC. My hotspots? GAIA, Amazonico and Raspoutine to name a few. But I also love to travel, particularly to more off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Vietnam or Cambodia. It helps counter balance the madness and consumerism in Dubai.
And finally, your dream home in Dubai. Where would you live?
While Al Barari is the top choice for wealthy families, for me I’m an apartment guy. What can I say, I’ve got a fetish for high ceilings. Plus, I like to be close to the action. I recently bought a Dhs11 million duplex in One Zabeel and should be moving in this January. It’s a fantastic modern apartment with a One&Only hotel and several new high-end restaurants inside. That’ll do for me for now…
Earlier in March this year, Kpop sensation Lisa of Blackpink was appointed as Chivas’ first female brand ambassador and together they launched a campaign “I Rise, We Rise”. This month, the Speyside whisky maker has unveiled a limited edition design of its iconic Chivas 18 in collaboration with the superstar.
Called the “Chivas 18 x LISA Limited Edition Drop”, the newly designed bottle features the classic blue colour label combined with hot pink and comes with a pair of 18K gold-plated charms: the Chivas Luckenbooth and Lisa’s iconic star. Finishing this exclusive bottle collection is the celebrity’s signature in a striking neon font that can also be found on the outer box.
The collaboration was perhaps written in the stars as the debut year of Chivas 18 shares the same birth year as Lisa — 1997. This makes “it the perfect bottle to showcase her creativity and allow her personality to shine through,” said the brand in a press release.
In celebration of this release, a tailored cocktail recipe has been developed by Chivas called “Pink Spice”. This special drink is inspired by Lisa’s Asian heritage alongside the Chivas 18’s layered blend of malt and grain whiskies from distilleries all over Scotland. The special concoction brings to mind notes of tea, citrus and spice — a refreshing drink to take some heat off.
Sharing more about her experience working with Chivas on this limited edition bottle, Lisa said: “I had so much fun working with the team at Chivas on this limited edition bottle. The bottle is typical LISA — bright, bold, and unique — and I’m so excited for everyone to finally see it. It is amazing to now have my own bottle — and cocktail too!”
“As we continue to elevate Chivas for a new generation, it is important that we collaborate with people who represent this new generation of whisky drinkers. Our partnership with LISA resonates with people across several passion points — whether that’s fashion or music — and brings a convention-breaking, contemporary cool to the world of Scotch whisky. It was a natural next step in our collaboration with LISA to add her flair to one of our most prestigious blends, bringing to life the bold attitude that both Chivas and LISA share. With this limited edition launch, we are offering fans a taste of the creativity and innovation behind the partnership, and we look forward to seeing how people react to it,” Chivas Global Marketing Director, Nick Blacknell said.
In addition to this launch, fans are invited to join the “Regal Planet” virtual event on 27 November 2022 at 9.30pm via Chivas’ official social media channel, where Lisa will be making a special appearance to share more about the exclusive collaboration.
The Chivas 18 x LISA Limited Edition Drop is available here. Visit Chivas.com for more information.
It’s finally happened: Rolex is in the pre-owned watch business game, with the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Programme. In a long-expected move, which some might insist is long overdue, Swiss watchmaker Rolex made the announcement just yesterday in Geneva, and the reverberations will be felt for years to come. Audemars Piguet has been trying to sort out its own pre-owned business model for years; Richard Mille has actually made it happen; and the Richemont Group made its own play with the acquisition of Watchfinder & Co. Of course, all those names are dwarfed by the colossus that is Rolex, but the most important question has yet to be settled: there is no word on how retailers will handle pricing.
So what do we know for now? In a nutshell, Rolex is taking a stand on the future of its watches, even after they have been sold to the public. Official retailers, or authorized dealers as they are also known, will begin to offer pre-owned Rolex watches for sale; these are certified as authentic and guaranteed by the brand, and as such come with a new international warranty, valid for two years from the date of any given re-sale. At press time, only one retailer has been revealed as a participant in the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Programme: Bucherer.
The European retailer has run its own pre-owned watch business for some years now — this writer contemplated buying a Rolex Oysterquartz at one of its stores in Zurich but ultimately demurred. The Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Programme will be available in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Denmark, and the UK via Bucherer, to begin with. Rolex’s release on this subject notes that this move will, in its view, alleviate the overheated demand for Rolex watches worldwide, eventually.
