When the Horsebit loafer was first conceived by Gucci—specifically by Aldo Gucci, the eldest son of founder Guccio Gucci—it was said to be a response to loafers popularised by preppy Americans. Gucci was to open its first New York City boutique in 1953. The Horsebit loafer was the perfect design to kickstart an American expansion. It was a familiar silhouette with the addition of an Italian flair—very Gucci.
The use of the snaffle bit within Gucci predates the Horsebit loafer. The House had already incorporated it since the 1950s when it began drawing inspiration from the equestrian world. The metallic double ring connected by a bar was taken from the bit on a horse’s bridle, and was used across different facets of the Gucci universe both as a decorative motif as well as a functional element.
One could even say that the creation of the Horsebit loafer was destined to happen. But its arrival at a time when dress codes were changing in favour of more liberal sensibilities, helped propel its popularity. Not only was the Horsebit loafer instantly recognisable, its make and comfort was a mark of Italian craftsmanship. The leather used is supple, and coupled with a construction that lacks an insole, makes the Horsebit loafer lightweight and flexible. One could easily run around in a pair and get it beaten down. Or like Tyler Durden in Fight Club, fight in one.
Gucci has seen numerous creative directors over the decades since, but the Horsebit loafers have been a mainstay. Various interpretations have been brought to the fore recently and will most likely continue to do so under the creative directorship of Sabato De Sarno. Yet, 70 years hasn’t changed the way the Horsebit loafers are crafted. To this day, they’re still produced in Italy, in house, by skilled cobblers. The soles of the Horsebit loafers are also still attached to the uppers with Blake stitching that affords the shoes’ their renowned lightweight and flexible attributes.
The GG monogram and green-red-green webbing may be synonymous with Gucci. But when it comes to a singular design, the Horsebit loafer is one that doesn’t need to be loud to be noticed.
We don’t need to tell you that your fragrance does say quite a bit about you. What you like, where your energy level is at, and even your personality might be discerned from the fragrances you gravitate towards. In the same manner, fragrances can be a tool of projection: you can use them quite effectively to communicate an initial visual impression—be it a sense of confidence, mystery or playfulness.
In the spirit of new beginnings for the new year, there’s absolutely no better time than the present to pause and reset your fragrance roster. While that may seem like we’re asking you to consider more mild-weight options, that’s absolutely not the case. This edit of fragrances—some perennial favourites with a few new releases thrown in—are meant to reintroduce a more refreshing scent profile that cuts right through headier bodies.
Think of this edit as the base on which to build on. The overall profile may be generally clean, but that really allows the opportunity to layer and mix to create ever more nuanced scents.
Istanbul-based perfume brand NISHANE has been around for only a decade, yet its growing presence in more than 120 countries is a mark of its niche extrait fragrances. A consistent top-selling fragrance across its entire repertoire, Hundred Silent Ways is part of a collection inspired by 13th-century poet Rumi. The fragrance starts with a citrus top note, which then settles into a vanilla body. The new Hundred Silent Ways X is a reworked version created as a celebration of the brand’s 10th anniversary and leans even more heavily on the original’s gourmand body, adding on leather to amplify the sensuality of the fragrance. The top notes remain prevalent, making this a thoroughly balanced scent.
L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Iris de Gris ranks top as the freshest fragrance in this edit. Part of the fragrance house’s Le Potager collection—a series dedicated to the use of vegetable notes in perfumery—Iris de Gris employs the use of a pea accord as the defining element of the fragrance. You smell it almost immediately, a crisp freshness that’s surprisingly reminiscent of a freshly picked and washed bag of peas. But of course, you won’t exactly be smelling like the vegetable. Iris and galbanum add refinement to the fragrance, with the mint (part of the concocted pea accord) lifting the fresh quality of Iris de Gris.
As classic as they come, English Pear & Freesia is a quintessential Jo Malone fragrance that is the perfect balance of sweet and sensual. It’s not cloyingly sweet in any way, thanks to the main King William Pear note that gives a juicy expression to the fragrance. As with many of Jo Malone scents, the patchouli base provides for the fragrance’s longevity—this one sticks to your skin for awhile despite being a lightweight cologne formulation. While English Pear & Freesia is categorised as a women’s perfume (but what exactly is the point of gender labels in the world of fragrances?), its floral notes lean on the lighter side and, if anything, add a touch of freshness to the overall scent.
