In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: Cartier joins The Lion’s Share, Mercedes-Benz adds new electric vehicles to the EQ series and a new unisex sneaker by Fendi
A magnificent Muzo emerald and diamond double rivière is set to go up for auction at Christie’s
Why you should care: Auction house Christie’s has unveiled a spectacular Muzo emerald and diamond double rivière as one of the highlights in its upcoming Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction. Made by master craftsman Edmond Chin for the illustrious House of Boghossian, the necklace comprises 28 natural emeralds from the Muzo mines in Colombia – weighing a combined 117.60 carats – perfectly cut and set with diamonds. The necklace is scheduled to go on auction this 29 November 2020 and is expected to fetch an estimate of HK$55,000,000 to HK$80,000,000 (S$9,612,928 to S$13,982,442).
Blancpain releases two new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe models
Why you should care: The Day Date Desert and the Flyback Chronograph Green editions are the two latest modern dive watches that Blancpain has added to its Fifty Fathoms collection. The desert-themed model, aptly released in a sandy-beige-coloured dial and paired with a sand-coloured sail canvas strap, is inspired by underwater photography pioneer Ernest H. Brooks II’s 1962 dive at Devils Hole – a chasm in Death Valley National Park that leads to an underwater aquifer. The Fyback Chronograph, on the other hand, comes in a singular shade of green, equipped with an in-house F385 calibre that is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. The Day Date model is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces, each priced at US$12,700 (S$17,202), while the Flying Chronograph retails for US$17,200 (S$23,297) each.
Cartier joins The Lion’s Share Fund to aid global conservation efforts
Why you should care: Luxury Maison Cartier has recently joined The Lion’s Share, a global initiative that seeks to address environmental issues like loss of biodiversity and climate change. Led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the fund aims to raise over US$100 million (S$135,450,000) a year within the next five years, to halt biodiversity loss and protect habitats. Brands like Cartier that have joined the fund, will contribute 0.5 per cent of their media spend for each advertisement that features an animal, and this will go towards aiding animal conservation and preventing habitat loss. In 2018, for instance, the fund helped the Niassa National Reserve in Mozambique eliminate elephant poaching, through upgrading critical radio systems for law enforcement officers protecting wildlife.
Louis XIII launches a new, immersive e-boutique platform
Why you should care: Founded in 1874, Louis XIII has been defined by a strong sense of heritage and relentless pursuit of innovation. The brand is now reimagining how clients can experience its expertise and exquisite craftmanship virtually, with a new e-boutique platform that offers a host of exclusive, user-centric services. This includes access to unique events across the world, limited edition products, personalised customisation and an online concierge service. Louis XIII’s most valued clients will also enjoy access to a premium pre-ordering system and direct contact with one of the brand’s private directors. The e-boutique platform is now available in the UK and will be progressively made available in other countries.
Mercedes-Benz adds new electric vehicles to its battery-powered EQ line
Why you should care: Mercedes-Benz just announced plans to expand its zero-emission EQ line of electric vehicles (EVs) with six new models, based on the A-, E– and S-Classes. This includes the flagship EQS, a luxury sedan with 700km of range, as well as the EQE, touted to be the ‘business limousine of the future’. There will also be the addition of the EQS SUV, which is scheduled to be released in 2022. The German automaker has been conducting test drives of the new EVs, confirming that the series is ready for production – the first of which, the EQS, is expected to hit the market as early as 2021.
Elevate your sartorial style with Fendi’s new unisex sneaker, the Fendi Flow
Why you should care: Functionality, comfort and style are the hallmarks of Fendi’s new unisex slip-on sneaker, the Fendi Flow. It is fashioned from sleek suede, translucent tech fabric, a light rubber sole and elasticated laces, and has ‘Fendi Flow’ notably embossed on the heel and its signature ‘FF’ motif on its tongue. The Flow comes in a series of bold, multihued designs sure to leave a lasting impression wherever you’re headed to, and is now available at all Fendi boutiques worldwide.
A new Bitter Peach fragrance by Tom Ford for women and men
Why you should care: Tom Ford’s latest private blend perfume Bitter Peach, is a fruity-floral fragrance that’s both sweet and sensual, bursting with the ripe notes of pêche de vigne and Sicilian blood orange oil. It also has a hint of spice from cardamom oil and is enriched with Cognac oil, sandalwood and patchouli oil, which leave a rich, aromatic drydown. The flacon itself is designed with an opaque inner lacquering and a tinted translucent outer layer. Each bottle retails for S$478 (50ml) and S$1,250 (250ml), and is available across all Tom Ford boutiques islandwide.
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