from Men's Gear
Friday, June 30, 2023
Anonymous Architects Designs Mount Washington House With A Shapeshifting Interior
from Men's Gear
BISON GEARS Kiridashi Pocket Knife Packs A Powerful Angled Edge
from Men's Gear
Barrel Crafts Spirits Private Release Rye Series: Bold Expressions To Add To Your Collection
from Men's Gear
Boom Confirms New Partners For Its Overture Supersonic Passenger Jet Project
from Men's Gear
Thursday, June 29, 2023
The Use Of Colour In Luxury Interior Design in 2023
There are many captivating colour schemes, trends and styles across luxury interior design each year. In the world of luxury home aesthetics, colour choice plays a pivotal role in creating an ambience of elegance and sophistication. We delve into the latest colour trends that are shaping the realm of luxury living spaces.
Why colour is so important in interior design
The use of colour in luxury interior design holds immense significance as it serves as a powerful tool for creating a desired atmosphere and evoking specific emotions. Colours have the ability to enhance or diminish the perception of space, influence mood, and even reflect the personality of the homeowner.
In the realm of luxury interior design, the right colour palette can elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary, infusing it with a sense of opulence, sophistication, and refinement. Each hue and shade is carefully selected to create a harmonious and visually captivating environment that exudes a distinct aura of exclusivity and indulgence.
How designers select the right colours
When selecting the best colours to use in luxury interior design, designers embark on a meticulous process. They consider various factors such as ambience, natural lighting, architectural features and the client’s personal preferences. Extensive research and trend analysis are conducted to stay up-to-date with the latest colour palettes and combinations.
Designers often draw inspiration from art, fashion and nature to curate a sophisticated palette that harmonises with the overall aesthetic. The chosen colours are carefully balanced to create a cohesive and visually stunning environment that epitomises luxury and refinement.
Popular trends right now
1. Quiet luxury
“Quiet luxury” in interior design is a trend right now which embraces a serene and calming approach to create a soothing and luxurious appearance. This design concept revolves around incorporating soothing shades such as soft neutrals, pastels and muted tones which promote a sense of tranquillity and relaxation. The focus is on simplicity and minimalism, with clean lines and sharp edges dominating the design aesthetic. Rich and sumptuous furnishings, like velvet or silk upholstery, also add a touch of opulence to the space.
To enhance the comforting ambience, softer furnishings like plush rugs, cosy throw pillows and luxurious draperies are introduced. This trend also encourages investing in more expensive furniture and accent pieces that exude a sense of exclusivity and elevate the overall luxury appeal of the room. The result is a space that exudes understated elegance and indulgence, providing a haven of serenity and refined luxury.
2. Pistachio
This emerging colour trend is making a resounding statement in interior design, captivating enthusiasts with its versatile range of green tones. This trend sees a delightful shift from deep, forest greens to the more delicate and soothing shades of sage and pistachio. The retro associations of pistachio imbue spaces with a sense of joy and positivity, eradicating any trace of coldness typically associated with green.
Over the past few years, the interior design world has witnessed a growing affinity for green hues, with dark green taking centre stage. Amongst Pantone’s trending colours in recent years, the colour “Daring Green” fits in perfectly with this trend and is still a popular colour in interior design. As the popularity of the colour green continues to evolve, the focus is transitioning towards softer, gentle greens like the captivating shade of pistachio offering a fresh and harmonious aesthetic to elevate any living space.
3. Golden accents
The trend of incorporating golden edges throughout the home is gaining momentum, imparting a heightened sense of luxury and opulence to living spaces. From gilded handles on cabinets to the subtle shimmer of golden edges on crockery, this trend adds a touch of glamour to everyday objects. Golden pillows and throws for sofas further enhance the lavish ambiance, creating an inviting and sumptuous atmosphere.
Gold accents can be extended to light fixtures, picture frames, mirrors and even furniture legs, infusing the space with an air of grandeur. Gold, known for its association with wealth and extravagance, evokes a sense of warmth, richness, and sophistication.
