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Art exhibitions in Singapore: Rajul Mehta’s presents ‘Don’t Pressure Me’ at the ION Art Gallery

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Artist Rajul Mehta brings her thought-provoking, evocative exhibition ‘Don’t Pressure Me’ to town. Slated to open on April 19, 2017, at the ION Art Gallery, this exhibition sees the artist explore societal pressures faced by women and their value in today’s world. Illustrating the many lives of women from all walks of life, Rajul Mehta immerses herself in the reality of being a woman— whether struggling or successful.

Artistically inspired by Pop-Art connoisseur Andy Warhol and his vibrant portraits, Mehta features portraits of women on colourful canvases. This, however, comes as a quiet juxtaposition. The canvases are centred around an installation piece to imitate a pressure cooker like space. The vibrant colours used juxtapose against the stifling atmosphere, intended for visitors to question the true feelings of women in society. In addition, Mehta’s work pushes past the gender-focused boundary and challenges the viewer to reflect on his or her own position and role in society.

Mehta says: “We all have pressure cookers inside of our heads. This constant need to juggle, to meet deadlines; as pressure boils we blow off steam, we let go and we start all over again. Our lives are really just a constant balancing of our many roles and relationships in a world that expects us to be a certain way and perhaps to even behave a certain way.”

Known for displaying an extraordinary level of sensitivity in her work, Mehta has an unwavering passion and energy for her artistic endeavours. Her works are currently featured in distinguished art museums, institutes and exhibitions.

“Don’t Pressure Me” will run from April 19 to 23 between 10am to 10pm daily, at the ION Art Gallery. For more information, visit Rajul Mehta.

New luxury fragrances for him: Gems and scents make the Bulgari Le Gemme Collection for Men

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Bvlgari Le Gemme Collection for Men. Image Courtesy of Bvlgari
Bvlgari Le Gemme Collection for Men. Image Courtesy of Bvlgari

Back in 2014, Bulgari, that is best known for its jewellery creations launched the Le Gemme Collection for women and are now following up with the Le Gemme Collection for Men. Inspired by the discoveries made while in search of precious stones, the collection comprises of six fragrances for him, that have been developed by Jacques Cavallier. We take a look at each scent to find out what inspired — three of which will be available here.

Bulgari Le Gemme Gyan. Image Courtesy of Bulgari
Bulgari Le Gemme Gyan. Image Courtesy of Bulgari

Gyan (The Sapphire)

These fragrances come in some good-looking bottles and Gyan might be the best-looking one. This perfume might have given Cavallier some trouble. He had to work with a notoriously difficult ingredient that plays hard to get (right) Patchouli — which meant taking away anything that might make you annoyed to get its smell-worthy essence, then add Jasmine. You should really thank the man when you smell great.

 

Bulgari Le Gemme Garanat. Image Courtesy of Bulgari
Bulgari Le Gemme Garanat. Image Courtesy of Bulgari

Garanat (The Red Garnet)

What on earth is rose doing in a men’s perfume? That was our first reaction when we realised Garanat is essentially rose and incense. We arent  Master Perfumers, so we humbly submit to Cavallier’s talent in creating a masculine scent with the flower.

 

Bulgari Le Gemme Ambero. Image Courtesy of Bulgari
Bulgari Le Gemme Ambero. Image Courtesy of Bulgari

Ambero (The Amber)

Don’t stare into this bottle for too long. with the Sun being the main inspiration, that may actually be some sound advice. Okay, so we more than exaggerate. You get Vetiver and Indian ginger scents full of energy like the star we orbit around all in one bottle.

You can purchase Bvlgari Le Gemme Cyan, Garanat and Ambero from The Heeren Robinsons, Takashimaya, and Escentials Paragon at S$499.00 each.

New superyachts in Asia: 5-decker SanLorenzo 46 Steel docks in Asia

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SanLorenzo doesn’t consider their beautiful creations as Superyachts unless they have to count their length in metres. The superyacht family starts at 120 feet, and the 46 metre SL46 Steel is 150 feet overall. A sharply cut-back bow and a semi-wide hull at 30 feet maximum beam disguises the fact that there is a fifth (below-lower) deck below the water line, the floor of the engine, purifiers and steering gear rooms, and that essential thing on long voyages, the laundry.

