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Tuesday, October 31, 2023
The Griff Nail Clipper Rotates For Efficient Cuts Even Without Holding
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The Alpha 50 Is A Sporty Dayboat Outfitted With Four Mercury Outboards To Cruise Over 78 Knots
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Furniture Experts In Their Craft and Materiality
Here are your must-know, go-to brands for materiality in luxury furniture. From supple, sexy leather found on seating systems to painstaking woodworking creations, you are assured of artisanal quality with these revered furniture brands. They are indeed leaders in their fields of expertise, so quality is never compromised!
Ceccotti — Woodworking Masters
“Neverfull” mid cabinet designed by Roberto Lazzeroni. Image: Ceccotti.
Established in 1956, Cecotti boasts 60 years of expertise in the woodworking industry, transforming furniture components into superior goods. Their studies on wood processing and handcrafted wood furniture have allowed them to work with several leading designers. Their international growth has been nothing short of amazing. Even now, Ceccotti Collezioni remains one of the pioneers in furniture processing wood. However, with the assistance of well-known Italian architect Paolo Portoghesi, who helped design some of the most recognisable items made by Ceccotti Collezioni, the firm leapfrogged ahead in 1986.
“Arbol” side table designed by Jamie Hayon. Image: Ceccotti.
The firm produced unique designs with constructive complexity thanks to its craftspeople. Discover some of Ceccotti’s creations at Proof Living, and you’ll agree their designs are practical rather than flashy. Their exquisite works, which they create using a variety of wood species, would not be possible without superb craftsmanship. If you’re in the mood for some Italian wooden furniture, Cecotti Collezioni is the place to go.
https://www.ceccotticollezioni.it/en/
Baxter — Leather Artisans
Baxter Chester Moon designed by Paola Navone. Image: Baxter.
Baxter furniture products are well-known for their subtle elegance, having been in the leather industry for over thirty years. They have developed the ideal mixture to tan, cure, and colour these magnificent skins thanks to their in-depth knowledge. Established in the 1990s, this 100 percent Italian company has grown into a worldwide brand, with design enthusiasts worldwide adoring its leather couches and armchairs. The “Tactile” sofa by Vincenzo De Cotiis and the “Chester Moon” sofa by Paola Navone are two of their best-selling items at Space Furniture. When choosing a leather sofa, Baxter knows every facet and detail of using leather to create their iconic products.
www.baxter.it
Glas Italia — Glass Perfectionists
“Liquefy” side tables designed by Patricia Urquiola. Image: Glas Italia.
Glas Italia, founded in Brianza, Italy, in 1972, is well-known for producing glass furniture. They have made some of the most exquisite glass furniture in the world thanks to their love of glass and their studies into its strength, translucency, and colour. Working with well-known designers like Patricia Urquiola and Piero Lissoni, the inventiveness of penmanship has resulted in authentic, valuable items that exude finesse and originality. Stocked at Space Furniture, you can find some of the most famous designs, such as “Wireframe” coffee tables, which combine extra-light glass slabs with an uneven, parallel piped shape to create a coffee table.
“Shimmer” side tables designed by Patricia Urquiola. Image: Glas Italia.
In contrast, Patricia Urquiola’s “Liquefy” focuses on giving glass veining and swirls that resemble marble. These modest tables have an air of mystery about them because of the organic ornamentation on coloured glass. The “Shimmer” side tables by Urquiola are also very charming. Each piece can have a distinct, ethereal appearance due to the iridescent multichromatic finish, which changes colours depending on the angle of the light source.
www.glasitalia.com
Arflex – God of Upholstery Work
“Marenco” sofa designed by Mario Marenco. Image: Arflex.