Here is an excerpt of said release: “The new programme makes it possible to purchase pre-owned watches that the brand itself has certified and guaranteed. Its aim is to bring added value to the existing supply of pre-owned Rolex watches. Because when these watches change hands, their authenticity must be attestable at the time of resale by the Official Retailers.“
“Rolex advocates the durability of its products. Thanks to uncompromising quality standards, the brand produces watches with the longest possible lifespans. It therefore wishes to accompany the second life of its watches already circulating on the market, with a view to preserving, maintaining and guaranteeing what already exists. This approach is in keeping with the Perpetual philosophy: the relentless pursuit of excellence and a long-term commitment to future generations.”
Those who hope that this will sort out the ugly scenario where brand new watches are re-sold for above RRP will be disappointed to learn that the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Programme only applies to watches that are at least three years old. In other words, do not go hoping on that Oyster Perpetual Submariner pre-owned just yet. Nevertheless, this will likely mean that there will once more be Rolex watches on display that are available for sale from authorized dealers, where warranty and authenticity issues are resolved by Rolex. While we await word from our local retailers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and, of course, the North American market, we feel confident that this move will be welcomed by Rolex collectors everywhere. We are also upbeat on the pricing issue, although navigating this will require a good deal of skill on the part of retailers.
It’s the time of year when our thoughts turn to gifting, and seeking out special items to delight our nearest and dearest. Maison 21G, the Parisian house of scent design and recent winner of the Singapore Retail Association award for Best Retail Experience of Singapore, are opening the doors of possibility this festive season, proposing an array of bespoke and experiential gifts tailored to delight the senses and create precious memories.
This gifting season, lovers of haute couture bespoke perfumes, are invited to share their enthusiasm with their lucky giftees, indulging their senses in a wide range of luxurious customised experiences. It’s impossible to deny the joyous appeal of being presented with the gift of a personalised bottle of perfume… and the fact that each is made from the blend of hand-selected natural fragrance essences that your giftee will choose for themselves with their choice of bottle design. You need to enter their email, your message, and the date you wish to offer this unique experience to your loved one, and we will take care of everything for you. Now you cannot go wrong by offering a perfume with Maison 21G!
Maison 21G’s bespoke gifting experiences don’t end there. The brand has seen a hugely popular response to its beautiful and exclusive creative ateliers; tailored perfume creation workshops, where attendees uncover the art of perfume creation with a seasoned scent designer, and take home their unique blends to cherish and enjoy. For perfume lovers, it’s hard to think of a more exciting, immersive and rewarding gift — perfect for those who seem to have everything! At Maison 21G, we offer an experience to your giftee that goes beyond a simple product!
The experiential element of Maison’s gift range for 2022 and beyond is genuinely impressive, showcasing this brand’s commitment to standing out from the crowd and bringing change to the traditional perfume industry. The beautiful Scent Discovery Set with 34 essences to play and mix at home like a perfumer will seduce everyone! Their unique Home Scent items from the famous Dual scented candles you can blend together to the bespoke reed diffusers where you choose the scent of your blend are just so original and fascinating.
This year, Maison 21G provides gifting experiences like never before that will lead to the creation of cherished memories. In the words of Maison 21G founder and perfume designer Johanna Monange, “the art of gifting isn’t about picking up something off the shelf and designed to please the broadest possible audience. It’s an opportunity to create something truly unique and show the depths of your affection”. It’s a philosophy which serves Maison 21G very well; since launching in 2020, the brand has picked up a global audience of perfume aficionados from Paris to Asia, besotted with the notion of crafting their own perfumes, home scents and scented gifts. The best part? Every Maison 21G product is tailored with a rich array of haute couture, sustainable, vegan and haute couture natural ingredients — all within your fingertips.
Italian automaker Lamborghini has finally debuted the Huracán Sterrato after months of teases. The marque unveiled the off-road sports car at Art Basel Miami. Made to conquer the dirt roads, the Huracán Sterrato is “designed for maximum driving pleasure even away from the asphalt on loose or dirt surfaces,” said the brand in a press release. This new car adds a new dimension to the concept of sportiness and incorporates the brand’s “principles of brave, authentic and unexpected” into the final masterpiece.
The Sterrato’s lineage can be traced back to June 2019, when it was first conceptualised and this is the final variant of the Huracán line after eight years. Many differences can be observed since its first unveiling, like increasing the car’s suspension by 44mm for a better drive over different terrains. Other off-roading accessories are also fitted like auxiliary lights, roof rails, carbon-fibre fender arches and a set of 19-inch wheels made exclusively by Bridgestone.
