Author Archives: Yan Joon Wing

You can get your hands on Tom Cruise’s secluded Colorado home for US$40 Million

Tom Cruise has once again put his massive Colorado lodge on the real estate market. The action star first listed the 320-acre property for a whopping US$59 million in 2014 but with no takers, it quietly came off the market two years later. This time, Cruise has enlisted LIV Sotheby’s International Realty for the sale with a lower price of US$39.5 million.

Cruise purchased the property three decades ago and finished its construction in 1994. The result of this long project is a 10,000 sq ft main lodge that has seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a three-car garage, two fireplaces, and other amenities including a fitness centre, a terrace and recreational area. Aside from the main house, the property also a three-bedroom guest lodge.

The log cabin-style home is nestled in the beauty of nature, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. Privacy is one key element when Cruise initially designed the place. To access the estate, one has to travel down a 1-mile driveway from a secured gated entry. Despite its seclusion from the general public, so that one can fully enjoy the tranquillity of life amidst our rapidly evolving world. The sprawling living area is perfect for a winter retreat for the family.

While the estate is secluded from the hustle and bustle of city life, it is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Telluride where well-known ski resorts and golf courses are located. Cruise has purportedly not lived in the house for a while, and with the booming property market in Telluride, he is now ready to part ways with the estate. In contrast to Cruise’s first listing of the property back in 2014, where the current listing agent Eric Lavey put it to the Wall Street Journal, “I’m not sure [Cruise] was ready to sell it yet.” Hopefully, it won’t be another Mission Impossible.

Head over to Sotheby’s website to view the listing.

All images courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty.

By Joseph Low

 

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Warrior: The Western World’s Most Value Artwork In Asia

Image Credit: Courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd.

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s most iconic work is set to be auctioned by Christie’s Hong Kong on 23 March in a livestreamed, singe-lot evening sale. With an estimated value between US$31,000,000 and US$41,000,000, Basquiat’s magnum opus will be the most expensive Western artwork to be sold in Asia. The event, dubbed We Are All Warriors – The Basquiat Auction, is part of Christie’s spring Season of 20th Century sales.

A Coloured Man’s, Colourful History

Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in 1960 to a Brooklyn-born mother of Puerto Rican heritage and a Haitian immigrant father. Due to his parent’s combined ancestry, Basquiat was fluent in Spanish, French and English from an early age. His linguistic abilities allowed him to read French symbolist poetry in their original language which ultimately influenced his art later in his life. Following his parent’s divorce, Basquiat eventually left his father’s home before being adopted by a friend’s family. In September 1978, he dropped out of high school at age 17.

During the 1970s Basquiat was often homeless, getting by through various means such as selling hand-painted postcards and T-shirts. He was a patron of many downtown clubs like Mudd Club and Club 57, along with other emerging artists and musicians of the era. This gave Basquiat opportunities to showcase his art, eventually strengthening his position as an icon within the Lower East Side artistic community.

A crowd outside the entrance to the Mudd Club; Image Credit: Courtesy of Bob Gruen, New York Times

The 1980s saw the creation of some of Basquiat’s best works and the height of his artistic career. In 1982, he became the youngest artist to be included in Documenta, an international contemporary art event held every 5 years. His works during this period were strongly influenced by famous Black personalities such as Dizzy Gillespie and Muhammad Ali. Utilising strong paint slashes and brushstrokes, Basquiat sought to capture his subject’s essences, favouring a focus on their intelligence and devotion to their craft over physical appearance. The result works were scrappy and abstract, reminiscent of his roots in street graffiti.

Defacement (The Death of Michael Stewart), 1983, painted following the death of the black graffiti artist as a result of police brutality; Image Credit: Courtesy of Musart Boutique

Jean-Michel Basquiat in his studio, 1985; Image Credit: Courtesy of Musart Boutique

The fame and attention Basquiat gained during this period took its toll on the artist and he became addicted to heroin and cocaine. In 1988, Basquiat succumbed to a heroin overdose at the age of 27.

Warrior

Jean-Michel Basquiat painted Warrior at his peak in 1982 and was part of a series he created between 1981 and 1982. Other notable pieces from the series included La Hara and Irony of Negro Policeman. Deemed by many to be Basquiat’s finest work, Warrior exuded the artist’s uninhibited and brilliant energy. The painting portrays a fearsome warrior wielding a silver blade, gazing at the viewer with red, penetrating eyes. Warrior is interpreted as a semi-autobiographic work, reflecting on and rebelling against the socio-political inequality that people of colour face, as well as their lack of representation in a white-dominated art world.

Warrior has been featured in several exhibitions worldwide since it was first unveiled at the Akira Ikeda Gallery in Tokyo in 1983. It was even a centrepiece in the Brant Foundation Art Study Center’s 2019 blockbuster exhibition in New York City.

Installation view, Akira Ikeda Gallery, Tokyo, Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1983, showing (left to right) Untitled (1982) and the present work; Image Credit: Courtesy of Akira Ikeda, Christie’s Images Ltd.

Warrior in the Brant Foundation Image Credit: Courtesy of The Brant Foundation, Christie’s Images Ltd.

Basquiat’s masterpiece shows us just why he is regarded as one of the world’s greatest artists of the last 50 years. Warrior will be auctioned in a format that calls attention to the artist’s global appeal. The auctions, scheduled for 23 March, represents a significant event for Asia’s Western art market and alludes to Christie’s regional success following a record-breaking season of art sales in Hong Kong last December.

For more information on the auction, please visit Christie’s website here.

By Abram Yum

 

The Nuances Between Japanese And Western Whisk(e)y

Image Credit: Unsplash

Japan’s foray into commercial whisky distillation began in 1923 when Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii founded the Yamazaki Distillery on the edges of Kyoto prefecture, in a region referred to in the past as “Minaseno”. Compared to the western world, Japan is a late bloomer with its history only going back to the early 20th century. In comparison, the Scotch whisky giant Chivas Regal traces its heritage back to the 18th century with the founding of the Strathisla distillery. However, despite its short history, Japanese whiskies have gained international recognition and popularity in recent years. In 2001 Nikka won “Best of the Best” at Whisky Magazine’s Awards with its 10-year Yoichi Single malt, planting the spotlight firmly on Japanese whisky. Understandably, it prompts the question, what exactly differentiates Japanese whisky from those of the western world?

Whisky or whiskey?

Before getting into the down and dirty, it would be appropriate to clarify that even in the western world, there exist many distinctions between each country’s whisk(e)y. Whisky, in the old days, was spelt without the “e” in both Scotland and Ireland. However, in the late 1800s, four of the biggest distillers in Ireland pushed for the addition of the vowel as a marketing differentiator. The later use of the letter “e” by subsequent distillers in the non-Gaelic countries depended on their connection to either Scotch or Irish whisk(e)y. Japanese distilleries largely follow the same techniques as the Scottish and so exclude the vowel. Whereas the Americans favoured the Irish product and sought association with it by spelling it whiskey.

Since the Japanese took inspiration from the Scots, that seems to be the logical point of comparison. But first, here is a brief rundown of some of the major products of the West.

Scotch

Scotland’s cold windy climate has forced its distilleries to adopt unique traditions, contributing to the distinct taste of scotch. The harsh winds of Scotland mean that oak trees, traditionally used to produce whisky barrels are rare. Scottish distillers, therefore, adopted the practice of reusing barrels from the U.S. and other parts of Europe in which to age their whisky. The lack of wood as a fuel source also led to the use of peat to dry out barley grains. This results in a unique flavour profile that is lighter than American whiskey but with that distinctive smoky flavour. This is nicely embodied by Chivas Regal’s 18 Gold Signature Blended Scotch and the Glenfiddich 18 Year Old. Both whiskies open with aromatic notes of dried fruits which then finish with a distinct smokiness that is unique to scotch.

Irish Whiskey

The Irish whiskey tradition is similar to that of Scotch, with some subtle differences. The Irish typically use unmalted barley in their mash bills while the Scots favour malted barley, and they utilise closed kilns compared to the Scottish tradition of drying barley over burning peat. This results in a subtler, smoother taste, that is generally light and fruity with notes of the various grains used. A great Irish Whiskey to try is Bushmills’ flagship 10 year Single Malt.

Bushmills 10 year Single Malt; Image Credit: Bushmills

American bourbon and rye

Bourbon uses predominantly corn while Rye uses mostly rye. Given the abundance of American oak, distillers in the U.S. do not typically adopt the practice of reusing old barrels for ageing, resulting in a bolder, flavour profile much like the American spirit. Bourbons have a delicious sweetness and full body provided by the corn while rye lends an earthy spiciness. Knob Creek’s Patiently Aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the core product of the small batch brand embodies all things great about bourbon while FEW Rye Whiskey brings the heat of American rye.

Japanese whisky and its connection to nature

While Japanese whisky may not have a history going back centuries, to say that the Japanese do not have a booze-soaked heritage would be folly. After all, they were the ones who introduced the world to the beauty of sake and shochu. A crucial component in Japanese whisky production is the purity of the water used which explains Torii’s choice to settle in that region of Japan. Additionally, many of Japan’s distilleries are built at higher altitudes resulting in lower pressure, in turn resulting in lower boiling points when distilling. This helps to retain aroma and flavour, for a smoother drinking experience. Finally, while following Scottish traditions, Japanese whiskies tend to be less peated, as Japanese generally prefer lighter flavours. The result is a unique light and fruity taste. The Hibiki’s 17 Year Old, Suntory’s main venture into blended whisky is a delightful whisky with notes of citrus peels and raisin and a tinge of gentle smoke, a nod to the Scottish traditions upon which Japan built its practices. 