Arflex has the most upholstery knowledge of any furniture brand. The company was established in 1947 and has since received much recognition for experimenting with novel materials and technologies for seating solutions. Arflex is well known for its handmade approach to producing modern, classic furniture pieces, such as upholstered couches and armchairs. Distributed by Space Furniture, the “Marenco” sofa, created by Mario Marenco in 1970, is the company’s most famous item. It won the 2007 Wallpaper Design Award for best reissues in sofa design. Furthermore, Tito Agnoli’s “9000” couch system won the 1986 Compasso d’Oro, or Golden Compass, Award. Regarding upholstery excellence, look no further than these masters and artisans at Arflex.
www.arflex.it
Zanat – Woodcarving Masters
The story of Zanat goes back to Konjic located in Bosnia. Its founder Gano Nikšić, stumbled upon what once was a primitive wood-carving technique that originated from a small village in Konjic. Gano took it upon himself to learn the techniques from the woodcarvers. It didn’t take long for the woodcarvers to display their works in Budapest in 1896, followed by more exhibitions in Vienna in 1898, and finally, the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900. Gano passed his skills to his four sons and registered the first woodcarving workshop in the Nikšić family in 1919. Since then, and after two World Wars, there have been 36 furniture workshops in Konjic producing hand-carved objects for more than four generations. On December 6, 2017, the Konjic woodcarving technique, perfected and preserved to a large extent by our family, was officially inscribed onto the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Stocked at Xtra, today Zanat works with many designers such as Monica Förster, Harri Koskinen, and renowned Swedish architect Gert Wingårdh to create striking furniture pieces. This is the only UNESCO-listed hand-carving technique furniture brand bent on preserving and promoting the craft. If you desire a beautiful hand-carved wooden furniture piece, then Zanat is your most obvious choice. You’ll attest to the painstaking effort in churning out the details and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes back to techniques used 150 years ago!
www.zanat.org
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Monday, October 30, 2023
The Environmental Impact of Foam Glow Sticks
From concerts and parties to camping trips and emergency scenarios, glow sticks have developed into a mainstay at a variety of occasions and celebrations. The capacity to brighten the night and their vivid colors make these illuminating devices well-known. However, the fun and convenience of glow sticks frequently outweigh their negative effects on the environment. Here, we will examine eco-friendly substitutes and look into the environmental effects of foam glow sticks in this post.
The Glow Stick Lifecycle
It’s crucial to comprehend the lifecycle of foam glow sticks before looking at their environmental impact. To produce the light effect, these glow sticks normally have a plastic tube, chemicals, and foam within. Chemiluminescence is the process that causes the glow, and while the chemicals involved can vary, some typical ones are hydrogen peroxide and phenyl oxalate ester. Unfortunately, it is difficult to recycle glow sticks due to their composition.
The Environmental Concerns
Plastic Pollution
Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental problems associated with foam glow sticks. The plastic tube winds up in landfills or as litter because it is frequently single-use. These tubes are frequently not biodegradable, which means they can linger in the environment for a very long period and add to the catastrophe of global plastic pollution.
Chemical Waste
While the chemicals used in glow sticks are generally non-toxic, the release of any substance into the environment is a concern. When glow sticks break or are improperly disposed of, there’s a potential for these chemicals to leach into the soil and water, which could harm wildlife and ecosystems.
Disposal Considerations
Given the environmental concerns associated with foam glow sticks, it’s crucial to dispose of them responsibly. Here are a few disposal tips to minimize their impact:
Recycle the Plastic
Some recycling facilities accept plastic tubes of glow sticks. Check with your local recycling program to see if they can be recycled in your area. While not all facilities accept them, recycling is a better option than sending them to the landfill.
Proper Disposal
If recycling isn’t an option, dispose of glow sticks in the trash. Avoid littering or leaving them behind at outdoor events, as they can harm wildlife and contribute to pollution.
Consider Reusable Alternatives
In the interest of sustainability, consider using reusable glow sticks made from materials like silicone or plastic that can be recharged. While the initial investment may be higher, it’s a more eco-friendly choice in the long run.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional foam glow sticks that mitigate their environmental impact:
LED Glow Sticks
LED glow sticks are a popular eco-friendly choice. They use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of chemicals to produce light. They are reusable, battery-powered, and can last for a long time.