Powering the sports car is a 5.2-litre V-120 engine that can pump out 602 horsepower and 413 ft of torque using the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. To hit 60mph from zero, the car only takes 3.4 seconds. The Sterrato is able to hit a top speed of 162mph. Additionally, this powertrain will be Lamborghini’s last pure-combustion engine as the company ushers in a new era of electrification. To provide a greater intake of clean air when driving on dusty tracks, there is an additional air intake on the rear hood of the Sterrato. For breaking, a set of 15-inch brakes with six-piston callipers is fitted at the front while the back has 14-inch brakes with four-piston callipers.
For the new Sterrato, the vehicle features an updated version of Lamborghini’s Integrated Vehicle Dynamics System that allows the driver to pick three different modes of calibration: Strada, Sport and Rally. The last mode makes driving easier in low-grip conditions and drifting in off-road conditions.
Encasing this mechanical beast from the harsh conditions and elements, the Sterrato is encased in an aluminium underbody. On the inside, the car is fitted with exclusive Alcantara Verde Sterrato upholstery and reflects a “feel like pilot” philosophy commonly associated with the Huracán line. The driver is placed at the centre of the passenger compartment, which transmutes a sense of absolute control of all the car’s features.
“True to our values as a visionary, bold and unconventional brand, with the Sterrato we are breaking new ground in driving sensations,” commented Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO. “Presenting the car at Art Basel in Miami reflects how, just like an avant-garde work of art, the Sterrato represents a radical and original interpretation of the super sports car concept but, in terms of performance, the Sterrato belongs in the world’s most dynamic and exciting driving environments.”
“With the high-speed all-terrain concept of the Sterrato, we have uniquely combined the driving experience of a true super sports car and the fun of driving a rally car,” explained Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer. “Lamborghini cars always deliver emotion: the Sterrato delivers a new degree of driving thrills.”
The new Huracán Sterrato comes in limited production of 1,499 units.
The benefits of staying hydrated are well-known and numerous — from glowing skin, and brighter moods to clearer thinking and a better-functioning body — but our busy lifestyles can often mean we forget to take a sip.
Montigo, Malaysia’s first thermoregulated drinkware brand, creates bottles, tumblers, and coffee cups so stylish you’ll want to pull them out — especially with their new Dazzling Collection, a limited edition range released just in time for Christmas.
The collection features their always-popular Ace Bottle, the condensation-resistant, easy-to-clean cylindrical vessel with a leak-proof, interchangeable lid that’s available in a packable 530ml size, and a larger 950ml — both of which allow you to keep your beverages cool for up to 18 hours and warm for 12.
But it’s their chrome colourways inspired by the festive season that really make these bottles pop, and you can choose between Crimson Carol (a dark, garnet red) or Forest Fantasy (a lush green). Better stil, all bottles are non-toxic, made from stainless steel, and BPA and BPS-free.
As a gift, Montigo works for everyone — from the person who has everything to active friends and hard-to-buy-for colleagues. And with every purchase of the Dazzling Collection, you can also choose to include festive-themed packaging and a personalised message.
To make things even easier, Montigo has also curated festive bundles, with both colours and both sizes of the Dazzling Collection, able to be bought together at 15 per cent off. If you’re looking for something a bit different, Montigo also has slender Ease bottles, Knight Tumblers, King’s Cups, and Sense Coffee Cups available too.
There’s one other thing to remember if you’re giving a Montigo bottle this Christmas — not only are you offering someone a functional gift, you’re helping to cut down on the single-use plastics that are polluting our landfills, seas, and wildlife. With that in mind, it’s good to know that all Montigo bottles are recyclable too. Now that’s definitely a gift worth giving.
Longines has had an obsession with high-frequency regulated timing devices for well over a century now. The manufacture created their first 5Hz stopwatch with flyback function, capable of measuring 1/10th of a second, as early as 1914, and then proceeded to outdo themselves with a 50Hz stopwatch in just two years, in 1916. With a balance that clocked in at 360,000 vibrations per hour, the device was capable of measuring time up to 1/100th of a second. As the wristwatch gained in popularity, Longines brought their high frequency know-how to bear in this new form too. To make a point, the manufacture began sending these high frequency wristwatches off for certification to third-party validators and chronometric competitions held by the highly regarded observatories, such as the Observatoire de Neuchâtel, and the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). Needless to say, Longines claimed multiple accolades.
This acclaim gave Longines the confidence to push boundaries further, eventually challenging even electronic watches. Because high-frequency watches beat faster, they also exhaust their power reserves a lot quicker and the components wear out faster. To circumnavigate this, Longines patented a dry lubrication in 1966, which among many other points of fine tuning, allowed for the calibre 431. This movement was able to guarantee accuracy of a minute a month, or two seconds per day. Such a standard far exceeded the requirements of COSC, the chronometer certification body and thus, Longines boldly named the calibre 431-powered wristwatch, the Ultra-Chron.