Both the crew (who have nine berths between them) and the eight guests have cabins on the Lower Deck, the guests in two doubles and two twins, all with the benefit of full-size bathrooms as heads. The guest cabins are just forward of the upper part of the engine room, where the twin 2,040 hp CAT diesels live, separated by double bulkheads and the heads themselves. Forward of the guest cabins and reaching to the forepeak are the crew berths. Four double-bunked rooms each with its own head. The crew mess is in here too, with its own companionway to the main deck.

The lower deck continues right aft, with its own cockpit and opening transom and enclosed gym. This space becomes the exercise space, beach and swim centre when the boat is stationary. The main toy garage is just forward, opening through the starboard side. There are another two on the upper deck above the crew cabins right forward.

The main deck comprises another large three-quarter-shaded cockpit and a wide saloon, by-passed by side-decks that connect eventually to crew access points and companionways to higher and lower decks. Forward of the saloon is the galley, about 200 square feet of it, placed within steps of both crew and guest companionways.

Forward of the galley, the main deck continues with the Master cabin, a full-width room with a huge bathroom that even runs to a bath. Beyond this in the bow, but only reachable from above, the two storage areas for more toys: a couple of ribs and a jet ski, to complement the huge rib stored athwart the stern on the deck below in the main garage.

The upper deck has yet another cockpit, the largest yet, leading through semi-circular doors into a huge circular dining room, dominated by a much-too-large circular dining table that extends into the rectangular lounge area just beyond. Forward of this is the bridge and the Captain’s Quarters, the fore-deck sunning area and the access down to the bow and the toy rooms.

Topping this extravaganza is the upper deck, more of a flybridge except that there is no upper helm position. This is mostly shaded, and given over to sun-worshipping with loungers, seats and a dining space. There’s also a jet-spa with attached loungers, in case you need someone to splash while you let the power jets massage away the cares of being a guest on a boat so large that hide and seek is a positively challenging game.

With a full complement of crew, (and a boat this large needs a minimum number of highly-qualified officers and seamen in addition to the stewarding staff), and the full complement of guests, there are up to 19 people on board, some of whom will be off-duty some of the time. With four couples on board as guests and four decks to choose from, it isn’t hard to find somewhere private if you just want to switch off and read a book, at least half a deck’s worth of privacy, without having to hide in your cabin.

For more information, visit SanLorenzo and Simpson Marine.

This article was first published in Yacht Style 37.

Jewellery exhibitions in Asia: Chaumet presents “Imperial Splendours” exhibition at the Palace Museum, Beijing

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The French jewellery brand known as Chaumet has consistently produced beautiful designs that have enthralled us since the 18th century. While many would love to leave the past behind them, sometimes it pays to look back once in a while to see just how far you have come. Rich in history and traditions, the brand has delved back into its archives to produce a spellbinding exhibition called “Imperial Splendours” in the Palace Museum, Beijing.

Curated by Henri Loyrette who is the director of Musee de Louvre, the exhibition will see over 300 pieces from the brand’s treasured archive come to life. From works, jewels, paintings, drawings and objets d’art it is a chance for visitors to see what the brand has been producing since 1780. With the support of prominent museums and prestigious collections, we see Chaumet’s artistry at its finest.

A highlight of the collection is the Bourbon-Parma tiara that was crafted in 1919. Made for Countess Hedwige de La Rochefoucauld upon her marriage to the Prince Sixte of Bourbon-Parma. In a show of cultural appreciation, the Palace Museum has also selected several items from its own collection to be offered as an exchange between the Chinese and French jewellery arts.

Catch the “imperial Splendours” exhibition at the Wu men Room, Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City in Beijing from April 11 to July 2.

Luxury furniture for the home: Louis Vuitton unveils the new Objets Nomades collection for 2017 in Milan

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Luxury magnate Louis Vuitton gets ready to showcase its new Objets Nomades collection. The brand marries functionality with design, promising top designer products. The French luxury luggage-maker will unveil ten new pieces from its travel-inspired Objets Nomades collection at the Milan Furniture Fair, taking place from April 14 to 19.

Talisman Table by India Mahdavi

Mahdavi’s side table is inspired by the nomadic hospitality of the Middle East. It consists of a leather-bound portable base which closes like a book and a blue leather marquetry tray displaying an antidote to the evil eye.

Blossom Stool by Tokujin Yoshioka

Blossom Stool is a reference to the historic Louis Vuitton monogram. The stool is available in black and white. There is also a 24-carat gold-chromed version which is an exclusive 12 piece limited edition.

