Tempus 10

U-boat / David Haye / Ro lls-Royc e G h o st Ultimate safaris / Wellbeing special / Ta len to j ew ellery 2013 men’s fashion trends / Superyachts / S I HH p r ev i ew

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+44 (0) 1256 862 068

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info@corumwatches.co.uk

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05/12/2012 10:58

Watch with tourbillon escapement, 18K red gold case water-resistant to 30 meters. Sapphire crystal back.

CORUM automatic movement with micro-rotor.

108 New Bond Street | London W1S 1EF | www.frostoflondon.co.uk

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Explore the Energy of Creation

Shamballa Bracelets and Rings White G/vs Diamonds, Sapphires and 18K white gold

108 New Bond Street | London W1S 1EF | Tel. 020 3372 0108 | www.frostoflondon.co.uk www.shamballajewels.com

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108 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EF Tel: 020 3372 0108 - www.frostoflondon.co.uk

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19/12/2012 10:26

Foreword

issue

ten Contributors

From the editor Editor

Scott Manson

scott.manson@astongreenlake.com 020 3617 4693 Art Director

Ross Trigg

ross.trigg@astongreenlake.com 020 3006 2122 Writer

Hannah Silver

hannah.silver@astongreenlake.com Business Development Director

Mark Edwards

mark.edwards@astongreenlake.com 020 3617 4688 Senior Account Manager

Tom Pettit

t.pettit@astongreenlake.com Senior Account Manager

Maxime Mendelewitsch

maxime@astongreenlake.com Managing Director

Jay Boisvert

Tempus is published monthly

by Aston Greenlake publishing Ltd, 8th floor, 6 mitre passage, london se10 0er.

TEL: 020 3617 4688

We don’t do themed issues here at Tempus Towers but if we did, then this would surely be our ‘inspiration issue’.

From the latest luxury watches to ultra-travel options and a health and fitness special, this edition has something for your mind, body, soul and, of course, wrist.

The latter sees us preview SIHH, the Geneva-based watch fair run by the Richemont group. This luxury operator includes brands such as Montblanc, Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger-LeCoultre in its portfolio and, as you’ll see from the feature on page 55, the invitation-only event showcased some of the finest watches on the planet.

Further inspiration comes from our men’s fashion features on page 32 and page 89. Taking the recent London Men’s Fashion Week as their cue, our style writers reveal what the well-dressed chap will be wearing this season. Clearly, with an explosion of talent on the current fashion scene, there has never been a better time to update your wardrobe.

Elsewhere, we cherrypick a selection of healthy options – from rejuvenating holidays to Britain’s best personal trainer – to help you shake off that post-Christmas torpor and fire up your 2013 health kick.

All this plus the lowdown on U–Boat, one of the world’s fastest-growing watch brands, makes for another thrilling edition of Tempus – the magazine for changing times.

Eddie Sahakian As one of the UK’s most renowned cigar aficionados, Eddie is perfectly placed to reveal the greatest smokes of all time.

Find out more on page 29.

Ken Kessler When it comes to watch experts, there are few who can match Ken Kessler. On page 55 he highlights the timepieces that are set to cause a stir at this year’s SIHH show.

Enjoy the issue.

Isla McKechnie Isla, a former superyacht magazine editor, examines the growing trend for fitness breaks aboard large-scale yacht charters, on page 109.

Scott Manson Editor

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Contents

Inside issue ten

14 - Take Me There

Enjoy the world’s most romantic Valentine’s Day in Tahiti

82 - Cognac is Back

17 - Luxury Briefing

Where style and substance meet

Why the world has woken up to this sublime spirit

25 - Food and Drink

89 - The Menswear Revival

29 - The Word

96 - Where the Wild Things Are

Where to eat, drink and be merry Eddie Sahakian on quality cigars; Angus Davies on watch collectors; Josh Sims on followers of fashion

New trends in men’s fashion

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Today’s safaris are ultra-luxurious and eco-friendly 104 - Listen Up

34 - Object of Desire

All eyes are on Badollet

Our pick of the best in-ear headphones

38 - Fashion and Accessories

107 - The Best Car in the World

Exclusive adornments

Test driving the superb Rolls Royce Ghost

41 - Fighting Talk

Boxer David Haye on watches, cars, clothes and a return to the ring

Cover: U-BOAT - Classico Gold 53

48 - All about U

109 - Aqua Aerobics

Get fit, superyacht style 112 - Nip and Tuck

Oversized and over here. We reveal the story behind hot Italian watch brand U-Boat

Apsley Tailors offers a bespoke suit in record time

55 - Best in Show

The scented candle and whale song-free heaven of men’s spas

114 - King for a Day

The stand-out pieces from the exclusive SIHH watch show

116 - The Beauty of the Cape

66 - Fit for purpose

Your 2013 health kick starts here 76 - From Italy With Love

Discover the contemporary classic that is Talento jewellery

Special thanks: Charlotte Johnson @ThePressOffice Simon Berkovitch

Fine dining, adventure and whale watching in South Africa 122 - Moments in Time

Buzz Aldrin and his Omega Speedmaster

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Take me there

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White sandy beaches that stretch for miles, guaranteed sun and miles-from-home exoticism mean Tahiti is the perfect choice for a luxury romantic 14 February getaway.

For those seeking something a bit more active, the island also holds the Moorea International Marathon every year around Valentine’s Day. Nicknamed Tahiti’s ‘Love Marathon’, it differs slightly from its more urban counterparts thanks to Vahine dancers and Tahitian drummers opening the proceedings, and water stations that offer pineapples, papayas, mangos and coconuts.

tahiti-tourisme.pf

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www.marcuswatches.co.uk - 170 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON, W1S 4RB - T +44 (0) 20 7290 6500

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08/01/2013 10:16

Luxury briefing

Because the best things in life aren’t free

Strange times MB&F Maximilian Büsser & Friends creates horological pieces like nothing else on the market. Its latest, HM5 On the Road Again, channels a retro aesthetic to great effect.

The hour and minute displays look simple, but they’re bidirectional jumping hours with indications inversed, with the whole piece taking its design cues from a 1970s vision of what the future would look like. Its wedge-shaped case, for example, is inspired by the low-slung supercars of that decade while the LED-style display will strike a chord with anyone who owned one of the world’s first digitals.

mbandf.com

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Luxury briefing

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The drive of your life Eagle Speedster The BBC’s Top Gear described this as “the most beautiful car we have ever seen” – and we’re inclined to agree. The Eagle Speedster, a love letter to the iconic Jaguar E-Type, is a British sports car that’s been hailed as arguably the most exclusive hand-built car in the world. Around £500,000 buys you motoring heaven.

jaguarspeedster.com

Let there be light Alfred Dunhill This stunning (and rare) Alfred Dunhill lighter, which dates from the 1950s, is a nostalgic nod to the days when smoking still equated glamour.

The gold-plated table lighter has a Perspex body and features a handpainted decoration. A beautiful piece that’s a true testament to British style and craftsmanship.

quintessentiallygifts.com

The one to watch Baume & Mercier Loved for its classic designs, Baume & Mercier is expanding its selection of Capeland chronographs with a new retro-inspired piece. Available in limited quantities, the chronograph has a beautiful copper dial, striking blue hands and bicompax counter layout.

baume-et-mercier.com

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Luxury briefing

Suite dreams

Making waves

St. Regis

McQueen Luxury Toys

The uber-luxe St. Regis hotel in New York has announced that it has collaborated with Bentley to launch a unique new guest suite. Designed by both teams, the residence is a stylish and well-crafted affair, and includes a butler and complimentary access to the first 2013 Bentley Mulsanne in the United States.

The car, naturally, has also been given bespoke customisation touches.

McQueen Luxury Toys has come up with the ultimate way to enjoy the waves with its limited edition water scooter. Restricted to just 100 pieces, it not only has sonar technology, a four-hour running time and LED lighting, it will also be personally delivered to your yacht. All you need to work out is how to sip champagne while driving underwater‌

stregis.com

quintessentiallygifts.com

Pole position Chopard Chopard’s connection with the world of car racing is already established, but the latest Superfast collection takes it further. The Chrono, Automatic and Power Control are the first models in the collection to be equipped with Chopard movements entirely designed, developed and assembled in-house. Generous sizes and bold lines also make for a pleasingly sporty style.

chopard.com

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108 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EF Tel: 020 3372 0108 - www.frostoflondon.co.uk

108 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EF - www.FrostofLondon.co.uk

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13/12/2012 14:48 07/12/12 11:05

Luxury briefing

Ice driving below-zero

Grande slam Jaeger-LeCoultre The Grande Reverso Ultra Thin is arguably the most intricate and detailed of JLC’s popular Reverso series. Entirely openworked and decorated by hand, everything not absolutely essential to the mechanism has been removed to ensure the ultimate in simplicity.

The first-rate mechanical manually wound movement is set in a beautiful Art Deco-inspired case.

Racing fast cars on a sheet of ice may fly in the face of every driving instinct, but ice driving is the ultimate thrill. Below Zero – based near Are, Sweden’s largest ski resort – has world-class rally instructors who’ll teach you just how to steer a specially prepared Porsche 911, complete with 300 brake horsepower and fully studded tyres, on a snow-covered lake. A great range of apres-drive options helps to make this a truly memorable trip.

belowzeroicedriving.com

jaeger-lecoultre.com

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The World’s Finest Luxury Mobile Phones

Discover the pearl white apple iphone 5 – intricately hand tailored with 24k yellow gold and vs1 diamonds www.continentalmobiles.com

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11/12/2012 09:27

E N G I N E E R S O F LUXU RY SA F E S

FINE SAFES FOR WATCHES, JEWELLERY AND MORE. A Stockinger safe will make you realise that you have done the best for your valuables. Enjoy this good feeling every day of the year, wherever you are and whatever you do. Stockinger bespoke safes combine security, creativity and cra smanship to form exclusive safes for you as a discerning collector of high-quality jewellery and timepieces. Ask us for details. Telephone: +49 (0)89 7590-5828

stockinger.com Handcrafted in germany

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19.10.12 19:15 13/12/2012 14:50

Food & Drink

Trends and news from the best bars and kitchens

HKK I was lucky enough to go to the opening party of London’s first Hakkasan restaurant back in 2001. I was on a first date, and taking someone to what was arguably the capital’s hippest restaurant space at the time set the tone for a fabulous night of Chinese fine dining. While that relationship may be a distant memory, Hakkasan has gone from strength to strength, picking up a Michelin star along the way. In the fickle, trend-driven world of London dining, it remains booked solid almost every night, while its bar has kept its cool thanks to a strict door policy.

Now the Hakkasan group, which includes restaurants in Mumbai and Miami, has brought in original head chef Tong Chee Hwee to head up HKK, a 48-seat restaurant situated

Reviewed by Scott Manson

a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street station. Inspired by the Chinese banqueting tradition, it offers an eightor 15-course tasting menu available at lunch or dinner. As the room itself is minimal, it means that all the attention is focused on the superb food.

Space doesn’t permit an account of all 15 courses – but there wasn’t a dud among them. Among the highlights was a beautifully tender drunken chicken, which combined Poulet de Bresse chicken from the Rhone valley marinated in vintage Gu Yue Long Shan rice wine and served with jellyfish, and finished with goji berry and coriander. Dim sum, a Hakkasan specialty, was also present in the form of a trio of steamed truffle har gau, pan-fried Szechuan dumpling and mooli puff. Each had been hand-made and were startlingly different in taste and texture. Wok-fried Scottish lobster in a yellow bean sauce, jasmine tea-smoked wagyu beef, steamed razor clams with morels – this is Chinese cooking raised to a high art. In truth, I would have been happy to be served 15 courses consisting solely of the Peking Duck. Roasted with cherry wood and hand-carved at the restaurant’s central table, it elicited audible groans of pleasure from us.

