Diamond ‘Fuchsia’ brooch and earring suite by Van Cleef & Arpels
Later this month, Bonhams will hold its London Fine Jewellery sale and is all set to showcase some of the finest gems in its collection for those who wish to invest in timeless creations. Of the 141 lots set to go under the hammer, the auction house has revealed one that will be leading the pack on April 27.
The item in question is one from Van Cleef & Arpels that is expected to fetch £150,000 to 200,000. At 10.28 carats, the E colour marquise-cut diamond that sits between two pear-shaped diamonds. The star of the lot is classified as a Type IIa and is not only chemically pure but also boasts exceptional optical transparency. While the creation by the French jewellery house stands out for its exceptional quality, it is not the only item that connoisseurs of fine jewellery will be looking out for.
An impressive 10.28 carats diamond single-stone ring by Van Cleef & Arpels
Also by Van Cleef & Arpels, is a diamond ‘Fuchisa’ brooch and earring suite whose bidding will start at £70,000 to 100,000. Resembling the fuchsia flower, the petals boast pavé-set, brilliant-cut diamonds while the stamen is made up of a cascade of pear-shaped diamonds. Weighing in at a total of 27.05 carats, the suite is a valuable one thanks to the small quantities made. Other lots in the auction include an Art deco bracelet by Cartier that dates back to 1925. Estimated to fetch between £20,000 to 30,000 the bracelet is fitted with cushion-shaped old brilliant and single-cut diamonds, that sit on the geometric design.
An enamel and diamond ‘Serpenti’ bracelet-watch by Bulgari
Another star lot that we will be keeping an eye out for, is that of the enamel and diamond ‘Serpenti’ bracelet watch from Bulgari. Inspired by the ‘Serpe Dei Ratti Giallo’ or Yellow Rat Snake, the bracelet features orange-yellow and red enamelling that cover the overlapping scales and marquise-cut diamond eyes. With a pre-sale estimate of £50,000 to 60,000, the lot is expected to fetch a handsome sum.
Cheng Ran, Film Still from ‘Circadian Rhythm’, 2017, video installation. Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet
‘Circadian Rhythm’ by Cheng Ran, will be presented by Audemars Piguet at the Collectors Lounge at Art Basel Hong Kong. Since 2013, Audemars Piguet has invited artists to conceptualise original works based on the brand’s story to present at all three Art Basel shows in Hong Kong, Basel and Miami. The list includes British photographer Dan Holdsworth, French art duo Kolkoz, Austrian videographer Kurt Hentschläger and Geneva-based artist Alexandre Joly, and Chinese artist Cheng Ran joining the ranks with the latest commission.
Cheng, born in 1981 in Inner Mongolia, is known for his video artworks that are informed by both Chinese and Western culture. As an artist who frequently explores time and space in his artistic practice, he was a natural choice for the project with Audemars Piguet. Cheng’s recent solo exhibitions include ‘In Course of the Miraculous’ at the K11 Art Foundation in Hong Kong in 2016, and his first solo museum exhibition in the United States, ‘Cheng Ran: Diary of a Madman’ at the New Museum, co-presented with K11 Art Foundation, following a three-month residency.
Cheng Ran, Film Still from ‘Circadian Rhythm’, 2017, video installation. Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet
For the latest Audemars Piguet commission, Cheng has taken inspiration from the beautiful landscape of Vallée du Joux, home to Audemars Piguet, where its precision timepieces are crafted. In an immersive video installation, the artist shows off the area’s verdant forest and gentle streams, set against an intricate soundscape of the peaceful Swiss Jura Mountains blending harmoniously with the precise mechanical ticks from the complicated mechanisms of Audemars Piguet watches.
Cheng Ran. Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet
Speaking about his concept, Cheng says, “I was inspired by the artistry and attention to detail Audemars Piguet dedicates to creating one single timepiece”. He adds, “I hope viewers will enjoy the immersive excursion I have created through landscapes and soundscapes, transporting them through experimental types of media. I am thankful to have been given the chance to continue my journey with Audemars Piguet since the piece was presented in Shanghai at the end of last year.” The work was first presented at Yuz Museum at the end of 2016 in the Audemars Piguet watch history exhibition, ‘To Break the Rules, You Must First Master Them’.