Just like the previous fragrance on this list, H24 is created by Christine Nagel, the current in-house perfumer of Hermès. There’s a reason why Nagel is a celebrated perfumer and H24 is one of many examples of her refined take on perfumery. This eau de parfum formulation of H24 is headier than its eau de toilette predecessor but still retains a metallic note—thanks to the inclusion of sclarene—that’s signature to the fragrance. This metallic element cuts through to bring about a fragrance that perhaps isn’t for everyone. But the unique quality of it definitely sets the H24 apart from any other woody and musk-heavy fragrances out there.
The latest addition to Celine’s bath and body range—a range that was only introduced this year—is its first cologne. There’s an overall powdery radiance to Cologne Céleste brought about by notes of orris butter that ties it to the house’s refined haute parfumerie collection. Cologne Céleste, however, is designed to be an after-bath ritual meant to reinvigorate and soothe. The intended effect is brought about by the cologne’s more refreshing citrus and floral notes comprising neroli, orange blossom and sweet lemon essence. And as a way of bringing back old-school self-care gestures, Cologne Céleste can either be used as a splash (think Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone) or as a classic perfume with the removable metal pump included. Either way, the cologne is one you can easily incorporate as an everyday go-to.
Rather multi-faceted in essence, Gucci’s A Floral Verse is quite a journey, beginning with floral notes that then bring you to a green middle before settling down to a white musk base. A Floral Verse opens with Indian jasmine sambac that’s a splendid combination of floral, with semblances of warmth. The middle Sri Lankan black tea note provides a dry expression that counters the more floral elements of the Indian jasmine sambac, while at the same time infuses a dose of smokiness. The name may allude to a floral-heavy fragrance, but A Floral Verse is actually more green than floral, and layers easily with more robust fragrances.
Photography: Jayden Tan
Photography Assistant: Aisyah Hisham
In 1967, Marc Bohan conceptualised the Dior Oblique motif. The longtime creative director of the House (an almost 30-year tenure) first applied the motif on a bag from Dior’s haute couture collection in 1969. Throughout the years, the Dior Oblique has been applied on all manner of pieces by the House— from ready-to-wear to luggage to even the floors of its Dior Monsieur boutique in 1974.
Fast forward to today, the Dior Oblique remains one of Dior’s most quintessential elements. It’s become a mark of the House’s creativity with a range of treatments and interpretations imagined every now and then. The latest, is perhaps one that captures Monsieur Dior’s nonconformist spirit.
The Maxi Dior Oblique revokes any decree that branded logos and motifs are dead. As its name suggests, the Dior Oblique has been blown up like never before for Dior Men’s Spring 2024 collection. Each letter of the motif now takes significant real estate on a range of travel-ready bags and accessories. The collection’s Weekender 40 bag, for example, looks exceptionally roomier with the Maxi Dior Oblique canvas construction giving the illusion of a magnified proportion.
While the Maxi Dior Oblique may look audacious in its original colourway—there’s certainly no mistaking that it’s a Dior—a second all-black option provides a more subtle interpretation but one that’s impactful all the same. The Maxi Dior Oblique is rendered in black and set against a base that’s a couple of shades lighter. When employed on a pair of high-top B23 sneakers, the canvas adds depth and dimension. The motif may not be immediately obvious at first glance, but becomes apparent at multiple angles and in motion.
But the point of the Maxi Dior Oblique isn’t solely for the brash visual of Dior’s signature. It’s an extension of the Dior attitude—of going against the grain and challenging perceptions. After all, this is the same House that proposed a “new look” that further feminised women’s fashion post-World War II.
What’s the inverse of “quiet luxury”? This is it.
How does luxury taste? Perhaps, much like the Black Bowmore DB5 1964. Bowmore’s limited release in collaboration with Aston Martin is a rare single malt whisky that offers an intense marriage of ripe exotic fruits with a heady combination of coffee and tobacco smoke. And even if you intend on saving the spirit for special occasions, the exceptional vessel would look striking as part of any collection.
