Author Archives: Yan Joon Wing

France’s “Nice the Beautiful” is now on UNESCO World Heritage List

Nice, French City seafront

Image: Ville de Nice

The French Mediterranean City of Nice has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The announcement was made on the cultural organisation’s Twitter account, which tweeted saying, “Winter resort town of the Riviera”.

The city, which sits on the southeastern coast and is known for its mild climate, was a favourite vacation spot for the various European royal families back in the 18th century. There’s even a seafront named after the British royalty called, “Promenade des Anglais (Promenade of the English)”.

The city joins 40 other world heritage sites located in France. The list includes the banks of the river Seine in Paris, the Amiens cathedral, Mont Saint Michel, and stretches of the Loire valley.

Nice, capital of Riviera tourism

Nice, capital of Riviera tourism. Image: Ville de Nice

Named “Nice the Beautiful”, the city has close to a million inhabitants and is the second-biggest city on the French Mediterranean coast after Marseilles, and the fifth-largest in France. Nice has played host to numerous creatives over the years, including Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and Friedrich Nietzsche.

“The history of Nice, which is at the same time deeply rooted and open, Mediterranean and Alpine, European and cosmopolitan, has produced an architecture and a landscape that are unique, a model for many other cities in the world,” Nice’s mayor Christian Estrosi said in reaction to the announcement.

According to UNESCO, Nice’s urban planning started as early as two centuries ago in a bid to attract foreign visitors looking to escape the bitter-cold winter of Europe. As a result, the clever design of the area has made the place a tourist destination which boasts to have several million visitors per year and it also has one of the busiest airports in France.

Nice, French City Beach View

Image: Paul Teysen/Unsplash

About five years ago on July 14, 2016, the scenic seafront walk of Promenade des Anglais was met with a murderous attack that killed 86 people, including 15 children. The Islamic State claimed responsibility and the event definitely affected Nice’s reputation as a holiday destination.

With the newly conferred status, the city hopes to boost its tourism and the funds it receives will be used to preserve the sites. As international travel slowly picks up its pace, keep Nice on your list of places to visit post-pandemic. France’s “Nice the Beautiful” is now on UNESCO World Heritage List.

By Joseph Low

 

The Sistine Chapel Exhibition makes its way across the globe

sistine chapel exhibition

Image: See Global Entertainment

You can now have a tour of the renowned Sistine Chapel in the comfort of your own country in the upcoming months. The widely acclaimed exhibition, “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” will start in the United States before it ventures out internationally to cities such as Paris, Madrid, Singapore, Toronto and more, according to Artnet.

The exhibition will mirror the previous iteration that was held in New York’s Oculus Train Station in 2017 where full-sized replicas of Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel frescoes will make its way to the various locations.

sistine chapel exhibition

Image: See Global Entertainment.

This new exhibition will utilise state-of-the-art technology to reproduce 34 pieces that the Renaissance master has created. The selected artworks will be recreated using the Giclée printing process on a nylon surface that is similar to a movie theatre screen.

The Sistine Chapel exhibition is produced by Special Entertainment Events, which has previously organised similar shows including King Tut, the Titanic, and Star Trek. The images of the artworks are shot by Austrian photographer Erich Lessing with the production expertise of Bridgeman Images.

sistine chapel exhibition

Image: See Global Entertainment

Viewers will be able to examine these pieces up close unlike the actual Sistine Chapel experience where the artworks are located high up in the ceilings. Being located at eye level, the pieces can be examined more closely. The individual brushstrokes of Michelangelo can be observed as well as minute details, which might not otherwise be observed. Famous creations such as “The Creation of Adam” and the slightly smaller 40-foot-tall “Last Judgement” will be available.

sistine chapel exhibition

Image: See Global Entertainment

Those who have visited the Sistine Chapel in Italy will remember that a no-photograph policy is strictly enforced within the building. But this exhibition will welcome visitors to take as many photographs as they want.

According to the event’s page, visits to the exhibition will typically last from an hour to 90 minutes and the prices start from US$20.

For more information about “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, click here.

By Joseph Low

 

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date and Oyster Perpetual Datejust: Symbols of Powerful Femininity

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36

The classic watch of reference. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 in Oystersteel and white gold, 36 mm case, bright black dial and a Jubilee bracelet.

There is something powerful about having time on your side, which is precisely what you will have with these Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date and Oyster Perpetual Datejust models. The new models we are presenting in this article reflect the strong personalities of the wearers yet convey a sense of poise and purpose effortlessly. Of course, the effortless part only applies to wearing the watches, because they have gone through decades of refinement and development to get them to the status of the modern horological icons they are today.

To get a little more granular here, we are looking at two gem-set Day-Date 36 models in 18 ct Everose gold, one fitted with an Eisenkiesel dial and the other with a mother-of-pearl dial; for the Datejust, there are also two options vying for your attention. One Datejust is in 36 mm with a bright blue fluted motif dial, while the other is a 31 mm gem-set model with mother-of-pearl dial. You only need to feel any of these four watches against your skin to understand, but ahead of that, we will present the case for each of the models featured here. There are also elements common to all Day-Date and Datejust models that we will cover, briefly.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date

Rolex bracelet

This refined, exclusive metal bracelet with semi-circular three-piece links was created in 1956 for the launch of the prestigious Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date.

The Day-Date holds the unique distinction in the brand’s catalogue of being the only model offered exclusively in precious metals. At its launch in 1956, it was meant as the most prestigious watch, befitting only the worthiest wrists. It went on to live up to its billing, appearing on the wrists of the world’s most prominent individuals and visionaries. This included, famously, US President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, leading the Day-Date to be called the President’s watch. It is equipped with the President bracelet, which debuted with the watch in 1956, but when Johnson was photographed wearing the watch, the name President’s watch stuck. More recently, women such as Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham have been spotted wearing the Day-Date watch.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 in 18 ct Everose gold with an Eisenkiesel diamond-set dial and a President bracelet

Rolex Day-Date 36 with Eisenkiesel dial

The extraordinarily fetching Eisenkiesel dial seen here in the Day-Date 36 is entirely new in watchmaking this year, making Rolex the first brand to use this decorative stone. Nothing expresses strength and power quite like being a ground-breaker, which the wearer of this watch will be. Eisenkiesel is a type of dark quartz with striped inclusions of iron oxide, making each dial truly one-of-a-kind. The discs of stone produced for the dials are cut from a block of raw material, with each disc individually selected by Rolex designers – only those whose colour and structure fully meet Rolex’s strict aesthetic criteria are selected. This pairs well with the resplendence of the diamond-set Roman numeral hour markers in the 36 mm case endowing the watch with quiet sophistication.

What is entirely contemporary here is the self-winding calibre 3255. Developed and manufactured by Rolex, calibre 3255 boasts 14 patents and, thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 70 hours (more than enough to get through the weekend) and an accuracy of +/-2 seconds a day.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 in 18 ct Everose gold featuring a white mother-of-pearl diamond-set dial and a President bracelet

Rolex Datejust 31 with mother-of-pearl dial

The mother-of-pearl stone dial provides a stunning backdrop to this Day-Date 36 watch, with its combination of round and baguette diamond hour markers. The 36 mm model is thus bestowed with a commanding presence on the wrist, like the exclamation mark on a well-made point. Like its companion model with Eisenkiesel dial, this Day-Date model is also in 18 ct Everose gold and is distinguished by the President bracelet, which was created for this collection in 1956. You can always recognise the President bracelet by its three solid semi-circular links that provides complete reliability and comfort, along with the concealed Crownclasp. Like all Rolex watches, the Day-Date is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Cyclops Lens

Today, more than ever, the Cyclops lens is an inseparable part of the aesthetics of the Oyster collection. It continues to evolve and perpetuate the brand’s singular care for the wearer’s comfort.

The Datejust is a classic and robust watch suitable for daily wear; it is capable of reflecting strength of character too, as this series of stories will show. To begin with, the Cyclops lens, which takes its name from the one-eyed giants of Greek mythology, was patented by Rolex in the early 1950s and introduced for the first time in 1953 on a Datejust model. This innovation makes it appreciably easier for the reading of the date and has become a signature feature that classic watch lovers look out for. On the other hand, the Datejust can be restrained or unabashedly bold with the large variety of configurations available, as its owner wishes.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and 18 ct white gold fitted with a bright blue fluted motif dial and an Oyster bracelet

Rolex Datejust 36 with blue fluted motif dial

New for 2021, this Datejust 36 model showcases a bright blue fluted motif dial, matching the signature fluted bezel design. The fluted motif emphasises the pattern found on a range of Rolex bezels that has become one of the brand’s signature aesthetic styles. This recognisable style adds heft to any owner’s personality.

Launched in 1945, the Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial. The watch consolidated all the major innovations that the brand had contributed to the modern wristwatch until then. The Datejust has spanned eras while retaining the enduring aesthetic characteristics that make it so instantly recognisable.