Bomboca Sofa by the Campana Brothers

These two designers sought inspiration from the candies served at marriages and children’s festivals in Brazil. The result is a collection of eight removable cushions laid out on a leather-covered rigid base. The cushions — made out of fabric or leather — can be used separately as poufs.

Palaver Chair by Patricia Urquiola

This remarkable chair is made from woven perforated leather.

Diamond Screen by Marcel Wanders

This leather screen can be suspended from its metal frame or a ceiling. Each piece, which is inspired by the diamond shape of the Louis Vuitton monogram, is held onto the others with brass clasps similar to those found on Louis Vuitton bags.

Lune Chairs by Marcel Wanders

The designer Marcel Wanders came up with this wooden rocking chair with a molded leather seat and back.

Twist Lamp by Atelier Oï

Above the base, this lamp is surrounded by twisted leather straps, each one with natural leather on one side and shiny leather on the other. The lamp is available in two different heights and three colors: beige and gold; red; and blue and silver. An anodized aluminum ring, which holds in the straps, can be moved to change the proportions of the lamp.

Swing Boat by Atelier Oï

The Swing Boat sofa was inspired by a vintage folding boat that the Atelier Oï designers use on Switzerland’s Lake Biel. Its “hull” is made of canvas reinforced by wooden circles, gilded brass hinges, and comfortable leather cushions. The sofa can swing gently on its leather straps. When it’s not being used, it can be folded away — just like the folding boat.

Belt Chair by Atelier Oï

This steel-framed chair is wrapped in eight leather straps which provide comfort, strength and durability, and give the seat and back an undulating surface, like a sand dune in 3D.

My Shelves by Raw Edges

Raw Edges’ foldable shelves in aluminum, leather and wood are shaped like an origami boat.

Limited edition watches: DeLaCour Reflect Tourbillon features sapphire crystal case

The DeLaCour Reflect Tourbillon shines with its own light, thanks to its liberal use of sapphire crystal elements
The DeLaCour Reflect Tourbillon shines with its own light, thanks to its liberal use of sapphire crystal elements

The name of this tourbillon conveys part of its charm. The DeLaCour Reflect Tourbillon shines from within, thanks to a wealth of apertures on the case and selective surfaces in the movement. Obviously, the Geneva-based watchmaking firm is working within a narrow band of appeal, but it actually shares characteristics in terms of look and feel with contemporary Lamborghinis. The Reflect Tourbillon’s relationship with light, for example, mirrors the way sunlight bounces off the angular surfaces of an Aventador. And then there’s that fantastic case…

The shape of the titanium case plays a very important role in distinguishing the DeLaCour brand overall and the Reflect Tourbillon in particular. It is basically rectangular with rounded sides and lots of depth (it is 12.5 millimetres thick), which is important here because the case middle features a sapphire crystal window. The elongated elliptical shape is instantly recognisable as DeLaCour, which is something the brand is well aware about and is, of course, completely intentional.

To be clear, DeLaCour isn’t interested in everyone knowing about the brand or clamouring after the watches. The brand will be happy with just a select few connoisseurs. The Reflect Tourbillon, for example, is limited to just nine pieces.

Turning back to the interior of that timepiece, Calibre DC 296 was developed by a dedicated team of specialists who clearly relished the prospect of revealing their handiwork. A series of four corundum (sapphire crystal) tubes function here as bridges, while also obviously being aesthetic elements, framing the gear train. Needless to say, the bridges also frame the extra-large tourbillon at six o’clock. A second bit of aesthetic mechanics are the extra glossy lacquered plates, which reflect light and go a long way towards providing the watch with its internal glow.

This is not to say that the calibre is delicate in any way. It has a power reserve of 95 hours, and those sapphire crystal bridges are reportedly exceedingly strong, thanks to the rigidity of the material.

The case itself is as sturdy as it looks, being water resistant to 50 metres. The watch as a whole is also quite light, thanks to being cased in titanium, despite its hefty dimensions.

Specifications

Movement Manual-winding Calibre DC 296 with tourbillon; 95-hour power reserve
Case 48 millimetres x 52 millimetres x 12.5 millimetres in titanium; water resistant to 50 metres
Strap Black hand-stitched crocodile leather
Price Unavailable

This article was originally published in WOW.

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