In the realm of luxury interior design, colour trends play a pivotal role in creating captivating and enchanting spaces. Whether it’s the soothing serenity of quiet luxury or the opulent allure of golden accents, these trends allow homeowners to infuse their abodes with a touch of elegance and indulgence, making every moment spent at home truly extraordinary.
For more on interior design & decor, click here.
The post The Use Of Colour In Luxury Interior Design in 2023 appeared first on LUXUO.
from LUXUO
Flint and Tinders Unlined Waxed Trucker Jacket Is For Rugged Summer Adventures
from Men's Gear
UWERK UR-120 Space Black: Sleek And Stealthy With A Mesmerizing Complication
from Men's Gear
The Mill Kitchen Bin Grounds Food Waste Into Chicken Feed
from Men's Gear
LEGO Icons Pac-Man Arcade: Relive The Classic Gaming Scene With This Nostalgic Set
from Men's Gear
Santorini Flying Dress Photoshoot Offers A Jaw-Dropping Photo-op
Oh, Santorini. The island may be named after a saint, but it hides none of its sensuous pleasures from those who seek them out. Hollywood-like honeymooners, luxurious yacht parties and perfect little coffee shop nooks at every corner make Santorini the destination of the summer.
Praises sung and done, the island’s notoriety as a beloved tourist destination comes with one drawback — the digital age “competition” for the most elaborate photo-ops. The best vantage points for that Santorini postcard photograph often comes with queues of fellow Instagrammers and unwanted crowds in the background. However, one recent trend of destination shoots has been making rounds on social media, particularly amongst travel bloggers and globe-trotting photographers — SantoriniDress.
You would think the perfect photo in the perfect location ought to beget a whole production team, and you would be right — fortunately, SantoriniDress will take care of all the details leading to the fantastical photoshoot.
Striking the balance between being in the moment and capturing unforgetable memories, SantoriniDress is a production company that offers a personalised and professional photo-op experience in one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Europe. Anyone can have a smartphone but not just anyone can curate a well styled photoshoot inclusive of lush sartorial choices, hair and makeup and not to mention immaculate post-production edits.
Picture this: you are dressed in a custom hand-made jewel-toned gown with meters of fabric billowing ethereally in the wind. The shoot location is not next to, but on the balconies of Santorini with that gorgeous (and unobstructed) Grecian landscape in the background. Your skin shimmers like the Aegean sea with the golden hour sun beating down on it. Founded in 2016, the group boasts a seasoned team of photographers who can set up your selection of either popular or secluded locations on the island, as well as offer consultation on the thematic direction you desire for your shoot.
Of course, SantoriniDress would not be SantoriniDress without their signature on-site “flying dresses”, designed and hand-sewn in-house. Clients simply need to make a selection online no later than two days before the photoshoot and can have them delivered to their hotel for fitting for a fee (40-90€, one way). A change of dress-selection is allowed at least 24 hours before the photoshoot, just in case of any hair or wardrobe emergencies.
“Shooting can be in the most gentle, sensual form, or vice versa — bright, bold, brave. There are dresses for any request, and our professionals can masterfully combine the location’s features with the image”, they promise.
The range of photoshoot offerings are extensive. Apart from doing beautiful individual portraits, SantoriniDress also offers stylised group photos with friends and family for that special gathering or pre-wedding photography session. These make for amazing postcards for a trip to remember, as well as a chance to capture those fleeting family moments with the kids in a delightfully glamorous way. The inherent romance of the island is not lost on the production team either.
Both couple shots and proposal photos range from sweet to sensuous, depending on the artistic direction you prefer. Solo maternity shoots are also available for those that want to commemorate those special months leading up the baby’s arrival. Video production is also an option if you prefer multi-dimentional visuals or more vivid shots that would look fantastic on social media.