The new versions of this 36 mm watch are equipped with calibre 3235, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2015 and has been fitted on this model since 2018.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 in 18 ct white gold featuring a white mother-of-pearl diamond-set dial and a President bracelet

Rolex Day-Date 36 with mother-of-pearl dial

Diamonds add just the right amount of lustre to this Datejust 31 from all the elements, including the 18 ct white gold of the 31 mm case and President bracelet, to distinguish the owner in meetings and professional settings. Alongside the diamond-set hour markers on the mother-of-pearl dial, the bezel is also fully set with 36 diamonds, whose elegance belies the gemmology expertise and gem-setting skills at the Rolex manufacture. The gem-setters work with tweezers to handle trapeze-cut diamonds, each the size of a pinhead. To get each diamond to sit at the right height on the bezel, they must manually excavate a tiny bit of metal from the cavity. This process is then repeated, three times on average, until the table of the stone – its topmost facet – is perfectly aligned with its neighbour. Furthermore, in terms of the dimensions of the diamonds, Rolex tolerates variances of no more than 2 hundredths of a millimetre, which is around a quarter of the diameter of a human hair. Once finished, 36 diamonds will form the perfectly uniform, radiant circle of the watch’s gem-set bezel. This bezel alone illustrates the wide range of skills and know-how mastered in-house by Rolex.

The Datejust 31 is fitted with the self-winding calibre 2236, featuring a Perpetual rotor that ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide constant energy. It offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours.

Visit The Hour Glass to discover your very own Rolex watch.

 

Louis 200: BTS and Others celebrate Louis Vuitton’s 200th Birthday

Portrait of Louis Vuitton for Louis 200

Image: Louis Vuitton

August 4 marks one of the important days in the fashion industry. It’s the day that Louis Vuitton, the founder of the eponymous French Maison, was born. And 2021 is a special one because the brand is celebrating its founder’s 200th birthday with Louis 200, an initiative that pays homage to the life and legacy of Louis Vuitton.

Unlike other fashion brands over the years where a special collection will be made to commemorate the occasion, the Maison decided to chronicle the life of Louis Vuitton through an array of activities that transcends the realm of fashion into gaming, art, and literature.

Starting today, fans can download Louis The Game, an immersive gaming experience that pays tribute to Vuitton’s famous two-year journey from his hometown of Anchay in the French Jura area to Paris. The game features Vivienne, the house’s monogrammed mascot, who traverses a virtual world. Players will have to clear quests, collect candles and keys to access new levels, which ultimately leads to a party at the end. Four iconic cities serve as the inspiration for the locations within the game’s world: Paris, Beijing, London and New York.

In addition to just playing the games, players will stand a chance to win NFTs as well. There are a total of 30 originals and ten of them have been created by the renowned digital artist Beeple. Dabbling into the gaming world is not new for the Maison as it has previously partnered with Riot Games for a capsule collection in 2019 that included both physical and digital clothes. Endless Runner was also launched that year as part of Virgil Abloh’s Fall/Winter 2019 menswear collection.

Aside from the virtual realm, the physical windows across the brand’s boutiques will showcase trunks reimagined by 200 artists from all over the world. The trunks, made to replicate the original trunk that Vuitton created in the 1850s, were given a facelift by these artists. Prominent figures that were invited include BTS — the Kpop phenomenon is the brand’s global ambassador — Stephen Sprouse, Peter Marino, Gloria Steinem and others.

On the trunks, handwritten messages can be seen along with little drawings. In the spirit of travel, these trunks will make its way around the globe and be put on display in key locations for everyone to see and join in the celebration.

While these two activities have already started, other activations are also in the pipeline:

  • A fictional novel based on the life and intentions of Vuitton will be written by French writer Caroline Bongrand and published by Gallimard. Both French and English versions will be available in October.
  • Looking for Louis, a documentary will be broadcasted on Apple TV+ from December. It will retrace the younger days of Louis Vuitton. From his humble beginnings to becoming a trunk maker and packer for Empress Eugénie, and the current fashion empire 200 years later.
  • A large-scale triptych of the founder painted by acclaimed American artist Alex Katz will be unveiled in Fall. This is the second collaboration the Maison has done with Katz, the first was also a portrait of Vuitton for its Louis Vuitton X exhibition in Beverly Hills.

“Louis’ coming-of-age tale, that of a risk-taking, innovative, natural leader defines the Maison he founded and advances us into the future,” says Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO Michael Burke in a press statement. “Through the disruptive and dynamic initiatives of Louis 200, we can appreciate how Louis was a figure of his time — and of ours.”

Louis 200 is a grand celebration of Vuitton’s bicentennial birthday and the brand has extended the invitation to everyone and it hopes the founder’s journey can be a catalyst for endless inspiration… something we dearly need and miss.

Head over to Louis Vuitton’s website to join the fun.

By Joseph Low

 

Hybrid and electric luxury car sales are an the rise

Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid; Credit: Bentley

2020 was an unprecedented year for many industries and the automotive industry, in particular, saw a 20% drop year-on-year but registration for electric and hybrid vehicles grew more than 137% as compared to 2019. In the realm of luxury cars, there is a trend that buyers are switching to hybrid or electric cars (EVs).

For example, in the first quarter of 2021, Porsche’s fully electric Taycan outperformed the Boxter, Cayman, and Panamera in terms of sales. It only lost out to the Macan and the Cayenne. Realising that the future of the automotive industry lies in the electrification of vehicles, more luxury car makers are seizing the opportunity to introduce new models or a modified version of their existing versions.

Porsche Taycan is the luxury car maker’s first full-electric vehicle; Image: Porsche

Sustainability is now paramount

More than just a buzzword, sustainability is a topic that is continuously talked about across different industries including food, fashion, and cars. In the motoring world, Tesla is known for being a trailblazer where sustainability is concerned. The company entered the market less than a decade ago with their first model, the Model S electric sedan, then in 2015 launched its Model X electric crossover SUV — the rest is history.

Its celebrity founder, Elon Musk has always been at the forefront of innovation, and the growing penchant for EVs has prompted other luxury car brands to seriously consider switching to manufacturing either hybrids or fully electric vehicles. The foresight of Musk has enabled his brand to conquer a significant market share.

Even if luxury car brands are reluctant to make this transition towards electrified vehicles, these companies have to abide by the new regulations set out by their governments. In Europe and China, car manufacturers have to meet strict emission standards or risk paying fines that could run in the millions or billions of dollars. With Beijing and Brussels breathing down the necks of these companies, they have little choice but to pour more money into the research and development of EVs.

In California, the state government has stated its intention of banning internal combustion engines (ICE) come 2035 and similar legislation is seen throughout the world. As a result, the market for ICE cars will likely see a drastic plunge within the next few years.

Credit: CNN

The race to outperform

According to an article by CNN, Volkswagen Group, which owns a number of uber-luxurious brands like Porsche, Bugatti, and Bentley, has planned to invest “€30 billion ($34 billion) over the next five years to make an electric or hybrid version of every vehicle in its lineup, and it plans to launch 70 new electric models by 2028.” And by 2030, two-fifth of its cars sold will be EVs. This is an audacious plan but the Group is on its way. Under the Bentley100 strategy, the British marque’s Flying Spur and Bentayga models already offer hybrid versions and by 2025, it plans to release its first fully electric car.

Another heritage British carmaker that’s onboard is Jaguar, in a statement released by Alistair Scott, Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific Managing Director, he said, “The future of mobility is electric and with significant shifts in emphasis on the environmental agenda, it is clear that Jaguar Land Rover needs to be extremely dynamic and agile in its approach to meet customer and legislative expectations.” To that end, the brand has “ambitious plans to transform Jaguar into a fully electric brand by 2025,” and the Jaguar I-PACE model is the first all-electric vehicle from the marque.

Last month, Ferrari showcased its first plug-in hybrid sports car, the 296 GTB. Mercedes-Benz also presented its first mainstream electric car, the EQC 400 4Matic, to Singapore despite already being on the roads in parts of Europe. The company has set out to become carbon neutral by 2030 and is likely to increase its fleet of EVs in the coming years. Similarly, Rolls-Royce has confirmed that an electric model is in development and sees electric as a natural fit for the brand. The launch will happen within this decade but the details have yet to be confirmed. It may be an entirely new model, branching from its popular ones such as the Cullinan, Ghost, Phantom and Dawn.

 

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With more players in the field, the EV market stands to benefit from the boom in emerging technologies. These span across production techniques, vehicle performance and more. The Bentley Flying Spur hybrid, for example, is reportedly able to traverse a total of 434 miles, a huge step up from its contemporaries launched a decade or so ago. Tesla’s first completely electric Roadster launched in 2008 with a range of 245 miles. Version 3.0 of the car, released in 2014, touted a range exceeding 400 miles.

These advances in technology, combined with shifting consumer preferences and a global push for sustainability, signal an exciting time for the EV market. Whether hybrids and EVs will edge out diesel and petrol vehicles completely within the next decade remains to be seen, but the signs are certainly positive.

By Joseph Low

 

The world’s oldest bourbon sold for US$137,000

Ingledew Bourbon case with bottle

Credit: Skinner Auctioneers

The world’s oldest bourbon whiskey has been auctioned for US$137,000. Skinner Auctioneers who oversaw the bidding process said the bottle, better known as the Old Ingledew Whiskey, was most likely bottled between 1763-1803 after undergoing a Carbon-14 dating test.