And while the room may not have the cool factor of Hakkasan, on the strength of this visit I can confidently say that HKK is currently serving the best Chinese food in London.

hkklondon.com

Gourmet dining at Twickenham Stadium

Leading corporate hospitality specialist Keith Prowse has seen a flurry of food-loving rugby fans sign up for packages. This follows the news that Great British Menu and Pollen Street Social chef Jason Atherton is now at the helm of Twickenham Stadium’s St. George’s suite. Guests can enjoy world-class dining with a fabulous view of the field, plus the chance to meet England Elite Squad players at this year’s Six Nations Tournament, from 2 February to 16 March. keithprowse.com 25

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Food & Drink

Made in Britain

A classic dry martini cocktail is a fabulous start to any evening. The colossal strength – with the heady botanicals of a top gin searing the palette and mixing with a twist of fresh lemon zest and a shake or measure of dry vermouth – is a unique pleasure and one which I was recently lucky enough to share with the master distiller of Beefeater Gin, Desmond Payne. It was a truly special moment of 2012, and I urge you to try the fruits of his labours.

by Peter Dean Three great British gins

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On top of the nine Beefeater botanicals, Desmond added green tea, grapefruit and Japanese sencha tea. Tea was the light bulb moment, apparently, as it’s perfect for mixing with other flavours and works better with Japanese tonic water.

Wabi On the face of it, London doesn’t need another sushi restaurant. However, when a new opening headed up by Scott Hallsworth, formerly in charge of the kitchen at Nobu in London and Melbourne, was announced, even the most jaded diner couldn’t fail to be excited. The restaurant, Wabi, has already found success in its original incarnation in Horsham in Surrey. But would what works for the commuter belt find favour with demanding capital dwellers?

Set in the basement of a grand terraced building on Kingsway, the dark wood, well-spaced tables and stylish bar make Wabi feel instantly welcoming. The food offers a twist on the traditional with a varied and seasonal menu of Japanese cuisine with a funky European edge.

Indeed, several of the dishes – and I mean this as a compliment – feel like Japanese junk food. At a time when London restaurants have embraced the ‘dirty dining’ trend – think messy

Reviewed by Scott Manson gourmet burgers, burnt ends of pork and posh fried chicken – Wabi has translated that approach into gutsy and informal dishes that look and taste fantastic.

The brilliantly unpretentious tea-smoked pork scratchings, for example, or the BBQ pork belly buns, served with spicy peanut soy, represent hip, high-end Asian comfort food at its best. Although a new operation, I’m also willing to bet that the indulgent foie gras martini with umeshu jelly, nashi and black vinegar will soon be regarded as one of its signature dishes. Naturally, from chefs operating at this high level, the sushi and sashimi is second to none, and easily the equal of any of London’s better known Japanese establishments The eastern fringes of Covent Garden were once a culinary wasteland. Give thanks, then, to the big, addictive, flavour combinations of Wabi, blazing a trail for Japanese dining in the capital.

Sipsmith

The most high profile of a batch of recent boutique or ‘pop-up’ gins to hit the capital. It’s the first gin copper distillery to be built in London for almost 200 years and provides a range of quality London dry gins as well as tours and tastings.

Plymouth Gin

One of the oldest gin brands, made in the building where the Pilgrim Fathers spent their last night before setting sail. It officially launched in 1793 and by 1900 was the world’s largest gin brand – not least through supplying the British Navy with 1,000 barrels a year. It’s also originally specified in the first dry martini recipe.

wabirestaurants.com

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10/01/2013 09:32

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09/01/2013 11:39 06.11.12 10:42

The Word

Quality cigars Ed d i e sahakian

Eddie Sahakian is the UK’s foremost cigar aficionado

My introduction to cigars was both remarkable and highly memorable. I had just turned 16 and my father invited me to Davidoff in London’s St. James’s. Despite my expectations of another well-deserved scolding I was instead surprised by a beautiful Davidoff No. 2 cigar. My father sat me down in one of the armchairs and proceeded to tell me that in my life I would be offered many things to smoke – some better and some worse.

However, he wanted me to start with the best, and so my first cigar was enjoyed with my dear father. Although I didn’t appreciate it at the time, he was and continues to be correct – cigar smoking doesn’t get any better than that.

A quarter century later, I have the good fortune to still be working with my father. While we continue to sell the best tobacco in the world, much has changed in the in the world of smoking. In 2007, the UK smoking ban came into force and while its target appeared to be cigarette smokers, the collateral damage was cigar and pipe smokers. For the uninitiated, enjoying a fine cigar after a meal, ideally in pleasant company, is one of life’s great pleasures. It can be easily compared with the delights of good wine where selecting, ageing and finally enjoying the fruits of mother nature is an end in itself.

Fortunately, since the smoking ban we have been heartened by the great British attitude to ill-considered legislation and government intrusion into our private lives. With a ruder version of Churchill’s ‘V for Victory’ gesture aimed at politicians, Brits have found a new interest in the pleasures of cigars – not just regular cigars, but increasingly the finest and rarest examples on the market. The evidence for this can be found in the spread of comfortable outdoor smoking areas throughout the UK and the parallel growth in the sales of rare, vintage and ultra-premium cigars. The very same Cuban Davidoff No. 2 that I smoked with my father in 1988 is now considered a highly collectible vintage cigar. It has appreciated from £6.75 per cigar in 1988 to anywhere from £100-£200, depending on provenance and age.

We are also seeing great demand for facilities where customers can store and age cigars and a growing interest in rare cigars among the alternative investment community. This has encouraged us to open the Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop and Sampling Lounge in the new Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge.

The cigar selection has been carefully curated from my father’s private collection and it represents some of the rarest and finest vintage cigars. In addition, we offer lockers for rent where customer stock can be aged in perfect conditions.

I am often asked which cigars are my favourites and which currently available cigars will age well. My after-lunch favourite continues to be the Davidoff No. 2 – a very well-balanced and mild cigar with flawless construction. My after-dinner cigar would be the Partagas E No. 2 – a larger and, in my opinion, fuller expression of the Partagas Series D blend. As to which cigars to buy now and put away for later years: the Romeo y Julieta Duke 2009 Limited Edition, the Bolivar Britanicas UK Regional Edition from 2011 and the Davidoff Robusto Gordo White Label 2012 (only 8,000 boxes made).There is a whole world of flavour to be discovered – join me on my sofa!

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10/01/2013 09:32

The Word

Angus Davies

T h e p r o b l e m w i t h wat c h c o l l e c t o r s

As a young boy growing up, I recall that my father had an uncanny ability to buy cars blighted with terrible residual values. He could always be relied upon to select a motor that depreciated with near-supersonic speed. I look back at the list of cringeworthy purchases – including a lavender blue Chrysler Alpine and a black Citroën GS Basalte with red stripes – and all I see are a set of cars that gradually eroded any inheritance I might have been due.

The reason I mention cars is that residual values are sometimes a key consideration when selecting a new motor. With watches, too, I am often asked which have the best residual values or the timepieces that might increase in value over the years. These questions sadden my soul. I don’t consider residual values when selecting a watch. I don’t seek out the ubiquitous brands, simply to ensure that I can sell the watch five years later for the same price.

I choose a watch because it engages with my heart.

Cradle a Grande Lange 1 in your hands, for example. Reverse it and admire the movement visible via the sapphire caseback. A three-quarter plate constructed of untreated German silver is meticulously presented – there is Glashütte ribbing, rubies and gold chatons glint, and its appearance changes as it acquires a delightful patina, ageing like a fine wine.

I also cherish my own Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. It has Art Deco-inspired aesthetics and can trace back its origins to 1931 – a watch that is never subject to the changing tastes of fickle fashion.

Yes, I am a horological trainspotter. Instead of sitting at the end of the station platform at Crewe or Derby, trying to spot a Deltic from former years, I seek blued screws, perlage and complications.

I like the romantic notion of a watchmaker sat at a bench in a small village in the Jura, patiently bevelling a bridge by hand.

Recently I met Anita Porchet, a famous freelance emailleuse. She can spend two and a half months painting a watch dial by hand. The repeated firing of the dial in an oven, elicits rich variegated hues and a wondrous three-dimensional appearance justifying the altitudinous pricing. Her work on a unique piece for Vacheron Constantin – a recreation of the ceiling of the Palais Garnier in Paris, painted by Chagall, expressed on a watch dial – left me speechless. This is not a watch you buy to sell on for a fast buck.

A few months ago, whilst visiting a prestigious, authorised retailer of fine timepieces, I was shown a peerless Patek Philippe with a Grand Feu dial. The watch was still in its factory-fresh box, vacuum-sealed and unopened.

“The customer won’t wear the watch,” I was told. “He keeps them in his safe for investment purposes.”

This seems like an ugly motive for collecting watches. The peerless craftsmanship from this most noble of brands should be enjoyed.

This watch, starved of oxygen, will never breathe life and impart joy to a wearer. It will sit on an inventory somewhere beneath gilts and above stocks on the sterile balance sheet of this heartless philistine.

I am not like my father. I drive a German car with supposed gilt-edged residual values. However, when it comes to watches, I purchase with my heart as well as my head. I buy watches to wear, not to squirrel away in a safety deposit box.

Life is far too short to worry about residuals. Wear your watch with pride.

Angus Davies is the founder of watch website escapement.uk.com

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108 New Bond Street | London W1S 1EF | www.frostoflondon.co.uk 000_Ad.indd 1

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The Word

Josh Sims

D e d i c at e d f o l l o w e r o f fa s h i o n

There comes a point in a man’s life when clothing and fashion start to part company. In one corner, the well-made, stylish and essentially tried and tested. In the other, the of-the-moment and faddish; stuff that, as passing decades are chalked up, increasingly seems to suggest that fashion designers don’t get out much.

Take collections from the respected Lou Dalton, Lanvin and Richard James for this spring/summer, for example. Each feature what were once referred to as ‘short trousers’ – not quite short enough to count as shorts, but definitely not long enough to count as proper trousers. There is a touch of Just William about them.

Sadly, there comes a time when attenuated schoolboy style no longer cuts it with grown men who want to dress age appropriately.

Nor are short trousers the only new season trend likely to drive many conservative dressers back into the safety of less adventurous brands. See also every play on camo, from Dries Van Noten to Comme des Garcons; full-on floral prints from Balenciaga and Christopher Kane; and the use of what one designer honestly referred to as “women’s fabrics”, the likes of organza, crepe, chiffon and silk. It’s clever stuff, no doubt – but there is a reason why ‘trendy’ has become a term of abuse.

Not that it all scares the horses. Yes, one key look for tailoring this summer – OK, for every summer, it seems – is strong colour: forget greys and navies, think leaf greens and shiny peach. But then again, one of the biggest trends of the season is blue, be it electric, duck-egg or cyan, from the likes of Etro, E. Tautz and Oliver Spencer. And getting a man to wear blue is like getting him to wear a suit to his wedding – which is to say, not so difficult.

Of course, such trends are largely there to fulfil the fashion machine’s increasingly questioned requirement that designers do something original every six months, and to spark interest among the press and buyers… who will consequently purchase only those accessible, commercial pieces that, invariably, were never even shown on the catwalks. Yet each season the reported trends butt up against the self-evident contention that, unlike women, even the most sartorially ardent men – of which there are more and more, thankfully – are only passingly interested in what is ‘in’, against what is stylish and wearable.

Fortunately, there is plenty of that on offer for 2013. For the weekend, the likes of Dior and Louis Vuitton are afloat with nautical references – from breton striped and boat-necked knits and anchor motifs to cagoules and sou’westers, at last getting their moment in the spotlight. If you’re more land-lubber, the hockey jersey and baseball shirt are the shapes to wear.

And, for dressier affairs, designers are already channelling the summer’s looming Great Gatsby-mania. The likes of Hackett, Hardy Amies London and Ralph Lauren have ramped up that 1920s pre-Crash panache: broad, peak-lapelled three-piece suits, high-waisted trousers with deep cuffs, contrast penny-collared shirts and correspondent shoes.

