The only way to grasp beauty is to embrace it, turn it upside down, and transform it into something even more extraordinary. This is Bvlgari’s approach that has culminated in a project entitled ‘Reinventing (Design) Rules’. This three-part project will be presented for the first time as part of Milan’s Design Week, the ‘Fuorisalone’ which opened yesterday and will run till 22 April 2018.
The Bvlgari ‘Reinventing (Design) Rules’ journey takes place in three different locations. It begins in the Brera Design District as part of the main ‘Fuorisalone’ where there will be a 1000-metre-squared installation. Following which, guests can make their way to the Bvlgari Hotel Milano which features a ‘Mirror Cube’ in the Hotel’s garden, and finally to the Montenapoleone Boutique Gallery that will transform into an immersive environment, allowing visitors to experience the B.zero1 collection.
BVLGARI INSTALLATION @ BRERA DESIGN DISTRICT
The vibrant world of design comes to life with an immersive, interactive installation at the Brera Design District. It is a stunning visual adventure that translates three key elements of Bvlgari creativity – materials, modularity and colour – into a three-dimensional space, interpreted by three icons from the world of design and architecture: Iván Navarro & Courtney Smith, MVRDV and Storagemilano. A pioneer in mixing innovative materials with precious ones, the inventor of modularity in prêt-à-porter jewellery, and a master of colour, Bvlgari the Roman jeweller continues to challenge the rules of design, defying and re-envisioning aesthetic standards.
Envisioned as a labyrinth, the installation welcomes visitors into an abstract universe, where they are forced to abandon everything they know so that they may grasp the Bvlgari essence of art and design: to deconstruct rules in order to reinvent them. B.Zero1, the iconic jewel of the Roman Maison, is the perfect motif for this celebration of Italian design. The three spaces dedicated to the three key elements of Bvlgari’s creativity can be read not only as the stylistic identity of the brand, but also as a behind-the-scenes exploration of a ring that is the veritable example of arresting architectural lines combined with a revolutionary soul. As visitors immerse themselves in this vision of the brand, they are treated to one more unexpected surprise: the Dream Machine. This dreamlike setting encourages visitors to rethink the traditional role of retail and luxury in their lives.
THE MIRROR CUBE @BVLGARI HOTEL
The Bvlgari Hotel Milano will also be transformed into a spectacular space for design, and will host the second part of the ‘Reinventing (Design) Rules’ journey: ‘The Mirror Cube’. Ideally visited after the Labyrinth installation in Brera district, the ‘Mirror Cube’ occupies the Hotel’s garden, Il Giardino, and makes it shine through its mirroring external walls. Once inside the dreamlike structure, the hypnotic black and white pattern lining invites audiences to engage with the visually captivating structure. Here, the B.zero1 dominates the scene in three different ways while scaled models of works featured from the Brera District installation represent the continuum of the Bvlgari journey. In addition to ‘Reinventing (Design) Rules’, ‘Selfie Rules’ are also reinvented inside the Cube: a special camera shoots 36 pictures per second to generate an instant GIF that is then delivered by email to guests.
THE BVLGARI GALLERY @ MONTENAPOLEONE BOUTIQUE
At the Montenapoleone boutique, the mesmerising Bvlgari Gallery will evoke the distinctive patterns of the Brera Design District and Bvlgari Hotel’s installations. A riveting environment allows guests to fully enjoy and celebrate the B.zero1 collection universe through themed windows which are decorated with geometric patterns. The unparalleled artisanship of Italian furnishings toe the line between light and dark to welcome visitors with a disruptive ambience in the name of creativity and design.
Samui is the third largest island in Thailand after Phuket and Koh Chang with easy access to the nearby beautiful anchorages and archipelago that is a national treasure. With so many breathtaking sights, Koh Samui is a well-visited paradise and a stunning island destination, loved by frequent flyers and avid globetrotters for its gorgeous pearl-white sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforests, magnificent waterfalls and high-end luxury resorts and spas.