Black, blue and white dials present classic appeal that won’t look out of place in any setting, it’s true. But let this grey-dial Santos-Dumont open you up to an underrated option. The yellow gold accent on the bezel goes handsomely with the grey dial, lifting the shine reflected by the sunray effect and conferring elegance on the whole watch together. There’s no question this is a stunner.
Imagine the power of a Devialet speaker but poured into a tiny, portable packaging—that’s the second generation of the the brand’s Gemini series. The new upgrade promises a deeper acoustic experience with a new Active Wind Reduction technology that serves to actively block out wind noise. Of course, that’s coupled with active noise cancellation too. And is there a better looking, sophisticated design out there than this? We doubt so.
Not many sneakers by luxury fashion houses have managed to combine their respective house codes into a single design without looking forced or even tacky. Dior Men’s B27 successfully incorporates signature Dior elements—the CD Icon, Oblique motif, and a number of logos—all the while retaining the feel of a contemporary sneaker. This blue-and-white colourway is also a classic combination that makes for an easy staple to pair with just about any outfit.
The tie isn’t dead; you’re just not wearing the right one. This cheeky design by Hermès nods to its equestrian heritage while also adding some levity to a typically formal accessory. Interpret it however you want—reneging against formal dress codes or the idea of a nine-to-five workday—but we all instantly know it is destined to become a beloved conversation starter.
Marrying modern technology with the timeless, unparallelled quality of vinyls, JBL’s Spinner BT turntable ensures that your favourite records sound as crisp as they’re made to be. The device’s Bluetooth capabilities uses aptX HD encoding to ensure a reduction in any audio distortion while the sound is transmitted to any wireless speakers or headphones. In other words, drowning down the noise after a long day is now made even more sonically splendid.
Forget what you think you know about lavender as a scent. Le Labo’s latest Lavande 31 eau de parfum challenges the typically sweet and powdery connotations of lavender by adding bergamot and neroli essential oils to a vertical distillation of lavender flower buds. This reveals lavender at its purest form and the result is a fragrance that’s dirty in nature with a heavy emphasis on musk and amber.
With digital wallets fast becoming mainstream, physical wallets are naturally downsizing. This leather cardholder by Loewe features a Suna Fujita illustrated motif that’s not only beautiful, but expertly applied into the design though a leather intarsia technique. The piece itself is convenient with four card slots and a zip compartment that has room enough for coins to buy more than two coffee takeaways.
It’s really for the nostalgia. The flip phones of the noughties were a vibe; nothing felt quite as satisfying as flipping the phone shut after an infuriating call to make a point. Oppo’s N3 flip phone will afford you that same experience and more. The best thing about the N3 is that even when its folded like a clamshell, the vertical cover screen is functional with a host of features that you won’t necessarily have to flip open the phone for basic functions. And when it’s opened up, it’s a seamless 6.8-inch screen with brilliant colour and clarity.
Functional, supple and incredibly lightweight, Tod’s latest iteration of a multi-compartment backpack is easily one of the best we’ve seen this year. Reminiscent of a camping backpack, the backpack is made from hardwearing fabric with the addition of panels of leather. The silver metal hardware complements the design beautifully, adding sophistication to a rugged silhouette. There are a number of colours for the design but this green variation gets our nod.
Any fan of Prada will be glad to know that the luxury fashion brand has released a more extensive homeware collection in Singapore. An easy early entry into Prada’s lifestyle creations is a scented candle housed within a porcelain vessel. Not only is the scent—lavender, if you’re wondering—subtle and inviting, the vessel is also decorated with Prada’s fairy motif that was part of its Spring/Summer 2008 womenswear collection.
After aluminium and polycarbonate, RIMOWA has revealed a leather-fronted line. But before the brand introduced its revolutionary aluminium series, leather was its material of choice. The new Distinct cabin suitcase is crafted from leather that’s wrapped around a solid structure shaped with the signature grooves of a RIMOWA. The corners are reinforced with aluminium in a tonal navy treatment for a seamless and sophisticated look.