It is all a bit self-consciously retro, perhaps even a touch costume drama. But maybe that is what men of a certain standing really want: the familiarity of the already comfortably dated, rather than anything that rocks the foundations of your wardrobe by being self-consciously new. Let’s leave the latter to the boys, shall we?

Josh Sims is a London-based fashion journalist and author

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10/01/2013 09:33

U-BOAT

U-51 BLACK & BRONZE LIMITED EDITION TO 300

Because, when you look closely you realise that this is a hybrid bronze and PVD timepiece that it is going to age over time and grow with you. Because there are only 300 in the entire world and yours will be hand-made and have human strokes of genius and main-d’œuvre. Because the calf-leather strap is hand-distressed and sewn together in Italy by the most enduring process. Because the Swiss automatic movement has a 44-hour power reserve and beats 28,800 times an hour.

facebook.com/uboatuk

Now you know.

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@uboatuk

108 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EF Tel: 020 3372 0108 www.frostoflondon.co.uk

19/12/2012 09:33

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Objects of desire

Badollet The Stellaire, by Badollet, is a tourbillon with a difference. It’s a technically impressive piece, thanks to a mechanical hand-wound movement endowed with a mammoth 120-hour power reserve and a beautiful openworked dial. Literally inspired

by the heavens, the movement has a baseplate made entirely from meteorite, while the carriage of the flying tourbillion – weighing less than one gram – is set with extraterrestrial olivines which have also been extracted from meteorite fragments.

Meteorite material is notoriously hard to fashion as a result of its uneven structure and its tendency to become magnetically charged during machining, making this watch a truly unearthly achievement.

frostoflondon.co.uk

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Fashion & Accessories frostof london.co.uk

If luxe could kill The latest in cutting-edge luxury from Frost of London

01 Roberto Demeglio

A stunning piece from Roberto Demeglio’s Cashmere collection, this bangle is made from precious gemstones that provide an exquisite look and feel.

POA

02 Jacob & Co

Jacob & Co’s Night and Day Flip cufflinks are seriously luxurious.

Crafted from white diamonds, black onyx and white gold, they will look slick with a tux.

£18,500

03 Jason of Beverly Hills

Jason of Beverly Hills is loved for the shock and awe of its high jewellery pieces. This lightning bolt ring may be a little more tame, but it’s still a powerful piece.

POA

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04 Chrome Hearts

Perfect for a spot of winter sun, the ‘butterfly eye’ shaped Call Me Back-Kate frames are the result of a collaboration between Chrome Hearts and actress Kate Hudson.

POA

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05 Theo Fennell

This beautiful gold key pendant is an uncharacteristically understated piece from the flamboyant Fennell, and will make an elegant gift.

Prices start from £495

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Turbine XS, A2044/1 Double Rotor Technology

Made by movement

www.perrelet.com

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108 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EF Tel: 020 3372 0108 www.frostoflondon.co.uk

20/12/2012 15:01

Good times Words - Alexandra Willis

David

Haye

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Good times

As the former WBA heavyweight champion and unified world cruiserweight champion, David Haye is one of Britain’s most successful boxers. More recently, reality TV fans will have followed his jungle-based adventures on I’m A Celebrity…

Get Me Out Of Here!

His passion for the ring, though, still burns. Could 2013 be the year we see the Hayemaker back in action once again?

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ince you left the jungle, there have been conflicting reports regarding your next move – an assault on the big screen or a move back into the ring? Just what can we expect from The Hayemaker in 2013?

I want to be able to do everything, if I’m honest. I want to embrace new opportunities that come my way. I’m not absolutely drawing a line under boxing, but I’ve achieved a great deal of what I wanted to achieve in the sport. I’m always looking for the next challenge, and whatever I do, it won’t involve sitting around on my backside!

So there might be one last showdown against [WBC World Heavyweight champion] Vitali Klitschko?

There’s some talk, some rumouring in the background right now, but nothing’s been confirmed either way. And honestly, should he decide not to fight me and concentrate on his political career in the Ukraine – well, that may hammer the final nail in my own career in the ring, and I won’t box again.

But I want him on my record, especially as Vitali has stated on numerous occasions that he wants to knock me out. And when, or if, he fights me, I want everyone to remember when I put him on his back.

You said you wanted to pursue acting during your time on I’m a Celebrity...

Is that still the case?

I’ve been acting throughout my fighting career, and my whole life really. The ‘Hayemaker’ character is pretty much an act that I’ve sold to so many people around the world. If I can do that, surely I can transfer to professional acting? The whole thing with the ‘Hayemaker’ persona is that it was always an indication that I was doing a good job. Whether they loved or loathed it, they remembered it.

I’ve been talking a lot to my friend Joe Calzaghe about this. He’s someone who has also been getting into his acting, so out of anybody, he’s the man I can speak to. And he’s like me – he knows what it takes, how much dedication it takes to get to the top, to be a great boxer. And he’s the same with acting – he wants to be a great actor. He doesn’t just want to play crappy little parts here and there. He wants to get his teeth into something, so he’s definitely someone I will talk to about things.

Given the choice, what’s the dream role for you?

It would have to be a Bond villain. I’ve always wanted to be the bad guy – they always have more fun. Javier Bardem was amazing in the last Bond movie. I’d love to play someone like that.

Is it fair to say you’re a man of extravagant tastes?

Well, that depends on what you mean by extravagance! I like my cars, that’s true.

Right now, I’m pretty sure it’s eight I have, but I’m always upgrading and changing.

I like my Range Rovers, Mercedes and Bentleys – classic cars, in some ways, with style and legacy. That’s always nice – feeling like you’re driving something that generations have invested in.

So what would be your dream car?

It would have to be something rare that no-one else has got. I’d probably have to make it myself. Like some sort of Audi concept car. I remember watching Tom Cruise in Minority Report driving a car with loads of lights around the wheels, and I thought that was really cool and futuristic.

There is a line to be drawn though: you might look a bit stupid stuck in a traffic jam in Stockwell with lights on your wheels.

You’re also someone who likes your wristwatches, judging from the piece you were wearing during your post-fight press conference spat with Dereck Chisora.

I was wondering when that was going to come up! My Hublot King Power is a standout watch. I love it. It’s bold, brave and chic, and it didn’t suffer any scratches

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Good times

hayemaker.com

from the fight! A good watch is a great statement – it makes you feel powerful. I like something that’s crafted and intelligent.

Yes, it’s a timepiece, but it also sets off your persona. That’s the power of a watch.

There’s word that you may have signed a deal with a watch line...

I am doing a deal with someone at the moment. I can’t tell you who it’s with until the contract is signed. I have got one but until it’s signed, I can’t say much.

But watch this space, definitely, and I’ll be back with more.

Are you a man into his fashion?

I like to dress well, although nothing looks better than my Hayemaker t-shirts and hoodies! I like to experiment and have a laugh with how I look, too. Recently, I was staying in Vegas and there was some sort of line dancing convention going on in our hotel. I already had a cowboy hat and walked past a shop and saw some cowboy boots in there. I always fancied cowboy boots, and thought it’d be funny to try some on. And they were surprisingly comfortable. They came home with me on the flight.

Currently living in London, where would be your preferred nightspot of choice in the city?

I’m a big fan of Whiskey Mist and I really like Aura, near Green Park. It’s not the roomiest but it has an excellent vibe to it. And I also like Supperclub in Notting Hill – great food and they always put on a spectacular show.

You’re well known for your incredible physique, and share your tips in your new fitness DVD, Box and Tone…

Yes, and the DVD is for everyone – people who haven’t done any type of exercise before and people who have. There are too many DVDs on the market for a specific type of person or specific group of people. I wanted

one DVD that covers all bases. The exercises I use are those I’ve been doing for many years, the best of all the things I’ve done over the last two decades. I wanted to make it fun as well. Too many DVDs are too hard – you give up halfway through – but this was specifically designed so that everything that’s done can be enjoyed.

Aside from following your exercise routine on Box and Tone, what else would you recommend for someone looking to replicate your physique?

Getting fit these days is all about being committed to something. Naturally you’ve got to exercise if you want to get into shape,

but equally important is monitoring the calories that you put into yourself.

A lot of people have three meals. One thing I’m a fan of is splitting each of those meals up into two portions. So have the same amount but just try to bring the portion sizes down and have more of those. That will speed up your body’s metabolism, you’ll burn more fat, and you’ll become more defined.

Not a fan of the crash diets, then?

There’s a big misconception: dieting doesn’t work – it’s got the word ‘die’ in it after all!

You need a better lifestyle; a lifestyle change.

It’s not all just about starving yourself. Stay healthy, people!

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U-BOAT Words – Scott Manson

All about

We reveal how a hidden discovery formed the genesis of U-Boat, one of the world’s most thrilling watch brands

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U-BOAT www.frostoflondon.co.uk

ife-changing moments can spring from the most mundane circumstances. Indeed, when product designer Italo Fontana decided to do some renovation on a bedroom in his family home, he could scarcely have imagined that, while pulling up some floorboards, he would discover a box that would change his life, and his family’s life, forever.

This box, a horological treasure chest, represented the hopes and dreams of Italo’s grandfather, Ilvo Fontana. As Italo sifted through the documents contained within – sketches, schematics and blueprints for a beautiful watch – he realised that what he was looking at was both his legacy and his destiny.

The box’s content’s revealed that, in the thirties, precision engineer Ilvo Fontana, Italo’s grandfather, received a prestigious commission from the Italian Navy. He was tasked with designing and building a new model of watch for its pilots – a timepiece that not only met demanding technical

specifications but also guaranteed maximum visibility and reliability in all weather conditions.

In the end, though, the contract was awarded to Panerai. The fee helped Panerai stay solvent throughout WWII, while Ilvo’s company folded. Today, as any watch fan knows, Panerai’s brand heritage plays heavily on those Italian Navy connections. ”When I first met Italo, he was keen that they should build a watch that remained true to Ilvo’s original vision,” says Patrick Moufarrige, UK CEO of U-Boat. “Indeed, the U-42 model is incredibly similar to the initial designs found under the floorboards.”

In an odd twist of fate, Moufarrige’s father, Mounir Moufarrige, had previously been at the helm of Panerai, as well as holding high-level positions with the likes of Montblanc, Chloe and Emanuel Ungaro (where he was CEO). He was subsequently appointed as the overall director of U-Boat, allowing his son to pilot the boat that edged closer and closer into the waters which were occupied by Panerai.

This was six years ago – Moufarrige was just 24 years old – and he faced the onerous task of convincing UK retailers that a watch initially perceived as a fashion timepiece – albeit one with a stunning design courtesy of Italo Fontana (whose name is still on every piece) – should be stocked alongside more established brands.

“I was working out of my bedroom at the time, and we’d decided not to invest in PR or advertising, as we wanted the brand to feel cool and underground. A watch to discover,” he says.

What that meant, though, was that Moufarrige had to spend every day on the shop floor of stores such as Selfridges, talking to sales assistants and educating them about the brand.

“I guaranteed Selfridges they would do £75,000 in U-Boat sales in the first six months. They actually did £120,000. We are now the 19th biggest selling brand in the store overall. In fact, in seven years, this brand has become one of the top 20 per cent watch brands in the country. ”

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Photography - Watch Anish London photoshoot (www.watchanish.com)

“we’d decided not to invest in PR or advertising, as we wanted the brand to feel cool and underground. A watch to discover”

(left), Putting the finishing touches to a new watch (right) Franklin D. Roosevelt, former US President and, it seems, U-Boat fan

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U-BOAT

Below: UK CEO Patrick Moufarrige

success is also down to the brilliance of its designer Italo Fontana. His constant evolution of the brand – it now boasts a stunning GMT model, for example – and willingness to adopt trends such as smaller dials and diamond studding, has seen the brand find traction with watch aficionados all over the world.