“We took a sample and tested by Carbon-14 dating, and determined that with an 81.1% probability that the Bourbon was produced between 1763-1803, which places it in the historical context of The Revolutionary War and the Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s,” says Joseph Hyman, a fine spirits specialist at Skinner. “The whiskey was not bottled at a distillery destroyed in the war, it is actually bottled by a general store, which is the same way the Scottish whisky Johnnie Walker started.”

Beyond the dating information provided by modern science, the bottle itself was labelled and on it stated that the bourbon was “probably made prior to 1865”. Also included in the short excerpt is the ownership. Interestingly, the bottle belonged to John Pierpont Morgan — or known widely as J.P Morgan, the Wall Street financier.

Ingledew Bourbon Label

Credit: Skinner Auctioneers

Besides the famed banker, the ex-owners of the bottle include James Byrnes, the previous US Supreme Court justice and South Carolina governor and two other sister bottles (in total there were three bottles) were given to Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. According to Hyman, the bottle that was auctioned off was the only one that remained.

 

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Initial estimates by CNN put the bottle at a cost between US$20,000 and US$40,000 but the final price exceeded by US$100,000. While the final price of the bottle is stunning, it does not make the cut to be the world’s most expensive whiskey. The honours still belong to a bottle of Macallan Fine and Rare 60-year-old 1926, which was sold for a whopping US$1.9 million in 2019. Regardless of the price, the Old Ingledew Whiskey is perhaps the oldest whiskey ever discovered in the world.

By Joseph Low

 

King of Mandopop Jay Chou Bewitches Tudor

King of Mandopop Jay Chou Bewitches Tudor

After the success of last year’s Netflix magic travelogue show J-Style Trip, King of Mandopop and multi-hyphenate Jay Chou is at it once again with a different set of tricks up his sleeves to celebrate Tudor’s #BornToDare spirit. After performing in various cities including Paris, Innsbruck, Tokyo and a pit stop in Singapore, Tudor ambassador Chou finds himself in a Tudor boutique for his latest magical destination.

 

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Without giving away too much, the tricks seen in the film were performed by Chou live on set. Not wanting to reveal his secrets, just like a true magician, the singer asked all production crew to leave the set when he performed the counter display trick, keeping only the cameraman with him.

Chou’s partner in crime for the commercial-style short film is the 2021 Tudor Black Bay Chrono novelty. The 2021 edition remains largely the same Black Bay aesthetic with the “Snowflake” hand and comes in either a “panda” or “reverse panda” configuration. The big news however is a reworked case that sees a slight reduction in thickness.

After scouring and cross-referencing various platforms, the thickness of the Black Bay Chrono measures 14.4mm thick, down from the original 2017 version which measured 14.9mm thick between the callipers. Tudor made a few position adjustments to the Manufacture Chronograph Calibre MT 5813, shifting the dial closer to the sapphire crystal which resulted in a slimmer profile that feels more balanced on the wrist.

King of Mandopop Jay Chou Bewitches Tudor

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is available in three different strap options — a steel bracelet with polished and satin finish, black leather strap with removable bund or black jacquard-woven fabric strap.

 

Ex-Celine’s Phoebe Philo Makes a Comeback With Her New Namesake Label

Phoebe Philo

Credit: Phoebe Philo

Ex-Celine designer Phoebe Philo is making a comeback to the fashion industry. She’s set to launch her eponymous brand next year.

More details will be released closer to January, but for now, the upcoming line will be one that is “rooted in exceptional quality and design”, according to Philo. Her former employer French luxury conglomerate LVMH has taken a minority stake in the upcoming venture but Philo will be left “to be independent, to govern and experiment on [her] own terms”.

“Being in my studio and making once again has been both exciting and incredibly fulfilling,” said Philo in the announcement. “I am very much looking forward to being back in touch with my audience and people everywhere.”

Celine Spring 2018 Look 10

Credit: Monica Feudi / Indigital.tv

Looks from Celine’s Spring 2018 collection by Phoebe Philo

Three years prior, Philo was the creative director of Celine, a position she held for a decade. She was hired by Marco Gobbetti, who was the CEO of the French label before he left for Burberry in 2016. During her time at the French label, she has propelled it to cult status and dressed numerous celebrities including Kanye West. He wore a printed silk pyjama shirt from the brand’s spring 2011 collection to Coachella.

Philo sent shockwaves throughout the fashion industry when she announced her departure from Celine in 2017. Editors and stylists lamented the news as the end of an era. An Instagram handle named @oldceline, which pays homage to the Philo-era, sprung up soon after.

Her name has since been linked to every major vacancy in fashion, including Chanel, in the wake of Karl Lagerfeld’s death, and Burberry when Marco Gobbetti was looking for a replacement for Christopher Bailey. Her post at Celine, however, was eventually filled by former Dior Hommes creative designer, Hedi Slimane in 2018.

Celine Spring 2015, Joan Didion

Philo’s meteoric rise in the cut-throat industry is a success story that still resonates with young designers. Her collections during her Celine tenure appealed to women and even created a new phenomenon called the “Female Gaze”, which the Guardian compared to Monsieur Christian Dior’s “New Look“. In other words, she revolutionised how women want to dress. With a refined touch, the style became synonymous with female empowerment.

Besides being the mastermind behind Celine’s revival — annual sales increased from €200 million to €700 million under her leadership — Philo was also pioneering other trends. She was among the first to cast older models like Joan Didion, popularise Adidas’ Stan Smith sneakers, and set the wave for minimalism. Aside from the clothes, the money maker for the brand includes its accessories such as Luggage, Classic, Trapeze, Trio, and of course, the fur-lined Birkenstocks.

In a bid to fill up the aesthetic void left by Philo, a new wave of designers has risen — all of whom worked under Philo at Celine. They are LVMH Prize finalist Peter Do, Bottega Veneta’s Daniel Lee, and Rokh founder and designer Rok Hwang.

Maximalism has been the trending notion as propelled by the likes of Alessandro Michele at Gucci and Demna Gvasalia’s Balenciaga, but perhaps the industry would once again pivot back to the minimalistic era. And at this inflection point, it is still unclear where fashion is going to head next but Philo’s new label might just nudge it in a new direction.

 

Founder, Sean Bo Details The Bodi Collections’ Bespoke Mosaic Interior Art Design

Established in 2001, Bodi Collections specialises in interior furnishing materials including fabrics and wallpaper – catering to a variety of demands for revolutionary materials for commercial, hospitality, and residential projects.

Founder, Sean Bo Details The Bodi Collections’ Bespoke Mosaic Interior Art Design

Sean Bo

Tell us about the early stage of Bodi Collections when it was set in Singapore in 2001. How unique was your vision?

When I started my company in 2001 in Singapore, the interior design field was developing in many exciting ways with many well-known international brands such as Jab Anstoch & Carlucci di chivasso which I had the privilege of working with, along with many other well-known European Design brands. Singapore was then, and still is a dynamic and vibrant melting pot of different cultures and with my Eastern upbringing and Western exposure it allowed me to propel forward with my vision.

I have always had a deep appreciation for Beauty especially how Fabrics, Furnishings, Materials and Coverings are integral to the contribution of the Elegance, Mood and Experience in any environment. My vision was to open up the minds of my clients and allow them to appreciate and enrich their Living Spaces with my unique experience and creative materials. I aspire  to make the interior  and living spaces much more appealing, exciting, warm and truly a home that they fall deeply in love with.

This is exceptionally important globally in today’s world where many of us will spend more hours at home and we should embrace and nurture our internal self as well as the environment we live in.

You have been working in both Singapore and Shanghai. Tell us about some of your most memorable projects?

I have had many memorable projects both in Singapore & Shanghai however one of my most memorable was that of working with a client in South East Asia for one of his Private Residences. The owner was so intrigued with the interior design of the world’s largest Art Museum, Louvre, Paris. He wanted a replica of it in his home and the entire time frame from Visualisation & Conceptualisation to the final Completion took a total of 5 years. The end result was grand, stunning and exquisite interior truly depicting the spirit of the Louvre.

Black tiled bathroom interior with a concrete floor, a white wall, a white tub and a round sink. 3d rendering mock up

How bespoke an interior decoration can be ? You have some examples in mind?

In today’s context, truly customised and Creative solutions which transforms a client’s thoughts and dreams to reality  are possible. The client’s style and character are reflected in minute designs details through the use of materials, artistic language and design features. The in-house production of our materials offer unparalleled control over the design, manufacturing and operative stages of each project. Through personalisation and value for decoration we achieve the client’s wish by creating a Dream Art piece with Functionality & Aesthetic Presence.

Black living room interior with a wooden floor, leather sofas, a chest of drawers and a round coffee table. A horizontal poster. 3d rendering mock up

A magnificent example is that  of Co-creators  Dr. Susan Lim and Dr. Christina Tan who brilliantly created ALAN the Musical and the inanimate character ALAN.

The creators  chose a beautifully self-designed  mosaic portrait to represent ALAN the protagonist from the Musical, instead of printing posters as or using any other medium. Through intense engagement & close collaboration, the project visualisation & conceptualisation took  3 months to completion resulting in a life-sized image of Alan measuring 1.4 x 1.4 metres square & a total of 59,000 micro-mosaic pieces. When it was eventually unveiled during the first day of live recording in the legendary Abbey Road Studios, London, the art piece ALAN  was so amazing and everyone in the Studio was impressed  and touched by its beauty and presence.