Still in the 1960s, Longines moved to case up calibre 431 into a 200m water-resistant dive watch dubbed the Ultra-Chron Diver. Here is where we pick up the linage of the 2022 reissued Ultra-Chron Diver. The contemporary Ultra-Chron Diver has been rendered in the same cushion-shaped case of a particular 1968 Ultra-Chron Diver, along with its striking red minutes hand. Looking to the unidirectional bezel next, we must acknowledge that Longines has placed a sapphire insert on it with Super-LumiNova so that the dive bezel remains legible in dimmer conditions.
For the movement, Longines, in partnership with ETA, has developed the new calibre L836.6, which boasts a frequency of 5Hz. And in the spirit of the Ultra-Chron’s legacy, to show again that Longines’ is not simply blowing its own high-frequency horns, the new Ultra-Chron Diver has been chronometer-certified by TIMELAB, an independent entity that is also in charge of the Poinçon de Genève mark of excellence. TIMELAB subjects the timepiece to a series of tests over 15 days, through which the watch is measured for accuracy at three temperatures: 8°C, 23°C and 38°C. However, what sets TIMELAB apart from its contemporaries is that its certification is based on testing cased-up movements — actual watches. COSC, by way of contrast, confers its certification on base movements.
The renewed collaboration between Louis Vuitton and the Japanese art maven, Yayoi Kusama, comes full circle. The artist’s message of obsession and seriality are translated through the use of polka dots populated across some of the luxury fashion house’s Cruise 2023 product line-up.
This is the second time the Maison and Kusama had worked together and a celebration of Louis Vuitton’s longstanding partnership with the artist. The first creative endeavour occurred in 2012, under the helm of Marc Jacobs. The artist’s signature dots made it across famous Louis Vuitton silhouettes like the Keepall, Neverfull, Papillon and Speedy. To this day, pieces from the inaugural collection still fetch exorbitant prices on many resale platforms.
“Yayoi Kusama’s collaboration in 2012 flourished through various universes of the Maison, from exhibitions, products and a series of unique window installations, which included a startingly life-like mannequin modelled after the artist herself,” says Louis Vuitton in a press release.
Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition in Selfridges 2012.
More than just a typical fashion meets art collaboration, the decision to invite artists onboard also exemplifies Louis Vuitton’s desire to remain a cultural powerhouse. Other past collaborations with artists include Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince. Its most recent appointment of Jung Hoyeon, the South Korean actress who rose to fame through the hit Netflix series “Squid Game” is another example of the Maison plugging itself into the cultural zeitgeist and cementing its position at the forefront of the cultural movement.
One could also look at these collaborations as a way for luxury fashion brands to appeal to a broader audience by tapping into these artists’ fan base. Furthermore, products created from these collective efforts make a rare sense of permanence. And many times, it also transcends seasons and continues to be a hit among fashion enthusiasts and collectors.
A sneak peek of the partnership, which featured a handful of leather goods, was unveiled during Artistic Director of Women’s Collections Nicolas Ghesquière’s Cruise 2023 at the Salk Institute in San Diego. References to Kusama’s “Narcissus Garden” exhibition, where multiple metallic orbs filled the space, decorated the Twist bags. The contemporary artist’s penchant for colourful dots also appeared on the Dauphine and soft trunk bags.
According to Louis Vuitton, this is just a teaser and next year January, the full-fledged collection will be out in stores.
Digital Entertainment Asset (DEA) co-founders and co-CEOS Kozo Yamada (left) and Naohito Yoshida (right) seal their business alliance with TV Tokyo Corporation President and Representative Director Ichiro Ishikawa (centre).
Web3 — the catchall term for decentralized internet services, including cryptocurrencies, blockchains and NFTs — has taken the finance and tech world by storm, but elsewhere it is still very much underground. Granted, art NFTs (or PFPs) held its allure for most of 2021 and the better part of 2022, when the NFT market grew to US$25 billion in trading volume. This pace continued into 2021, but has significantly lost momentum since May of this year. DappRadar data shows that volumes have dropped to about US$700 million in October, compared to the highs of 2021-end and 2022-start.
However, one sector of the NFT ecosystem has continued to see traction from its beginnings till now. The killer use case of Web3 is NFT games, often called “GameFi” (game finance) by those in the know. These games allow players to earn tangible NFT assets through gameplay, which they can then sell for a profit on the market.
A game screen from Graffiti Racer, a racing/coloring game in which players color NFT game characters and then race them to earn DEP tokens.