The pairing of Audemars Piguet watches with Cheng Ran’s work will be a visual and auditory treat for VIP guests at the art fair. “Audemars Piguet has pushed watchmaking boundaries ever since it was founded in 1875, a characteristic that is also fundamental to the production of great art,” says Olivier Audemars, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet. “Through his video Cheng Ran reflects on the very heart of our craft and our connection to nature while managing to take the viewer on an unexpected journey. ‘Circadian Rhythm’ combines both art and watchmaking into a single pulse, like two hearts beating in unison”.
Art Republik looks forward to the Audemars Piguet presentation of Cheng’s work at Art Basel Hong Kong.
This article was originally published in Art Republik 14.
Sebastian Vettel, Valterri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton at the qualifying race in Bahrain
Sebastian Vettel led his Prancing Horse — named Gina — to victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix moving him well ahead in the points, thanks to a well-timed pit stop that saw him coming out on a fresher set of tyres way ahead of the pack. Lewis Hamilton who got served a five-second drive through penalty tried his best to make a late charge driving in spectacular style but was unable to catch the Ferrari of the four-time world champion. The saddest part of the weekend was seeing Valtteri Bottas’s chance for a first career win dashed despite him finishing in pole position during qualifying. He finished third on the podium, his anguish clearly visible when it came to the celebratory champagne showers. This was yet another setback for the Finnish driver who has just rebounded from an incident in Shanghai. Given Toto Wolff’s remarks about the driver he manages, though, it does seem that the Fin will be back, stronger for the next round in Sochi.
Lewis Hamilton and Steve Aoki in Bahrain for the 2017 Grand Prix
Steve Aoki in Bahrain for the 2017 Grand Prix
Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike
The Kingdom, already known for its ability to host, really pulled out all the stops to make this race and truly unforgettable one with fireworks both on and off the track. Friday evening’s entertainment saw DJ Klingande kick the festivities off. To bring down the house on Friday night, Bahrain International Circuit booked none other than world renowned DJ’s Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike. They played a stellar set with both members teasing the crowd and jumping up and dancing on set. The packed field at the Main Grandstand, clearly relished every moment of it, turning on their phones backlights and holding up banners with the duo’s names and pictures. On Saturday The King of Latin Pop, Enrique Iglesias took to the stage to perform his greatest hits including Duele el Corazón and Súbeme La Radio much to the delight of his female fans. To cap off the weekend, the legendary DJ Steve Aoki took to the stage to perform an exhilarating set that saw the audience on their feet throughout the performance. The maestro who was clearly pumped ran up and down the stage often stretching out his arms to embrace audience members who at the end of the performance were screaming ‘Cake Us!’ Aoki’s signature finish where he takes a cake and tosses it into the crowd.
Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO, Bahrain International Circuit
Bernie Eccelstone
Fabiana Ecclestone
Daniel Ricciardo
The third round of the Grand Prix saw Bernie Ecclestone or ‘Mr. E’ as he is known attend the race as a guest of His Royal Highness, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Ecclestone, who watched part of the race from the Red Bull hospitality before being whisked off into the night, was followed around the paddock scrum of photographers and journalists whenever he emerged in public. Accompanied by his beautiful wife, Fabiana, who provides a glimpse into the human side of the pair, he looked visibly younger and had clearly lost some weight. As I put my arm on his shoulder to convey my thoughts, he said ‘I am not sure I feel it but thank you.’
The action packed weekend closed with a spectacular fireworks display lasting more than ten minutes, typical of Bahrain — bigger, better and with finesse. It was a stellar effort by the Bahrain International Circuit and the entire Kingdom in general who embraced fans, journalists, drivers and teams alike, with warmth and hospitality.
When a brand has a specific spin on timekeeping itself and an engineering philosophy built on that spin, it will find itself very lonely indeed. It is like being the only star lighting up a supervoid or a field of one taking on a marathon, for example. The Hydromechanical Horologists HYT find themselves in this perhaps enviable position — there is no other brand working with the combination of fluids, gears and springs and thus HYT never suffers any comparisons. This does mean that HYT has to shoulder the burden of explaining how its vision of timekeeping works. In other words, what are hydromechanical horologists anyway?