Photography: Jayden Tan
Digital Imaging and Retouching: Nguyen Tien Phuc
Photography Assistant: Aisyah Hisham
Loïc Prigent, the famous French fashion journalist and documentary maker, is a constant figure at just about every fashion show, capturing moments and people, and narrating every highlight in his unmistakable French-accented voice. He’s now lending his vocals to Louis Vuitton’s debut podcast series Louis Vuitton [Extended] where he brings listeners through various facets of the maison’s universe.
“Art and culture—these two words in their broadest sense are the real things at Louis Vuitton,” Prigent pronounces as an introduction to the podcast’s first episode. The entire premise of Louis Vuitton [Extended] is to serve as a new vehicle for telling the story of the maison—from its expansive repertoire of fashion to the many events held on an international scale. The key elements of the series are interviews with creative minds behind the maison, the likes of creative director of women’s collections Nicolas Ghesquière, master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and artistic director of watches and jewellery Francesca Amfitheatrof, will appear in upcoming episodes. And with Louis Vuitton known for its many collaborative endeavours across every aspect of its business, you can expect appearances by a host of personalities from artists and designers to athletes and chefs.
Louis Vuitton [Extended] begins with Pharrell Williams, the maison’s newest men’s creative director. In the 26-minute episode, Pharrell and Prigent are joined by Bishop Ezekiel Williams—Pharrell’s uncle, who helms the Voices on Fire choir that provided a soaring end to the Spring/Summer 2024 menswear runway show this past June—as they talked about the conceptualisation of the show, creativity and family. The episode is interspersed with moments that Prigent had captured of the show, adding context for listeners who haven’t yet watched it. We are struck by how atmospheric and incredibly intimate it is at the same time.
That Louis Vuitton is venturing into podcast is anything but out of left field. The storied maison takes storytelling seriously. If anyone needs convincing, just take a gander into its incredibly detailed collection notes as well as the many published tomes that cover both in-house stories and travel itineraries.
There is no telling how long the podcast series will go on. But for now, Louis Vuitton [Extended] is scheduled to drop new episodes on a bimonthly basis with each spanning between 20 and 40 minutes.
And quite honestly, who better to host a series on one of the most famous French brands than a characteristically French man?
Louis Vuitton [Extended] is available on all audio streaming platforms.
Tobacco and honey go on a head-on collision in Guerlain’s latest expression of its L’Art & La Matière collection. The headiness of raw tobacco (think a woody, almost intoxicating ruggedness) is smoothed over with Calabrian honey (a beloved honey extract of the house), to form a sensual tension of opposites. At the heart of both ingredients is a common warmth that grounds Tobacco Honey. It is ambery in profile, but the concocted tobacco accord—a combination of various raw materials to replicate that distinct tobacco note—is enveloped in vanilla, tonka bean and sesame for a balanced sweetness.
There is no doubt that Tobacco Honey is rich and decadent, reflected by its liquid gold-like colouring of its resulting formulation. And because this is part of Guerlain’s L’Art & La Matière collection, the fragrance’s vessel is just as decadent. Artist Anne Féat Gaiss, whose work involves sculpting paper, created a plate for Tobacco Honey’s cap involving sculpted paper that’s then glided with copper leaf as a beautiful reflection of the fragrance.
One of the oldest known perfume ingredients, myrrh is often considered to have a complex fragrance profile that is difficult to describe. It is earthy in nature, lending a woody and warm aroma that can be pungent and bitter at the same time. In perfumery, it is often used to add depth, based on its complexity alone. In Myrrhe Mystère, Tom Ford Beauty plays on its mysterious profile as its central hero.
Myrrhe Mystère enlists the power and mystique of two myrrh-based elements—myrrh essence and a trademarked myrrh resinoid orpur formulation—that are then combined with its Ultra Vanille accord infused in a number of existing Tom Ford fragrances. The resultant fragrance is one that envelopes with a rich aura. It’s an undoubtedly sophisticated scent meant to act as a provocative and vibrational expression of myrrh. But with the balanced blend of the earthiness of myrrh, the sweetness of vanilla and the woodiness of sandalwood, Myrrhe Mystère evokes a calm serenity.