SantoriniDress communicates the universal fantasy of wanderlust with a dramatic fashion twist through their specialty production services, and are keen to help you manifest yours. The group has expanded their operations in recent years to other jet-setting locations which include Italy, Dubai, the Maldives and Mexico for a change in scenery. With clients usually opting for more than one shoot, you can have your pick from sea to rooftop, wedding to anniversary. Keen for your first (or next best) professional photoshoot? You can start planning it here.
For more news on travel, click here.
The post Santorini Flying Dress Photoshoot Offers A Jaw-Dropping Photo-op appeared first on LUXUO.
from LUXUO
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
The BruderX EXP-7 Is A Tough Camper Trailer Ready For Your Off-Road Destinations
from Men's Gear
Microsoft Is Raffling Off Six Porsche Livery-Inspired Xbox Series X Consoles
from Men's Gear
Triple Gabled Roofs Dictate The Layout Of Holiday Home Pura Comporta
from Men's Gear
Dot Chess Uses NFC Chips Braille And A Speaker To Relay Information
from Men's Gear
Escape To The Whimsical West of Ireland
There’s something magical about the west of Ireland, where emerald landscapes meet the rolling waves
of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and the air is filled with a sense of
tranquility. Nestled in the heart of this idyllic region is Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, a haven of luxury
and history that promises an unforgettable experience.
As I stepped foot onto the estate grounds, I couldn’t help but be transported back in time. The estate’s
rich history, dating back to the 18th century, oozes from every corner. The grand castle, with its
towering turrets and ivy-clad walls, tells tales of bygone eras and illustrious guests who have graced its
halls. It’s a place that exudes a sense of masculine refinement, reminiscent of the pages of Esquire
magazine.
One of the crown jewels of the estate is its world-class golf course, hailed as the epitome of Irish golfing
excellence. As an avid golfer myself, I eagerly seized the opportunity to test my skills on these hallowed
grounds. The perfectly manicured fairways stretched out before me, the vibrant green contrasting
against the cobalt sky. The crisp sea breeze carried with it the scent of salt and seaweed, invigorating my
senses as I took my swing. Each hole presented a new challenge, with undulating greens and
strategically placed bunkers. It was a golfing experience like no other, one that will surely go down as
the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing.
But the true highlight of my stay here was the dining experience at the renowned Pullman Restaurant.
Set within the original carriages of the Orient Express, this culinary gem offered a journey into the past.
As I stepped aboard, the polished wood and gleaming brass evoked images of a bygone era, where
elegance and luxury reigned supreme. The aromas of gourmet delights wafted through the air, tempting
my taste buds and igniting my anticipation.
Each course was a masterpiece, carefully crafted to tantalize both the palate and the imagination.
The flavors danced upon my tongue, revealing layers of complexity and artistry. From delicate seafood
creations to succulent cuts of Irish beef, every dish was a symphony of taste and presentation. The
attentive waitstaff, dressed impeccably in period attire, ensured that every moment was a sensory
delight.
The connection to the Orient Express train, steeped in its own history of opulence and intrigue, added
an extra layer of enchantment to the dining experience. Just as the train whisked its passengers away to
far-off destinations, the Pullman Restaurant transported me on a culinary journey of the senses. It was a
testament to the notion that true luxury is not just about material indulgence but also about the
experiences that leave an indelible mark on our souls.
Luxury travel in Ireland is an experience of a lifetime, and the west side, in particular, should not be
missed. The stunning landscapes, rich history, and unparalleled hospitality of places like Glenlo Abbey
Hotel & Estate are what make it so. It’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and
immerse yourself in a world where time slows down, and every moment is savored.
As I bid farewell, with its echoes of the past and promises of future adventures, I couldn’t help but feel
profoundly moved. This journey through the serene west of Ireland had left an indelible mark on my
soul. It was a reminder that true luxury isn’t just about opulent accommodations or exquisite dining—it’s
about the intangible moments that stay with us long after we’ve returned home.
For more on travel, click here.