Considered one of the sparkling jewels in the crown of Thailand with so many spectacular sights, Koh Samui has been seeing a popularity surge from superyachts, venturing from Phuket on the Andaman seas western side of Thailand to Koh Samui and the Gulf of Siam on the eastern side. Samui has become a growing appeal for relaxation and rejuvenation and the island never falls short of activities.
Golfers can take their interests abroad and look forward to visiting the Santiburi Samui Country Club, which has been recently voted as one of the top five golf courses in Thailand. Other places of discovery include scuba diving, award-winning meditation and wellness retreats, a vibrant nightlife, island hopping, jungle exploring, Buddhist temples and a fantastic Michelin-starred culinary scene.
According to Asia-Pacific Superyachts, now plans are underway for the island’s first marina, thanks to growing government and private support. However, many superyachts aren’t waiting for a marina. Instead, they are happily discovering some fantastic anchorages around Samui, her sister islands and the Gulf from Captain Charlie Dwyer, heading up Asia Pacific Superyachts and providing professional yacht support services on Samui since 2002.
Yachting visitors will be charmed by the close proximity to the country’s national treasure, Ang Thong National Marine Park – an archipelago consisting of small and virtually untouched islands that are best explored by sea kayak. Beyond Koh Samui are sister islands worth exploring such as Koh Phangan, world famous for its monthly Full Moon parties and Koh Tao, rated one of the best diving locations in Thailand and globally. In addition, conditions are calm for the majority of the year with abundant marine life.
Though Koh Samui is a much smaller island destination, it is less populated as compared to Phuket, which is located in the middle of the vast waters of the Gulf of Thailand and has the appeal of a real island. The construction of at least one luxury yacht marina on Samui shortly is driving more interest from superyachts.
With the steady increase in demand for villa rentals, Samui has also become popular among investors seeking yields and a holiday home in a more remote luxury island where they can enjoy good returns on their investment – between 8 to 10 per cent per year – as opposed to overpopulated Phuket with its link to the mainland.
Captain Charlie says the best season to visit is March to September as the rainy season is traditionally regarded as being from October to mid–December. The climate is tropical and humid throughout the year with the temperature usually ranging from 28 to 35 degrees Celsius and with no risk of tsunamis and located well out of the typhoon belt.
More information can be found on the region’s website here.
Roger Dubuis – Lamborghini Squadra Corse – Partnership Reveal Sant’Agata 2017
When we first met Jean-Marc Pontroué early 2012, he was a man full of vitality and a mane of black hair. Over the years, the energy levels of the indefatigable Chief Executive has remained while his crowning glory earned its Clooney-esque salt and pepper stripes. Appointed to the top position at Roger Dubuis, Pontroue inherited a retinue of challenges which he has since, in true Arthurian fashion, surmounted and slain. Jewel in crown, there’s no greater victory than a milestone, history changing event – a noble marriage like those of old.
Sensing the need to create an easily understood icon without the baggage of lengthy explanations, Pontroue’s strategy of deep partnership between Lamborghini and Roger Dubuis elevates the commitment beyond mere arranged marriage but instead heralds a new dawn for the realm while keeping familiar trappings of lineage and legacy.
Behold New Avalon: Roger Dubuis CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué discusses the Future for the makers of Excalibur
If you need to write two pages on why the partnership works, you should forget it. It’s like getting married, if you need to explain why you’re in love with a lady, you should forget it. – Pontroue on why Roger Dubuis worked with Lamborghinii
Why did Roger Dubuis choose Beijing to launch?
It is important to choose countries where the brand has depth and significance; we were working with FFF, a Chinese racing team for Lamborghini and we decided to use the underground parking space of SKP, the leading departmental store in Beijing to do a cool party. The beauty is to find venues which aren’t the usual areas, we hate restaurants and hotels, Roger Dubuis is positioned to be unpredictable. It also follows our huge launch event in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Emilia-Romagna where we had cleared the machines to place tables, so that over 100 people could dine on the factory floor with the supercars.
There’s a clear direction towards motorsports for the brand, how did this become an important angle for Roger Dubuis?