“You will not find a better watch for the money,” says Moufarrige. “Look at our solid bronze U-51, for example. Three layers of bronze, domed sapphire, Swiss movement, 100m water resistant, 300 piece limited edition, blue screws, everything is top quality.

Yet it retails at £5,900. Try buying a Patek

“I know I have a huge ego, but if I was in the tech industry, I’d be celebrated as a hero by now”

Photography - Watch Anish London photoshoot (www.watchanish.com)

In that time, the brand has also opened fifteen stores internationally, including three in China, and become a favoured timepiece supplier to celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Blunt, Tom Cruise, Giorgio Armani and Sylvester Stallone.

“I walk past dozens of major watch retailers who don’t stock U-Boat, and I see plenty of terrible brands in the window who aren’t selling anywhere near what we sell,” says Moufarrige. “Yet they are there because they advertise.”

“I know I have a huge ego,” he laughs.

“But if I was in the tech industry, I’d be celebrated as a hero by now. Show me another watch company launched by a 24 year old, with products that run on a quality Swiss movement, and never took out a page of advertising, and which now turns over several million pounds a year.”

Moufarrige’s irrepressible energy and hands-on approach to sales aside, U-Boat’s

(left) Arnold Schwarzenegger is a big fan of the brand, seen here with U-Boat owner and designer Italo Fontana (left) and CEO Mounir Moufarrige (right)

for that, and you’ll get a piece of rubbish.

You’ll basically just pay for the brand name.

Granted, buy a Patek for £20k or £30k, and it’s real quality. But there is nothing in the £2k to £6k price bracket to beat a U-Boat.”

Jeweller Frost of London has clearly bought into the cult of U-Boat, with the store recently selling a £13,000 black and gold timepiece. They also took it upon themselves to encrust another model entirely in black diamonds, at a customer’s request.

“The Italian design team were a little sore about that,” admits Moufarrige, “but I love that Frost attitude. You go into their store and they are cool, funky and fresh. They totally get the brand.”

The brand’s next big reveal will come at Baselworld, and Moufarrige is hugely excited, not just about the new watches on show, but also about the U-Boat stand itself.

“It’s just ridiculous,” he says. “Our stand is huge, twice the size of Bell & Ross’s, who are one of our main competitors. Italo Fontana designed it, and visitors will be amazed at what he’s done.”

For those who can’t make it to the Swiss watch show, however, Fontana’s sublime design can be seen in every timepiece that he creates. And, were it not for that chance discovery in his family home, the watch world would surely be a poorer place.

uboatwatch.com

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Swiss made / 250 piece limited edition / ETA Valjoux 7750 self-winding chronograph with ĂŠlaborĂŠ finish / Bi-compax, galvanic, sapphire blue dial / 45 hour power reserve 316L stainless steel case 43mm diameter / Transparent case back / Blue alligator deployment strap

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19/12/2012 15:15 09:38 18/12/2012

SIHH Words – Ken Kessler

in

show Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie

With its ultra-limited edition pieces, this super-exclusive, invitation-only event is the jewel in the horological crown.

Here are 2013’s ones to watch

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In the world of playing Monopoly with watch brands, the roster to beat belongs to the Richemont group. Saying that it owns Cartier and IWC is enough to cow most.

Add Montblanc, Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Van Cleef & Arpels, Baume & Mercier, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and a piece of Greubel Forsey, and you can understand why this luxury corporation can throw its own party.

A breakaway some decades ago from the enormous Basel watch fair, Richemont’s

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Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), features the aforementioned, plus ‘friends’ including Ralph Lauren, Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet and Parmigiani Fleurier. Unlike Baselworld, it is invitationonly, but it’s a must-see if you’re professionally involved with watches.

Naturally, they keep a lid on the ‘novelties’, but teasers do escape. Here are some of the treasures that were unveiled in the third week of January. And yes, that is the whiff of foie gras in the background…

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SIHH

GREUBEL FORSEY

– Quadruple Tourbillon Secret and Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain

Greubel Forsey specialises in extreme tourbillons like no-one else. It also makes precious few, so ‘new’ usually means limited editions of existing models. For 2013, the Quadruple Tourbillon Secret with two double tourbillons will be issued in an edition of eight timepieces in 5N red gold, while the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain will boast a ‘magical’ royal blue finish of the titanium movement.

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CARTIER

– Calibre de Cartier Chronograph

Containing Cartier’s first-ever in-house self-winding chronograph movement, the 1904-CH MC calibre, the 42mm Calibre de Cartier Chronograph has already earned an important place in the brand’s history. As a debut for that movement, it has to be extra special. Cartier dispensed with a third subdial to allow a date at the six o’clock point.

The watch features a 60-second chapter ring with ‘railway track’ markings, adding a look of depth to the dial. It also boasts two types of hour marker, with Roman numerals from nine o’clock to three o’clock, with bar-type indices for four o’clock to eight o’clock. It will be offered in steel, rose gold and combinations of both.

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IWC

– Ingenieur Chronograph Racer Every year, IWC revamps one of its watch families. This year, it’s the turn of the Ingenieur, acknowledging IWC’s partnership with the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 racing team. The new models will reflect F1’s involvement with new materials, with the various models featuring cases made from carbon fibre, ceramic or titanium.

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Parmigiani Fleurier

– Bugatti Vitesse

OK, so I’m prejudiced as I worship anything to do with Bugatti, and have loved every watch Parmigiani has released in conjunction with the makers of the awe-inspiring Veyron car. The Vitesse resembles its predecessor, the Type 370, in that it features a horizontal ‘engine’ with a near-vertical dial, in the manner of ‘driving watches’ of the 1920s and 1930s. It’s hand-wound, with a clever and complex crown system devised specifically for this watch’s layout using double bevel pinions, and the case is as radical as it looks: titanium, gold highlights, six sapphire crystal windows show off the mechanism, and a mix of shiny and satin finishes. The Vitesse provides a ten-day power reserve, and a feeling of joy such as only exclusivity confers. Like the car that inspired it, if you need to ask the price, you can’t afford it.

And, yes, the strap really is made

by Hermès.

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SIHH

JAEGER-LeCOULTRE

– Duomètre Unique Travel Time

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s manually-wound, white gold Duomètre Unique Travel Time allows users to adjust the time in the travel time zone to the nearest minute, setting their time-zone display to all continents and countries, whatever the time-zone difference. A globe shows a graphic representation of the time-zone.

Only 100 will be produced.

PANERAI

– Luminor 1950 Rattrapante 8 Days Titanio Pam00530

It’s the Panerai for those who want the best of everything – historical and contemporary, with a dash of complexity. The rattrapante in the name means that it has a split-seconds chronograph function that works with two hands that are superimposed and partially independent, so you can measure partial times or a second event that’s simultaneous with the first. Beyond all that, it’s classic Luminor-cased Panerai, but made of titanium and 47mm across, with hand-wound in-house P.2006 movement, with a pusher at eight o’clock to start, stop and reset the chronograph hand; the second is controlled by the button at ten o’clock.

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RICHARD MILLE

– RM 036 Tourbillon G-Sensor Jean Todt

Having created a unique and readily-identifiable look, a penchant for see-through movements, strong links to motorsport and a techy vibe that watch nuts find irresistible, the latest from Richard Mille is – blessedly – more of the same. RM 036 honours former Ferrari F1 supremo Jean Todt with a model in a titanium case, housing a tourbillon movement made entirely of Grade-5 titanium on a carbon nanofibre baseplate, and it’s able to indicate g-forces. Naturally.

Only 15 will be made, with some profits from their sale to be donated to the FIA Action for Road Safety and to the ICM Brain & Spine Institute.

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SIHH

A. LANGE & SoHNE

– Grand Lange 1 Lumen

Limited to only 200 examples, Lange’s Grand Lange 1 Lumen will probably sell out as soon as the first 200 fans of the brand see it: it’s the first Lange one could call ‘stealthy’ – a touch of welcomed culture shock from a brand so sober they could cure a hangover.

This piece is gorgeous: a classic Lange 1 with semi-transparent dial, cased in platinum, and with the signature ‘big date’ and power reserve able to glow in the dark, along with the time. Power reserve is 72 hours, and the case measures 40.9mm across. Hmm – Lange goes funky?

PARMIGIANI FLEURIER

– Tonda 1950 Diamond Set It’s not all macho complications at Parmigiani: the company’s iconic Tonda 1950 – a classic round watch with hours, minutes and seconds – is offered for the discerning connoisseur with diamonds set into the bezel.

Inside is the ultra-slim self-winding movement that powers the rest of the series.

MONTBLANC

– Villeret Vintage Tachydate

With Minerva’s DNA coursing through its train, Montblanc’s Villeret Vintage Tachydate oozes desirability, but its gone a step further by addressing retro with truly impeccable taste. This features a single pusher in a crown reminiscent of evocative ‘onion’ winders but without the bulk, the dial features a tachygraph, and the date has its own subdial. Stunning.

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10/01/2013 09:41

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15/11/2012 13:45 2012-11-15 14:24:15

Sport & Wellbeing Words – Hannah Silver

Fit for purpose Th e kit BMW BMW is best-loved for its motors, but fans of the marque should also look to its latest two-wheeled endeavour, the beautifully sleek Mountain Bike Cross Country.

Crafted in aluminium, the bike has been hydroformed and powdercoated to ensure it whips through the air. It also boasts sports suspension with anti-bobbing technology. This beautiful designed piece is available in five colour combinations.

bmwparklane.co.uk Technogym

Technogym has arguably the finest selection of home gym equipment on the planet, offering a great range of exercise bikes, treadmills and ellipticals, although it’s the home multi-gyms that really impress.

The Unica is the most time and space-efficient way to exercise, letting you complete over 25 exercises in just over 16 square feet.

Based on biomechanical principles, the equipment has an easy-start system to ensure it’s used safely.

technogym.com Precor

Cardio is key in any fitness regime, and the AMT 835 will ensure you get a truly effective home workout.

It makes for a low-impact session, thanks to a range of stride paths that provide a great bespoke workout.

precor.com

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If you’re still wallowing in post-Christmas torpor, we’ve put together a selection of the best kit, personal trainers, sports watches and rejuvenating travel options. Your 2013 health kick starts here

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Sport & Wellbeing

Th e watch es Linde Werdelin Crafted from skeletonised titanium, the SpidoLite II is produced with weight reduction technology that makes it a perfect fit for high altitude sports. The watch is tough and accident-proof thanks to a microbillé and satin finish, while the inner case, crown and screws have a black DLC coating. A striking red dial makes this a stylish and sporty choice.

lindewerdelin.com Hublot

Hublot is an expert at sporty timepieces, thanks to its links to major sports events. This time, it’s the official watch of Formula 1, and to celebrate F1’s return to the US Hublot released the F1 King Power Austin as a limited edition.

It uses high-tech materials inspired by the race, including a carbon and titanium bezel which has been satinfinished with a perforated effect to resemble a brake disc.

hublot.com

Panerai The Ferrari Chronograph is the sleek result of Panerai’s alliance with the luxury car company. The twin counter chronograph has a sleek pure black aesthetic thanks to its steel case with special black DLC coating, black dial and black rubber strap.

panerai.com

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Innovation. Inspiration.

If ever a professional home training tool can provide the inspiration to help you discover your true potential, it’s KINESIS PERSONAL. The ultimate in design, it’s a revolutionary cable system that frees you to re-discover fundamental physical abilities: endurance, balance, strength and flexibility. Over 200 exercises in all.

Designed by Antonio Citterio

Take the first step and discover our complete range of cardiovascular, strength and movement products on line.

Visit www.technogym.com or call free on 0800 316 2496 to speak to one of our consultants.

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13/12/2012 14:51

Th e r elaxi n g r etr eats Shreyas Yoga Retreat

Grail Springs

Shreyas Yoga Retreat is one of the world’s best yoga destinations, with a philosophy that incorporates yogic principles and promises a calm state of mind and a stronger body. Guests do as much or as little yoga as they wish and private as well as group lessons are available all day. Massages, organic food and getting involved in the local community are all encouraged for true spiritual wellbeing.

