If someone tasked avant-garde filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky with creating an opulent desert palace, drawing inspiration from Star Wars and the Royal Family, we imagine it would look something like Erth, Abu Dhabi. ERTH, meaning “legacy” in Arabic, is an architectural behemoth of a resort, and even to the most initiated globetrotter, this sun- soaked haven is an indelible feast for the senses.
Previously the home of the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, ERTH has been re-imagined as a unique destination for the ultimate Emirati experience, providing authentic cuisine and activities located in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
Comprised of six restaurants, a blue-flag certified private beach, swimming pool, indoor and outdoor recreational hub, fitness centre and a gym, a recently added ballroom, and offering 237 rooms, 42 suites and 13 villas, you’ll be lucky if you don’t get lost, but our instincts tell us that you secretly might want to.
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been to those hotels that claim to offer a fitness centre, but upon arrival one is quickly disheartened to find all but one treadmill and perhaps a few free weights that don’t exceed 10kg. ERTH makes no such empty promise. If you’re looking to hit a new PR on the bench press, or attempting to eclipse Michael Phelps as the fastest man in the water, then the Olympic-sized swimming pool or the plethora of gym equipment will quench all your fitness needs, and then some. Gym, beach, food, is the order of activities we’d humbly suggest.
For those looking for a tranquil escape from their daily routines, the serene and rejuvenating ERTH resort will leave you wanting more, if not extending your stay for just a few extra days.
As Jerry Seinfeld once said, “there’s no such thing as fun for the whole family,” and although that may be true more often than not, in this instance, we’ve finally proved him wrong.
Originally published on Esquire ME
Just last weekend, the world got its first look at the newest Maserati masterpiece. Unveiled at Monterey Car Week 2024 in California, the Maserati GT2 Stradale is so ...Maserati. Not saying that due to limited vocabulary or inadequate car knowledge (well, maybe a little of the latter), but because the brand makes its mark combining the best traits of racing with the mass production of performance drives.
The Maserati GT2 Stradale is entirely that. It inherits the technical prowess from track model GT2 (created for the brand's return to GT competitions) and melds it with the stylish hallmarks of the MC20. Whoever is responsible for copywriting 'Road-legal, barely' deserves a raise.
As the House of the Trident commemorates 110 years of race heritage this year, it is not holding back on showcasing its storied milestones. The first customer unit of the track-only MCXtrema, the Maserati Classiche program, and limited edition MC20 Icona tributes to the 20th anniversary of GT championships comeback. Which got us thinking.
Sure, these activations are mostly happening in North America, but that doesn't mean we can't appreciate the luxury, technology and aesthetic excellence of these beasts. Here are five favourites from recent years.
In a partnership probably no one saw coming, godfather of streetwear subculture Hiroshi Fujiwara teams up with the brand on the classic sedan. And thus the resulting full-black Operanera and all-white Operabianca went down in history books. The subtle alphanumeric code M157110519FRG is a stamp of Ghibli's internal ID, the date of Fujiwara's first visit to Centro Stile Maserati on 5 November 2019, and an acronym of Fragment.
Of course global brand ambassador David Beckham decked out his own MC20 with accents of Miami. And though you can't lay hands on that one-off fit, you can tap into his vision in a dedicated two-palette collection. “Night Interaction” blue is inspired by the 1967 Maserati Ghibli, the first of the House that left an impression on Beckham; while “Verde Royale” dark green is sparked from the 1986 Maserati Quattroporte Royale, an exclusive run of the four door sports car.
Taking its striking visuals after the championship-winning MC12 GT1, this standout of Sleek Nero Essenza and Digital Mint is themed to the T with matching glossy black wheels and hued Tridents. It's not just the skin that looks unceremoniously cool. A carefully crafted interior with four-way lightweight monocoque racing seats and extensive use of carbon fiber in the cockpit is are all fashioned in the name of acceleration.