While not yet mainstream, “Play and Earn” NFT games that reward players for their time are growing increasingly popular in many countries, especially in the eastern hemisphere of the globe. According to a 2022 NFT gaming statistics report published by Finder.com, India leads the GameFi world with 33.8 per cent of survey respondents having played an NFT game. Hong Kong, the UAE, the Philippines and Vietnam follow in the top five spots. Furthermore, over 10 per cent of respondents from Southeast Asia, South America and Africa said they were planning to try out NFT gaming in the near future.
In Japan, where TV still reigns supreme, major television station TV Tokyo is taking steps to promote Web3 content — including NFT games — to the mainstream audience. They have partnered with a Singapore-based GameFi company, Digital Entertainment Asset (DEA), operator of the PlayMining NFT gaming and metaverse entertainment platform, to collaborate on the creation of Web3-related educational content.
Menya Dragon Ramen, a Play-to-Earn NFT game on the PlayMining gaming platform.
“Cryptocurrency and Web3 unfortunately have a bad image as being unsafe and associated with scams. We aim to change that,” said DEA co-founder and co-CEO Kozo Yamada. “Through our business alliance with TV Tokyo, we will promote the many advantages of Web3 technology by creating unbiased educational television content that highlights Web3’s great potential with actual case studies of innovations with other industry leaders.”
TV Tokyo, a Nikkei Inc. subsidiary company, specialises in popular Japanese animation, among other content. TV Tokyo President and Representative Director Ichiro Ishikawa said that the Web3 partnership would enable TV Tokyo to make content that is useful for all and break through into new business sectors.
DEA has also recently signed an MOU for a separate collaborative Web3 partnership with global internet services giant Rakuten Group. Notably, Rakuten was an early mover in Web3 — they operate the Rakuten NFT marketplace and Rakuten Wallet crypto trading exchange. Their partnership with DEA will lead to collaboration on synergies between the two companies to enhance their services.
Game screens from Menya Dragon Ramen, a mobile RPG/simulation game in which players operate a ramen shop and harvest ingredients from monsters they defeat in dungeons.
In addition, DEA received a minority investment from Rakuten Capital. Hiroshi Takasawa, President of Rakuten Capital, pointed to DEA’s proven track record in the Web3 domain and experienced management team as prime drivers for the investment.
DEA co-CEO Yamada, who started his career as a television producer at TV Tokyo for 15 years, is also an influencer in the Japanese NFT space. He operates the “NFTv” Youtube channel and “NFT navi” web media, and is the creator of the NFT Awards. He co-founded DEA in 2018 with video game production veteran Naohito Yoshida, a serial entrepreneur who previously IPO’d three companies.
DEA’s PlayMining platform has its own token, DEAPcoin ($DEP), which was the first Play-to-Earn token officially approved by Japan’s Financial Service Agency. DEP can be earned by playing PlayMining’s growing catalogue of casual NFT games — current titles include Job Tribes, Cookin’ Burger, Menya Dragon Ramen and Graffiti Racer — and spent in the PlayMining NFT marketplace. Many NFTs for sale can be used directly in the games, and the market also features premium collectible NFTs from famous artists in the Japanese anime and video game industries. A metaverse initiative is also in development for the platform.
While game developers traditionally lose a lot of value to middlemen, Web3 helps them retain it.
DEA pays out royalties to creators on PlayMining NFT, and helps with IP monetisation for third-party studios who launch NFT games on the PlayMining platform.
A promotional screen for Graffiti Racer, a Play-and-Earn NFT game on the PlayMining gaming platform.
“There is a lot of potential across the Web3 industry,” Yamada said. “Innovations in digital asset ownership and interoperability will attract mainstream users. For instance, for scholarship models in Play-and-Earn, in-game items in the form of NFT assets are rented to new players (‘scholars’) so that upfront NFT costs are not a barrier to game entry. This is helping to bring a lot of non-gamers into Web3 gaming.”
“With interoperability, in-game NFT assets can be moved across different games operating on the same blockchain and potentially even to other blockchains in the future,” he added. “This means we can use the same game items or your favourite characters in multiple game worlds. Gamers will understand the value of interoperability naturally because they spend hours levelling up their characters in games. Being able to own in-game characters as an interoperable digital asset opens up a whole new potential for rewards and new forms of entertainment!”
One of the hallmarks of luxury is the option for customisation and in the world of cars, this means everything from the interior to the exterior. If you so wish to have an all-leather upholstery, the option is there and some car manufacturers even allow you to pick the type of stitching that will be lining the seats. On the façade, the choice of colours is endless including creating your own shade of colour. At Ferrari, to cater to the varying needs of its top clients, the marque has a Tailor Made programme where a team of experts led by a personal designer assists the buyer in conceptualising their dream car.