Solar-Powered Glow Sticks
Some innovative products now combine solar-powered technology with glow stick aesthetics. They charge during the day and emit light at night, eliminating the need for disposable components.
Conclusion
While foam glow sticks can be used for safety and amusement in a variety of settings, their environmental impact must be taken into consideration. To lessen their effect, responsible disposal is crucial, but choosing environmentally friendly alternatives is preferable. We can lessen our ecological footprint while still enjoying the vivacious glow of light at our preferred events and activities by making sustainable choices and educating people about the environmental effects of foam glow sticks.
For more lifestyle reads, click here.
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The James Brand Partners With Timex For A Special Edition Ironman Timepiece In A Vibrant Neon Colorway
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Audi Tops the Luxury Car Safety Charts in 2023
Safety is becoming more important to luxury car buyers. Wealthy individuals want vehicles that will protect themselves and their passengers.
However, it isn’t always clear which brand offers the best safety profile. Now, though, figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal a winner – the German automaker Audi.
The NHTSA looked at the rate of crashes per 1,000 drivers and found that Audi had a crash rate of just 0.54, putting it below tech leader Mercedes at 0.55 and far from Subaru which was up at 0.75.
The question on many people’s lips is why Audi is so safe. After all, Mercedes is the manufacturer that tends to bring the latest safety technology to market first.
The main reason appears to be the brand’s heavy investment in safety technology in recent years. The company conducts significant research and development in-house, allowing it to bring technologies to market at a lower price point than its rivals. Drivers benefit from comprehensive safety features across the range instead of solely on high-end models.
Are Advanced Safety Features Necessary?
Previously, skeptics scoffed at the value of advanced car safety features, calling them gimmicky. However, the evidence suggests that it is effective, especially in recent years. Advanced driver assistance systems are finally coming of age and having a noticeable impact on the number of insurance claims. Data from LexisNexis Risk Solutions suggests that bodily injury claims are 27 percent lower with these systems, and property damage claims are 19 percent lower.
These statistics are good news for drivers. It means that they can expect statistically different outcomes driving Audi vehicles than conventional cars. It represents a genuine upgrade.
Car accident attorney Adam S. Kutcher is at the forefront of the consequences of vehicle collisions. The lawyer has tremendous knowledge of how vehicle accidents can cause harm.
“The people that come to us are real people who are often going through the most challenging time in their life,” he says. “People worry about who will pay their medical bills and lost wages, even if insurers agree to pay to replace vehicles. That’s why this new technology is so exciting for everyone who practices in this area. We don’t want to see people getting hurt. Instead, we want to make sure everyone stays safe and that as many people avoid this harrowing experience as possible.”
Currently, tort law is helpful to victims of car accidents through additional provisions in the legal code. But the reality is that many people never recover from their injuries and can’t go back to work, regardless of the medical care they receive.
“We can sometimes get big rewards for people seriously injured in car accidents, but financial compensation is only ever partial,” says Kutcher. “Money can’t fix a disability or even a tragic death in the family for an auto accident. That’s why car manufacturers are stepping up to the plate and investing in this technology.”
The Components Of Advanced Driver Safety Systems
Advanced driver safety systems refer to a plethora of technologies car manufacturers are including in their vehicles thanks to advances in software and chip technology.
Automatic emergency braking is one of the most coveted features. Vehicles can now brake independently of drivers if they believe a crash is imminent, preventing rear-end shunts and jackknifes at interchanges.
Manufacturers have gradually increased the range of situations in which this technology will activate over recent years. Previously, it was solely to stop drivers from bumping into the car ahead, but now cameras can detect cross-traffic, even when reversing, and apply brakes automatically.
Blind spot detection is another critical technology. Vehicles now provide drivers with warnings if there is a car in their blind spot and will sometimes prevent them from leaving their lane if another vehicle is present, even if they turn the steering wheel.
