Issuu

NO. 78

THE ART OF

LUXURY

£9.99

DEFINING LUXURY LIFESTYLE

GUCCI PRIMAVERA CAMPAIGN

TIME AND SPEED, REUNITED

ISA LARGE YACHT COLLECTION

Celebrating the transformative power of love | p. 16

Breitling and Aston Martin present tribute to DB5 | p. 28

Dedicated to superyachts between 80 and 90 metres | p. 56

LEICA ZM 11 Every Second Is A First. A new perspective. The Leica ZM 11 combines iconic Leica design with state-of-the-art technology and precision – down to the tiniest detail. The exceptional Leica Automatic calibre LA-3001, produced in collaboration with the Swiss watch-movement developer Chronode, promises the finest mechanical craftsmanship – the very essence of Leica for the last 150 years. Depending on the angle at which it is viewed, the double-layered dial produces sophisticated colour gradients that change with the ambient light, providing unique accents for the three different versions: the Leica ZM 11 Launch Edition, the ZM 11 Coffee Black and the ZM 11 Midnight Blue. Also included, the innovative Easy-Change clasp system, for a smooth change between different straps. A watch for every occasion.

Discover the Leica Watch Collection: www.leica-camera.com/leica-watch

BOOK YOUR 2026 & 2027

LUXURY FLORIDA VILLA Discover Lake View Orlando — a stunning four-bedroom villa overlooking tranquil waters in the heart of Florida. As an Airbnb Superhost and Guest Favourite, every stay provides exceptional comfort, privacy, and style. Relax by your private screened pool, enjoy sunset views across the lake, and explore world-famous attractions just a short drive to Disney and Universal Studios and to Orlando’s finest dining and shopping.

Whether planning your 2026 family adventure or a 2027 escape in the sun, Lake View Orlando offers the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. Thoughtfully designed for discerning guests, it’s where attention to detail meets effortless hospitality. Secure your dream villa early and experience the difference that true Florida luxury makes.

Experience the comfort, style, and serenity that make Lake View Orlando one of Florida’s most sought-after villa stays. • • • • • • •

Private screened pool with breathtaking lake views Four spacious bedrooms, sleeping up to eight guests Modern open-plan living with contemporary décor Fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities A short drive from Disney, Universal & premium outlets Airbnb Superhost and Guest Favourite property Ideal for families, couples, and group getaways

Book your stay now at airbnb.co.uk/h/lakevieworlando or email bookings@lakevieworlando.com for more information.

SCAN ME

DISCOVER

DISCOVER CATEGORIES FASHION, BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE

JEWELLERY

WATCHES & TIMEPIECES

AUTOMOTIVE

YACHTS & YACHTING

LUXURY TRAVEL

LUXURY HOMES

TECHNOLOGY This issues cover image is courtesy of ISA Yachts | www.isayachts.com

MUSIC & ARTS

TEAM Editor in Chief Antony Holter T: 01304 806039 E: editor@theartofluxurymagazine.com

Business Manager Josh Holmes T: 01304 806039 E: josh@theartofluxurymagazine.com

Editor Francesca Buccini T: 01304 806039 E: editor@theartofluxurymagazine.com

Accounts Department Alison Holmes T: 01304 806039 E: accounts@mhmediaglobal.com

Sales Director Sofia Lionetti T: 01304 806039 E: sales@theartofluxurymagazine.com Sales Manager Rupert Churchman T: 01304 806039 E: rupert@theartofluxurymagazine.com

Digital Manager Jamie Bullock T: 01227 936971 E: jamie@mhmagazine.co.uk Studio Designer Sarah Johnson E: sarah@mhmagazine.co.uk

Publishing Director Martin Holmes T: 01304 806039 E: martin@mhmagazine.co.uk PUBLISHERS

MH Media Global Ltd 18/20 Newington Road Ramsgate Kent CT12 6EE

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in The Art Of Luxury however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

ISSUE 78 2026

THE ART OF LUXURY

CONTENTS

Fashion, Beauty & Fragrance 12

20 22

La Beauté Louis Vuitton marks a defining new moment: a limited edition beauty collaboration- the first of its kind - between Louis Vuitton Artistic Director, Nicolas Ghesquière, and Creative Director, Cosmetics, Dame Pat McGrath DBE.

The House unveils the Gucci Primavera campaign, celebrating the sense of rebirth that comes through the transformative power of love. Acqua di Parma presents Cedro Virtuoso, a new Eau de Parfum from the Signatures of the Sun collection, that celebrates the sensorial warmth of creation—the moment when an idea begins to take shape, and inner confidence turns sensibility into emotion. Bentley Fragrances unveils BECOME Odyssey, the latest chapter in the BECOME collection. A noble ingredient among all, oud wood stands out as a true “black gold” in perfumery, whose finest qualities reveal a multitude of nuances: smoky, animalic, honeyed, floral, or even fruity.

Jewellery 24

From Loose Diamond to Lasting Legacy: Inside the Art of Bespoke Jewellery Design.

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Watches & Timepieces

Automotive

Off-White™ officially launches the “TIME” collection, the brand’s firstever watch line and a new chapter in its evolving creative universe. Introduced in 1963, one of the world’s most iconic on-screen cars, the Aston Martin DB5, became synonymous with British culture, design, and innovation, firmly establishing Aston Martin as one of Britain’s most desirable luxury brands. Today, Breitling and Aston Martin proudly bring that shared legacy to the wrist with the Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5, presented in three distinct limited editions.

Aston Martin Newport Beach, in collaboration with Aston Martin’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin, has unveiled an exclusive collection of five bespoke ‘Heritage Edition’ sports cars that celebrate some of the marque’s most memorable paint colours from the 1960s and 1970s. The fastest Urus ever redefines the Super SUV concept, combining extreme performance, driving precision and uncompromising comfort. Presented on the occasion of Visionnaire’s London flagship store grand opening, the bespoke Range Rover Long Wheelbase Autobiography brings together luxury automotive personalisation, Italian artistry and contemporary global lifestyle.

CONTENTS

Yachts & Yachting 46

50 56

Heesen Yachts is proud to announce the launch of a 57-metre full-custom, all-aluminium motor yacht of 920 GT, at its shipyard in Oss, the Netherlands. Must-see yachts at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026. ISA Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, presents the ISA Large Yacht Collection, a new design platform dedicated to superyachts between 80 and 90 metres, conceived to create fully customised large yachts developed on a proven technical platform.

A cascade of tiered terraces unfolds into a 180° embrace of the sea, flowing effortlessly into the Main Deck. The new Azimut Seadeck 9 embodies an architecture of pure connection, turning wellness into wholeness.

Luxury Travel 66

As demand for exceptional private island homes continues to outpace supply, SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS has unveiled an exclusive collection of fully serviced private residences at DON MAAGA MALDIVES, introducing a new chapter for residential ownership in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Shebara is a 73-key hyper luxury eco resort located in Saudi Arabia and developed by Red Sea Global. The island has a highly diverse environment with dense mangroves, desert flora, dunes, turtle nesting, and some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. Three science-led wellness journeys combine advanced medical expertise with luxury island living, helping guests restore sleep, recover from stress and optimise hormonal wellbeing. The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok is now accepting bookings for stays from 20 December. Set along the Chao Phraya River in the Thai capital’s Bang Rak District, the highly anticipated hotel centres on the city’s storied Custom House building, which is undergoing meticulous restoration.

Luxury Homes 88

London’s only design studio offering fully bespoke rental schemes for prime and superprime properties, with unique pieces designed specifically for each home without the need for upfront purchase, shares how this approach is transforming the sale and letting of London’s most desirable residences.

The Italian company Porro plays a leading role in the heart of Shanghai’s North Bund, one of the key areas of contemporary urban transformation. Located in the Poetto district of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), the villa originates from the transformation of an existing structure dating back to the late 1930s, offering an opportunity to reflect on the theme of transformation.

Technology 102

110

The new D5 range introduces a host of new technologies and design refinements to further assert its status as the world’s most revered and iconic range of high-end loudspeakers. The iconic French Riviera hotel partners with Technogym to deliver a refined wellness experience designed to meet the expectations of an international clientele.

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FASHION, BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE

A BEAUTY CONVERSATION:

DAME PAT MCGRATH X NICOLAS GHESQUIÈRE

THE VERY FIRST LA BEAUTÉ LOUIS VUITTON COLLABORATION

THE COLLABORATION

Dame Pat McGrath x Nicolas Ghesquière

Inspired by two iconic Monogram canvases and marking the 130th anniversary of the celebrated monogram: Monogram Dune and Monogram Infrarouge are two complete worlds - two expressions of the Louis Vuitton woman - united by the Maison’s founding commitment to artistry, craftsmanship, and the beauty of travel.

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For over two decades, Dame Pat McGrath has been the creative force behind the beauty on the Louis Vuitton runway - translating the vision of each collection into looks that complete its character, its attitude, and its emotion. When

FASHION, BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE

Nicolas Ghesquière took the helm as Artistic Director, that creative dialogue found a new and defining expression.

“Beauty has always been complementary to how I conceive a silhouette - it completes the character, the attitude, the emotion of a look. With La Beauté Louis Vuitton, we are extending that vision beyond the runway. It’s a way of allowing the Louis Vuitton woman to carry that expression into her everyday life.” Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director, Louis Vuitton “Nicolas and I have been building looks together backstage at Louis Vuitton for so many years now there is a shorthand between us: a trust and a creative cohesion. What we have created with this collection for La Beauté is the natural next step of that conversation. The products did not begin with a brief they began with a feeling, the same feeling we always create together backstage before a show. That is what makes it so extraordinary. It is not a collaboration in the traditional sense. It is an evolution of our partnership.” Dame Pat McGrath, Creative Director, Cosmetics

THE CREATIVE VISION

stories. Together, they offer the full range of the Louis Vuitton woman: tender and powerful, intimate and unapologetic, always entirely herself.

MONOGRAM DUNE Monogram Dune is the world of quiet power and poetic luminosity. Inspired by the ever-shifting beauty of the desert landscape where light continuously reshapes colour, depth, and perception - it is a collection built for the woman who moves through the world with warmth, elegance, and an effortless assurance. Soft beiges and sun-warmed nudes define her palette, each shade chosen to feel as intimate as a second skin and

as enduring as the landscape that inspired it. LV Ombres 724 Monogram Dune Eyeshadow Palette - 300€ A Tribute to Shifting Horizons LV Rouge 724 Monogram Dune Satin Lipstick - 170€ The Poetry of Delicacy LV Baume 098 Stellar Veil - Topper Lip Balm - 170€ Capturing Light and Illusion

“Monogram Dune is luminous and warm. She moves through the world with a stealth assurance. Her beauty is timeless, effortless - and all the more powerful for it.” Dame Pat McGrath, Creative Director, Cosmetics

Two Canvases, Two Expressions of the LV Woman - Celebrating 130 Years of the Monogram Two canvases. Two temperaments. Two complete expressions of the Louis Vuitton woman - where contrasting expressions co-exist in harmony: softness and strength; light and shadow; revelation and mystery. A duality that celebrates the distinct facets of her identity, moving between these extremes with elegance and intention. The result is a limited-edition collection of eyes and lips that tell two distinct but complementary

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MONOGRAM INFRAROUGE Monogram Infrarouge is the world of fearless intensity and self-defined femininity. Where Monogram Dune whispers, Monogram Infrarouge declares. Inspired by the striking drama of the Monogram Infrarouge canvas - deep black saturated with the most vivid red - it is a collection for the woman who embraces contrast, who wears boldness as a second nature, and whose beauty commands attention without ever seeking approval. High contrast, unapologetic, and entirely selfpossessed: this is the Louis Vuitton heroine at her most fearless.

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LV Ombres 715 Monogram Infrarouge - Eyeshadow Palette 300€ The Power of Self-Definition LV Rouge 715 Monogram Infrarouge - Satin Lipstick - 170€ Confidence in Its Boldest Form LV Baume 099 Galactic Veil Topper Lip Balm - 170€ Intensity in Every Reflection

“Infrarouge is the counterpart to Dune - fearless, high-contrast, unapologetic. She does not ask for your attention. She commands it. There is depth, drama, and the kind of boldness that is completely mesmerizing.” Dame Pat McGrath, Creative Director, Cosmetics

FASHION, BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE

GUCCI PRESENTS

THE PRIMAVERA CAMPAIGN The House unveils the Gucci Primavera campaign, celebrating the sense of rebirth that comes through the transformative power of love.

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Directed by Johan Renck, the short film sees Kate Moss lip-syncing to Chris Isaak’s baritone rendition of “Wicked Game” as a room of strangers awakens, pairs off, and falls in love on the dance floor,

evoking the emotional intensity of human connection and the sense of possibility that define new love. Photographed by Michal Chelbin, the campaign comprises intimate

FASHION, BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE

portraits conceived in the spirit of modern Renaissance imagery. Echoing the compositions, poses, and grandiosity of classical painting, the images bring together 10 talents spanning music, film, fashion, and sport, including Global Brand Ambassadors Xiao Zhan, Jin and NINGNING, as well as Tom Brady, Alex Consani, EsDeeKid, Lee Young Ae, Shawn Mendes, Rico Nasty, and

Tarzzan, forming a cross-section of individuals who embody the diverse facets of Gucci’s evolving spirit and Demna’s vision for the House. The campaign showcases the collection presented during Demna’s debut fashion show for Gucci. A new vocabulary of silhouettes and textures that

expresses a vision of lightness and ease through multiple modes of dressing; a contemporary expression of Gucci’s identity intertwined with the House’s heritage.

www.gucci.com

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A warm embrace that envelops, encouraging inner confidence and the light to shine from within.

CEDRO VIRTUOSO Acqua di Parma presents Cedro Virtuoso, a new Eau de Parfum from the Signatures of the Sun collection, that celebrates the sensorial warmth of creation—the moment when an idea begins to take shape, and inner confidence turns sensibility into emotion. Like different stages of a creative process, the fragrance unfolds like an enveloping embrace, encouraging the act of creating and spirit of self-expression. Between vivid, vibrant notes and deeper, cocooning tones that accompany

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the journey from intuition to realization is the fragrance’s distinctive singularity: a co-infusion of Virginia cedarwood and hazelnut essence created exclusively for Acqua di Parma, whose encounter shapes a creamy woody and luminous signature. THE SENSORIAL WARMTH OF CREATION Cedro Virtuoso begins with a deliberate choice: a tailor-made co-infusion of Virginia cedarwood

and hazelnut essence. Developed through a maceration process, the two raw materials are infused together for 30 days, allowing them to evolve side by side. As time passes, hazelnut essence develop a creamy, rounded softness, while cedarwood maintains its dry, structured presence. The aromatic depth of the infusion gives the final composition its opulent texture—a creamy and woody signature. From this singular process emerges a woody gourmand fragrance

FASHION, BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE

shaped by contrast and balance. The composition opens with the bright lift of Calabrian bergamot, bringing clarity and freshness, before moving naturally into a warmer, more rounded depth. Cedarwood unfolds through multiple expressions, shifting between smooth warmth, spiced balsamic tones, and refined aromatic nuances that give structure and presence to the scent. As it settles, the trail becomes deeper and more enveloping, leaving an impression that feels warm, assured, and quietly expressive. The nose behind the composition, Fabrice Pellegrin, set out to translate the strength and elegance of cedarwood into something modern and textured, without being predictable. The unexpected presence of hazelnut essence softens the wood, adding roundness while preserving structure, resulting in a fragrance that feels layered and nuanced, while remaining immediate and natural on the skin. By moving away from established codes, Cedro Virtuoso offers a contemporary olfactive signature that feels elegant, and effortlessly inclusive. A WARM EMBRACE THAT ENVELOPS, ENCOURAGING INNER CONFIDENCE AND THE LIGHT TO SHINE FROM WITHIN.