Next month, RM Sotheby’s will be auctioning a matte black Ferrari Enzo. This one-of-a-kind vehicle was produced for a member of the Brunei royalty and what’s so special about this car is that it is the first-ever Ferrari Hypercar that came out of the Maranello factory with a matte black finish. Called “Nero Opaco”, this colour is a stark shift from the traditional picks like red, yellow or black. To complement the matte black exterior, the Ferrari Enzo’s interiors are also fitted with Nero leather and carpets.
What makes this auction lot even more special is that the Ferrari Enzo is one of the 400 Enzos ever built that used carbon fibre. During the early naughts, such technology was uncommon and utilising it made the Prancing Horse a frontrunner among its competitors. Powering the mechanical beast is a 6.0 litre naturally aspirated V12 engine with 651hp. It is also paired with a F1-inspired automated six-speed manual transmission. On its odometer, the car registered a little over 3,500 miles.
A crown jewel of the Bruneian royal family, the hypercar is set to go under the hammer with no reserve between 5-7 December 2022 at the RM Sotheby’s Sealed Sale (Lot 101).
1962 was a special year for the cinematic world as it marked the debut of the James Bond series, which has since released 25 films starting with Dr. No and the most recent being No Time to Die. Throughout the illustrious history of 007, the British secret agent has transcended from being a fictitious character to a lifestyle where even the elements from the movies are as iconic as the man himself.
Of the numerous objects that have appeared in the movies, one would be remiss for not mentioning the Aston Martin DB5. The vehicle first appeared in Goldfinger and subsequently in seven more Bond films: Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die. However, out of the many movies, GoldenEye holds a special place for luxury watchmaker Omega.
Since becoming the archetypal Bond watch in 1995, the Omega Seamaster Diver Professional timepiece has appeared on the wrists of James Bond character played by Pierce Brosnan and later Daniel Craig, who has been an ambassador of the brand throughout his time in the role of 007. Besides the titular character, Moneypenny played by Naomie Harris also joined the Omega family and is described as “delivering both elegance and female empowerment on and screen”.
The choice of casting Omega the Bond watch came from Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming who said, “I was convinced that Commander Bond, a naval man, a diver, and a discreet gentleman of the world would wear this watch.” And the rest is history. More recently, the current US President Joe Biden has on several occasions been seen wearing an Omega.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, a brand new Seamaster has made its debut this week. Called the “Seamaster Diver 300m 60th Anniversary Edition”, the timepiece is a steel watch with no date display and comes with a mesh bracelet. What makes this watch so unique is its design style that calls to mind the first-ever Seamaster that appeared in GoldenEye. A blend of vintage with 90s stylistic codes, the new watch features an anodized aluminium blue bezel paired with an aluminium blue dial and the signature laser-engraved wave pattern. Reference to the 60th anniversary is apparent on the bezel as the traditional bezel pip or triangle at the 12’o clock shows the number “60”.
Available in two editions: Stainless Steel and Canopus Gold. The former is powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806, while the latter is powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8807. Crafted by the manufacture’s 18K Canopus Gold, the gold version’s dial is embedded with crystallites that pay tribute to the Jamaican flag — Ian Fleming’s estate in the country.
Lastly, on the caseback, the ultimate homage to the James Bond series is made. The movie’s iconic opening sequence with Bond in silhouette and a spinning gun barrel design takes centre stage, which is achieved by laser-engraving a single disk.
Speaking more about this special edition, Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of Omega said, “Our partnership with EON Productions and James Bond is something totally unique within watchmaking. It’s a chance to be creative and have fun, while highlighting our qualities of style and reliability. We love to bring that partnership to life on nights like this.
Daniel Craig, who played the role of James Bond over five films said, “It’s been a joy for me to work with Omega in all the films since Casino Royale. James Bond is a character who likes the very best of everything, so it’s always made sense that he would wear something as beautiful and trustworthy as an Omega.”
Launched as a special watchmaking exploration by the grand French luxury house, the Chanel Wanted Capsule Collection presents a series of watches that playfully and unapologetically place the House’s logo anywhere and everywhere possible.
The collection begins with the J12 Highly Wanted de Chanel Box, which presents a set of six 38mm J12 timepieces in black ceramic with increasingly bold use of the maison’s logo all over the dial and bezel of the watches. Each watch is powered by Calibre 12.1, itself dressed for maximum fun, with a rotor set with 34 brilliant-cut diamonds. Diamonds aside, Calibre 12.1 is a serious movement with COSC certification and a commendable 70-hour power reserve. The six watches will be limited to five pieces each and can be purchased individually.