Forward and rear collision warnings are also becoming more widespread. These tell drivers whether another driver is likely to hit them, giving them an opportunity to take evasive action or brace.
Audi also equips its vehicles with a clever pedestrian detection system. Computers and sensors analyze the road ahead, looking out for people walking out into the street, even from behind parked cars. Vehicles will automatically brake if they believe a crash is likely.
Finally, many vehicles with advanced driver safety systems also have adaptive cruise control. This feature matches the vehicle’s speed to the traffic ahead, speeding up and slowing down without any driver input necessary. It’s a safety feature because it eliminates human error from the equation. Drivers are far less likely to cause harm.
Should You Get A Luxury Car With Advanced Safety Features?
The big question, of course, is whether you personally should get a luxury car with advanced safety features. For many drivers, once they try these features, they never want to go back. That’s certainly true of professional Lyft and Uber drivers.
However, the systems are expensive. Microchips are in short supply and these technologies have billions of dollars of sunk costs automotive manufacturers need to recover.
“We’d obviously like to see more people choosing to use advanced safety features in their vehicles,” Kutcher admits. “But when you see the pricing, it is clear that the industry has a long way to go before the technology becomes universal.”
Repair costs are also an issue. An AAA study found that cars with automatic braking, lane departure warnings, and blind spot monitoring require additional maintenance steps that conventional vehicles do not. Cars are simply too complicated for the average mechanic and need specialists with the proper tools. Fixes are not simple.
Even so, those who make the jump to these technologies almost always say it’s worth it. And that’s why premium European brands like Audi are so keen to include them in their new vehicles. Luxury isn’t just about comfort. It also includes a degree of safety.
Surprisingly, more than one in ten drivers switches off their vehicle’s safety systems, preventing them from working. Perhaps regulation will prevent this from happening in the future.
For more automotive related reads, click here.
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Sunday, October 29, 2023
This Rugged 1994 AM General Hummer H1 Camper Conversion Recently Went Up For Auction
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Meet the New Face of Breitling’s Navitimer 32 and 36
Academy-award winning actress Charlize Theron is Breitling’s latest ambassador as the luxury Swiss watchmaking brand introduces the Navitimer in 32mm and 36mm case sizes. The collection is populated by references in 41mm, 43mm, and 46mm sizes, which is ideal for fans who favour smaller watches. To accompany the debut of the Navitimer 32 and 36, Breitling launched its campaign “Navitimer — For the Journey“ starring Breitling ambassador Charlize Theron who shares that she did not intend to get into acting but was rather a “ballet dancer, acting without even realising it”. The campaign sees Theron recount her own journey across continents and the performing arts, where she showcases the versatility of the new references to suit various occasions and ensembles. From her morning meetings to a glamorous soiree, Charlize reveals her incredible journey with the Navitimer 32 and 36 in tow.
Starting out in 1952 as a navigational watch, the Navitimer is now reimagined as a more compact timepiece for everyday wear that still retains hallmarks of its history as a chronograph for pilots. The Navitimer Automatic 36 features the circular slide rule circumscribed by a beaded bidirectional bezel, and it is powered by the Breitling 17 self-winding mechanical movement with 38 hours of power reserve.
Read More: Breitling Goes Better With the Breitling Super Chronomat Origins
While perhaps more elegant but in no way less physically demanding than the piloting roots of the Navitimer, Charlize reflects on her own background in physical movement. “If there’s anything you learn in ballet, it’s discipline. You have to put in the hours. Telling stories for so many years using only physical movement became a huge advantage. Now, I think the two things filmmakers appreciate about me are just that: my physicality in storytelling and my work ethic,” says the actress.
Read More: Breitling Super AVI Wants To Be Your Co-pilot
The Navitimer 32, powered by the Breitling 77 thermo-compensated quartz movement, eschews the circular slide rule to give its smaller dial an uncluttered, minimalist aesthetic. Enhancing the elegance and jewellery-like appeal of the novelties are dials in pastel tones or mother-of-pearl, and precious metals such as 18K red gold in the case and bracelet. Breitling’s Navitimer began 70 years ago as a navigational timepiece for aviators. Today, it’s a symbol for all those plotting their personal journeys through life.
