Thursday, August 31, 2023

The ESR 6-in-1 Charging Station Is A Versatile Apple-Certified Fast And Smart Charging Solution

ESR 6-in-1 Charging Station

The ESR 6-in-1 Charging Station packs a 15W and 5W MagSafe charging for an iPhone and Apple Watch, respectively, charging for AirPods, a USB-A port, and 100W GaN charging for MacBook via two USB-C ports.

from Men's Gear

Stanby ME Go: LG Is Packing A Full-HD Touch Display Within A Stylish Briefcase

For a truly versatile viewing experience, the LG Stanby ME Go features an articulating arm and a hinge system that allows you to tilt or rotate the panel from landscape to portrait orientation.

from Men's Gear

The James Brand Introduces Its First-Ever True Flipper With The Wells Knife

The James Brand Wells Knife boasts a Magna Cut steel blade for great toughness and corrosion resistance at a lightweight and compact design of 3.3oz and 7.25", respectively.

from Men's Gear

Ford’s 2024 Transit Custom Nugget Camper Van Is Getting A PHEV Trim

In addition to its upgrades, the 2024 Transit Custom Nugget’s new interior layout provides ample storage space and allows for more customizations.

from Men's Gear

Teak Shutters And Laterite Stone Clad The Skinny Chic Vid House In Vietnam

Chic Vid House

The Chic Vid House is a tall and skinny five-story family home situated in a cramped inner-city plot in a bustling area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam that sits on a nearly 13 feet wide and 64 feet long plot.

from Men's Gear

FJackets: The Best Leather Jackets for Men of All Ages

For men of all ages looking to make a statement or invest in a versatile wardrobe staple, FJackets is the go-to brand for high-quality leather jackets.

from Men's Gear

Music & Majesty: Singer Roberta Gambarini Discusses Her Jazz Journey As She Gears Up For Her Singapore Showcase

Roberta Gambarini
Image courtesy of Roberta Gambarini

The Jazz Association (Singapore) charity was established in September 2016 to promote the participation, engagement and excellence of jazz in Singapore. Every year since, the association has hosted the JASS Benefit Gala. This year’s headliner is two-time Grammy Nominee, Roberta Gambarini who will be performing alongside Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra (JASSO) led by Maestro Jeremy Monteiro. A talented performer with a powerful voice to boot (talents of her clear alto were already highlighted by the age of 12), Roberta’s 2008 duet album titled You Are There with pianist Hank Jones cemented her status as one of the most celebrated jazz performers in the 21st century. Gambarini sits down with LUXUO to discuss her career highlights, the shifts she’s witnessed within the Jazz industry and her future goals ahead of her performance at this year’s Jazz Association (Singapore) Gala.

You have performed at major concert halls and festivals around the world. It must be exciting to be performing in Singapore, how does it differ from other cities you have appeared at? Do you have a favourite city?

Singapore is one of my favourite places in the world for performing and visiting. I have been here many times through the years, and every time it’s been like falling in love again: I am awed at the architecture, the rich diversity of its cultures, and the warmth of the audiences. My mentor James Moody, decades ago before my first trip, spoke to me enthusiastically about Singapore, I still remember his exact words: “You’ll be so impressed by Singapore… get ready for something amazing!”  …and he was right!

Do you have any expectations about working with Jazz Association (Singapore) (JASS) Benefit Gala for the first time?

Working with the Jazz Association (Singapore) (JASS) is a great honour for me, and I am anticipating having a wonderful musical experience singing at the Gala, and working with JASS.

What are your thoughts on the jazz music industry today and has it evolved much from when you first started your journey in jazz music?

The jazz industry, as many other industries, has changed significantly in the last years. I would say that the crisis of CD sales and of the record company businesses has given rise to the phenomenon of streaming, which has changed the landscape and the modalities of fruition of music. The overwhelming importance of social media has also been a key factor in this change.

Roberta Gambarini
Image courtesy of Roberta Gambarini

There has been a lot of discussion lately regarding the use of digital devices by the audience during an on-stage performance, what is your take on recording of a live performance? Do you personally take offence that the audience is distracted by their digital devices, for example taking a selfie, during your performance? 

Social media are now the primary medium that allows an artist to interact with his/her audience. I am not at all displeased when people in the audience film parts of the concert or take pictures, provided it is done without flash cameras, because abrupt bright flash lights can be startling to a performer. I consider it a sign of appreciation when listeners share images from my concerts on social media. 

Do you think social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are good mediums to showcase one’s talent in today’s digital era?

Social media platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram are a wonderful way for an artist to have direct interaction with the audience. But there is a danger ingrained in the structure of social media platforms: the video snippets of performances posted are short. A musical interpretation as an artistic form is a kind of storytelling, and storytelling requires time and attention on the part of both the performer and the listener. In order to make sense at all, it needs to be a very deep and intimate experience. So far, the structure of social media platforms has encouraged the sharing of small snippets, which in the current general anxiety to “grab attention” end up being snippets of acrobatics or features meant to quickly grab the viewer’s attention. So the danger we are experiencing now on social media is to have a platform media that is flooded with small and superficial pieces of a performance, furthermore shortening the attention span of the listener, and taking the public further away from music as an art. 

Roberta Gambarini
Image courtesy of Roberta Gambarini

You grew up in Turin and worked extensively in Milan throughout your twenties, could you tell us more about your formative or pivotal moments as a musician during your life in Italy? 

My formative years in Milan were very intense musically, but also very hard. At the time a jazz musical education was not yet available, and there were colossal prejudices against the fact that a girl could be a jazz performer and leader. Financial hardship coupled with dealing with prejudice taught me to trust my own intuition, have strength in my own choices, and fight for what I believe in.  

Having lived in the United States, growing up in Turin and working extensively in Milan, does the city you are in affect the inspiration behind your music?

I moved to the US after a decade of concerts (I started performing jazz very young, at age 17), a decade when I studied music privately (classical composition), and taught myself the fundamentals of jazz piano and improvisation. When I moved to the US, I won an Artist Diploma scholarship at the New England Conservatory, but I was almost right away drawn in the jazz community of New York when Jimmy Heath, Billy Higgins, Curtis Fuller and many other Greats invited me to perform with their groups. So, I left Boston and the New England after less than a year, and moved to NYC. Since 1998, my education owes everything to the teachings of Giants such as James Moody, Clark Terry, Hank Jones, Benny Carter and the Greats I mentioned before. It was a thorough and deep education that happened on stage and off. As far as inspiration, every City and every place provides some. I find a lot of inspiration in the natural world, I make a point of walking in the nature every day, even in NYC where we have many beautiful parks. 

Is there a dream city you hope to take the stage on? 

I have played in most of the major cities in the world, but there are a few that I haven’t reached yet one is Ulan-Bator in Mongolia, and another is the Amazonian city of Manaus.

Was there another artist that inspired you or that you looked up to?

There are so many artists that I look up to, the list is so huge, I will try to name just a few Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Wayne Shorter, Maria Callas, Montserrat Caballe, Art Tatum, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen Mc Rae, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday and Anita O’Day.

