Ismat Tahseen
Fashion, Fall and a feeling of pride underline this week’s luxury news wrap as we move into the last quarter of the year. Here’s looking at global powerhouse Dior bringing style into its men’s ‘Pillow Bag’ this season and India’s Oberoi Amarvilas being on the world’s Best 50 hotels list. Take that with a side of uber stylish new watches and other launches, so get set to indulge…
Oberoi Amarvilas among World’s Best 50 Hotels for 2023
Time to clink your flutes! Indian hotel The Oberoi Amarvilas (Agra) is on the Inaugural Ranking of the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023. The list, which includes luxurious hotels from six continents across the world, was announced in London at a glittering ceremony at the beautiful Guildhall. It is the only Indian hotel to make it to the list. The gorgeous property is just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal. Drawing on the rich heritage and expertise of local craftsmen, the hotel’s interiors reflect the refined aesthetics of the Mughal era. Tastefully appointed accommodation, exquisite restaurants serving authentic Mughal and international cuisines, private dining beside the silhouette of the Taj Mahal, and spa therapies with Taj Mahal views make The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra an unforgettable experience.
Speaking about the news, Mr. Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group, said, “We are honoured to be the sole representative of India on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 list. This recognition is a reflection of our relentless pursuit of perfection, the dedication of our team, and the timeless allure of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Our commitment to providing guests with unrivalled experiences remains unwavering, and we invite travellers from around the world to join us in discovering the magic of the Taj Mahal from our exceptional vantage point.”
It saw top hoteliers converge as they regaled the hotels that made it to the coveted ranking.”
While luxury boutique hotel Passalacqua, located on the shores of Lake Como topped the best hotels’ ranking, Rosewood Hong Kong, situated in the city’s Victoria Dockside arts and design district attained second place and Bangkok’s Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River took the third position.
Royal Fables presents a taste of Princely India
If you’re in Delhi, earmark this an unmissable luxury treat! Royal Fables, the authentic platform that showcases the craft, culture and cuisine of Princely India, is hosting its 14th edition at Araya Bagh New Delhi. Crafted by Tarun Tahiliani and collectively curated by the founder, Anshu Khanna and luxury consultant Charu Singh, it opens with a gala evening.
The exposition sees the finest couture, jewellery, textiles and art designed by Palace Karkhanas and heritage brands of India. From the royal homes are featured exquisite block prints by Rani Jaykirti Singh of Baria, regional Gond art by Princess Nandini Singh Jhabua, Indian festive ensembles by Kanwarani Kamini Singh of Seohara, hand-woven textiles from the royal family of Mandawa, inspirational precious jewellery by Amrita Rana, Nepal home essentials and hand painted saris from Kanwarani Rajyashree Parihar Kanota and exquisitely embroidered sarees from Chaashmi by Rajkumari Nandiniy Singh Gaura. Kunwar Raja Prithvi Singh Seohara debuts with a collection of men’s kurtas, scarves and hand-painted buttons and Kunwar Yaduveer Singh Bera brings back his hand-tucked hunting jackets. Notable exhibits also include stunning farshis and angarkhas by Kunwarani Ritu Sinhji Wankaner, delicately-crafted jewels by Namrata Singh and wedding ensembles by Princess Diviya Jubbal from Himachal.
This year, Royal Fables also welcomes India’s leading couturier Anju Modi to its forum. “Royal India is the source of all refinements; it is the oasis of culture. Royal Fables is a tiny attempt to keep this legacy alive and add to it, the richness of India handmade. The government today talks of Vasudev Kutumbakam and vocal for local, Princely India has imbibed it in its life since time immemorial,” shares Anshu Khanna, founder of Royal Fables.
The two-day exposition opened with a VIP preview on Friday, and continues through September 23 and 24, 2023.
Chanel’s heating it up with 31 Le Rouge
Statement red lips are back in trend and they sure have the celebrity stamp of approval! To pay fitting tribute to the trend, luxury house Chanel presents 31 Le Rouge, that’s inspired by an iconic address: 31 rue Cambon , the birthplace of Chanel creation. The new beauty line formulated with Gardenia Oil, an ingredient exclusive to Chanel. It comprises 12 shades with finely micronized pigments that combine with sheer mother-of-pearl for that gorgeous intense, radiant colour. The glide-on formula results in a smooth, silky effect. It’s perfect for the upcoming wedding and festive season.
Stranger and Sons’ limited-edition Sherry Cask Aged Gin
(Photo courtesy: Stranger & Sons)
Since its inception in 2018, Stranger & Sons has been adding to India’s cocktail culture with a roster of award-winning gins and the latest from the brand is a limited-edition Sherry Cask Aged Gin, that takes inspiration from the jungles of India. Rested in ex Amontillado and Oloroso sherry casks for a year, the spirit is then infused with two key ingredients: cascara and wild honey to give the spirit a bold and audacious taste profile. This creation is far from your typical cask-aged gin, reimagining the experience as something akin to sipping a classic old-fashioned cocktail, but with a welcoming twist. To elevate the experience even further, they recommend a generous spritz of the grapefruit garnish spray that comes with the bottle, to have an enchanting burst of zest that intertwines seamlessly with the drink. It is best enjoyed poured straight from the bottle over ice.