Hibiki 17 Year Old; Image Credit: Shanescotch Instagram

With its distinctive profile owing to the marriage of Japan’s connection to nature and Scottish tradition, it is little wonder that the Japanese are taking the world of Whisky by storm.

By Abram Yum

 

The Longines Spirit — A Pioneer Generation

When humans lived in a mechanised transport at 1,800 metres above the ground, technology was not our only assurance. In this pioneering era of the early 20th century, you needed a measure of faith and lots of courage. And yes, pilots virtually lived on their planes because it used to take days to cross the Pacific Ocean, for example. Even the Atlantic crossing of horological icon Charles Lindbergh in 1927 took 33 hours. Speaking of which, this story requires clarity. This is not about the Avigation watches nor the Lindbergh and Weems models. Indeed, it is not about historic aviation and pilot’s watches at all.

That is not to say there are not threads connecting the Spirit watches with Longines’ existing aviation models. However, the Spirit collection is entirely new and something extraordinary like this needs a bit of space to breathe. In itself, this requires an explanation but when we heard that readyviewed there would be a totally new collection from Longines this year , we knew we had to have it for the cover, and get some comments from the top brass at the company. Back in issue #48, we wrote that Longines is at the forefront of vintage renaissance, and had been since the Legend Diver of 2007. Certainly, no Swiss brand has demonstrated command over its own history quite as Longines has done. Arguably, the Swatch Group-owned brand defined the reissue watch, and the new-vintage trend that has come to dominate watchmaking, counterbalancing the triumph of the sports watch.

The Spirit collection is peak new vintage because it is novel for 2020, and does not exist in the Longines assortment. There was a collection bearing the name Spirit but it is unrelated. That means the Spirit is an entirely new family of watches from a 188-year-old Swiss watchmaker. Take a moment to let that sink in, while bearing in mind the evidence of the depth of the brand’s archive. So, while we will return to the subject of pioneers such as Lindbergh, we will open this lengthy missive by being upfront that links to the past here are entirely spiritual.

This is particularly striking to us at WOW, because there are so many brands without heritage, history or legitimacy that stake bold claims with even bolder watches. As is our practice in our cover stories, there is no need to compare brands, but the heritage releases from Longines usually bring smiles to our faces when it comes time to decide on watches to cover. There is always something real to discuss, and meat to sink our journalistic musings into.

To some extent, no aviator needed to be associated with Longines directly because the watchmaker was the official supplier to the International Aeronautical Federation more than 100 years ago, in 1919.

Tethered to Tradition

With such strong collections as the Master, HydroConquest and Heritage, to list only three, the first question with the Spirit collection would be this: what does it add to an already diverse assortment? The short answer is that it delivers a contemporary vision for Longines watches that is still tethered to the brand’s traditions, without being shackled to them.

To be sure, just looking at the watches does not tell the whole story. As we reported last issue, we did manage to get a feel of the watches directly and we can say it does help make the case for the Spirit. This story does one thing the watches do not: readyviewed relate the watches back to what animates Longines’ aviation timepieces.

Amelia Earhart in the cockpit of her autogiro after setting a new altitude record for women in planes of this type. She failed, however, to break Elinor Smith’s record of 27,418 feet in a non-windmill type plane.

readyviewedThere are three main variants in the Spirit collection , stratified by a combination of form and function. All are united by what we call pencil-style hands (by the standards
of our house rules set in issue #45 but Longines addresses the hands as baton-style) and applied Arabic numerals, plus five stars and the word chronometer, because the models are COSC-certifed as such. The central second hand and the chronograph second hand are also in the same style, with a diamond shape on the tip. All hands and numerals use liberal amounts of SuperLuminova. All watches use new movements, produced exclusively for Longines by ETA. All are water-resistant to 100 metres, and cased in stainless steel. All have five-year warranties.

With regards to those five stars, Longines says this is a reflection of the best quality that it could offer, and is a reference to something the brand had done in the past. Basically, it is a five-star rating, as you might find in other trades relating to quality standards. There is some indication that these five stars featured on the dial of historical pieces, and many Swiss manufactures in the past produced three levels of quality, at three distinct price points. Five stars typically indicated that a given watch was of the best quality.

The above is all that clearly unites the Spirit collection, but of course the wrist-presence is what matters. For that, we do need to reference the past a bit, especially aviators and explorers. One standout is French ethnologist and explorer Paul-Emile Victor. The other great names cited by Longines are all aviation pioneers, but Victor was different. He is known today for organising post-WW2 French expeditions to both poles, but he had already done pioneering work in Greenland in 1934. While Victor had served in the US Air Force during the war, this is not what links him with Amelia Earhart, Elinor Smith and Howard Hughes.

True to Form

To get to the emotional crux of the matter, which is perfect because of the collection’s name, we went directly to Longines for answers. Newly minted CEO Matthias Breschan spared more than a few words for us. “Each watch in our Heritage segment — such as The Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch or the Longines Weems Second-Setting Watch – is the reinterpretation of a specific Longines’ historical model,” said Breschan.

“The concept behind the creation of Longines Spirit is different, this line being rather a testimony to the pioneer spirit. Therefore, the collection takes different aesthetical elements from Longines vintage pilot’s watches – such as the oversized crown, the flange, the pronounced step around the crystal, the font of the dial, the diamond shape indexes or the large, luminous ‘baton’ hands – and combines them with contemporary lines and codes.”

Breschan, formerly CEO of Rado, answered all sorts of questions for us on this occasion. You can hear directly from him in the second part of this article in this issue. It was very kind of the new CEO to speak with us on this subject, given that he was only appointed to his current position this year. Indeed, if you are one of our regulars then you know we featured him as the CEO of Rado in our Spring issue (#56) this year. As has been noted by plenty of other publications over the years, Longines does not produce watches that are the vision of any one person, and the Spirit collection is definitely representative of the DNA of the brand, as Breschan noted. Given the name of the collection, this observation is very much on-point.

Once again, this is why we like the link forged here with polar explorer Victor. It resonates with Longines’ own description of the Spirit collection from its brochure: “Inspired by timeless pioneers, explorers on a mission to enter uncharted territories. Men and women who have put their lives at stake to conquer the skies, land and seas. This is the true essence of the pioneer spirit: despite adversity and failures, pioneers never give up.” Perhaps we are reading too much into this but it seems the Spirit is just the right collection for our current moment in history.

Three Hands and the Date

Looking to the watches themselves, we will spend a little time with the three-hander and the chronograph. For more details on the chronograph in particular, please look to our cover watch section, as usual. As for the three-hander, we covered it in our last issue.

This brings us to a small correction: while we do think the entire Spirit collection, and the three-hander in particular, feels like a time-travelling watch, we missed the mark last issue. Here is a better description: the watch performs the very neat trick of travelling through time, from the present to the past and back again, to recommend itself for your wrist. That is genuinely what it feels like, from looking at it to wearing it. This applies to all versions of the watch, 40mm and 42mm. Sticklers will want to pay attention to the date display as this will be the main divisive factor. We are on-record that the 40mm version without the number 3 is the most fetching. Anyway, all three-handers use the automatic calibre L888.4 with 64 hours of power reserve and a silicon balance spring.

“Linking history with innovation, the new models take traditional features from pilots’ watches and combine them with contemporary lines and codes”

For dial colours, there are a number including matt black, grained silver and sunray blue. These are offered across the 40mm and 42mm three-handers, as well as the chronograph. The chronograph has three pushers and different configurations and set-ups for the date than the three-handers. The pusher at 10 o’clock controls the date, and is screwed down to prevent accidental changes. The chronograph is powered by the automatic calibre L688.4 (see cover watch for details).

In terms of wearability, we had no issues with fit, and yes we prefer it with the bracelet. Having said that, the NATO strap is also a great option. We did not find any sharp edges to the case or the bracelet to complain about, which is not uncommon. In terms of thickness, the three-handers are 11mm and the chronograph is 15mm, so none are exactly ideal to fit under the sleeve but you can just about manage it with the 11mm watches. Finally, there is a Prestige edition that includes a steel bracelet, leather strap and NATO strap. This Prestige option is available for the 40mm and 42mm three-handers, but not the chronograph.

We leave the final word to Breschan, who discusses some of the particularities of the Spirit collection, and answers our questions on the watches.

Congratulations on the new role! How has the journey been so far, notwithstanding our shared present global circumstances?

Thank you! It is a real pleasure, and an honour, for me to have joined the Longines family. The watch universe is the only sector I know which builds on its traditions to go further and innovate. In watchmaking, perpetuating a tradition is what makes us alive. This is particularly true for Longines: a brand with a deep historic dimension, launching technically (high-performance) products. Since my arrival, I have been absorbing the brand’s DNA and together with the teams, I will make sure we will continue developing Longines’ universe. And despite the present circumstances, I am really confident!

On that note, what is the role of a watchmaker in a situation like this?