It has been a strategy of envy. We were doing dinners with customers where they revealed to us that their favourite cars were Lamborghinis. This revelation was coming up repeatedly, so we decided to have a meeting with the carmaker to see what we could do together. At the time, we weren’t aiming for a partnership, we have never had one so far. First, we learnt about the FFF, one of the leading Chinese teams in the Super Trofeo championship and we partnered with them in 2016, our foot in the door of motorsports. Second, we partnered with Pirelli and finally, Lamborghini. These are the three key ingredients to build a genuine motorsport collaboration: specific editions of Lamborghini for inspiration on specific calibres and models, Pirelli for the straps on certain models and finally, an authentic culture of racing, backed by racing professionals.
Roger Dubuis – Lamborghini Squadra Corse – Partnership Reveal Sant’Agata 2017
Have you met Lamborghini enthusiasts who are not yet owners of Roger Dubuis watches and do you see any specific characteristics in them?
We have done 15 events with Lamborghini in places like US, Japan, Switzerland, UK and France and we found that the Lamborghini owner is the same kind of animal. The profile is mainly male, young and people who want to live an exceptional life. For them, a car is not about going from point A to B. If they want to tell time, they’re going to go with something cool like a Roger Dubuis. They have a heart and mind for something special and unique and not informed by advertising like the “most-seen” brands; Roger Dubuis is not a mainstream watch and Lamborghini is not a mainstream car.
We are two small brands in two corporate giants, Lamborghini in Volkswagen and Roger Dubuis in Richemont, we are very agile, very creative and extreme forward thinking, without barriers of history. There are no rules. We create things which do not exist in the industry. We don’t care about the price, we just want to know that it hasn’t been done before. We are not in a price competitive environment. For us, the prime directive is creating something which doesn’t exist in cars and watches. The typology of our two audiences are very close together – a love for crazy products and lots of personalisation and to meet others with similar drive and passion.
When you’re a young brand, one year of development counts as a lot of history. When you’re 300 years old, what’s one year? Roger Dubuis always wanted to breed a new generation of watchmakers, he didn’t want to create yet another classic high-end brand, the market is saturated; the successful brands today are high end and disruptive. – Pontroue on shaping Roger Dubuis’ strategy and message
Roger Dubuis himself was known for his Sympathie Bi-retrograde calendar and now we see many watchmakers tying up with carmakers to do collaborations, so for the people who don’t understand what the brand is about, there might be a sensation that there’s too much emphasis on design, do you feel that this distracts from the efforts and the advances that the brand is making?
Roger created the brand with two principles: first, to create crazy movements within crazy designs. When Richemont acquired the brand, we worked on redeveloping the brand and improving the efficiency of the movements. Now, we believe its time to re-inject more creativity into our events and products. I believe it’s still the same brand that Roger Dubuis has created, and while he focused on movements and case shapes, we have added materials to the equation. When you’re a young brand, one year of development counts as a lot of history. When you’re 300 years old, what’s one year? Roger Dubuis always wanted to breed a new generation of watchmakers, he didn’t want to create yet another classic high-end brand, the market is saturated; the successful brands today are high end and disruptive. Lamborghini is globally selling out 3-4 years in advance, we are in the same business, Geneva (manufacture) cannot produce 10,000 pieces tomorrow. We produce 4,000 annually, this makes us exclusive.
Before deciding to collaborate with Lamborghini, did you go and study the other failed partnerships, like the one with Ferrari? Did you learn something from their mistakes?
In the realm of corporate partnerships, there are more failure than successes. We studied many across industries and learnt that a partnership only makes sense if you don’t have to explain it. If you need to write two pages on why the partnership works, you should forget it. It’s like getting married, if you need to explain why you’re in love with a lady, you should forget it. The same principle applies – it’s a love story.
First, customer experience – we wanted to give Roger Dubuis customers added value by giving them something unusual. For the Lamborghini customers, what could we give them beyond the thrill of a new car? A watch launch is pretty much like any other watch launch but if you add the supercar touch, it brings a different perspective. For Lamborghini, a new complication intimately associated with supercar architecture brings something new to the equation.