“This time, we sought to push the boundaries and blur the lines between the world of old-fashioned cocktails and Gins, to unveil a liquid with not just a fresh and bold flavor profile but one that truly re-defines a consumer’s drinking experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a story of contrasts – the richness of sherry harmonizing with the vibrancy of cascara, while the delicate sweetness of wild honey adds a touch of wonder to every sip. Enjoyed best neat, on the rocks, just like an old-fashioned cocktail; this gin is an invitation to explore new dimensions of taste and to create your moments of relaxation amidst the hustle.” said Sakshi Saigal, co-founder, of Stranger & Sons Gin.
Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier
Global luxury brand Jimmy Choo will collaborate with French major Jean Paul Gaultier, on an exclusive capsule footwear collection. The news is creating a huge buzz in the fashion circles as it brings together two creative and iconic powerhouses, one emblematic of London and the other, quintessentially Parisian. The collaboration, founded on a shared vision of powerful, confident and glamourous femininity is co-designed by the houses respective Creative Director’s Sandra Choi and Florence Tétier with a strong reference on both brands archival legacies. It mixes elemental Gaultier codes with modern icons of Jimmy Choo.
The Jimmy Choo/Jean Paul Gaultier collection will be available in selected stores globally and online in October 2023. We can’t wait to get you the sneak peek, soon!
Dior drops stylish men’s Pillow Bag
(Photo courtesy: dior.com)
Who doesn’t love a guy with a man bag? The A-listers – from Kanye West and Pharrell Williams to Harry Styles – have been seen rocking the accessory and top fashion houses are redefining the style game with it. Case in point luxury goods behemoth Dior, that has just launched its new pillow bag in black, khaki or purple in its Winter 2023-24 collection. Designed by creative director Kim Jones, it takes us back to the days of Dior’s iconic saddle bag, but it’s also distinct in character. With a saddle flap and gorgeous new CD lock, the calfskin bag has a timeless class, straddling classic charm with a modern aesthetics and can be worn over the shoulder or crossbody. It merges style with functionality and costs a cool $3,700.
World champion Lewis Hamilton’s new teal timepiece with IWC Schaffhausen is a complete collector’s dream
F1™ superstar Lewis Hamilton likes to slay it with his love for fashion – he’s worn three watches simultaneously, rings on every finger and multiple chains. And now, the top racing maverick has created a new timepiece with Swiss brand IWC. The new Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph with a beautiful teal dial in a 43.5 mm platinum case is embellished with 12 diamonds and features a panther’s eye, the logo of seven-time world champion. The watch flaunts a hypnotic tourbillion and a solid-platinum case that collectors are sure to love. Designed in collaboration with Hamilton, this 44-piece (a nod to the number Hamilton has raced with since the beginning of his career), limited edition range is definitely for the flamboyant.
Zenith pays homage to Brit DJ Carl Cox with special chronograph
Swiss luxury brand Zenith is known to bring together classic watchmaking traditions with contemporary innovations. In its latest offering the brand has paid homage to good friend and British DJ Carl Cox by dedicating the Defy Extreme Carl Cox Edition – a 100-piece, limited edition of timepieces (they first teamed up in 2020 for the Defy 21 watch). The new range is bolder and sportier and is a nod to Cox’s three turntables. The Defy Extreme Carl Cox Edition flaunts a two-tone steel and yellow gold design in matte finish. A closer look at the dial reveals how it pays fitting tribute to Cox’s DJing world – where the minute track is made up of dots that denote the stroboscope effect on his turntable, the chronograph counters seem vinyl-like and the power reserve indicator at twelve o’clock resembles a turntable’s on and off switch. Priced at $30,100 USD, this timepiece is available to order starting September 25.
This rare blue diamond could fetch up to $50 million at Christie’s auction
Blue diamonds are extremely rare and they symbolise royalty. To name a few – the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond, one of the largest of its kind extracted from the Kollur Mine in Guntur, India and which is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution, the Bulgari Blue (10.95 carats) and The Oppenheimer Blue (14.62 carats).
Another rare and magnificent blue diamond is drawing the world’s attention. Named the Bleu Royal, this 17.61-carat precious stone will be auctioned off by Christie’s this fall, during the Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva. Cut and polished into a perfectly symmetrical pear, Bleu Royal is mounted in a ring. It is considered to be largest internally flawless blue diamond to make an appearance at auction and as per reports, the gem carries a presale estimate of $35 million to $50 million! “This is a true miracle of nature,” Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Christie’s Jewels comments in a post on Christies official Instagram handle. He adds, “Over our 257 year history, Christie’s has had the privilege of offering the world’s rarest gems at auction, and Bleu Royal continues this tradition. We are proud to offer collectors the opportunity to own a diamond fit for Royalty.”
