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This Week in Luxury: W Maldives gets a new look, UBS and Sergio García tee up for the future, Jil Sander’s new creative director and more

By Robb Report Singapore 17 March, 2025

In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news around the world. This week’s highlights: Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin, Cé La Vi’s transformation, and Brunello Cucinelli’s BC Duo Bag line

The Premier Overwater One-Bedroom Villa. Photo by W Maldives

W Maldives, reimagined

It’s a bold new era for W Maldives. Redefined for locals and global travellers alike, the resort now boasts a stunning renovation that blends contemporary luxury with the island’s untamed beauty, offering meaningful experiences and a cultural deep-dive. Look forward to 77 new hideaways, overwater or on the beach; a hidden bar with uninterrupted views of the house reef; and the brand’s signature Away Spa, a sanctuary that offers rejuvenating experiences with soothing ocean views.

W Maldives

Sergio García and fellow golfers at the UBS Golf Challenge 2025. Photo by UBS

Sergio García tees up for the future

It’s not every day you get to learn from Sergio García, one of the world’s greatest golfers ever, but UBS guests sure got lucky at the recent UBS Golf Challenge 2025. Held at the Tanah Merah Country Club, the event offered the next generation of local golf talents—youth aged from 11 to 16—to learn directly from the pro, who offered personal chipping techniques, a game of golf together, and a one-on-one photo session. In commemoration of Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee and the UBS Optimus Foundation’s 25th anniversary, guests also participated in a Drive for Good Charity Challenge, where UBS would match every 60 metres achieved with a S$60 donation to the foundation’s charity partners. Golfers could also contribute in their own capacity, with every dollar further matched with an additional 20 per cent from the foundation.

UBS

Simone Bellotti, the new creative director at Jil Sander. Photo by Olivier Kervern/Jil Sander

Jil Sander’s new creative director

Joining the Jil Sander team is new creative director Simone Bellotti. With a career spanning positions at Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta and a 16-year tenure at Gucci, Bellotti brings with him a fresh perspective and artistic eye to the storied house and unconditional dedication to elegance, purity and exceptional quality.

Jil Sander

In cross-pollinating capsules by Maison Margiela and Christian Louboutin, see the latter’s silhouettes take on the inverted and subversive lens of Maison Margiela. Photo by Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin 

Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin

Maison Margiela and Christian Louboutin just released their first collaborative prêt-à-porter collection, which sees a dressmaker and shoemaker interpret individual creative languages in cross-pollinating capsules. See Maison Margiela’s signature Tabi tap on the curvaceous and feminine form of Christian Louboutin, and Christian Louboutin’s seductive silhouettes take on the inverted and subversive lens of Maison Margiela.

Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin

A bird’s-eye view of Cé La Vi Singapore and Marina Bay Sands. Photo by Cé La Vi

Cé La Vi Singapore’s transformation

An ambitious renovation project is underway as the homegrown rooftop destination turns 15. Until June 2025, Cé La Vi Singapore will be transforming its Restaurant and Sky Bar, a project that aligns with Marina Bay Sands’ multi-year redevelopment. In collaboration with Project Design International, the refreshed space will see the dining area seamlessly transition into a backlit onyx stone bar with a wine cellar backdrop, an enlarged private dining room, and a new, elegant sky bar that’s casual and classy all at once. Until completion, fans of Cé La Vi can continue to dine at the Club Lounge, which will feature a weekend Skyline Grill experience, Ladies’ Night on Wednesdays and Higher on Fridays, a night filled with Top 40 hits, hip hop and Afro.

Cé La Vi

Crafted with precise artisanal techniques, each BC Duo Bag is available in soft calfskin, classic suede, denim or lamé leather. Photo by Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello Cucinelli’s BC Duo Bag line

In celebration of the union between the brand’s two iconic initials, the BC Duo Bag line was born, tying together the history, style and philosophy that Brunello Cucinelli firmly stands for. Crafted with precise artisanal techniques, each BC Duo Bag has been sculpted with refined finishes and subtle stitching, and geometric panels that converge into a harmonious balance as a whole. Available in four sizes, it ranges from soft calfskin and classic suede to denim and lamé leather in metallic tones.

Brunello Cucinelli

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Featured photo by W Maldives