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty’s Libre series is proving to be a favoured androgynous fragrance. The House expands the tension between masculine and feminine nuances with Libre L’Absolu Platine. Concocted by master perfumers Anne Flip and Carlos Benaïm—the duo behind the original Libre eau de parfum—a new accord that they’re calling “white lavender” gives Libre L’Absolu Platine its piercing scent.
The Libre series is already beloved for its Diva Lavender Heart (crafted specifically for Yves Saint Laurent) that amps up the floral expression of the lavender essence extracted from Diva lavender grown in Provence. The white lavender accord elevates the natural characteristics of lavender with its icy sheen provided by a vegetal aldehyde, polygonum. The result is an almost metallic note that cuts through, bringing about a renewed freshness that’s balanced out with orange blossom—another Libre ingredient. Like the best of tailoring, Libre L’Absolu Platine is sharp while altogether cool and powdery for a fragrance that’s undeniably sexy.
The latest in Louis Vuitton’s Les Extraits collection by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud is Myriad. Like its five other single-named fragrances in the collection, Myriad is what Louis Vuitton considers its ultimate expression of perfume that breaks free from convention.
Oud is the olfactory ingredient on which Myriad is based. Belletrud looked to the essence of Assam oud selected from a supplier in Bangladesh that is now exclusive to the maison. The strong woody and spicy depth of oud is beautifully balanced with floral notes developed through a combination of different roses. Bulgarian rose and Grasse-sourced May rose are mixed to produce a delectable rose combo that is fresh and rounded. To amplify the leathery nuances of oud, saffron is added to the mix, while cocoa, ambrette, white musk and a note of moss work together to lift the fragrance for a velvety finish. There is intensity and lightness—an unlikely contrast that speaks volumes of the complexity of Myriad. It is topped with a Frank Gehry-designed cap to further accentuate the exceptional level of quality.
Marie-Laure Trichard’s experience with luxury brands under LVMH has been a matter of exquisite taste. It includes being the international marketing manager at Moët & Chandon. She also served as global marketing and communication director at Champagne Jacquart. Taking a leap from the champagne industry, Trichard has found a fitting parallel in the world of horology. Last February, she became Bell & Ross’ head of marketing and communications. We check in with Trichard about her experiences in the luxury market and Bell & Ross.
ESQUIRE: You’ve previously worked at LVMH and Champagne Jacquart. What was your takeaway from a business like LVMH?
MARIE-LAURE TRICHARD: LVMH was my foray into the luxury sector. Within marketing, there were different fields of competencies and what was interesting was LVMH’s method of strengthening its brand. They found a way to focus on their brand’s DNA, making sure that it’s clear enough as a brand story.
Their history is brought to life in a very creative and memorable way. That’s the gist of LVMH’s management. A mix of history and creativity that evolves the brand to stay current. And that is what’s being done at Bell & Ross. Of course, you’ll need perceptions of the local markets because when you’re working on a global scale, there’s a need for consistency. It’s important to understand different markets in order to encourage brand evolution.
ESQ: What did you find surprising about the Southeast Asian market?
MLT: The market here is very strong about Bell & Ross. With regards to brand positioning, we have far more Bell & Ross boutiques in Southeast Asia than elsewhere.
ESQ: You’ve worked with many organisations like the Tara Ocean Foundation.
MLT: We went with Tara because of its combined use of man and machine for its underwater missions. We equip Tara with the tools needed for its research. Another challenge for Tara is generating awareness; that’s where we come in. We provide communication globally with some point-of-sale to showcase the foundation and visibility to what it does.
ESQ: What about your partnership with the Alpine F1 Team? How does this collaboration start?
MLT: Basically, it’s shared values. We looked at the organisations that we want to work with and see if our ethos align. The collaboration needs to make sense. From the start, Bell & Ross, developed proficient tools for the use in extreme conditions. It’s all about the union of competences; that’s what the brand was built upon. There needs to be this idea of surpassing oneself. To push against the boundaries of excellence.
ESQ: Is Bell & Ross interested in jumping onto market trends like genderless dials?