The post Escape To The Whimsical West of Ireland appeared first on LUXUO.
from LUXUO
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
BLACKENED Limited Edition 72 Seasons Batch: Metallica Launches Their Latest Whiskey Expression
from Men's Gear
The $40M Apsara In Old Fort Bay Serves As Its Own Resort
from Men's Gear
Nikes Aerogami Jacket Detects And Reacts To Sweat For Better Airflow
from Men's Gear
Retail Therapy As A Form Of Relaxation
Is retail dead? The brink the Covid-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders in 2020 brought on a momentary pause on physical retail shops. The world went digital and with it, the boom of online “e-tailers”. Shopping evolved and with it came the boom of door-to-door e-commerce services the likes of Net-a-Porter, Amazon and Asos. The Guardian reported that 8,700 chain stores were closed in 2021. Even British retailing giant (dubbed the king of high street) Arcadia Group was not spared, forced into administration and closing high street chains the likes of Topshop, Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Wallis.
Shopping Morphed Into a Holistic Experience
Mid-2022’s return to normalcy saw the resurgence of physcial stores and retailers. However they had to adapt. With customers in the metaphorical comfort zone of home orders and deliveries, brands and stores had to change up their strategy to regain that footfall. Thus, clothing stores were no longer simply clothing stores offering instead a holistic, sensorial experience for customers from skincare to fragrances, cafés to in-house installations. This is perhaps best exemplified by Louis Vuitton and Dior’s latest brand strategies — the Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Collaboration for the former and the recent Dioriviera pop-up and concept stores for the latter.
READ MORE: Dioriviera Lands on Singapore Tanjong Beach this Summer
The Value of Connection
One thing most people missed when staying at home during the pandemic was social gatherings and the human interactions that come along with it. Shopping is now part of an experience, an event. Case in point the Jacquemus Autumn/Winter 2022 show taking place between mountains of salt – going from insular to a social experience.
Retail Therapy As A Form of Escapism
Luxury fashion in its truest form is intended to deliver a fantasy, an artistic message rich in an other-worldy narrative constructed by the brand’s creative director.
The Art of Untapped Desire
A good marketing campaign or design utilises the power of desire towards the consumer. There is an art to wanting something you didn’t know you needed. This is (partially) where it is the luxury fashion industry’s task to bridge the gap between necessity and yearning. We don’t know we want the latest Dior Saddle Bag until we see it on the shelves.
The Paradox Of Choice
Lethargy, infiniate options and repetition can lead to customer fatigue. Does more really equal more? The paradox of choice suggests that the abundance of options comes with more hardship and so “more is less”.
For more on fashion, click here.
The post Retail Therapy As A Form Of Relaxation appeared first on LUXUO.
from LUXUO
Craft Cocktails: Refining the Art of Mixology
Fancy a Sip of French Toast?
Dive deep enough into the mixology section on Instagram and you will find Lance Wong (@moresavorygoods), one of hundreds of digital creators who make cocktail-mixing content for an ever-growing global audience of cocktail and speakeasy aficionados. In one such video, Wong details his own attempt at the “French Toast”, an exclusive item off New York City’s representative for number six on The World’s 50 Best Bars’ list — Double Chicken Please (DCP). The original menu is bare, typed simply in unassuming serif italics.
French Toast
Grey Goose
roasted barley
brioche, coconut, milk,
maple syrup, egg
Yet, Wong’s own start-to-finish attempt at an accurate recreation was anything but. Steeping barley tea and vodka — 90 minutes. Pasteurising eggs — 75 minutes. French toast syrup: extracted after blending and sous-viding burnt brioche buns with the rest of the ingredients — a few hours. Wong jokes in the caption that the takeaway from his attempt is to “leave this drink to the professionals”.
While a great tutorial for aspiring home mixologists, creators like Wong make an important case for the artistry behind cocktail-making. Customers only see the few minutes it takes to pour a collection of liquids into a Boston shaker. If they are lucky, perhaps a bottle tossing stunt or two, but most will never be privy to the hours (or days) of preparation leading up to serving those delicious drinks.