“I wanted to evoke a sense of beauty and joy - something luminous yet introspective. Cedro Virtuoso began as an idea of light meeting depth, like a quiet moment of clarity that feels both uplifting and timeless. Cedarwood naturally carries verticality, while hazelnut essence, often perceived as gourmand, actually reveals beautiful woody facets. By highlighting those facets, I was able to create a bridge between the two ingredients, shaping a balance where texture and elegance coexist rather than contrast,” says Pellegrin.

THE SIGNATURES OF THE SUN RITUAL

THE ATELIER: WHERE MASTERY MEETS CREATIVITY

The ritual extends beyond the Eau de Parfum into a range for body and home. The Crema Pregiata per il Corpo (body cream) and Sapone Classico Mani e Corpo (hand and body wash) translate the woody signature into daily rituals, bringing warmth, comfort, and care through gentle textures and familiar gestures. The Candle and Diffuser carry the same atmosphere into living spaces, shaping environments that feel composed and intentional. Together, these creations allow Cedro Virtuoso to be experienced as a continuous expression where confidence and creativity linger in every moment.

The campaign unfolds within a luminous design atelier. Here, the space becomes a metaphor for the creation process itself—a place where mastery meets creativity and ideas gradually take form. Imagination and craftsmanship fill the air, encouraging new ideas and experimentation. Materials are shaped through expertise, and each gesture reflects the transformation that accompanies every act of making. Cedro Virtuoso’s dialogue with cedarwood comes to life through the creation of sculptural cedar totems—six pieces handcrafted in Italy, whose soft, rounded forms echo the enveloping character of the scent and will later appear in the Maison’s boutique in Milan.

www.acquadiparma.com

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FASHION, BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE

BE THE JOURNEY

BENTLEY FRAGRANCES INTRODUCES BECOME ODYSSEY Bentley Fragrances unveils BECOME Odyssey, the latest chapter in the BECOME collection. Building on BECOME and BECOME Zenith, the new Eau de Parfum celebrates the freedom to shape your own journey.

THE BECOME COLLECTION Since its launch, the BECOME line has embodied a modern manifesto of self-expression:

Inspired by the spirit of adventure, BECOME Odyssey evokes a sense of openness and discovery, inviting new perspectives with every step of the path.

•

Top notes : Bergamot Oil, Fresh Ginger Oil

•

Heart notes : Black Pepper Oil, Tea Accord

•

Base notes : Vetiver Oil, Sandalwood Accord, Musks

It opens with vibrant bergamot and radiant ginger, creating a bright and lively opening. At its heart, black pepper and tea accord create an elegant contrast, while the base unfolds into earthy vetiver, creamy sandalwood and enveloping musks for a lasting aura of intensity.

BECOME – UNFOLD YOUR STORY

•

BECOME Zenith – ELEVATE YOUR JOURNEY

•

BECOME Odyssey – BE THE JOURNEY

With Odyssey, Bentley Fragrances expands the collection into a new emotional territory — one driven by exploration, openness and infinite perspective.

A SCENT OF DISCOVERY AND DEPTH Crafted by perfumers Pierre Gueros and Alexandra Carlin, the composition reveals a subtle interplay of luminous freshness, energising spices and sensual woods.

•

BECOME Odyssey offers a confident, contemporary expression of the BECOME spirit.

Format: 100ml format

A VISION OF MODERN ELEGANCE Continuing the visual language of the BECOME collection, the sculptural flacon reflects Bentley’s contemporary interpretation of luxury and precision, presented in soft sand-toned gradients. Every detail reflects Bentley’s dedication to craftsmanship and elevated design, blending modern aesthetics with environmental consciousness.

Through Bentley retailers worldwide, selected beauty retailers, and online at shop.bentleymotors.com.

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MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN PARIS

OUD VELVET MOOD, A SCENT THAT FEELS LIKE FABRIC

A noble ingredient among all, oud wood stands out as a true “black gold” in perfumery, whose finest qualities reveal a multitude of nuances: smoky, animalic, honeyed, floral, or even fruity. In 2012, seduced by this untamed, precious, ambergris-like natural material, Francis Kurkdjian undertook to explore its infinite richness, trace out its sensual silhouettes, and unlock its secrets. He then introduced into the Maison’s fragrance wardrobe an essence remarkable for its extraordinary olfactory properties: a distillation where every facet harmonises with the others, whether animalic, honeyed, floral, fruity, musky…

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As a Parisian designer, his primary intention was to bring a new perspective to this iconic wood, symbolic in many Eastern cultures, by exploring its sensual yet rough facets. Just as patchouli, sandalwood, or vetiver did in their time, it now represents the tradition of French perfumery. Shaping these precious materials, being steered by a quest for harmony – this was Francis Kurkdjian’s bold ambition for the OUD mood collection.

“What fascinates me about oud wood is its history, its complexity, but also its rough, almost animal sensuality. These days, animalic notes like castoreum and civet have disappeared from our palettes.

Oud allows us to use an animalic facet that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern perfumery.” Francis Kurkdjian Showcasing his interest in the world of fashion, the perfumer and co-founder of the Maison drew inspiration from the textures of various fabrics to create unique expressions of oud. After the crisp, subtle glide of raw silk with OUD silk mood and the fluid sensuality of satin with OUD satin mood, Francis Kurkdjian now captures the carnal softness of velvet with OUD velvet mood, thus adding a new masterpiece to one of the Maison’s emblematic collections.

FASHION, BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE

OUD VELVET MOOD, Inspired by desert dunes

“Last year, I visited Liwa’s dunes and spent some time out in the middle of some of the Persian Gulf’s most sensational, spectacular landscapes. I was struck by those infinite horizons, where the gaze is swallowed into nothingness. The raw, bewitching beauty of the desert, the tactile sensuality of sand, the organic, shifting, almost carnal dunes sculpted by light and wind… It was this dream world – a combination of vastness and intimacy – that I wanted to distill into OUD velvet mood, into a moment when fragrance becomes a caress.” Francis Kurkdjian With its soft, enveloping texture, OUD velvet mood hinges on oud to build a sillage inspired by the unique sensuality of sand in the desert. Among dunes swaying in the desert winds and gleaming, shimmering stars, sand brings to mind a piece of velvet – one that irresistibly calls to be touched. Filled with the day’s sun, it then surprises with its warmth and infinite softness… Marveling at these sensations and textures during a night spent in the Dubai desert, Francis Kurkdjian wished to transcribe them into a new Extrait de Parfum.

“I have always considered the Extrait to be the ultimate olfactory form of a fragrance, its quintessence in terms of concentration and the use of noble materials, both synthetic and natural.” Francis Kurkdjian Peach and oud, a sensual duo With OUD velvet mood, Francis Kurkdjian strengthens his identity and approach as a Parisian perfumer. He pairs ingredients sourced from the world over

with an idea of equilibrium and harmony, using a technique that is both opulent and essential. Fascinated by these magnificent ingredients from inspiring, faraway lands, he strives to integrate them into his Western perfumery palette and transform them – through his own expertise – according to the tradition and heritage of French perfumery. At the heart of OUD velvet mood, the raw character of oud wood is tempered by a joyful and textured peach note. Coupled with the leathery and apricot facets of osmanthus, a supple suede accord accentuates the “bare skin” effect of this carnal and contemporary sillage, which feels like the warmth of a slow caress. The sensuality of a material that one brushes against, that beckons to be savored slowly, infinitely.

Inspired by a crystal bottle originally designed to fit into a travel case, the Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance bottle has always had a square silhouette with facets cut at sharp, yet not aggressive, angles. The Maison’s monogram, this double “KK,” is embedded into the glass like a seal, the way an artist signs their work. The bottles are topped with a golden cap, also monogrammed, that contrasts with their dark, tinted glass. A play of light, radiance, and vibration that reinforces the olfactory universe of OUD velvet mood Extrait de parfum.

Exclusively available at Harrods Knightsbridge and H Beauty stores until September 1, 2026. Available at authorized Maison Francis Kurkdjian retailers and online from September 1, 2026.

“Oud wood naturally possesses fruity and honeyed facets, which I wanted to accentuate in a new fragrance that reveals the colourful, luminous dimensions of this utterly mysterious ingredient. OUD velvet mood is a fairly simple composition in a very contemporary style, where the velvety notes of peach smooth out the rough side of oud without altering it.” Francis Kurkdjian Dark as night, bright as gold “I love universal narratives, selfevident and simple stories. I love universal narratives, obvious, simple stories. I always look for a name that is both evocative, opens horizons, and leaves room for mystery, so that the person wearing my creation can freely project their imagination onto it. Like an outfit that suits you perfectly – one that hugs your every curve and movement – it applies no restrictions. You can move, live, breathe freely…” Francis Kurkdjian

OUD VELVET MOOD Extrait de parfum Olfactory family: woody – fruity

www.franciskurkdjian.com

Recommended retail price: 35ml – £225 | 70ml – £360

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THE ART OF LUXURY

JEWELLERY

FROM LOOSE DIAMOND TO LASTING LEGACY:

INSIDE THE ART OF BESPOKE JEWELLERY DESIGN What rare gemstones or bold diamond cuts are you seeing as the ultimate status symbols for bespoke clients today?

How do bespoke tastes differ between clients visiting your Place Vendôme showroom versus your Dubai location?

Can you walk us through the stepby-step journey of turning a client’s initial idea and a loose diamond into a finished heirloom?

We’re seeing a move away from simply prioritising size towards rarity and individuality. Fancy coloured diamonds, particularly vivid yellows and pinks, continue to be highly coveted, alongside exceptional emeralds, rubies and unheated sapphires. In terms of diamond cuts, elongated cushions, Asschers and antique-inspired cuts are increasingly sought after, as clients appreciate their character and timeless elegance over more conventional choices.

While every client is unique, there are noticeable regional preferences. Clients visiting our showroom in Place Vendôme often gravitate towards understated sophistication, intricate craftsmanship and vintage-inspired details. In Dubai, clients visiting us are typically more adventurous with scale, colour and statement designs, embracing bold proportions and exceptional centre stones. Regardless of location, the common thread is a desire for pieces that are deeply personal.

The process always begins with understanding the client - their style, lifestyle and the story behind the piece. Once the centre stone is selected, we explore design concepts through sketches and CAD renders, refining every detail collaboratively. After the design is approved, our master craftspeople handcraft the piece, carefully setting the stone and finishing every aspect to the highest standard. Before delivery, the piece undergoes rigorous quality checks

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JEWELLERY

to ensure it is both beautiful and built to last for generations. How do you design showstopping, high-carat pieces so they are durable and comfortable enough for everyday wear? Balancing aesthetics with practicality is one of the most important aspects of bespoke design. We carefully engineer the setting to distribute weight evenly, protect vulnerable areas of the gemstone and create a comfortable fit without compromising visual impact. Every proportion, from the gallery to the shank, is considered to ensure the piece feels secure, wearable and elegant, even when featuring exceptionally large stones.

How does your design approach compare when crafting a client’s first bespoke ring versus a £1M+ statement commission? The design philosophy remains the same regardless of budget: understand the client and create something truly personal. A first bespoke ring is often about guiding someone through the process and creating a piece they’ll treasure for life. A seven-figure commission typically introduces greater technical complexity, rarer gemstones and more intricate craftsmanship, but the focus is still on exceptional design, storytelling and meticulous attention to detail.

One of my most memorable experiences was with a client who brought his wife in for what she believed was an appointment to replace his lost wedding band. Instead, it turned out to be a complete surprise- he had secretly arranged a bespoke design consultation to create a pink diamond eternity ring for her milestone birthday. There were plenty of tears, followed by such excitement as we began designing a piece that would mark such an important moment in her life. Being part of those deeply personal milestones is one of the most rewarding aspects of bespoke jewellery design.

Your most memorable, inspiring, amusing or romantic client experiences?

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THE ART OF LUXURY

OFF-WHITE C/O VIRGIL ABLOH™

“TIME” BY™OFF-WHITE™

OFF-WHITE INTRODUCES ITS WATCH COLLECTION Off-White™ officially launches the “TIME” collection, the brand’s first-ever watch line and a new chapter in its evolving creative universe.

For more than a decade, Off-White™ has existed at the intersection of fashion, art, design and culture. Through iconic products, groundbreaking collaborations and a unique visual language, the brand transformed everyday objects into cultural statements.

Today, that same approach enters a new category: watches. More than a traditional timepiece collection, the “TIME” collection translates Off-White™’s most recognizable design codes into objects designed to be worn,

collected and expressed. Arrows become structure. Transparency becomes design language. Industrial references become details. Time itself becomes a new creative canvas.

WATCHES & TIMEPIECES

“THIS IS NOT A WATCH” “TIME” challenges traditional expectations by bringing together fashion, design and object culture. Inspired by the energy of streetwear, sneakers and contemporary creativity, the collection introduces a fresh perspective to a category often defined by convention. Built around frequent drops, evolving colorways, limited editions, exclusives and highly recognizable silhouettes, the “TIME” collection is designed for a generation that values individuality, collectibility and cultural relevance as much as functionality.

A COLLECTION OF CONCEPTS Each family within the “TIME” collection is built around a creative concept. PROTO explores transparency, process and visible construction, inspired by the unfinished beauty of prototypes and industrial design. BEAT captures the rhythm and energy of modern cities, translating movement and sound into bold wristwear.

HEAVY DUTY embraces strong architecture and graphic impact, transforming Off-White™ iconography into powerful statement pieces.

the brand across fashion, furniture, art and design. The result is a collection that feels unmistakably Off-White™ while introducing an entirely new product category.

STREET BLING transforms OffWhite™ iconography into identity, turning arrows, diagonals and graphic codes into wearable expression.

GLOBAL LAUNCH

AFTER HOURS channels the energy of nightlife culture, combining pavé details, bold attitude and an off duty, fully on approach to selfexpression.

The “TIME” collection launches worldwide on July 7, 2026 through a curated network of fashion retailers, watch specialists, concept stores, sneaker destinations, selected digital platforms, and OffWhite™ channels.

Additional families continue the exploration through alternative geometries, layered construction, mechanical transparency and graphic experimentation.

This launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for Off-White™ — one that brings the brand’s cultural influence and creative perspective into the world of time.

DESIGNED THROUGH THE OFF-WHITE™ LENS Across the collection, Off-White™’s signature visual vocabulary remains instantly recognizable. The iconic Arrows motif becomes part of the watch architecture itself. Transparent materials reveal construction rather than conceal it. Industrial colors, quotation-inspired details and architectural shapes reflect the codes that have defined

George Nikolaou, Brand Director at Off-White™ Watches comments: “With the TIME collection, we’ve reimagined the way a watch collection comes to life, taking inspiration from streetwear and sneaker culture. By tapping into Off-White™’s ever evolving creative universe, we’re creating objects that people connect with beyond their function. This collection marks the beginning of an exciting new journey—not only for us, but for the entire Off-White™ community and everyone who embraces the brand’s creative vision.”

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WATCHES & TIMEPIECES

TIME AND SPEED, REUNITED:

BREITLING AND ASTON MARTIN PRESENT TOP TIME TRIBUTE TO ICONIC DB5 Introduced in 1963, one of the world’s most iconic on-screen cars, the Aston Martin DB5, became synonymous with British culture, design, and innovation, firmly establishing Aston Martin as one of Britain’s most desirable luxury brands.

Today, Breitling and Aston Martin proudly bring that shared legacy to the wrist with the Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5, presented in three distinct limited editions.