Interestingly the Fantasy of Companionship is a fascinating premise as it speaks of the possibility of alleviating loneliness through the bioengineering of the inanimate ~ALAN came to life during the live recording at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in the presence of an entire team of Creative individuals which include renowned musicians, Composer Manu Martin, Solo Pianist Tedd Joselson, Conductor Arthur Fagan, Music Director Matthiew Eymard, composers joi Barua, Ron Danziger, sound engineers, animators, videographers, musicians from the London Symphony Orchestra And  London Voices.

This unique art piece of ALAN and collective effort of all is a beautiful reflection of humanity acting as One and  lives in our minds and hearts forever.

You are known for the sophisticated use of mosaics. Tell us more about the latest TILLA Mosaic you are bringing in from Italy, how special are these mosaics?

Each piece of Mosaic Art encompasses the artistic vision and concept as originally intended by the artist, expressed through vibrant colours and subtlety made possible by the use of this innovative micro-mosaic.

Each micro-mosaic piece (tesserae) has unequalled tiny dimensions from 1.5 to 7mm and thickness of 1-2 mm, using the latest nanotechnology to create 17 nanolayers of metals and pigments under the surface of super transparent glass. The use of this patented nanotechnology creates a unique material with superior brilliance and colour vibrancy.

The tesserae are positioned with a rain-like technique with spacing of only 1mm to obtain pixelated artistic designs. Module sizes are available in 288x288mm or in multiples, held together by polymeric based tiles with a laser-cut jigsawed edge, which avoids the joint line, thus ensuring a high-precision fit for ease of installation. Besides, Mutaforma also has a matrix, artistic and exclusive placements which satisfy different design and needs. The medium-density per square meter has a count of approximately 28800-45000 pieces of tesserae!

Compact , refined, lightweight  & durable this versatile micro-mosaic redefines creativity and allows for infinite possibilities. Particularly suited for smooth surfaces, the finished product can be used for  feature walls, floors coverings, fabric, panels, ceilings, furniture surfaces, swimming pools and artistic structures in any design through digital layout and production. The beautiful variety of colours, the refined details and the marriage of design & technology presents a truly iconic result that is breath-taking and allows us to express all possibilities of the imagination.

Would you consider your inspiration as more oriental or more influenced by European decoration schools?

My inspiration is more influenced by the European decoration schools as the Europeans have had a much longer period developing the field of interior decoration. Coming from an Asian background, I very naturally, however do  keep the balance between east and west.

You often refer to Italy when talking decoration. How unique is this country in the artistic world ? Many of the materials you use are actually coming from Italy?

Italy is one of the leading countries in Fashion & Design where fashion is very much a part of the Country’s cultural life and society. Italian Fashion became prominent from the 11th to 16th Century when artistic development in Italy was at its Peak. In 2009 Milan, Italy’s Centre of Design was ranked TOP Fashion Capital of the World alongside the rest of the big 5 New York, Paris, London & Rome.

Yes many of my materials originate from Italy. The product I am introducing to the market for the first time in Singapore is the World’s smallest micro-mosaic. With reference to Italian decoration, my understanding and appreciation of their work is related to their perfection and sophisticated beauty. This is not only based on many generations of style & integration, but more about their lifestyle and experiences.

Your favourite interior architect?

I have 2 favourites: Marshall Strabala and Jaya Ibrahim.

Your favourite room at home?

The living room

The country where you would like to build the villa of your dream and relax after a hectic life on the road?

An Asian country that is loved by many: Thailand.

 

Bell&Ross Alpine F1 Team Chronographs: Raring to go

Bell&Ross revs up with the new Alpine F1 racing team with three new limited edition chronographs pithily named BR V3-94 A521, BR 03-94 A521 and BR-X1 A521. This is part of a continuation of the watchmaker’s partnership with Formula One racing since 2016; the Alpine F1 team was formerly known as the Renault F1 team. If you know a thing or two about racing, you will guess that the team colours are changing so any dedicated watch collection must follow suit. Congratulations, because there is indeed a new Bell&Ross Alpine F1 Team collection of three chronographs, each one dressed up in the team’s Alpine blue, black and white livery.

All models also feature the Alpine team’s logo as the counterweight on the central chronograph hand. All three are variants of existing models, which you can easily suss out by the names: BR V3-94 A521, BR 03-94 A521 and BR-X1 A521, with the A521 portion signifying the particular characteristics of each new limited edition chronograph. This is a reference to the Alpine racing single-seater model A521. The latter two models have featured prominently in WOW and LUXUO over the years, and these new 2021 editions will be welcome additions.

From the left: BR V3-94 A521, BR 03-94 A521, BR-X1 A521

What is notable here are the variations within variations, attendant limited status, and we will begin with the Bell&Ross BR V3-94 A521, since the base model has received comparatively little attention from us. With the round 43mm BR V3-94 A521 in steel, there are two versions and both are limited to 500 pieces. One comes with a steel bracelet while the other sports a black and blue calf leather strap that has a carbon fibre look to it. Both have folding clasps, and of course both are powered by the automatic calibre BR-CAL.301. Bell&Ross fans will recognise this movement as the same one beating within all versions of BR 03-94. Perhaps even more obvious than this is the shape of BR V3-94 A521, which remains unusual for Bell&Ross, even if it is more in-line with sports watches everywhere.

BR V3-94 A521

Moving on, the BR 03-94 A521 is the version with the date window at 6 o’clock, and it shares the French flag on the dial, just as BR V3-94 A521 does. This is a nod to the Alpine team’s heritage but works just as well for Bell&Ross itself. This version is limited to 500 pieces. The flag touch is absent from the BR-X1 A521, which is just as well considering everything else competing for the eye here. This is of course the top of the line model in this set of three chronographs; it is limited to 50 pieces.

BR 03-94 A521

BR-X1 A521

Finally, depending on when you are reading this and where you are, the watches are all beginning with a pre-order run, with delivery for the BR V3-94 A521 and BR 03-94 A521 starting in July, and BR-X1 A521 in September.

By Ashok Soman

 

Montblanc x Maison Kitsuné: Explore the Art of Living

Montblanc x Maison Kitsuné backpack

Montblanc and Maison Kitsuné collaborate on a new capsule collection that puts a fresh spin on signature Montblanc leather goods. In this interpretation, Montblanc x Maison Kitsuné pieces are expressed in Saffiano printed leather and feature the Maison Kitsuné signature ‘Camo Fox’ print. To summarise, this is a tradition-meets-daring sort of partnership.

Unexpected? Out-of-the-box? Perhaps, but Montblanc makes a compelling point about the collaboration and resulting capsule collection: “What makes this partnership so dynamic and exciting is bringing together two Maisons with very different origins, stories and philosophies, yet complimentary mindsets. What we have created with this collaboration is a new, distinctive and original Art de Vivre that brings together the self-expression, creativity and playfulness of Maison Kitsuné and the passion, determination and inspiration that defines Montblanc as the Maison of Luxury Business Lifestyle,” says Vincent Montalescot, Executive Vice President Marketing, Montblanc. In today’s ever-changing landscape, it is also pertinent to reinvigorate the appetites of consumers so that they are constantly hooked on to the brand, “Our key-principle is to always push the boundaries of our product development, craftsmanship and use of materials,” says Nicolas Baretzki, CEO of Montblanc in an exclusive interview with us. Just like how the brand is constantly creating interesting ways to entice consumers such as offering bi-metallic bracelets.

From left: Montblanc x Maison Kitsuné messenger, tote bag and sling backpack

The new Montblanc x Maison Kitsuné capsule includes a backpack, crossbody bag, a clutch, a tote bag and of course a wallet, among other things. Altogether, there are 12 pieces in the capsule collection, all using Maison Kitsuné’s fox logo in clever ways as a unifying element. If you don’t notice it at first glance, just look for the bit in red, then look for the same elsewhere.

To cap it off, there is a special pair of over-ear headphones called Montblanc MB 01. This also sports the same logo treatment, and hints at Maison Kitsuné’s musical heritage.

By Ashok Soman

 

Rolls-Royce Landspeed Collection celebrates the forgotten record holder

Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge Landspeed Collection

The year was 1937 when Captain George Eyston’s Thunderbolt reached a record land speed of 312 mph, powered by two Rolls-Royce R V12 aero engines. The British racer was not new to the world of racing as two years prior, he had already set new 24-hour and 48-hour endurance speed records held at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. For his outstanding achievements, he was presented with the Segrave Trophy — an award to “British national who demonstrates Outstanding Skill, Courage and Initiative on Land, Water and in the Air”.

While the world is acquainted with Sir Malcolm Campbell and his car, Blue Bird, he was bettered by Eyston and the new record timing would stay in place till 1939. More than eight decades later, Eyston’s accomplishments still hold a special place in the chronicles of Rolls-Royce. Determined to proclaim to the world Eyston’s inspiring feat, the British marque has unveiled two special versions of the Wraith and Dawn in a Black Badge finish, which collectively is called the Landspeed collection.

