Presented for the first time as a concept car at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, this car made under Honda’s luxury vehicle imprint has taken four years of prototypes, development and testing of all kinds to finally get the go signal. The first model to roll off the production line at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, USA, was snapped up for the modest sum of $1.2 million by none other than Rick Hendrick, owner of the Hendrick Motorsport NASCAR racing team. The Acura NSX VIN 001 comes loaded with three electronic motors, a V6 biturbo VTEC engine and a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, promising over 578 horsepower. It even uses torque vectoring technology to vary the power to each of the four wheels. It manages 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) in just 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 190mph (305 km/h). In other words, this Japanese supercar lands with the same performances as the most prestigious hybrid sports cars, such as the Ferrari LaFerrari and the McLaren P1. The model bought by Rick Hendrick has a “Valencia Red Pearl” finish with bodywork made from a variety of materials, including carbon fiber upgrades to the roof, engine cover and rear decklid spoiler to keep the car’s weight to a minimum. This luxurious and sporty number was also finished with a leather and Alcantara interior trim. The standard 2017 Acura NSX model will sell from $156,000.
The world’s second largest entertainment conglomerate Disney actually printed its own currency and is now benching it, sparking a run on the remaining bills amongst collectors. The Disney dollar bill, featuring Mickey Mouse, is currently going for $10, for example. Yes, this is a real thing that is really happening. The distinctive bills, each featuring iconic characters and signed by treasurer Scrooge McDuck (who did you expect?), have been a legitimate form of money within the Disney universe since they were put into circulation in the 1980s. Mickey was featured on the dollar bill while Goofy was on the $5 and Minnie Mouse was on the $10. The cash also featured many other cartoon favorites, including Cinderella, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty. Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the decision had been made in light of the increasing popularity of the company’s gift card scheme, adding that Disney dollars still in circulation would be honored indefinitely. Already a sought-after collectible, the Disney dollar’s value is set to rocket, with shrewd entrepreneurs rushing to online auction site eBay to offer their stashes at hugely inflated prices. There were hundreds of bids for various versions of the one dollar bill, ranging from around $10 to more than $50. Special edition 50 dollar bills celebrating the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in 2005 were being offered for $3,798 while one seller was asking $15,000 for 54 mint condition one dollar bills still in uncut sheets. The notes were introduced in 1987, each with anti-counterfeiting security features similar to those used on real currency, and a unique serial number.
SUMMER PARTY | Exotic and exclusive charter yachts, like the Panthalassa, are the way to go if you are looking for an unforgettable vacation
When you step onboard a luxury yacht, it becomes a lifestyle statement and one that underlines the fact that regular is not the route you take when you opt for a charter vacation. From high-tech super yachts to headturning mega yachts, there are exotic charter options available and they all guarantee fun not just with all the sun and surf, but also cozy comfort as you cruise across stunning destinations. And to help you with an expert guide to a charter vacation this summer, we have Y.CO, the challenger brand of the global superyacht industry, listing here some bold and beautiful options spanning new to charter yachts and those recently refitted. Headquartered in Monaco, Y.CO has its fingers on the fast racing pulse of the yachting world and is the last word on everything to do with the luxe sport of yachting. So, look no further than this hand-picked list of Y.CO’s recommended summer yachts to charter for a splurge-worthy vacation.
SPIRIT
True to her name, 54.3-metre SPIRIT is a world-cruising explorer yacht designed for free spirits and adventure seekers. Customised to the highest specifications, she boasts contemporary Zen-like Asian-inspired interiors with touches by Christian Liaigre. A dedicated spa treatment room with onboard masseuse offers the ideal onboard escape. Vast exterior deck spaces include an open-plan sundeck with Teppanyaki grill, where the skilled chef can create incredible dishes in a fun, family atmosphere. Jump on the host of sea toys including a 7m slide, SeaBobs and windsurfers, to enjoy beachside Olympics set up by the crew, who add to the adventurous spirit.
SPIRIT | With its fully kitted out massage rooms and an expansive deck, it is available for charter this summer in the Mediterranean, from 255,000 EURO per week
PANTHALASSA
Designed with all the seas in mind, 56-metre sailing yacht PANTHALASSA exudes sophistication. The yacht’s exquisite light-infused interior by Foster + Partners takes the yacht into a class of her own. Versatile PANTHALASSA can accommodate 12 guests in 6 nearly equal sized cabins, and her dining room converts to a boardroom or cinema, making her ideal for business as well as fun with friends and family. The yacht has an array of sea toys including two 6.2m tenders, jetskis, SeaBobs, waterskis, kitesurfing gear and beach equipment for BBQs and lazy days relaxing.