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In the 1960s, the Top Time was Breitling’s unconventional chronograph, created for a new, youthful, speed-driven audience. When a Top Time ref. 2002 appeared on Sean Connery’s wrist in Thunderball (1965), worn alongside the Aston Martin DB5, two icons of the era shared a defining moment in design history. It marked the first Q-modified watch in the James Bond series, and a chapter where speed and style found a common language. That moment is reinterpreted here through material and form.

Wood-inlayed details, hand-colored gradient leather straps, and refined dial executions echo the interiors of the Aston Martin DB5. The result is a watch that captures the feel of being behind the wheel of Aston Martin’s classic grand tourer.

“The Aston Martin DB5 is one of those rare designs that never fades. It still feels as relevant today as it did in the 1960s,” says Georges Kern, CEO of House of Brands (Universal Genève, Breitling, and Gallet). “With this Top Time, we capture that sense of timeless style.”

WATCHES & TIMEPIECES

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin adds: “These editions represent something truly distinct from anything we’ve created before. The collaboration with Breitling brought together two brands with a shared appreciation for timeless design, craftsmanship, and innovation, allowing us to exchange ideas in a way that felt both natural and ambitious. Inspired by the enduring elegance of the Aston Martin DB5 and our shared heritage of iconic design, the watch captures a balance of beauty, precision, and performance. Every detail has been carefully considered to reflect the character and authenticity synonymous with both brands. The result is a watch that feels contemporary today, yet timeless for generations to come.” Inspired by the timeless elegance of the Aston Martin DB5, every detail of the Top Time Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 brings together

two design legacies: the tactile richness of Aston Martin interiors and the modern-retro codes of the Top Time. The cushion-shaped case, grooved corners, and mushroom pushers recall the distinctive profile of the 1960s chronograph, while the “squircle” subdials capture the look of classic car dashboard gauges. A wooden inner ring draws on the DB5’s steering wheel, and the hand-colored gradient leather strap reflects the depth and tone of fine automotive upholstery. Together, these elements create a watch shaped with the same attention to detail. “This chronograph blends form with true function,” says Breitling’s Head of Product Design Pablo Widmer. “As with the Aston Martin DB5, its beauty lies in its lines, materials, and finishings.” The collection is offered in three editions: •

Stainless steel with a silver dial, limited to 1,022 pieces, offers a balanced take that’s closest in spirit to the original Top Time ref. 2002.

•

Steel and platinum with a black lacquered dial, limited to 315 pieces, introduces contrast and depth, with the platinum bezel adding weight and presence against the high-gloss black surface.

•

18k red gold with onyx dial, limited to 250 individually numbered pieces, brings an even more elevated expression. The dial is cut from natural onyx, the first use of the stone by Breitling,

revealing a unique depth and luster. Across all three, the design details translate the Aston Martin DB5’s interior craftsmanship into a contemporary chronograph.

MANUFACTURE PERFORMANCE The engine of the watch is the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, a COSC-certified chronograph movement designed for precision and reliability. Its column-wheel architecture and vertical clutch ensure smooth, accurate operation, while a 70-hour power reserve supports extended wear. Visible through the open sapphirecrystal caseback, the movement is finished with a dedicated Aston Martin–engraved rotor – rhodiumplated or 18k red gold, depending on the version. Each edition pairs this performance with a design language rooted in one of the most recognizable cars ever made. The Top Time Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 revisits a moment when two distinct approaches to design aligned. One shaped in performance and proportion, the other in precision and form. Together, they continue to be markers of style, that stand the test of time.

www.breitling.com

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Q BY ASTON MARTIN AND ASTON MARTIN NEWPORT BEACH CELEBRATE THE MARQUE’S HISTORY WITH EXCLUSIVE HERITAGE EDITION COLLECTION Aston Martin Newport Beach, in collaboration with Aston Martin’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin, has unveiled an exclusive collection of five bespoke ‘Heritage Edition’ sports cars that celebrate some of the marque’s most memorable paint colours from the 1960s and 1970s.

Each one-of-one commission pairs an iconic heritage exterior paint finish – remastered for the collection with the brand’s latest paint technology – with handcrafted Q by Aston Martin details, creating a modern interpretation of Aston Martin’s rich design legacy.

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Available exclusively through Aston Martin Newport Beach, the ‘Heritage Edition’ collection showcases five current 2027 model-year sportscars finished in newly revived heritage paint colours selected by the Q by Aston Martin design team. Beyond the exterior colours, each interior includes bespoke Q perforated fluted seats, used for the first time in the new Vantage and new Vanquish; Q Heritage Aston Martin logo embroidery on the center armrest, and exclusive ‘Heritage Edition’ sill plaques. The Heritage Edition DB12 coupe, DB12 Volante and Vanquish feature Dark Walnut Open Pore Wood Inlays.

“Every Aston Martin tells a story, and these Heritage Edition commissions celebrate some of the colours that helped define the marque during one of its most celebrated eras,” said Jeff West, General Manager, Aston Martin Newport Beach. “Working alongside Q by Aston Martin allowed us to honour these historic finishes while pairing them with today’s most advanced sports cars, creating a collection that bridges Aston Martin’s extraordinary heritage with its uncompromising future.”

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DB12 VOLANTE – Pale Primrose Finished in Pale Primrose, this DB12 Volante revives one of Aston Martin’s most recognisable historic paint finishes. The shade was immortalised on the cover of the 1958 DB4 sales brochure before being selected by Corgi for its celebrated Aston Martin model, which later became the inspiration for the iconic James Bond DB5 toy of the mid-1960s. As the world’s first Super Tourer convertible, the DB12 Volante combines a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 671 horsepower with exceptional refinement, delivering effortless performance alongside open-air driving exhilaration.

DB12 COUPE – Pacific Blue The Heritage Edition DB12 coupe wears Pacific Blue, a colour first offered on the DB4 before appearing on both the DB5 and DB6. Q by Aston Martin revived the

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finish after studying an original Pacific Blue sample from the historic DB6 colour configuration brochure, faithfully bringing the classic hue into the modern era. The DB12 is a true Super Tourer and is powered by Aston Martin’s 671-horsepower twinturbocharged V8, the DB12 coupe blends exhilarating acceleration, precision handling and classleading dynamic capability while redefining the grand touring segment.

VANQUISH COUPE – Tudor Green The flagship Vanquish coupe is presented in Tudor Green, a metallic finish closely associated with Aston Martin models of the 1970s. The colour complements the muscular proportions of today’s halo sports car while recalling the elegance and grandeur suggested by England’s historic Tudor era. As Aston Martin’s flagship frontengine sports car, the Vanquish is powered by a new 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 824 horsepower, delivering breathtaking performance, exceptional driver engagement and a top speed of 214 mph.

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VANTAGE COUPE – Winchester Blue Named after the historic cathedral city of Winchester in Hampshire, Winchester Blue was one of several British town-inspired colours offered by Aston Martin during the 1970s. It became particularly well known on the legendary V8 Vantage, making it a fitting choice for today’s performance-focused Vantage Coupe. With a 656-horsepower twinturbocharged 4.0-liter V8, the latest Vantage delivers sharper responses, greater agility and exceptional

driver confidence, embodying Aston Martin’s vision for the next generation of front-engine sports cars.

VANTAGE ROADSTER – Mink Silver The collection is completed by a Vantage Roadster finished in Mink Silver, inspired by the elegant pale metallic shades that became popular on DB6 models throughout the 1960s. More than 100 DB6 examples were finished

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in Mink, a colour celebrated for complementing the graceful lines of what remained Aston Martin’s best-selling model until the arrival of the DB7. The Vantage Roadster combines its 656-horsepower twin-turbo V8 with an electrically operated folding roof, providing uncompromising sports car performance and

dynamic capability while delivering an exhilarating open-air driving experience. The Heritage Edition collection demonstrates the limitless possibilities available through Q by Aston Martin, the marque’s bespoke personalisation service. Working collaboratively with clients, Q by Aston Martin transforms individual

inspiration into unique automotive commissions, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and engineering excellence. Each Aston Martin Newport Beach ‘Heritage Edition’ is a unique, one-of-one commission available exclusively through Aston Martin Newport Beach.

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LAMBORGHINI URUS SE PERFORMANTE:

THE SUPER SUV AT ITS PEAK

The fastest Urus ever redefines the Super SUV concept, combining extreme performance, driving precision and uncompromising comfort.

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Automobili Lamborghini presents the Urus SE Performante, the highperformance derivative of the plugin hybrid Super SUV, which sets a new benchmark in its category for performance, driving dynamics,

and aerodynamic efficiency, while preserving outstanding comfort thanks to innovative technical solutions applied to the suspension system.

AUTOMOTIVE

The Urus SE Performante is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a permanentmagnet electric motor, delivering the highest combined system output ever achieved in the model’s history: 812 CV (596 kW) and a maximum of 1000 Nm of torque. The Urus SE Performante sits at the top of its segment, further raising the bar in performance while improving the already exceptional power-to-weight ratio (3 kg/CV) through the extensive use of carbon-fiber elements in the bodywork. These include the new hood and front and rear bumpers which, working in synergy with the two rear spoilers, enhance aerodynamic efficiency and brake cooling, contributing to an optimal driving experience both on the road and on the track. In terms of driving dynamics, the Urus SE Performante reaches new heights in performance precision, stability and responsiveness. In addition to the increase in power and torque, the improved power-to-weight ratio, and the new aerodynamic solutions, the vehicle introduces the AURA dualchamber air suspension system to the Urus range. This system not only halves body roll during fast driving but also reduces vibrations by 25% compared to the previous generation of Urus Performante, significantly increasing comfort.

Today, with Urus SE Performante, we are taking the concept of the Super SUV to its peak,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “This model represents the highest level of performance, driving precision and emotional engagement ever achieved by Urus, while preserving the versatility and everyday usability that have established it as a benchmark in its segment. Urus SE Performante is the result of Lamborghini’s relentless approach to innovation and performance, combining state-of-the-art hybrid technology, advanced vehicle dynamics and a design language that conveys its character at first sight. It is the ultimate expression of the Super SUV.” Compared to the Urus SE2, the Performante version introduces Rally driving mode, specifically calibrated to deliver maximum driving excitement on loose surfaces, joining Strada, Sport, and Corsa modes, as well as EV mode for fully electric driving.

“Forty years ago, Lamborghini created the concept of the Super SUV with the legendary LM002. In 2012, we remained faithful to our spirit of innovation by unveiling the Urus concept, once again redefining the boundaries of the segment.

All these features make the Urus SE Performante the fastest Super SUV in the world: 0–100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, 0–200 km/h in 10.8 seconds, and a top speed of 312 km/h.

www.lamborghini.com

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Presented on the occasion of Visionnaire’s London flagship store grand opening, the bespoke Range Rover Long Wheelbase Autobiography brings together luxury automotive personalisation, Italian artistry and contemporary global lifestyle.

URBAN AUTOMOTIVE AND VISIONNAIRE UNVEIL A ONE-OFF RANGE ROVER CELEBRATING BRITISH AUTOMOTIVE TAILORING AND ITALIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP Urban Automotive and Visionnaire present an exclusive one-off Range Rover Long Wheelbase Autobiography, created to celebrate the grand opening of Visionnaire’s new London flagship store in the heart of Knightsbridge. Unveiled for the first time at Visionnaire London, located at 171–175 Brompton Road, the bespoke vehicle marks a unique collaboration between two brands united by a shared culture of craftsmanship, personalisation and design excellence. The project

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brings together Urban Automotive’s expertise in luxury automotive tailoring with Visionnaire’s distinctive vision of Italian craftsmanship and contemporary global living. More than a meeting between automotive and design, the collaboration translates Visionnaire’s world of refined materials, sculptural forms and bespoke savoir-faire into the intimate architecture of a vehicle cabin. The result is a highly customised Range Rover that blurs

the boundaries between mobility, lifestyle and the art of living. Based on a Range Rover Long Wheelbase Autobiography, the vehicle features a fully bespoke specification both inside and out. Its exterior is defined by a custom two-tone finish, enhanced by Urban Automotive’s full carbon fibre Widetrack styling programme, including a replacement carbon fibre bonnet, carbon fibre front and rear bumpers, and dedicated Urban exterior components. The combination of bespoke paintwork

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and exposed carbon fibre creates a contemporary, powerful presence, while preserving the elegance and proportions of the original model. The interior takes inspiration from Visionnaire’s Adele armchair, designed by architect and designer Marco Piva. Born from an enveloping and elegant design, Adele is defined by the encounter between a curved external shell and a generous, welcoming inner volume. Its outer surface, upholstered in embroidered leather with an allover “fan” texture and edged with a bendable aluminium profile derived from the automotive industry, becomes the creative foundation for a cabin conceived as a refined living space in motion. Inside the vehicle, cream and green Alcantara upholstery, bespoke quilting, bronze metal accents and exclusive Urban x Visionnaire branding reinterpret the armchair’s distinctive language, translating its sculptural comfort and sartorial detailing into the automotive environment.

The vehicle’s creative concept, design narrative and material palette were shaped by Aro Omar’s creative vision, an internationally acclaimed designer whose longstanding creative partnership with Visionnaire has helped shape some of the brand’s most distinctive expressions. Renowned for her ability to transcend traditional

design disciplines, Omar brings a singular vision that seamlessly unites interiors, automotive craftsmanship and contemporary luxury living. Guided by a relentless pursuit of bespoke excellence, she has translated Visionnaire’s unmistakable design language into an immersive automotive experience, creating a one-of-one

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commission that represents the natural evolution of an enduring creative dialogue between the two brands. For Visionnaire, the project reflects the brand’s ability to extend its design culture beyond the traditional boundaries of furniture and interiors, bringing the values of Italian craftsmanship, material

research and bespoke savoirfaire into a new dimension of contemporary luxury.

“The future of luxury is no longer defined by status or excess, but by individuality, craftsmanship and the pursuit of the truly exceptional. At Urban Automotive, every commission is conceived as a deeply personal expression of its

owner, combining contemporary design with uncompromising craftsmanship to create vehicles that are as distinctive as the people who commission them,” says Matthew Welch, Managing Director of Urban Automotive. Our collaboration with Visionnaire was a natural meeting of minds, bringing together two brands that share an unwavering commitment to bespoke excellence and timeless design. This one-of-one creation is more than a vehicle; it is a celebration of artistry, innovation and personal expression, demonstrating how the worlds of automotive design and luxury interiors can converge to redefine the modern luxury experience.” The presentation of the vehicle takes place within Visionnaire’s new London flagship store, an experiential destination developed across five levels in Knightsbridge’s design district. Conceived as more than a simple exhibition space,

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AUTOMOTIVE

the new address brings together design, art, the culture of living and personal wellbeing in a fluid, immersive environment. The London flagship embodies Visionnaire’s international outlook and its commitment to shaping spaces where beauty, craftsmanship and daily rituals converge.

The Urban Automotive x Visionnaire Range Rover stands as a celebration of tailoring, craftsmanship and personalisation. It demonstrates how the values of contemporary luxury can

move fluidly across disciplines, connecting British automotive expertise with the finest Italian craftsmanship and a global vision of lifestyle.

“This collaboration was born from a shared vision: the desire to create something unique, where craftsmanship becomes a bridge between different worlds. Translating the language of Visionnaire into an automotive environment means bringing our idea of living into motion, transforming the cabin into a bespoke space shaped by materials, details and emotion. Presenting the project in London, on the occasion of our flagship opening, makes this dialogue even more meaningful,” comments Marwan Shimy, CEO of Visionnaire MEIA & UK.