North of Toronto is Grail Springs, one of Canada’s most luxurious health spas and wellness retreats.

The private 100-acre sanctuary sits beside a curative spring lake with massive deposits of healing quartz crystals. A programme of detox body cleansing, weight loss, juice fasting, meditation and life coaching is combined with hiking and horseback trails for an amazingly invigorating luxury break.

chicretreats.com

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Sport & Wellbeing

th e gym Equinox Equinox doesn’t disappoint with its much-anticipated first UK opening.

The Kensington gym offers an incredible range of classes and the latest in high-tech gym equipment.

Your programme will be carefully curated by the personal training staff who will guide you through the extensive strength and cardio floors, while a spa will provide rejuvenating treatments to optimise your results. There are dedicated studios for classes such as cycling and boxing, and it’s not just the

traditional high-cardio on offer either.

If yoga’s your thing, you can choose from countless different styles or opt for Equinox’s signature sessions.

Even the changing rooms are ultraluxurious, with solid walnut lockers, eucalyptus steam rooms and a wealth of Kiehl’s products.

The trainer

The products

Internationally renowned personal trainer Jon Denoris has a stack of celebrity names on his speed dial.

He’s the trainer of choice for many notable types, including the mayor of London, Boris Johnson. He’s also the only personal trainer to lecture on the benefits of fitness to the Royal Society of Medicine. A certified Nike Master Trainer, Jon and his specialist team work from an appointment-only personal training gym in London’s Marylebone and guarantee great, lasting results for clients.

Whatever your level of athleticism, everyone looking to get fit will benefit from the best products. Forever Living offers just that, with its L-Arginine dietary supplement providing the perfect blend of antioxidants and nitric oxide, an essential for endurance runs and recovery. The company also produces a nutrientrich sports drink called Aloe Berry Nectar, which harnesses the unique properties of the ‘miracle plant’ that is aloe. Drink it daily and enjoy an unrivalled energy boost.

clubfiftyone.co.uk

equinox.com

aloeoriginals.co.uk

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A perfect workout.

A perfect day.

Precor has long provided premium gym equipment to the finest health and fitness clubs, hotels and spas worldwide. Now, for the first time, this amazing gym equipment is available to buy online, in the UK. Only the best for your private gym.

Start your new life today:

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11/09/2012 16:14 11.09.12 16:53

Sport & Wellbeing

Th e spo rti n g b r ea k Gleneagles Buried away in Auchterarder, near Perth in the heart of Scotland, is the ultra-luxury golf and spa resort Gleneagles. It’s one of the most famous names in world golf and boasts three championship golf courses, including one that will be the host venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup. Beginners and pros are all welcomed and can benefit from indoor and outdoor practice facilities and professional coaching. Tailor-made golf breaks can be arranged that include stays at the course’s luxury hotel.

gleneagles.com

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...and relax When we say your aircraft is our business we mean it – you can leave everything to us. Experience counts and Manhattan Jets has been looking after private aircraft and their passengers throughout Europe for more than 17 years providing a discreet, personal and reliable service. All you need to do is sit back, get comfortable‌ and relax.

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Talento Words - Hannah Silver

From Italy

Meet the architect of luxe Italian jewellers Talento – a visionary artisan as well as talented CEO

with love

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Talento frostoflondon.co.uk

t first glance, Talento is a traditionally Italian jewellers, combining fiery originality with impeccable craftsmanship to produce flawless pieces. Look closer though, and you can see the edge provided by designer, founder and owner Antonio Sartori, a former architect with a family history in jewellery.

“My family’s jewellery business started in 1910 with my grandfather Domenico,” Sartori explains. “It continued for three generations.” He grew up fascinated with the world of jewels, learning his grandfather’s craft and dreaming of creating his own designs. His father let him sketch designs for the customers who came into the shop, igniting a love of craftsmanship that never left him.

And while he broke free from the family tradition at first, his initial work as an architect was a good grounding for what was to follow.

“Learning how to combine shapes, the love for proportions, balance, symmetry, equilibrium and learning were some of the most important things architecture taught me,” Sartori says.

This grounding gave him the ability to see new possibilities in jewellery design, setting Sartori in good stead for the launch of Talento – the Italian word for talent – in 1994. Unlike many CEOs, he is fully involved in every stage of the process.

“Even if the artisan who realises the prototypes is incredibly able and sensitive, they can’t match my vision precisely.

Sometimes I’ll decide to modify the initial design for wearability or aesthetic reasons, so nothing is ever fixed. I love creating jewels which can be easily worn.”

Indeed, his pieces are eminently wearable – shot through with Italian passion and enthusiasm – but never overly flamboyant.

Talento’s design signature is jewellery that’s

“Nothing is ever f ixed. I love creating jewels which can be easily worn” delicately crafted and always classic, often featuring Sartori’s favoured white diamonds alongside semi-precious stones. A favourite combination is warm smoky quartz paired with pink gold, making for beautifully sensual and feminine pieces. The Ricami line, with its geometric design, is his personal favourite and is arguably the one where Sartori’s architectural legacy is best represented.

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AUTOMOBILES

CREATING A MASTERPIECE

NEW 2012/13 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE | KAHN RS250 | 2.2 DIESEL SD4 | £53,875.00 Standard Vehicle Specification: Tech Pack includes: Rain Sensing Windscreen Wipers, Automatic Headlamps, Front Parking Aid, HDD Premium Navigation System & Intuitive Voice Control. 380 Watt Meridian Sound System, 5” TFT Information Display, 6 Speed Automatic Gearbox with Drive Select, ABS, Alarm System - Volumetric Alarm, Automatic Headlamps, Bluetooth Connectivity, Body Coloured Mirror Caps, Automatic Climate Control with Air Filtration & Air Conditioning, Closed Loop Diesel Particle Filter, Cruise Control, DAB Radio, Door Puddle & Footwell Lamps, Electric Adjustment, Heated & Power-Fold Mirrors, Electronic Park Brake, Halogen Headlamps, Heated Rear Screen, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Illuminated Front Vanity Mirrors, Panoramic Glass Sunroof inc. Power Blind, Push Button Start, Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shift, Tailgate - Power Open & Close, Terrain Response & USB Connectivity.

KAHN Conversion Consists of: Front & Rear Bumper Replacement with Integrated Vents. 22” Kahn Alloy Wheels. Vented Front Grille with 3D Mesh. Side Vent & Headlight Trim Painted. RS Lower Bootlid Spoiler. RS Large Upper Roof Wing. LED Daytime Running Lights for Front Bumper Vents. Central Twin Crosshair Exhaust System in Stainless Steel. Privacy Tinted Glass & KAHN Vehicle Branding. Front & Rear Seats Quilted & Perforated in Black Leather & Alcantara with Coloured Trim Detailing. Centre Glove Box Diamond Quilted with Carbon Stripe. Four Door Armrests & Dashboard Quilted & Perforated with Contrast Stitching. Diamond Gear Selector with Piano Black Gear Surround Trim. Interior Facia Trim in Alcantara. Dashboard Quilted & Perforated with Carbon Inserts. Speedo & Rev Counter Facia Coloured. Vented Foot Pedals in Machined Aluminium. Door Entry Sill Plates in Stainless Steel. Parts also available separately.

UK Vehicles. LHD Vehicles available at an extra cost. Stock arriving monthly. Vehicles shown in Pearl White, Onyx Black & Vesuvius Orange, Vesuvius Copper, Lamborghini Pearl Green & Imperial Blue.

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Talento frostoflondon.co.uk

typical working day will see Sartori immersed in design, but time is also spent discussing the marketing, sales strategy and coordination of the brand image with his staff, as well as managing the flagship store in Legnano.

Talento has emerged relatively unscathed from recent worldwide financial woes, even enjoying rapid company growth. It’s a truly international business, with the brand’s fastest growing markets being Russia, Armenia, Israel and Japan. London business is booming too, thanks to its association with Frost of London.

“Our office in Monte Carlo concentrates on finding the right dealers for Talento,” Sartori explains. “We need partners who share our philosophy and we’ve found it with Frost, who are a contemporary and trendy jewellery store.”

But while finding new partners is an enjoyable side of the business, Sartori finds himself constantly frustrated with the red tape that can thwart expansion plans.

“My friends and I struggle against the tax burden and the huge bureaucracy imposed by the laws and procedures,” he says.

It’s a problem he shares with his competitors, citing two – Marco Bicego and K Di Kuore – as other notable Italian jewellery firms he admires. Like Talento, they emphasise the importance of exquisite craftsmanship in producing contemporary pieces.

Quick questions: How would you Do you have a favourite watch? spend a day off ?

I have different watches, all which I love.

Each one has a story, and they’re very intimate and meaningful for me. I have a Breitling, a Vacheron, a Rolex and IWC. That’s a whole lot of memories.

I’d have a relaxing day with my wife, visiting some place I’ve never been, or spending time with friends trying new adventures.

“In truth, though, it’s passion and enthusiasm that drives me. I’m a natural optimist” “For me, contemporary is the new classic, and we have to be unique. I follow my instinct as much as I can, but you have to renovate continuously to stay new. Everything inspires me, from architecture, art and nature to the freedom of pure imagination. In truth, though, it’s passion and enthusiasm that drives me. I’m a natural optimist.”

It’s this refreshingly positive attitude, combined with innate Italian style and ingenious creativity, that will keep Talento at the top of its game for a long time to come.

Apart from your business, what is important to you?

Without a doubt my family, my wonderful wife and my three daughters. It’s my destiny to be surrounded by women!

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25/04/2012 17:23

Cognac is back Classic cognac makes a comeback this year – although for those in the know it’s never been away

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Drinks Words – Scott Manson

The expert’s view

hat do Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill and Busta Rhymes have in common? They are all on record as being fans of cognac, a spirit that’s predicted to become increasingly popular in 2013. It’s a drink that has a character and class that’s only matched by the finest wines.

However, the world of cognac can be an intimidating one to the uninitiated, so it’s worth gaining a little knowledge on this noble drink before selecting the right spirit for your drink cabinet.

It’s made by distilling wine for a second time to make a clear 70% alcohol known as eau-de-vie (French for ‘water of life’). This is then aged in oak barrels. As a general rule, the longer the spirit stays in the barrel the smokier and woodier the drink tastes.

In terms of blends, VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) and XO (Extra Old) – with the finest blends being aged for at least 20 years – are the labels to look for. Courvoisier XO Imperial is a great example of the latter’.

Once you’ve chosen your cognac, you should drink it slowly, allowing time to enjoy the aroma. Don’t waste it in a cocktail, but enjoy a double measure in a tulip glass (balloon glasses are frowned upon by true cognac aficionados) and say hello to your new favourite spirit.

Patrice Pinet, master blender of Courvoisier, on the creation of a precious liquid My journey with Courvoisier began 24 years ago, as manager of the bottling plant. I was always interested in the brand but it wasn’t until I started working with them that I truly appreciated the craft behind this beautiful amber liquid.

Different people from the tasting committee at Courvoisier taught me various things about cognac. The first person was Maurice Raguenaud. Maurice was a specialist in cognac but more specifically in the distillation process. He had years of experience behind him when he taught me – he was 70 years old. Jean Marc Olivier, a former master blender taught me the intricate art of blending Courvoisier’s eaux-de-vie. It was because of his passion that I strove to become a master blender myself and, in 2009, I took up this position at Courvoisier in Jarnac, France. In taking over the reins as master blender for Courvoisier, I became the sixth individual to hold this title, responsible for every aspect of the production process.

At Courvoisier, we have a broad range of marques which each endure a different alchemic process that affect the flavour, smell, colour and texture of the cognac.

Among our luxury marques are Courvoisier XO Imperial, Courvoisier Initiale Extra and L’Essence de Courvoisier.