PANTHALASSA | With its contemporary and spacious lounge and salon, it is open for Mediterranean charters, from 225,000 EURO per week
ELENA
Elegant 2009 sailing yacht ELENA was lovingly and meticulously built to the original designs of the racing schooner of the same name that participated in the 1928 King’s Cup Transatlantic Race from New York to Santander in record-breaking style. Her highly experienced Captain and crew bring a passion for the yacht and guests experience this onboard. A fierce contender in classic regattas with no compromise to contemporary comforts, experiences onboard ELENA can be exhilarating or relaxing to suit your preference. Stately, classic-style interiors with period details are complemented by expansive deck areas, ideal for taking in the sailing action.
ELENA | With its vintage leather and wood decked saloon with a library, it will charter in the Mediterranean this summer and is offered at starting 80,000 EURO per week
Sunday
60-metre SUNDAY is a true head-turner. Her immaculately maintained Art Deco-inspired interiors exude style and her equally stylish exterior decks are ideal for entertaining or indulgent relaxation to suit your mood. The yacht boasts extensive cruising experience in the Eastern Mediterranean and her lively crew offer unparalleled knowledge of this region’s best hotspots and secret beaches. Undeniably Best in Class, SUNDAY is ready to exceed the expectations of guest used to the very best.
SUNDAY | With its gleaming, plush cream and white interiors, it will make for a luxe Eastern Mediterranean charter this summer and is available from 330,000 EUR per week
Octopussy
Fresh from an extensive refit and in as-new condition, OCTOPUSSY is the ultimate yacht for family fun. With bold vibrant interiors, an excellent selection of sea toys, specialist fishing gear and a top speed of 32 knots, OCTOPUSSY boasts multiple relaxation and entertainment options including a main salon dining area with 310-degree views and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to the main deck aft. Her large swim platform and additional floating dock offer easy access to the water, tenders and toys.
OCTOPUSSY | With its sundeck Jacuzzi and all, it is available this summer to charter in the Caribbean & Bahamas, Cuba and British Virgin Islands, from 120,000 USD per week
Pioneering innovation and bringing a new and modern approach to yachting, Y.CO specialises in the sales, purchasing, chartering, management, new construction and refitting from superyacht hubs worldwide. Visit Y.CO ONLINE for more information.
As the host of the 2020 World Expo, Dubai has come up with ambitious plans with the hope of attracting 25 million visitors—plans that go farther than the announcement of a new tallest tower being planned specially for the event. “For the first time in the history of World Expos, each country will have an individual pavilion, enhancing the ability of nations to showcase themselves,” organizers said in a statement. That means possibly more than 200 pavilions. All this will spread over the 438 hectares of site ground located next to Dubai’s smaller second airport, Al-Maktoum International which opened in 2013. Representatives of more than 100 countries gathered in the Emirati city for talks on the event, where panel discussions and workshops were held aimed at providing potential participants with details on the Expo 2020 plan and highlighting “business opportunities in the UAE for innovation, trade and investment, and knowledge transfer”.
After The Rucksack, Burberry continues its ‘Functionregalia’ fever for the season with the Belt Bag, a handy series of crossbodies that are inspired by the House’s Heritage Archives. Available in two versions, the square shaped version is inspired by military styles from the 1920s to 1950s, while the oblong shaped one, by a small officer’s bag. The brand stays true to its English roots with rich, classic colors such as forest green, tan and burgundy, all of which are the perfect backdrop for the glistening gold metal buckle and leather belt detail. The Belt Bags will be available at these Burberry outlets in Singapore: ION Orchard, Marina Bay Sands and Paragon.
After the success of Balmain x H&M last year, the fast fashion mogul is back again with another exciting new lineup and this time, it is with another Parisian fashion house – Kenzo. Headed by Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, the creative heads of Kenzo, the new Kenzo x H&M collaboration will highlight the creative, playful and vibrant spirit of the brand with a huge focus on prints. Sta on the lookout for these.
Shot by talented young photographer and director Jacob Sutton, the new Chanel Allure Homme Sport campaign highlights the adventurous and sporty side of men. The new men’s fragrance campaign features three talented young men – Hugo Parisi, Adam Crigler and Luke Grimes – that showcase the spirit of Allure Homme Sport.