Roberta Gambarini
Image courtesy of Roberta Gambarini

You have two Grammy-nominated albums and are internationally regarded as a renowned jazz musician, what has been a career highlight for you thus far and what’s the next goal for you?

Awards are wonderful, and they definitely help one’s career. My primary goal now is to bring into reality a series of projects that for many reasons (the pandemic, some serious problems in the health of some loved ones) have had to be delayed. Those projects will come out in 2024, they include an album with the Tuscan Symphony Orchestra, a duo album with piano great Cyrus Chestnut, a new album with many other musical guests, and a project with Argentinian pianist Pablo Ziegler (Astor Piazzolla’s pianist of many years) which fuses Jazz with Nuevo Tango. I am doing a lot of lyrics writing these days, but in the future, I intend to focus much more on composing and arranging.

What was your experience like working with Singaporean pianist Jeremy Monteiro? 

The great Jeremy Monteiro was introduced to me by my mentor, the late Jazz Master James Moody, who held him in great esteem. I am really happy that this encountered happened, because singing with Jeremy Monteiro has been a great experience ever since, and a source of wonderful inspiration and fellowship. 

Roberta Gambarini
Image courtesy of Roberta Gambarini

You will be holding masterclasses in Singapore in September 2023. What can we expect from them?

I am very devoted to teaching as a mean to share with young musicians the knowledge that the Greats were so generous to share with me. I am really looking forward to the Singapore master classes. In teaching, I also feel very inspired by the drive and dedication that I see in musicians all over the world, it is a sign that jazz is very much alive and thriving.

Finally, what words of wisdom would you like to impart to young artists who want to break into the music and jazz industry?

There is a phrase that the great Roy Hargrove used to say to young musicians: “Take care of the music, and the music will take care of you”. I think that this is the best possible advice that can be given to any musician, young or not. The music business changes over the years along with the societal changes, but music is a universal language that belongs to the spiritual realm, and the primary focus should always be kept on it. With music first in mind, then one can and must navigate these challenging times which ask for a lot of patience, endurance and resilience. 

This year’s Jazz Association (Singapore) Gala will be held on 2 September 2023, at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. Click here to find out more.

For more on the latest in music and entertainment, click here.

The post Music & Majesty: Singer Roberta Gambarini Discusses Her Jazz Journey As She Gears Up For Her Singapore Showcase appeared first on LUXUO.



from LUXUO

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Working Part-time in College: Benefits and Challenges 

Caucasian man hunched over a corporate desk, coffee in hand, logging onto a virtual work meeting

Students to-be generally expect a fun time and an enjoyable learning experience when applying to college. As soon as they get on campus, however, most are hit with the reality that college is one of the most hectic and stressful times of young adult life. While college life is unstructured and comes with self-determination, succeeding at higher education requires discipline and motivation. There are also financial challenges to contend with like the rising costs of tuition fees, accommodation, food, clothes and transport. Things get even more frustrating when managing a part-time job outside classes.

While part-time jobs are the easiest way to get additional income to help ease the costs of campus life, there is evidence showing that working students gain way more benefits than just extra cash. According to a recent survey, more than 70% of college students engage in some form of employment while studying. This article looks at the benefits and challenges of working while in college. 

How Do Students Benefit When They Work Part-Time?

There is no denying that working part-time in school can be stressful and yet, more than 14 million people in the United States work while in college. The assumption is that the rising costs of college prompt most students to seek employment in order to afford a decent life on campus. However, working in college does not have to always be stressful. Navigating work and academics together is possible with some organisation skills and wise choices. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting a part-time job while at school

An Additional Source of Income 

It is not uncommon to find students who struggle to pay for college, with evidence showing that more than 30 percent of college students terminate their studies because they don’t have the means to pay up. A part-time job may not cover the entire cost of tuition fees, but it will give you some financial wiggle room in daily expenses.

Managing a consistent yet tight budget will train financial discipline, pushing you to be more careful with spending and more adept at budgeting. These additional funds can also come in handy when employing academia-adjacent services like those of WriteMyEssay online. 

Accumulate Work Experience 

Employers today want candidates with existing work experience when looking for new talent. In addition to bolstering your income, part-time jobs allow you to understand the dynamics of managing a professional working environment. The work experiences you gain can got to building your resume and prepare you for life after graduation. 

Learning to work in teams, navigating workplace hierarchies that exist in the formal workplace and understanding how meritocracy works are of the many takeaways that can spur your career growth. 

Networking Opportunities 

College is more than the a time to gain theoretical knowledge, it is also when you meet life-long friends and contacts which lay the foundation of your professional network. Working part-time is the perfect grounds to connect with these contacts. You will likely meet professionals who can offering mentoring or at the very least provide an example of how to navigate your field. Networking with professionals outside your field is also valuable in gaining insights on navigating the corporate world and may even spur you to change your career path.

Increase Employability 

Upon graduation, you will realise that the job market is flooded with an abundance of hungry, competent candidates looking to fill a scarcity of available positions. Employers look for talent with an extra edge, and having work experience under your belt will come as a bonus. Hiring managers know that students who have worked throughout school are resilient and possess valuable time-management skills, apart from the potentially transferrable professional skills only gained on the job.

Challenges Students Face When Working Part-Time 

While working part-time in college has numerous benefits for students and their future careers, it also comes with several challenges. Here are some challenges you will likely face when juggling work and academics. 

Time Constraints 

Campus life can be difficult to navigate even without a part-time job to manage. Apart from assignments, students have to make time for friends, prepare research data and tutorial resources as well as manage familial responsibilities. If you add a job into the mix, things can get complicated. Students who choose to work additional shifts will face an even more challenging time. To succeed on campus, you have to learn to remain organised at all times.

Motivation

Students who work while studying face a steeper slope in terms of sustaining motivation. What could have been free down time will now go to work, forcing one to find new ways to keep overall energy levels up. You should set clear goals and design routines to help you keep your energy up. Setting targets ma be challenging at the on set, but ultimately rewarding. 

Loneliness and Isolation 

Full-time student life can be frustrating and alienation when time for friends and loved ones become scarce. Research shows that social support systems play an important role in stress management and overall mental health. If you don’t create time to interact with others and have fun intentionally, you may find life working as a student weighed down by an inevitable loneliness.

How to Successfully Combine Work and Studies 

two women in a corporate setting drawing up a project plan

Understandably, most students face challenges when it comes to balancing a busy college schedule with the demands of part-time work. To succeed, students need to give themselves realistic time-frames and optimise time-management skills. This is not the time to be too hard on yourself. Create a plan on how to tackle your weekly tasks and follow a routine. Always make your academic obligations a priority. After all, the main reason you are in college is to study. 

Students working part-time also need to build on and tap into their social support systems. Talk to your friends, lecturers and colleagues at work about any challenges you may be facing. If you find your work and lectures clashing, have your boss and lecturer know about it. Remember, you are not alone and there are often more resources you can turn to for support than you know.