Well, the Neuchatel watchmakers have revealed the H0 to this end. As the name suggests, this watch is meant as a sort of primer into both the functions of a HYT timepiece as well as the meaning behind the brand, so to speak. Vice President of Sales Giancarlo Mantuano says the H0 is the watch the might have started the whole HYT story, had it been scripted differently. Clearly, looking at the visuals here, it mostly looks exactly as one would expect a HYT to look. No HYT H3 this.
The story here is one of revealing some elements while placing others under wraps; dedicated followers of fluidic fashions will notice that the H0 obscures the bellows for the first time while the lack of the typical ‘dome’ at 6 o’clock means one can finally see how the fluid tracks out of the tubes. These two important details are a little overshadowed by the very dramatic case, which looks like the watchmakers dropped a sapphire dome onto the caseback, covering the calibre like it was a sumptuous main course at some Old World gala dinner.
Assuming one is not familiar with HYT at all, well the hours are indicated by the aforementioned liquids, which are controlled by the bellows. In this watch, the minutes are at 12 o’clock, seconds at 9:30 and power reserve at 2:30. It is worth repeating that there are two fluids here, one coloured and one clear, moving just like a retrograde indicator. In fact, this action is controlled by how much pressure the movement exacts upon one of the bellows, via a cam. The precise pressure determines how fast the fluid moves and the cam controls when the fluids reset.
At 48.8mm and 17.9mm thick, this watch certainly proves that watches are not shrinking this year. HYT says this will not be a limited proposition, being limited only by production capacity.
Specifications
Movement Manual-winding with exclusive HYT calibre
Power Reserve 65-hours
Case 48.8mm in black DLC titanium water resistant to 30m
NIO’s inaugural production car for the Chinese market, an all-electric SUV codenamed ES8. Image courtesy of NIOSocial Facebook Page
NIO is the international name (Weilai in Chinese) for the Chinese start-up NextEV’s new automobile brand. On the occasion of the Shanghai Auto Show, which will be open to the public from April 21 to 28, 2017, NIO is set to unveil its first ever mass market vehicle, an all-electric SUV, along the lines of models already produced by US manufacturers Tesla (with the Model X) and Faraday Future (with the FF91).
The carmaker already created a sensation in the autumn of 2016 when it unveiled the EP9, 1342 brake horsepower all-electric supercar. As for the other specifications of the NIO EP9, the figures speak for themselves: the supercar can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 2.7 seconds and from 0 to 200 kilometres per hour in just 7.1 seconds. It can also reach a top speed of 313 kilometres per hour, and travel more than 420 kilometres without a recharge, which lasts just 45 minutes. Only a small number of EP9s will be produced, which is not surprising in view of the vehicles price tag of around one million euros. More recently, NIO presented EVE, a sedan concept that will be launched as a mass market vehicle by 2020.
In Shanghai, NIO plans to move ahead with the global premiere of its first SUV, codenamed ES8. According to specialist websites, the all-electric vehicle will have a range of more than 300 kilometres. It will also feature a spacious interior that can accommodate seven passengers. More interestingly, it will be equipped with autonomous driving technologies, however precise details on this capability have yet to be announced. It should be noted that the new SUV is not due to be launched in Asia before 2018, and not before 2020 on the US market.
NIO’s strategy is reminiscent of the one adopted by US manufacturer Faraday Future, which followed up the unveiling of its spectacular FFZERO1 concept, a 1000 horsepower single-seater with a top speed of 320 kilometres per hour, with the Las Vegas CES presentation of its first connected and customisable electric crossover.
The brand is also involved in the FIA Formula E Championship (all-electric single-seaters) through its NextEV NIO stable.
The 17th Shanghai Auto Show will run April 21 to 28, 2017 at the city’s National Exhibition and Convention Centre.
We take a look into the homes of distinguished influencers, those who have shaped and defined a generation of filmmaking, musical theatre and even market economics! From showbiz greats like Jane Fonda, Meg Ryan and Cole Porter, to investment superstar Warren Buffet, these stylish and quaint abodes do not disappoint.
