Monday, July 31, 2023

Why Brands Are Choosing To Go Black and White For Their Fall/Winter 2023 Campaigns

While summer is still in full swing, brands have released their Fall/Winter 2023 campaigns with some offering a range of monochromatic images which perhaps signals the seasonless appeal brands are aiming to shift their artistic direction towards. While some opt to focus key pieces from their collections, others references a time gone by from Emporio Armani’s “Teddy Boy” to the power of Versace’s 80s-inspired structured pieces.

Celine

Perhaps is it indeed the era of the “Nepo Baby” as both Kaia Gerber (daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford) and Levon Hawke (son of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman) front Celine’s Fall/Winter 2023 campaign. Titled “Portrait of an Actor,” black-and-white imagery depicts Hawke against the New York city skyline while Gerber is photographed highlighting timeless pieces from the collection, including the sleek Newspaper Triomphe Bag. According to Hypebae, creative Director Hedi Slimane’s reasoning for the style of photography is because “the monochromatic imagery offers a focused look at the seasonal products, capturing Gerber in a series of classic looks”. 

Emporio Armani

Emporio Armani referenced vintage magazines from the 80’s for their Fall/Winter 23-24 campaign. Specifically Emporio Armani Magazine, which was renowned for its visionarily eclectic imagery. Photographer Gregory Harris opted for film-like black-and-white photography to highlight Emporio Armani’s latest pieces which include a selection of watches, accessories, and jewellery. Actor Nicolas Maupas echo’s the brand’s take on the “teddy boy aesthetic” with a leather flight jacket and round-toe boots; details that are ”evocative of the past,” reports Hybebeast. 

Versace

At Versace, demure took a backseat and was replaced instead with a black and white showcase that highlighted Versace’s penchant for delivering strong tailoring. Models in black ensembles evoked strenghth and elegance in looks that featured exaggerated shoulders reminiscent of the 80s-style “power-dressing”. Donatella Versace shares, “This campaign celebrates everything I love about Versace: The power, the tailoring, the attitude. I love black and white images that really showcase the iconic silhouette of the season and the color pictures that bring the collection to life in the heart of Milan. On set, I love that the models felt strong, empowered and fierce — exactly how you should feel when you wear Versace.”

Loro Piana

At Loro Piana it was “elegant moments” as Glen Luchford captured Loro Piana models in a display that exudes “the artful craft of living life with grace”. According to FashionGoneRogue, Luchford showcases the sentimental and optimistic moments that fill our lives in this intimate series of images that bring a relatable authenticity to the campaign as if we are peeking into their personal moments”. 

For more on the latest in fashion, click here.

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from LUXUO

The Best Durable Watches For Any Island Adventure

The last thing you want to worry about while enjoying the sun, sea and sand is your watch. Or watches. The key to horological peace of mind is selecting watches with a certain degree of toughness. A tool watch, in other words. Obviously, excellent water-resistance is a must and that is usually shorthand for robustness in all areas. Usually. To take the guess-work out of the equation, we have selected seven tickers that check all the right boxes, especially if you are trying to be low-key. On the other hand, maybe you want to mix it up a little and laugh in the face of danger – we have selected one watch that fulfills that need too. No prizes for guessing which one it is.

Longines Hydroconquest

The HydroConquest line is dedicated high performance combining technical innovation with elegance. The timepiece is water-resistant to 30 bar and the glass is made from a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, with several layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides. The Longines Sport Collection mirrors Longines’ tradition characterising elegance and performance in its timepieces.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive 5 Days Diver’s 200m (SLAGAO15)

Grand Seiko is focussed on making beautiful watches and the smooth action of the Spring Drive is undeniable. Grand Seiko did not dissapoint on the beauty front. Inspired by a particular aspect of the oceans that surround the Japanese archipelago, the dial’s colour is deep black and has a strongly patterned surface. The ceramic rotating bezel is crafted with durability in mind, to protect the watch from being scratched while the high-intensity Titanium is intended to be more impervious to scratches and corrosion than stainless steel.

Tudor Ranger

The Tudor Ranger is a tool watch celebrating the spirit of daring adventure, complete with Manufacture Calibre MT5402, a 39-millimetre case and a clasp with rapid adjustment system. The timepiece comes from a tradition of a robust, practical, and affordable instruments. The Ranger model is equipped with Manufacture Calibre MT5402. Its construction has been designed to ensure robustness, longevity, reliability and precision due to its variable-inertia balance, which is held in place by a sturdy traversing bridge with two points of fixation.