Nowadays, nobody buys a watch only to check the time anymore. Watches have become an accessory that allows people to express their values. It is particularly true for our brand. Owning a Longines timepiece is more than having a practical object. It is rather considered as a symbol for a personal statement, telling people who you are, what are your tastes and affinities. Today more than ever, people want to invest in a brand they trust, while matching their personality. And this is where we come into play. Wearing a Longines timepiece gives a clear message: my watch has a story to tell, and so do I.

We are confident that our products and values will allow us to hold our course. We are delighted to point out that despite the fact most of our stores and points of sales were closed for several months, we see a positive trend since June. Indeed, in August we had almost 30% growth and over the last three months, we achieved a better cumulated result than over the same period in 2019. We are convinced that this trend will continue.

“Wearing a Longines timepiece gives a clear message: my watch has a story to tell, and so do I.” — Longines CEO Matthias Breschan

You have remarked on the power of living traditions at Longines. How can these traditions be continuously updated to always surprise and delight collectors, while staying true to its roots?

Honouring tradition is what allows (watchmaking) to stay alive and Longines in particular enjoys an impressively rich history. Longines will soon celebrate its 190 years of existence through three centuries. Based in Saint-Imier since its inception, our brand’s heritage is a true treasure we intend to cherish. Of course it is not a question of confining ourselves to our history, but of using it as a springboard to ensure the pursuit of innovation, both technical and aesthetic, which has always been the driving force of the brand.

How does Longines stay fresh for new generations of watch lovers?

Today, Longines is known and recognised throughout the world. This is the result of our brand’s loyalty to its origins and values. We are offering high quality products featuring refined aesthetics, accuracy and reliability with outstanding value for money. We are confident that new generations of watch lovers appreciate these assets and also highly value our constant quest for innovation while making the most of our rich Heritage. In this regard, our Heritage segment and our new Longines Spirit collection are meeting great success. We think this is a sign that, for many people, and especially for younger ones, watchmaking and tradition cannot be set apart. With a Longines Heritage or a Spirit model on your wrist, you are not only wearing a watch, you are part of history.

American industrialist, aviator, and film producer Howard Hughes (1905 – 1976) climbs into the cockpit of his Northrop Gamma aircraft in preparation for breaking his own speed record for transcontinental US flight, Burbank, California, January 18, 1937. He landed in Newark, New Jersey, 7 hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds later, besting his 1936 record time by almost 2 hours.

Last time we spoke, we did not get the chance to cover your passion for skiing. Happily, Longines has a tradition here. Are you excited about two of your longtime passions meeting?

I would even say that this is a dream come true. Longines is proud to be the Official Partner of the International Ski Federation (FIS) and to make its expertise in sports timekeeping available to the great White Circus during the FIS World Cup and the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, which will be held next year in Cortina, Italy. I look forward to these events and also to witness the performances of our Ambassador of Elegance Mikaela Shiffrin as well as our Longines Family members Mélanie and Loïc Méillard.

Please tell us about the origins of the Spirit collection.

With the new Longines Spirit, our brand reaffirms its belief in its legacy. During the first half of the 20th century, Longines watches and instruments received the complete trust of many pioneers of exploration and aviation, both men and women. Today, the Longines Spirit collection brings this rich heritage back to life. Linking history with innovation, the new models take traditional features from pilots’ watches and combine them with contemporary lines and codes. They are also at the cutting edge of current watchmaking technology to echo the reliability and accuracy of the historical Longines’ tool watches they draw their inspiration from.

Longines Spirit is a glowing tribute to exceptional men and women who, by a record, an exploit or a display of courage, have left their mark on history — encouraging new generations to push the boundaries.

Who is the ideal customer for the Spirit range? Someone who knows the brand’s history well or someone who might need an introduction to the abovementioned cult classics? Or perhaps an untapped demographic?

The Longines Spirit Collection is made for modern pioneers: active men and women for whom style and performance go hand-in-hand. People who are not afraid of failing and always want to go ahead. This watch is associated with values and with a strong conviction encapsulated in its slogan: The Pioneer Spirit Lives On!

By Ashok Soman

 

In conversation with Datin Sri Zarida Noordin of Habib Jewels Group

Bringing over 60 years of experience and craftsmanship, readyviewed Habib Jewels is a brand synonymous with homegrown jewellery-making and heritage luxury . Datin Sri Zarida Noordin is the Executive Director of Habib Group, one half of a husband (Dato’ Sri Meer Sadik Habib) and wife team that recently included their daughter Marissa who had come of age and was starting to learn the ropes of the family business.

The youngest of eight siblings, LUXUO recently caught up with the enterprising Datin Sri Zarida to discover just what makes this woman of achievement tick in the highly competitive world of jewellery and the demands of juggling the roles of wife, mother and business partner.

You’re high accomplished today, what was young Zarida Noordin like?

I wanted my studies at Stanford to be quick and fast because I had a taste of work and dreams of freedom. My first job while waiting for my results was at the old Hilton which was then the hottest hotel in KL; because it was a business hotel, I had a lot of fun meeting business people, and other captains of industry including high ranking politicians. I was inspired to study secretarial science and marketing where I eventually joined Barclays Bank as a marketing officer in their representative office in KL.

Given that you came from an influential family, was it smooth sailing?

I got to meet all the branch managers at Barclays and I have to say some were very hard to deal with but it was a good challenge for me because, you know, it really encouraged me to grow up. There were days I came back crying because it was not easy convincing the bankers and I think they were also trying to be difficult with a 20 year old girl.

I was with Barclays for almost seven years and the only reason I left was because I got married and that was the agreement that I had with my future hubby was that I had to leave my job and join him in the business after we got married.

What was it like going into the family jewellery business (Habib) with no prior experience?

Datin Sri Zarida and her husband, Dato’ Sri Meer Sadik Habib

When I first joined Habib Jewels, my husband had just moved from Penang to open the first retail shop in KL. Back in Penang, my late father-in-law was focusing more on the wholesale business where there were a lot of traders from the east coast of Malaysia who would purchase from him and sell in states as far as Kelantan. The jewellery business was conducted very differently in those days. After many years, my father-in-law suggested to my husband, “why don’t you start your own jewellery business?”.

When my hubby started the retail expansion of the family business, he revolutionised the jewellery store. It used to be like a pawn shop, all bars and thick, secure, anti-theft display cases, it was very unwelcoming. So you know that you can’t really take the trays out of the counter, unless they are very comfortable with the customer: you just put your hand in, take it out. He developed a new open concept which you see now in all modern jewellery shops.

I’ve been in the business for over 30 years now. I learned everything you know from scratch. I believe this is the only way to learn something, starting from the beginning. I learned how to be a cashier, how to do stocks, and helped my husband develop business systems and processes with my background with Barclays.

Tell us more about being the first jewellery business on the Malaysian Stock Exchange…

Habib Jewels HQ

Dato’ Sri Meer Sadik was very ambitious, he wanted to list the business on the Malaysian Stock Exchange. Because of this, it forced us to come up with a lot of systems in the business to get the necessary approvals.  We created new standards for jewellery and worked with the government to come up with defined gold standards like 916 where in the past it was an informal system of ratings of gold purity because Malaysian consumers didn’t know better at the time.

When we finally got the approval to list, the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis happened. We had many issues with the banks because they all wanted to pull out as they were not sure that this was going to be a success but we were determined to see it through, so my husband met with the banks, made a personal guarantee and took personal responsibility. We eventually managed to get the company listed, at first on the second board but getting on the main board was a real feather in the cap. Then we wondered: Now what? Because other jewellers were paying attention and were evolving from being just goldsmiths and paying more attention to design.

Ah, the next evolution of Habib Jewels?

In America, it’s all about marketing and my husband implemented a lot of marketing strategies which was quite unheard of at that time. That a local jewellery company would invest money in marketing, and at a new TV station no less (TV3), it was very innovative. TV3 was very willing to go along with us and we came up with a lot of fun stuff. We also went on radio and to expose the company through talk shows puts one in a position of vulnerability because people can call in and complain about your products on the air. But that’s also the best way to do it because if you’re not confident of your products you will not expose yourself to such publicity and scrutiny and that garnered a lot of respect for the brand.

Habib Showroom

Having been in three industries: hospitality, banking and now jewellery, which would you say is the most challenging for you, and which felt like a more natural fit for you?

If you think about it, it’s all customer service; whether it is the hotel, bank or jeweller, everything we do is about customer service, only the products are different. The real challenge is in the difference of responsibility: being employed is very different from being self-employed and running your own jewellery business, alongside with your husband.

Is it difficult running a jewellery company with your own in house design?

It’s actually fun. We have a team of about 10 designers, and we can create beautiful things,  we can be the trendsetters and shape what customers will desire just like the fashion industry. We set the stage for what is going to be the design for next year, the colour and all that on the basis of understanding what your customers want because in our part of the world, Singapore, Malaysia, we are not just one homogenous ethnic race. So the real difficulty is understanding how to put these three together and come up with a design that would please either one or all of these ethnic groups.

Would you say that the taste was always very international since you started or only became more international because of social media?

We bring an international aesthetic to the table because we travel and participate in international exhibitions, we’ve become very exposed to what’s happening around the world. Our designers travel with us to these trade shows and so they are also exposed to all the international brands as well. But the best part, is that we get to design something with a distinct Malaysian flavour yet with cross-cultural appeal. What is very important to us is that one of our core values is to offer world class products.

Our customers get tremendous value for what they pay because we make everything ourselves, we purchase everything so we can control our costs. We will go for the best diamonds, the best gemstones and at the cost that we are able to negotiate with the suppliers, we can really bring down the price and give the savings to the customers.

