Harrods’ recent initiative alongside NSPCC, Fashion Re-Told, aims to reduce wastes and speak to its Millennial target consumers in ways that are important to them.
The pop-up boutique, Fashion Re-told, was officially launched on the 12 April and opened to public the next day, Friday. Located on Sloane Street in London on premises are donated by Cadogan Estates, the pop up is nested amongst luxury labels such as Tom Ford, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Running on for one month, it will be will be the luxury department store’s first standalone charity store as well as one of the most upscale charity shops in our century.
Customers can peruse and shop a selection of designer and high-end pieces, which have been donated by Harrods customers, employees as well as luxury brands themselves.
Notable labels are Paul Smith, Mulberry and Peter Pilotto, with pieces from womenswear, menswear, kidswear, to accessories. In the same spirit as Harrods’ usual highbrow edit, the charity store aims to offer a changing, eclectic selection, including signature brand items such as the popular Loewe elephant coin purse.
Natalie Dormer (L) and Mo Jamil (R) attend the launch of the Fashion Re-Told at 196 Sloane Street on April 12
The interior of the boutique is a dreamy candy-floss pink, a corporate colour of NSPCC. Alex Greco Wells, head of visual merchandising at Harrods, explains the colour theme as a “lighthearted approach to make people smile”. “We just want to create something fun, a visual interpretation of an appropriate aesthetic for the collaboration, without the ostentatious and overpowering feel of a luxury store,” Wells added.
Besides purchasing, customers are also encouraged to bring in donation pieces from their own collections. In fact, one of the highlights in the initiative is an Alaïa dress donated by Helen David herself, the chief merchant of Harrods.
Staff members involves both Harrods and NSPCC volunteers. Michael Ward, Harrods’ MD, states that the initiative can recur if it’s a success.
Prices range from £100 to £200. All proceeds will go to NSPCC, on a mission to end child abuse in the U.K. and Channel Islands.
TAG Heuer celebrated 55 years with the iconic Carrera
The luxury Swiss watchmaker, TAG Heuer has recently celebrated 55th year of the Carrera with a curated exhibition “Museum in Motion” held at the Atrium on level one of ION Orchard Singapore. The preview reflected TAG Heuer’s long history, particularly in motorsport racing, and highlighted the brand’s innovative craftsmanship in luxury sports watch design.
The “Museum in Motion” exhibition tells a story of the iconic TAG Heuer Carrera timepiece which was first created by Jack Heuer in 1963 to pay tribute to the Carrera Panamericana Rally of the 1950s. Designed with simple yet pure and functional appeal for drivers and sports enthusiasts, the first Carrera chronograph featured a wide dial opening and a 1/5th of a second scale on the flange.
Key timepieces on showcase include the original 1963 Carrera, a manual winding chronograph equipped with a calibre Valjoux 72, and the 1970 Calibre 12 Carrera featuring a yellow 18k gold case and bracelet.
Guests also got a glimpse of other distinguished timepieces such as the Autavia models from 1969 and 1970, the 1968 Camaro, the 1972 Monaco, the 1968 Skipper, and the 1974 Calculator.
Special editions included a 1950 Mareograph—the world’s first chronograph with tide and regatta indicators equipped with a calibre Valjoux 721—and the 1976 Daytona, an automatic chronograph powered by the Calibre 12 and named as a tribute to the Formula 1 circuit of Daytona.
The watch brand is currently making a global tour to showcase its iconic and interesting timepieces in selected TAG Heuer boutiques around the world, brought over from the museum at La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland. After the launch in Miami last month, Singapore is the first stop of this travelling exhibition.
TAG Heuer Carrera “Tête de Vipère” Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer
Chronometer certified by the heritage Besançon Observatory, TAG Heuer’s new Carrera “Tête de Vipère” Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer is named for the prestigious stamp of excellence that was among the earliest symbols of vaunted precision first used in 1897. The high-quality metrological guarantee was offered by Besançon Observatory, a public governing body operating under the purview of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, unlike COSC, the mark of the “Tête de Vipère” certifies the watch as a whole, not just the movement.
Unfortunately, the Besançon Observatory’s “Tête de Vipère” was abandoned in the 1970s, and for 36 years, it was forgotten, only to be relaunched in 2006, where the “Tête de Vipère” chronometer certification has since been awarded to just 500 pieces. To obtain this certificate of excellence, watches like the new TAG Heuer Carrera “Tête de Vipère” Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer are fully assembled and then undergo a protocol involving 16 days of robust testing, in five different positions at three different temperatures.