Individually handcrafted with care, the Arrow & Board Leather Wallets ($27+) belong to the kind of goods that are hard to find nowadays, where top quality and durability raise above mass-producing for sales. Coming from a small workshop in Austin, Texas, the wallets use English bridle and full grain & vegetable tanned leather sourced from Wickett & Craig‘s – one of the oldest operating tanneries in the United States. These leathers go through painstaking methods like drum-dyeing and hot stuffing, to ensure the finished products will have deep, beautiful colors, with a smooth finish on both grain and flesh sides. The company currently offers different models to choose from, all featuring a minimalist design, but with enough room to fit several cards and some cash. Each Arrow & Board wallet is made to order, with a current turn-around time of one week.
Located on the northeast shore, in the middle of the exuberant Atlantic Rainforest, this awesome house offers shelter from the rain and the sun, beneath its generous porches and eaves. The 4,876 sq ft (453 m²) construction has “just a few walls,” containing spaces where nature blends in seamlessly via large windows and sliding glass doors. The flat roof is done in glue-laminated wood beams and overhangs the living areas, kitchen and master suite, while a 13 ft (4 m ) veranda stretches as a continuation of the living room, to an amazing green space with lounge beds and an outdoor tub. The entrance to the house is at the stone-walled lower level, which holds two other suites and a home-theater. Here, guests have access to a granite sawed terrace with the required outdoor shower and fire pit.
OBJECTS NOMADES | Exclusive collection created by 10 different designers, featuring innovative designs covered in the brand’s trademark buttery soft leather
You’ve been adorning yourself with Louis Vuitton, now it’s time to give your home its very own LV makeover – with the latest Objets Nomades collection. The exclusive range of foldable furniture and travel accessories has come a long way since the first presentation at Design Miami in 2012. This year, a total of 10 designers have joined Louis Vuitton’s line-up, including new names in the industry such as Raw Edges and established ones like Campana Brothers.
Keeping in mind the House’s special orders of the past, such as the iconic Bed Trunk or Wardrobe Trunk, the creative minds not only rethought the intuitiveness of common home goods but also covered them in the buttery-soft leather Louis Vuitton is known for. Here, we walk you through some of the ‘Objets’ on display at the Louis Vuitton Island Maison at Marina Bay Sands. This exhibition runs till June 30 2016.
HAMMOCK BY ATELIER OÏ
HOT HAMMOCK | Refined leather strips weaved to create a graceful web
If you’re going to kick back and relax on a cool summer’s day, might as well do it in absolute style. Inspired by Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire in knitwear, Atelier Oï’s Hammock sees refined leather strips weaved to create a graceful web and reinforced by gilded rivets. Complete with a leather headrest, all you have to do is grab a cocktail of choice, and revel in the opulence of it all.
CONCERTINA TABLE BY RAW EDGES
TABLE WITH A TWIST | With its flower petal design and ash-wood legs, this one is special
The entire Concertina range centers around Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay’s long-time interest in collapsible objects, and this table is no exception. The flower petal design is referenced from the House’s famous Monogram design, while its ash-wood legs is a stark contrast to the Nomad calfskin leather, giving the portable table what the designers call a “special presence”.
ERNEST BED BY GWENAËL NICOLAS
SLEEP-IN BEAUTY | Roll-up leather-edged canvas mattress with a Nomade-leather pillow
Here’s something that would render sleeping bags irrelevant. Gwenaël Nicolas’ Ernest Bed is a roll-up leather-edged canvas mattress with a Nomade-leather pillow. Its sturdy oak structure and neutral colorway is inspired by Ernest Hemmingway’s African travels, and is frankly, too beautiful to use in the wild outdoors.
COCOON BY BROTHERS CAMPANA
COCOONED IN COMFORT | The perforated pod utilizes high-tech stereolithography , with calfskin leather outside and quilted leather inside
Like a protective shell, the Campana Brother’s Cocoon is created to provide comfort and reassurance from the outside world. The perforated pod utilizes the latest high-tech stereolithography – a form of 3D printing – which is then covered with calfskin leather outside, and quilted leather inside. Inside, the pod embraces with broadcloth-covered cushions while you sway gently in the breeze.
LOUNGE CHAIR BY MARCEL WANDERS
LOUNGE LIST | Consists of three individual modules that create distinct styles by way of leather straps –chaise lounge, armchair or pouffe
Described as “an unfolding and portable oasis for relaxation”, Wanders’ thoughtful creation consists of three individual modules that create three distinct styles by way of leather straps – a chaise lounge, armchair or pouffe. The modules are manufactured in high-tech carbon fiber, which means that it is lightweight, sturdy and super portable. Rich, soft leather envelops the exterior, while suede lines the inside. Ardent fans of Louis Vuitton will appreciate the version in the House’s classic tan leather, while the bold will enjoy the “Ocean Drive Inspiration” version – an exclusive turquoise rendition inspired by Ocean Drive in South Beach, Miami.