18K rose gold diamond bangle

In terms of working relationships, how do you divide your work functions (at home and in the office)?

I have the mindset that in the office he is my boss, even though he treats me as an equal and we discuss a lot of things together. We often have different perspectives but that has worked very well for us, because at the end of the day whatever decision that is to be taken is his to make. I don’t seek the limelight. I don’t fight for the limelight. I’m quite happy to be the supportive partner and at home, I’m the boss.

I suppose the coronavirus situation means that you’ve been the boss for most of 2020?

We realised that the house that we’ve been staying in for the last 16 years, came to full use, because otherwise, we go out in the morning we come back at night. He’s got a wing that has become his home office and I’ve got a room that became my home office.

My son and daughter were all in the house and we all had our own space. What we did is like okay we’ll meet up in the morning for breakfast. And then after that, because you see in our company we have this thing called alignment meeting, which we do every morning at 10am. Well now we do twice a week, but during the MCR we did every day. So whether you like it or not at 10am, you are in front of the zoom alignment meeting with all the department heads.

We are home and I’m also the wife. So, in between meetings, I managing the household and checking if lunch is ready and whatnot. We are very lucky to have good help. I just decide what to cook or sometimes decide that the help prepares it and then we meet up at 12.30pm for lunch. Then after that, we all disappear into our own space, and we meet up again for tea.

With your years of business experience, do you think a female boss should be feared or respected?

I truly don’t believe in this fear factor. You know, as humans, I don’t think we should really fear anyone except God. Respect is earned. At the end of the day, a boss is simply a human playing different roles. I believe in working along with my team and I respect you for the job that you put in the effort that you put in. And so in that way we learn to respect each other.

Do you know or do you think in this business being a woman is a natural advantage and what are some of those advantages?

We are customers ourselves so sometimes you put yourself in their shoes. You are more sensitive to what their needs are, what they’re looking for, that really helps. But you’d be surprised, male designers can be better, sometimes. Also, female customers prefer to be attended by male attendants.

What’s the one tip you have for business leadership?

I always tell my team this. We’re in a jewellery business, we are like a Pandora chain, one link breaks and the chain is useless. We have to work together as a team. It’s not my success, or your success, it is our success.

 

Charlotte Rampling Becomes Saint Laurent’s New High Priestess In Its Latest Fashion Film

Saint Laurent, the French luxury and trend-setting house, sure knows how to stage their runway to showcase their new collection. For its SS’21 collection, first unveiled on December 15, the house has brought us to an unknown desert. This time,  Saint Laurent’s Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello brings us to a spooky mansion .

The house’s SS’21 collection is reinterpreted by Argentine filmmaker Gaspar Noé through a fashion film titled Summer of ‘21, The provocative film director has previously collaborated with Saint Laurent on a film, Lux Aeterna, which has debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.

Clocking in just under eight minutes, the fashion film begins with a female running through the dark woods while her screams pierced through the otherwise silent forest; she’s being chased by an unknown entity. As she sprints away from the shadows, a mansion appears in a distant, taking her chances, she enters. The scene changes and everything is now bathed in hazy, red light then we are greeted with award-winning actress, Charlotte Rampling who plays as the high priestess, admiring herself in front of a mirror. She’s decked out in the season’s outfit: a flowy gown trimmed with feathers around the neck and the wrists.

The film continues to transport us where models — Anok Yai, Antonia Przedpelski, Sora Choi, Grace Hartzel and many others — strut and saunter from one sofa to another. They are clad in various pieces like leather dresses, hot pants and silk blouses with floral detailing. The models seem to be waiting and while doing so, they play chess, check their phones, all the while a remix of Donna Summer’s I Feel Love by SebastiAn plays in the background.

Then, a signal is given, all the models, as though in a trance, make their way to a concert hall where they are seated (socially distanced, no less) facing the stage. All eyes are on the stage, the curtain raises and Rampling emerges. Yellow light shines on her, she lifts her hands up as though she’s receiving adoration by many people. This is symbolic because after a tumultuous year, everyone is looking forward to a fresh start to the upcoming decade and Rampling represents this new dawn that’s about to unfold.

Here is the video:

By Joseph Low

 

Watch the 25th Asian Television Awards Ceremony online

Covid-19 has changed the landscape for a variety of live events from art exhibitions to in-person runways shows and even established award ceremonies. As organizations and individuals alike play their part to uphold vigorous standards of social distancing amongst other health regulations, society as a whole has begun to embrace a newfound digital reality.

The 25th Asian Television Awards Ceremony Goes Digital

Initially planned to be held in Phnom Penh after successfully holding the Awards in Malaysia and the Philippines respectively, the upcoming 25th edition of the Asian Television Awards is set to air live online with an all-new show format. No longer spanning a period of three consecutive days, the esteemed award show which recognizes hundreds of directors, producers, hosts and presenters, alongside Asian programs and TV networks since its establishment in 1996, will now be held over 2 days on Friday and Saturday, from 15th to 16th January 2021.

Hosted by Wallace Ang and Benjamin Josiah Tan from Singapore, Ji Xiao Jun from China, Anyarin Terathananpat from Thailand and Rennie Lau from Malaysia, the 25th Asian Television Awards will showcase a multitude of Asia’s latest musical artists throughout the ceremony, including, Alfred Sng, Sherraine Law, Haven and Emiliano Cyrus from Singapore. Ernie Zakri and Lee Pei Ling whom will be performing from Malaysia, Dat Ozy performing from Vietnam as well as Sam Concepcion and Regine Valesquez performing from the Philippines.

With entries from over 100 broadcasters across India, China, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Korea, Japan and Kazakstan – the event welcomes more than 300 international delegates, including, acclaimed filmmakers, TV program producers, actors, TV hosts, presenters, directors and other industry bigwigs.

Despite format and platform changes, both the Asian Television Awards and their longstanding partner, Wonder Paradise, were well-prepared to adapt to Covid-19’s ever-changing landscape. Their plans for an alternative digital ceremony in the event that international travel has not resumed by January 2021 were strategized early. Group CEO of Wonder Paradise, Alan Eucharis Choo remains “confident that the quality of production will be as good as being in person”, and says, “As the show licensee, Wonder Paradise is privileged to partner with ATA since 2018. The Awards has evolved on its own organically through a long journey. Moving forward, Wonder Paradise with its regional network is well poised to assist ATA in its mission to recognize both emerging and experienced talents in front of and behind the camera.”

Borderlands (Best Documentary Series)

Viewers at home can expect the event to kick-off on day one, Friday 15th January 2021, with a pre-recording of the ATA Technical and Creative Awards, streamed live Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Weibo. Presenting 30 awards including Best Direction (Non-Fiction) and Best Direction (Fiction), the ceremony will then resume live on day 2, Saturday 16th January 2021 at 8pm GMT+8, with a variety of segments comprising of more than 30 celebrities from across the region, f lashbacks of the Asian Television Awards over its 25-year journey, and the presentation of 20 awards including those for Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Drama Series and Best Director (Fiction).

The Driver (3 Nominations)

Going further, the live Asian Television Awards show will be broadcast across the following partnering broadcast networks – Formosa TV in Taiwan, Viu TV in Hong Kong, Jiangsu Broadcast in China, Cignal Colors and TV5 in Philippines, Channel O, Citra Entertainment and The Indonesia Channel in Indonesia, Bangkok TV Ch 7 in Thailand, Today TV in Vietnam, and Bayon TV in Cambodia.

By Julia Roxan

 

On Newsstands: WOW Malaysia Festive 2020

Hello again folks! We hope you are in the best of health and have been keeping an eye on the latest watch releases. We’re already at the tail end of the year but it feels like things are just starting — especially for the future! So strap on the seatbelts and get ready for a whole new ride! World of Watches strives hard to continue as the leading publication in watches in Malaysia as we push through the pandemic right into 2021! Here is but a glimpse of what we have to show you in this final issue of 2020!

readyviewed The Chanel J12 Paradoxe is our cover watch for this issue and marks the culmination of two decades of excellence in watchmaking from the House of Chanel. Discover the journey of the timeless Chanel J12, its landmark timepieces as well as the celebratory watches created by the brand for the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the watch.

In the season where the Wonder Woman 1984 movie is finally launched onto the silver screen, readyviewed Daumier brings forth its Devia watch dedicated to the foremost of superheroines . Get enraptured in its golden glow as we savour the new movie and let our imaginations fly with positive thoughts of greatness and the strength of the human spirit!

Cartier’s iconic Santos is given the ADLC treatment to bring new clothes to the already famous classic. The distinctive shape of the Santos coupled with the ultra-tough carbon coating gives the legend a twist and refreshes it in the minds of all enthusiasts.

WOW interviews Patek Philippe’s CEO, Thierry Stern to understand more about the current company direction and the market surrounding it. Read about the insights from the stalwart of the watch industry as we speak to him and see how Patek Philippe is adapting to the pandemic environment.

Our twelve page Festive Guide offers some ideas for the perfect watch gift for you or your loved ones. Without a doubt, perusing this guide will allow you a chance to not only know what fine timepieces are available today but also spark your imagination when thinking about the ideal gift to celebrate the year-end festivities and joyous occasions!