Seiko Prospex King Sumo (SPB321J)

Seiko Prospex timepieces are designed to be practical, reliable and durable — meeting the high standards required in extreme environments for sports lovers and adventure seekers alike. The watch’s “substantial and strong” shape has earned it the name “Sumo” because of its size and the 12 o’clock marker. This latest design has been updated with new features, including a ceramic bezel and super hard coating on the case and bracelet for durability. A new three row bracelet has been specifically made for this model, while the clasp has also been modernised. The dial features a fine pressed pattern dial with gradations of blue.

Luminox Pacific Diver Chronograph

Luminox’s strong ties to the Pacific can also be traced back to its origins, where it was founded in the town of San Rafael, California, USA, located along the Pacific Coast. The new Pacific Diver Chronograph Series 3140 comes in nine different configurations, with colours never seen before in prior Luminox watches alongside a uni-directional rotating dive bezel and a water-resistance of 200 metres.

Rado Captain Cook

The Rado Captain Cook is a natural choice for modern explorers. Its vintage details, and up-to-date features make it the perfect sartorial accessory for both men and women. The thin, stylish 43 mm stainless steel case features a polished blue high-tech ceramic inlay on the bezel, complementing the silver-to-blue gradient dial. Inside, the new, thinner R801 automatic movement, with 37 jewels, five hands and 59 hours of power reserve exceeds standard test requirements from three to five positions for higher accuracy.

Franck Muller Vanguard Skeleton Color Dreams

Bright, colourful and fun, the collection shows eight colors of the famous Franck Muller Color Dreams in three different versions. The Vanguard Skeleton Color Dreams is showcased in a black carbon Vanguard case, brush titanium or stainless steel case. To allow a rainbow of colors, the satin bridges have been made in anodized aluminum. They have been designed to accentuate the architecture of the piece, which is very strong. The balanced design of the Vanguard Skeleton Color Dreams illustrates the passion for crafts and art of details, characteristic of the Franck Muller manufacture.

For more on watches, click here.

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Paradise on Earth: The Six Senses Laamu, Maldives

Six Senses Laamu The Maldives

As I stepped off the seaplane onto the wooden dock, my heart skipped a beat with excitement. I had arrived at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, and from the very first moment, it felt like I had stepped into paradise on Earth. The gentle breeze carried the scent of salty sea air mixed with tropical flowers, and I knew this would be an experience like no other.

Sight:

Six Senses Laamu The Maldives

The moment I laid eyes on the resort, I was mesmerized by its beauty. My overwater villa stood above crystal-clear turquoise waters, and from my private deck, I could see colourful fish swimming gracefully beneath me. The lush green palm trees swayed in harmony with the ocean breeze, and the sunsets painted the sky in a breathtaking canvas of warm hues each evening. The sight of the endless ocean meeting the horizon was both humbling and invigorating, reminding me of the vastness of the world and the wonders it held.

Six Senses Laamu The Maldives

Sound:

Six Senses Laamu The Maldives

As I walked along the sandy pathways, the soft crunch of sand beneath my feet welcomed me to this idyllic haven. The gentle lapping of waves against the stilts of the villa lulled me into a peaceful trance. Each night, the soothing melodies of the resident musicians playing traditional Maldivian music by the beachside bonfire created a magical atmosphere. And when I submerged myself into the underwater world during a snorkelling adventure, the sound of silence below the surface was enchanting—a symphony of tranquillity.

Taste:

Six Senses Laamu The Maldives

The dining experiences here were nothing short of divine. The resort's culinary team skilfully crafted dishes using the freshest seafood and organic produce. Each meal was a delightful journey of flavours that danced on my taste buds. From the tangy burst of ripe mangoes to the creamy richness of coconut-infused curries, every dish was a celebration of Maldivian cuisine. The resort’s signature “Island Breakfast,” served on a secluded sandbank, was a feast of tropical fruits, freshly baked pastries, and sparkling champagne—a breakfast fit for royalty.

Touch:

Six Senses Laamu The Maldives

Every surface I touched at the resort felt like silk against my skin. The softness of the cotton bed linens, the plushness of the beach towels, and the smoothness of the polished wooden furniture all contributed to the luxurious experience. The silky ocean water caressed my body during leisurely swims, and the warm sand moulded to the contours of my feet as I strolled along the shoreline. Even the spa treatments were a sensorial delight, as the skilled therapists eased away tension with gentle touches and aromatic oils.