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The most interesting yacht charter is rarely the most obvious one.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF SOMEWHERE Ask an experienced charter broker where to spend a week in August and the conversation should not begin with Saint-Tropez, Mykonos or Porto Cervo. It should begin with questions. Who is travelling? Are there children? Does the family actually want to move every day? Is lunch ashore important? Diving? Privacy? Nightlife? And, perhaps most revealingly, what made the last holiday brilliant — or disappointing?

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This is where charter becomes less about choosing a yacht and more about making a series of intelligent decisions.

retail brokers search the wider international market on behalf of charter clients. The advantage is information rather than inventory.

At Boatsters Black, whose Central Agency portfolio has grown to 25+ superyachts, the distinction matters. The company operates on both sides of the charter equation: its Central Agency team knows the yachts, owners and crews it represents intimately, while its

“A yacht can look perfect on paper and still be completely wrong for a particular client,” says Nerma Hecimovic, Senior Central Agency Manager at Boatsters Black. “We know how our yachts actually operate: the personality of the crew, how the spaces work when

guests are on board, where the yacht performs particularly well and the type of charter she is best suited to. Those details are often what determine whether a week is good or exceptional.” For families, for example, volume is not necessarily the deciding factor. A yacht with connecting cabins, shaded deck areas, an excellent beach club and a crew genuinely comfortable around young children may outperform a substantially larger yacht. Stabilisation matters. So does the toy inventory when teenagers are involved. A shallowdraft yacht or catamaran can transform a Balearic or Caribbean charter, bringing guests much closer to the coves and beaches they came to experience. The destination requires equally careful thinking. The Mediterranean’s headline names remain popular for good reason, but experienced charterers are increasingly looking between them. Rather than another circuit of the Côte d’Azur, Corsica offers extraordinary diving, hiking and dramatically less populated anchorages. In Greece, the Ionian suits families who prefer gentler conditions, while the Small Cyclades reward those prepared to leave the familiar Mykonos– Santorini axis. Croatia’s Kornati islands offer something increasingly scarce in the Mediterranean: space. And the Tuscan Archipelago — Elba, Capraia and Giglio — makes a compelling alternative for guests

who want Italy without spending their week following everyone else’s itinerary. Further afield, the question becomes more interesting still. The Maldives aboard a yacht capable of extended cruising is an entirely different proposition from experiencing the islands from a resort. Southeast Asia can combine serious diving with anchorages accessible only by water. The yacht stops being accommodation and becomes the means of accessing places that conventional luxury travel struggles to reach. This is precisely why Ekaterina Konina, Yacht Charter Broker at Boatsters Black, resists beginning a client conversation with a shortlist.

“Clients often arrive having seen a particular yacht or destination, but our job is to understand what they are actually trying to achieve,” she says. “Sometimes the right recommendation is not the yacht they expected, or even the destination they expected. A broker should be prepared to say that. Experience is knowing which

compromises matter and which ones the client will never notice.” It is an important distinction in an age when almost every charter yacht can be found online. Access is no longer the scarce commodity. Judgement is. The best brokers know which yachts have come out of refit particularly well, which crews have stayed together, which chef is exceptional, which captain knows the quieter anchorages and when an apparently perfect itinerary asks too much of a seven-day charter. They also know when to advise a client to do less. Because the smartest charter may involve covering fewer miles, spending two nights in an anchorage everyone else leaves after lunch, or choosing the yacht with the better crew rather than the extra ten metres. For those accustomed to having almost unlimited choice, that kind of editing may be the real luxury.

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photo © Soﬁa Winghamre

photo © james robinson taylor

Yacht Brokerage

65m Schooner

ATLANTIC

135ft luxury motor yacht

SOPHIE BLUE

Sunreef 80

MANA KAI

FRANCE: Montpellier (Head Office) - Paris - Cannes & Monaco l SPAIN, Palma de Mallorca l ITALY l GREECE l SWITZERLAND l USA, California l UAE, Dubai

Yachting in Style with Peace of Mind

SALE, CHARTER & MANAGEMENT

Also specialises in Transoceanic Charter

www. b er na rd -gallay.com

Let the Sea become your most exclusive destination.

Redeﬁne escape with a private Mediterranean yacht charter, from the iconic shores of France and Italy to the elegance of the Balearic Islands and the crystal waters of Greece. Sail aboard a luxury sailing yacht, catamaran or motor yacht, where bespoke service and reﬁned comfort come together.

BERNARD GALLAY Yacht Brokerage

1 rue Barthez - 34000 Montpellier - France Tel +33 467 66 39 93 - info@bernard-gallay.com

YN 20857, Project Setteesettanta, takes to the water at the Heesen shipyard in Oss for her returning owners.

HEESEN YACHTS LAUNCHES

A 57-METRE FULL-CUSTOM SUPERYACHT Heesen Yachts is proud to announce the launch of a 57-metre full-custom, all-aluminium motor yacht of 920 GT, at its shipyard in Oss, the Netherlands. Her owners, experienced yacht connoisseurs and returning Heesen clients, commissioned Project Setteesettanta as the perfect platform for time at sea with family and friends.

She is the second Heesen commissioned by her owners, a family who came to know the yard intimately during the build of their yacht and returned with a clear idea of the life they wished to lead at sea. Everything about her has been shaped around that vision: a shallow draft of just 2.3 metres to slip into the quietest anchorages, generous outdoor spaces for long days in the sun, and the comfort to linger at anchor for as long as the moment invites. At every turn, the owners’ wishes came first. Acclaimed designer Cristiano Gatto once again looked after the interior while also representing the owners as their advisor throughout construction.

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“To see this project finally afloat is deeply moving,” said Cristiano Gatto. “Every element of her interior was conceived from scratch and refined down to the finest detail, with nothing left to chance. She has truly been a labour of love. Drawings and renderings can guide the design process, but nothing compares to the moment when a project becomes reality. Seeing the spaces come to life exactly as envisioned is immensely rewarding, and I am deeply grateful to the owners for the trust they placed in us throughout this remarkable journey.” The owners have reserved the entire upper deck as their private haven. The master stateroom lies forward, wrapped in 180-degree

YACHTS & YACHTING

views and opening onto a private terrace of almost 200 square metres that doubles as a touchand-go helipad. A VIP cabin sits forward on the main deck beside a fully equipped gym, while four further staterooms, two twins and two doubles, welcome guests on the lower deck. An elegant oval

staircase ascends gracefully through all four decks, and the main-deck dining area, set towards the stern, flows out to the aft terrace through wide sliding doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and out. YN 20857 is the first yacht in the Heesen fleet to carry her bridge

on the fourth deck, a distinctive touch that also grants the owners an observation deck above the accommodation, yet her silhouette remains unmistakably sleek thanks to a light, unobtrusive mast by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects and flat Starlink panels in place of traditional domes. Aft,

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a regal double staircase sweeps around a four-metre infinity pool and down to a swimming platform at the water’s edge. The hull was tested at the Wolfson Unit in Southampton, where it proved remarkably efficient, allowing Heesen to power her with two compact MTU 16V2000M72 engines of 1,440 kW for a top speed of 18 knots and a transatlantic range of 3,900 nautical miles at 12 knots. Quantum F45 stabilisers keep her serene whether at anchor or under way, while the interior joinery, matched down to the marble hand-

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selected by the owners in Verona, was crafted entirely in-house at the Heesen interior facility in Winterswijk.

“It is an honour to welcome these owners back to Heesen for a second yacht,” said Jeroen van der Meer, CEO of Heesen. “A returning client is the highest compliment a shipyard can receive. Experienced yacht owners arrive with real ambition and set genuine challenges for the yard and its people, and we welcome that, because it is exactly what moves us forward

and sharpens our craft. YN 20857 asked a great deal of our engineers and our craftspeople, almost all of it answered in-house, from the naval architecture through to the furniture built by our own luxury carpentry shop in Winterswijk. I am proud of what the team has delivered for her owners.” Project Setteesettanta will remain in Oss for the commissioning of the systems, before leaving for the sea trials in the North Sea later this Summer. The delivery is scheduled for the end of December 2026.

SALES CHARTER MANAGEMENT

BAGLIETTO

CRN

43.00m / 140ft — 2010 2x 3648 HP MTU — 12 guests in 5 cabins

43.00m / 140ft — 2007 2x 1400 HP CAT — 10 guests in 5 cabins

BENETTI

BENETTI CLASSIC

36.80m / 120ft — 2017 2x 1400 HP MAN — 10 guests in 5 cabins

35.00m / 115ft — 2005 / 2022 2x 1400 HP CAT — 11 guests in 5 cabins

BENETTI OASIS

CUSTOM LINE

34.36m /112.9ft — 2025 2x 1380 HP MTU — 10 guests in 5 cabins

32.82m / 106ft — 2022 2x 2638 HP MTU — 12 guests in 5 cabins

RIVA 90 ARGO

ALFAMARINE

28.49m / 93.6ft — 2020 2x 2435 HP MTU — 8 guests in 4 cabins

22.30m / 72ft — 2009 2x 1500 HP MTU — 6 guests in 3 cabins

www.dmyachts.com

info@dmyachts.com

55m Pa’lante

MUST-SEE YACHTS AT THE MONACO YACHT SHOW 2026 55M PA’LANTE Show location: H19 (Quai L’Hirondelle) Exhibitor: Heesen Yachts Overview: Built by Dutch shipyard Heesen and delivered in June 2026 as the latest yacht in the yard’s 55-metre steel series, Pa’lante will make her official debut at MYS. She accommodates up to twelve guests across six bedrooms, with a highlight being her expansive owner’s suite with a private veranda. She features exterior styling by Omega Architects and interiors by Luca Dini Design & Architecture, with rich and warm colour palettes that are reflective of the owner’s lifestyle and tastes.

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37.4m Lollipop

YACHTS & YACHTING

32.6m ANOMALY

37.4M LOLLIPOP Show location: S17 (Appontement Jules Soccal) Exhibitor: Vripack & Moonen Yachts Overview: Lollipop will make her official debut at MYS. She was delivered in 2026, featuring a bespoke interior by Vripack Yacht Design that features playful candyinspired décor, including a cocktail bar incorporating embedded lollipops and sweets beneath a transparent countertop. She was built by Moonen Yachts and features naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design and exterior styling by René van der Velden Yacht Design. 61.5m LEMON TREE

32.6M ANOMALY Show location: H05 (Quai L’Hirondelle) Exhibitor: Burgess and Vitters Shipyard Asking price: EUR 15,800,000 (EU VAT paid) Overview: Built by Dutch shipyard Vitters in 2017, and refitted in 2025, ANOMALY pairs luxurious liveaboard amenities with exceptional sailing capability, making her equally suited to leisurely Mediterranean cruising and prestigious regattas. She accommodates six guests across three cabins, with elegant living spaces and a bright, contemporary aesthetic, designed by Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design with interiors by Remi Tessier.

61.5M LEMON TREE Show location: H13 (Quai L’Hirondelle)

71.5M VANISH Show location: D03 (Quai Rainier III)

Exhibitor: Burgess

Exhibitor: Burgess and Feadship Resale

Asking price: EUR 62,000,000

Asking price: 148,000,000

Overview: Built by Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo in 2021, with interiors by Francesco Paszkowski, LEMON TREE combines contemporary styling with a resort-style onboard experience. She features a private owner’s deck with panoramic views, two infinity pools, and an expansive beach club complete with a hammam, gym, lounge and bar, and can accommodate 14 guests.

Overview: VANISH offers exceptional volume and a refined contemporary aesthetic, delivered by Feadship in 2021 and featuring exterior and interior design by Harrison Eidsgaard. Highlights include a large beach club, fully equipped gym, elevator connecting all decks and two helipads, creating a seamless blend of luxury, wellness and accessibility. She accommodates 14 guests across seven cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite on the bridge deck.

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YACHTS & YACHTING

71.5m VANISH

44.3m MAGIC

44.3M MAGIC

46.4M CONSTANCE

43M GIOIA

Show location: H08 (Quai L’Hirondelle)

Show location: C17 (Quai Chicane) Exhibitor: Burgess

Show location: H25 (Quai L’Hirondelle)

Exhibitor: Burgess

Asking price: EUR 13,500,000

Exhibitor: Burgess

Asking price: EUR 41,900,000

Overview: Originally built by Feadship in 1986 and extensively refitted in 2026, CONSTANCE blends timeless Dutch craftsmanship with modern comfort. She offers elegant interiors, spacious outdoor decks and proven long-range cruising capability, accommodating 12 guests across five cabins.

Asking price: EUR 33,500,000

Overview: Built by Vitters in 2025, MAGIC is a striking performance sailing yacht that pairs pedigree sailing credentials with contemporary comfort. Accommodating 10 guests across five cabins, she features a spacious owner’s suite with private office, generous al fresco dining areas and a transom beach club that provides direct access to the sea.

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Overview: GIOIA has been designed for relaxed Mediterranean living, delivered by Codecasa in 2024. She combines timeless Italian styling with generous, inviting social spaces and a flexible layout ideally suited to accommodating up to 12 guests on board.

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74M SYNTHESIS Show location: tbc Exhibitor: Burgess Asking price: EUR 132,000,000 Overview: Built by Dutch shipyard Amels in 2021 and extensively refitted in 2026, SYNTHESIS is the fifth hull in the acclaimed Amels 242 Limited Edition series. Designed by Tim Heywood with interiors by Winch Design, she accommodates 14 guests across six cabins. Standout features include an infinity pool, wellness centre with a hammam, sauna and massage room, a helipad that converts into an outdoor cinema, and a seamless indooroutdoor layout.

46.4m CONSTANCE

43m GIOIA

74m SYNTHESIS

www.burgessyachts.com | www.vripack.com | www.heesenyachts.com

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ISA YACHTS LAUNCHES THE ISA LARGE YACHT COLLECTION

THE NEW PLATFORM DEDICATED TO SUPERYACHTS FROM 80 TO 90 METRES ISA AMARCORD 82 IS THE FIRST PROJECT ISA Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, presents the ISA Large Yacht Collection, a new design platform dedicated to superyachts between 80 and 90 metres, conceived to create fully customised large yachts developed on a proven technical platform.

The new Collection represents the natural evolution of Palumbo Superyachts’ journey in the largeyacht segment. The shipyard is already engaged in the construction of three large ISA yachts — ISA Custom 80, ISA Gran Turismo 80 and ISA Gran Turismo 100 — complemented by the experience gained through the construction of the Columbus Classic 80m M/Y Dragon. This wealth of design, engineering and construction expertise now forms the foundation

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of the new ISA Large Yacht Collection. The ISA Large Yacht Collection was created to offer owners an advanced design platform capable of combining the strength of well-established construction expertise with the utmost freedom of customisation. Each project takes shape around the client’s requirements, interpreting their lifestyle, aspirations and way of experiencing the sea.

“Every owner envisions their yacht differently.” comments Giuseppe Palumbo, Sole Director of Palumbo Superyachts. “Our task is to turn that vision into reality, without compromise. The ISA Large Yacht Collection was created with precisely this objective: to offer the freedom to develop a fully customised project, supported by the strength of a technical platform shaped by the experience gained in building our large yachts. We believe that true luxury today

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lies in creating a yacht unlike any other, built around those who will experience it.”. The first project to inaugurate the ISA Large Yacht Collection is Amarcord 82, designed by Nuvolari Lenard, one of the most respected names in international yacht design and an emblem of the timeless elegance of Made in Italy. Her sinuous, sporty and perfectly proportioned lines create a contemporary silhouette defined by expansive glazed surfaces and numerous hull openings, designed to establish a continuous dialogue between the interiors and the sea. Every space is conceived to maximise natural light and enhance the feeling of living in constant contact with the water. On the 82-metre project, the stern opens up to form a spectacular platform overlooking the sea, directly connected to the beach club and extended by two large fold-down balconies. A striking glass-bottomed swimming pool dominates the main-deck cockpit, allowing natural light to filter down into the beach club and create a refined interplay of transparency. Developed around a concept of wellbeing and liveability, the interiors can accommodate twelve guests in five VIP cabins, in addition to an owner’s suite spanning more than 100 square metres and conceived as a true private

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Amarcord 82 interprets the contemporary superyacht concept through a perfect balance of Italian elegance, design innovation and the quality of the onboard experience, with every space conceived to offer maximum comfort during extended periods at sea.

residence at sea. The upper decks are designed as leisure destinations, with panoramic lounge areas, swimming pools, al fresco dining

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and numerous convivial spaces, always maintaining a strong sense of continuity between the architecture and the marine environment.

