The week in review, what’s new in luxury

Arushi Sakhuja

Just when you thought the word of luxury was taking a much-needed break, the bustling news strikes back. While Defender unveiled a new car, Marks and Spencer joined hands with British actress and style icon Sienna Miller and Frédérique Constant unveiled a new timepiece. Here is what’s new in luxury this week. 

Frédérique Constant unveils Classic Moonphase Quartz Collection 

In the watch world, Frédérique Constant is creating a buzz.  Renowned for its commitment to traditional Swiss craftsmanship, this week the new in luxury masterpiece is a Classic Moonphase Quartz. The 37mm is crafted with stainless steel and features a black leather buckle strap. With its sleek silver dial and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, it oozes elegance and a versatile charm. However, this sophisticated watch not only showcases hours and minutes but also features a captivating moon phase display, adding a touch of celestial charm to its functionality. Designed for versatility, the timepiece boasts a water resistance of up to 50 meters suitable for everyday wear and occasional splashes. 

British adventure brand Defender: New Defender OCTA

What’s new in luxury cars? British marque Defender has unveiled a new car as part of the 4×4 family, the OCTA which is one of the most powerful ones yet. Sporty with an adventurous edge, this is the toughest car for power terrains. How so you may ask, The OCTA model is the toughest, most capable, and most luxurious in the Defender 4×4 lineup. It’s powered by a 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, making it the most extreme and powerful Defender ever, with 467 kW of power and 750 Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0-100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds.

With upgraded chassis components and advanced 6D Dynamics suspension, its performance is unmatched. The exterior is bolder and tougher, featuring a higher ride height, wider stance, and extended wheel arches for a commanding presence. Redesigned bumpers improve off-road angles, and robust underbody protection boosts confidence on rough terrain. Plus, it can wade through water up to one meter deep, more than any previous Defender model.

Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Flip 6 & Z Fold 6 Series 

Unveiling the future of mobile AI, Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event just dropped the all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 phones, alongside the Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro. Building on their Galaxy AI foundation, these innovative devices leverage foldable form factors to unlock a universe of unique experiences. The Galaxy Z Fold6’s expansive screen and the Flip6’s Flex Window offer unparalleled opportunities to maximize AI capabilities, whether for communication, productivity, or unleashing your creativity. Durability meets sleek design with the perfectly symmetrical edges and a new cover screen ratio on the Fold6 for a more natural viewing experience.

Beyond phones, Samsung is redefining wellness with their newly launched Galaxy Ring – a comfortable finger-worn device that tracks your health, offering personalized insights even while you sleep. While the Galaxy Watch7 elevates your daily routine with customized workouts and intelligent health monitoring,  the all-new Galaxy Watch Ultra pushes the boundaries of smartwatch capabilities, apt for the ultimate achievers.

Gucci is celebrating its 60th anniversary in Japan in 1964

Adding to the aura of new in luxury, Italian brand, Gucci is celebrating its 60th anniversary in Japan. To mark the momentous occasion, Gucci is hosting a series of events, including an exciting new exhibition focused on the iconic Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag. Titled Bamboo 1947: Then and Now Celebrating 60 years of Gucci in Japan, the exhibition showcases 60 vintage Bamboo 1947 bags, predominantly from the 80s and 90s.

What makes this event unique is the collaboration with Japanese artisans and artists, including Morihito Katsura and Naoko Ai, who will creatively reimagine these classic bags using their expertise in goldsmithing, ceramics, lacquer work, photography, and painting. This fusion of Gucci’s timeless style with Japanese craftsmanship promises to transform each bag into a unique art piece. Following the exhibition, these reimagined Bamboo 1947 bags will be available for purchase, offering collectors a chance to own a piece that blends fashion heritage with contemporary artistry.

Marks & Spencer announced a design collaboration with British actress and style icon Sienna Miller

Marks & Spencer has introduced their latest collab with British actress and style icon Sienna Miller Inspired by Sienna’s own timeless style archive, the collection features 26 pieces that are all about capturing that effortless chic M&S is known for. Think summer festivals, 70s prints, and Sienna’s personal vintage favourites—all blended together to create a wardrobe that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual outings to red-carpet moments. This collection is all about that high/low mix that Sienna loves, reflecting her natural approach to dressing. Sienna Miller, said, “I have always had a genuine love for M&S – it’s a brand that is part of the fabric of British life and holds special associations for so many people. Seeing the reaction to the Autumn campaign that I fronted, was phenomenal. To collaborate on a womenswear design project made total sense. I can’t wait to see what customers think of the collection.”

The exclusive collection will be available at specially created pop-up stores in Ambience Mall, Gurgaon, and Phoenix High Street, Mumbai, starting from July 11.

Christian Louboutin has made a personal investment in a chain of boutique hotels

According to reports one of the most exciting luxury news updates is that allegedly Christian Louboutin has invested in Experimental Group, a French company that runs stylish boutique hotels, cocktail bars, restaurants, and beach clubs in Europe. Experimental Group operates over 20 hotels, restaurants, and bars across Europe, including properties in London, Paris, Ibiza, and the Cotswolds.  The designer will become a minority shareholder, joining existing investors Jean Moueix and Brookfield Asset Management. Louboutin cites his passion for travel, style, and hospitality as driving factors for the investment. Although the financial details weren’t shared, Louboutin’s investment gives him a minority stake in the company.