It is not just about the aforementioned stories – we have much more to offer within our pages. As you will see, we have prepare quite a bumper issue for you to dive into this year end. Our Festive issue aims to be the perfect closure for 2020 and also prepare you for the upcoming New Year when we are sure that it will be a different horological journey for many of us. We encourage you to stay tuned as we continue to share the latest happenings with you. Look out for the Festive 2020 issue of World of Watches at your local newsstands or, even better, subscribe to us to receive the magazines at your convenience.

In the meantime, follow us on our Instagram account @WatchWOWMy and luxuo.my

 

Italian-French Designer Pierre Cardin Has Passed Away At The Age Of 98

French couturier Pierre Cardin has passed away in a hospital in Neuilly, the west of Paris on December 29. He was 98 years old. The avant-garde designer was known for his space-age inspired dresses and geometric patterns during the 1960s then subsequently his mega licensing business empire that covered almost everything you could imagine.

Born as an Italian in 1922, Cardin moved to France with his parents at a young age as they were fleeing away from Mussolini’s fascist regime in Italy. Eventually, Cardin’s family settled in St. Etienne, a mining town at the eastern central part of France. From a young age, Cardin has been always been interested in fashion and this passion saw him set his sights on becoming a tailor. He worked for several prestigious couture houses including that of Paquin, Schiaparelli and Dior. At Dior, he headed the tailoring atelier in creating Christian Dior’s “new look” and making a name for himself.

In 1950, after leaving the couture house, Cardin decided to set up his own label, carving out his own career path in Paris. He was extremely successful, creating a multitude of pieces that were ahead of his time. His fame saw him dressing celebrities and artists such as The Beatles, who adored his high-collared suit following his already famous design, the “bubble dress” became a hit in 1954. These achievements cemented him as a designer who has a unique set of viewpoints, uncommon during that period.

Besides cementing himself as a fashion-forward designer, Cardin also had the foresight of a businessman. He is said to be the first designer to bring luxury fashion to the masses through releasing a ready-to-wear collection as opposed to tailored-made pieces that have defined fashion’s mode of operation for a long time. His first prêt-à-porter collection was launched at Printemps department store in Paris, soon after many fashion brands followed suit.

Aside from being the pioneer in launching a prêt-à-porter collection, Cardin was also the first luxury fashion brand to do licensing. His brand’s name would be stamped on various items including pens, cutlery, furniture and wigs, to name a few out of the over 800 licenses that are found in more than 120 countries. This move, however, has cheapened Cardin’s branding but he was unfazed and remarked that “my aim is to boost sales and to raise my profile among young people”. Revenues came rolling in and with that money he bought hotels and restaurants, adding even more brands under his profile.

The entire fashion industry mourns the death of such a visionary figure and many designers including Jean Paul Gautier, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Kim Jones have all paid tribute to this legendary designer.

Images courtesy of Pierre Cardin/AP/ Getty Images

By Joseph Low

 

‘Boys of Volta’ By Jeremy Snell Presents An Interior World, Inseparable From Its Material Reality

The largest artificial reservoir in the world based on surface area, is contained behind the Akosombo Dam. Generating a substantial amount of Ghana’s electricity, Lake Volta spans the distance of approximately 8,502 square kilometres. Taking on a tumultuous life of its own and even the lives of those which pass it by, Lake Volta is imbued with a mortality and movement that not one has ever fully captured.

‘Boys of Volta‘ By Jeremy Snell Presents An Interior World, Inseparable From Its Material Reality

Set out to document the children who reside near Lake Volta, this New York-based photographer and cinematographer from Hawaii, spent a great part of his childhood living with his parents throughout Asia where he was inspired to use photography as a means to explore his surroundings. Known best for his humanitarian work, Jeremy Snell has photographed numerous campaigns for NGO’s such as Water and The International Justice Mission to help bring an end to the world water crisis and modern day slavery, alongside other global campaigns for brands such as Apple, Facebook, WWF and Unicef.

Drawn to portraiture from a young age, Jeremy Snell enjoys the process of visual storytelling through alluding to each subject’s personal backstory, whilst never fully being in control of each outcome – In fact the artist himself once said, “Telling stories of culture and populations not often seen around the world is my greatest desire in photography. My hope is that viewers begin to ask new questions and have new perspectives.”

Dubbed ‘Boys of Volta’, Jeremy’s latest project comprises of a series of photographs of local children set against the backdrop of Lake Volta. The project which follows shortly after his anti-trafficking campaign with non-profit organisation International Justice Mission, showcases an eerie and otherworldly quality of Lake Volta as it glows in a gradient of blue, orange, teal and pink throughout the day and night.

As beautiful as it may appear, beneath Lake Volta’s placid surface lie the skeletons of once dense forests, and every so often the presence of worn tree trunks rise up, out of the water whilst intermittent storms stroke its surface and flashes of lightning tear through the sky. The boys sit submerged, sometimes covered in fishing nets that extend their silhouette, with meditative expressions in the perpetually warm lake.

Traversing the vast body of water on wooden boats as the horizon looms in the distance, creating a sense of vastness that serves as a counterpoint to the deeply intimate portraits. “Once I arrived I was profoundly affected by the beauty and the character of the lake,” Jeremy recalls, “3000 miles of dammed water encompass what used to be large forests and hillsides, so the trunks and tips of thousands of trees can be seen as you drift through its waters. There were massive thunderstorms in the afternoons that would light up the vastness of the lake and strike awe into all those who were on it. Even midday on the lake seemed to have a certain eeriness that accompanied the heat and the floating trees.”

Through facilitating a sense of mutual security and respect with the kids, Jeremy Snell has successfully highlighted the immense beauty and complexity of life in the area, and the treacherous situations some of these kids find themselves in. ‘Boys of Volta’ presents an intimate look into the realities of others across the world, in societies where young boys risk their lives full-time in an effort to feed their families. Available now for estimated £40 via Setanta Books publications, the ‘Boys of Volta’ collection also offers a variety of signed prints and hardcovers.

By Julia Roxan

 

A His and Hers Merry Bvlgari Christmas featuring Bvlgari Classics: Roma, Serpenti, Lvcea and Diva

The festive season has finally arrived and with the season of gifting just around the corner, here are some gift ideas for you from the luxury jeweller, Bvlgari who has been creating extravagant pieces since 1884. From iconic timepieces like the Serpenti to the Octo Roman Watch, this “His and Hers Gift Guide” will definitely be handy for this Christmas.

For Her:

Serpenti Seduttori

This is perhaps one of the most recognised watches from the Maison, the Serpenti is cult favourite ladies watch in the market. readyviewed The new Serpenti Seduttori is a riff off of the Serpenti with its slimmer snake-head case but unlike the Serpenti, it has a leather strap or a bracelet crafted with hexagonal patterns resembling scales of a serpent.

The Serpenti Seduttori comes in either white gold, rose gold or stainless steel, and options of getting diamonds set in the bezel are also available. This watch is perfect for a glamourous date night or simply an everyday watch you would wear to work.

Diva’s Dream

Another iconic motif is reimagined and incorporated into the Maison’s collection of watches. The Diva’s Dream’s fan-shape design is seen on the watch’s lugs as opposed to the necklaces and earrings where it is traditionally seen. The Diva’s Dream floral petal pattern represents femininity and sensuality, and has been stealing hearts since years ago. This time, the Diva’s Dream has once again been pushed the brand to achieve greater prowess and craftsmanship, debuting the world’s thinnest ladies’ minute repeater to date.

Gleaming diamonds are assiduously set around the case as well as the perimeter of the lugs, and its peacock motif dial combined with blue alligator strap is an ode to the opulence of the brand’s luxurious past.

Lvcea Skeleton

This collection is representative of Bvlgari’s exquisite jewellery and watch expertise. While it may seem geeky to see all the inner workings of the watch up front, under the watchful eyes of the design team from Bvlgari, it gave a breath of new life into the stale and mechanical layout. readyviewed The Lvcea Skeleton is beautifully constructed , with the moving parts resembling a carefully synchronised dance, serving as a backdrop to the Maison’s logo.

For Him:

Octo Roma Watch

A clever union between Italian creativity and preeminence of Swiss watchmaking culminated into the creation of the Octo Roma watch. This distinct watch has been a mainstay at the Maison since 2012 due to its unique shape that is neither round nor square. This design code permeates the Octo Roma collection and while the overall structure has not changed much, the watch is updated to fit the contemporary styles of today. This watch is an icon of discreet luxury ideal for the modern man.

Bvlgari Aluminium Watch

While we have decided to put the Bvlgari Aluminium Watch under the list for “Him”, this 40mm timepiece is actually designed to be genderless. This 90’s symbol has a new iteration this year and like its predecessors, the watch is composed of unconventional materials such as its aluminium case and rubber bezel. readyviewed This collection is a sports piece as it confers the watch up to 100m of water resistance making it highly versatile , taking you from office to the pools.

B.zero1 one-band ring

Drawing inspiration from the famous amphitheatre, the Colosseum, the B.zero1 one-band ring is now one of the Maison’s most distinguished piece of jewellery. An interesting point to note about the ring is the name “zero1”, while the “B” stands for Bvlgari, the latter actually represents the Maison’s first jewellery in the second millennium. Its design is fairly simple, the Maison’s logos are engraved on the outer side while the inner part of the ring allows for personalisation where you can have your initials inscribed. Highly minimal yet visionary, the circularity of the ring is a metaphor for the harmony of the past, present and future.