“With this Collection, we have revived Eyston’s memory and retold his remarkable story. Throughout Wraith and Dawn Landspeed, clients will find numerous subtle design elements and narrative details that recall and commemorate his amazing achievements, grand vision and exceptional courage.” — Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The Landspeed collection, unfortunately, is not equipped with the V12 engines seen in the Thunderbolt. Only about 19 of these engines were ever made and the ones in the Eyston’s are now preserved at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon and the Science Museum in London. Motor enthusiasts be sure to mark down these places and make a quick pit stop when visiting the UK. In replacement, Rolls-Royce has fitted the well-known 6.6-litre twin turbo engine, which also provides the same horsepower as the V12.

In designing the marque’s Landspeed collection, the allure of the Bonneville Salt Flats has been irresistible to dismiss. Aside from being the prime location for famous motor events, stunning views at night also warrants attention. The star-filled sky is meticulously captured in the Wraith Landspeed’s Starlight Headliner, which calls to mind the heavens of 16 September 1938, the date that Eyston and Thunderbolt sealed their last land-speed record. Using exactly 2,117 fibre-optic ‘stars’, they are fastidiously placed to resemble the constellations of that date and the largest number of stars ever fitted in a Roll-Royce Wraith Starlight Headliner.

Elsewhere on the car, identical Grosgrain weave silk and colours as with Eyston’s accolades he had received during his lifetime can be found on the driver’s door — Military Cross for serving in the Great War, a Chevalier Légion d’honneur and the Order of the British Empire. Reminiscence of the Thunderbolt could be seen with the occasional splashes of yellow and black, a combination pertinent in allowing the day’s timing equipment to accurately record the results. The colours are translated subtly onto the clock, which also resembles closely to the instrument dials of the Thunderbolt.

The Landspeed collection will no doubt be rare as the marque has planned to only manufacture 25 Dawn Black Badge and 35 Wraith Black Badge.

By Joseph Low

 

Artist Gabriel Dufourcq: More Than Meets the Eye

Looking at Gabriel Dufourcq’s artwork, you will inevitably have your focus on the icons that have been featured. But there is more than meets the eye because laying behind the iconic figure are newspaper headlines and original archives as old as 200 years, related to the political and pop icons. At first glance, an artwork presented to us may speak of our preconceived notions, but Dufourcq’s artwork invites us to inspect with greater detail questioning our established certitudes. Doing so, it could perhaps help to shed light by providing more information.

Chatting with Gabriel Dufourcq, the artist takes us through what it means to be an artist and how beyond his formal background in Economics and an MBA, his holistic approach to life stimulates his creativity and drive his pictorial and stylistic development.

You originate from France and you are now based in Singapore. Tell us about your first steps as an artist?

I don’t really think there are any first steps as an artist. It’s more like things gradually reveal themselves to you over time, and you ultimately end up creating something which others call “art”. If I recall, I feel the start lays in a sincere and profound need to create something, to give birth and reveal your inner self in one way or the other by connecting ideas and inspirations. Materalising an idea for an artwork is ultimately making space in your mind!

I’m originally from France but have spent the last 12 years in Singapore. After spending few years on the road starting in Madrid then Rome, followed by a couple of months in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, I finally landed in Kuala Lumpur in 2007. The cultural diversity coupled with the intellectual excitement of being out of my comfort zone is something that also creates many “sparkles of creativity”. It is freeing the mind of your own stereotypes and allowing you to expand your own intellectual horizons. Discovering new flavours, colours, philosophies, mindsets, thinking and religious standards create a very fertile ground for the growth and the revealing of your artistic expression.

So like I said, there aren’t any “first steps”, it’s more like a spiritual journey, growing in the silence of our minds. I don’t have any formal Art education or training. Instead, I studied economics and statistics. One can go to school to study arts but ultimately, like entrepreneurs, an academic background is not what makes you! It took me years to call myself an artist. I didn’t want to self-proclaim as such. For me, this is a title to be won and should be given by others in recognition of your work. It is only when people start calling you “artist” that you know for sure you’re one.

Vintage newspapers, archive papers and bright pop-style colours are recurrent across your work. What led you to associate these rather opposite mediums?

Portrait Series, Queen Elizabeth, 120 x 80 cm

As I mentioned earlier, the creative process is gradual and therefore this came slowly to me as a real thought process. I started with simple newspapers collages and then began painting iconic elements onto them to create a dialogue — a parallelism between the background and the icon. In this way, we’re touching on the exact intentions of my work, which is to have a double-reading and provoke a reflection to the audience on these preconceived icons

My artworks require two layers of reading: First you have a very familiar pop icon, which is a straightforward visual element that can be easily repeated (the principle of Pop(ular) Art). Then there are the newspapers and archive documents I work with that could be 150-200 years old, and so the goal is to create a dialogue between historical elements and more contemporary elements. It is about bringing modernity to old memories or history into modernity. I try to incorporate a “back-to-the-future” element into my artwork and create dialogues between two very different time periods, the 21st century and 18th or 19th and 20th century.

For example, when I draw the Maharaja’s face in Fluo pink on an old Indian paper from the 19th century, the contrast of the dull documents and vibrant colours is really like travelling through time. Also, the value of these pieces stems not only from the actual art but the historical documents that are part of the artwork. These can cost thousands when I acquire them from auctions or antique collectors but are often just lying dormant in some library before I revive them using art.

Through my artwork, I aspire to open people’s eyes to history and remind them of where they come from. The question of origins is central in my work. It is especially important in the 21st century where we have mass production of Pop art icons, like Muhammad Ali or Marilyn Monroe. But no one knows really their full story, beyond a name or a function. In contrast, when I work on a portrait of Ali with 300 newspapers titles in the background, I am reviving all the elements that built the icon. When people see the portrait, everyone recognizes Ali but to truly get to know him you must dive into the background reading.

How do you choose the icons and personalities you are portraying in your artworks? What is your creative process like?

Portrait Series, Lee Kuan Yew, 120 x 80 cm

I started with political icons as I was fascinated with how these figures could become famous. Aside from 20th century dictators, I have been focusing on those universally known personalities like Mandela, Queen Elizabeth, Churchill, Kennedy and others.

In line with this series, I also portrayed Lee Kuan Yew as a tribute to Singapore, who helped with building and fixing the history of the country’s art scene, but also because Mr Lee‘s legacy is beyond the achievement of many global political leaders in my eyes.

That is how it started and then I gradually shifted to more popular icons like The Beatles and Muhammad Ali who also had tremendous social and political impact.

Keeping up with pop culture, in some ways, has deviated my artistic style of double-reading as it is now influenced by more commercial icons. But anyway, an artist shouldn’t be doing the same thing over and over… Consistency is important as I mentioned earlier, but collectors are expecting to see progression, evolution trajectory and ability to continuously evolve. Collectors do not want to buy another “Printing Machine” style artwork, and being an artist is also being able to explore new territories, different styles and techniques, expanding our own boundaries.

What is the most challenging part about creating your artwork?

The process of collecting and building historical archives is physically challenging and very time-consuming but that is not the hardest part. The most challenging part of creating art is the ability to judge yourself and ask, “Does my artwork deserve to be shown?”. I never ask my friends nor my family, because I want to avoid any complacency and false confidence. I usually keep an artwork to myself for a certain amount of time before releasing it publicly so that I can contemplate it alone in my home studio and take the time to judge what I created.

One of my favourite stories is The Little Prince. In the story, the Prince travels to seven planets before arriving on Earth. On the first planet he lands on, he is greeted by the sole inhabitant, a King, who makes him his Minister of Justice. The Prince remarks that there isn’t anyone else to judge on his planet and so the King asks him to judge himself. To this, the Prince replies, “that is the most difficult thing of all. It is much more difficult to judge oneself than to judge others. If you succeed in judging yourself rightly, then you are indeed a man of true wisdom.” And I absolutely agree with that.

More realistically the two major challenges I face are time constraints to create what I have accumulated in my notebooks and on papers, and secondly judging which of my artworks deserve to be shown out of the countless pieces I have created.

What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?

That’s the toughest question yet! I would love to be able to feel the emotions of my collectors when they look at my artwork. As an artist, I already know what my work means and what emotions it elucidates since it is by essence an expression of my inner self, mirroring a certain perception of my reality.

But I would like to feel what they truly feel, what catches their eyes, and what invites them to pause in front of the work and even to acquire it. In communication there’s always a difference between what one intends to say and what other hears and interpret. I feel this to be the same with art.

“Nothing touches a work of art so little as words: they always result in more or less fortunate misunderstandings. Things aren’t all so tangible and sayable as people would usually have us believe” — Rainer Maria Rilke

A work of art is good if it has arisen out of necessity. That is the only way one can judge it. On this note, my latest works from the series “Oedipal Disobedience” involve the use of mixed media. Robots in this series are painted in a post expressionist style, which are more complex to read and more open to individual interpretation. It is also the result of more mature thoughts and technical experimentations and countless influences.

I do not really believe that artists should impose their definition of what people have to feel or understand from their work. If your art is good enough, it will speak to people, but just let them appreciate it and form their own interpretations.

You have started a new series focusing on robots, tell us more about this new artistic venture?