There's Maserati F Tributo; a meaningful homage to Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first woman to compete in Formula 1. It's just not as attention-grabbing as a hot pink Barbiecore Grecale. The ultra-limited edition Mattel SUV availed in only two custom units globally. A portion of proceeds for the one auctioned at Neiman Marcus’ Fantasy Gift event benefitted the Barbie Dream Gap Project; an initiative that partners with charities towards equal opportunities for girls. Besides the Barbie logo, pink stitching, and acid-yellow trimmings a nod to racing, this Trofeo version is finished with an iridescent topcoat for maximum glamour.
Okay, we know we said recent years but a Maserati commissioned by an ice cream company would be a crime to leave out. Earning its moniker from sponsor Eldorado Sud in 1958, this mythical creature was birthed to compete in a race that attempted to bring European and American racing culture together. Despite hitting a top speed of more than 350km/h, its steering broke at 250km/h and driver Stirling Moss later referred to it as the scariest motor racing accident of his career. Fortunately, he was unhurt and a final restoration of the automobile is part of the Umberto Panini Collection today.
There’s something really nice about knowing that the accommodation you’re setting camp at has an extensive history. Its mere presence a proof that it effortlessly accomplishes what other businesses can only attempt to do—withstand the test of time.
Not just the 14 years since it has been established under the Dorchester Collection. It traces back to 1066 (you read that right) when the land was first bestowed by the last Saxon king of England to Westminster Abbey.
Fast forward seven centuries or so, and Coworth House was built for East India merchant William Shepheard, whose namesake suite I had the opportunity to spend two nights in. Suites and cottages inherit their names from previous owners through the generations; another honouring of the manor’s historical significance.
The property reads like a chronicle of what the grounds have seen. The enduring theme as the only hotel in the entire UK where you can learn to play polo and continue watching world-class matches is inevitably equestrian. Besides décor (a favourite being the cheeky horse portraits in the tea room), even the vast wildflower meadow before the mansion house is carefully calibrated to reach full bloom in time for the Royal Ascot, which race course Coworth Park is one of the closest lodgings to.
The quietly magnificent bronze tree that greets you in the lobby was cast from an actual tree; the dried branches are a unique motif adorning the bedposts in the suites. Outside, the sunken garden’s floral myriad is a pretty and very English sight, but the lime grove easily steals the attention. It may not look like much from afar but passing through the picturesque tunnel of trees from within feels about as healing as it can get.
The hotel offers a variety of activities spanning archery, falconry, duck herding, beekeeping, uh, laser clay shooting and more. Honestly though, just taking a peaceful stroll to admire the vicinity suffices. What I thought would be a quick jaunt along the perimeter of the estate took me an hour. Bypassing the field and stables managed by the esteemed Guards Polo Club, a pond or two, a tennis court and a helipad.
Alright, it is a sprawling 240 acres after all. If that isn’t enough nature immersion, trot over to the nearby Windsor Great Park. It’s sizeable but personally would recommend walking instead of using provided bicycles since some lanes are footpaths only, and the pedestrian lanes leading there require an experienced rider.
A heated pool with music playing underwater. The absolute pastoral tranquility where the only thing remotely reminding you of modernity would be occasional planes flying overhead. And I can’t believe I’m saying this about English cuisine, but the food was one of the highlights.
Aptly monikered The Barn, the restaurant that once hosted impromptu post-polo parties has a casual ambience to settle into nicely. The smoked then seared starter is probably the best version of mackerel I’ve ever had. For mains, the lamb rump (recommended by an aesthetician at the hotel’s award-winning spa) came up to expectations, paired with a chimichurri sauce that only further enhanced the tender meat.
36km from London or a half-hour drive from Heathrow airport, Coworth Park is not the only refined retreat in the precinct. Yet, what sets it apart is while rightfully elegant in a big-brand vein, there is a radiating warmth and cosiness that feels nearly domestic. It is reassurance that for the ensuing few Coworth Park days, you’re in for true rural charm.