MLT: There was a restyling for watches done that way. A preference for smaller cases. Our design is minimalist so the idea is that we’d use smaller cases but retain the traits that it’s a man’s watch. I’d say that there needs to be a mix of creative inspiration and the brand DNA in order for it to be relevant.
ESQ: Do you have an uptick of female patrons in the last few years?
MLT: The world is always evolving. In this day and age, a woman would pick up a man’s watch and vice versa. Our BR S model is a smaller case but that’s not core to the brand. We just want to focus on what Bell & Ross it’s known for, which is legibility, functionality, reliability and precision.
ESQ: What’s the first watch you’ve ever got?
MLT: When I was young, there was this huge hullabaloo about Swatch watches. It was ubiquitous and so trendy. So, that was my first timepiece.
ESQ: Are you also a watch collector?
MLT: No. But my interest in the watch industry is mainly for the craftsmanship. But after spending so much time in the watch industry, I finally understand why people would collect them. I understand the allure.
ESQ: You’ve also worked with the Patrouille de France. For its 70th anniversary, there’s a special nod to its history with the silhouettes of the five aircrafts that were flown since 1953.
MLT: We delve in different fields of competition like in the air, on land, in the waters; that’s the common approach across the board. The idea for the Patrouille de France is bringing its story to life and we wanted to highlight that evolution by etching the plane models on the back of the ceramic case. We needed to simplify the look of the planes while not losing their traits.
The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is known to embody glamour, exclusivity and luxury in the realm of yachting from its picturesque destination and vivacious setups to unprecedented gatherings of the world’s superyachts and other luxury purveyors, it would then fair to say their offering of the Sapphire Experience could be expected to be the best-in-class of concierge service.
As a diverse (and large) crowd from across the globe gather to witness the grandest yacht show in the industry, guests of the Sapphire Experience are set up to embark on an unforgettable Experience twice from the very start of this journey. Their entrance into MYS is marked by luxury with transportation being made available at every step, from the views from the hotel to the show, Sapphire Experience guests are welcomed at the VIP entrance with Hostesses ensuring their voyage to and from the event would be as hassle-free as possible.
Amidst bustling activities and grand views at MYS, the show also provides a space where attendees can unwind. A thoughtfully designed Upper Deck lounge offers an oasis of tranquility. At the Sapphire lounge, they can enjoy a more intimate and serene space to relax. With a refreshing flow of champagne and refreshments, accompanied with pastries and snacks, this enclave offers a personalised touch with a readily available concierge that’s ready to connect guests to the greatest market experts and innovative personalities to discuss projects for a bespoke experience of one’s wildest dreams.
It also features a restaurant and lounge bar, while provisioning a perspective on private aviation and the world of fine watchmaking. Craftsmen and designers who specialise in crafting crystal furniture and refined leather accessories are also stationed and Sapphire Experience guests are granted prioritised access to engage and work with these skilled creators about accessorising their upcoming yacht and interior projects.
Stepping into the quayside Monaco, the MYS presents an extensive array of yachts and tenders that grace the dockside accompanied by exhibitions and diverse consulting platforms. To truly savour these superyachts, an onboard experience is essential. Sapphire Experience guests enjoy exclusive access to this Dockside Area, replete with superyacht owners and experts. Conversations with adept advisors, including yacht builders, designers, architects and professionals across the yachting industry, and is easily made conveniently accessible. Presenting an invaluable opportunity to intimately witness the craftsmanship inherent in these remarkable vessels, it potentially ignites inspiration for future yacht endeavours.
MYS doubles down as a platform that unites both yacht enthusiasts and industry experts, fostering an exchange of insights and discoveries surrounding forthcoming industry innovations. The dockside also hosts a Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, prioritising Sapphire Experience guests access to the many opportunities it has to offer. Nestled among the yachts along the port, it provides the space to interact with diverse yacht authorities, facilitating discussions on the latest yacht innovations. From avant-garde design concepts to having insightful conversations with industry stalwarts, participants can glean wisdom that may inspire their yachting projects.