As part of my artistic endeavour, it is a natural progression, pushing my boundaries and challenging myself with a new stylistic approach. In short, it is a fusion of my technicalities and different influences aiming to question our contemporary purpose and trajectory. In many of my works, I include the math equation from Chaos Theory, inspired by my economics and statistics background. The theory’s fundamental conditions fascinate me as it is the start and end of everything. It echoes my religious influence when I include Greek symbols of Alpha and Omega, which represent eternity.

These robots are an invitation to contemplate, and self-reflect on what the future looks like, and how robots could replace or complement humanity. The shape and size of my robots are remastered version of religious effigies, like those used by the Incas and in Voodoo. My robots are acting as the religious effigies of this 21st century, the new totems of the Digital Age.

What is the role the artist plays in society?

I am not sure that artists must own a specific role in society; a very fixed and constrained concept. I mean a limited time frame conditioned by norms and bias. The artistic condition is before all a self-centred necessity to explore our innermost feeling. I am no one to impose my thoughts on others. If people find a common message in my work, it is great that it has contributed to their own reflections. But artists by themselves have no specific role, their works might have one by contributing beyond the temporality of the artist.

When creating, I simply bring to my own life and the light I want to see in the world. It is a bit similar to Gandhi’s quote, “be the change you want to see in the world.” I create what I would like to see.

In fact, an artist should just provide an escape, a dream state for others to plunge into and feel at peace, inspired, as they enjoy the art piece. As a final point I’d like to share one of my motto in life: Who are my creative irritators and to whom am I a creative irritator? If it is not the universal artist role, it is at least my guiding principle…

How is Singapore inspiring you in your daily life and in your personal evolution as an artist?

My journey in Southeast Asia started 14 years ago and has been a steep learning curve since. I was not an “artist” when I landed here. And I would have probably never been if I had stayed in Europe.  Loneliness, away from my native country, has been an eye opener from a cultural, religious, historical point of view. Singapore’s multicultural diversity has been a true accelerator, fuelling the sparkles of creativity in my mind. Even after 12 years, every day here is a new opportunity of discovery and questions. Recently I really liked this statement I came across on a public advertising in the train: “Singapore is not boring, you are boring.” I simply cannot understand why people find Singapore boring. There are so many flavours, colours, and diversity here! It is a constant effervescence that offer you so many opportunities. Some people made use of the opportunities to start their own businesses and start-ups, I used it to become an artist.

The five words that best describe your art?

Introspection, personal need, meticulous, lonely, combination.

Tell us about your major projects and highlights across 2021?

Portrait Series, Obama, 120 x 80 cm

Covid-19 affected many of my recent projects. I was supposed to do an art fair in New York a few months ago and an exhibition in Paris back in March. Looking at the positive side, I have been focusing on maturing my style and creating new works that are well received by my collectors and the public.

The next big milestone will be toward my robot series. I feel I am at the beginning of a journey with something big at the end. Also, I’m currently finishing a residence at Intercontinental Hotel in Bugis and planning to attend the Singapore Affordable Art Fair this coming November (if restrictions are lifted). By 2022, we are planning some bigger things overseas mostly in the US, London, and Paris so stay tuned!

How can the LUXUO and ART REPUBLIK readers purchase an artwork from you?

For the latest releases, head over to my Instagram or my website, then contact me via WhatsApp or email. I ship my works worldwide, from Singapore to Rio de Janeiro and Johannesburg to London. It is very important for me to have a personal connection with every collector, even briefly; to chat and advise them on the different pieces, their stories and thought processes. Buying an artwork, it is before all buying a part of the artist story and thought process. It also allows my collectors to be my creative irritators, sometimes bringing to life new works, as a collaborating effort.

If you were to name one mentor who has inspired you in your life and path as an artist, who would that be?

I don’t have just one! There are plenty of people who gave me fantastic pieces of advice along my journey or supported me, from my mother to my wife but also many friends or even unknown people. My childhood as well as my life experiences, have been significant sources of inspiration, making my art almost a form of psychotherapy.

If pressed, perhaps one mentor I would highlight would be Michael Brimm, an INSEAD teacher during my MBA, who gave me the words I used earlier of “creative irritator”, advising us to identify who are these creative irritators in our lives. It has been a guiding principle since.

To follow Gabriel Dufourcq’s artworks, head over to his website or you can also follow his Instagram here: @gabrielsg_art.

By Joseph Low

 

Berluti x Bang & Olufsen collaboration mixes artisanal craft with sensual sound

These days, it isn’t enough that a product has cutting-edge features guaranteed to enhance its functionality. When every product you use sends a message to others about your personality, it has to look good as well. And only the best will do. Berluti’s collaboration with luxury Danish audio brand Bang & Olufsen checks all the boxes here. The new collection features six products designed to enhance your listening experience while making a statement with Berluti’s signature leather work.

For audiophiles looking for delightful sound and style while out and about, the collection’s first three offerings are your best bet. Let’s start with the portable Beosound A1 2nd-Gen Berluti Edition. Like the original Beosound A1, it has a waterproof rating of IP67 and is designed to be completely resistant to sand and dust. The portable speaker delivers stunning 360° omnidirectional sound and features a three-microphone design with built-in Alexa, allowing the user to make calls and control it using just their voice. The stylish Beosound A1 2nd-Gen Berluti Edition has Bang & Olufsen signature minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics but with a twist courtesy of the French maison. On the speaker grille, the Berluti logo is boldly emblazoned while a calf leather cord provides a more subtle hint at the collaboration and provides a greater degree of stylish portability. With its 18 hours of play time, it’s perfect for days at home or out with friends.

Moving on to the Beoplay H95 Berluti Edition wireless headphones, this is for those who want a truly immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go. It has an over-the-ear design which provides unrivalled noise cancellation, sound production and comfort. The latter is enhanced by the use of soft lambskin ear cushions for an over the top level of luxury. The headband is similarly covered in leather but this time utilising Berluti’s signature Venezia calfskin, crafted in Manifattura Berluti, with a TDM Intenso patina and embossed with the logo of the French maison. On the left and right, the aluminium speaker plates are engraved with Berluti’s and Bang & Olufsen’s logos respectively.

Both of the aforementioned products can be stored in the elegant Berluti Sound Pouch, made with Berluti’s Signature Canvas and “Scritto” text, when not in use, keeping them safe while adding a touch of class and elegance.

For those who are looking to enjoy their favourite tracks from the safety and comfort of their homes during this pandemic, the Berluti X Band & Olufsen collection has offerings for you as well. The Beosound Balance Berluti Edition home speaker offers a great entry point for those looking to get into high-end home audio. The Beosound Balance was designed with input from Benjamin Hubert of London-based Layer Design and delivers impressive acoustic performance despite its relatively smaller size. Apart from great sound, its Scandinavian minimalism and the addition of Venezia leather to its unique construction makes it a uniquely luxurious interior design feature.

Finally, the pièce de résistance of the collection, consisting of the Beolab 90 Berluti Edition speaker and Beovision Harmony Berluti Edition. These products are produced under only under a made-to-order system. The Beolab 90 Berluti Edition is the most powerful speaker in Bang & Olufsen’s entire range, boasting a whopping 8200 watts of power and cutting-edge speaker design to completely immerse an entire home with your favourite tracks. Paired with the Beovison Harmony Berluti edition’s LG 4K resolution and 77-inch OLED screen, it’s a delectable treat for the eyes and ears. Of course, all these features mean nothing if the products don’t look stunning. Like the rest of the offerings in the collection, the Beolab 90 Berluti Edition’s base, as well as the TV’s covering, has been customised with artisanal Venezia leather with a TDM Intenso patina, ensuring that they will be the highlight of any home even before they are turned on.

All products in the aforementioned Berluti x Bang & Olufsen Collection are available in select Berluti and Bang & Olufsen stores and e-shops in limited quantities, with the exception of the Beolab 90 and Beovision Harmony Berluti Edition which are available to order and will be constructed upon receipt of the order. For more information on this luxurious marriage of artisanal French leatherworking and Danish audio innovation, head over to Berluti’s and Band & Olufsen’s websites now.

By Abram Yum

 

Bell & Ross breaks the mold with BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic

Remember the state-of-the-art Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Red Radar from 2011? You most probably would recall if you’re an aficionado of ultramodern, aviation-themed timepieces with an attention-grabbing pop of colour. Designed almost identical to an aircraft radar screen, the watch shows time through a peculiar disc display system.

This year, Bell & Ross unveils BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic that is striking and spectacular in equal measure. Revisiting the pioneering display of its predecessor with a more playful appearance, the time is shown through a carefully-considered system of two rotating discs, with a passenger plane motif on the large outermost disc showing the hours and a fighter plane motif on the smaller disc showing the minutes. They are accompanied with an analogue seconds hand.

In essence, there are two levels on the display: the discs with the planes at the lower level and the hours scale printed on the inside of the bright red sapphire crystal. The fun design is reminiscent of a stylised toy, which gives the impression of two miniature planes gliding over the dial. Each component is masterfully assembled and fine-tuned by Bell & Ross in-house experts to ensure the precision of the watch movement will not be affected by friction.

Continuing its journey of superior innovation and performance, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic takes on the BR 03 42mm ceramic case, a high-tech material that is scratch-resistant in addition to a soft touch effect. Limited to 999 pieces, this is the third member of the Bell & Ross highly successful Radar family.

