Luxury news wrap: From Indian Accent Mumbai to Aston Martin’s new convertible car

Arushi Sakhuja  

From automobile to technology, exquisite timepieces, Indian Accent’s foray into Mumbai and Kohler’s 150-year anniversary, here are the top luxury headlines this week.  

Apple begins production in India  

Making it to the luxury headlines this week is some big news from Apple. The giant’s new iPhone 15 is beginning production in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. A Foxconn plant in Sriperumbudur is preparing to deliver the next-gen devices only weeks after they start shipping from factories in China, and Apple wants to swiftly ramp up the volume of new iPhones coming from India, as per sources. The iPhone 15 is set to launch next month there is no confirmed date given by Apple.  

A rare 007-inspired Omega Seamaster goes on auction 

Looking to live a little like Bond? Then the news of the late Sir Roger Moore, limited-edition 007-inspired Omega Seamaster going on auction would delight you. The timepiece boasts a sleek 41m steel case housing a black ceramic bezel, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the black dial flaunts a striking diagonal pattern, the legendary “007” insignia, and polished baton hands with luminous tips. Powered by an in-house automatic movement, this certified self-winding chronometer is 1,000-foot water-resistant. Limited to 11,007 pieces, Moore’s personal edition, engraved with the heartfelt message “To Roger love from Michael and Barbara,” is a testament to both cinematic history and the enigmatic Bond legacy. The auction price is expected to be anywhere between $25,500 to $38,300.  

Aston Martin unveiled the convertible DB12

After the success of launching the DB12, the luxury automotive giant unveiled the new DB12 convertible. And what is not to love about a slick convertible car, that too an Aston Martin? We would all be for it. Making it to luxury headlines this week, the open-top marvel has a robust 671 horsepower under its hood with an aluminium body that enhances rigidity and handling.  

The convertible’s electrically operated K-fold roof is a work of art. Inside the cabin, luxurious materials and advanced tech abound, including a customizable infotainment system and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio setup. And for those seeking the ultimate in personalization, Aston Martin’s Q department is on hand to tailor the DB12 Volante to individual tastes.  

Cathay Pacific’s new first-class lounge, The Pier opens in Hong Kong  

Cathay Pacific Airways’s flagship first-class lounge is up and running again at Hong Kong International Airport, laying on the luxury for high-end travellers. The menu includes Wagyu beef cheeseburgers, marinated century egg and handmade prawn and pork dumplings with wonton noodles. The beverage and wine list is extensive. The Pier” First Class Lounge has a beautiful design and lots of great amenities, ranging from a restaurant to a beautiful bar, to complimentary massages, to private cabanas for napping. But more lounges are on the way

Indian Accent Mumbai Opens At Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre 

What are the latest luxury headlines for India? Well, Indian Accent has finally opened at the spectacular Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai. Regarded as the world’s premier modern Indian restaurant, the kitchen at Indian Accent Mumbai will be helmed by Head Chef Rijul Gulati who has worked for 8 years at Indian Accent. Chef Manish Mehrotra says, “We are most excited about bringing Indian Accent to Mumbai. In addition to Indian Accent’s signature dishes, Chef Rijul and I have taken care to craft a menu that features more seafood and many more vegetarian options, recognizing the dining habits and seasonal produce of this great metropolis.” 

Guests would be able to enjoy all-time Indian Accent favourites like ‘meetha aachar pork ribs, green apple’, ‘ghee roast soya boti, roomali roti pancake’ and ‘daulat ki chaat, rose petal chikki, roast almond’ as well as unique new dishes for the Mumbai menu like ‘gunpowder prawns, red rice, smoked chilli & raw mango curry’, ‘guchhi matar, asparagus, kashmiri morel pulao’ and ‘burrata chaat, lotus root papdi, mustard tomato jam’. In addition to the vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus, the restaurant would also offer Vegan, Gluten-free and Jain menus. 

The design of the 75-seat restaurant is a tribute to Mumbai’s Art Deco movement and also features two Private Dining Rooms – one with a capacity of 18 and the other that seats 10 and has an attached interactive show kitchen. The food, drink, design and service style have been tailor-made for Mumbai’s more easy-going vibe by the leading restaurant brand in the country, at the most iconic address in Mumbai. 

Kohler celebrates its 150th anniversary  

To mark 150 years, Kohler has unveiled its third Kohler Experience Center in Bengaluru. Tucked away at Trinity Circle, MG Road, the Kohler Experience Centre (KEC) sprawls across an expansive 10,000 sq. ft, promising an extraordinary source of inspiration for bath space décor, where luxury knows no bounds. A sanctuary of immersive experiences, the KEC beckons architects, designers, and consumers alike to engage with products, exchange ideas, and embark on personalized projects with their unique aesthetic sense. The Bengaluru KEC showcases a series of artist-edition sinks, exemplifying Kohler’s passion for collaborating with artists and integrating art into their products. These handcrafted decorative sinks go beyond beautiful design; they are made from the finest materials and draw inspiration from cultures and heritages worldwide, making them as unique as their homeowners. Aranya and Quila by Ms Pushpa Kumari and Padma Shri Jai Prakash, respectively, showcase Mithila and Miniature painting styles, leaving a special mark at the forefront of KEC Bengaluru. 

Speaking on the occasion David Kohler – Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Kohler Co. says “KEC Bengaluru is the third in India and the thirteenth KEC in the world, reaffirming our commitment to providing exceptional experiences to our valued customers in India.” 

Further adding to the same, Salil Sadanandan – President, K&B SOUTH ASIA & ASIA PACIFIC, Kohler stated, “At the Kohler Experience Centre innovation, design, and craftsmanship converge to create a unique experience. We are confident that the new space will become a realm of luxury indulgence and synonymous with fine living. It will allow our consumers to discover a wide range of cutting-edge bath space solutions which are tailored to their design sensibilities.” 

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