Parallel to the dockside, MYS carves out a dedicated domain for sailing yachts, inviting them to embrace the entirety of the yachting world. Here lies a chance to immerse and familiarise one about the diverse world of yachts. Again, the Sapphire Experience ensures all qualified guests will be able to get ahold of these perks like insights and conversations with both sailing and superyacht experts.
Known among superyacht enthusiasts as “The Call”—the breath-taking moment when one’s Monaco Yacht Show Private Relations Manager calls to grant access to the Sapphire Experience, for you to design, acquire or charter your very own unique superyacht. The information mentioned earlier affirms this fact, granting them the privilege of experiencing both superyachts and sailing yachts at an intimately personal level and conversing with industry experts and skilled craftsmen required to shape or refine any present and upcoming yacht ventures. In its entirety, the Sapphire Experience encapsulates the very essence of exclusive luxury within the world of luxury yachting.
Reserved exclusively for guests with yachting projects either in mind or already underway, the Sapphire Experience offers an exceptional journey with meticulously curated exclusive conferences, workshops, cocktail gatherings and a wide array of events. MYS’ wide range of offerings extends an invitation to partake in a diverse range of activities and occasions that could be overwhelming for first-timers or seasoned show guests with laser-focus goals. Through the Sapphire experience, it provides a seamless platform to navigate through the diverse offerings, forge connections with fellow superyacht owners and seasoned industry insiders and fulfil every guest’s desire. The 2023 Monaco Yacht Show stands as the ultimate destination to delve into the world of yachting enriched with exclusivity and luxury and it’s also great place to set sail for one’s maiden concierge service voyage.
The Monaco Yacht Show is happening on 27 – 30 September 2023.
The much-awaited 2023 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is making a grand return to the French Riviera. It's taking place from 27 September to 30 September at Port Hercule of Monaco. MYS is a shimmering highlight of the yachting world, which aggregates the world’s most impressive superyachts and megayachts and celebrates the adventurous lifestyle and spirit of innovation that comes with yacht ownership and yacht design.
Notably, MYS has shown a steadfast commitment to sustainability, establishing its Sustainability Hub last year and renewing it this year to emphasise the international exhibitor’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices with the support of Water Revolution Foundation and Siemens Energy. The Sustainability Hub serves as a platform for yacht companies specialising in sustainable technologies to share their knowledge while aiming to reduce the environmental impact of superyachts and to promote eco-responsible practices in yachting.
MYS presents itself not only on sea but on land as well. Other than the 120 yachts and around 50 luxury tenders that will be on display, visitors will also have the opportunity to meet with leading yacht brokers, builders, naval architects and designers, should they be interested in realising their dreams of owning a luxury yacht.
In recent times, MYS has broadened its horizons to feature companies that round off a luxury yachting experience, from luxury charter outfits offering exotic destinations, to chefs and mixologists providing bespoke menus, and water sports equipment for fun activities out at sea.
Boasting 560 companies representing excellence and innovation in the yachting industry at the show, MYS completes the portfolio with other luxury markets linked to the art of superyachting, such as tech-led yachting solutions companies, luxury car and motorcycle manufacturers alongside helicopters and private jet builders. This makes MYS an ideal gathering for those who revel in adventurous and innovative pursuits.
Whether you’re an experienced yacht owner or an enthusiast new to the scene, the 2023 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show presents a most wonderful opportunity to delve into the captivating realm of luxury yachting.
The Monaco Yacht Show is happening on 27 – 30 September 2023.
When a design is as revered as the Dior Saddle, any attempts at refreshing its look could be potentially contentious. But Dior Men artistic director Kim Jones is not one to stay on the side of convention. After all, this is the man who has been tapping into the House’s more feminine-centric haute couture history to build and expand its menswear universe. And with the Dior Saddle, Jones continues to revisit the fundamentals of its design and to transmute them into inspired accessories.
The Dior Saddle bag was first conceived more than two decades ago by former artistic director John Galliano. It’s essentially a shoulder purse, meant to be worn tight right in the armpit with its short top handle sitting on one’s—typically a woman’s—shoulder. It wasn’t until Jones’ debut collection for Dior Men that the bag was officially de-genderised. The top handle strap was replaced by a more industrial-looking adjustable one that adapts for crossbody wear and differentiated from its women’s counterpart by a Matthew M. Williams-designed buckle.