One of the most important things you can do when dealing with a hectic schedule is to prioritise sleep. Amid all the craziness and huge workloads, some students get tempted to postpone sleep or develop poor sleeping habits which have serious implications. Evidence shows that sleep deprivation for prolonged periods can negatively affect your academic performance and diminish work productivity. Create a sleep schedule, ensuring you go to bed and wake up at around the same time each day. Also, remember to schedule short breaks to unwind during busy days.

Another tip to help you navigate college is to seek academic support if you feel overwhelmed. Working on assignments does not have to drain any more of your energy than necessary if you can find a tutor or a writing centre to improve your efficiency and research skills. Make use of the resources available within your campus. 

Looking for Ways to Succeed? 

Are you considering getting a job to earn money as you continue your studies? Understand that juggling the responsibilities of a part-time job and academics is not for the faint-hearted. You will need extra motivation, impeccable organisational skills and sufficient social support. The good thing is that working while you are in college gives you more than monetary gains. You get to grow your professional network and a head start on building your portfolio.

For more business reads, click here.

The post Working Part-time in College: Benefits and Challenges  appeared first on LUXUO.



from LUXUO

Heaven Hill’s Latest Parker’s Heritage Collection Release Is An Exquisite 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

The 2023 expression is the second rye whiskey for the Parker’s Heritage Collection and is the oldest one so far with at 10 years.

from Men's Gear

Shades Of Blue Adorn The Sporty And Chunky Oris Aquis Pro 4000M Diver’s Watch

The Oris Aquis Pro 4000M features a Rotation Safety System (RSS) which uses an advanced mechanism to lock the diving bezel with a minute-scale ceramic top ring in place.

from Men's Gear

BAC Mono: A Lightweight Single-Seat Supercar Offering An Immersive Driving Experience

Production is already underway and clients can already preorder their Mono right now, but the price was not disclosed as of this writing.

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The Conversation: Fit for Purpose

Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023, Patek Philippe Booth
Photo: Watches and Wonders

Switzerland is a weird place to see watches. To be clear, this is not a value judgment about buying watches in the historical home of watchmaking, nor the appeal of fine watches to Swiss people for whom watchmaking is an inextricable part of everyday life. Instead, the disquietude is about why Swiss watchmaking is famous in the first place, which is really an accident of history. Just think back on the kerfuffle about “Swiss Made” just a few years ago; it all feels much more important to outsiders than to the Swiss. Much like the banking and pharmaceutical sectors in a city like Singapore, you cannot expect the Swiss to be emotionally vested in watchmaking because it is very much already part of the landscape which visitors rave about. One does not, for example, drone on about one’s own home; when it comes to watchmaking, the Swiss leave it to watch bores to do that. The editors of World of Watches (WOW) Singapore and Thailand certainly qualify for this, although it should be noted that WOW Malaysia is the edition that goes out of its way to run publicity on travel and tourist attractions in Switzerland.

Watches and Wonders Geneva found the editor of WOW Singapore ruminating on how lucky the Swiss are to have a veritable legion of tourism officers in the form of watch enthusiasts. Now in its second year of being a physical watch fair, the eminent Swiss watch fair did not disappoint in drawing crowds and brands alike, underscoring the limitations of digital events and uncoordinated physical novelty presentations. While Rolex and Patek Philippe are blessed with a surfeit of popularity such that their stands at the big Geneva show were quite literally mobbed in the opening hours of the first day, other brands were depending on these stars to draw in the masses.

There were 48 brands of all different sizes at Watches and Wonders Geneva with many more independent showcases of 2023 novelties scattered around the global mecca of watchmaking. All this activity — including business spending in Geneva — is possible thanks to the major watchmaking players at Watches and Wonders who do really serve as ambassadors for the trade. It seems only a matter of time before even more brands that used to show at BaselWorld come in from the cold at the PalExpo in Geneva. The new show has proven that it brings untold value to the entire watchmaking sector, minus the suppliers and jewellers who used to show at BaselWorld.

While the editors of WOW Singapore and Thailand are in general agreement on the above, they found plenty worth discussing in this second edition of the Geneva Dossier.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer in yellow gold
TAG Heuer Aquaracer in yellow gold. Photo: World of Watches

The Conversation Proper

AS: Well, that was a hell of a show, eh? And I’m just talking about getting past the scrum of a security clearance in the morning! I wish I could have booked appointments from 10am onwards instead of 9, but there would just be no way to see everything if I did.

RC: Standing 30 to 40 minutes in the security line was certainly not a productive endeavour. Still, it was much better to have a lively and populated fair than a deserted one. The organiser has published their official figures. There were 43,000 visitors in total (up from 22,000 in last year), and 1,400 among these were journalists (a rise of over 50% from the previous show). The increase in the number of non-watch titles like fashion and lifestyle media are also notable.

AS: That many? Well, I saw the numbers in the Swiss dailies actually, which comforted me when I thought how packed the show was compared with last year. A good although inevitable sign since the Japanese, Korean and Chinese contingents were all back. The competition for presentation slots gave me a hint of things to come, although I will once more say that the whole metal detector thing is a bit much; maybe they could save that just for people bringing bags in (hello, Federation of The Swiss Watch Industry representatives reading this for publicity reporting purposes)!

RC: Well, they asked me if I carried liquids on the first day of the show. For a moment there I thought I was at the airport, but I was not.

AS: I heard about the liquids thing… that really happened? That is both ridiculous and hilarious, in that special global watch fair way!

RC: It happened to me but only on the first day. When I responded that I did carry some liquids, the scanner asked to see so I showed him the contents of my toiletry bag and he was satisfied with my choice of toothpaste and perfume. I’m glad to hear you heard the story from other sources as well, so I was not alone.

Talking about journalists coming from all over the world, I wonder if Singaporean media talk about watch trends at all? It is a popular subject in my country. I refused to pitch the “trend” angle as a headline when I first started in this job, but I learned over the years to please my local audience when I can, despite my personal belief that everyone should buy a watch that he likes, not one that corresponds with a trend.

AS: As always, I find looking for trends at the big shows to be an exercise in social media scrambling, as silly and futile as it sounds. Watch fairs are not like fashion shows and new trends might actually only be apparent after the fair ends, more towards the end of the year. But now that the fair is behind us, maybe you have had some time to find some insights? For me, I was very happy to see precious metals take the spotlight, especially yellow gold. We can pat ourselves on the back for having made that prediction last year!

RC: Yes, we don’t make big predictions. But when we get the small ones right, we can be happy about ourselves, right?

The Return of Gold

AS: Having said that, every year always seems to herald the return of yellow gold. This time though, the brands cooperated on the precious metals front with significant releases from Rolex and Cartier but also others from surprising sources! I will not sell Rolex short here, because the Perpetual 1908 is amazing and that collection can only have been issued in precious metals.

RC: Cartier has never been a stranger to yellow gold so it was not surprising to see offerings in that metal from them. TAG Heuer surprised me though. I didn’t think there was a need for the Aquaracer in full gold, but the brand is convinced otherwise. They did deliver sharp ones in great colour combinations (i.e. yellow gold with blue dial and rose gold with black dial). This probably goes to show that the term “tool watch” is relative. I would have picked the Aquaracer in titanium with the Solargraph movement as my beater. The next person might have already settled for a Casio G-Shock. But who is to say that one cannot wear a full gold Aquaracer for the same purpose, if money is not the matter.