Smell:

Six Senses Laamu The Maldives

The scents of the Maldives surrounded me at Six Senses. The fragrance of frangipani flowers adorned my villa, infusing the air with a sweet and floral perfume. At the spa, the aroma of essential oils like lavender and ylang-ylang relaxed my mind during massages and facials. The ocean breeze carried the faint scent of salt, a reminder of the vast seascape that embraced the resort. Each inhalation was a sensory journey, connecting me deeply with the natural wonders of this tropical paradise. 

Six Senses Laamu The Maldives

In the embrace of Laamu, my senses came alive, and I found myself attuned to the beauty and magic of the world around me. This resort in the Indian Ocean truly transcended any expectations I had of a dreamy vacation, and it became an experience etched in my heart forever. The place where sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell combined in perfect harmony to create an enchanting symphony of sensations—a paradise on earth I will never forget.

For more on the latest travel, click here.

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from LUXUO

Evergreen’s Seahorse 57 Micro EDC Case Can Withstand Extreme Outdoor Adventures

Evergreen's Seahorse 57 Micro EDC Case

Evergreen's Seahorse 57 Micro EDC Case is IP67 waterproof, impact and shock resistant, dustproof and uses a 3-step twist action lock for extra security and protection of your gear.

from Men's Gear

Luxury Powerhouses: Kering Buys 30 Percent of Valentino, LVMH Pays US $166 Million To Sponsor The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics

Last week The Kering Group made an acquisition bid towards Valentino, announcing that it bought a 30 percent stake in the Italian Maison for €1.7 billion in cash. The move is part of a broader strategic partnership with Qatari investment fund Mayhoola as Gucci — another house under the Kering umbrella — navigates its way during a transitional year towards growth. Gucci, which accounts for nearly half of Kering revenues, is in the midst of a managerial reshuffling having recently found a new creative director in Sabato De Sarno, replacing predecessor Alessandro Michele who had been at the helm of the Italian label since 2015. 

Gucci’s New Creative Director Sabato De Sarno

ABC News reports that while Gucci sales “stagnate”, Kering achieved first-half revenues of €10.1 billion for the first half of the fiscal year of 2023, with two percent year-on-year increase both as reported and on a comparable basis. Part of the deal stipulates that Kering will have the option to buy 100 percent of Valentino by 2028. Valentino recorded revenues of €1.4 billion in 2022 perhaps partially due to the stability of Pierpaolo Piccoli’s role as creative director which he has helmed since 2008. News of the acquisition comes after Kering BeautĂ© procured luxury fragrance house Creed from BlackRock Long Term Private Capital Europe in a strategic move that aims to push the company’s future growth in the beauty industry.

Read More: Kering Acquires Creed In A “Natural Extension” of The Group’s Luxury Universe

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering

Sabato De Sarno will make his debut at Gucci with the women’s Spring 2024 collection at the upcoming Milan Fashion Week in September. In an official statement, François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering commented: “I am impressed with the evolution of Valentino under Mayhoola ownership…I am very pleased of this first step in our collaboration with Mayhoola to develop Valentino and pursue the very strong strategic journey of brand elevation that Jacopo Venturini will continue to lead.”

Read More: Kering Group’s Saint Laurent Surges with 37% Growth in Q1 2022

While Kering prepares for a potential acquisition, LVMH gears up for a different kind of takeover altogether. LVMH’s Bernard Arnault plans to sponsor the 2024 Summer Olympics in a first-of-its-kind deal that comes with a US$166 million (or approx. €150 million) payout and will include Chaumet medals and Moet Hennessy wine. With Paris being the fashion capital of the world and the home of haute couture, the Summer 2024 games are expected to draw international eyeballs from both sport and sartorial appreciators, something which LVMH aims to leverage for growth in brand awareness and potential affinity by athlete association. It is a move which Arnault aptly says, “will contribute to heightening the appeal of France around the world.”

Read More: Richemont Group Says No to an Acquisition by LVMH

LVMH plans to go beyond one-dimensional product-placement-style marketing to a commitment to having a holistic part to play from the design of the games’ from medals  — by storied Parisian jeweler Chaumet —  to the production of wines and spirits by Moet Hennessy that will be served to guests. An official statement released by LVMH states that between now and the opening ceremony, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Berluti will also present different aspects of their engagement. While the scale may be a first of its kind, LVMH has a history of sponsorships with global sporting events with Hublot previously being the official timekeeper of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (Hublot’s third time serving in this role after the 2015 and 2019 tournaments). With the streaming of national sports being a multi-billion industry, LVMH aims to position itself in the realm of pop culture.