The ISA Large Yacht Collection represents a new evolution of the full-custom concept. Developed through the experience gained in building yachts of up to 100 metres, this design platform makes it possible to transform each owner’s vision into a unique project, backed by the strength of proven expertise. For ISA Yachts, the future of luxury is not about offering a yacht to choose from, but about providing the tools to build one that does not yet exist.

LEDRA For Sale ISA 49.00m / 160’76” | 2004 | 6 Cabins | Price: € 9.850.000 VAT Paid Built by International Shipyard Ancona in 2004, M/Y LEDRA is the most striking of her class, was designed by Walter Franchini who is responsible for her beautiful exterior and interior design. Her interior configuration has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in six elegant staterooms made up of an Owner’s Suite and private terrace on the bridge deck. VIP stateroom and media room on the main deck along with four unique gust cabins on lower deck. Outside, her large sun deck with bar, Jacuzzi and dining offer 12 guests the ideal setting. She has been maintained to exceptional high standards with major upgrades and enhancements.

info@imperialseamarine.com

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SEADECK 9,

THE TIME WE CHOOSE TO LIVE A cascade of tiered terraces unfolds into a 180° embrace of the sea, flowing effortlessly into the Main Deck. The new Azimut Seadeck 9 embodies an architecture of pure connection, turning wellness into wholeness.

The Pool Deck of the Azimut Seadeck 9

If writing about music is like dancing about architecture, describing the Seadeck 9 — the new model in Azimut’s milestone Seadeck Series — is like trying to capture the ocean itself. An impossible challenge to which Azimut responded by creating its most open vessel: if you cannot contain the sea, you become part of it. This 26-meter yacht elevates the classic outdoor-indoor into an immersive deck that fully melds with nature, embracing the sea’s very elements: light, sun, and water, reflected in the shimmering aft plunge pool. Picturing this area

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vibrant with adult chatter and children’s splashes, one realizes how the Seadeck elevates wellness into wholeness, experience into life itself.

LIVING BY THE WATER: from the Fun Island to the Pool Deck True to its name, a sea deck welcomes you on board right at the water’s edge. Standing at the stern, the experience is immediate: this aft stage fulfils its promise, blending

seamlessly with the sea. A staircase divides into twin symmetrical flights, echoing a Mediterranean villa, and guides you along the three-tiered terraces into the main saloon, shaping one single space flowing from the sunlit deck to the Seadeck’s heart. Looking around, the vessel gently reaches for the sea like a living being: the lateral wings unfold, the swim platform glides into the water, and a hammock swings in the breeze while the freely movable sunbeds reveal the flushdeck pool.

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The interiors by Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez

On the Seadeck 9, the iconic Fun Island evolves into a full 180° Pool Deck whose concept lies in embracing life, at sea. The amphitheatre-shaped lounge captures every moment, directing the gaze past the pool’s transparent glass straight to the horizon. It is an architecture of pure connection and versatility, manifested in the central table that effortlessly converts for dining. Look at the 7-sqm transformer, a true swim platform: it lets everyone slip into the blue or simply rest effortlessly immersed in the water. The Fun Island sets the vibe and energises life on board, inviting guests to dive in, head out, and make the most of every moment in the water with Jet Ski, Seabobs and paddleboards at the ready. In an era obsessed with acceleration, Seadeck 9 carves out the ultimate luxury: space and time to live to the full. Exterior designer Alberto Mancini’s vision extends to the stern, keeping a strong emphasis on openness and continuity. Exterior circulation flows with intuitive simplicity, offering an elegant perspective even when viewed from the flybridge. By fully concealing the anchor, the yacht preserves a clean, uninterrupted profile that stands out as a sculptural presence against the horizon.

STEPPING INSIDE: “Touch with the eyes. See with the hands” As you step inside, the magic lies in how the Main Deck acts as a natural architectural extension of the terraces, as the external lounge transforms into an unhurried interior saloon facing aft. Fullheight windows and a completely disappearing glass door continue that sense of outdoor freedom, while the generous ceiling height beautifully opens up the space. The interiors, curated by Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez, serve as a masterful interpretation of this gentle connection with nature.

Driven by a shared vision of luxury founded on wellbeing, the duo has spent decades reshaping international architecture around principles of longevity – meaning creating designs that last physically and emotionally, empathy for human needs, and responsibility. On board the Seadeck 9, they bring this philosophy to life once more. Right at the entrance, a Bonacina bamboo chair reflects the yacht’s ethos. Selected by Thun & Rodriguez, its radiant summer flair bridges indoors and outdoors while harmonizing tactile warmth with minimalism. Within this balance, the entire interior design unfolds in inviting spaces played out

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between architectural subtraction and material richness. Two interior palettes are available. The warmer option features a light walnut grain, the lighter alternative, a pale oak. Both maintain the same stylistic codes while offering different interpretations of warmth and brightness. Moving down to the lower deck, the Master Cabin is conceived as a private retreat. Drawing inspiration from eco-resort philosophy, it features a spa-like aura with integrated washbasins that become part of the stateroom’s aesthetic rather than being concealed from

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view. A writing desk built into the bookcase further establishes the Seadeck 9 as a yacht made for meaningful time on board. Together, these two features are a testament to Thun & Rodriguez’s approach: beauty rises from design for life. Completing the lower deck, a VIP and two guest cabins demonstrate that this vessel embraces hospitality throughout. Meanwhile, discreet and functional crew circulation ensures seamless operations, preserving absolute privacy and independence for everyone on board.

ENGINEERING THE PERFECT MOMENT While Seadeck 9 places lifestyle, wellbeing, and connection at her core, she remains a true cruising yacht at heart. Part of Azimut’s Low Emission Yacht family, Seadeck 9 features a hull specially developed for the Series in partnership with Names, standing out as one of the most efficient planing hulls that Azimut has ever designed. Allowing the boat to plane early means Seadeck 9 can cruise efficiently at lower speeds, while also extending the range of speeds that offer peak fuel efficiency.

YACHTS & YACHTING

Combined with carbon fibre construction, used in 40% of the yacht to reduce weight, and a triple Volvo Penta IPS installation compatible with hybrid electric technology, fuel consumption and emissions are reduced by up to 30% in an average year of use compared to vessels of comparable size and with a traditional hull and shaftline propulsion systems.

battery pack, this system allows guests and crew to experience the sea in absolute harmony with nature.

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Uncompromised autonomy: up to 4 hours during the day and 8 hours at night in total comfort.

A GENTLE STAY IN SILENCE: the Hotel Mode

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Full Onboard Services: Key systems remain fully operational, including stabilizers, air conditioning, occasional galley use, 220V sockets, and the TVHiFi entertainment systems.

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Fast & Efficient Recharge: The battery pack recharges fully in

To elevate life at anchor to its purest form, Seadeck 9 is engineered to integrate Azimut’s advanced Hotel Mode. Supported by a dedicated 60 kWh lithium

With the Hotel Mode active, the yacht can operate in complete silence with the generators switched off:

just 5 hours from shore power or 4 hours via the generator, boasting an exceptional lifespan of over 3,500 cycles for up to 10 years of reliable service. As the largest yacht ever built in Avigliana – part of a 50-millioneuro investment in the shipyard’s development - the Seadeck 9 represents the pinnacle of Azimut’s style, engineering, and manufacturing prowess. She is a design born in the mountains, built for a transformative life on the sea. Seadeck 9 is the product of 50 years spent making the unthinkable possible, 50 years of challenges overcome and a monumental effort driven by a singular ambition: delivering the perfect moment.

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SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS UNVEILS PRIVATE RESIDENCES AT DON MAAGA, ITS NEWEST PRIVATE ISLAND DESTINATION IN THE MALDIVES

Opening in Q1 of 2027, DON MAAGA occupies an 11.7-hectare island in South Malé Atoll, just 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Conceived as an ultra-private retreat where architecture, hospitality and nature exist in quiet balance, the development offers a rare opportunity to own a managed island residence in the Maldives.

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Rather than treating the residences as standalone villas within a resort, SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS has approached the project as a collection of private homes shaped by the island itself. Every residence has been positioned to maximise privacy, views and connection to the surrounding landscape, allowing owners to experience the rhythm of island living while enjoying the

services of a fully integrated luxury resort.

“At DON MAAGA, we challenged ourselves to create something that feels intrinsically connected to the Maldives rather than imposed upon it,” said Laith Pharaon, Co-Founder and CEO of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS.

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“From the beginning, our vision was to allow the island to lead the design process, with architecture emerging naturally from the landscape, the shoreline and the rhythms of island life. Every space has been conceived as part of a journey of discovery, where privacy, proportion and a deep sense of place take precedence over spectacle. “Today’s luxury buyer is looking beyond visual grandeur. They seek authenticity, tranquillity and a meaningful relationship with their surroundings. DON MAAGA brings together thoughtful architecture, Maldivian influences and a profound respect for nature to create a place designed to endure for generations.” The architecture unfolds gradually, beginning with an open-water arrival before revealing a sequence of carefully composed spaces that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Natural stone, timber and bamboo combine with sculptural forms inspired by coral formations, creating residences that feel rooted in the island rather than placed upon it. Floor-to-ceiling openings frame uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, while expansive outdoor living areas, private pools and landscaped gardens reinforce a sense of complete seclusion.

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The collection is divided between AETHR, a series of overwater residences shaped by the horizon and the ever-changing light of the Indian Ocean, and TERRA, spacious beachfront homes grounded within lush island landscapes. Together, they offer two distinct ways of experiencing life at DON MAAGA, while sharing the same philosophy of privacy, generous proportions and seamless hospitality.

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Ownership opportunities begin with the two-bedroom overwater residences from US$5 million, followed by the 2.5-bedroom beachfront family residences from US$5.5 million, and the larger 3.5-bedroom beachfront residences from US$6.95 million. * Hospitality sits at the heart of the ownership experience through Edhurun, SIX & SIX’s distinctive

approach to personalised service. Inspired by the Maldivian concept of a trusted mentor, each residence is assigned a dedicated lifestyle butler who understands the rhythms and preferences of every owner, quietly curating each stay— from bespoke dining and family celebrations to wellness journeys, yacht expeditions and experiences beyond the island.

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Beyond the residences, DON MAAGA has been envisioned as a destination in its own right. Residents have access to an extensive collection of dining and wellness experiences, including a Champagne, Lobster & Caviar Bar, Italian, Asian, Indian and Peruvian restaurants, a signature Grill Room, a private wine cellar, overwater treatment suites, hydrotherapy pools, yoga pavilions and bespoke wellness programmes.

“True island ownership is increasingly difficult to find, particularly when paired with architectural distinction and the service standards of a worldclass resort. DON MAAGA has been created for buyers who value privacy, permanence and experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere. It offers the freedom of a private home with the reassurance of a professionally managed luxury ecosystem.”

“Exceptional private island real estate has become one of the rarest categories of luxury property worldwide,” said Marco Bonini, Director of Private Residences at SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS.

The residences also reflect SIX & SIX’s long-term commitment to responsible island stewardship. Marine conservation initiatives, coral restoration programmes and partnerships with local artisans

have been integrated into the development, ensuring the natural and cultural heritage of the Maldives remains central to the ownership experience. With only a limited number of residences available, DON MAAGA represents one of the last opportunities to acquire an ultra-luxury private island home in one of the world’s most tightly protected and supply-constrained destinations. Prices start from US$5 million*.

*Prices are based on participation in the resort rental pool programme.

For more information visit www.sixandsixresidences.com

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SHEBARA RESORT Shebara is a 73-key hyper luxury eco resort located in Saudi Arabia and developed by Red Sea Global. The island has a highly diverse environment with dense mangroves, desert flora, dunes, turtle nesting, and some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world.

The exquisite island eco resort offers an off-grid, zero energy, water, waste, educational experience and aims to be a “next generation” eco tourist destination providing an unrivalled eco guest experience in an environmentally sensitive and innovative design, and in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 of creating a more sustainable future. Located 25km from the Saudi Arabian shoreline, the whole resort is only accessible by water or air. The design and planning of the project are a direct result of Red Sea Global’s vision and aspiration to develop an exquisite luxury guest-centric destination, setting new standards for sustainable development and hospitality. All villas are entirely constructed, fitted out and commissioned offshore, and are shipped to site as an almost “plug in” to the solar powered zero energy/water infrastructure. The offshore construction methodology aims to preserve the natural environment of the island and minimise any damage to the island, its coral, and wildlife. The design is inspired by

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the creation from the sea, creating a string of pearls at Shebara in the Red Sea. Shebara is a wonderful example of what is possible when creating environmentally sustainable yet meaningful design. It demonstrates how innovative architecture can gracefully flow into nature, with orbs that reflect and refract light from the sky and the sea

to naturally blend with its environment. The entire infrastructural backbone of the project forms part of a visitor experience where guests can be exposed to and learn about the approach that goes into making the project a truly self-sustained human development. There will be an active program on the site, involving guests for regenerative

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mangrove expansion, coral gardening, and enhancing turtle nesting in educational programmes. The social responsibility of Shebara island resort is to improve the education and work opportunities for the rural local inhabitants within the area, and in particular, improving diversification and empowering local Saudi women throughout its colleague programme. Environmental conservation is a key pillar of the project, strictly adhering to the UNWTO goals for sustainable development. The self-sustaining development will include its own 110,000sqm solar farm, desalination and reverse osmosis plant, sewage and water reclamation treatment plants, eco-friendly recyclable materials, environmentally native landscaping, and only electric land and marine vehicles allowed within the resort, resulting in a “zero” energy, water, waste, and transport impacts. Each villa was constructed off-site to minimise environmental disruption. Inclusive of regenerative mangroves, coral, and fish life to substantially improve the natural surroundings.

The primary goal of the project was to determine the best way to preserve and enhance the biodiversity surrounding the habitat, while offering a luxurious experience that will attract visitors from around the globe and promote Saudi Arabia as a top-tier marine eco-tourism destination. The LEED-Platinum resort seeks to minimise its environmental and literal environment footprint by cantilevering the accommodation spaces above the regenerative coral

gardening within the protected lagoon, and set back over 50m from the natural coral reef with only a few square meters of ground impact at the base of the supporting column. The result is an aerial accommodation pod that almost seems to defy gravity and suspends the guest directly above and within the beauty and untouched marine ecosystem, providing an observation platform for guests to witness the fish, birds, and turtles that thrive in the area.