A fountain pen is like a tie these days. It is not a necessity but an expression of taste—and a chance to snatch a little extra joy from the grip of everyday existence. Given the choice, would you rather scratch out a note with a cheap plastic ballpoint or glide a finely tuned 18k-gold nib over a sheet of paper? No contest.
This brings us to Montblanc. Founded in 1906 with the catchy name Simplizissiumus-Füllhalter, the company pioneered modern, easy-to-use fountain pens. And the Meisterstück—German for “masterpiece”—has been the pinnacle of its lineup since it was introduced in 1924. It’s the fountain pen elevated to an art form. Combining superior engineering and materials, the century-old Meisterstück takes the writing experience to another level by ensuring that the ink flows in an unbroken stream from reservoir to nib to paper without the slightest pressure from the user. It’s a simple pleasure but a profound one. And sometimes—more often than you might expect—that is precisely what you need.
Originally published on Esquire US
Handsome and unbelievably sleek, the Seamaster Aqua Terra is a watch you’d reach for time and again. The simplicity of the timepiece is marked by a beautiful lacquered black varnish dial set against a symmetrical stainless steel case. At the back is a screw-in caseback that’s accented with a wave-edged design; a nod to Omega’s maritime heritage. It isn’t a flashy piece and it doesn’t have to be if you’re already comfortable in your own skin.
Trail runners require the best cushioning and support; Hoka’s Speedgoat 6 has them in spades. The latest iteration of the Speedgoat trail-running series is refined with a breathable textile upper, an internal support chasis to keep the foot snug and in place, a plusher dual gusset tongue and a revised lug orientation. It’s a surety that whatever one encounters on the trail, the feet are always protected.
There is a certain genius to Prada’s constant explorations of abject uniformity and turning staples into something more inspiring. The latest incarnation of Prada’s Re-Nylon backpack stays true to its archival, timeless style. And yet, it’s modernised with a detachable leather strap wide enough for the backpack to be carried in a stylish, rakish manner.
Getting a good, deep sleep is as important as keeping to a healthy lifestyle—you can’t exactly do one without the other. This Works’ Deep Sleep Pillow Spray is a blend of lavender, camomile and vetiver oils that together, encourage the mind and body to zen and zone out. Spritz your pillow when you’re about to head to bed and let the aroma lead you to a soothing state for better sleep.
Auchentoshan’s Three Wood has that warm and uplifting aroma you would expect from a single malt. It’s then heightened by a complex flavour profile. Matured in three different cask types— American Bourbon to Spanish Oloroso Sherry to Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks—the profile has notes of fruits and hints of cinnamon, lemon and butterscotch. An irresistible oaky sweetness lingers for a smooth finish.
Pharrell Williams’ Americana-themed AW24 menswear collection for Louis Vuitton is replete with workwear codes. Timberland’s classic 6-Inch style is a quintessential workwear piece that’s adopted into mainstream fashion so it made sense for Williams to introduce an LV reimagined designed. The silhouette remains, with leather LV Monogram accents around the collar as well as the tongue lining; it won’t be difficult to make this pair work for you.
To bottle up the essence of Acne Studios into a perfume, the brand worked with renowned perfume maker Frédéric Malle. The nose of the resulting eau de parfum is by Suzy Le Helley, who balanced aldehydes with natural floral notes—rose, violet and orange blossom—and the creaminess of vanilla, sandalwood and white musk. “Like a comforting mohair sweater,” says the brand and we couldn’t agree more.
Local coffee-tech brand Morning makes its flagship machine a tad simpler to use. The Morning Machine Lite retains all the beloved features of the original with the exception that there are only five preset recipe slots available—less fiddling through, especially if you’re a creature of habit when it comes to your brew. This model is also a limited-edition design in collaboration with Tanchen Studio. Only 50 units are available for each of the two colourways.
The Hermès universe is an extensive one and it includes a luxurious homeware selection. Decadent and soft to the touch, the H Riviera pillow is crafted from a blend of merino wool and cashmere in variations of orange hues. The design may have taken inspiration from an advertising visual back in 1929, but is undoubtedly timeless in every way. A piece of luxury in your living room? What a brilliant way to wind down every day.
