In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news around the world. This week’s highlights: Louis Vuitton makes a case for League of Legends, the new Macallan Edition No.5 shows its true colours and A. Lange & Söhne completes its Lange 1 anniversary collection
Bvlgari unveils its new spring/summer 2020 leather goods and accessories collection
Why you should care: Jewellery and watches remain the main bread and butter for Bvlgari, but it’s worth taking a gander at the Roman brand’s accessories’ line too. Milan Fashion Week saw the debut of its spring/summer 2020 collection, which reimagines the iconic Serpenti bag with modern shapes, bold colours and edgy elements. We’re coveting the new Serpenti Forever Gem Python that comes in smooth black calfskin and back-cut python skin with a handle adorned with multi-shaped onyx and mother-of-pearl studs. That, and the Serpenti Cabochon Backpack, which will surely capture the imagination of the brand’s younger fans with its quilted texture inspired by the brand’s signature cabochon cut.
andBeyond retells Disney classics in the form of luxury travel. Next on the list, The Jungle Book
Why you should care: Disney classic The Jungle Book is brought to life by luxury experiential travel company, andBeyond, with its new safari itinerary. You’ll land in Delhi, where you’ll discover the capital’s thriving cultural hotspots, including Chandni Chowk Market and Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques. Then, you’ll journey on to the wildlife component of the trip, where you’ll get up close and personal with endangered tigers and other magnificent beasts at Kanha National Park, and Pench National Park. The itinerary can be tweaked to your liking.
The Macallan Edition No.5’s true colours
Why you should care: In whisky, colour is as important as taste. In an effort to pay homage to The Macallan’s commitment to natural colour, it has developed the new Edition No.5, which is bottled without the use of spirit caramel, thus allowing it to take on the colour of the barrel. It is full of oak, nutmeg and ginger notes on the nose, and ripe pear on the palate. And in an attempt to further emphasise its connection with colour, the bottle is also decorated with a uniquely bold shade of purple, courtesy of the world-renowned masters of the Pantone Colour Institute.
Louis Vuitton’s autumn/winter 2019 menswear collection and collaboration with Riot Games
Why you should care: Trust Virgil Abloh to create the it bag for the season. This time, it’s from the autumn/winter menswear collection, and is certainly not for your regular wallflowers: the Keepall LED is studded with the LV monogram in varying shades of neon, and is equipped with LED lights, allowing it to glow in the dark. The bag will be available in Singapore from November onwards.
Proving once again that Louis Vuitton has its finger on the pulse of the younger set, it has also collaborated with Riot Games, the developer of the immensely popular PC game, League of Legends. Every year, Riot Games holds a tournament to crown the best League of Legends team in the world with the Summoner Cup, which this year, will be encased in a one-of-a-kind bespoke trophy travel case by Louis Vuitton.
The Chiva-Som International Health Resort is back in action
Why you should care: Whether you’re seeking inner balance or simply a boost of rejuvenation, the Chiva-Som International Health Resort has been around for more than two decades and has built a stellar reputation for its commitment to wellness. Set on the shores of Hua Hin, the 24-year-old resort is currently undergoing an overhaul and will soon reopen this 15 October. There will be plenty to look forward to, be it the new Spa & Water Therapy Suites, Bathing Pavilion (its hydrotherapy pool will be something) or Taste of Siam, a seaside restaurant that boasts uninterrupted sea views, rain or shine.
A. Lange & Söhne completes its anniversary collection with the Lange 1 Tourbillon “25th Anniversary”
Why you should care: When A. Lange & Söhne came back to life after a 45-year hiatus, it launched four collections that would solidify its commitment of exemplary German watchmaking. One of these collections was the Lange 1, which remains a bestseller for the watchmaker, and is now regarded as a horological icon. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, 10 special editions of the Lange 1 have been released throughout the year, including the Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase, Grand Lange 1 and Little Lange 1. Common features are seen throughout, such as the white gold case, deep blue-printed and argenté-coloured dial, and hand-stitched blue alligator leather strap.
The commemorative collection’s final timepiece was recently launched in Singapore, to mark the re-opening of its Ion Orchard boutique. The Lange 1 Tourbillon “25th Anniversary” debuted in 2000 as the world’s first wristwatch with a tourbillon, outsized date, three-day movement and power-reserve indicator. This version is presented in a 38.5-mm white gold case and limited to 25 pieces in white gold.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara redefines adventure glamping in Southern Oman
Why you should care: Immerse in Oman’s heritage as you embark on a new luxurious mobile camping adventure through the terrain of the Dhofar Province. Explore the vast wilderness of Oman via a four-wheel-drive and luxury camp before ending it with a relaxing stay at a beachside resort in Salalah. Whether you want to venture into the depths of the world’s largest desert or camp along the Dhofar coastline in the company of spinner dolphins, it’s your call. Thanks to travel specialist Oman Expeditions, any itinerary can be tailored to your liking, even if it’s a trip centred around astronomy, archaeology or whales.
Cruise through the Mediterranean in luxury and company of great wine
Why you should care: The Mecca of luxury cruise ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has created a 12-night Taste of Tuscany voyage for wine connoisseurs. The voyage will take you from Barcelona to Venice, and is packed with activities, such as offshore excursions, culinary lessons, hosted dinners and wine tastings. You’ll be hosted by celebrity winemaker Justin Baldwin, a former investment and international banker who founded Justin Vineyards and Winery in 1981. If Robert M. Parker Jr. likes him – he ever named Baldwin one of his “Wine Heroes of the Year” – we reckon you would, too.
Harry Winston presents the Premier Precious Peacock Automatic 36mm
Why you should care: Harry Winston’s latest timepiece has drawn inspiration from, you guessed it, peacocks. This timepiece is presented in a 36mm case crafted in either 18-carat white or 18-carat rose gold. Harry Winston has utilised colourful glass mosaic to outline the colourful bird’s silhouette, a notoriously difficult task thanks to the diminutive nature of the dial. As expected from the American jeweller, there’s no shortage of diamonds on the dial and the bezel.
Jaquet Droz unveils its first ever Grande Seconde Chronograph
Why you should care: Jaquet Droz adds its first ever chronograph to its Grande Seconde family of watches, and it’s equipped with an exclusive movement. Retaining its basic figure eight Grande Seconde layout, the limited inaugural edition (only 88 pieces are available) boasts blue steel chronograph hands, minute hands in red gold and a date hand with a red tip; something unusual for Jaquet Droz. Adding to this collection are three permanent contemporary variations, encased in stainless steel and made with sandblasted silver, blue or taupe grey dials.