Presenting true artistry of the time-honoured blending process is Courvoisier XO Imperial. For me, this cognac is one of the world’s finest XO blends – crafted from a combination of over 40 fine cognacs comprised of well-matured Grande Champagne, a touch of Petite Champagne and venerable Borderies.

Rising from the rich blend are aromas of crème brûlée, testament to the way the barrels are charred by hand, combined with candied orange originating from the cru of Grande Champagne and Iris flower characteristic of the Borderies which are aged in humid warehouses.

Courvoisier Initiale Extra is internationally recognised as one of the richest, smoothest and most mature in its luxury category. This marque is an elegant and rare blend of over 60 extremely old eaux-de-vie which have been aged for many decades, reaching the very peak of their development.

Showcasing a culmination of four year’s dedicated craftsmanship to find the harmony between eaux-de-vie and the finest crus is L’Essence de Courvoisier. This liquid is exceptionally precious and unique, bringing together over 100 rare eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne and Borderies; the most exclusive crus in the Cognac region. Exquisite aromas of sandalwood and cigar leaves are followed by toffee, marzipan and honey.

To begin the creation of these stunning cognacs, Courvoisier grows and harvests grapes in the four finest crus in the Cognac region before our wine growers press the grapes and allow the intense juice to naturally ferment over seven days, transforming the grape sugars into wine. This wine then begins its long journey through distillation and maturation. Distillation is a remarkably complex practice which imparts even greater depth and complexity to the cognac. At Courvoisier we carefully double-distil the cognac in traditional red copper Charentais alambic pot stills.

Courvoisier is then matured in oak casks which have been handcrafted using wood from ancient forests. The final step in this alchemic procedure is blending, which is my speciality. This part of the process is like conducting a symphony orchestra; with each eau de-vie offering a different aromatic note.

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Drinks

Louis XIII DE Remy Martin Blended from 1,200 eaux-de-vie from Grande-Champagne and aged in century-old casks. A 70cl decanter costs around £1,500.

louis-xiii.com

The world’s best cognacs

Cognac Frapin Cuvee 1888 The Frapin family’s blending history stretches back for centuries, and this marque is a mixture of several vintages – some over 100 years old.

cognac-frapin.com

Hennessy XO Extra Old Cognac Arguably the most popular XO Cognac in the world, this is a blend of different crus including Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.

hennessy.com

L'Essence de Courvoisier One of the world’s oldest, rarest and most expensive cognacs, this comes in a beautiful Lalique crystal decanter.

Martell Cordon Bleu Martell’s flagship brand, this classic cognac remains a popular choice with many connoisseurs.

courvoisier.com

martell.com

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“The ultimate shopping experience for men”

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 66 Grosvenor Street, London W1K 3JL +44 (0)203 475 3888 info@ottouomo.com www.ottouomo.com

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09/11/2012 11:42 14/11/2012 10:59

Drinks

London cognac and cigars evening When: 18 April 2013 Where: Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop, Bulgari Hotel, London Enjoy an evening of cigar and cognac sampling, hosted by cigar gurus Edward and Eddie Sahakian, plus the brand ambassadors for the stunning Louis XIII cognac.

The cigar chosen for the evening, to perfectly complement the Louis XIII, is the Cohiba Sublimes Limited Edition 2004.

The Cohiba Sublimes quickly established itself as a contender for cigar of the decade.

It is a large cigar (164mm x 54 ring gauge) with extraordinary

complexity and a long aftertaste on the palate. It ‘s continued to age well since 2004 and is currently one of the few cigars that can impress in the company of the pyrotechnic Louis XIII cognac.

Oh, and if you’re wondering how the evening works, given that smoking is banned in public places, then worry not. A handy amendment to the law allows smokers to ‘sample’ cigars in the confines of cigar shops – in this case a store that’s kitted out like a cool gentleman’s club.

From £600 per person Book on 0207 151 1025 or ilristorante-london@bulgarihotels.com

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06/12/2012 16:41

Men’s Fashion Words – Hannah Silver

Th e m enswear revival

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Men’s Fashion

Move over, ladies. Menswear is poised to dominate 2013’s headlines – and your wardrobe is breathing a sigh of relief

en’s fashion is enjoying an unprecedented renaissance. The first signs that serious changes were afoot filtered through a couple of years ago when Net-a-Porter, that focus of women’s sartorial desire, announced plans for a men-only site.

Upon its launch in 2011, Mr Porter was greeted with widespread excitement, although some doubt lingered as to whether the ultra-luxury online shopping experience could work for men. Those doubters have been silenced. Today Mr Porter is regarded a global leader and combines genuinely good fashion journalism with new products from over 170 of the greatest designers and smaller names, including Lanvin, Richard James and Valextra. It’s now a truly international operation with headquarters in London, an office in Manhattan and a distribution centre in Hong Kong.

Such easy availability of fashion has naturally led to a greater appetite for new pieces. London Collections, the first men’s fashion week, isn’t yet a year old and has just had its January shows, featuring the likes of Belstaff, Tom Ford, Hackett, Burberry and Christopher Kane over a three-day fashion extravaganza. It showed that while British fashion brands are keen to hold on to the strengths that have always set them apart – most notably classic tailoring – they are still keen to mix it up with bright colours, new textures and creative styling.

The desire for finding new talent has been given fresh impetus by major brands: Topman and Fashion East’s MAN programme supports three of the best new menswear brands and the winners will be showcased at the Collections, promising a bright future. Men’s fashion may be willing to take more risks but while there are new

twists, fashion is, importantly, still wearable.

Shorts are well-tailored but knee-length, suits preppy yet elegant and the quintessential trench coat is still present and correct.

Of course, with the fashion comes the glamour, and men’s fashion, like women’s before it, has moved on from the clothes.

Suddenly, events celebrating men are crowding the social calendar. GQ’s recent Men of New York party was awash with A-listers, as was the British Fashion Awards.

Elsewhere, an Amy Winehouse benefit was remembered for all the wrong reasons after Mark Ronson wore bright red socks with his otherwise immaculate black tie. Never before have male sartorial slip-ups been so highlighted and dissected.

Celebrities bestowed their blessings on new store openings, too, with James Franco making a special trip to São Paulo for Gucci’s men-only store. Dior Homme continued its reign of power with a new opening in Miami’s Design District, while Sandro flirted with the idea after opening three men-only pop-up shops in Bloomingdale’s in California.

As well as shops, hip new men’s collections are ubiquitous. Everyone wants to get involved and it goes from the frankly bizarre – Yoko Ono’s first menswear line with Opening Ceremony which is inspired

by Lennon and features tank tops with nipple cutouts and a flashing LED bra – to the more commercial: H&M is set to launch a men’s urban cycling line with Brick Lane Bikes. There are also whispers that fashion-obsessed Kanye West is planning a collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld very soon.

Men’s fashion is no longer a side note in the style stakes, opening up a new world of possibilities for fashion-starved males.

Your 2013 wardrobe update starts here.

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“Men’s fashion is no longer a side note in the style stakes”

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Men’s Fashion

Stores of note

Selfridges

Selfridges has just opened the world’s largest department devoted solely to men’s footwear, selling everything from flip-flops to Prada brogues. There are over 250 brands in addition to bespoke boutiques and a made-to-order shoe salon where you choose your own leather, colour and sole type from brands including Tod’s, Tom Ford and Church’s.

Another salon will be dedicated to driving shoes with an interior inspired by vintage Ferraris, while the rest of the space is dashingly masculine in design.

Shoe polish pop-ups and highlights like made-to-order Tom Ford boots have made this the only place for shoe shopping in London. selfridges.co.uk

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J.Crew

Thom Browne

Tom Ford

Already popular across the pond, J. Crew is bringing its own special take on luxe basics to London. The brand will open its first store outside North America on Regent Street this year, at the former home of Burberry.

New York-based designer Thom Browne has won multiple awards for his distinctive suit designs and sporty collaborations. He is now set to open his first flagship outside the US in Japan in a 4,500-square-foot store in the Minami-Aoyama district, Tokyo.

Tom Ford’s first London opening on Sloane Street stocks all his ready-to-wear lines that were previously only available at Selfridges. The ten-year-lease on the property means we can expect exciting developments from a brand on the up.

jcrew.com

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tomford.com

Christian Louboutin After opening his first men-only shoe store in the US in New York last summer, Christian Louboutin has two more men-only openings planned, in London and Los Angeles.

If they’re anything like his NYC shoe palace, expect industrial design and bold shoe styles.

christianlouboutin.com

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Men’s Fashion

The shape of things to come Anthony McGrath, editor of respected style blog Clothes-make-the-man.com, highlights 2012’ s sartorial peaks and looks forward to 2013’s main events

2012

2013

Tom Ford Bespoke / The suave Texan continued his sartorial world domination. He opened his first stand-alone store in Paris and his London uber-operation arrives in 2013. He dressed 007 for the second time in Skyfall and sent sales of navy tuxedos rocketing. And you didn’t have to hit NYC for Tom Ford Bespoke, as Selfridges offered the service at its Tom Ford concession.

Alexander McQueen Bespoke / The master and commander of this brand may no longer be with us, but the steady hand of Sarah Burton is steering the HMS McQueen through what could have been the roughest of waters. In partnership with Savile Row bastion Huntsman, McQueen launched a made-to-measure tailoring service.

the suit Milan / Milan had been written off as boring, controlled by money men drowning in recession. It bounced back in 2012, re-establishing itself as a creative hotbed for menswear where critical and commercial trends could be discovered. Traditionalists such as Giorgio Armani and Roberto Cavalli and up-and-coming names like Umit Benan all helped to reinvigorate the shows this year.

London Collections: Men / After a phenomenally successful launch in June 2012, London Collections: Men returned in January with a star-studded schedule that included Tom Ford, Richard James and Alfred Dunhill, plus more directional brands such as Oliver Spencer, Jonathan Saunders and Alexander McQueen. Cool Britannia rides again.

men's fashion week Mr. Hare / 2012 really was the Year of the Hare for this Croydon boy. Not only did he open his first boutique in Mayfair but his creations were spotted on the feet of notable types such as Javier Bardem, Ronnie Wood, Tinie Tempah and Robert Downey Jr. Rumours of a venture into women’s footwear circulate for 2013.

Christian Louboutin / After conquering the world of women’s footwear and elevating his shoes to iconic status, Louboutin has turned his attention to men, opening his first UK men’s store on London’s fashionable Dover Street last November. Look out for that signature red sole on the feet of stylish males everywhere in 2013.

the shoes Turnbull & Asser / In times of economic uncertainty, people turn to brands they trust. Classic Turnbull & Asser shirts proved the perfect choice – something that works as well in the office as it does in a restaurant or late night bar.

The bespoke shirt / An increase in demand for bespoke shirts has seen Savile Row’s Richard Anderson become one of the busiest custom shirt makers in the UK. As the shirts are only available to order, they are all individually cut to the client’s specification and finished by hand. The fabric selection is made up of the finest Egyptian cotton. Lead time is approximately four to six weeks.

the shirt Selfridges / 2012 saw Selfridges regain its title as the fashion king of London’s department stores, with a series of events, exclusives and well-planned capers that capitalised on Britain’s Olympic summer.

Paul Smith’s Albermarle Street store / 2013 sees Sir Paul launch his latest emporium on London’s Albemarle Street, with a vast range across three floors, including his many men’s, women’s, kid’s and home ranges. It’s certain to give Dover Street Market, just one street away, a run for its money in the style stakes.

the store

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www.etonshirts.co.uk Eton Shirts Ltd, 65 Kingsway, London WC2B 6TD 020 7430 1433

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Selfridges, 1st Floor, 400 Oxford Street, London 020 7318 3497

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Safari special Words – Hannah Silver

w h er e t h e w i ld t h i n g s a r e

Safaris are a true once-in-a-lifetime holiday, and now with a new crop of ultra-luxury options they’re becoming more in-demand then ever. Hot baths, gourmet food and guides that go the extra mile can make a good experience into an exceptional one, while the majority of camps are now sensitive to their surroundings and practice eco-friendly methods. Your chances of spotting the ‘big five’ (elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard) are also better than ever, thanks to increasingly sophisticated animal tracking systems. A safari trip can be a sizeable investment, though, so you need to choose wisely. Here’s our pick of the world’s best.