Elements of this article was referenced from Grazia Singapore.
For the latest in luxury watch reads, click here.
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Jennifer Lopez Sells Bel Air Home At 1492 Stone Canyon Road For $34M
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Saturday, October 28, 2023
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Friday, October 27, 2023
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Ferretti Yachts, Wally Stage US debuts at Fort Lauderdale
Ferretti Group is staging the Americas premieres of the Ferretti Yachts 1000 SkyDeck and Wally’s wallywhy150 at the 64th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (25-29 October).
According to show organiser Informa Markets, the five-day event in Florida features over 1,300 boats and 1,000 brands, and is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors over the five days, with water-taxi services connecting the seven sites.
As well as Ferretti Yachts’ first SkyDeck model and the wallywhy150, Ferretti Group’s nine-yacht display includes the Ferretti Yachts 860 (click for Review), wallypower58 (click for Review), Pershing 6X and Pershing 7X, Riva’s 88’ Folgore and 110’ Dolcevita, and a Custom Line 106’.
Sanlorenzo is staging the US debut of the Alloy (44m), a model that launched in 2020 and now has hull 12 in build. The Italian builder’s seven-model display also includes an SX88, SD90, SL86, SL90A, SL96A and SL120A, while sister brand Bluegame is showing a BG42 and BG74.
Absolute is presenting five models including its flagship Navetta 75 (click for Review), which debuted in Cannes last year. The inland Italian builder is also showing the Navetta 52 and Navetta 68 from its semi-displacement series, 62 Fly and 48 Coupé at Bahia Mar Convention Center.
Princess is hosting the US debut of the Y95, a model that appeared at the Cannes Yachting Festival last month and is making its Asia debut in Singapore this weekend. The Princess X80 is making her FLIBS debut, while the British builder’s five-strong display also includes Y85, F55 and F50 flybridge models.
Meanwhile, Italian sister brands Invictus and Capoforte, represented in Hong Kong by NextWave Yachtingand both featuring models designed by Christian Grande, are making their Fort Lauderdale debut. Invictus is showcasing the TT280S outboard model, new TT420 and flagship TT460, while Capoforte is displaying its FX270.
This article was first published on yachtstyle.co
For more the latest in luxury yachting stories, click here.
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Thursday, October 26, 2023
Drift Energy Proposes The Use Of Its MVY Sailing Catamaran Concept To Produce Hydrogen Sustainably
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Wednesday, October 25, 2023
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Mirsham Habib on HARTA’s Initiative to Celebrate Malaysian Art and Culture
The Malaysian-based purveyor of extraordinary jewellery HABIB has just unveiled HARTA. HARTA which stands for Habib: Action for Revival of our Traditions Arts, is an initaitive of the renowned jeweller to celebrate Peranakan cultural roots and art. While Habib is renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, the company also maintaints its commitment to preserving and revitalising Malaysia’s traditions and arts. With deep-rooted pride in its Penang origins, Habib aims to educate and engage the public on the opulence of Malaysian culture. HARTA is divided into three components. First, the museum which highlights the gilded traditions of the multi-ethnic Peranakan heritage, with over 800 unique pieces collected over 65 years. Next, the art gallery which compliments the HARTA Museum, operates as an outlet to spotlight the works of contemporary Malaysian artists and artisans showcasing exclusive artworks from 16 talents. This is followed by the café which is where visitors can unwind and taste delicious treats while engaging in discussions about Malaysian culture – past and present.
LUXUO speaks exclusively to Mirsham Meer, Director of HARTA on his passion for contemporary Malaysian art scene, the conceptualisation of HARTA and how he aims to reinvigorate the younger generation on local cultural heritage and the arts.
When did you first get interested in local art?
Growing up my parents exposed us to the arts, particularly Malaysian art, from a young age. They have been collecting for as long as I remember and have formed close relationships with some artists.