Bell & Ross BR 05 Green Gold.
Bell & Ross BR 05 Green Gold. Photo: World of Watches

AS: The Bell & Ross BR 05 Green Gold challenged me with its odd name since it is actually 5N and thus rose gold, but the colour seems much more like yellow gold. Perhaps that is an effect of that very fetching green dial. Overall, a good combination but quite a pricey and hefty proposition from the brand; I would have thought that perhaps the brand would have done a full gold BR X5 where the Kenissi manufacture movement would come into play.

RC: Give them time with the BR X5. It is still pretty new and there is no need to rush in terms of variation. The market is just getting to know the design at the moment.

AS: It is indeed quite new, and overall the BR 05 is the more logical collection to go for gold. I suppose this is peak BR 05 then! Well, for now… I am still digesting the Bell & Ross releases, including the brand’s decision to show everything but slap embargoes on three quarters of the new releases.

Playful Watchmaking

RC: Indeed, the BR 05 has reached that adolescent stage where they can be more confident, playful and experimental. Speaking of playful, was there a more playful watch this year than the Oris ProPilot X Kermit Edition? When I first saw the watch dial colour without the Kermit visuals, I thought I was just looking at a new dial variation. It turned out to be a full-blown Disney collaboration complete with Mr. Kermit himself instead of the number “1” on the date wheel. I didn’t see that coming, and the piece seems to have been well received by both the press and consumers so far.

Oris ProPilot X, Kermit Edition. Photo: World of Watches
Oris ProPilot X, Kermit Edition. Photo: World of Watches

AS: Ahem, well can you say Bubble and Puzzle? To take nothing away from Oris, that was possibly the best use of a green dial that I have ever seen; the most tongue-in-cheek commentary on a certain model with the Kermit nickname. The Kermit Edition is many people’s favourite “fun watch” at Watches and Wonders Geneva, no doubt. It looks better in the metal than in pictures, to give credit where credit is due, and the ProPilot X always wears like a dream.

Oris ProPilot X, Kermit Edition.
Photo: World of Watches

RC: Well, those merit a full article of their own. Everyone was so focused on them that there was not enough social media voice for pieces I found more crucial to the Rolex line-up like the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX Titanium or the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40.

AS: Yes, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40 got lost in what felt like a massive slate of new releases from Rolex. A true dark horse from the biggest name in watchmaking, even though a number of press and collectors was expecting a new Explorer.

RC: I found myself as the only journalist from my country who talks about it with personal enthusiasm. Maybe it is because I always have a particular impression about the Oyster Perpetual Explorer and people who wear it. But that is a topic for another day indeed. Back on the topic of playful and colourful watches, what else do we have in that regard? Cartier again? A single watch brand cannot be fulfilling all the niches, yet it seems like they are!

AS: Cartier always wins with fetching shapes and playful designs — this even shows in haute horlogerie pieces such as the Santos-Dumont Squelette Micro-Rotor. I found it immensely amusing that some observers were calling the rotor itself a biplane, which of course means the optical illusion worked!

The Cartier Santos-Dumont Squelette Micro-Rotor.
The Santos-Dumont Squelette Micro-Rotor. Photo: Cartier

RC: But it is actually a half-circle rotor with a biplane figurine on top of it, correct?

AS: You are spot on as usual! No fooling you, of course, but I feel bad for observers who bought into the illusion. The effect is actually mesmerising, playing tricks on anyone who looks at it. All in all, a great shape for a watch that promises a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional experience — this one has to be worn, not kept in a safe.

The Year of the Chronograph

RC: Cartier deserves an extra applause then for being so adept at what they do: designing classical yet refreshing timepieces. But as versatile as they are, this year the Maison did not offer a chronograph watch like many others did.

AS: I think we can even declare this the year of the chronograph. When you add the earlier releases from Omega and Longines into the mix, we now have significant new pieces from Jaeger-LeCoultre, A. Lange & Söhne, Grand Seiko, Montblanc and TAG Heuer with the world’s most popular chronograph, the Daytona. Without getting into any of the changes for the special fair editions, the chronograph is surely one of the most popular complications in watchmaking, so seeing a bunch of new ones at the fair should not surprise. Yet, it really strikes you when you see one after another that I even forgot to mention the Hermes H08 Chronograph right there!

RC: Oh, where do we even begin! To be politically correct, we should not try to determine which is the most significant chronograph launch. Maybe I can talk about my favourite chronograph novelty then. My heart is all set for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph in either stainless steel or pink gold. It has been so long since there was a chronograph in a classical Reverso case — I am deliberately excluding the Reverso Squadra here. This time, they did not only manage to have a very clean recto dial and a technical-looking verso dial but also one that tells the time as well in addition to having chronograph functionality.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph in Pink Gold. Photo: World of Watches
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph in Pink Gold. Photo: World of Watches

AS: I agree with you on the Jaeger-LeCoultre piece even at the eye-watering asking price — one could consider this new Reverso Tribute Chronograph as two watches for the price of one, if they are so inclined. You are also right to exclude the Squadra, because that did not include a form movement; calibre 860 is very much a shaped movement and a delight to behold in all its glory behind the motion works on that verso side of the Reverso.

RC: What about you, as a non-chronograph person? Which of these novelties managed to get you excited?

AS: Well, I have the luxury of looking at the new chronographs with a degree of objectivity since I will not be considering any of them for myself! No biases here. Aside from the Reverso, I would have to give props to Grand Seiko with the Tentagraph (SLGC001), the brand’s first-ever chronograph with a mechanical movement. This new automatic calibre 9SC5 even includes the new Grand Seiko dual impulse escapement, which is the icing on the cake for what looks like a very delicious watch. The blue “Mt. Iwate” dial is also amazing, featuring all the little touches that Grand Seiko is known for. The watch costs a pretty penny, but is well worth it given how significant it is.

Grand Seiko with the Tentagraph (SLGC001)
Grand Seiko Tentagraph (SLGC001). Photo: Grand Seiko

RC: The Tentagraph is a very well thought-out product in terms of technicality and aesthetics. The nomenclature explained during the presentation is also an effort in itself — “Tentagraph” comes from certain letters in the phrase “Ten beats per second Three days Automatic chronograph”. That is essentially everything one needs to know about the watch, highly wearable despite its 43.2mm diameter.

AS: I did have some concerns about the size, but it does wear quite nicely, no doubt because the case and bracelet are in titanium. The Zaratsu finishing on the exterior is excellent too, as is the pressure on the pushers when using the chronograph. We shall have to revisit that last point when we see the actual production pieces.

RC: I can’t recall pusher pressure at this moment, but the pushers are surely much, much more elegant than those on its Spring Drive counterparts which I always found to be too bulky.

AS: I started taking note of the pressure issue after my presentation at Zenith, where the watchmaker made a special note about how the pushers feel. I am talking about the new Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback.

Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback
Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback. Photo: World of Watches

RC: I remember both the watchmaker and his special note on the pusher pressures. I failed to write down the grams because someone put a Zenith cocktail in my hand! It was called the Starry Night or something along that line.

The cocktail, I mean! It looked purplish and was on the sweet side of things.

AS: Unhappily, I have forgotten the names of the cocktails, but I do have the pressure figures.

That is 500g and 700g for the start/stop and the reset/flyback buttons respectively! We shall see how my notes hold up since that bit of information was excluded from the press materials. Let us see how carefully the Zenith publicity officers are scrutinising us. We are definitely paying attention at the presentations and not getting sloshed…

The Zenith presentation with test movements was one of my favourites, because you really got the chance to come to grips with the new watches. To me, this is what watch fairs are about. The demonstration of how the date changes, both with the actual watch and just the calibre, was very impressive.

RC: You are so right. Some things need to be seen in person and tried hands-on. Their big date mechanism is something of an achievement alright. It is instantaneous and can withstand rapid actuations via the crown, so you can set the date very quickly.

I also meant to ask you this: do you prefer the new Pilot Big Date Flyback without a rotating bezel as it is or with? I kind of miss the Rainbow Flyback of the late 1990s. It was one of the two watches that led me to Zenith in the first place. This 2023 novelty in stainless steel has some rainbow colour accents, but it is not quite the Rainbow Flyback I knew. Am I asking too much, or do you think the new style without a rotating bezel will please today’s buyers more?

AS: Let me say this — I think in the case of the Pilot Big Date Flyback, a rotating bezel would be too much given how much tactile stuff is already going on. But this is a very personal matter as some people will expect a rotating bezel or some sort of functional element with the chronograph. How much of that is down to tradition or user experience, I am not sure, but this one really depends on the beholder.

RC: You are probably right. For the Pilot Automatic model without chronograph, I would love it as it is — just the way a pure and simplistic pilot watch should be.

AS: For the standard time and date Pilot, I actually did feel like a rotating bezel would have been good.

RC: Ah! Because you want to give it extra functionality, right?

AS: I might be biased by two things: one is the recent launch of the Longines Majetek, and the other is the traditional slide rule in pilot’s watches. It just feels right to have some sort of rotating element with this kind of watch — it makes the model stand out against the sports watch which it otherwise starts resembling.

RC: I see what you mean. I was coming from the IWC Mark series kind of imprint so I was differently influenced. Anyway, I am happy to report that at least for me, both the Pilot Automatic and the Pilot Big Date Flyback are highly legible; I like the feel and substance of their cases on my wrist.

AS: The watches certainly wear well, which was a theme at the fair this year, if you can call it that. Wearability is once more front and centre as it should be. I would say that brands need to provide lug-to- lug measurements and weight (of both the total watch and just the watch head) in the future, especially if they want to sell watches online.

RC: I agree. That will become more important at some point in time. Like, right now, I wish I could know the likely wearability for the Odysseus Chronograph. I missed the A. Lange & Söhne presentation due to the long security line in the morning. The only time I got to handle the watch was during the photo shoot, and for that the bracelet was undone at the clasp for maximum visibility of the movement. I could not try the watch on properly but I am assuming that its on-wrist feel is more or less the same as the Odysseus without chronograph. There was sadly no wrist shot as well due to this bracelet situation.

A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Chronograph
A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus Chronograph. Photo: A. Lange & Söhne

AS: I too missed the A. Lange & Söhne presentation for the same reason! Luckily, I had an interview with Production Director Tino Bobe and he brought the watch with him.

RC: Lucky you! I would have loved to see the central chronograph minute hand in action. There are not too many of those in the market, as you would agree. And I have always aspired to own one example of it ever since the days of Lemania 5100.

AS: I struggle to recall the last time I saw a central chronograph minute hand in action! It was indeed a pleasure to see the watch in person and have Bobe explain it. It was very exclusive!

RC: This one is limited, but not limited, right? Maybe you can explain to me how they plan to market the Odysseus Chronograph going forward.

AS: Like the entire Odysseus family, it will be exclusive to A. Lange & Söhne boutiques, though practices may vary. For example, there is some debate about pricing which are apparently now only revealed on application, but this is not true of all markets (but it is certainly true of the website).

RC: But there will be next versions of the chronograph, just in different dial colours and/ or materials, right?

AS: You can say that, but the brand is being coy and thus not saying too much about this, which is normal when it comes to future releases.

RC: Imagine the cost and effort that went into developing this new calibre. It is also the first self-winding chronograph from their manufactory also… There has to be more!

AS: It is a significant chronograph, and Bobe had a lot to say about it. Enjoy translating that interview, by the way! The fact that the standard Odysseus comes with pushers makes the chronograph intriguing, because the crown effectively acts as a function selector. It thus totally makes sense for someone who already has an Odysseus, and it is further unlikely that one can buy this watch without first having the standard Odysseus — I cannot imagine collectors in good standing with A. Lange & Söhne not having any version of the Odysseus.

RC: The button/ crown functionality is all very clever indeed. Still, the Odysseus is extremely exclusive compared with say, the TAG Heuer Carrera in the new glassbox design which a much greater number of watch enthusiasts can get their hands on.

AS: I wish TAG Heuer did not use “glassbox” in the press release, because it really is not! You do have to see it in person to really understand it.

Visitors during the Watches and Wonders GENEVA, in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. The Master Event of the Watches and Wonders ecosystem brings together the leading names of the Watchmaking and luxury industry from March 27 to April 2, 2023 at Geneva Palexpo. (KEYSTONE/Cyril Zingaro)
Photo: KEYSTONE/ Cyril Zingaro

RC: I don’t follow. It is not glassbox? The term refers to the raised design of the sapphire crystal, no?

AS: In vintage pieces and their subsequent reissues, glassbox is typically the style of glass or acrylic that looks like a box on top of the dial. In the new Carrera, the crystal extends over the entire bezel, making this a bezel-less watch. Kind of like the Cartier Ballon Bleu in feel, and very much like a Ressence. It is a very contemporary touch as this kind of construction would have been impossible in the past. But TAG Heuer decided to lean in on “glassbox” as a nickname here, and I see that the Internet has obliged!

RC: I see what you mean now. So, the new sapphire crystal is kind of “boxed”, but the overall design is not as faithful to the original because now it encompasses the bezel. You have to give them extra credit still for being able to design a raised flange in such a way that you can have the minute scale on the inside and the tachymeter scale on the outside like that.

AS: Oh yes, the dial is a multi-level affair and it looks great. Carrera purists may not entirely agree, especially given the new 39mm size and the position of the date window at 12 o’clock but also 6 o’clock in some versions. Helpfully, I was wrong when I declared that the last limited edition of the standard Carrera would be the last one of its kind. The design of the Carrera from 2020 remains in the collection alongside this new 39mm one. TAG Heuer has pulled this trick before with the Aquaracer with both designs for the Aquaracer remain in the collection, if I recall correctly.

RC: And then there is the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon in 42mm size!