Read More: Strength to Strength: LVMH Bulls Through Q1 2023

The partnership is the latest in a longstanding relationship that LVMH has with sports, having previously provided support for high-level sporting showcases and prestigious international competitions including Louis Vuitton designing in-game outfits and a trophy-carrying case for the Riot Game’s League of Legends World Championship in 2020 and the release of Dior x Air Jordan 1 Sneakers during the NBA All-Star weekend in 2020. “From the creation of numerous trophies to the design of trunks made specially to hold them, LVMH Maisons have long been partners to the world of sports, spanning a wide variety of disciplines, from tennis, rugby and basketball to soccer and automobile racing”, an official statement from LVMH’s website reads.  

Read More: Armani Group Achieves Continuous Growth Across 2022 and Q1 2023

The Olympics are scheduled to take place from 26 July 2024 to 11 August 2024, and while Forbes reports that Parisians were initially apprehensive about the nation playing host with worries about traffic and increased rent, the Olympics will undoubtedly bring money into the French economy. 

For the latest in business, click here.

The post Luxury Powerhouses: Kering Buys 30 Percent of Valentino, LVMH Pays US $166 Million To Sponsor The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics appeared first on LUXUO.



from LUXUO

The OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M Paris 2024 Is A Commemorative Olympics Timepiece

The OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M Paris 2024 includes a stainless steel bracelet, but buyers can also purchase the Paris 2024 NATO straps to express support for the games.                                                                                                         

from Men's Gear

Escapade Revs Up Hype For Its Silverstone Circuit Development With Trackside Residences

Those who splurge on the $2.5 million three-bedroom and $2.9 million four-bedroom Escapade trackside residences also get a two-car garage.

from Men's Gear

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Oak & Iron’s Wave Pro Electric Pump Inflates Large Gear In Under 6.5 Minutes

Wave Pro Electric Pump

The Oak & Iron Wave Pro Electric Pump's dual-motor design efficiently inflates large outdoor gear from 0 to 15 Psi in under 6.5 minutes and runs on a rechargeable battery than can fill up three paddle boards at once.

from Men's Gear

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Eccentrica’s Lamborghini Diablo Restomod Sports A 3D-Printed Titanium Bodywork And A Revamped Cockpit

Eccentrica is also taking the 5.7-liter V12 and tuning its camshafts and valves, thereby boosting the output to 550 horsepower and 442.54 lb-ft of torque.

from Men's Gear

Jordan Brand’s Retro Fall Collection ’23 Drops The Air Jordan 3 Orewood Brown

The Air Jordan 3 Orewood Brown starts us off with a plush suede upper adorned with brown elephant prints.

from Men's Gear

KEF LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition: Sleek And Sporty Automotive-Inspired Speakers

The KEF LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition supports a wide range of wireless streaming features such as Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and standard Bluetooth 4.2 technology.

from Men's Gear

Palmer Limited Edition: Farer Launches A Classy GMT Timepiece

The Palmer Limited Edition is powered by a Swiss Sellita SW330-2 self-winding movement with a robust 56-hour power reserve.

from Men's Gear

Friday, July 28, 2023

The 48-Inch Dual-Fuel Pro Range From Signature Kitchen Suite Features A Sous Vide Function

Signature Kitchen Suite also equips the 48-inch Dual-Fuel Pro Range with Wi-Fi connectivity for remote operations via a companion app on Google and iOS devices.

from Men's Gear

Thursday, July 27, 2023

This ‘Ultra-Rare’ Omega Sports Apple-Branded Sneakers Could Be Yours For $50K

Omega Sports Apple-branded sneakers

These Omega Sports Apple-Branded Sneakers were custom-made for Apple employees back in the mid-90s and feature an all-white upper with a vintage rainbow Apple logo on the lateral quarter and on the tongue.

from Men's Gear

The Crystal Residence Is A Radiant Monolith Against Its Arid Landscape

The Crystal Residence, a digital marvel crafted with real-world applicability in mind, boasts a reflective exterior, sleek lines, and mirrored surfaces that make it gleam under the sun.