Naysayers lament that the cocktail world of today is adorned with secret passwords and hidden doors but lacking in substance, lost to the relentless waves of gentrification and privatisation. Still, amazing new players continue to show up on the scene. DCP’s menu is a prime example with drinks like “Mango Sticky Rice” and “Japanese Cold Noodle”. The name of the game seems to be “liquid meals” — mixologists today are pushing the frontiers of cocktail-making by repackaging flavours from our favourite foods into single, elegant drinks. The result, an explosion of flavours all in that tiny, excited first sip. From desserts to literal diamonds, is it any wonder that some of the most exclusive cocktails today cost upwards of 20,000USD?
Illicit Origins: The Birth of a Culture
Yet, the internal antagonism of cocktail culture could not have preceded its criminal history. The dawn of speakeasies can be traced back to the 1920s, during The Prohibition Era in the States which banned the manufacturing, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors (beverages that contained more than 0.5% of alcohol). The American alcohol industry was virtually closed down, though people still managed to find their ways.
Private, unlicensed bars both illegally manufacturing and selling alcoholic drinks soon became commonplace. Liquor was often combined haphazardly with flavoured drinks like ginger ale or Coca-Cola to mask the taste and smell of alcohol — some of history’s first attempts at cocktail-mixing. Some reports reference how passwords whispered at the front door kept out snooping law enforcement while others point to the practice of “speaking softly” while inside to avoid detection — giving rise to the name “speakeasy”. While many speakeasies were makeshift back room bars and decrepit basements, the Prohibition Era was not without its fair share of glamour with fancier clubs offering ballroom dance floors, jazz music and private parties. It was the “Roaring Twenties”, after all.
Back to today, times have changed and speakeasies are focusing more on brand development rather than secret passwords. Yet, there is still something to be said about the mood of that era. When drinks were not just about drinking, but more so a secret gathering in the dark. The thrill behind consuming illegal and possibly dangerous goods in hidden, intimate “third spaces”. An almost careless attitude to life, juxtaposed against a necessary kind of precision for such risk-taking.
This burgeoning excitement which marked the birth of speakeasies in the last century continues to define the best bars today. A feeling of something just on the precipice of; an in-between where day passes into night; a drunken gathering of community and friends. There is a reason people default to their favourite bars for first dates and important birthday parties — the speakeasy is a special place which has the ability to let people come just as they are.
Behind the Bar
A big part of a speakeasy’s magic comes from the very people standing behind the bar. In between carving out space for their own unique brands of hospitality in the sector and the hours of prep and R&D, these mixology professionals have their work cut out for them. It is not too far a stretch to claim that we visit speakeasies for the hospitality just as much as we do for the drinks. We speak to some of our favourite bartenders on what makes their bar the best place to be for a drink.
“Making cocktails is not only my profession. It is also my passion. Whether it is a classic, a variation of a classic or something completely new — I enjoy it all,” professes Akshar Chalwadi, founder of Southeast Asian cuisine bar, rākh. “As cliches as it sounds, I do this because I enjoy watching the customers’ reaction to a great drink. And that’s what it is all about.” Meaning “ash” in Urdu and Hindi, rākh was started with the idea of being “born from flame”, an ode to the bar’s Indian heritage. Chalwadi recommends getting “The Rasam”, a vodka-based reimagining of the classic South Indian soup, infusing flavours of tamarind, tomatoes, chilli pepper, and cumin. You can visit rākh in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Further down the Malay Archipelago in Singapore, seasoned mixologist, Zachary Ibrahim, tells us, “what a good cocktail actually is varies from person to person.” He proudly states that “it is a bartender’s job to figure out what their guests enjoy and are looking to have.” Seems like we agree that the best cocktails are the ones that are made specially for you. You can have Zac whip up something special at the rooftop bar of the Lion City’s only East African cuisine lounge-bar, Kafe Utu. Warm, ambient lighting and tastefully rustic decor give off the atmosphere of home. Sounds like the perfect getaway from the busy throngs of city life.
For more alcohol reads, click here.
The post Craft Cocktails: Refining the Art of Mixology appeared first on LUXUO.
from LUXUO
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)