Luxury news wrap for the week

Schenelle Dsouza

Missed your weekly dose of luxury updates? Here’s everything that happened this week, right from Rekha’s awe-worthy Vogue Cover to Piaget’s new high-jewellery watch collection.

Audi unveils the new RS 6 and RS 7 models

Audi is expanding its RS range with two new high-performance models, RS 6 Avant Performance and RS 7 Sportback Performance. These are said to be two of Audi’s most powerful RS 6 Avant and RS 7 models to date, thanks to the new 4.0-litre DOHC V-8 with larger turbochargers and higher boost pressures. The new engine produces an impressive 630Hp and 850nm of torque, allowing the cars to speed from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. Aside from the engine, the vehicles get a few visual tweaks in the form of new side sills, a rear diffuser, and the new performance-focused visuals on the 12.3-inch digital-gauge cluster. Those looking for something a little less conspicuous can indulge in the Bronze Edition package which includes Sebring Black paint, matte neodymium gold-finished 22-inch wheels, black calipers, and bronze interior stitching. These are limited to just 75 examples of the RS 6 and 50 examples of the RS 7.

James Cameron’s Santa Barbara ranch up for sale

James Cameron listed his lavish Santa Barbara property in the Hollister Ranch community for US $33 million. Spread across  8,000 sq. ft., the property comprises five bedrooms, two offices, a gym, a game room, and a media room. A few paces away, the property also includes a 2,000 sq. ft. guesthouse installed by a tennis court and a lagoon-style pool surrounded by palm trees. Being an active environmentalist, Cameron and his wife planted organic gardens throughout the estate along with solar and wind power supply of up to 100 kilowatts.

Rekha’s Vogue Arabia shoot

Veteran actress Rekha left the world amazed with her Vogue Arabia photoshoot. A milestone moment for Rekha, the shoot was legendary not only because it was her first Vogue cover ever, but also because this was her first interview in two decades. For the cover, the actress looked like a golden goddess dressed in a black turtleneck paired with a lavish vintage brocade jacket embellished with elaborate threadwork, sequins, and golden embroidery. A Mughal-inspired headgear embellished with gold zari and opulent Manish Malhotra jewellery completes the look.

Piaget’s new high-jewellery watches

Jewellery watches are some of the most stunning accessories and Piaget’s new collection is proof. The Metaphoria collection, as it is called, said to be inspired by nature’s metamorphoses, and comprises a total of 52 pieces which include 41 jewellery creations and 11 timepieces. Pieces of nature like the flow of a waterfall, shades of the forest and sunshine played an important role in influencing much of the collection. The Metaphoria collection is divided into subsets of pieces which can be worn together or separately. The leaf-themed Alata set, for example, includes a jewellery watch, a ring and a ring ear cuff. A unique piece in the collection is the Adrivea Secret Ring which hides a watch under a precious 10.88-carat aquamarine.

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