from Men's Gear

ARB Earth Camper: A Rugged Basecamp For Your Next Overlanding Adventure

How is your summer going so far? Are you like most folks who are out on excursions at the beach, lakes, rivers, or maybe abroad? Hiking and camping are also…

from Men's Gear

Relive Your Awesome Childhood Memories With The LEGO Ideas Tree House

The LEGO Ideas Tree House is a nostalgic treat for folks who experienced the real thing firsthand when they were kids and want to share it with the younger generation.

from Men's Gear

Caro Wins 50th Rolex Fastnet Race

Caro, Rolex Fastnet Race, Cowes, Cherbourg, Fastnet Rock, Max Klink, Botin 52
Caro in the 50th Rolex Fastnet Race. Photo: Luca Butto

The Swiss entry Caro, a Botin 52, joins an illustrious list of yachts that have won the 50th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race. Max Klink’s crew have proven themselves worthy amongst the largest fleet ever to participate in the event’s century-long history at 430 yachts. The Rolex Fastnet Race is known for being an examination of determination and endurance. The 2023 iteration has been no exception with a tumultuous race course filled with obstacles ranging from the arduously extreme to the frustratingly benign.

Caro, Rolex Fastnet Race, Cowes, Cherbourg, Fastnet Rock, Max Klink, Botin 52
Max Klink and the Caro crew. Photo: Luca Butto

The Fastnet Challenge Cup is awarded to the overall winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race based on time correction. Victory goes to the crew with both the skills and tenacity to race their specific yacht at its full potential, readily adapting to whatever the weather or sea conditions may be while sustaining a high level of focus across the long 695nm course from Cowes, England to Cherbourg, France. Luck is undeniably paramount as well considering how the wind may not always blow on course.

Founded in 1925, the Fastnet Race is organised by Royal Ocean Racing Club. Rolex has been the official event partner since 2001, the biennial offshore race standing as testament to the Swiss watchmaker’s 60 year romance with the sport of yachting.

A version of this article was first published on Yacht Style.

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Wednesday, July 26, 2023

The $7M John Byers-Designed Contrapuntal House Hosts A Two-Story Concert Hall

Contrapuntal House

Contrapuntal House measures 5,389 square feet and hosts the two-story "Contrapuntal Performance Hall" which has a concert hall on the first and an 8,000-title custom library on the second.

from Men's Gear

Travel In Comfort And Style With The Unbreakable MVST Select TREK Aluminum Suitcase

MVST Select TREK Aluminum Suitcases

VST Select's TREK Aluminum Suitcases comes in a heavy-duty aluminum-magnesium alloy shell with reinforced corners with a telescopic handle, zipperless closure, TSA-approved combination locks, and anti-microbial fabric lining.

from Men's Gear

A McLaren Solus GT Wins The Timed Shootout At The 2023 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

In tests, the Solus GT can quickly hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 2.5 seconds, courtesy of its 829-horsepower 5.2-liter V10.

from Men's Gear

Sony HT-AX7 A Compact And Modular Speaker System For Immersive Audio

Even though companies market their mobile devices with audio enhancement technologies on board, the size of the speakers means the volume can only go so high. Hence, it’s best to…

from Men's Gear

Little House in the Pastizal Connects With Its Natural Landscape Via Sustainable Features

Little House in the Pastizal

Little House in the Pastizal boasts scenic views of San Roque Lake and its elevated structure promotes sustainable methods including the collection of rainwater and free water drainage.

from Men's Gear

The ROWND CNC Lathe Is The Cutting-Edge Upgrade Your Workshop Needs

Apart from the ROWND CNC Lathe, the premium kit comes with a laser engraver, automatic CNC drill, and Automatic tool changer.

from Men's Gear

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Tomtoc’s Explorer-A54 Crossbody Sling Bag Is Sleek Yet Spacious

tomtoc crossbody

The water-resistant Tomtoc Explorer-A54 Crossbody Sling Bag has an interior that can fit an 11-inch iPad or a MacBook 13", wallets, notebooks, a water bottle or umbrella, and has a quick-access front pocket and an invisible zipped back pocket.

from Men's Gear

A Popular LEGO Ideas Entry Is A 2,628-Piece Pioneer CDJ 2000 Nexus Turntable Replica

To make it even more immersive, the LEGO Ideas Pioneer CDJ 2000 Nexus features two replaceable LED panels.

from Men's Gear