It’s style meets technology meets tradition—Fendi and Devialet come together to bring back the vibes of lugging a boombox. Packaged in the small but mighty Mania portable speaker, the Fendi x Devialet version is wrapped in the former’s FF motif that you’d easily mistake for a fashion accessory. Perfect when you’re making a declaration of love à la Say Anything.
Photography: Jaya Khidir
Styling: Asri Jasman
Photography Assistants: Ng Kai Ming and Syed Abdullah
Among the many designs in Bvlgari's extensive repertoire, the Serpenti is arguably its most recognisable and synonymous with the House. Think of the snake in the context of luxury watches and jewellery, and Bvlgari's Serpenti would immediately come to mind.
Like many great design icons, the Serpenti has seen a slate of interpretations over the years. The serpentine design was first birthed by Bvlgari in 1948—a watch-bracelet in gold featuring the now-signature Tubogas technique—and has seen its design as well as silhouette reworked in many different ways. Life-like (yet still with an Art Deco influence) forms are often riddled with precious stones, while more contemporary abstractions add a sense of timelessness to the piece they're shaped into.
The Serpenti Viper was introduced a few years ago. Like its name suggest, the aesthetic of the Serpenti Viper is meant to exude a more energetic and somewhat menacing appearance. It's a bolder interpretation and not in the sense that it's a statement piece—there are certainly pieces intricately decorated with precious stones—but rather, the stylistic vibe is a contrast to the Serpenti's elegant aura. Think of the Serpenti Viper as the edgier update that’s versatile enough to be worn for just about any and every occasion.
The beauty of the Serpenti Viper lies in its stylised snake scale motif. It’s an expertly rendered gradation as each link—differing ever so slightly in size and scale—curves out of the head and down to its tail. This maintains the Serpenti’s distinct enveloping lines that instantly connects the wearer and the creation in a snug embrace. Whether it’s a ring, necklace, or bracelet, each piece interacts similarly as a mark of Bvlgari’s ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Sleeker than ever, the 2024 Serpenti Viper editions enrich the series further with designs crafted in 18-carat yellow and rose golds. Some are embellished with a touch of demi pavé diamonds while still maintaining the minimalist foundation of the series. The latest necklace, for example, features a gold chain with a coiled up Serpenti Viper pendant tipped with diamond pavé, each matching the scale of its placement.
The heroes of the collection—and arguably the most versatile—are the new rings and bracelets. A new single-wrapped ring is the embodiment of the Serpenti Viper. Available in rose and yellow gold, the design includes one with diamonds as well as a pure gold body. It’s perhaps the simplest form of the series yet at the same time, able to take on a new expression when stacked with either the same hue of gold or its other iteration. The same goes for the new single coil bangle bracelets. A piece has a presence on its own but thin enough to stack for those who’d rather make a bigger impact on the wrist.
Like the moulting of a snake’s skin, the Serpenti is no stranger to evolutions as it constantly does so. But with the Serpenti Viper, the attribute is more apparent as not only is a Serpenti Viper an evolved form of the Serpenti, it also can change within its own line—a personalised impulsivity, if you will. Now that’s rather menacing, don’t you think?
The latest Serpenti Viper collection is now available in Bvlgari boutiques and online.
When not collaborating with audio brands, Fendi sees fit to cater to the homeware crowd. To complement the Shanghai monobrand boutique, Fendi Casa has opened flagship stores across Asia—Jakarta, Phnom Penh and Seoul. Now, they have finally arrived in Singapore, marking another milestone for the brand.
Alberto Da Passano, CEO of Fendi Casa states that "Asia is a key market for us". In strengthening connections with both local and international clientele who appreciate the Fendi universe, the brand offers new opportunities for growth and development.
Occupying more than 468sqm across two floors, the new boutique is situated at The Rise @ Oxley. Visitors are greeted by the brand's iconic FF logo upon entering the ground floor. Maxi logos adorn the windows of each floor, specially customised by Fendi headquarters architecture department.