Second, we also didn’t want to have a branded product. The watches are not branded Lamborghini, what the other failed collaborations have done is taken an existing product and merely dressed them with a logo and then write two pages to justify the partnership. For Roger Dubuis, we have no identifiable brand markings other than the innovations we have on the Aventador edition specific to the collection, you will not find this movement in any other Roger Dubuis product – if you want this calibre, you will only find it on the Aventador S edition. The innovations found on the Huracan edition launched at SIHH 2018, will only be found in that line. It’s creating the ultimate customer experience and the combination of creative applications from the same materials used in motorsport engineering to inspire concept and creation of our watches.
A great partnership is something you don’t have to explain. I have met customers worldwide who tell me it all makes sense, even without knowing our brand before. There are over 700 watch brands in Switzerland and only two to three brands by typology, architecture and price-point which fit the level of Lamborghini.
Can you tell us more about how the original idea for the watch came about and what is the appeal to a Lamborghini driver?
When we first started the discussion, we had approached Lamborghini engineers to see what the roots, ingredients and specifications are for the Lamborghini. The sound was obviously difficult to inject in a watch and so we turned to what are the principles and values of a Lamborghini. We found the engine bars, the structural supports, the inclined balance wheels like a V12, the materials from Sant’Agata, all combine to show a unique blend of materials which define its roots in supercar manufacture rather than something like planes or yachting. We will work deeper in the future with the Lamborghini team to see how we can create future calibres with even deeper association with all things Lamborghini. Even today, we have access to all the new Lamborghini products planned for the next 5 years so we will be planning our collections much in the same line. Having access to all this information allows us to prepare our assortment for the future.
Surely not all your brand strategies will be on motor-inspired watches?
The partnership business will represent less than 50% of the brands’ assortment but the communication will be 100% on the partnership because these touches create impact in the minds of people. We want to communicate research and development, avant garde calibres which communicate specific values for our brand and Lamborghini – that said, these values can be found across the brand.
From a Lamborghini standpoint, what is the brief in designing a Roger Dubuis timepiece?
First, it should be spectacular and leverage on all the assets of Roger Dubuis, like the design codes of the Excalibur. This range is the leading collection for the brand and for the next three years, will be the focus and icon for the family. Second, the movement has to be spectacular, it’s not just the mechanism to tell time but it has to be part of the design, the movement is the added value of the product, it has no dial. Most of our products today have no dial. Finally, it has to be special by limited edition and through the use of exclusive materials. Ultimately, each new watch has to be a world premiere.
Does this mean a departure from the Swords and Sorcery type of story telling associated with the Excalibur?
Excalibur is by far our number one family. It is not so much as an end to the fantasy element but instead, it will be one better defined by motorsports. You can expect 100 new products in the Excalibur line encompassing women’s, high end, high jewellery and motorsport editions.
With the passing of Mr Dubuis, is there consideration of having heritage re-issues to celebrate his legacy?
We don’t intend to have a limited edition associated with Roger, but we have many customers asking us for this type of product and we are currently studying how we can develop something for the market. That said, no definite plans for the next SIHH.
Editor’s Note: Mr. Jean-Marc Pontroué has assumed the position CEO of Panerai effective April 2018
Founded in 1984 by engineers Claude Poiraud and Gérard Godfroy, Venturi Automobiles’ establishment of a joint Venturi-Larousse F1 race team in 1992 led to the creation of a one-make racing series, the Venturi Trophy.
An ultra-rare French car that was one of the early post-war attempt at building a sporty luxury car in France, only 73 of Venturi Trophy cars were produced between 1992 and 1994.
Built for the Venturi Trophy races, this car was built was greatly favoured by the Gentlemen Drivers. Featuring over 400 horsepower under the bonnet and a chassis designed by the engineer who also designed and developed the chassis of the Courages of Le Mans 24 Hours fame
It’s fine balance, excellent road-holding properties and the power delivered by its 3-litre PRV turbo-compressor engine were impressive and attained an excellent reputation swiftly. Even till today, its intrinsic qualities endear it to the lucky drivers who get a chance to drive it on a race-circuit.