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KEY FEATURES

TECHNICAL SHEET

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Polished stainless-steel villa

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Private pools and panoramic sea views

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Spa

Location: Sheybarah Island, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

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Fitness centre

Client: Red Sea Global

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5 signature restaurants

Architect: Killa Design

Project: Shebara Resort

Interior Designer: Studio Paolo Ferrari Project Type: Luxury eco-resort

SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS:

Status: Complete

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Keys: 73

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Desalination and reverse osmosis systems

Accommodation: 38 overwater villas, 35 beachfront villas

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Water reclamation system

Access: Boat or seaplane

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Electric land and marine transport

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Off-site villa construction to reduce environmental impact

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Sensitive positioning to protect coral reefs, dunes, and turtle nesting areas

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Completion: 2024

Distance from Mainland: Approximately 25 km

www.killadesign.com

The Gutzeitort in Tyrol, in the Tannheimer Valley For laughter & love. For beauty & beautiful things. For indulgence & taste. For encounters & discoveries.

„Golden days. Crisp air. Warm water. Autumn has its own way of slowing down time.” Time outside.

Time to unwind.

Time to taste

When the mountains turn golden.

When warmth feels even better.

When autumn arrives on the plate.

Crisp air. Quiet trails. Clear views.

7,900 m² of spa, warm water,

Seasonal ingredients, com-

Autumn in the Tannheimer Valley

soothing treatments and plenty

forting flavours, fine wines and

is made for long walks, sponta-

of space to simply disappear for

evenings that are allowed to

neous detours and nowhere you

a while.

last a little longer.

need to be.

Hotel Jungbrunn – The Gutzeitort Oberhöfen 25 | 6675 Tannheim – Tyrol hotel@jungbrunn.at | www.jungbrunn.at

Book now.

SRI PANWA PHUKET LAUNCHES THREE NEW PERSONALISED WELLNESS PROGRAMMES Three science-led wellness journeys combine advanced medical expertise with luxury island living, helping guests restore sleep, recover from stress and optimise hormonal wellbeing.

Sri panwa Phuket has unveiled a new collection of personalised wellness programmes, offering guests a more targeted and evidence-based approach to wellbeing in collaboration with BDMS Wellness Clinic, one of Thailand’s leading preventative healthcare providers. Designed around the philosophy of ‘Tailored to your health, designed

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for your life’, the new programmes move beyond traditional spa retreats, combining advanced health assessments, medical expertise and personalised lifestyle guidance with the tranquillity of Sri panwa’s secluded Cape Panwa setting. Each programme begins with a comprehensive health consultation and diagnostic assessment, allowing specialists to create an entirely personalised itinerary. Every element of the programme, including a bespoke nutrition plan, a tailored movement programme and mindfulness practices, is designed around each guest’s health profile and the goals of their chosen wellness journey.

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treatments and lifestyle guidance. Following a health assessment, combining advanced diagnostics, biomarker analysis and expert consultations, specialists create a bespoke programme that addresses the root causes of stress, helping guests build resilience rather than simply manage symptoms.

Guests can choose between a four-day, three-night or sevenday, six-night stay, with luxury accommodation in the Wellness Pool Suite, Wellness Penthouse or Wellness Luxury Pool Villa, creating a seamless retreat centred around rest and rejuvenation.

STRESS RECOVERY Designed for those experiencing the effects of modern-day pressures, Sri panwa’s Stress Recovery Programme focuses on restoring physical and emotional balance through a personalised combination of medical insight, therapeutic

Mindfulness practices, guided meditation, breathwork and evidence-based relaxation therapies work together to calm the nervous system, while a tailored movement programme featuring functional exercise, mobility training, stretching andrecovery sessions helps release physical tension and improve overall vitality. Guests also leave with a personalised stress management blueprint and long-term lifestyle plan, providing practical strategies to support wellbeing beyond their stay.

SLEEP RESTORATION Sri panwa’s Sleep Restoration Programme takes a personalised, science-led approach to improving sleep quality by identifying the underlying factors affecting each guest. Following a comprehensive health assessment, specialists create a bespoke programme tailored to individual needs, combining evidence-based relaxation therapies, mindfulness practices, breathwork and sleep coaching with personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. The programme also incorporates a tailored movement plan, featuring restorative exercise, mobility work, stretching and recovery sessions designed to ease muscular tension, calm the nervous system and encourage deeper, more restorative sleep. Rather than simply helping guests sleep for longer, the programme is designed to improve the quality of sleep itself, allowing them to wake feeling refreshed, more resilient and better equipped for everyday life.

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HORMONE VITALITY Designed for those experiencing hormonal changes, reduced energy or shifts in overall wellbeing, the Hormone Vitality Programme is centred on restoring balance and supporting long-term vitality. Following an in-depth health assessment, each guest receives a personalised programme combining tailored nutrition, movement, restorative therapies and lifestyle guidance. Restorative beauty and wellbeing therapies are included to support skin health, relaxation

and rejuvenation, alongside mindfulness practices, stressmanagement techniques and tailored lifestyle guidance to encourage emotional balance, mental clarity and restorative sleep. A personalised movement programme combines functional training, strength development, mobility, flexibility and recovery sessions to support lean muscle mass, metabolism and physical performance. Guests leave with a clear overview of their hormone and metabolic health, alongside a personalised vitality blueprint designed to help them continue making informed changes beyond their stay.

A PERSONALISED APPROACH TO PREVENTATIVE WELLNESS Set within Sri panwa’s peaceful hillside estate overlooking the Andaman Sea, the new wellness programmes reflect a growing demand for preventative, personalised healthcare delivered in a luxury resort environment. Alongside their tailored wellness journey, guests can enjoy the privacy of Sri panwa’s spacious rooms, each designed to promote relaxation while complementing the personalised experience. From dedicated Wellness Pool Suites to expansive Wellness Penthouses and Wellness Luxury Pool Villas, every stay provides an environment where guests can fully focus on their health and recovery. The launch further strengthens Sri panwa’s position as one of Thailand’s leading luxury wellness destinations, combining internationally recognised medical expertise with the privacy, natural beauty and world-class hospitality for which Sri panwa is renowned for. This approach aligns with the resort’s wider focus on restorative, wellbeing-led escapes and private wellness experiences.

For more information and to book, please visit: www.sripanwa.com

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Founded in February 2006, Norðurflug is both the largest and oldest helicopter company in Iceland. Norðurflug is rated as one of the top activities in Iceland on Trip Advisor. It shows our affection for exceptional customer service and high

operational standards. We also have some of the most experienced and skilled pilots in the private sector who are often sought after by international film productions.

Norðurflug prides itself in exceptional customer service. We thrive to

provide personalized service and tailor-made experiences from first contact to our customer until he/she returns home from Iceland.

@helicopter.is *Eruption is not active at the moment

www.helicopter.is

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SUNLIFE UNVEILS THE ANAHITA PRIVATE VILLA COLLECTION, ELEVATING LUXURY VILLA HOLIDAYS IN MAURITIUS

Sunlife is delighted to announce the launch of the Anahita Private Villa Collection, an exclusive portfolio of luxury private villas located within the prestigious Anahita estate on the east coast of Mauritius.

The Anahita Private Villa Collection offers discerning travellers the opportunity to experience exceptional privacy, space and personalised comfort in a selection of elegant multi-bedroom villas, making them ideal for families, groups of friends and bespoke luxury escapes. Each property has been carefully designed to offer generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, private swimming pools, landscaped tropical gardens and contemporary architecture, creating the ideal setting for families, groups of friends and extended stays.

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Guests can now reserve these exclusive villas directly through the dedicated online booking platform, making it the only official website in Mauritius offering seamless online reservations for this premium collection. To ensure a seamless stay, guests can pre-book breakfast, lunch and dinner before arrival and enjoy tailored concierge services. They also benefit from privileged access to the facilities of The Bay Club at Anahita, including the Ernie Els Championship Golf Course, Bernhard Langer-designed Île aux Cerfs Golf Club, the Private Beach on Île aux Cerfs, a selection of restaurants and bars, GLOW Spa & Wellness by Sunlife, and a range of sports and leisure activities. The launch of the Anahita Private Villa Collection marks another milestone in Sunlife’s ambition to offer exceptional hospitality

experiences that combine luxury, authenticity and flexibility. Whether travelling for a family celebration, a golf escape or an exclusive tropical retreat, guests can now enjoy the comfort of a private villa while benefiting from the premium services and amenities of one of Mauritius’ most prestigious resorts.

“We are delighted to introduce the Anahita Private Villa Collection, offering guests a new way to experience luxury in Mauritius,” said Ramesh Jeenarain “This collection combines the exclusivity of a private home with the exceptional facilities, personalised service and unique experiences that define Sunlife.”

For more information and to book your stay, visit: anahitaprivatevillacollection.com

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TRIP IN ITALY TRAVELLING FIRST CLASS PRIVATE AND CUSTOMIZED TOURS CHAUFFERED SERVICE & MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES

MINImize your stress MAXImize your experience

+39 366 188 12 66 www.italytravelspecialist.com

FIRENZE — Italy

Florence by night

Travel effortlessly with carefully curated accommodations, seamless transportation, and expert local guides.

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Riverside retreat to welcome guests from December.

TAKING RESERVATIONS:

THE LANGHAM, CUSTOM HOUSE, BANGKOK The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok is now accepting bookings for stays from 20 December. Set along the Chao Phraya River in the Thai capital’s Bang Rak District, the highly anticipated hotel centres on the city’s storied Custom House building, which is undergoing meticulous restoration. Established in 1888 under King Rama V, the landmark was once regarded as the country’s gateway to the world.

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Exterior of The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok. The 75-key property will be managed by Langham Hospitality Group and has been conceived as a tranquil urban retreat, balancing understated luxury with a deep connection to its riverside setting and historic surroundings. That sense of connection carries through to its 60 guestrooms and

15 suites, which will be housed in a contemporary building adjacent to Custom House. Rather than recreating the complex as it was, the approach pays homage to the site’s enduring legacy while giving it renewed purpose for the future. Designed by renowned Thai architect Smith Obayawat, Founder and Principal of OBA, the curvilinear structure reflects the movement of the river and serves

Sculptural bathtubs enshrined in brushed metal draw inspiration from precious materials and symbols of prestige, including coinage and gilded finishes, evoking the elegance and prosperity associated with the reign of King Rama V. This narrative continues through geometric etching that references the rhombus mosaic patterns found across Thai temples, traditional architecture and sculpture, and through bespoke decorative lighting that subtly reinterprets royal emblems and ceremonial weaponry.

as a respectful counterpart to the heritage icon beside it – Custom House as “the grandfather” and the new addition as “the grandson”. Inside, residential elegance, thoughtful details and modern comfort come together in a design that links past with present. Overlooking peaceful courtyards, the Bangkok skyline or the river gliding alongside the hotel’s grand façade, the accommodations draw on natural textures, soft lighting and subtle Siamese influences to create a warm and quietly refined atmosphere.

These references are further developed in the suites to convey the heightened grandeur associated with Thai nobility. Together, they create a sophisticated dialogue between heritage and contemporary craftsmanship, balanced by The Langham’s signature palette and modern amenities. The new addition will also house a Chuan Spa and a state-ofthe-art fitness centre featuring Technogym’s luxury Sandstone collection – the first installation of its kind in Asia. Deluxe Riverview Balcony Room at The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok. At the heart of the property, the restored Custom House and

adjoining heritage structures have been designated as public spaces. The revived buildings will function as vibrant gathering places for guests and visitors, anchored by a collection of dining, drinking and lifestyle destinations to be revealed in due course.

“For generations, Custom House served as Thailand’s gateway to the world, and we are proud to see it preparing to welcome the world again as part of The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok,” Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord said. “The hotel’s guestrooms and suites, together with its worldclass amenities, will offer an intimate and highly considered expression of luxury that reflects both the character of its remarkable site and The Langham’s distinctive approach to hospitality.” The hotel will also offer convenient access to many of Bangkok’s leading attractions, from the cultural hub Asiatique The Riverfront and the expansive ICONSIAM shopping mall to the city’s famed Chinatown district and the galleries, cafés and creative spaces of Charoen Krung. Guests can additionally enjoy bespoke transport experiences, including private river journeys and chauffeured Bentley transfers, extending the property’s blend of heritage, culture and elevated luxury.

For reservations and further information, visit www.langhamhotels.com

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Residential Commercial Hospitality Swimming Pools Spas Acrylic-Walled Pools & Spas Tile-ready Pools & Spas Swim Spas Energy-Efficient Portable Spas Cold Therapy Plunge Pools Water Features Luxury Custom Indoor & Outdoor Bath Fixtures Specializing in Elevated / Rooftop Pool & Spa Installations Lightweight & Durable Sophisticated Artistic Sustainable Shipping Worldwide Since 1996

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ROOFTOP / ELEVATED STAINLESS STEEL POOL WITH INTERIOR STAIRWAY, LED LIGHTING & ACRYLIC WALL PANEL AT FAR END. STAINLESS STEEL SPA WITH BENCH SEATING, INTERIOR STAIRWAY & LED LIGHTING.

Photo courtesy of: Apiary Residences, managed by Greystar Builder: The Beck Group Photographer: Mark Woolcott Photography

A.LONDON RESHAPES THE PRIME PROPERTY MARKET WITH ITS LUXURY RENTAL SERVICE A.LONDON, the award-winning interior design studio and part of the Accouter Group of Companies (AGC), is shining a light on its Luxury Rental Service: a fully bespoke, design-led offering that provides prime and super-prime property owners, developers and agents with beautifully furnished show homes on a flexible, rolling basis. At a time when London’s prime property market is more competitive than ever, first impressions count. A.LONDON’s Luxury Rental Service bridges the gap between exceptional architecture and an aspirational lifestyle by transforming an empty property into a home that buyers and tenants can genuinely imagine living in. The result? Exclusive, tailored schemes available to

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rent monthly, providing financial flexibility and a sustainable furnishing solution.

A SERVICE BUILT AROUND THE PROPERTY, AND THE PEOPLE Unlike standard staging, A.LONDON’s approach begins with a thorough understanding of the property’s character, location, and the target buyer or tenant’s lifestyle profile. From there, the studio’s designers create a fully customised interior scheme, combining bespoke and carefully curated pieces to maximise the space and deliver a result that feels genuinely considered.

Installation is managed entirely in-house, with lead times from approximately 20 working days.

LUXURY HOMES

Once in place, the furniture is rented on a rolling monthly basis for a minimum period of three months. At any point during the rental, the buyer or owner has the option to purchase the scheme outright, giving the furniture a natural life beyond the sale itself. The numbers behind this approach are compelling. According to the

Home Staging Association, 100% of dressed properties sell faster than undressed ones, 74% of property professionals say more time is spent viewing a dressed property than an undressed one, with 78% saying staging increases the value offer by up to 10%, and 77% report a return on investment with a dressed property.

IN PRACTICE: THE SKYWARD PENTHOUSE, GASHOLDERS, KING’S CROSS One of A.LONDON’s most recent examples of the service in action is The Skyward Penthouse at Gasholders, King’s Cross, a project delivered in collaboration with Related Argent. The 2,800 sq ft penthouse, valued at £7.6 million, was transformed through an interior scheme that blended bold architectural details with contemporary luxury. The brief was clear: design a home that would captivate the right buyer and maximise impact on the market. A.LONDON brought warmth to steel, softness to stone, and ensured every square metre performed. The result contributed to Knight Frank toasting a £1 billion sales milestone at King’s Cross, as reported by PrimeResi.

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Earlier projects have demonstrated similarly strong outcomes. At Regent’s Crescent, one A.LONDON-dressed unit sold within 24 hours of coming to market, with the purchaser acquiring the furniture as part of a turnkey investment.