Visit Bvlgari’s website to shop for the gifts.

By Joseph Low

 

The All-New Naran Automotive HyperCar is Whatever You Want It To Be

With an exclusive portfolio of only 49 beautifully hand-crafted ultra-high-performance cars, Naran Automotive wholeheartedly embodies the idea of art on wheels. Through blending a variety of unique characteristics in order to deliver the purest connection between each vehicle and its driver, readyviewed Naran Automotive’s inaugural high-performance Hyper Coupe will be the first in a driver-focused portfolio of low volume individually tailored hypercars.

Conceptualized with a goal of becoming the world’s fastest four-seater Hypercar around the Nurburgring, this uncompromised roadster showcases a powertrain developed in Germany with a bespoke transmission and 5.0L Twin Turbo V8 engine, capable of delivering an astounding 1048 HP and 1036 Nm of torque. Installed to provide an engaging yet challenging driving experience, this four-seater Naran Hypercar promises to instil confidence and uphold performance in environments with less traction, with an additional option of switching from four-wheel to Rear-Wheel-Drive.

Through utilizing 390mm performance carbon ceramic disks originally developed for 24 hour endurance racing, alongside a bespoke carryover GT3 cooling system which provides the thermal resilience needed to cope with hard track use, the Naran Hypercar is able to significantly reduce wear-and-tear, whilst improving vehicle life expectancy. Combining the knowledge from series racing to create the next generation of analogue driving experiences, Naran Automotive’s latest build boasts hydraulic steering, four-way adjustable dampers, forged carbon ceramic brakes, double-wishbone suspension, hybrid carbon wheels and 1377 KG of downforce.

Available for pre-order online via the Naran Automotive website, this all-new four-seater hypercar will undergo a limited production of 49 examples, personally and extensively individualized to each customer’s preferences and lifestyle. Scheduled to debut in 2021, Naran Automotive has also announced added perks including the option to name or rename the bespoke model during production.

By Julia Roxan

 

Bell & Ross BR01 Cyber Skull extends the watchmaking into the World of Art

Human civilisation has a mixed relationship with the visual motif that is the skull. While the most common symbolic use of the skull is as a representation of death, mortality and the unachievable nature of immortality, Vikings of the first millennium to the paratroopers of the Second World War, including the pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries have used representations of the skull as a prominent warlike symbol.

Suffice it to say, Death’s heads are found throughout art history as well.To those without finely tuned aesthetic judgment, Stephen Gregory’s jewel-decorated human skulls look like they’ve inspired Damien Hirst’s diamond-encrusted skull For the Love of God, but Gregory tells Guardian UK, “My skulls and his are very different objects.” What Damien has done to skulls, casting it in platinum and encrusting it with diamonds, Bell & Ross has done to watchmaking with the potency of humanity’s most recognisable emblem.

When Art and Watchmaking Combine, What results is the New Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull

Skull imagery is popular across many cultures. Lucas Van Leyden’s St Jerome muses over a skull in his study in 1521, referencing Albrecht Durer’s St Jerome of 1514. Even before Hirst, Pablo did a classic Picasso on his 1946 Black Jug and Skull. In the watch world, Bell & Ross broke the mould in 2019 with the launch of its BR 01 SKULL, which dared to shake up traditional watchmaking codes. Recalling warrior archetypes from the Vikings of the first millennium to the paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st American Airborne Division of the Second World War, Bell & Ross a maker of military aviation inspired instruments, elected to pay tribute to these outstandingly martial men who have born the skull sparking a wider trend across the watchmaking industry.

 

Naturally, Bell & Ross has developed other variants of its famed Skull. While the skull is a literal personification of death (and in the case of the paratroopers, “Death from above”), the skull has other poetic and philosophical implications. It symbolises the fragility and brevity of life, particularly in works of art. Venetian painters of the 16th century elaborated moral allegories for their patrons, and memento mori was a common theme: translated “remember you must die” is a constant reminder of one’s own mortality despite the immense scientific advances made during the age of the Enlightenment, recalling the gruesome depictions in ancient paintings or in curiosity cabinets owned by humanists during that Age.

Día de los Muertos or the Mexican Day of the Dead is associated with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, held in November, mocking death by wearing the famous calaveras, artistic representations of skulls, typically rendered in bright colours in opposition to the usual association of black or charcoal funereal hues. This irony is similarly expressed by the BR 01 Cyber Skull in revealing a mischievous smile when its mouth is opened. It has a timelessness displayed in its faceted relief, conveying an ancient symbol in an ultra-contemporary style.

Reminiscent of José Guadalupe Posada’s satirical work with the laughing skull, the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull revisits its famed motif with a design far from the vintage style that is usually associated with the Skull. When last we saw a skull watch, they were either matched with primal tattoos or carved in the style of the Jolly Roger, this time, the BR 01 Cyber Skull establishes itself in contemporary modernity. A watch with several faces (and facets), angular like an F117 Stealth Bomber which projects this watch artpiece firmly in the 20th century and the future.

The Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull is where watchmaking, design, symbolism and bold creativity meet. With its cut sides and sharp edges, the angular silhouette of the BR 01 Cyber Skull ably conveys Bell & Ross heritage for military aviation inspired timepieces. Modelled like the fuselage on an F117 fighter plane, the facets are meant to deflect radar waves rendering the stealth bomber invisible. While this concept is applicable to military jets and sophisticated military ships, in order to conceal their visual identity as much as possible, this technique renders the Cyber Skull watch highly noticeable instead.

Additionally, Bell & Ross has chosen to adorn its Cyber Skull with black matte ceramic. This anti-reflective colour is also used on some military vehicles. Its glazed superstructure is reminiscent of the canopy on a jet. More than just a colour, the new black matte used on the watch gets its depth from a ceramic used to match its design. Its lines, structured like those of a fighter plane, pass under the radar and establish a new design language which bellows in loud contrast to the over-done trends for luxury sports watches and classic watchmaking shapes that favour curves and roundness.

The architecture of the new BR 01 Cyber Skull establishes the brand’s creativity whilst respecting its military and aviation roots. Each element of the watch, the case middle, bezel, crown, skull, crossbones, is structured within the many faces that sculpt the surfaces, creating remarkable depth; metaphorically escaping the radar but attracting attention.

The BR 01 Cyber Skull is Whatever You Perceive it to be

In the same way an artist creates a subjective experience through works that are interpreted in their own way by each person that views them, the new BR 01 Cyber Skull reveals itself fully through the experience of those who wear it. Quite simply, it is akin to Hirst and Gregory’s own creations, treading similar yet divergent paths. Hirst puts eyes in his – so the skulls look back; you interact with them. Damien’s possess the ultraluxe flair of diamonds that one doesn’t quite get one’s eyes to really focus on its countenance.

The new Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull too reveals a fascinating approach to perceived reality: depending on how you look and which facet you start from – the objet d’art appears either futuristic origami thanks to its angular style evocative of an ancestral art of folding, or a pensive if puzzled face (given the raised “eyebrows”), or an awkward Iron Man (the mouth agape), or a genteel Jolly Roger, given the gentleness and subtlety of the crossbones which serve as bridges for the calibre.

A work of traditional watchmaking and yet possessing a visage of modernity, there is no doubt that the faceting of lines is a nod to the digital arts. When a digital image is still, you can see the pixels that it is made up of, a result of the grained, textured surface of the skull and crossbones which dominate your attention so completely.

As an innovative work of its time, the BR 01 Cyber Skull raises questions by capturing people’s eyes with a work of sublime animation: Trapped between two pieces of sapphire crystal, the screwed-down skull and crossbones possesses a jaw which seems to levitate, an automaton powered by the concealed BR-CAL 206 hand-wound movement, ingeniously disguised under the faceted decoration. To make it invisible to the eye, the main plate closely follows the shape of the skull, while the bridges extend up to the four corners of the case, hidden by the tibias. An architecture like this makes the skull appear to float weightlessly inside the case. An impression which is enhanced by the total transparency of the dial, highlighted solely by 12 baton-shaped indices. Only when the watch is turned over is the key to the mystery revealed through the sapphire crystal case-back. This phenomenon is further amplified by the middle of the faceted case with no lugs, also made from black matte ceramic.

The jaws continue to “snigger” when the spring is wound, one of two signs of “life”, the other being the balance spring obviously beating within the brain of the skull – as if to say, the consciousness of man resides in the head rather than the beating organ which keeps our life force flowing at the center of our chests.

The luxury sports watch aesthetics come courtesy of its natural purity of design: lugs carefully integrated into the mid case with the housing for the rubber strap cut out of the volume of the case, measuring 45 mm x 46.5 mm. Its luxurious swagger is further enhanced by the choice of ceramic in creating this post-modern Skull watch. A high-tech material that is solid yet lightweight, the ceramic acquires its legendary hardness, density and resistance in the appearance of black matte, a colour that cannot be achieved with traditional watchmaking materials. The facets of the new Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull are consequently achieved using diamond powder to cut the angular surfaces in the same way jewellers cut a precious stone – no mean feat.

Avant-garde and sculpted, the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull reinvents the popular skull watch it pioneered. In this latest opus, Parisian aesthetic sensibilities and Swiss watchmaking prowess move art and watch lovers alike; an ultra-modern watch which invites one to ask the question: is there new life in a (watch) world that has constantly re-tread old ground? The new Cyber Skull appears to say a resounding, “Yes!”