Today, Venturi 400 Trophy cars are in great demand and it is extremely rare to find one in such pristine presentation and running qualities. Visit LUXIFY, Asia’s leading online marketplace for luxury, to view more details and price of a this classic car.
Blissful Paradise: La Garibaldina Costa Smeralda, Italy
Set on a hillside surrounded by rocky hideaways, olive groves and allotments, the La Garibaldina Costa Smeralda situated in Sardinia, Italy is an impressive estate offering privacy and some of the region’s most magnificent and charming scenic views along with a spacious yet enviable outdoor living. The highly desirable location is close to the beaches, marinas and the village of San Pantaleo.
The bespoke property resides on a landscape that has been thoughtfully-designed to integrate people with nature. The entire development features six separate residences, comprising of the main living area, master accommodation with four en-suite double bedrooms and four guesthouses, all sprawling over an interior size of 10,212 sq ft.
The bespoke home exudes touches of neutral tones with the use of wood, stone and wrought metals to set a timeless rustic charm, whilst providing homeowners a quaint setting within a luxury space to live, entertain and rejuvenate.
Homeowners who prefer a quieter pursuit can head over to the outdoor terrace to practice yoga, enjoy a leisure swim at the infinity pool, overlooking the archipelago of La Maddalen, or simply go for a relaxing stroll to take in the views of the nearby ocean, hills and mountains.
The residence features also a remarkable outdoor entertaining areas, including a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, barbecue and traditional pizza oven, all so perfect for sunset feasts. Don’t forget to pop open a bottle of bubbly to kick start the wonderful evening!
Nested deep in a Russian forest lies the Capital Hill Residence. Zaha Hadid’s sole private residential project, the legendary Iraqi-British architectural visionary designed this private residence for Doronin, the “Russian James Bond.”
Zaha Hadid’s only residential design has finally been completed deep in the Barvikha Forest near Moscow. The $140 million USD private residence is designed for Vladislav Doronin, a man that Hadid – the late Iraqi-British architect – was known to have called the “Russian James Bond.”
According to the project video, the concept was conceived over a decade ago with the first sketch on a napkin. Doronin, the owner and chairman of luxury chain Aman Resorts, said to Hadid; “I want to wake up in the morning and I want to just see blue sky. I don’t want to see any neighbors and I want to feel free.” To which Hadid replied: “You realize you have to be above the trees?”
There are two sections to the house: one nested in the sloping forested landscape, and another component located 22 metre above the ground.
The latter component of the house is a perfect response to Doronin’s request, housing the master suite at a staggering 36 metres above ground. Linked to the rest of the house through a slender column where one can access through a glass lift or concrete stairway, the space is built with clean, glazed walls. The master room extends out to two balconies that offers a sweeping view over the treetops.
The main, forested terrain of the house contains three floors, artfully sheltered by angled glass facades and broad roofs with geometric edges overhanging the clear walls. The ground floor contains the other spaces such as a lounge, living room and kitchen. The entrance, guest and children’s bedrooms, and a library are set across the first floor, along with a myriad of leisure facilities integrated seamlessly into space. Apart from an expansive 65-foot-long swimming pool, massage areas, a hammam, the home even boasts a beautiful Japanese garden and a nightclub.
Following Zaha Hadid’s unfortunate passing in 2016, Hadid’s former business partner Patrik Schumacher took over the reins of the company. Describing the project as a dream commission, Patrik states that the project is “an absolute testament to Zaha’s genius, … , who develops new levels of enjoying life on this planet”.
“This is a masterpiece. It has Zaha’s signature features of organic intricacy, complexity of spatial arrangement, a lot of surprises, and a lot of craftiness and beauty.”
Watch the video below where Doronin explains his vision for his residence project, meeting with Hadid a decade ago, and witness the breathtaking work of art.