A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO HIGH-END STAGING As part of AGC, Britain’s first B Corp-certified interior design collective, A.LONDON has built sustainability into its rental model. By combining bespoke and rotated furniture within its projects, the studio has created a process designed to ensure no furniture goes to landfill. When a property is sold or let, A.LONDON’s logistics team collects the furniture with four weeks’ written notice, returning each piece to circulation. Pieces are sourced primarily within the UK and Europe, and the studio works exclusively with trusted craftspeople and furniture makers, ensuring complete confidence in the quality and provenance of every item placed. The service is available to property owners, developers, boutique developers and prime property agents. Pricing is bespoke to each project, with a minimum three-month rental period and a one-month security deposit. The studio can also provide window treatments, joinery, AV installation and decoration as additional services.

www.a-ldn.com Images of The Skyward Penthouse at Gasholders Photography credit: Taran Wilkhu

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ART, ANTIQUES & DESIGN Lots Road Auctions has it all A unique shopping experience, in the heart of Fulham. Renowned for its auctions since the 1970s, offering style, character and exceptional finds to discerning buyers. Weekly interiors sales are hosted alongside specialist auctions throughout the year - including ‘Ink & Icons’ (rare books and Pop Culture) and their ever-popular ‘Luxe’ sales - there’s always something to inspire and excite. Looking to sell your items? Consignments are invited for their upcoming auctions. Contact their friendly team today for a complimentary valuation. Probate and estate valuations available *fees apply for this service

Lots Road Auctions | Open daily 10am – 5pm Unit 9 The Piper Centre, Carnwath Road, Fulham SW6 3JX 0207 376 6800 I info@lotsroad.com

LUXURY HOMES

PORRO WARDROBE FOR TIANTONG 198 LUXURY RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX, NORTH BUND, SHANGHAI

the historic Bund and the Lujiazui financial district in Pudong. Within this context stands Tiantong 198 (天潼198), a luxury residential complex developed on a site of significant historical value, reinterpreting the traditional typologies of shikumen and lilong, emblematic elements of Shanghai’s residential heritage. The project, led by GOA (Group of Architects), defines the urban layout and its relationship with the historical context, while distinct interventions interpret different scales of contemporary living.

The Italian company Porro plays a leading role in the heart of Shanghai’s North Bund, one of the key areas of contemporary urban transformation in the Chinese metropolis.

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Historically characterized by port warehouses and industrial infrastructure, the district is being reshaped into a new international hub for high-end residences, offices, services, and cultural spaces, strategically positioned between

A key element of the project is the Storage system, designed by Piero Lissoni + CRS Porro, in which storage is no longer merely a technical function but an integral part of the spatial sequence. Wooden surfaces, refined finishes, and compositions of solids and voids create a discreet and sophisticated language, adaptable to the unique visions of the prestigious architects involved and the expectations of an exclusive clientele.

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CHRIS SHAO (CHRIS SHAO STUDIO) Villas and duplex residences Chris Shao, an interior designer active between New York and Shanghai, designed several villas and duplex residences within the complex, characterized by an essential material language and a strong focus on the domestic dimension understood as a space of private representation. Within these units, the walkin wardrobe area is positioned between the bedroom and the master bathroom, offering a choice between the contemporary, minimalist language of the Storage Wardrobe, featuring reflex glass doors that reveal neutral-toned interiors in cenere hemlock melamine, and a warmer palette, where the Storage interiors incorporate accessories and illuminated shelves in white cherry melamine with Iron poles, creating highly customizable solutions.

BIN WU (W.DESIGN) Bund Tiantongli – Courtyard Residence (approx. 1,250 m²) Among the most prominent figures in contemporary design in China, Bin Wu signs the Bund Tiantongli project: a residence organized around a central courtyard that structures the entire living system. Within the residential unit, the night area plays a central role in shaping the domestic experience, becoming a space of transition between architecture and personal intimacy. The Storage Boiserie solution is used to create integrated and concealed wardrobe environments, where personal expression unfolds through the rich material palette of the Porro collection. In the project, continuous paneling in eucalyptus

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melamine is combined with wallmounted modules in black fabric. Wooden shelves alternate with pullout trouser racks, integrated drawer units, and illuminated glass shelves. The Hinged Storage Wardrobe with saddle-leather doors is also featured, distinguished by its strong tactile and aesthetic quality. Surfaces and recessed Boite Aux handles define a contemporary language that reinterprets tradition through essential proportions and high-quality materials, hiding cenere hemlock melamine interiors with fabric back panels.

CCD (CHENG CHUNG DESIGN) Show apartments and lifestyle units CCD (Cheng Chung Design) intervenes on several model residential units. The interiors are developed as immersive experiences: materials, textures, and spatial compositions construct an emotional reading of contemporary luxury living.

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The Hinged Storage Wardrobe with beige eco-leather doors and Boite-Aux handles forms an uninterrupted sequence of pure white surfaces, culminating in the open-display area of the Storage open wardrobe in black sugi melamine. Thanks to the richness of its solutions and the diverse visions of

the designers involved, Tiantong 198 is configured as a plural residential system, in which independent design interventions build a layered interpretation of contemporary living. In this context, the Porro system defines a coherent language for the bedroom area, transforming the wardrobe into an essential architectural element in shaping domestic identity.

www.sauna360uk.com SAUNA 360 PROJECTS. THE LEADING SAUNA, STEAM AND WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS, PROVIDING EXPERT DESIGN CONSULTATION, MANUFACTURING AND INSTALLATIONS IN THE UK. NO.3, FELBRIDGE CENTRE, IMBERHORNE LANE, EAST GRINSTEAD, WEST SUSSEX, RH19 1XP, UK TEL: +44 (0) 1342 300 555

LUXURY HOMES

AFJONES

The Castle

LUTYENS SURREY PROPERTY

The Castle

This property is Chinthurst Hill, thought to be the first residential house designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Built between 1893–1895, and Grade II listed, the Surrey property’s Bath stone is integral to its character, demanding a carefully considered approach to every intervention. Works involved the careful dismantling and rebuilding of sections of the existing house and garden walls, plus creating an extension housing a swimming pool that is built completely out of stone (which requires highly specialised expertise).

Lutyens Surrey Property

THE CASTLE The Castle is a new-build home in Oakwood, Buckinghamshire. AFJONES helped realise an eclectic concept that blends medieval references, classical motifs and the rustic strength of Cotswold walling. Working across the full interior, coordinating stonework through the basement, pool and mezzanine levels, the team used Jerusalem Gold limestone, Bath stone ashlar, Cotswold stone walling and Clipsham elements to create a scheme that feels both robust

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and refined. The swimming pool features playful elements including a rope swing and a stone slide. Carved elements play an important role in the project’s character. Fluted stone columns line the pool, a carved Juliet balcony overlooks the interior, and selected details are picked out with carving that rewards close inspection. Each piece was fabricated in AFJONES Ipsden workshops and handfinished before installation, ensuring every carved detail met the exacting standard required by the design.

Overlooking the surrounding countryside, the newly built indoor pool is flooded with natural light through the triple height windows, creating a space that feels majestic and tranquil. AFJONES discreetly built in the necessary insulation and structural performance that any modern indoor pool needs within a building, allowing the architecture to remain understated and sympathetic to the original property.

www.afjones.co.uk

LUXURY HOMES

THERE ARE BUILDINGS THAT ASK TO BE PRESERVED, AND OTHERS TO BE REWRITTEN Located in the Poetto district of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), a short distance from the long coastal strip that defines one of the city’s most recognizable landscapes, the villa originates from the transformation of an existing structure dating back to the late 1930s, offering an opportunity to reflect on the theme of transformation.

The project, developed under the direction of Armando Bruno for Studio Marco Piva, treats the existing building as working material rather than something to be replicated or restored. The aim is not to reconstruct a

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a gentler perception of space, suggesting dynamic movement and naturally guiding both gaze and body through the interiors. Fluidity thus becomes not only a compositional principle, but also an experiential quality. In this process, the relationship between interior and exterior plays a central role. Open spaces are not merely a functional extension of the building, but actively participate in the construction of architectural form. Paved surfaces, green areas, pathways, and reflecting pools define a series of relationships that extend the project beyond its built perimeter.

presumed original authenticity, but to redefine the relationship between architecture, domestic space, and landscape through a comprehensive process of rewriting the building organism. The intervention updates the villa to the needs of contemporary living, introducing new functional devices such as a lift, and reorganizing internal pathways and connections according to principles of accessibility, continuity, and comfort. Every design decision is oriented toward the construction of a coherent system in which architecture and interior design contribute to the definition of a single spatial experience. The architectural consultancy involved the study of façade composition, the redefinition of existing volumes and architectural elements, the design of external finishes, windows and access spaces, as well as the harmonious integration of new technologies and building systems. Particular attention was given to the recovery of the building’s proportions and the enhancement of its distinctive features, such as the cylindrical corner volume and the central portico, reinterpreted through a contemporary language inspired by Mediterranean Rationalist architecture.

Continuity and fluidity are the founding concepts of the project, which focuses primarily on the construction of a new compositional order. Volumes, openings, proportions, and circulation routes have been rethought as parts of a unified system capable of overcoming the fragmentation typical of many contemporary residential architectures. The house is not conceived as a sequence of autonomous episodes, but as a continuous spatial structure in which every element contributes to the definition of the whole. A delicate harmony softens the strong character of certain material and architectural elements. Curves and softened edges introduce

The swimming pool, in particular, is not interpreted as a decorative element but as a device for measuring space. Its presence establishes visual relationships, reflections, and alignments that strengthen the overall perception of the architecture. The interiors are also approached according to an architectural rather than decorative logic. Materials and finishes are not applied as surface claddings, but as tools for constructing space. From this perspective, numerous bespoke furniture elements were designed, from the dining room table to the walk-in wardrobe, from the boiserie details to kitchen and bathroom furniture, all developed specifically to integrate

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dialoguing with the architecture and reinforcing its character without disrupting its balance. The color palette draws inspiration from the Sardinian landscape and, in particular, from the scenery surrounding the Cagliari area: the soft pink of flamingos inhabiting the lagoons, the dusty greens of Mediterranean scrub and coastal steppes, and the mineral tones of stone and earth. These colors are reinterpreted in a contemporary key and translated into subtle accents, contributing to a sophisticated atmosphere deeply rooted in place.

harmoniously with the architecture, reinforcing its language and contributing to a unified spatial identity. Marbles, natural stones, woods, and textile surfaces define sequences, hierarchies, and different perceptual conditions. In this sense, material is not an added value to architecture, but one of the components through which it is expressed. Particular importance is given to the Levanto marble elements located in the living area. Their function is neither purely structural nor merely decorative. They introduce a spatial rhythm that organizes the relationships between rooms and contributes to the perception of continuity across the entire floor.

Overall, the project proposes a reflection on the theme of architectural permanence. In a cultural context characterized by an increasing focus on image and the continuous replacement of formal languages, the project seeks a condition of greater stability through control of proportions, the use of materials, and the definition of lasting spatial relationships. The villa does not present itself as a manifesto nor as a stylistic exercise. Its aim is simpler and, at the same time, more ambitious: to construct a home in which architecture, interiors, and landscape form parts of a single coherent system, balanced between memory and transformation, identity and contemporaneity.

The same principle guides the kitchen design. The central island in red marble is not conceived as an autonomous object but as an integral part of the architectural composition, in direct relationship with the columns, vertical surfaces, and the overall spatial structure. The interior design is further enriched by the presence of iconic pieces of international design, selected not as isolated elements, but as components capable of

www.studiomarcopiva.com

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PROJECT CREDITS CLIENT: Private PROJECT: Architecture Consulting, Interior Design, Outdoor Design G+2 + basement SITE AREA: 485 sqm indoor + 127 sqm terraces DATE: 2023–2026 INTERIOR DESIGN & ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANCY: Studio Marco Piva LOCAL ARCHITECT: Ing. Luca Sanna MEP DESIGN: Ing. Mauro Ledda GARDEN DESIGN: Michele Chessa LIGHTING DESIGN: Arch. Michele Schintu GENERAL CONTRACTOR: A.P.I.C.E. Srl MECHANICAL SYSTEMS: Sardaclima ELECTRICAL & SPECIAL SYSTEMS: Mario Vadilonga & C. INTERIOR FINISHES: Decorsystem - Edilsat CARPENTRY: Casu Srl MARBLE: Maccioni Marmi SWIMMING POOL: Greco Piscine LANDSCAPING: Baobab IMAGES: Maurizio Morra for Studio Marco Piva

SUPPLIERS: Aeg, Angel Cerdà, Baobab, Cassina, Daikin, Danese, Decor System, Duravit, Ernesto Meda, Falegnameria Casu, Flos, Fornasetti, Franke, Goccia, Greco Piscine, Grohe, iGuzzini, Intra Lighting, KE, Kettal, Lineaemme, Lualdi, Maccioni Marmi, Otis, Pergo, Poltrona Frau, PPG, San Giacomo, Seletti, Umbrosa, Villeroy & Boch, Vimar.

Designed in Hamburg Manufactured in Germany

more-moebel.de

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TECHNOLOGY

60 YEARS IN THE MAKING:

BOWERS & WILKINS 800 SERIES DIAMOND D5 The new D5 range introduces a host of new technologies and design refinements to further assert its status as the world’s most revered and iconic range of high-end loudspeakers.

In its 60th year, renowned British audio brand, Bowers & Wilkins is proud to announce its all-new flagship 800 Series Diamond range. Representing the fifth generation of 800 Series to use the worldrenowned Diamond Dome tweeter, the new D5 range introduces a host of new technologies and design refinements to further assert its status as the world’s most revered range of high-end loudspeakers.

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60 years in the making, the new 800 Series Diamond range is born of decades of engineering excellence and crafted by relentless experimentation and refinement. From its iconic design – where science shapes art – to the latest evolutions of our most advanced audio technologies, this is the most advanced loudspeaker range we’ve ever made and the ultimate embodiment of John Bowers’ True Sound philosophy. Designed like all Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers to deliver a flawlessly accurate rendering of the original recording, the new D5 range will appeal equally to discerning hi-fi enthusiasts and to dedicated music industry professionals looking for the most realistic sound reproduction possible.

The new 800 Series Diamond range features seven models, beginning with the two-way 805 D5 standmount speaker. That’s joined by a series of three-way floorstanding models, including the 804 D5, 803 D5, 802 D5 and the most revered model of all, the 801 D5. For home theatre use, the HTM81 D5 and HTM82 D5 provide a pair of high-performance centre channel speakers to complete the range.

AN ICON, REFINED. The latest generation of 800 Series Diamond is the ultimate expression of our unrelenting pursuit of the perfect loudspeaker.

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800 Series Diamond fuses acoustic and mechanical excellence with elegant and meaningful design. Its masterful detailing and luxurious finishes are achieved by craftsmanship of the highest calibre. In a design where everything exists for a reason, it’s the details that matter. Across the range, 800 Series Diamond adopts an incredibly luxurious and lustrous aesthetic. Its optimised design detailing – from a new top plate, spine and plinth to revised drive unit pods, tweeter body, trim rings and grilles – is complemented by all-new finishes, made even more striking by upgraded, more durable paint. As usual, every 800 Series Diamond loudspeaker is refined by our collective determination to make a better product and painstakingly crafted by our team in Worthing, UK. The result is an elevated standard of finish that befits our flagship loudspeakers. All of the finishes in the new range have been revised from the outgoing D4 line up. An all-new Dark Walnut finish, inspired by the limited production 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition, replaces the Satin Rosenut in the D5 portfolio. With complementary dark metal detailing and black Leather by Connolly trim, it makes a new statement in considered, modern luxury. Also joining the line-up is a Stealth Black finish, complemented by dark metal detailing offering a more consistent aesthetic across all of the dark surfaces and materials. In addition, Warm White joins the range, evolved from the previous generation of white loudspeaker with warmer and more modern tones imbued with champagnecoloured detailing. The portfolio is completed with the new Light Walnut finish, which also adopts the champagne-coloured metal detailing combined with a complementary painted Turbine Head assembly. Black and White finish DB Series subwoofers adopt the new Stealth Black and Warm

White finishes to better match their loudspeaker siblings. In addition to the new finishes, the new D5 range benefits from even tighter production tolerances designed to improve on an already exalted level of perceived quality. Visible transitions between surfaces have been minimised, while fixings

have been hidden and panel gaps have been greatly reduced, creating a more seamless and premium finish. Even the paint quality and process have been improved, delivering an even richer and more lustrous finish, especially on the new Stealth Black cabinets.