When Ryan meets Soho
Photo: The Corcoran Group
Photo: The Corcoran Group
One of the definitive faces of romantic comedy, American sweetheart Meg Ryan reveals a penchant for interior design as she lists her stylish fifth-floor Soho loft on the market for a cool USD 10.9 million. Housed in an 1888 pre-war building, Ryan’s 4,100 sq. ft. residence is a sun-drenched monochromatic palette featuring 13 large windows, high ceilings, ebony wood flooring and deep wood furniture pieces.
Matte black finishes are set against expanses of white, an elegant touch complimented by a set of floor-to-ceiling French doors leading to the home’s three bedrooms (including a master bedroom with eight closets!), formal dining room, media room and a spacious eat-in kitchen. Several original architectural columns and exposed brick walls also lend an industrial aesthetic to the place, whilst a stunning 40 ft gallery near the foyer presents views onto Mercer Street from five large windows.
Fonda Power
A two-time Oscar-winning actress, political activist, fitness guru and eco-warrior, the multi-hyphenate Jane Fonda has recently listed her 7,102 sq. ft. Beverly Hills home (shared with long-time partner and veteran music producer Richard Perry) on the market. Purchased in 2012 for USD 7.3 million and now listed for close to USD 13 million, this contemporary four bedroom and six and a half bathroom residence sits on a 36,000sq. ft. lot in the stylish Trousdale Estates area.
Boasting stunning views over the canyon and ocean, the home features interconnected, open-plan living spaces including a statement glass elevator, a media lounge with bar area, a sprawling kitchen, and multiple covered and open patios. A solar-heated swimming pool, viewing pavilion with fire pit and a meditation garden with fountains adds to the resort-like tranquillity of the place, whilst a lower level gym keeps with the exercise tycoon’s mantra of healthy living. Ever the eco-minded advocate, Fonda’s residence also bears green amenities such as photovoltaic electric panels, thermal glass windows with motorised shades, eco-friendly ventless fireplaces and bamboo floors. Sleek, sophisticated and bold, the home is listed with Jade Mills and Valerie Fitzgerald of Coldwell Banker.
The Wizard of Emerald Bay
Photo:Todd Tankersley Photography
Photo:Todd Tankersley Photography
A glimpse into the family retreat of billionaire investor Warren Buffet (affectionately known as the “Wizard” of Omaha) yields a humble yet spacious abode befitting one known for his frugality despite being America’s second wealthiest individual. Originally purchased in 1971 as a vacation home, Buffet’s six-bedroom Laguna Beach estate is now on the market for USD 11 million. For those who revere its legendary owner, or for anyone really, with a love for the beautiful beaches of the West Coast, this 3,588 sq. ft. property is a gem of an investment.
Located in the gated community of Emerald Bay, this remodelled beach house offers stunning ocean views in most rooms thanks to its corner lot position, a large family room with an expansive viewing deck, and a beautiful beach just steps away. Other amenities also include six community tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, parks and a pool. Though modestly appointed by billionaire standards, the home’s grey carpeting and pristine white furnishes lend a soothing and cozy ambience that makes for the perfect relaxing beach getaway.
It’s De-Lovely!
Photo: The Corcoran Group
Photo: The Corcoran Group
Times have changed for Sniffen Court, one of New York City’s smallest historic districts and home to a quaint brick building once belonging to famed Broadway composer and songwriter Cole Porter. In olden days this four-story townhouse was a Civil War-era stable, before it was refurbished into an engraver’s home and studio in 1915.
Now on the market for USD 6.5 million, the home has cultivated for itself a certain celebrity pedigree, tucked away off East 36th Street in an exclusive neighbourhood of only ten townhomes, once playing host to the likes of musician Lenny Kravitz and model Claudia Schiffer. Bearing a charming exterior with unique eyebrow windows under a mansard roof, the 3,865 sq. ft. property features a well-preserved interior boasting original wood mouldings, whimsical spiral stairways connecting the floors, as well as a charming interior courtyard.
Multiple windows let in an abundance of light across the home’s five bedrooms and four baths, and a spacious living room makes for an excellent gathering space for friends and family. With Midtown Manhattan and Grand Central Station in close proximity, the home is— in the words of the musical maestro himself, best known for musicals like “Anything Goes”— “De-Lovely”.