The new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer is highly modern version expression of the 55 year old Carrera collection, featuring a contemporary design and combining the two of traditional watchmaking’s most celebrated complications: a high complication tourbillon and a high precision chronograph.
The calibre of the new Carrera “Tête de Vipère” Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer is housed in a midnight blue ceramic case, perfectly matched with a ceramic bezel and lugs. Matching the overall aesthetics are accents of blue seen throughout the skeleton chronograph tourbillon movement in components like the oscillating weight and movement barrel.
With its polished, brushed and bead-blasted finishes, the TAG Heuer Carrera “Tête de Vipère” Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer, launched at Baselworld 2018, is a sophisticated, modern descended of the legendary Heuer Carrera Chronograph, reflecting the highest quality Swiss watchmaking know-how and now, the heritage “Tête de Vipère” mark from Besançon Observatory applied to the bridge, visible through the sapphire crystal of the case back.
The new Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon available in 155 limited editions is complemented by a beautiful black alligator strap, sewn onto rubber with blue stitching.
Carrera “Tête de Vipère” Chronograph Tourbillon Price and Specs
Movement Automatic HEUER-02T calibre with 72 hours power reserve Case 45mm blue ceramic case with 100 metres water resistance Strap Leather Price TBA (Expected US$25,000)
Formosa, a 60m Benetti delivered in 2015, has been chartering in the Maldives during the southern summer, and now repositions to French Polynesia. Her name, by which Taiwan was known in years past, means beautiful island in Portuguese, but as far as we are aware, there are no other connections.
Sumptuous lounges are a hallmark of this Benetti partner Sinot design
Rates are €440,000 a week, and she accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms. The layout is interesting, and a variation on other Benetti boats in this size range. A privileged owner’s suite is on the upper deck, and there are two VIP double staterooms exceptionally situated on the principal deck. In addition, a cinema, very private observation deck, and a great array of water toys are sure to keep guests entertained. An elevator is another feature, and the mandatory jacuzzi. Interior design is by Sinot.
The Leeward Islands, or Les Isles Sous Le Vent, are much sought cruising waters in French Polynesia. Here the distinctive peaks of Bora Bora are located, and nearby Raiatea, from which the Polynesians set out on their long voyage to New Zealand. Within the same barrier reef is Tahaa, where the scent of vanilla lies heavily in the air.
Sundeck jacuzzi is a lovely set-up although shaded areas are carefully provided too
Al fresco relaxation and wining and dining outer decks
But there is always Marlon Brando’s island, or the Tuamotus, where precious black pearls are farmed, and further out the spectacularly beautiful Marquesas, but that would require separate arrangements. Hanging out in Papeete, on Tahiti, where Marina Taina for big boats is located, is worth a day or two, and some circumnavigate this island by boat or road.
Here Comes The Sun launched last year became flagship of the Amels fleet
Here Comes The Sun is the mighty 83m Amels 272 which made her debut last year. No change from €1.2 million a week if contemplating a sojourn on this vessel, and again, 12 guests are accommodated, albeit in ten staterooms.
Winch Design handled the interiors. This much-acclaimed and awarded stylist has customised a
stunning portfolio for the owners
Says Fraser: “This stunning yacht, featuring graceful and elegant lines by Tim Heywood and a unique contemporary interior by Winch Design, boasts unique features, including owner’s and VIP suites on the upper deck, as well as two VIPs which can partition to become four staterooms and three guest staterooms on the principal deck.
“There are endless options for complete indulgence and entertainment. Guests will enjoy a breath-taking retreat, thanks to Captain Michael Droszcz, Captain James Griffith and their highly trained and attentive crew of 24.
“From the majestic luxury to the palatial spaces, and the excitement of active watersports to the ultimate relaxation, from the exquisite service to the delicious culinary experience, the yachting experience on board here Comes The Sun is unsurpassed.”
She too has an elevator, plus a grand piano, and elsewhere a theatre. Jacuzzi of course, and a large infinity pool. A further very interesting aspect is that she is heading down to South America, and Fraser plans to offer charters on its Pacific Coast this year.