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B otswa n a Great Plains Conservation

The newly-opened Selinda Explorers Camp is a return to the classic days of wild travel. Designed in the style of the early explorers, it’s all Persian rugs, copper sinks and Campaignstyle furniture. Comprising just four tents, the ecologically-sensitive camp is situated on the banks of the Selinda Spillway in the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve, northern Botswana.

Activities include guided walking and canoeing and day and night game drives where you can spot the huge herds of elephants and buffalos, lions, wild dogs, sable and roan antelopes.

greatplainsconservation.com

B o tswa n a Wilderness Safaris

After 15 years, the DumaTau Camp has just undergone a dramatic refurb and can now be found on a new site on the banks of the Linyanti River. The riverside location means this is a prime spot to see wild elephants and hippos wallowing in their natural habitat, while the critically-endangered wild dog, lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena are frequently glimpsed, too. The camp is eco-friendly, functioning entirely on solar energy and using green and thermal insulating materials to ensure there is no damage to the environment.

wilderness-safaris.com

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I da h o , U SA Natural Retreats

The stunning Idaho landscape is a true wilderness ripe for exploration.

The South Fork Lodge is an ideal base from which to explore it, and its wildlife safaris consist of guided hikes to spot moose, bison, golden eagles and grizzly bears. The lodges themselves are traditional American two-storey log cabins, set next to a picturesque pond with jawdropping river views. Deluxe and family suites are also available.

naturalretreats.com

K e n ya The Safari Collection

Sala’s Camp, found at the convergence of two rivers, is one of the first camps in Masai Mara to see the area’s famous migration. The great wildebeest migration, which runs from July to September, sees the animals move back from the Serengeti, looking for grasslands in the Mara. During this time the game viewing is exceptional, although the organiser stresses you can spot the big five all year round from its luxury tents, complete with superb home cooking and deluxe amenities.

thesafaricollection.com

M oza m b i qu e Rani Resorts

Lugenda Wilderness Camp will suit safari-lovers looking for a new area to explore. It’s off the beaten track, nestled on the banks of the Lugenda River in the Niassa Reserve, an untouched 42,000 square kilometre expanse. The pace is slow and relaxed, taking its cue from the surroundings – guests might find themselves eating wild honey from the trees, watching sunbirds from their canoes and hippos at play. The camp itself is incredibly luxurious and features deep baths and soft canopied beds, while resident chefs ensure food is top-notch.

raniresorts.com

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09/01/2013 13:53

Ta n z a n i a Shadows of Africa

Shadows of Africa has launched a new package, Travelling with Purpose, that aims to combine four of its most popular itineraries in order to guarantee a comprehensive tour of Tanzania.

It will suit those seeking a more adventurous trip, with the added bonus that Kibowa Orphanage in Arusha will benefit from all tours. Travellers can choose to climb Kilimanjaro and enjoy several days relaxation on the spice island of Zanzibar, as well as embark on world-class safaris.

shadowsofafrica.com

S o u t h A f r i ca &Beyond

More like a luxury village than a campsite, &Beyond’s six sophisticated safari tents are situated in natural bush surroundings in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Each tented suite features outdoor showers, deep baths and private wooden decks overlooking the Timbavati riverbed.

It’s the first private reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger and has a unique conservation partnership, with its annual lease fee paid to the South African National Parks Trust that helps fund conservation projects throughout the country. The Kruger National Park is famously a great place to spot the big five, so don’t forget the telephoto lens.

andbeyond.com

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Ta n za n i a Singita Game Reserves

The just-opened Singita Mara River Camp in buried away in the remote Lamai triangle, an area in the northernmost tip of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

The eco-friendly camp offers a pared-down philosophy, with only six guest tents available in order to preserve the iconic location. The camp forms part of the Mara ecosystem and practices sustainable living. It’s also ‘off the grid,’ relying entirely on a central, custom-designed solar power array, with one of the solar pumps powering a 100m-deep borehole where excellent-quality clean water is drawn to supply the camp. Boundaries between inside and outside have been blurred so the camp blends holistically with the environment, but the design remains coolly modern.

singita.com

10/01/2013 09:51

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03/01/2013 16:49 21/12/2012 16:10:18

Technology Words – Alex Pell

Still listening to the plastic tat that came bundled with your phone or music gizmo? Give your ears a true sonic boon by investing in designer buds that both look and sound the business

Listen up

AKG K3003i

Watch connoisseurs are among a select group who genuinely appreciate how something as small as in-ear buds can possibly be as expensive as this. The reason isn’t because these buds showcase world-class audio technology – although they do – but due to the exceptional craftsmanship involved in, for instance, chiselling each housing from a solid piece of brushed steel. Unlike the Grado model shown here, with the K30003i you get an in-line remote to adjust music volume or handle phone calls which is made of the same premium materials as the buds themselves. These AKGs

lurch firmly into “don’t tell the spouse” price territory but the results make even their impressive rivals here sound cheap. The only way to improve on these is to invest in models used by professional musicians that feature ugly custom-made earpieces – and even then, the benefits would be debatable. So aside from cost, the only issue with these AKG earphones is partnering them with a suitable source, as they will instantly reveal the shortcomings of shonky audio files or equipment.

£1,000, uk.akg.com

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Logitech Ultimate Ears UE900 Musicians cherish Ultimate Ears headphones for the stage.

The firm was recently bought by Logitech but despite that rich performance heritage, the UE900 is only a semi-pro product.

Unusually, each bud contains four tiny speaker-drivers and the cable is replaceable – indeed, two come bundled amid a vast array of accessories. If you fancy sporting such distinctive buds, be assured that the sound is extremely good, albeit not categorically better than any rival here. However, this is due to the calibre of the field rather than an inherent criticism.

£329, ue.logitech.com Denon AH-C400

Denon also hopes to entice lovers of fine things to open their wallets or purses by offering a set of earbuds that is as much about industrial engineering as audio quality. Their housings are made of zinc and the exotic-looking silver cable is Teflon-coated to help keep tangles at bay. As you’d expect, the sound is terrific, with huge amounts of detail and a warm tone. Trouble is, the Denons don’t deliver twice the quality of the EB-50 below despite being more than double the price. Tasty, but overpriced.

£349, denon.co.uk

Musical Fidelity EB-50 Musical Fidelity makes audiophile kit for folks who care deeply about how music sounds. This is the firm’s first stab at headphones and they certainly deliver superstar styling – not least due to the metal casings with subtle blue and red detailing. Less surprising is that the sound is so good – among the purest here – with oodles of detail and power, even on gadgets that lack sonic oomph, such as a phone. The bass levels are more subtle than you might be expecting, though, and the remote control cannot adjust the music volume. Otherwise, they rock.

£149, musicalfidelity.com

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10/01/2013 09:53

I CAN RESIST EVERYTHING EXCEPT TEMPTATION OSCAR WILDE

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30 years later, Eagle are extremely proud to be considered the absolute best in the world of E-Type Jaguars.

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13/12/2012 13/12/2012 14:45 09:56

Motoring Words – Scott Manson

Note there is no question mark at the end of the below headline. After three days of driving the beautiful Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase, it’s hard to see how any other car can ever come close.

Even its delivery sparked a special moment, with neighbours’ curtains twitching as they tried to figure out how my car ownership status had suddenly leapt from a Honda Civic to this vast beast of a motor. You could almost hear the questions: “A lottery win?”; “A rich relative’s will?”

As you’d expect from an ultraluxury car, every detail is perfect, from the quality of the leather to the huge amount of legroom, the

Unlike Carlsberg, ‘probably’ doesn’t enter into it – this Rolls-Royce is the greatest automobile we’ve ever driven rear TV screens, the depth of the lambswool carpet and the quietness of the engine – hell, even the sat nav is the most intuitive and clear I’ve ever seen. The little touches, too, such as a rear ashtray whose sizeable grooves are clearly set up to hold fat cigars, and a ‘night vision’ option which uses an infrared camera to help spot wildlife on dark roads – perfect for those night drives to your country manor – make it clear that this is a motor for major players.

The best car in the world Price £231,750 0-60mph 4.8 seconds Top speed 155 mph Engine 6.6-litre twin turbo V12 Transmission Eight-speed automatic

So how does it drive? Well, while the back is clearly the compartment enjoyed by most Rolls owners – a place where high-level business conversations can be conducted in hushed discretion – there’s plenty of fun to be had up front. This is refined, smooth, dignified fun, though. Goosing the accelerator can, in theory, push you from 0-60 in under five seconds but it almost feels rude to do so, like asking an aristocratic lady to come out clubbing with you. Better, then, to sit back in the armchair-like embrace of the drivers seat, press the engine start button – there’s nothing so gauche as a key with this car – slip it into drive and enjoy an effortless journey that’s so calming it feels like the automotive equivalent of a spa session. Quite simply, the most luxurious car you’ll ever drive.

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03/01/2013 16:41

Superyachts Words – Isla McKechnie Two tempting views of Spirit’s oligarch-friendly onboard Jacuzzi

If the idea of hitting the gym doesn’t float your boat, why not get in shape on a superyacht charter?

Aqua

Looking for a complete health overhaul in 2013? Slogging it out at the gym is an option, of course. Better, though, to put yourself in the hands of world-class experts whose training arena is as glamorous as it is inspiring.

Think boot camp, but in a beautiful

aerobics

location. The results are just as dramatic, but the early starts and pseudo-military, barking instructor are noticeably absent. Best of all, the new full-body makeover approach is done from the privacy and comfort of your superyacht charter.

Spirit is a 54-metre, Tim Heywood-designed, Amels superyacht, devised by her owner with the express purpose of creating the perfect environment for a healthy getaway. Onboard masseuse, Aneska

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Superyachts

Above: Big Fish – a superyacht built for adventure as well as functional fitness Below right: Lady Britt’s sundeck gym

“ Yachts with the emphasis on health and wellbeing are an increasingly popular choice”

du Preez, works in the dedicated spa room to treat guests with requirements from hot stone therapy to Thai massage, which she learned on location in Chiang Mai. Rob Tynan, founder of the Fitness Travel Company, knows the appeal of having a dedicated, private work-out holiday. His clients are the type who approach life at full throttle and when they want to get fitter, they do it properly. Tynan will travel with his guests to give them a complete holiday workout, and knows that the abundant deck space on yachts like Spirit offers the perfect spot for yoga, to let hard-worked bodies unwind in the sun or for a healthy teppanyaki grill to keep the fresh food coming.

If his clients want beach bodies, Tynan will have them doing press ups in the sand and if they want sleek, streamlined fitness, he’ll have them working out above the contours of their aft-deck.

Similarly, sleekness is something that the 63-metre, Feadship-built Lady Britt has in spades. The high-spec superyacht has made a name for herself creating a luxury experience that includes a dedicated wellness spa and gymnasium, and an authentic Finnish sauna with private access to the ocean. The Redman Whiteley Dixon-designed interior has warm, clean, Scandinavian lines, creating a fresh backdrop for building a new body “It’s the experience combined with endorphins, healthy food, relaxation, pampering and massage which makes for a

mind, body, soul experience like no other.

The results are better simply because people get excited about travel, they have a unique goal and it boosts their effort levels and, of course, their outcomes,” says Tynan.

If functional fitness is your thing, Big Fish is a yacht built for adventure, and a charter onboard the 45-metre McMullen & Wing-crafted award-winner will push guests beyond their boundaries to reach their new goals. Diving in the Antarctic, windsurfing around Auckland or kayaking in Tahitian waters can all be part of the unique approach to fitness.

