Schenelle Dsouza
The luxury industry has had a busy week. While the automobile industry saw wonders in the form of Aston Martin’s new flagship store in New York and David Beckham’s custom Maseratis, the beauty industry saw the launch of popstar Selena Gomez’s beloved Rare Beauty in India. And not to forget, the viral micro micro-handbag from MSCHF. If you’re falling behind, here’s everything that happened in the luxury industry this week.
Aston Martin’s first ultra-luxury flagship Q New York
New Yorkers and anyone visiting are about to experience unmatched British tailoring with Aston Martin’s new Q New York flagship store. An appointment-only store, Q New York is the brand’s first ultra-luxury flagship located on 450 Park Avenue. The interiors are designed using quintessentially British elements like mosaic tiles, chandeliers, fireplaces, and mantel pieces, large-scaling dining tables etc. Two standout elements in the interiors include a “Champagne Frame” window installation and a 40-metre long 2,100-bulb chandelier. As for the experience, clients will be able to customize and visualise their Aston Martin on a 35×10 ft. ultra-high-definition LED display which offers a 360-degree view of any Aston Martin. Clients will also be able to communicate with team members from Aston Martin’s design studio in Gaydon, UK via a live video link.
David Beckham designs a pair of custom Maseratis
A car fanatic himself, David Beckham designed a pair of sports cars for Maserati, using the brand’s customisation program. According to Maserati, both cars borrow inspiration from the brand’s historic releases as well as Beckham’s “Savile Row sartorial wardrobe”. The first car is inspired by the 1986 Maserati Quattroporte Royale and sports a dark green exterior described by Maserati as Verde Royale with honey-brown leather upholstery. The second car pays homage to the 1967 Maserati Ghibli coupé. This has a deep cerulean exterior described as Night Interaction blue, with tan-coloured interiors. Both custom-designed cars will be available to purchase, although no price tag or date has been announced.
MSCHF ‘s microscopic Louis Vuitton handbag
The micro handbag trend has already been mocked and ridiculed given its lack of functionality. But wait until you look at LMSCHF’s newest Louis Vuitton handbag. MSCHF is known for its controversial creations, remember the Big Red Boots and the Medical Boot-Inspired Sneakers? However, the brand has gone all out this time giving new meaning to the term “micro-handbag” with its latest creation. Measuring 657x222x700 micrometres, the micro bag is said to be smaller than a grain of sea salt, narrow enough to make it through the eye of a needle. And despite its minute size, MSCHF was able to carve a remarkably accurate Louis Vuitton monogram across the Microscopic Handbag, which can only be appreciated under a microscope.
Mystic Farm and Distillery’s new whisky to be aged in space
North Carolina whiskey producer Mystic Farm and Distillery gave us a glimpse of its new Mystic Galactic Burbon earlier this week. What makes the spirit stand out is the fact that it will be aged in outer space. Made from 55 per cent corn and 45 per cent wheat, the bourbon is currently being aged in 53-gallon new charred oak barrels. The ageing process is said to last for four years, the first three being on Earth, and the fourth in orbit around Earth. Limited to 1,500 bottles the Mystic Galactic Bourbon is priced at US $75,000 each and will be delivered along with a 50-millilitre sample and a piece of one of the barrels that aged in orbit.
Rare Beauty makes its debut in India
Celebrity-owned beauty brands manage to capture the spotlight but only a few leave a lasting impression. American singer Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty is one brand that has received nothing but positive feedback from the very beginning. And now, beauty fanatics in India revel as the brand makes its grand debut in India. The collection comprises a wide range of products including lip oils, cream blushes, liquid highlighters, tinted moisturisers, primers and more. All of these will be available exclusively at Sephora stores across the country and online at sephora.nnnow.com. “I’m so excited to release beauty products that not only feel great, but also celebrate what makes each of us rare,” Selena Gomez said in a statement.
Visionnaire’s first luxury home project in Dubai
Italian meta-luxury brand Visionnaire has entered the retail sector with its very first luxury home project in Jumeirah Bay Island, Dubai. Spread 2,000 square meters, the villa was a collaborative effort between Visionnaire and real estate developer Volare, designed entirely by Alessandro La Spada. The villa uses a selection of natural materials and colours that work to enhance the Genius Loci, which is the soul of the residence. The architectural volumes are defined by stone, marble, and glass. The stone is etched with a relief design that both reflects the quilting of some of the maison’s renowned items and pays homage to the softness of desert dunes.
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