They have always been very proud Malaysians and serious about preserving our Malaysian history. They want the future generations of Malaysia to understand our culture, traditions and history.
How did art lead you — together with your family — to think about setting up the HARTA Museum and Art Gallery?
This year marks HABIB’s 65th anniversary, and when thinking about what we want to achieve with the brand (beyond our financial goals), we decided we wanted the brand to help Malaysians build more pride in our country, and we thought to do this through educating and exposing younger Malaysians to our traditions and arts – so HARTA was born.
Did this connect you to your on heritage and that of your grandfather who founded the Habib Group?
Absolutely! My grandfather started the business 65 years ago and played a role in how the jewellery industry was shaped in Malaysia, particularly in the Northern states like Penang, Kedah and Kelantan.
He was a proud Malaysian and would have loved to see our traditions and heritage continue onto the younger generations.
What led you to develop such a strong passion on the contemporary Malaysian art scene?
In addition to the exposure we had growing up, I lived in the United Kingdom for a number of years where I was exposed to some of the greatest artworks in history (the Tate Modern was literally a 10 minute walk from my university). This is where I got really excited about the art world. It became an obsession. Moving back to Kuala Lumpur in 2019, I wanted to really get to know the art scene here and get to know gallerists and artists. It also felt like a really interesting time to be part of the scene as there were a lot of younger people getting into the scene – as artists, gallerists, collectors, or just enthusiasts. New galleries were popping up every few months, there were new shows to go to every weekend. It was really exciting!
Malaysia has numerous talented artists. Where and how do you find new artists to exhibit and what do you look for when considering a new artist for your gallery?
We have two main aims for our gallery space:
- To provide more exposure to Malaysian artists
- To encourage newer people to appreciate Malaysian art.
Therefore, when considering what shows and programming to do for the space, we keep in mind that the show has to be simple, easy to understand and attractive for new art enthusiasts. We want to exhibit both emerging and established artists – for different reasons. We feel that giving more exposure to emerging artists can help build their careers, but also exhibiting more established artists can be interesting for people to see and also to inspire young artists.
You seem to greatly enjoy engaging and communicating with a younger generation of art lovers – tell us more about this endeavour.
We want younger Malaysians to be more excited about our heritage and our arts – as I mentioned earlier, we want to help build up pride in our country, particularly amongst younger Malaysians.
Our country is so rich in history, and our cultural history is so diverse. Additionally, we have so many fantastic artists telling their own stories through their art. I truly believe a lot of our artists are world class but just haven’t had the opportunities to step up to that level. We are hoping that whatever we are doing can help contribute to that next stage of growth for Malaysian art.
Tell us about the exhibitions currently staged at the art gallery, based on the symbolic idea of a home?
At our gallery, we don’t curate the shows ourselves as we prefer working with external curators and galleries who have a more discerning eye in the art scene. Our first show was curated by Aminah Ibrahim, a freelance curator in KL (previously with A+ Gallery).
HARTA’s first exhibition is called Open House. The exhibition explores Malaysian domestic spaces as inspirational and aspirational, offering a closer look at the treasure of everyday. It features multimedia work by artists Azzah Sultan, Bayu Atom Radjikin, Chong Yan Chuah, Fawwaz Sukri, Gan Tee Sheng, James Seet, Nadirah Zakariya, Raimi Saini, Umi Baizurah, Yuki Tham as well as works from HARTA’s own collection by Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Atiqah Khairul Anwar, Ismail Awi, Jalaini Abu Hassan, Lee Long Looi and Yee I-Lann. The exhibition, much like a home, is divided into several “rooms”: Kitchen, Living Room, Bedroom and Garden, with each room investigating different arenas of domesticity. Guests are invited to roam as they please and delve into the many narratives, objects, technology, emotions and histories displayed by the artists.
Open Houses hold significance in Malaysian culture where we welcome family, friends and acquaintances into our home. It felt important to introduce HARTA in a way that was accessible and welcoming.