Next on the list is the J12 Wanted de Chanel, which first comes in a 38mm glossy black ceramic execution with an otherwise blank dial and bezel save for the Chanel logo in large font sprawled across the watch face. The letters C and L fall onto the fixed bezel while the letters “HANE” land on the dial. The watch is also powered by Calibre 12.1. The next J12 Wanted de Chanel is a 33mm piece in white ceramic, featuring the Chanel logo repeated multiple times across the bezel and dial.
The Première Wanted de Chanel follows, with the well-known Première case and bracelet endowed with letter-charms, which spell out the name “CHANEL”. Given the diminutive size of the timepiece (19.7mm x 15.2mm), this one is quartz-powered.
Fourth on the list features another famous form factor from the House of Chanel, the Code Coco Wanted de Chanel. Designed to look like the clasp of the 2.55 Chanel bag and capable of concealing the time when the hour at hand is immaterial, here the timepiece has been given the rock ‘n’ roll treatment with a black embossed calfskin strap showing off a set of palladium-treated letters (no prizes for guessing what they spell).
Last but not least is the Boy·Friend Wanted de Chanel, which features the rectangular case fitted onto a black satin effect calfskin strap with, again, palladium-treated letters spelling out the brand name. The black-lacquered dial is interesting, with a pixelated design that is sure to remind you of the retro video game, Tetris.
The capsule collection as a whole has been said to be a celebration of all things 1990s. But perhaps a more apparent explanation can be offered, in saying that the collection is a celebration of Chanel’s watchmaking and design, created for those who would like to celebrate this storied heritage, while wearing the House’s name, loud and proud. For more watch reads, click here.
When thinking of haute couture, materials such as tulle, satin, silk and velvet usually come to mind as top choices among many designers from Christian Dior to Cristobel Balenciaga and Coco Chanel. In contrast, fabrics like denim have never been closely associated with the lofty world of high fashion… until this upcoming exclusive collection master milliner Stephen Jones is about to launch with G-Star RAW, an expert in working with denim.
The coming together of the two greats culminates in a capsule collection featuring five haute couture hat pieces and two ready-to-wear limited editions. The limited edition and ready-to-wear pieces will be available from 1 December 2022, while the couture pieces will launch on 22 November 2022.
Each of the five couture pieces showcases both collaborators’ expertise in their respective fields. Apart from working with the likes of Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and Thom Browne, Jones has also dressed some of the biggest celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna (Pope hat worn at Met Gala), Madonna, Mick Jagger and even the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
Bringing his years of experience, denim pieces from G-Star RAW made in partnership with Jones are elevated to a new level where craftsmanship is the cornerstone of the capsule collection. G-Star Raw has been a purveyor of denim products since its inception in 1989. The company constantly pushes the boundary of denim design and has called itself a “hardcore denim” advocate, where a relentless dedication to the cloth, the craft, the culture and the history of denim is spotlighted in its creative processes.
Jones’ earlier couture collections inspire designs for this capsule collection, and you can expect to see supersized hats in denim with intricate designs synonymous with the realm of haute couture. Additionally, the two ready-to-wear hat designs are influenced by classic streetwear styles: a bucket hat and a baseball hat. Both have been enduring icons and have been referenced by many luxury fashion houses.
“Everybody around the world knows what denim is and what denim signifies. I took denim out of its comfort zone and made it what it wasn’t. G-Star gave me complete carte blanche,” says Stephen Jones about his collaboration with G-Star RAW.
The Double Bucket HatThe Winged Baseball Cap
Accompanying this release is a short documentary that showcases the famed milliner’s workshop in Covent Garden, London. “The film will not only give a rare insight into his atelier, creative process and ground-breaking designs but also gives a glimpse of his rebellious past and status within the high fashion world,” as per the press release. “And it seems that the anarchist attitude of Jones’ pushes the limits of denim design once again, turning denim streetwear into Haute Couture. Whilst the audience receives an insight into the designer’s life, learning how he became the legendary milliner he is today.”
Just in time for the holiday season, the G-Star RAW x Stephen Jones collection is available at g-star.com.
What sets Western Australia apart from other destinations out there? To them (and those who have explored the land), it’s the blurring of lines between dream and reality the moment one steps foot into the state. As such, Tourism Western Australia has developed a global brand for this narrative that’s more than two years in the making – titled ‘Walking on a Dream’.
Inspired by its 2019 narrative ‘Our Story: The Spirit of Adventure’, the brand outlines the key themes of Western Australia: Time, Space, Connection and Freedom, as seen in the campaign video for ‘Walking on a Dream’ below.