If the Saddle bag designed for men captures a more defiant spirit from the original, the latest inspired creation refines the look further. For the Dior Men winter 2023 collection, Jones opts to pay tribute to the elegance of the equestrian world—the origins of the Saddle bag.
The Dior Saddle Boxy bag looks more simplified from the outside. The leather tails attached to the magnetic flap of the original have been removed altogether for a more graphic focus on the curved lines of the bag. With this new iteration, what you’re getting is pretty much a storage upgrade—the Dior Saddle Boxy features an extended body acting as the main compartment topped with a zipper. The original Dior Saddle silhouette then becomes the bag’s smaller front compartment. The dimensions of the Dior Saddle Boxy are about the same as the Dior Saddle but now divided into two compartments for better organisation.
Instead of grained calfskin, the Dior Saddle Boxy is dressed in the house’s new Dior Oblique Gravity leather. Not only is the entire body embossed with the signature Dior Oblique motif, it’s also done in a cloudy effect that is further emphasised through the patent treatment. The straps—a top handle as well as an adjustable shoulder strap that are both detachable—have too been refined. They’re cut from leather and are intentionally thin in width to reflect the more elegant profile.
Regard this latest take as the more grown up, elevated version—one you could easily pair with a suit without feeling as though you’re making the entire outfit a touch more casual. The look of the Dior Saddle Boxy may be a slight departure from the original, yet the functionality and versatility remain. And that’s exactly how you rework an icon.
The Dior Saddle Boxy is now available in boutiques and online.
You're going to be seeing a lot more sports-driven capsule collections by luxury brands leading up to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games—at least by those under the LVMH umbrella of brands. The French luxury conglomerate headed by the second (at the time of writing) wealthiest man in the world has signed on as a Premium Partner of the Paris 2024 Games.
"This unprecedented partnership with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will contribute to heightening the appeal of France around the world. It was only natural that LVMH and its maisons be part of this exceptional international event. The values of passion, excellence and inclusion championed by high-level sports are cultivated each day by our teams, motivated by an unwavering desire to surpass limits. Sports is a tremendous source of inspiration for our maisons, which will unite creative excellence and athletic performance by contributing their savoir-faire and bold innovation to this extraordinary celebration," says LVMH chairman and chief executive officer Bernard Arnault.
The deal means that LVMH and its groups of luxury brands—across fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, and wine and spirits—will partake in key moments throughout the Games.
Parisian jeweller Chaumet is tasked with crafting the Games' medals that will be received by athletes who have proven their mettle and skills in each event. LVMH's drinks division with Möet Hennessy wines and spirits will take charge of the hospitality elements for guests as well as athletes. During the Olympic Torch Relay, Sephora is set to organise activations for the public at stops as well as key locations along the route.
On the fashion front, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Berluti are set to announce their activations that will be scheduled all the way till the opening ceremony of Paris 2024. While little is known about the exact plans, it's been reported by multiple media sources that there's the possibility that the brands will be sponsoring uniforms. What LVMH has announced in its official press release is the 'Artisans of All Victories' principle that will guide the group's decision to support individual athletes too. The first is Léon Marchand—the 21-year-old who is France's leading hope for a medal in swimming.
As Premium Partner, LVMH is also dedicated to not only support professional athletes but also prospective ones. The group will partner French non-profit organisation Secours populaire français in support of a program to facilitate access to sports for underprivileged youths aged between 4 to 25. The aid will include funding for sports association memberships, training programs and beginner classes.
LVMH is by no means a stranger to the sports arena, especially in relation to its luxury fashion maisons. Louis Vuitton, for example, has continuously partnered up with big-named sporting events the likes of the Rugby World Cup, Davis Cup, Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The maison also most recently signed tennis player Carlos Alcazar as its house ambassador, days before he became a Wimbledon champion.
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will mark LVMH's biggest sporting event partnership yet. Not only will they be watched by an estimate of over 13 million spectators and 4 billion television viewers worldwide, it will also be the first time that the Games are hosted by Paris in 100 years.