AS: I join the Internet there with a bit (or a lot) of disappointment with the pricing!

RC: What am I missing again? What about its pricing?

AS: Well, the watch remains the most affordable chronograph-tourbillon combination from any Swiss brand, but the price has moved north considerably.

RC: It could have been farther north, all things considered. And this is a new generation movement with longer power reserve and now bidirectional winding?

AS: True, and to be fair to TAG Heuer, I reiterate that it remains the best value multi-complication wristwatch from the major brands. I also think this execution must be one of the last (prove me wrong, TAG Heuer) because Carole Kasapi is famous for her tourbillon predispositions. She will surely want to update this in a future collection.

On the movement upgrade, TAG Heuer does say the standard chronograph is an upgrade — an evolution as they put it — with the improvements you noted. That means it joins no less than the Rolex Daytona in introducing a movement upgrade in a new version of an old favourite. We will have to come back to this separately to make sense of it all.

RC: That leaves us with the last chronograph we cannot exclude from this article: that elusive Minerva which was not included in the official presentation!

AS: Ah yes, there was such a crowd at the booth looking at the Minerva pieces that I could not see much. Again, I had an interview with Laurent Lecamp who brought the watch with him so I did get to try it out. There are two chronographs here, but the one you are thinking of is the 1858 Unveiled Timekeeper.

Montblanc 1858 The Unveiled Timekeeper Minerva. Photo: Montblanc
Montblanc 1858 The Unveiled Timekeeper Minerva. Photo: Montblanc

RC: Please elaborate for both myself and our readers why we should at least get to know this watch. What makes it different from other chronographs out there?

AS: Simply put, the Unveiled Timekeeper is the first chronograph to be bezel-controlled. This means that one clockwise click starts the chronograph, a second stops it and a third resets it. I have never seen another chronograph like this and I am certain this is the first time I have tried using such a watch. In practice, the action takes some getting used to, but this is no different from the Ulysse Nardin Freak and Rolex SkyDweller.

RC: I assume that operating the chronograph should feel natural enough if every actuation is clockwise. But is this a limited edition watch or is it just limited in terms of production capacity and/ or availability?

AS: It is limited in every way! Just 128 pieces in various metals; Montblanc likes to do it the traditional way for fine watchmaking — one watch to one watchmaker. The watch is water-resistant despite that stellar bezel-activation, so there are patents-pending there.

RC: That sounds about right. I may not get to own one watch from them in this lifetime because of limited funds, but I love what they do with the Minerva heritage and name. You have been to both of their sites so you should know much more about them than I do.

AS: I will definitely be returning to this watch in another segment, in another issue. Our Autumn technical special might be about chronographs, and Montblanc has quite a bit of history here. In any case, it has been awhile since the last chronograph special that we published.

Of Watches You Never Knew You Needed

RC: I will be happy to translate those specials once they are done. And you know what, talking about this bezel-activation thing got me thinking. There are some unusual ways of doing things or never before seen complications in the mix this year. I am thinking of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante. The watch has an extra minute hand for countdown that is perfectly hidden underneath the regular minute hand when not in use. The chronograph-like buttons on the left side of the case advance this countdown hand by five minutes or one, depending on which button is pushed. Once done with the countdown, you push the button that is integrated into the crown to hide this countdown hand once again. It is not a particularly necessary complication to have but one has to appreciate the ingenuity behind the idea of it all.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante. Photo: World of Watches

AS: This was the first watch I saw at Watches and Wonders Geneva, and I almost missed it because of that security issue. I am with you all the way on this one — it is the sort of watch you never knew you needed, until someone invented it. At my presentation, Parmigiani Fleurier pitched it as the perfect tool to time making pasta with, because that is a matter of minutes and not seconds. Maybe this is the kind of “chronograph” that I could appreciate.

RC: It could be used to time short bursts of writing as well. Like when you get super crazy and creative and you want to just fire away on the keyboard for a block of time without stopping for anything else. So, what is another function or display you didn’t know you needed?

AS: Parmigiani Fleurier did it first with the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante last year! It makes me think that they must have plans for something like this with the second hand…

RC: And then they came up with this double minute hands configuration which is just as clever.

AS: For something else, I have to think maybe of the Franck Muller Crazy Hours, or the Hermes Time Suspended watch. Who knew such watches were needed! Most of the time, the kind of new functions that appear are those that are missing, like the automatic chronograph (most famously) and the annual calendar which finally bridged the divide between standard calendars and perpetual ones.

RC: But then again, annual calendar watches are not generally new to the market though they may be new to some brands or some specific collections like the Radiomir Annual Calendar PAM01363 we saw at Watches and Wonders this year. I kind of like this watch for the placement of the three calendar components: the day, the date and the month.

AS: I was astonished by this watch! Maybe it is a way to marry the insouciance of something like the Crazy Hours with the sheer practicality of the annual calendar?

RC: It is very practical indeed, and also very clean without subdials to disturb the purity of a Radiomir. I find this PAM01363 to be more sensible commercially than the higher-end pieces they introduced over the years.

AS: Definitely true, and true to the Panerai character as well. It was a stretch to say the same of some of the complications that rolled out of the Neuchatel manufacture, as you say.

RC: I give this watch extra points for having a calendar that can be read very quickly, albeit in Italian only.

AS: Panerai says the calendar indications are in Italian as a nod to its own heritage, but imagine what would happen if Seiko decided to do the same thing… It is wonderfully quirky and I like it, don’t get me wrong.

RC: Oh, Italian days and months I can probably memorise, but not Japanese ones. That will be too much of a challenge despite how much I love their people and culture. With my ageing eyesight, it is better to give me a watch that requires less physical and mental effort to understand every reading.

AS: If we are on the subject of quirky pieces then we must discuss the Patek Philippe Ref. 5224!

Patek Philippe Ref. 5224
Patek Philippe Ref. 5224. Photo: World of Watches

RC: Yes, I am loving that Calatrava 24-Hour Display Travel Time! It is a subtly brilliant piece. I have seen my fair share of 24-hour watches throughout the course of my watch collecting years, but this is probably the only one that is not pilot or sportive by design. I also like their orientation of the hours with 12 o’clock at the top of the dial as it makes more sense to me than with the number 24, like many timepieces of this genre do.

AS: Indeed, I do not recall the last time you actually needed to look at the numerals to tell the time! The relative position of the hands will not work (to know time at a glance) at all in this specific watch. I understand that most of the technical work in this watch has to do with the motion works, and it has been done deliberately to make telling the time a deliberate act. Quite cerebral, in a casual way.

RC: Add the extra hour hand and the extra cerebral exercise gets even more meaningful. Now you have a two-time zone watch without the need for a day/ night indicator, right?

AS: That is the point, as it was explained in the official materials and the presentation. This kind of singular distinctiveness feels somewhat out of character for a 24-hour watch as you noted, and also for Patek Philippe in general. It is certainly not a reissue of anything, even though it is brimming with vintage cues.