Depending on where she ends up basing, this will bring the unusual destinations of Chile and perhaps Peru into play, although as the Chilean Coast is quite long, itineraries will presumably need to be carefully selected.
Askari seen here in Bora Bora is available for longer South Seas cruisesOhana has a weekly rate of €180,000 when she returns to French Polynesia next year
Askari and Ohana were included in our Charter Focus last year, and here we return to their favourite French Polynesian waters, although Ohana is not turning up again until 2019.
Askari is the sort of motor yacht that you would expect to find in the South Seas, and many years of successful charters stand her in good stead. Another factor is that she can be chartered, for ten guests, for US$85,000 a week.
Built by Sermons in 1971, she has gradually been upgraded in her present role, and a big refit last year means everything is now in tiptop shape. One aspect that interested us was that she came highly recommended by Etienne Boutin, who has run Tahiti Ocean for many years. If these long-time port agents think she is a good deal, odds are that she is.
Says Fraser: “Askari is a classical style boat with accommodation for 10 in five well-appointed staterooms. With special features such as a wet bar, jacuzzi and an impressive range of water toys, guests are sure to have a wonderful time on board. The name Askari is a Swahili word meaning Guard. She has explored some of the most remote corners of the globe, and is indeed available for longer voyages in the South Pacific.”
Askari won the Captain and Crew of the Year Award at Fraser Yacht’s annual Captain’s Dinner in 2016.
Chen Ting Shih, ‘Day and Night #70’, 1981, 120 x 240cm. Image courtesy Art Agenda, S.E.A.
The story of abstract art’s emergence and dominance in the post-war decades, particularly in the western world, is a story that needs little further narration. New York’s affinity with abstract expressionism propelled it to dominate the world stage, no matter how much it was in fact a pinpoint art movement centred around a small number of artists and critics in a particular time and place. Contemporaneous to it and across the Atlantic, movements such as Art Brut and Tachisme prevailed upon a new generation of artists. From the 1960s onwards, colour field and hard-edge painting, as well as geometric abstraction began to gain greater traction. Through these “internal struggles” between movements, much of the narrative that has been told and continues to ring loudest is largely western-centric, focused on developments and artists from both sides of the Atlantic.
For the longest time, artists of Asian descent– even those who were part of the discourse in the west– rarely feature in the big broad brushstroke that defined western post-war abstraction. There has, however, been recent broader interest to resuscitate and rediscover forgotten or marginalised modern artists; and with it, Asia and its artists have now firmly become a focal point of this fresh global uptake.
Ho Kan, ‘Untitled’, 1979, oil on canvas, 50 x 60cm. Image courtesy Art Agenda, S.E.A.
In the history of Chinese art, an important historical development is how modern art in mainland China was stymied by the Cultural Revolution; art was wielded to the service of political purposes, with no natural function or value of its own. There was, however, a whole cohort of artists and other intellectuals who had left mainland China for Taiwan in the immediate post-war decades. They articulated liberal values through their works and broke new ground, forging an abstract visual vocabulary, and cementing their place in the history of Chinese art as modern pioneers. Their avant-gardist stance arose against a backdrop of the rise of western liberalism, where abstraction, especially of the expressionistic mold, signified freedom, particularly poignant to generations of Taiwanese artists who lived through three decades of martial law.
Li Chun Shan, ‘Untitled’, acrylic on paper, 27 x 39cm. Image courtesy Art Agenda, S.E.A.
The central figure behind modern abstraction’s rise in Taiwan is Li Chun-Shan who was educated in art in Tokyo. Modern art concepts promulgated in 1930s Shanghai and Tokyo, due largely to mediators such as Li, who, as artist, writer and art educator in Hangzhou and Guangzhou, imbibed modernism and influenced generations simultaneously. Moving to Taiwan in 1949, he continued to advocate liberal values, aligning it with the modern movement in art, essentially birthing abstract art as the dominant form of modern art in Taiwan. His students include Hsiao Chin, Ho Kan and Chin Sung who established the Ton Fan Art Group while other students like Chen Ting-Shih founded the Fifth Moon Art Group.
Hsiao Chin, ‘Abstract’, 1959, ink and colour on paper, 65, x 41cm. Image courtesy Art Agenda, S.E.A.
