In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news around the world. This week’s highlights: chef Ben Bayley creates a stargazing experience, Porsche celebrates the first 911 Turbo, and Tumi celebrates autumn
Bar Bon Funk opens this month
People love Le Bon Funk for many reasons: the accessible wine, buzzy vibe and boy, do they make a mean roast chicken. Everything about its “never fussy, always tasty” culinary ethos is true, and with that, it has been translated into Bar Bon Funk, a neighbourhood cocktail bar fit for a music-loving crowd of 47. Located in New Bahru, a new network of shops and restaurants, Bar Bon Funk will pride itself on deceptively simple “flavour bombs”, made with more techniques and less theatrics. Expect a menu of eight classics, eight signatures and dishes designed by chef-owner Keirin Buck and head chef Ryan Newman. Make your reservation here.
Shishi-Iwa House’s second retreat
Shishi-Iwa House is hosting its second culinary retreat this October, with six celebrated chefs invited—Julien Royer (Odette, Singapore), Mingoo Kang (Hansik Goo, Hong Kong & Mingles, Seoul) and Vaughan Mabee (Amisfield, New Zealand), to name a few—each chosen for their reverence for seasonal ingredients and groundbreaking culinary approaches. Under the theme, ‘Into the Wild’, this annual by-invitation only retreat experiments with collaborative creativity and the intersection of local culture, nature and gastronomy. It is also one of Shishi-Iwa House’s many experiences, such as wilderness trekking adventures and craftsmanship workshops, ways to encourage guests to slow down and be transformed by its majestic surroundings. More here.
H. Moser & Cie joins the F1 family
Joining the likes of TAG Heuer and Girard-Perregaux is H. Moser & Die, the latest watch brand invited by Alpine Racing as a partner. Known for its individualistic character, the family-owned and run brand has developed a highly complex watch—the Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition. Inspired by the idea of ‘sports-luxe’, the 42.3mm mid-century modern watch is a showcase of the brand’s technical abilities with a tourbillon escapement and cylindrical balance spring. Only 100 pieces are available (there are also 20 pink-dialled editions), each priced at CHF89,000. More here.
A starry, starry New Zealand night
Unlike most of the world impacted by light pollution, New Zealand has remained committed to preserving its naturally dark skies, making it a prime destination for this very reason. With five of 17 accredited dark sky reserves in the world, leading chef Ben Bayley has created ‘Pou-o-kai’, a unique restaurant experience that allows guests to graze and stargaze under the stunning night skies of the Southern Alps in Aotearoa. More here.
Porsche celebrates the first 911 Turbo with sneakers
To mark the 50th anniversary of Porsche’s first 911 Turbo, an exclusive 50Y 911 Turbo Sneaker Limited Edition is being launched in collaboration with Puma. There will be two special editions, available through shop.porsche.com and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, and 10 trainers exclusive to 10 Porsche markets and limited to only 911 units—an obvious tribute to the legendary sports car.
Tumi celebrates autumn
Tumi just debuted the Voyageur Leather and 19 Degree Frame collections, two stunning iterations of the brand’s most beloved. To celebrate, global ambassador Mun Ka Young has joined the campaign to transport viewers onto the streets of Seoul for the day. To add authenticity, Tumi worked with director Taejon Song and photographer Kim Gee June, who blended street-style photography with dynamic film techniques to offer viewers a peek into how Tumi products bring style, organisation and excitement to everyday life. More here.
In case you missed it:
Guilt-free wine and dine
From mid-August to end-September, indulge in an exclusive six-hands menu consisting of eco-forward cocktails and an accompanying zero-waste dinner spread.
Around the world with Patek Philippe
You haven’t traversed the world properly until you have done so with a Patek Philippe as your globetrotting companion.
Franck Muller Long Island Evolution
In Figures of Luxury, we bring you insights into the most iconic luxury brands and accoutrements through fascinating facts and figures. This instalment sees the Franck Muller Long Island collection take centre stage. For affluent holidaymakers, Long Island evokes relaxed strolls down New York’s most picturesque beaches and towns. Yet, in the world of luxury watches, the moniker instantly brings to mind one of Franck Muller’s most esteemed collections, a cornerstone of the brand since 2000.
Featured photo by Bar Bon Funk