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NEW AND EVOLVED TECHNOLOGIES Complementing the significant design and finish upgrades are an extensive number of acoustic, mechanical, and electrical improvements aimed at taking the already stellar performance of the outgoing 800 Series Diamond range to all-new heights. Wherever possible, critical performance-

enhancing componentry from the 800 Series Signature loudspeakers has been cascaded to the new D5 range, resulting in more openness, lower distortion, heightened resolution and superior dynamics. In addition, extensive measurement and simulation work by the research team at the worldrenowned Southwater Research Establishment (SRE) has uncovered even more opportunity to deliver cabinet-based enhancements that further reduce the acoustic impact

of the loudspeaker enclosure. Thanks to its extensive use of aluminium components, including all-new Space Frame Bracing to the rear of the cabinet, the new D5 generation of 800 Series Diamond features the best performing and most mechanically ‘quiet’ enclosure that Bowers & Wilkins has ever created. Some technology highlights include: Space Frame Bracing Featuring parallel aluminium bracing rails that are periodically reinforced longitudinally and transversely, the Space Frame Bracing system bolts directly to the rear of the Matrix inside each D5 cabinet. It performs a similar function to the aluminium bracing to the front of the loudspeaker, by stiffening the inside of the enclosure and thereby further reducing the unwanted impact of vibration and cabinet-borne resonance. The result is an even more believable and threedimensional sound stage.

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TECHNOLOGY

New plinth with tuned-mass damping All floor-standing models in the new D5 range include a substantially revised aluminium plinth that has been carefully re-profiled to match the form of each corresponding loudspeaker cabinet. In a further nod to improved aesthetics, the supporting legs underneath the loudspeaker gain a new high quality metal trim while the lower edge of the plinth has been extended downwards to help conceal the wheels and spikes below the loudspeaker. To improve performance, each plinth is designed to resist unwanted vibration using a combination of constrained-layer and tuned-mass damping. The new tuned masses are individually specified to suit the unique properties of each plinth and further help minimise unwanted output of the loudspeaker. All four plinths have been further refined with the addition of stabilising outriggers engineered to sit inside the plinth itself, further enhancing the design detailing.

All-new aluminium top plate Greatly benefitting from the modelling and simulation work that was carried out on the 801 D4 Signature, the new D5 design introduces a substantially revised aluminium plate that braces the top section of each cabinet. With thicker aluminium ribbing sections for greater stiffness, more mechanical location points to optimise coupling to the top of the enclosure and revised decoupling mounts to support the Turbine Head or Solid-Body-Tweeter assembly, the outcome is improved mechanical behaviour at the top of each cabinet. Each aluminium top plate is further refined with an upgraded collar trimmed in Leather by Connolly and critically damped with material derived from the 800 Series D4 Signature loudspeakers, further reducing unwanted output from the aluminium plate it physically connects to. Enhanced Matrix Building on the already phenomenally stiff Matrix™ Bracing system found in the 800

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Series Diamond range, the new Enhanced Matrix™ adds greatly increased stiffness to the critical area at the front of the cabinet around each individual drive unit. Using thick sections of aluminium that have been carefully profiled to brace around each drive unit aperture and further stiffened with ribbed sections to the rear, the Enhanced Matrix joins the newly introduced Space Frame Bracing and all-new aluminium top plate in providing massive increases in cabinet stiffness and commensurate reductions in unwanted noise. Aluminium mid-range enclosure (804 D5) Marking one of the most significant new technology introductions in the range, the new 804 D5 has been substantially revised to include an internal aluminium enclosure for its Continuum Cone FST™ assembly. Derived from the hugely stiff Turbine Head structure used on all larger floorstanding models in the 800 Series Diamond range, the aluminium enclosure both isolates the midrange assembly and provides a incredibly consistent mechanical decoupling point for the drive unit itself. The result is a more free and open sound from the Continuum Cone midrange that more effectively emulates the spatial presentation of a true headed model, such as the 803 D5. At the same time, the 804 D5 retains the more conventional aesthetic that marks it out as the most discreet choice of floorstanding model in the range.

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Signature specification grille mesh and drive unit motor systems All new 800 Series Diamond D5 models benefit from the latest generation of tweeter grille mesh for their Diamond Dome tweeters, first developed for the highly acclaimed 801 D4 Signature. The new design retains the same dome-protecting stiffness but is more acoustically transparent. As a result, resolution is greatly increased while off-axis performance is notably improved. In addition, every midrange, bass/ midrange and bass drive unit in the

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new range has been significantly improved with the introduction of lower distortion motor systems based on Signature-specification components. This ensures a cleaner, more accurate sounding presentation with better resolution, transient response and dynamics.

Upgraded wiring harnesses and crossovers Every product in the D5 range has been enhanced with the addition of improved crossover components, derived from the Signature specification loudspeakers, plus an all-new wiring harness with higher-

TECHNOLOGY

quality cabling and terminal post links. The result is even greater resolution. Crossover mounting plate In all new stereo models in the range, the crossover assembly is housed on an all-aluminium plate construction that is rigidly coupled into both the cabinet and the Space Frame Bracing on the back of the cabinet using substantial M8 and M4 fixings. This further increases the overall stiffness of the 800 Series Diamond cabinet. In an additional nod to design elegance, the new fixings have been carefully

concealed behind brand and model identifier plates. Revealed to the world on 4th June at HIGH END Vienna and available to buy from 9th September, the new 800 Series Diamond has been engineered for audio connoisseurs who demand the very best in

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performance, quality and design, and for studio professionals who require the most accurate and revealing sound possible. It took Bowers & Wilkins 60 years to make speakers this good. Listen, and you’ll see.

Learn more at www.bowerswilkins.com

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HOTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC CHOOSES TECHNOGYM TO ELEVATE THE LUXURY WELLNESS EXPERIENCE

The iconic French Riviera hotel partners with Technogym to deliver a refined wellness experience designed to meet the expectations of an international clientele increasingly focused on health and wellbeing. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, one of the world’s most prestigious hotels and a symbol of luxury hospitality on the French Riviera for over 150 years, has selected Technogym as its partner for the development of its fitness and wellness offering. Nestled within lush Mediterranean gardens overlooking the sea, the hotel has long been synonymous with timeless elegance, exceptional service, and meticulous attention to detail. Reflecting its commitment to combining heritage with

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innovation, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has introduced a fully integrated Technogym wellness ecosystem designed to meet the needs of

an international clientele that is increasingly focused on health, performance, and wellbeing.

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The fitness area, featuring floorto-ceiling windows with views of the tennis courts and surrounding landscape, now hosts some of Technogym’s most advanced solutions. The offer includes Technogym Checkup, the AIpowered assessment station that evaluates users’ physical condition and creates personalized training programs; Artis, the premium line for cardio and strength training; Technogym Reform for Pilates; Technogym Ride for connected indoor cycling; and Skillrow, the rowing machine from the Skill line designed for performance-oriented training. All the equipment has been selected in the new Sand Stone finish, a sophisticated and tactile design identity developed by Technogym to blend harmoniously into the most exclusive and refined environments.

Beyond the fitness equipment itself, the project stands out for its strong digital component. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has implemented seamless connectivity between its proprietary app and the Technogym App, allowing guests to access personalized programs, track their workouts, and maintain continuity in their fitness journey even after their stay. At the heart of the experience is Technogym Checkup, which collects data on each user’s physical condition and transforms it into tailored training programs. Thanks to QR code integration between smartphones and equipment, guests can access services instantly and intuitively, ensuring a frictionless experience consistent with the hotel’s exceptional hospitality standards.

The collaboration between Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and Technogym reflects the growing importance of wellness as a key pillar of contemporary luxury hospitality. Through a combination of design, innovation, and personalization, the project helps reinforce the hotel’s commitment to delivering increasingly exclusive and memorable guest experiences. For Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Technogym represents a strategic partner in the ongoing evolution of the guest experience, with the shared goal of combining wellbeing, technology, and service excellence in one of the world’s most iconic hospitality destinations.

www.technogym.com

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MUSIC & ARTS

NICK WILLIAMS BRINGS VIBRANT COLOUR, TEXTURE & MAGIC REALISM TO CONTEMPORARY FIGURATIVE PAINTING That willingness to experiment extends beyond the canvas. In his studio, where the gargantuan plants have created a jungle like effect, delicate collages and an assortment of curious sculptures are to be found among the many oil paintings. Snakeskins from his two beloved corn snakes have also found their way into the work.

Cornish artist Nick Williams creates richly textured oil paintings that transform colour, atmosphere and imagination into immersive visual worlds, inviting the viewer to admire the painting’s aesthetics, whilst at the same time exploring the story they tell.

BETWEEN MEMORY AND IMAGINATION: INSIDE THE VIVID WORLD OF NICK WILLIAMS From the Cornish landscape to distant places remembered and imagined, artist Nick Williams creates richly textured paintings that occupy a space somewhere between reality and the world of dreams. There is something immediately transporting about the work, where colour is layered upon colour, familiar landscapes become slightly otherworldly and figures emerge from the richly worked surfaces that bear the physical traces of their making. Born in London but based in Cornwall for forty years Williams creates contemporary figurative paintings that draw on memory and imagination rather than seeking to reproduce the world exactly as it appears. ‘I’m trying to create a sense of place and atmosphere. I’m hoping to convey a feeling of mystery and uncertainty within the narrative of the painting’. It is this space between the familiar and the imagined that gives Williams work its distinctive quality.

An abandoned building, an empty room or a sun-drenched landscape might provide the starting point, but through colour, texture and storytelling and some subtle social commentary the scene evolves into something less literal- a remembered or imagined world that invites the viewer to construct a story of their own. A DISTINCTIVE WAY OF PAINTING Williams has developed his visual language independently, choosing not to follow the traditional art school route. Working mainly in oil paints, his process is intuitive and highly physical: layers of paint are built up, sanded back, reworked and layered again, creating surfaces that give the paintings a tactile presence. His influences range from Vuillard and Velasquez to Van Gogh, Vermeer, Anselm Kiefer, Paula Rego, Peter Doig and Banksy. Yet the resulting work is unmistakably his own- combining traditional figurative painting with elements of magic realism and an intense often unexpected use of colour.

A WORLD OF HIS OWN Williams studio, once a stable, sits within Trelan gardens in Lelant, near St Ives. Over the past fifteen years he has transformed the long neglected grounds into an exuberant tropical landscape of towering echiums, palms, ferns and meandering paths. Amongst it sits one particularly unexpected creation: ‘The Avenue of Tortured Souls’, a twenty metre installation fashioned from a hundred and eighty twisted roots of the Echium pininana, embedded into the ground. The connection with his paintings is difficult to miss. There is the same attraction to texture and transformation, the same willingness to take something familiar and make it strange. Inside the studio the paintings develop slowly, often over years. Outside the garden continues to evolve at its own pace. Williams has shown his work in solo Exhibitions in Cornwall and London, and his paintings can be found in private collections around the world.

DISCOVER THE WORK OF NICK WILLIAMS Explore the latest collection of paintings, enquire about private commissions or arrange a studio visit nickgwilliams.com | Instagram @nickgwilliams60

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Nick G Williams

VISIT NICK’S STUDIO AT TRELAN Explore original paintings and limited-edition prints, enquire about commissions or arrange a private studio visit in Cornwall. nickgwilliams.com

@nickgwilliams60

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THE ART OF REINVENTION:

STEPHEN WICKS ON MUSIC, PURPOSE AND LIVING WITHOUT LIMITS 3. “The Doomsday Clock” explores the idea that humanity is closer than ever to self-destruction. When you write about issues of such enormous scale, how do you turn something so complex and frightening into a song that people can connect with? People live in their “micro “ worlds, trying to live their lives whilst all this madness goes on around them. Music is a perfect way of showing what is really going on , the video shows a runaway train, which kind of sums up where the world is and i think putting these themes to music tells the story that needs to be told. 1. You’ve reinvented yourself as a rock singer-songwriter after a long career in business. What was it that finally made you decide that the time was right to put music at the centre of your life? I have always written songs from when i was in my teens, having lost my father age 17, i became the breadwinner of the household and almost a father to my two younger brothers, i was determined to “get on in life” and building a career kind of became my obsession, it was only after i retired, i switched my passion to my music, better late than never! 2. Your music tackles subjects such as the threat of global destruction, digital surveillance and climate change rather than more conventional themes of love and relationships. What draws you towards social commentary as a songwriter? I do write songs about “lovey stuff” but songwriting comes from the heart and you can’t really control what comes out, one of the benefits of being old is to be able to look back and the world has changed so much and is in such a dangerous place, writing about it seems relevant and putting those messages into songs and words, just feels so right.

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4. Your latest work also explores facial recognition, digital control and the potential dangers of state surveillance. Do you see songwriting as a form of protest— or perhaps even a way of starting conversations that politics and the media sometimes struggle to have? One of the massive changes in the world has been the way “digital life” has become the norm. In my last release “follow the Herd” it warns that we are really running the risk of becoming puppets to the state who watch and control our every move, a key line in that song is “take away money, they can track your card”, facial recognition is a terrible intrusion into ones privacy, if my music makes people think a bit more about the digital threats around them , then that’s great. 5. You’ve spent decades navigating the corporate world, and your producer George Shilling describes your music as combining the discipline of a corporate career with the raw emotionality of an artist. How much does your

business experience influence the way you write and create music? My music has now largely become my job. In my career, i had a mantra: “if you want to be the best, work with the best “! This has followed me into my music, i am able to work with a top producer, George Shilling and some fantastic session musicians. 6. There’s a fascinating message behind your career change: that creativity doesn’t have an expiry date. Do you think society places too many limitations on what people are expected to do at different stages of their lives? I think there is an expectation that when you get old, you sit down in a chair and slow right down; I am speeding up! When your horizon is getting shorter, you have to get as much done while you can. I am convinced that keeping the brain active makes you live longer! 7. You’re already looking ahead to songs about climate change, homelessness and politics. Is there a particular issue that you feel most urgently needs a voice through your music right now? All those topics are on my agenda and definitely to explore why older people are treated so poorly in our society, when they have so much to give. 8. You’ve said your age is part of what makes your story unusual. What would you say to someone who has reached a later stage in life but still has an ambition they haven’t pursued—and perhaps assumes it’s too late? It’s never too late to “Rock and Roll” ! Age really is just a number…….

www.stephenwicks.co.uk

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STEPHEN WICKS S I N G E R • S O N G W R I T E R • S TO RY T E L L E R

From corporate boardrooms to sold-out stages, Stephen Wicks followed a different kind of calling. His music blends timeless rock influences with cinematic depth and emotional truth - written from real life and delivered with authenticity.

NEW SINGLE

THE DOOMSDAY CLOCK (85 SECONDS TO MIDNIGHT)

A powerful new single that speaks to our times with urgency, melody and meaning.

This is music with purpose. This is Stephen Wicks. LISTEN NOW

S T E P H E N W I C K S . C O . U K M U S I C T H AT R E S O N AT E S . S TO R I E S T H AT S TAY.