Besides its picturesque landmarks and large land size that’s one-third of the Australian continent, Western Australia is known for its capital city – Perth, Aboriginal history (which you can learn more about on a trip to Rottnest Island), and dreamlike experiences at popular destinations like the Swan Valley, Margaret River Region, Perth City, Kings Park, Rottnest Island, and Mandurah, all of which we’ve done a handy guide for here. All in all, a state that’s worth adding to your travel bucket list.
Boranup Forest, Margaret River Region
For more information about Western Australia or ‘Walking on a Dream’, visit westernaustralia.com.
Hellen Obiri, the two-time 5000m World Champion and two-time Olympic Silver Medalist is one of Kenya’s most accomplished and iconic female athletes, as the only woman in history to win a world title in indoor track, outdoor track and cross country. Hellen’s journey is now being told in a new short film by On, the Swiss sportswear brand, chronicling her transition from Nairobi to her new home in the U.S, as she takes on a new challenge in her career, starting with the New York City Marathon.
Released this week, Swiss sportswear company, On, presents “Hellen Obiri Runs a Marathon” – an original short film written, directed and produced by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Andrew Hinton. The docu-style film gives audiences an unprecedented look into the life of this revered member of the sport of running, and Hellen’s accomplished career of podium placements from her competitive conquests around the world. With footage compiled from her home town of Nairobi and shot on-location in the United States over three months, Hellen Obiri Runs a Marathon is the story of how a world champion athlete and mother from Kenya sacrifices everything she has known to start a new life in the U.S. In her quest to run 26.2 miles faster than anyone else, and add the iconic New York City Marathon to her list of accolades, the film portrays an inspiring journey of unwavering courage and enduring human spirit.
The five-minute film opens with archived footage of Hellen’s breathtaking accomplishments on the world stage, in a remarkable yet relatively short-lived career, showing how she established herself as a world class talent and one of the best in her sport. The story evolves with her transition on to U.S. soil, as she says goodbye to her husband and daughter in Nairobi and begins a new life with her On Athletics Club (OAC) family in Boulder, Colorado. The film takes viewers behind the scenes working with her new training partners, as well as with her new mentor and coach, Dathan Ritzenhein. Casual scenes are captured off the track, showing new friendships being built within the OAC, between Hellen and fellow athletes Alicia Monson and Sage Hurta. The film turns to Hellen’s preparations for the New York City Marathon and the pressure of her upcoming marathon debut, as cameras accompany Hellen in New York to capture deep emotions upon her entering into new and unchartered territory.
“We know that Hellen knows how to win. She’s proven her fiercely competitive inner spirit and ability to break barriers time and time again,” says Feliciano Robayna, Executive Producer and Head of Sports Marketing at On. “Hellen Obiri Runs a Marathon brings a superstar athlete ‘Out of the Unknown,’ both in terms of personality and as a quantity in the Marathon distance. Despite her sacrifice and a new life without her family, Hellen never stops chasing new finish lines and shows she is unafraid of change. Hellen is the epitome of courage, a torch and guiding light in the face of adversity and the unfamiliar. The new film will show an inspiring journey from Nairobi to New York and answer the question ‘Who is Hellen Obiri?’ If you don’t already know her, you soon will.”
Image: Kennett Mohrman/On
Hailing from Kisii, Kenya, Obiri, 31, is the latest running sensation added to the On Athletics Club roster. Obiri’s many accolades include 5000m Silver Medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, back-to-back 5000m World Champion in 2017 and 2019, 5000m Silver Medalist at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and 5000m Silver Medalist at the 2021 Diamond League Final. In 2022, Hellen won gold at the Half Marathon in Istanbul, Gold at the Half Marathon at England’s Great North Run, Gold at the XC 8.0km Northern Ireland International Cross Country Championships, and Silver in 10,000m at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. After closing out her track career at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Obiri transitioned to road racing with the backing of the Zurich-based performance brand.
“We are very excited and honored to finally have Hellen join the On Athletics Club team in Boulder,” says OAC Head Coach, Dathan Ritzenhein. “We understand the sacrifice she has made with leaving her family in Nairobi and coming to the United States to continue her career, which truly shows her team spirit and dedication to the sport. The NYC Marathon is the biggest in the world, proving to be a real test of character, and we are confident that Hellen will rise to the challenge as a true champion. The versatility of Hellen’s success in both track and road indicates there is a bright future ahead, and we are thrilled to be a part of her new journey.”
Hellen Obiri Runs a Marathon presented by On can now be seen by visiting the website.