Click here to pre-order your Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic now.

 

Montblanc Celebrates Feminine Tenacity with the Bohème Collection

Famed for its wide catalogue of luxury products, one could say that at the core of Montblanc’s identity is a spirit of tenacity and purpose that drives the brand’s artisans to constantly refine their craft. And it’s exactly this mindset that their Bohème collection aims to embody. This line of exquisitely made women’s watches can be described as a feminine distillation of the manufacture’s tenacious spirit, celebrating the confidence, creativity, and elegance of the fairer sex. This year, Montblanc continues this tradition with the introduction of two new models and their latest Mark Maker.

The newest member of the Montblanc family is none other than Chinese actress Xin Zhilei. With her captivating performances in films and TV series such as Crosscurrent and Brotherhood of Blades II and Candle in the Tomb, Xin has captured the hearts of audiences all over China and is becoming a fast-rising icon in the world of fashion. Already one of the most acclaimed personalities in Chinese film and fashion, Xin shows no sign of stopping, constantly pushing herself to excel and breakthrough personal barriers and age-old stereotypes, making her stand out from the crowd. These qualities perfectly match those of Montblanc and make her a perfect choice for their new Mark Maker.

As Montblanc’s CEO, Nicolas Baretzki remarks, “Xin is the embodiment of the Montblanc woman – powerful, determined and confident, I am certain that Xin’s values will resonate well with our customers, and those rewriting the codes of success for the 21st century.”

Since 2014, the Bohème collection has been Montblanc’s flagship line of women’s timepieces, finding their way onto the wrists of powerful and influential ladies. In keeping with the tradition of elegance and inspiration, Montblanc has released two new models which feature the same feminine elegance we have come to expect of this collection.

The first of these timepieces is the Montblanc Bohème Day & Night 34mm. This model combines traditional techniques from the worlds of watchmaking and jewellery-making and mixes them in with contemporary appointments and sensibilities. Its most notable feature is the Day & Night complication which has an interesting geometrical pattern inspired by Art Déco style and allows the user to track the transition from day to night and vice versa. The hour indicators were a combination of time-honoured guilloche and gem-setting techniques which resulted in elegantly applied floral Arabic numerals and eight large diamond markers which enhances legibility and provides the timepiece with a sense of understated grandeur that is hard to match.

The polished steel case and sculpted crown with mother-of-pearl insert add to the refined aesthetics and is rounded off with a blue calf-leather strap with alligator-style scales. The Montblanc Bohème Day & Night 34mm even comes in a bi-colour version with an 18 K rose gold bezel set with 72 Top Wesselton Diamonds or a 30mm version for those with more petite wrists.

Complication seems to the name of the game with the Bohème collection this year and Montblanc delivers with its second model, the Montblanc Bohème Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition 88. As its name suggests, it features a perpetual calendar powered by the calibre MB 29.22 and a patented design which requires an adjustment only once every 122 years. Such complications are notorious for being extremely complex to craft, but Montblanc has upped the ante here by applying a unique design which uses only 259 cams and wheels, omitting the use of levers. This does two things. Firstly, it allows the user to adjust the watch using the crown in a bi-directional manner. Secondly, it acts as a safety feature, preventing time and date setting between 6pm to 12pm, a period where manipulation traditionally damages the watch’s movement.

In addition to all that, the Montblanc Bohème Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition 88 boasts a range of decorative features crafted using traditional artisan techniques. The 38mm case is composed entirely of 18 K white gold and is masterfully set with 58 Top Weselton diamonds on the bezel. The sculpted crown is similarly crafted from 18 K white gold and is set with a single diamond, cut into the shape of Montblanc’s emblem. Behind the domed sapphire crystal sits an azure Aventurine glass dial that shimmers like a starlit sky. The enchanting Aventurine was first produced in the 15th century Venice when Italian glassmakers blended copper particles into molten glass, giving rise to its deep blue hue and star-like appearance.

The Montblanc Bohème Day & Night is now available from physical Montblanc retailers and their website, ranging from S$5,300 to S$5,400 depending on the exact model. The Montblanc Bohème Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition 88 is however limited to just 88 pieces worldwide, with each costing a whopping S$50,000. The number 88 was chosen for its intrigue and association with good fortune in many cultures.

To celebrate the spirit of feminine tenacity and find out more about these luxurious timepieces, head over to Montblanc’s website.

By Abram Yum

 

Ballerine Musicale Delight

Some watches are hands-down amazing, and this trio of wonders falls into that category. Indeed, “amazing” is not a formal or informal category of timepieces but if it were, the Lady Arpels Ballerine Musicale would be the apotheosis. We also love that it gives us a chance to bandy that lovely word around. Essentially, there are three versions of this watch that are distinguished not only by aesthetics but also mechanical execution and components. All three variants have the same functions, right down to the retrograde hour-and-minute indicator, the animation visible via the window on the dial, and the music that accompanies said animation. However, the music and the visuals are different in each of the three watches. Of course, this business about having different music means that each model is mechanically distinct too.

Now, we have to say that the model is very large and thick for what it is. The diameter of 44.5mm and thickness of 14.45mm makes some sports watches look downright diminutive; it is also in white gold, which gives it quite a bit of heft though not as much as a steel dive watch with a steel bracelet. As evidenced by the name of the piece, this is not a high-end stab at the unisex watch, but we will be bold here and say that it is perfectly suitable for men and for women. The word “Lady” in the name will put many men off, but if you are lucky and savvy enough to acquire this watch then you might find your partner covetting it.

Having seen, felt and heard these watches, I can report that it would not be out of play on the wrist of a commodities mogul or perhaps a Russian oligarch. In previous years, I would have said that those Vendome lugs rule this out entirely for men, but I fall back on my own words in our unisex watch feature: a fine watchmaking piece like this is for anyone with the stones to carry it off. Oh yes, there are stones aplenty on all three watches, but the true pleasure here is for both the eye and the ear.

Robust Music

If you know anything about chiming watches, you know the case needs to be beefy, but only to a point. Not a few repeaters for ladies have clocked in at a svelte sub-36mm diameter after all. Indeed, a number of chiming watches for men have stayed very classical by not going above 40mm. So why does this watch need its ambitious proportions? Well, the animation is a vital clue because it showcases a three-act ballet that is perfectly synched with the accompanying music. If the independent mainspring powering this section runs out of steam midstream, the animation freezes. That means that the disc showing the ballerinas simply stops. As you might imagine, this implies that the mobile display section is tied directly to the system that makes the music work. The watchmakers decided it would be more elegant to synchronize all the action, even though it is more difficult to execute.

To get into the musical elements a bit, there are two instruments in each watch. One part is made up of four carillon gongs, with four hammers. The other part is the music box, which is a 10-blade keyboard with pins on the underside of the rotating disc that holds the ballerinas aloft. As noted previously, it is powered by its own mainspring, and one winding can play a tune three times in a row, if so desired. As for the music itself, there are three: Pelléas et Mélisande, Op. 80 by Gabriel Fauré (the green or Emeralds version of the watch), Capriccio for piano and orchestra by Igor Stravinsky (the red or Rubies version) and Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3 (the blue or Diamonds version). Swiss classical concert musician Michel Tirabosco modified the arrangements for the watches. Now, despite the naming convention here, the gems used are all diamonds, except for one of the appropriate type on the crown at 2 o’clock.

It might be surprising to note that all three Ballerine Musicale models are water-resistant to 30 meters, and boast a healthy power reserve of 52 hours. This means that you could actually wear the watch frequently, and need not fuss too much over it. The watch does have a total of 7.92 carats worth of brilliant-cut diamonds on the case, covering everything right down to the lugs (except the display areas), so you will be fussing over it. At this level of watchmaking, the sturdiness is somewhat unusual, and serves as a counterpoint to various other issues, which we will now turn to.

Winning Class

It must be said that watch cognoscenti around the world have agreed that the Ballerine Musicale is altogether too much watch, so to speak. The consensus is that it is a challenge for the typical wrist, and might even be too domineering for a not insignificant number of men. It is, reportedly, the largest case Van Cleef & Arpels have ever produced. Having said that, there is a reason this watch was amongst the favourites at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie Geneve (GPHG), where it was nominated in the Ladies Category. Most observers are quite content to blow past the dimensions of the watch, to say nothing of its utility (It did not win in the end but that is neither here nor there, because another Van Cleef & Arpels watch got the gold – Ed).

That brings us to a few short sentences about the retrograde time indication. Occupying a thin curved window from 10 to 2 o’clock, this is a combined hour and minute display that approximates the hour down to the quarters. This is a charmingly old-timey interpretation, harkening back to the days when timekeepers were too unsteady to keep track of the precise minute. Precision timekeeping is not what this watch is about, and we doubt very much that anyone would have that expectation of it.

Bearing this in mind, the lion’s share of the display is given over to the little stage at 6 o’clock where the five ballerinas present little three-act stories. In each version, the action and the ballerinas are different, and the length of the music is also different. The stage, drapes and ballerinas are all hand-painted to suit the motif of each version, with hand-engraving also gracing those drapes. The caseback is also engraved, featuring a bas-relief of a ballerina in front of the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique on 5th Avenue, New York City. Wherever you look, or touch this watch, you will not fail to encounter some element of the magnificent hand-craftsmanship that traditional watchmaking and jewellery-making are famed for.