BR 01 Cyber Skull Price & Specs

Movement Manual winding calibre BR-CAL.208, developed with Concepto, with 50 hours power reserve
Case 46mm matte black ceramic with 50 metres water resistance
Strap Rubber
Price EUR 9,900

 

Van Cleef & Arpels Steals The Show At The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2020

Van Cleef & Arpels’ Frivole Secrète watch

Combining unparalleled craftsmanship, technical prowess & innovation in all its creations, French luxury jewellery, watch, and perfume company Van Cleef & Arpels stole the show at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2020 on Thursday, November 12th. readyviewed Honoured for its immaculate creation of the Frivole Secrète watch, Van Cleef & Arpels has effortlessly and unsurprisingly snatched first place, receiving the prestigious Jewellery Watch Prize.

Van Cleef & Arpels Steals The Show At The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2020

Assembling the Frivole Secrète watch’s dial and secret mechanism

Established for the purpose of highlighting, promoting and rewarding the most remarkable contemporary creations in watchmaking worldwide, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève is overseen by the Canton and City of Geneva, whom are represented by the Foundation Board chairman Raymond Loretan.

Frivole Secrète watch

Playing an unique unifying role through staged competitions involving several hundreds of watches marketed during the year and attributing the highest awards in this domain, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève draws a multitude of elite representatives of the international watchmaking profession in honour of the finest creations and stakeholders who breathe vitality and creativity into the watchmaking world with a series of twenty prizes including the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix (Best in Show) distinction.

Claiming an award which is reserved for  “watches demonstrating exceptional mastery of the art of jewellery and gemsetting” , the Van Cleef & Arpels’ Frivole Secrète watch is characterised by a dial paved with diamonds hidden under mirror- polished gold corollas which illuminate the skin with a precious gleam. As one of many offerings available in the Frivole jewellery collection, this watch expresses a three-dimensional composition through superimposed heart-shaped petals, and intricate mirror-polishing techniques which accentuate the eye-catching presence of each precious metal.

Pad polishing of the Frivole Secrète watch

Enthralled by nature’s metamorphoses, reinterpreting the beauty of the plant world through changing eras and artistic movements, Van Cleef & Arpels upholds an unparalleled standard, through maintaining a tradition of meticulously selecting each stone and strategically positioning the pivoting motif in ways which meet the strictest criteria: D to F for colour and IF to VVS for clarity.

By Julia Roxan

 

A Salute to Royalty

Royal Salute launched an ultra-rare limited edition blend known as The Time Series 52 Year Old Single Cask Finish, meticulously and expertly crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. Blended in the historic Strathisla Distillery, The Time Series is created in the exacting spirit of Royal Salute’s founding — befitting of royalty, a tribute to the British monarch and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

An intense fruity combination of aromas greets its owner when nosed, with ripe plum, toffee red apples and hazelnuts covered in dark chocolate prominent. Out of the 52 years of slow and patient maturation of this liquid gold, the last 14 were spent in a single cask, which gave the whisky a soft and creamy texture. On the palate, pear syrup and hints of licorice enhance flavours of sweet orange marmalade, ginger and scented cloves.

“It’s a personal privilege to create such an outstanding whisky for Royal Salute,” says Hyslop, “The longer the whisky matures, the more intricate it becomes and with 52 years of ageing, the delicate balance of some of the rarest of our whiskies has created an unrivalled depth of flavour and unbelievably complex characteristic, making for a remarkable expression that perfectly shows that time is a key element of our creations.”

The Time Series 52 Year Old is a single cask finish blend housed in a hand-blown Dartington Crystal decanter engraved with a unique number. Every bottle is presented in a five-layered wood box, each representing a decade of the blend, making it a true collector’s item. Only 106 bottles are made, further highlighting the rarity of the Royal Salute Time Series 52 Year Old Single Cask Finish.

If the Royal Salute Time Series is seemingly out of reach, keep an eye out for The Royal Salute Malts Blend winner of Double Gold in the 2020 International Spirits Challenge.

The Malts Blend is crafted with more than 21 precious single malts, each aged for a minimum of 21 years from the five whisky regions of Scotland, which pays homage to the royal 21 Gun Salute that the brand name draws inspiration from. Notes of orchard fruits, enriched by subtle spices greet the palate as the profound whisky offers up its harmonious blend of the various single malts.

Of the four bottles of the Royal Salute Time Series 52 Year Old Single Cask Finish allocated to Singapore, only three are available at $48,888 each. The other bottle was auctioned off during the Pernod Ricard Singapore 30th anniversary party held early this year with all proceeds donated to charity.

By Asaph Low

 

Monitor’s Rest Is 2021’s Most Anticipated High-Alpine Property

Nestled amongst mature forests, this high-alpine property commands dramatic views of Monitor Bowl and the picturesque Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Knitting each element of architecture into the site in a layered and timeless way that reveals a ceremonial arrival sequence of towering spruce trees, and lush gardens, “Monitor’s Rest” is the finest expression of mountain living in The West.

Monitor’s Rest Is 2021’s Most Anticipated High-Alpine Property

Conceived by the award-winning teams at The Iluminus Group, CLB Architects, Design Workshop, Delos, Orsman Design, and Magleby Estate Homes, “Monitor’s Rest” sets the new standard for a true legacy-quality modern compound on 5 ski-in/ski-out acres in the exclusive gated enclave of The Colony at White Pine Canyon. Offering world-class amenities paired with the finest materials and craftsmanship, including Italian steel windows and doors, Croatian limestone, Shou Sugi Ban charred cypress, and a full copper roof combined with an innovative and cohesive layout for a seamless flow throughout, this property showcases over 18,500 square feet of living space.

Situated in close proximity to the Quicksilver Gondola with easy access to Park City Mountain, Monitor’s Rest is a short 10-minute drive to Park City’s Historic Main Street, a 35-minute drive to Salt Lake City International Airport, and a 30 -minute drive to Heber Valley Airport which can accommodate up to Global Express and G650 aircraft.

Featuring 7 bedrooms, an attached lockout guesthouse, 8 custom built-in queen bed bunk rooms, Ski-in and Ski-out access, a heated driveway entrance and porte cochere, plus an in-and-outdoor pool and hot tub, gym with steam and plunge pools, a bowling alley, golf simulator, and indoor sports court, alongside an aerial tower lounge and spa, Monitor’s Rest represents the epitome of luxurious living with spectacular landscape design incorporating massive local granite boulders, tailored plantings, water features, fire elements, wraparound snow melted terraces, and sculptured locations. With parking for up to 20 cars, Monitor’s Rest remains under construction and is set for completion in Spring/Summer 2021.

By Julia Roxan

 

Bvlgari Roma: Travel Tales For The Sophisticated Beauty Lover

Since the house’s founding in 1884, the majestic beauty of Rome has provided Bvlgari with inexhaustible inspiration in the form of archaeological, artistic, and cultural heritage. As a result of the Maison’s deep roots in Rome, readyviewed Bvlgari is regarded one of the region’s most storied purveyors of luxury and style . Personifying its unparalleled class and adventurous spirit in a one-of-a-kind guide to the Eternal City, ‘Bvlgari Roma: Travel Tales for Beauty Lovers’, cleverly connects the city’s landmarks with the timeless Bvlgari designs that they have inspired.

Bvlgari Roma: Travel Tales For The Sophisticated Beauty Lover

Intended for lovers of and visitors to Rome whose level of sophistication far exceeds the typical city guide, Bvlgari Roma: Travel Tales for Beauty Lovers will be coveted by the reader who loves Rome and is an aficionado of the Bvlgari style.

Worth an estimated $40.00 U.S., This portable volume takes the reader on an unprecedented historical, artistic, and emotional tour of the city. In addition to an actual guide to landmarks and monuments, the narration is enriched by short stories by some of the best-known Roman authors from the world of contemporary Italian literature, inspired by the most iconic locations in the city.

Further enhanced by contributions from figures linked to the city by birth, by adoption, or by mere passionate attachment including renowned names from fashion, cinema, sport, and music like Anna Della Russo, Lily Aldridge, Ennio Morricone, Roberto Rossellini, Boy George, and Francesco Vezzoli – Bvlgari Roma: Travel Tales for Beauty Lovers, will provide insight to the brand and city like never before, readyviewed such as through drawing connections between the iconic B-zero1 ring and the Colosseum , alongside the recurrent octagonal geometries of Bvlgari watch dials and the coffered ceiling of the Basilica of Maxentius.

As editor and artistic director Jan Králiĉek states in the Preface: “You will understand how and why the curves of a building are mirrored in a necklace, and how the detail of a mythical painting unfolds into the story of an iconic bracelet or how the dyadic character of a building can be reflected in something as intimate and subtle as a ring”.

By Julia Roxan

 

The World’s Largest Purple-Pink Diamond Fetched $26.6M in Geneva

An auction in Geneva on Wednesday, 11th November 2020, made history for the sale of an ultra-rare purple-pink diamond. The event hosted by Sotheby’s showcased the extremely recherché 14.8-carat Russian diamond, readyviewed known as “The Spirit of the Rose”. Unlike 99% of pink diamonds which are under 10 carats, this stone is one of three in an original collection by Russian mining company, Alrosa.