The staircase, crafted from Arbescato Vagli marble. This is a distinctive feature of the maison, is accompanied by three Louis Poulsen Pequin chandeliers gracing the ceilings.
Bathed in natural light, the second-floor showroom exudes elegance. It features meticulously crafted furniture and accessories, resin floors, and Pozzolanica walls. This refined space is brought to life by world-class designs under the creative direction of Silvia Venturini Fendi. The combination of exquisite craftsmanship, rich heritage and visionary ethos set within a refined, luxurious setting... this captures Fendi Casa's values and aesthetics.
Fendi Casa is located at 71 Oxley Rise, #01-05 The Rise @ Oxley, Singapore 238698
First introduced by American entrepreneur, James Sherwood, the private luxury train—the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express elevated rail travel. The iconic train wasn't just celebrated for its destinations but also for its journey and has since spawned several other services across the world.
Under the purview of the new owner, Belmond Limited, earlier in the year, it was unveiled the Eastern & Oriental express, which runs through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. The Eastern & Oriental Express now boasts a Dior Spa in its car.
After concluding its tenure on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond inaugurated its first permanent Dior Spa aboard the Royal Scotsman in April 2023. This will be Belmond's third Dior Spa on rails with the Eastern & Oriental Express.
House in one of the train's 16 plush Art Deco-inspired carriages, the interior is adorned with the House of Dior's cane work and furniture decorated in the iconic Toile de Jouy print. Crafted with hand-selected tropical woods, the spa's design seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings where the train winds through.
Given the beautiful interior, it's befitting that the treatments match its splendour. Exclusive to the Eastern & Oriental Express, guests can enjoy tailor-made therapies devised by the French Maison's wellness experts.
Experience Dior Spa's signature treatments like the D-Jungle treatment. A face and body therapy blending Asian traditions with rhythmic muscle massage. There's the Constellation massage which relieves body tension with a mix of techniques. While the D-Tissue massage offers deep, soothing movements to ease your pain.
For those with refined tastes, opt for the Kobi-Dior Facial. Steeped in Japanese Kobido tradition whilst combining Asian techniques with the Dior Prestige skincare line. The treatment sculpts the face, leaving you with a radiant and youthful appearance.
Finally, the Le Soin de Minuit treatment promises deep relaxation and skin rejuvenation, complemented by fine teas and nourishing delicacies.
To book a train ride and a facial with Dior Spa, visit belmond.com
More than the Birkins, Kellys, and Haut à Courroies bags, Hermès prides itself on the art of craftsmanship (fashion and beyond) and showcasing them to the public through unique experiences. We've had variations of them over the years in Singapore—from a literal display of the breadth of its artisanship, to an innovative wellness experience using Hermès leather goods and accessories. This year, Hermès combines the crafts of cinema and performance art with On the Wings of Hermès.
"This work metaphorically illustrates the lightness that is omnipresent at Hermès: in the delicate hands of our craftspeople sewing with two needles at once, in the elegance of materials and in the subtle notes of a perfume. It is an experience which sparks the imagination, designed by the artisans of dreams," says Pierre-Alexis Dumas, artistic director of Hermès.
On the Wings of Hermès is the collective effort of Belgian director Jaco Van Dormael and choreographer Michèle Anne De Mey, with the Astragales dance company. It had already made its run in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Singapore is the latest stop in its world tour.
Visitors will experience the entire performance within a film studio format where seven vignettes that blend dance, object theatre, music and cinema, come together to tell the story of the mythical winged horse Pegasus and his seven foals. Each of the seven parts are set against its own backdrop consisting of Hermès objects, and figurines gliding to choreography. Live dancers and choreographers work together with image and lighting technicians—they're captured in real time by Van Dormael and projected up onto a giant screen.
A screening of a 35-minute film of the same name (inspired by the performance) completes the entire experience of cinematic poetry in motion.