RC: I am quite pleased to see that the watch is 42mm and not 40mm in diameter. The reading would have been more jumbled if the watch was smaller. I am also thankful for the absence of pushers. Things are very clean and elegant as they are at the moment.

AS: Oh yes, this was also a deliberate move, with Patek Philippe wanting to keep things simple for the user with controls entirely via the crown. This was something the manufacture previewed with Ref. 5326 last year.

RC: I love that. We set the time only once when crossing the time zone. To be able to manipulate the local time hand by the crown is sufficiently convenient. I would say that this is my favourite Patek Philippe for 2023, and one of the favourite watches of note for myself at Geneva this year. So, looking back at all the novelties, are you pleased with what you saw at the fair so far?

AS: Funny that you say that about Ref. 5224, because I think many people were taken in by the appearance of something like five new chiming watches from the brand only to discover that all were new versions of old favourites. Take the two versions of the Grandmaster Chime, for example. I did not make much of this, except to console some technical fanatics that Patek Philippe would likely debut more watches later in the year, as has been the case in recent years. As the fair progressed though, I noticed the paucity of high complications everywhere. Literally no brand had a new grand complication, and that is very odd in a watch fair.

RC: A bit odd, yes, but maybe just a coincidence. Or, as you say, that this is only the first rollout of the year. I can also see how and why people expect super crazy complications at watch fairs. For me, mid-level complications that offer everyday convenience should be appreciated as well. The same goes for the element of wearability as you mentioned. It does make a difference.

AS: It is certainly true that grand complications are not exactly wearable! I think collectors and folks like us just like the pure technical demonstration of watchmaking bravura. In fact, while I will not get into favourites here (too early in the year for me) I do like that brands from Cartier to Patek Philippe and Rolex are paying so much attention to making watches that people will actually wear. For me, fit and feel has informed my opinions in the magazine more and more over the last two years. In these times that so many watches are destined to remain undisturbed in vaults, brands do need to remind everyone that wristwatches are called that for a reason.

RC: That’s very sharp and astute of you. Would you then share your hopes or wishes of what you like to see in the watch industry in the remaining months of the year?

AS: I will if you will! For us in the trade, we already know that a number of brands are planning launches later in the year — we have the invites to prove it. Thus, I’m not worried about the lack of grand complications or grand gestures towards improved chronometry. I would hope that brands sort out their supply issues because frustrating customers is not a great idea. Attendant to this is how brands advertise their wares, which might be unavailable from even before news about them breaks on social media. There is no reason to bang on about watches that no one can get, and brands can easily advertise other things. There is still a lot that people do not know about, like what the brands stand for or what they have done in the past.

RC: That bit about supply frustration is exactly what I have in mind. I would like to see more clarity where retail allocation is concerned. While we as journalists do not represent any brand, we are those figures who interact with both actual customers and watch makers. Angry customers think that you can help because you are an insider when, in fact, you also cannot get a watch for yourself. Managing comments on a watch magazine Facebook page gives you more daily training in diplomacy than you will ever need in your life.

AS: In 2023, this is not exactly a new problem. I see that Rolex has responded with production increases along with Swiss watchmaking hiring like there is every possibility of a brighter future ahead. Finally! Brand executives everywhere say they understand the dangers of frustrating customers and recognise that new customers may know nothing about how the retail scene really works. That was the gist of what I heard at Watches and Wonders Geneva. Now, I hope to see more brands focusing on education because it is sorely needed.

RC: We will probably have to be the voices of reason for all parties concerned.

AS: I am not sure I have much reason to spare!

RC: Well, we try, because we have common goals with both sellers and buyers: of getting more watches on wrists, of making the hobby enjoyable and of making the business thrive. For Watches and Wonders, it was a good show this year and it was great seeing you and your videographer there. When we have the chance, let’s think of how we can make a joint video report from Geneva next year.

AS: We have failed on that last point twice in a row now! And we know that our readers are actually asking to make this happen. Sorry about that folks!

RC: There were just more brands than we could cover in the time that we have. But we will make a plan in advance for next year. It will work this time round. Thank you for this quarterly exchange of opinions. I hope both your readers and mine will benefit from our public reflection of how things go in this very niche and intricate industry.

AS: From what I gather, this segment is everyone’s favourite — it is also one of my favourites to write.

RC: Same here. Please take care until our next writing session then. Thanks again and see you soon!

AS: Happily, it will be soon!

This conversation was first published on World of Watches #69, the Summer Special.

For more reads on watches, click here.

The post The Conversation: Fit for Purpose appeared first on LUXUO.



from LUXUO

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Expand Your Collection Of Marvel-Themed LEGO Kits With This Life-Sized Captain America’s Shield

The Captain America's Shield may not be crafted out of Vibranium, but anyone who has ever stepped on a piece of LEGO will can attest to their painful toughness.

from Men's Gear

Oakley’s EV Zero Blade Sunglasses Boast Rimless Plutonite Shield

The Oakley EV Zero Blade Sunglasses feature Plutonite shield in a rimless design that offers 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC protection, Prizm lenses for enhanced color, detail, and contrast, and Unobtainium nosepads and temples for increased grip.

from Men's Gear

Touring Turbo Edition: Gunther Werks Unveils A 750-Horsepower Porsche 911 Turbo Restomod

The Gunther Werks Touring Turbo Edition is slated to be another exclusive production run that will undoubtedly sell out as soon as it becomes available

from Men's Gear

Charlize Theron on Femininity, Peter Lindbergh and Fighting the Good Fight

Charlize Theron for 2023 L’Or de J’adore
Photo: Parfums Christian Dior

“Christian Dior used to say that his models represented all the women in the world. Thanks to the intact magic and the power of J’adore, I dared to imagine that I, in turn, was taking possession of all the flowers in the world — with all the audacity, the extravagance and the rigour that are the signature of the Dior spirit”, said Christian Dior Parfum’s perfume creation director Francis Kurkdjian in the press notes for L’Or de J’adore, the newest flanker to the series.

Celebrating its 24th birthday this year, the fragrance has undergone several iterations over time with each of perfume creation director paying their own homage to its origins while injecting their own personal twists. On top of the core of L’Or de J’adore as “gold melted down to retain only its purest essence”, Kurkdjian’s interpretation promises a new depth and meaning to the Dior classic.

L’Or de J’adore 2023
Photo: Parfums Christian Dior

L’Or de J’adore stays true to thE DNA of the original perfume — creamy rose, heady jasmine and fresh white lily of the valley — but there is something magical about how Kurkdjian has injected a mood reminiscent of bathing in sunlight, subverting the elegance that J’adore is known for. Pruning the notes of orange blossom for its soapy-cleanness instead of using its sticky sweetness, one spritz of L’Or de J’adore brings to mind the visage of glowing sun-kissed skin.

“A new sensuality, immediately appealing. A J’adore that is rounded and attractive, like a bared shoulder”, confirms Kurkdjian, in part referencing the accompanying Charlize Theron campaign reprising the South African star in her full goddess-like glory.

Below, Theron herself takes us through what femininity means to her, the late Peter Lindbergh and fighting the good fight in the polarised world of today.