In the immediate decades following the end of World War II, Taiwanese artists pursued a modernist stance and propelled Chinese art into the modern period. The most significant art movements, Ton Fan Art Group and Fifth Moon Art Group, were established in 1957. The Modern Print-Making Association followed a year later. Abstraction as advocated and practiced by these artists form perhaps the most significant but overlooked chapter in the narrative of modern abstraction’s emergence in the fragmented post-war artworld in Asia.
Wang Zineng is the founder of Art Agenda, S.E.A..
This article was written by Wang Zineng for Art Republik 18.
The photo was taken at Black’s Link on 18 April 2017.
Mindfulness In Nature Deep Water Bay
No sooner have the magnificent mountain peaks captured your attention than Deep Water Bay Drive comes into view, hills above offset by sea below, introducing a totally unique sense of calm. Nestled amongst mountain splendour, Deep Water Bay possesses a vast natural environment, with a deluxe private club nearby and rich heritage all around. One of Hong Kong’s best kept secrets, this stunning location has a long-established identity of elegance, refinement, and understated nobility.
“Green isn’t just a colour, it’s a state of luxury.”
The photo was taken at Deep Water Bay on 5 June 2017.
Picturesque Country Parks: Hong Kong Island’s only Feng Shui Forest
Deep Water Bay is surrounded by Hong Kong Island’s country parks, including Pok Fu Lam, Aberdeen and Lung Fu Shan, covering more than 700 hectares — equivalent to approximately 36 times the area of Victoria Park. This kaleidoscopic setting of green serenity brings nature to your doorstep with access to a range of tree-lined hiking trails, including the Hong Kong Trail, Tai Tam Country Trail, Violet Hill Trail and Lady Clementi’s Ride.
Lady Clementi’s Ride runs through the only Feng Shui forest in Hong Kong — Nam Fung Road Woodland. This mature forest features the greatest number of plant species recorded in Hong Kong, including plants of great conservation value.
In 1993, the Hong Kong government declared it a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Living in Deep Water Bay means to exist in harmony with Hong Kong’s stunning natural assets while enjoying the ultimate in luxury and leisure.
“Communion with nature requires no words.”
The photo was taken on Shek O Country Park on 3 May 2017.
International Schools: In The Footprint Of Rich History
The Hong Kong Island South district has nurtured a range of brilliant talents over the years, including a number of renowned contemporary writers. The area bears the footprints of Eileen Chang and her legendary Love in a Fallen City, Xiao Hong’s most beautiful final chapter, as well as icons of the Vernacular Movement, President of Peking University Cai Yuanpei, and The Peanut author Xu Dishan. Commemorating these cultural greats is the Southern District Literary Trail; its five literary landmarks standing in proud recognition of each scholar’s legacy.
Today, Hong Kong Island South retains its spirit of fostering greatness. Nearby international schools include the South Island School, the Hong Kong International School, the Canadian International School of Hong Kong, and the German Swiss International School.
“Life is a dance, the world a stage, each step an act of mindfulness.”
This photo was taken at Deep Water Bay Beach and HK Golf Club in November 2016.
Pristine And Private: A High-Class City Hideaway
According to Forbes in 2015, Deep Water Bay is the world’s wealthiest neighbourhood — home to 19 of the city’s tycoons with an aggregate net worth in excess of US$100 billion.
Most of these tycoons belong to the city’s most prestigious private clubs in Deep Water Bay, including Hong Kong Golf Club, Aberdeen Marina Club, and The American Club Hong Kong. Of special note is Deep Water Bay Drive’s Crown Wine Cellars, a world-renowned wine cellar and private members club. Formerly known as Shouson Hill’s Central Ordnance Munitions Depot or “Little Hong Kong”, the wine cellar has been declared a UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Site in 2007.
“Luxury is nothing without nature.”
Mindfulness of the ebb and flow of nature is the key to a life where leisure is a state of being. Being among jewel-green hills, immersed in deep culture, existing in perfect harmony, is a form of luxury. Compared with traditional hill-top mansion environments, Hong Kong Island South’s Deep Water Bay is alive with clarity and unpretentious luxury.
This photo was taken at Deep Water Bay Drive on 30 April 2017.
Situated on Deep Water Bay Drive is Nan Fung Group and Vervain Resource’s latest premium residential development. The stunning natural greenery was seamlessly integrated into the architectural design to harmonise perfectly with the natural surroundings. To live here is to walk as one with nature in both body and mind, embracing all things in a spirit of mindfulness, cultivating a life of joy and comfort.