On the Wings of Hermès is scheduled to open on 19 July and will run until 28 July 2024. Bookings are now open and can be made online.
The Louis Vuitton Malle Courrier isn’t just one of the most enduring of the famed French fashion house’s designs—it’s the literal foundation of the entire company. And it’s the story of this trunk that’s at the heart of the first episode of Esquire’s new series, Iconic, which details some of the most recognisable and resilient items in the fashion world.
Back in the middle of the 1800s, before his initials were one half of the name of luxury juggernaut LVMH, Louis Vuitton himself revolutionised the luggage industry with a flat-topped, stackable trunk better suited to the uptick in rail and boat travel than its rounded predecessors. And the biggest innovation? Instead of using leather to protect the wood it was built from, Vuitton’s trunk employed lightweight-but-tough canvas that wasn’t prone to rotting in a baggage hold midway across the Atlantic Ocean.
The Louis Vuitton trunk was such a smash hit that other companies soon began copying the distinctive striped pattern of the original canvas. This led to the creation of the unmistakable Monogram canvas that we all know so well. A combination of the letters "L" and "V" with Japanese-inspired flower motifs, it was like nothing else on the market and an instant status symbol.
These days, though, identifiable imagery doesn’t hold the same value it once did in the fashion world. In fact, modern luxury’s emphasis on logos and signifiers doesn’t quite hit the mark. True luxury is defined by the work that goes in behind the scenes, the craftsmanship and know-how that inform the construction of goods that serve a real purpose and just so happen to elevate our experience of the everyday in the process.
That’s the idea behind Iconic. It’s not about names or brands or flash. It’s about the substance that earns these items their lofty place in the world—and maybe, eventually, your own collection.
Originally published on Esquire US
For over three decades, SHANGHAI TANG has blended luxury fashion and lifestyle with Asian flair. It's a cute-meet between East and West. Through the combination of millennia-old cultural influences, exquisite craftsmanship, and contemporary art.
Renowned for its collaborations with artists to promote Chinese arts and culture, the brand didn't break new ground with its partnership with Jacky Tsai. But it is a collaboration that works. The multimedia Chinese artist, who is based in London, has an impressive body of work that ranges from traditional canvases to real-time NFT digital pieces, integrating Eastern ideology and cultural symbols with Western Pop art icons and motifs. Themes of his pieces include alternative narratives and realities, constantly reflecting on our own.
Like SHANGHAI TANG, Jacky Tsai unifies the differences and similarities between perceptions. His art is a provocation into viewers' ideas of intercultural relationships and that establishes both tension and harmony between cultural representations.
(SHANGHAI TANG)
This year’s Holiday Collection draws inspiration from Tsai’s iconic butterfly and galloping horse motifs. Each piece is infused with a dynamic and chic pop art vibe. With bold colour contrasts and striking patterns, it embodies the lively spirit of Tsai's original artworks. Along with SHANGHAI TANG's signature embroidery, it imbues a refined craftsmanship. You're wearing art as each garment is a canvas of creativity. The collection features limited edition pieces with exclusive designs that captures three decades of a shared artistry and cultural innovation.
After a promising menswear debut for the Autumn/Winter 2024 season, creative director Sabato De Sarno is readying his sophomore menswear collection for Gucci.
The show will be staged at the Triennale Milano, a museum of art and design located in the heart of the city. The choice of venue is intended for the House to pay homage to Italian heritage of craftsmanship and innovation. And if that tells us anything at all about the upcoming collection, is that De Sarno could probably be tapping on a bit more on Gucci's place in Italian fashion and in turn, expanding on the visual vocabulary that he's been setting up the House for.
For confirmation of what the Gucci Spring/Summer 2025 menswear collection will look like, stay tuned for the show this Monday. And for an even closer look at the collection, follow @esquiresg on Instagram as we bring you the action live from Milan Fashion Week Men's.
What: Gucci Spring/Summer 2025 menswear runway show
Where: Milan, Italy
When: Monday, 17 June 2024 at 8pm Singapore time