The World’s Largest Purple-Pink Diamond Fetched $26.6M in Geneva

Taking its name from the 1911 Russian ballet “Le Spectre de la rose,” this precious jewel was cut from an even larger rough rock unearthed in 2017, and even displayed in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taipei before its sale. According to the chairman of Sotheby’s jewellery division, Gary Schuler, the diamond’s rarity is a result of its size and colour, which had been graded as “Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink.” In a measure of its clarity, this stone is classified as “internally flawless,” while belonging to a rare subgroup of diamonds that contain little to no nitrogen.

Despite earning a title as the most expensive purple-pink stone ever to sell at auction, the final price tag proved significantly lower than Sotheby’s estimates. Expecting to fetch up to $38 million, one lucky buyer went home with the world’s most valuable pink diamond for a mere $26.6 million.

By Julia Roxan

 

6 Reasons Why The Demand For Residency & Citizenship by Investment in Malaysia is Surging Amid Covid-19

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey, Founder & Global Managing Partner of Harvey Law Group (HLG), a leading multi-national law firm specializing in Global Residency & Citizenship by Investment since 1992.

Malaysia is reeling from the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions, with no clear signs of this abating in the short term. The surrounding uncertainties are leaving many to contemplate an alternative residency or citizenship. Harvey Law Group (HLG), a leading multinational investment immigration law firm has been advising on investment immigration programs since 1992 and anticipates a further surge in demand for Residency & Citizenship-by-Investment programs going forward.

Sydney, Australia – The Australian Investor Stream Visa 188B requires a minimum investment of AUD 1,500,000 in government bonds.

The concept of Residency & Citizenship planning is still relatively new although its’ popularity is growing. An increasing cohort are initiating their investment immigration plans to traditional destinations such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. There are now a vast number of countries globally that offer investment immigration programs whereby a foreign investor can make a specific investment into a country in exchange for residency or citizenship.

London, United Kingdom – The UK Tier-1 Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of GBP 2,000,000, whilst the UK Innovator Visa requires a minimum GBP 50,000 investment into establishing a viable & innovative business in the UK.

Aside from the traditional destinations, there are alternative European investment immigration programs such as Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Greece and France; most of which are via property purchases. Turkey and Montenegro, although not part of the European Union, also have attractive programs of their own.

Antigua & Barbuda – The beautiful, tropical, offshore tax haven Caribbean island nation requires a minimum donation of USD 100,000 or minimum real estate investment of USD 200,000 in exchange for direct citizenship.

And then, of course, there are the world-renowned direct Citizenship by Investment programs of the island countries of the Caribbean which include Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis and Saint Lucia as well as the island country of Vanuatu located in the South Pacific Ocean. These programs offer affordable, quick and easy direct citizenship in their respective offshore tax havens with strong passports that give visa-free travel access to a multitude of popular and desirable nations worldwide while minimizing tax exposure.

Here are six (6) reasons why the demand for Residency and Citizenship-by-Investment (RCBI) programs are increasing in Malaysia:

The world is your oyster.

  1. Business, Relocation, Expanding Your Options, Family & Children: Given unstable circumstances, businesses and families are increasingly seeking alternative options to relocate or expand their businesses and send their children overseas. Harvey Law Group (HLG) assist, every year and since 1992, hundreds of families worldwide with successful Residency & Citizenship-by-Investment applications, migration and settling into their desired destinations.
  2. Covid-19 & Alternative Residency & Citizenship Planning: The pandemic has accelerated the issue of choosing a new location. For those taking the decision, they are investing in an alternative citizenship or residency and thus are acquiring the “best of both worlds” so to speak. The Caribbean direct Citizenship by Investment programs offers an accelerated pathway and process for obtaining citizenship.
  3. Alternative Investments, Wealth Management & Protection, Diversification & Legacy Planning: Residency & Citizenship-by-Investment programs are sought-after assets and are emerging as an essential strategic investment as part of an efficient and high performing investment portfolio. The investments in most cases can be liquidated after a stipulated holding period should the investor wish to do so. All whilst obtaining an alternative residency or citizenship with all the benefits that entails. It’s about expanding your options, opening doors, extending your horizons and securing your family’s future.
  4. Security, Global Mobility, Visa-Free Travel, Education, Health, Quality of Life & Freedom: An alternative residency or citizenship provides a safety net, an exit strategy, wealth preservation as well as a hedge against adverse economic conditions and political uncertainties. Not only is it the ultimate luxury and status symbol; it is also security in freedom of movement, freedom of choice and quality of life. Depending on the investment immigration program chosen, investors, their spouses, their children and in some cases, extended family as well, receive additional benefits that comes with the investment: fast-track residency or citizenship, visa-free travel privileges, access to world-class education and health care systems as well as enhanced business opportunities.
  5. Increasingly Accessible & Affordable: It is worth noting that people investing into these programs are no longer just the high-net-worth individuals; it has become a popular commodity amongst the upper middle-class as well.
  6. Tax Planning, Offshore Havens, Confidentiality & Asset Management & Planning: The Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment programs such as Antigua & Barbuda, The Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Lucia, start from USD 100,000 – USD 150,000 onward for their respective donation options. These programs are obtained via donations to their respective National Development Funds or investments into their respective government-approved real estate projects. The secluded and beautiful tropical islands of the Caribbean are renowned offshore tax havens.

“Amid these uncertain times, it is important that we continue providing our clients with solutions. And that is providing the correct information on investment immigration programs, adhering to their requirements, delivery of world-class execution and ensuring professional guidance that translates into a successful approval. We are thankful to our clients whom have entrusted us with their confidence on the future of their businesses and families” said Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey, Founder & Global Managing Partner of HLG. “HLG is witnessing a rapid increase in demand for mobility and investment immigration programs amongst the Malaysian community and throughout all our offices worldwide in 2020. We foresee this trend to only continue. As a leader in the investment immigration industry, we hope to be able to offer alternative immigration solutions given the intensifying situation” said Mr. Bastien Trelcat, Managing Partner of HLG.

With a proven track record of over 29 years, Harvey Law Group (HLG) announced the completion of its Wan Chai, Hong Kong head office expansion to cater to the growing categories of clients and to support the progress and growing operations of more than 20 of its worldwide offices, including Malaysia. These successes marked major milestone achievements within the investment immigration industry with the number of global offices set to grow further.

About Harvey Law Group (HLG)

Hong Kong – Home to HLG’s global headquarters.

Harvey Law Group (HLG) is a multinational law firm specializing in corporate law and investment immigration, with a worldwide reputation for representing high-profile clients and corporations. HLG was awarded the Immigration Law Firm of The Year at the Annual Macallan ALB Hong Kong Law Awards from 2014 to 2019. As Asia’s pioneer within the Residency & Citizenship-by-Investment industry, HLG has notably been offering investment immigration services for over 29 years.

Testament to HLG’s commitment to their clientele.

HLG is headquartered in Hong Kong with over 20 offices worldwide including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Ivory Coast, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa and counting. HLG is duly licensed by all investment immigration programs to promote and submit applications on behalf of investors. HLG currently offers Residency & Citizenship-by-Investment (RCBI) programs to 23 countries; notably Canada by way of the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, Caribbean direct Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, Golden Visa Residency options, Thai Elite and Elite Easy Access for the leisurely and business traveler; United States and Turkey. What adds to HLG’s competitive edge is not only in the number of programs it has to offer, but the capacity to accommodate its clients in every corner of the world.

Kuala Lumpur – Home to HLG’s Malaysia office.

For enquiries on your Global Residency & Citizenship by Investment options, contact us at +603 2035 9657, [email protected], website, LinkedIn, Facebook and WeChat (bar code below).

 

The Ferrand Cognac Légendaire Showcases A Subtle Yet Artistic Blend of Classic Innovation

As one of the world’s premier boutique producers of fine spirits, and the architect of the historical spirits movement, Maison Ferrand was founded in 1989 with a mission to preserve age-old, craft production methods that capture the true expression of the spirit, whilst upholding a commitment to revisit the classics when advancing innovation. Unveiling the release of the most exclusive cognacs ever produced, the all-new Ferrand Cognac Légendaire utilizes some of the Maison’s oldest stocks, including liquid that is a century old.

The Ferrand Cognac Légendaire Showcases A Subtle Yet Artistic Blend of Classic Innovation

Conceived from a vineyard on the Angeac terroir in the heart of Grande Champagne, Angeac-Champagne is part of what connoisseurs call the “Golden Triangle”, a highly reputed micro-terroir comprising the best parcels of Grande Champagne. Thanks to the area’s extremely chalky soil, the Ferrand Cognac Légendaire is expected to possess the qualities and necessary acidity of exceptional wine.

Critically distilled under the watchful eye of the fifth generation of cellarmasters, the Ferrand Cognac is distilled slowly, in small onion-shaped pots with a 25 hectolitres capacity, which helps concentrate the aromas and flavours from the wine. Comprising of fresh “Eau de Vie”, from the still and aged in small oak barrels kept in seven different ageing cellars at Logis d’Angeac, the Ferrand Cognac is aged in various casks and “toasted” to different levels, in order to avoid excessive bitterness caused by exaggerated tannins or oak.

Worth approximated $2.8K, the Ferrand Cognac Légendaire is characterized by its maker’s subtle and precise art of blending. Enclosed in an elaborate hand-carved wooden box, only an exclusive set of 500 bottles of the Ferrand Cognac Légendaire will be made available worldwide.

By Julia Roxan