You have been the face of J’adore for more than fifteen years now. You have become an important part of the history of this House, you are one of its “heroines”. How does that make you feel? How would you describe the evolution of your relationship with the House? 
I feel incredibly honoured to have been with Dior for 15 years. They have become family to me and I share many great memories and experiences with them. Dior has been there with me every step of the way.

Our relationship has evolved over the years, and it’s been such an enjoyable journey to have this ever-changing creative relationship with them.

Charlize Theron for 2023 L’Or de J’adore
Photo: Parfums Christian Dior

Tell us what inspires you about the House of Dior and how this relates to your love of fragrance, health and beauty?
The House of Dior is inspiring through the way it constantly commits to not only empowering women but also making them feel beautiful and confident in their everyday lives through their products and social initiatives.

I love being able to get dressed up and feel good about the way I look, the way I smell and the way I feel. Having Dior in my arsenal helps me achieve that every time. 

What are your main memories when Dior beauty comes to mind? What is the best memory?
I’ve had so many great experiences working with Dior over the years, but one of my best memories has to be working with the late Peter Lindbergh. He was such a gentleman and an absolute master of his craft. We had such a blast shooting the Dior campaign together.

It’s times like those I cherish as part of this work — the laughter on set, the creative synergy — I am so grateful for the times we shared through this partnership. 

Video: Youtube @Dior

Another fond memory that comes to mind is our collaboration between Dior and my foundation, CTAOP, through our Dior Chin Up campaign (2020 and 2021). It was so inspiring to see the incredible women Dior brought together to share their stories and to be able to hear from women all across the world from various walks of life, not just public figures or those in entertainment. 

Dior Prestige la Crème Haute Réparation
Prestige la Crème Haute Réparation. Photo: Parfums Christian Dior

What are some of your favourite Dior beauty products?
I love my J’adore perfume, obviously. But I’ve also added the new Prestige la Crème Haute Réparation into my skincare routine and I love how it makes my skin feel. And then when I feel like going out, my go-to product is the Rouge Dior Forever lipstick. I love a bold red lip! 

Did your role as a Dior ambassador have an impact on your personal development and on your work as an international actress?
Working with Dior definitely expanded my world and opened doors for me in ways I could never have expected. I’ve gotten to see and experience some amazing things in the world through my work with Dior, and the people I’ve met along the way have enriched not only my personal life but have provided deep professional and creative relationships that I’ve carried with me over the past 15 years.

I’ve gotten to work with the best of the best directors, photographers and designers, and those relationships and the things they’ve taught me have had a profound impact on my work as an actor.

Charlize Theron for 2023 L’Or de J’adore
Photo: Parfums Christian Dior

What is being feminine in 2023? What does it mean? 
For me, it’s whatever makes you feel confident and strong in who you are. The things that empower you and make you feel like you can get up and take on your world. Strength and courage are powerful and ooze femininity. 

What do you think has changed about the J’adore woman over the years? 
She’s evolved, grown and matured on this journey of life to get her to where she is now just as we all have. I know I have! 

2023 L’Or de J’adore
Photo: Parfums Christian Dior

What was your first impression of the new l’Or de J’adore? What does it make one feel? 
Intoxicating. It makes me feel luxurious when I’m wearing it, and it’s sensual. You can really smell the flowers without being able to pinpoint one or the other. It’s very rich, balanced and incredibly well executed. It’s like the purest bouquet and brings immediate pleasure.

In a fragrance, do you look for notes that evoke a memory or new sensations?
I love scents that are familiar to me or remind me of certain memories or locations, that’s always comforting. But I also really enjoy trying new scents that aren’t necessarily tied to memory but feel exciting and different. 

You are very committed. A great number of causes seem important to you: combating AIDS and sexual violence in Africa, defending women’s rights and same-sex marriage, etc. Where did you get this from?
One of my earliest memories as a child was riding with my mom as she would drive her employees to the hospital right as the AIDS crisis was taking hold in South Africa. I saw the empathy and care my mother had for these people, and I’ve never forgotten it.

When I got to a place where I could really give back, I felt the need to use my platform not just to promote change and awareness but to lift up those people who are fighting the good fight on the ground and amplify voices of the people experiencing these hardships. 

l’Or de J’adore will be launched online come 28th August or in-stores from 1st September.

This story was first published in Grazia Singapore. For more reads on celebrities and beauty like this, click here.

The post Charlize Theron on Femininity, Peter Lindbergh and Fighting the Good Fight appeared first on LUXUO.



from LUXUO

Monday, August 28, 2023

Damen Yachting Delivers SeaXplorer 58

Damen Yachting has delivered the SeaXplorer 58 Pink Shadow to its owner, who will use the 58m, 1,090GT superyacht with family and friends around the world. Featuring naval architecture by Damen Yachting and an exterior designed with Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture, the superyacht has accommodation for 12 guests and 18 crew, and will soon also be available for charter.

Following the SeaXplorer 62 Anawa and SeaXplorer 77 La Datcha, Pink Shadow is the third superyacht from the Dutch builder’s range of luxury explorer yachts and features a premium synthetic teak deck.

As well as being the first SeaXplorer 58, she’s the first SeaXplorer to be built at the Damen facility in Antalya, Turkey, where she was launched at the start of the year before embarking on sea trials.

Rob Luijendijk, Sales Director at Damen Yachting, said: “Pink Shadow is a perfect example of a yacht that can go the distance. The SeaXplorer 58 is a future-facing yacht for many reasons, and it is great to see her owner on board making the most of such a capable platform. All of us here at Damen Yachting and Damen Yachting Antalya are immensely proud of this custom project.”

Standout features include a cabana-style bar and lounge with an adjoining infinity pool beneath the certified helideck. The sun deck has a sky lounge, dining area, outdoor Jacuzzi and the SeaXplorer signature bow-point observation lounge.

Enrique Tintore, Damen Yachting’s SeaXplorer Design Manager, said: “Welcoming the fresh sea breeze and offering shaded vistas, the whole aft of Pink Shadow is a beautiful and inspiring space to experience the world. But the experience is not just about amazing views; it’s also about enjoying the ultimate adventure on land and at sea with the help of her many toys.”

Pink Shadow’s arsenal of toys includes two large multi-role tenders, road and off-road vehicles, and motorcycles. Due to an ice class hull and 30 days’ oceangoing autonomy, Pink Shadow can safely sail to many remote destinations often unreachable for other vessels, while wastewater tanks enable the yacht to access zero-discharge zones of outstanding natural beauty.

The owner selected UK-based Design Unlimited for the interior and contributed personally to a custom configuration in keeping with the SeaXplorer’s explorer spirit.

Mark Tucker, Creative Director of Design Unlimited, said: “When a discerning owner presents us with a very distinctive vision, it poses a new and exciting challenge. The SeaXplorer 58 provided the perfect platform for this endeavour, offering ample spaces and volume to bring ideas to life. With her considerable gross tonnage, there’s a variety of areas to enjoy both living and leisure.”

For more on Damien Yachting, click here.

A version of this article was first published on www.yachtstyle.co

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