By Ashok Soman

 

The Rise of Asian Brand Ambassadors

Just close to two decades ago, it would be absurd to think that Asia would become an economic superpower, let alone having Asian brand ambassadors fronting a campaign. The Western countries have been leading the way ever since the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the USSR in the 90s signalled the start of a golden age era for the United States (US) and its allies. Aside from the ideological success of liberalism over communism, on the economic front, the westerners have too become the major spenders.

In order to chase money and keep revenues streaming in, companies have to appeal to their main group of consumers who are predominantly living in the US and Europe. The Asian market was not the main source of income for most companies and thus, it was accorded a lower priority. Advertising and communications also heavily centred on catering to the western market; there was a lack of diversity in the representation of the brands. With the economies in Asia on a trajectory of growth, the spotlight begins to shift and increasingly, it is becoming a vital market not to be missed.

Is it time, yet again, for an Asian century? Illustrations by Eric Chow

As we move into the “Asian Century”, or should we say we have once again entered the “Asian Century”? According to a report by Nikkei Asia, “Asia accounted for more than half of world economic output for 18 of the last 20 centuries. The region’s growing clout in the world economy is a ‘restoration,’ not a revolution.” In other words, with the focus once again fallen on Asia, we can think of this experience as a cycle, back to the days where the region, with China leading the pack, is at the peak again.

This tectonic shift is an important aspect that companies have to observe. For this reason, business is not as usual, especially for the luxury industry where the products are income elastic. This means that when a consumer’s income increases, as with the case of a burgeoning middle class in Asia, they will buy a lot more of those goods. Also, purchasing a luxury brand is a declaration of an advancement of one’s social status. In the Asian context, the concept of “mian zi” or “face” plays a paramount role in the fabric of society and owning the latest Chanel or Louis Vuitton speaks volumes about a person’s “face”.

Previously, luxury brands were not aware of this social concept practised in Asia because the region was considered economically backwards so not much attention was given to it. But now with the growing dominance of Asia, a pivot is appearing with China slowly approaching the top to be the main spender of luxury goods, hence luxury brands are appointing more Asians ambassadors so to keep on track with the growing Chinese market. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, China will account for 40% of the global luxury sales by 2025 and a separate report by Global Times indicates that the country is already headed in that direction, with its share of the global market doubling from 11% in 2019 to 20% last year.

The talks about the Rise of China first gained prominence in the political sphere as the Chinese economy was rapidly growing ever since it first opened to global trade under Deng Xiaoping’s Open Door Policy. And in 2010, it overtook Japan as the second-largest economy, just a place below the US. This steady economic growth continues till today, albeit with signs of slowing down.

Image Source: Statista

Even during this current pandemic, the Chinese economy managed to achieve positive growth and doubtlessly, luxury brands are looking to work with names and faces that have the greatest impact on their customers to drive sales further.

Another reason for luxury brands to promote Asian ambassadors can be attributed to the K-wave phenomenon—K-drama, K-beauty and K-pop. The influence is undeniable and while the South Korean market for luxury goods pales in comparison to China, its stars (mainly K-pop idols) compensate this deficit with their global reach. Groups such as BTS and Blackpink have risen up to become the top few pop bands with exceptional status and their fans are known to be ardent supporters who would buy whatever these stars endorse. Hence, these K-pop stars have a Midas touch and luxury brands are not going to lose out on this opportunity to partner up with them.

Below are some prominent Asian brand ambassadors:

Lisa: Celine, Bvlgari and M.A.C

Jennie: Chanel

Rosè: Saint Laurent

Jisoo: Dior

Jackson Wang: Fendi, Cartier

Kris Wu: Louis Vuitton

Luhan: Gucci

Jackson Yee: Tiffany & Co., Armani Beauty

By Joseph Low

 

The Louvre’s art collection is available online for free browsing

Image Credit: Courtesy of Irina Lediaeva on Unsplash

On 26 March, the Musée du Louvre announced that its entire collection of artworks would be available online for all to freely browse. Before the release of the Collection, members of the public only had access to about 30,000 of the Louvre’s plethora of artworks. Now, people will be able to freely access all 482,000 pieces in the Collection as well as any associated research. The Collection is made up of art from the museum’s eight departments and ranges from famous paintings, to Egyptian antiquities, to Renaissance and Islamic art.

In a statement regarding the creation of the online database, President-Director of the Mussée du Louvre, Jean-Luc Martinez said, “For the first time, anyone can access the entire collection of works from a computer or smartphone for free, whether they are on display in the museum, on loan, even long-term, or in storage.”

Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci; Image Credit: Courtesy of Joaqun Martnez

Apart from pieces in the Louvre’s catalogue, the online database will also include works from the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix, the Tuileries and Carrousel gardens sculptures, in addition to artworks under the Musées Nationaux Récupération (MNR) project, referring to pieces looted by Nazis in World War Two that are currently awaiting restitution.

Navigating the Collection is simple, allowing visitors to look up works through simple or advanced research, entries by each of the eight curatorial departments, as well as themed albums. It also includes an interactive map in English, French, Spanish, and Chinese, where visitors will be able to explore the Musée du Louvre room by room and learn about the works housed in each.

The French Crown Jewels; Image Credit: Courtesy of Megan F

With this latest move, the Musée du Louvre has given audiences around the world more than just free access to browse some of the world’s greatest works of art. What they are getting is unfettered access to knowledge about the world, its environment and humanity’s various cultures at different periods in time, as seen through the eyes of our greatest artists and embodied through their chosen craft, tirelessly honed over decades.

At this point, the Collection can be browsed using either a computer, tablet or smartphone and will continue to grow as staff at the Louvre continue to update and expand upon the existing database, giving visitors ever greater access to knowledge and information. In addition, this would entice more people to start planning a trip to the French museum post-COVID-19. “I am sure that this digital content is going to further inspire people to come to the Louvre to discover the collections in person,” said Martinez.

Head over to the official Musée du Louvre Collections website now!

By Abram Yum

 

Paint the town red with the imaginative Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze

The latest addition to Bell & Ross’ line up is probably their most visually striking yet. Not only does it feature the famously square case of their Instruments collection, but it also has a bold combination of red and bronze that is sure to turn heads. Engineered to the exacting standards of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, ISO 6425, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze is certified with 300 metres of water resistance for those looking to conquer the depths. While most luxury watches are known for their elegant round curves, Bell & Ross embraces its trademark, unabashedly tool-ish, square aesthetics, making it a fantastic companion for the intrepid gentleman as he explores land and sea.

readyviewed Bell & Ross made their mark on the world of horology with their introduction of the innovatively designed BR 01 in 2005 . The watch’s square case was inspired by the dashboard instruments used in antique military aeroplanes, readyviewed and led to the creation of the Instruments collection , arguably the most iconic series of watches in Bell & Ross’ catalogue. The Diver Bronze collection took the celebrated case and spruced it up, choosing to use a CuSn8 Bronze alloy in its construction rather than traditional steel. The eye-catching bronze alloy paid tribute to the divers of old as it was used to construct the first deep-sea dive helmets. This specific mix of 92% copper and 8% tin also has the added benefit of being able to develop a unique patina over time as it is exposed to time and the elements. The screw-down crown helps ensure the 300-metre water-resistance with an impact-resistant guard, while the rubber insert allows it to be handled easily when wearing gloves.

Complementing the bronze case are the red dial and bezel which gives the BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze its name. The red colouration is the latest in this series, following the black (2018), green (2019), and blue (2020) editions. The unidirectional rotating bezel is made of the same bronze alloy as the case and is set with red anodised aluminium ring, complete with a 60-minute scale and lumed marker at 12 o’clock. The red-lacquered dial is adorned with large, gilded, applied hour markers and hands, fitted with Super-LumiNova® inserts for superior legibility under all conditions. The unassuming date window, located between four and five o’clock is a nice touch, staying out of the way until needed, without disrupting the circle of lumed hour markers.

Rounding off the casing is a thick sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a stainless-steel case back engraved with an antique deep-sea diver’s helmet. The more chemically inert stainless-steel was chosen due to concerns over hypodermic allergic reactions.

Within the watch’s outer case of bronze and steel, sits an inner cage, fashioned from soft iron. From within this iron cage, Bell & Ross’ automatic BR-Cal.302 movement powers the BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze. Based on Sellita’s dependable Sw 300, the BR-Cal.302 has a power reserve of 38 hours and is protected from impacts and magnetic fields by the aforementioned iron cage.

The Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze comes stock with a comfortably sophisticated reddish-brown calf leather strap, which beautifully complements the bronze case and burgundy dial. The stock strap will serve users well in all kinds of situation, being easy to pair with different outfits. However, if one desires to put the diving capabilities of the watch to the test, Bell & Ross includes a woven rubber strap as well.

This stunning addition to Bell & Ross’ line of bronze dive watches was made in limited quantities with only 500 pieces available in Singapore, each retailing at S$6,300 on their online boutique. To purchase or find out more about this novel take on Bell & Ross’ iconic square-cased watches, head over to their website.

By Abram Yum