Tell us more about the amazing artwork you have commissioned from Najib?
Najib Ahmad Bamadhaj is such a fantastic artist and I’m a big fan of his work. We commissioned him to create the “Kebaya Series”, a special artwork featuring three models of different races wearing traditional Kebayas and Peranakan jewelleries that are part of our museum collection. The kebaya is such a unique yet universal part of our culture because anyone can wear them, so we felt this was a great metaphor of what HARTA stands for – a creative space for all Malaysians to appreciate our art and traditions. It is a mixed art piece that incorporates charcoal, acrylic paint, kebaya cloth collages and Meranti board – all materials which bring its own identity and personality. It’s also one of the first artworks you see when you enter HARTA.
How important is the presence of the Café in the whole HARTA concept?
HARTA Café is a little café within our space. It serves specialty coffee, matcha, chocolate and some pastries and sandwiches too. The space serves a couple purposes such as being a hangout space for gallery/museum visitors to chill after browsing; and also to attract people to come up to the space and hangout. By attracting visitors to the café, we hope that those visitors will pop into our gallery or museum spaces after.
In the café, we also feature artworks from Malaysian artists rotating every few weeks. The artworks aren’t curated to any particular theme, but more just fun artworks that we like and want our customers to see.
What is planned for the art gallery across 2024?
We have a series of shows and educational events planned. We will partner up with other galleries and institutions to provide a wide range of shows including solo shows for emerging and senior artists. We also plan to have educational workshops and talks covering topics around Malaysia history, culture, fashion, film and many more!
What is your favourite museum in Malaysia?
Do I have to pick one? To be honest, there are so many amazing museums in Malaysia – public and private.
Of course, our Muzium Negara is fantastic and I encourage everyone to drop by when they visit. The Islamic Arts Museum in KL and the Borneo Culture Museum in Kuching are also both amazing! Must visits!
What are your recommendations for art lovers heading to Kuala Lumpur and wanting to experience the art scene in the city?
Again, so much to choose from!
I think the Ilham Gallery is fantastic. The quality of the curation is world class and I love that we have an institution like that in Malaysia. For those that want to see more Malaysian artists, the National Art Gallery, Bank Negara Malaysia Museum, G13 Gallery and Rissim Contemporary are really interesting. A+ and Taksu feature regional artists and their shows are also superb. Lastly, there are some amazing private collections on display in galleries like UR-MU and Galeri Z.
If you were to name one mentor who has inspired you in your life, who would that be?
I can’t say one without the other, but I’d definitely say my parents. Not only because of their dedication to this project, but throughout my life they’ve been amazing examples of how to work hard to achieve success, whilst remaining humble and completely down to earth. Their kindness and dedication to the people around them is very inspiring and I hope that through our work, we not only preserve our Malaysian heritage and traditions, but also preserve their legacy that they’ve built together.
Details on the HARTA showspace are as follows:
Address: Habib Jewels Sdn Bhd, Lot 93-95, Ampang Point, Lorong Mamanda 2, 68000 Ampang, Selangor.
Opening hours:
HARTA Museum & Art Gallery: 10AM – 5PM (Monday – Sunday)
HARTA Café: 8.30AM – 5PM (Tuesday – Friday), 10AM – 5PM (Saturday – Sunday)
For more on art features and exclusive interviews, click here.
The post Mirsham Habib on HARTA’s Initiative to Celebrate Malaysian Art and Culture appeared first on LUXUO.