While it’s often standard procedure to take your personal trainer onboard your charter superyacht, yachts with a particular emphasis on health and wellbeing are proving an increasingly popular choice.

Rory Trahair, of Edmiston & Company, says it’s a strong selling point for guests.

“Clients specifically look for yachts with spa and gym facilities. We have a lot of demand for yachts with these facilities.

In fact many clients now expect this from any yacht they charter.”

Of course, facilities are just half of the equation. A yacht such as Lady Britt, managed by Edmiston, is elevated above the pack just as much by her highly-trained crew as her outstanding design. The yacht’s masseuses, chefs, deckhands and stews will guide you to the optimal result from your healthy getaway, and when combined with a full service body makeover programme, it’s a match made in health heaven.

edmistoncompany.com fitnesstravelcompany.com

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06/12/2012 09:28 15:33 04/07/2012

Fashion

“When I first became a man,” goes the saying, “I put away childish things.” Of course, growing up isn’t just about leaving behind youthful pursuits. There are many other markers of maturity – a good job, a nice car and a grand house – but arguably the most stylish option is to commission a bespoke suit.

The problem for many is that a good bespoke suit from Savile Row can take around three months to complete – not great for a man in a hurry. There is a high quality London tailor, though, that can offer you a 100% bespoke suit delivered within an incredible three weeks.

That outfitter is Apsley Tailors which, since 1889, has offered luxury, handmade suits and shirts to discerning gentlemen across the world. Over the years the company has been the tailor of choice for the British military and Royal Navy, and is currently the official tailor for many diplomatic houses, prestigious clubs and corporate companies. Apsley also fits and makes the official players’ suits for Fulham and West Ham United football clubs.

Nip and tuck

Looking for a brilliant bespoke suit in record time?

Apsley Tailors is the answer, says Scott Manson

Sitting next to a number of high-end stores, in the heart of Pall Mall, one of London’s most prestigious districts, and with a suitably grand shop frontage, Apsley Tailors looks every inch the high-end gentleman’s tailor.

And so it proved. An expert fitter from Hong Kong was on hand to take my measurements, after which the affable manager Sunil Chopra and I sat down over a cup of coffee to go through the myriad options involved in building a suit from scratch – from the angle of the pockets, to the number of buttons, to belt loops in the trousers (a no-no, I was assured, as bespoke trousers shouldn’t require a belt) and much more. Luckily, I was guided on all of this, including the choices on fabric and lining, to ensure I ended up with something eminently wearable, as opposed to a suit that looked like it was designed in the dark. A lightweight number was what we agreed on, with a beautiful silk lining and barely-there pinstripe, making for something that could be just as easily sported on the Croisette in Cannes as it could around the office.

The final product was perfect; exactly how I’d imagined it, and at a price that would give anyone who buys designer off-the-peg numbers pause for thought. You will not buy a better suit for the money.

apsleytailors.com

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10/01/2013 09:57

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20/08/2012 14:15

Grooming

Men have often been sadly overlooked when it comes to the variety and quality of spa treatments on offer – but that’s now changed thanks to a stack of new spas and treatments that specialise in treatments for the modern gent. Whether it’s relaxation, revitalisation or simply scrubbing away the stress and strain of a busy working life, you’ll find something to suit you in our pick of the some of the world’s best spas.

Rejuvenate in the world’s best spas that specialise in treatments for men

King for a day G entlem en's To n i c Gentlemen’s Tonic, based in London and Hong Kong, brings the traditional barbershop bang up to date with a range of modern new grooming treatments. In addition to classic services, it also offers a selection of lifestyle treatments including reflexology and reiki. A wonderful, welcoming mix of old and new school style.

gentlemenstonic.com

Th e R efi n ery The Refinery combines the atmosphere of a gentlemen’s club with the stress-busting elements of a health spa.

Found in London’s Mayfair and Knightsbridge, it’s an exclusive luxury retreat offering barbering, skincare and spa treatments.

the-refinery.com

N i ckel Spa Designed exclusively for men, Nickel Spa can be found in London, New York and Paris.

Its no-nonsense range of treatments includes the usual facial, massages and manicures, but it also offers waxing, anti-wrinkle injections, fillers or laser hair removal, making skincare as simple and hasslefree as a trip to the barber’s.

nickelspalondon.co.uk

G ra n d R eso rt Ba d Ragaz One of Switzerland’s finest hotels, the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, has just launched an exclusive new treatment for men. The four-hour treatment combines luxurious grooming techniques, including a manicure and cosmetic pedicure, with a massage and facial that promises deep relaxation as well as cleansing. Treatments follow a consultation and are fully tailored to the individual.

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10/01/2013 09:59

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20/11/2012 11:24

Travel Words – Julien James Davis

A case of the winter blues? South Africa’s glorious boutique hotels are what the doctor ordered…

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The beauty of the cape

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Travel

“These magnif icent beasts are so huge in fact that your brain grapples clumsily to comprehend them”

“My God, look – there’s another one!”

I spin round following the voice behind me, just in time to see a distinctive, oilblack backbone elegantly slice through the ocean spray – not even 15 feet in front of me – and I am utterly mesmerised. The gigantic southern right whale passes the prow of our little vessel The Whale Whisperer with such regal grace that it’s almost as if we’re watching her in slow motion. Three seconds pass before her enormous tail fin lazily flicks through a wave like a powerful, crescent-shaped lilo. Somebody next to me nervously whispers: “We’re going to need a bigger boat.” As we wobble in the whale’s wake, it’s a joke that, right now, feels like no laughing matter.

You can watch as many high-definition David Attenborough documentaries as you like, or pore over 16-page photo spreads in National Geographic, but nothing can prepare you for seeing a whale up-close.

These magnificent beasts are so huge in fact that your brain grapples clumsily to comprehend them – like a 18-wheeler truck that moves with the poise of a nimble ballerina. While much of Africa’s animal life – the safari side, at least – shows you nature red in tooth and claw, this is a prime example of nature live in shock and awe.

It’s just one of the many magical moments that I enjoyed on a week-long

tour of South Africa’s Western Cape. It took place off the coast of Hermanus, a small laidback town just 120km east of Cape Town, close to the southernmost tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Besides mammoth mammals, seals and great white sharks are also regularly spotted by visitors. This combination of two great oceans also makes for perfect surfing conditions, proving that South African wave-riders are surely some of the most fearless on the planet.

I am staying at Birkenhead House, a gorgeous cliff-top boutique hotel which offers exhilarating views across this whale watching paradise. Its 11 rooms, spread out across three white-roofed beach houses, are all uniquely decorated but share a luxurious sense of lightness. My abode offers an ornately carved, four-poster bed, a free standing Victorian bath in an en suite larger than my living room, and the most breathtaking views of dawn over the ocean from both my bed and the private balcony.

Their dedication to bespoke excellence doesn’t end there either. Within hours I was on first name terms with the entire staff, and by the next day my nightly cocktail preferences were logged, as was my morning breakfast choice. Of all the many places I’ve been privileged enough to visit on my travels, Birkenhead House

transcends merely being “home-from-home” to become “more-home-than-home.” It really is exceptional.

From the gentle pleasures of Hermanus, I strike out for Cape Town – one of the hippest cities in the Southern Hemisphere. And, while it may be a travel cliché, you can’t truly say you have even seen the city until you have gazed down upon her from the top of Table Mountain. I briefly consider tackling the four-hour hike to reach the summit, but one glance at the beating sun convinces me to take the two-minute cable-car option. Even this is not for the faint-hearted though: the car rotates slowly on its journey, offering everyone the chance to sample the panoramic views out across Lion’s Head to Robben Island and the shimmering Atlantic beyond.

Once up, I skirt around the shops selling tourist tat and strike out on one of the mountain’s several nature trails. A three-minute walk sees me free from the teeming hordes and ready to take in the space and tranquillity of a place that was recently voted one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Previous spread: Birkenhead House Opposite: The delights of Hermanus Next spread: Stunning Cape Town

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Travel

The terrain at the top is so eerily flat and spartan that the visitor is quickly swept up into Conan Doyle-esque reveries of some mysterious, uncharted lost world. At one point I even find myself lucky enough to stumble upon a traditional African ceremony taking place in a secluded spot.

As I listen to the locals, clad in traditional dress and singing in tongues I can never hope to comprehend, it feels a million miles from the buzz and hum of the city below.

Later, I take a short drive around the headland to Kalk Bay and a gorgeous little waterfront restaurant called Harbour House. Its floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with light, bringing the outside in, while I feast on the native kingklip fish, served with basil cream and a rosemary

potato bake. It’s fabulous, with a buttery texture that’s unlike any fish I’ve tried before. I make a mental note to seek out a South African fishmonger on my return to London.

My final destination sees me spend a night at the renowned Cape Grace Resort & Spa hotel. Situated in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria & Albert Waterfront district, its rooms are furnished with fascinating maritime curios – an antique pair of bellows here, an exquisite brass ship’s compass there. The staircases and corridors carry this theme through too with elegant, witty finesse.

Even the gorgeous Jacques Erasmusdesigned chandeliers have a quirky twist, with each one studded with unusual items – a fork, a string of pearls, an antique copper kettle. The concept is that they were salvaged from some long-sunken wreck with the trinkets caught in their crystal branches as they were hauled ashore. It’s a lovely, witty nod that flies in the face of today’s identikit minimalist hotel design.

The maritime theme continues at the hotel’s signature restaurant Signal, a destination eaterie for locals and hotel guests alike. Executive chef Malika Van Reenen conjures up course after course of gastronomic perfection, including scallops wrapped in Black Forest ham and bobotie-spiced springbok loin with parsnip purée and spiced mango pickle.

Little wonder that it’s garnered a string of awards since opening.

Although this wasn’t my first visit to South Africa, this trip gave me a true taste of the untamed nature of the country.

Those who live here are intensely proud of this formidable and fascinating place, and it’s easy to see why visitors return time and again. There’s an adventurous spirit here that is arguably lacking in busy, tightly packed cities such as London. As I head to the airport, I think back to our little boat, The Whale Whisperer, which had a slogan emblazoned across the captain’s cabin that read: “Life – an adventure to be lived, not a problem to be solved.” This is the spirit of South Africa and it’s a philosophy I’ll carry with me back to my urban life and one which will, I hope, stay with me forever.

How to do it

From £2,065 per person based on two sharing

africatravel.co.uk 020 7843 3500 Return economy British Airways flights, Heathrow – Cape Town – Heathrow Hire car Four nights at Cape Grace, luxury room, breakfast included, capegrace.com Three nights at Birkenhead House, standard room, full board, mini bar, local drinks, snacks and laundry included, birkenheadhouse.com

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Luxury 5 bedroom ski chalet in the heart of the Grand Massif, France’s 4th largest ski area. Only 1 hour from Geneva airport.

Sensitively renovated ancient farmhouse full of character with five ensuite bedrooms, including two family suites. Sleeps 10 – 14 people.

Delectable cuisine and fine wine. Professional chef. Attentive and personal service.

Free airport transfers.

Free babysitting two afternoons a week.

Outdoor hot tub with fabulous views.

Chauffeured transport to the slopes, any time.

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04/12/2012 15:48

Moments in time

Poor old Buzz Aldrin. As the second man on the moon, he was always destined to live in the shadow of Neil Armstrong. One consolation, at least, was that he received a great watch in return for his role in the mission.

Indeed, the Omega Speedmaster has some form when it comes to extraterrestrial activity – it was the

first watch to be worn during the spacewalk on the Gemini 4 mission and the first watch to be worn on the moon, strapped to Buzz Aldrin’s wrist as he took his first lunar steps.

NASA’s Apollo 11 mission in 1969 wasn’t just a giant leap for mankind, then, but a landmark moment for one of the world’s most celebrated watch brands.

omegawatches.com

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07/11/2012 12:29

108 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EF Tel: 020 3372 0108 - www.frostoflondon.co.uk

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10/12/2012 10:38