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Tuesday, October 24, 2023
WhistlePig Just Dropped All Three Expressions Of Its Farmstock Beyond Bonded Collection
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Suzuki MOQBA: A Modular All-Electric Mobility Platform Concept That Can Practically Go Anywhere
from Men's Gear
Opinion: Lil Miquela & The Fall of the AI influencer
Branded as “the first Western virtual influencer to have achieved global success” Lil Miquela made her debut on Instagram in 2016. Named Miquela Sousa or Lil Miquela, she fascinated many with her human-like appearance causing many to speculate if she was a marketing stunt, based on a real person, or something else entirely. Trevor McFedries and Sara DeCou of robotics and AI firm Brud, announced they were behind Lil Miquela in 2018. Amassing some 2.7 million followers on Instagram, the self-proclaimed 19-year-old robot Miquela is perhaps the world’s first (and most famous) AI influencer. She joins a growing trend of virtual influencers. This year, Lil Miquela signed with CAA and is projected to earn over USD10 million. As Forbes puts in plainly, someone who doesn’t exist is more successful than you. Let that sink in.
However despite the recent success, some reports state that Lil Miquela seems to have lost her splendor. Her TikTok account has been inactive since November 2022, her YouTube channel hasn’t been updated in two years, and her Instagram account only posts three times a month, with a significant drop in fan engagement. LUXUO dissects what brought on the fall of the virutal influencer.
The Ethical Controversies
Oftentimes, the ethics of these Ai-generated characters come into play. Case in point, Shudu Gram. Shudu was a black C.G.I. model created by the white fashion photographer Cameron-James Wilson around 2017. By 2019 Shundu had been featured on WWD, Vogue and fronted campaigns for Balmain and Ellesse. However, Shudu would later be labelled as a form of “digital blackface” with creator Cameron-James Wilson being heavily criticised for profiting off of a Black model’s digital career. Where Shudu faced backlash for blackface, Miquela had her fair share of controversy of queerbaiting in a 2019 Calvin Klein advertisement. In the video campaign, Miquela shares a kiss with supermodel Bella Hadid causing fans to accuse the brand of using and sexualising Miquela. That same year Miquela faced online backlash after releasing a vlog in which she talked about her “experience” with being sexually assaulted.
“Sure enough, I just feel this guy’s cold, meaty hand touch my leg as if he was confirming I’m real. His hand literally lingers there rubbing my skin,” she said of the “creepy ass man” she was supposedly sharing a Lyft with. This caused many to be critical Miquela for co-opting real, tragic stories, especially as critics felt like the storyline was created in a bid to make Miquela appear more “real” and “relatable”.
Do We Need AI Influencers?
According to marketingbrew, companies from Ogilvy to Balmain and Old Spice are looking to partner with virtual influencers—or in some cases, create their own. However, the rapid development of technology that’s often involved in creating them, including AI, is a space that is still being understood. While luxury brands may find virtual influencers tempting because brands have a have a lot more creative control, the digital landscape is constantly shifting and simply put, Miquela does not keep up. As a 3D animated character created in 2016, the advent of generative AI in recent years has disrupted the digital landscape and in doing so, created more sophisticated images, texts, sounds or videos which are getting increasingly harder to distinguish from reality. One could argue the technology used for Lil Miquela is outdated. The technology used to create an virtural influencer in 2021 would already be outdated.
Celebrities are also moving towards AI. Meta is paying one top creator as much as USD 5 million over two years for six hours of work in a studio to use their likeness as an AI assistant. For example, Kendall Jenner’s likeness is used for Billie, who is portrayed as a big sister to give users advice. And Tom Brady plays Bru, a chatbot for debating sports. Billie (not Kendall) is one of Meta’s 28 AIs that can communicate with you on Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
Miquela also stands for the fear-ridden idea that humans may be replaced with artifical intelligence. This is a TikTok trend we are already seeing as more “real life” influncers are impersonating “non-player characters” or NPC. Users livestream themselves acting like an “NPC” with pre-written dialogue—complete with nonsensical phrases like “ice cream so good” used in response to gifts given by their audience. As much as these robotic (and perhaps erotic) trends are confusing the internet, it is the influencers who are making the last laugh, taking in up to USD 7,000 a day for five catchphrases as reported by The Guardian. This begs the question, if Ai is already moving to more realistic virtual characters and “real life” influencers are acting like AI, does a virtual influencer from 2016 stand a chance?
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