Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid presented a special watch to this year’s winner in the “Best of Show” category of the Concorso d’Eleganza: a LANGE 1 TIME ZONE “Como Edition” timepiece. The prize for the most beautiful automobile of the tradition-steeped competition, graced with a special engraving, was handed over to the anonymous owner for the Maserati A6 GCS from 1954. The presentation of the unique collector’s piece took place during the award ceremony within the scope of a gala dinner at the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este. In his laudatory speech, Wilhelm Schmid praised the winner for devoting so much precious time to the preservation of cultural values: “I am convinced that every second that you spend restoring a classic automobile is time wisely invested. This applies all the more when, in the process, you prevent the deterioration of a timelessly beautiful work of art and safeguard it for posterity. For this reason, we are honouring the most exquisite sculpture on wheels with the matching sculpture for the wrist.” Around 50 attendees presented their automotive rarities in the rambling park of the estate on sunny shore of Lake Como. A. Lange & Söhne has been sponsoring the prestigious vintage car competition since 2012. Conceived explicitly for this event, the special ”Como Edition” model of the LANGE 1 TIME ZONE in white gold features a hand-engraved cuvette. Complementing the event’s coat of arms, the 1929 and 2016 year engravings trace an arc from the first Concorso d’Eleganza to the present. Paying tribute to the venue, Como represents Central European Time on the rotatable city ring in the dial.

The snake slithers its way to success with the new ‘Eyes On Me’ Serpenti collection by Bulgari. The reptile takes center stage with its hypnotic eyes, as the jeweler uses precious gems for emphasis. Made up of necklaces, bracelets and rings, the collection provides and array of options to look forward to. We continue to be amazed by how much mileage Bulgari gets out of the snake motif. You will of course recall the Serpenti watches, which in the most distinct versions wrap around your wrist. Visually striking, to say the least, the Serpenti also plays with texture, a tradition that the Eyes On Me collection continues – for the moment there is no watch included though.

(Source: www.luxuo.com)

Members of app JetSmarter can now enjoy free flights on private jets between European cites with the JetShuttle service. JetSmarter allows users to book private jet travel from their smartphones. Already available in the US for the last three years, the app now offers a European JetShuttle service – a scheduled private jet running between London, Paris, Nice, Geneva and Moscow. Seats can be reserved at the touch of a button, and are free, and at a first-come, first-serve basis for members. “Due to the vast success of Jetsmarter in the United States and the Middle East, we are expanding the JetShuttle service throughout Europe, and are excited to broaden consumers’ access to it,” said Sergey Petrossov, Founder and CEO of JetSmarter. Currently, JetSmarter operates out of offices across the globe in cities including Zurich, London, Moscow, Dubai, Riyadh and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Currently, JetShuttles are available across the United States in cities including New York, South Florida, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Atlanta and Los Angeles, as well as in the Middle East in Dubai, Riyadh, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah.

(Source: www.theluxuryeditor.com)

Royal Caribbean have announced their new suite class the Royal Suite Class which is a new luxury onboard offering for guests seeking a world-class getaway. Royal Suite Class guests can indulge in a range of premium experiences including exclusive access to the California-chic Coastal Kitchen restaurant, a private sundeck and complimentary access to the luxury Spa Thermal Room. An exclusive experience for guests seeking a luxury adventure, the Royal Suite Class features well-appointed accommodations including features such as complimentary VOOM – the fastest internet at sea; complimentary specialty dining in all of the cruise lines signature venues; an ultimate beverage package; inclusive gratuities; preferred seating at select onboard venues and upgraded room amenities. Guests in the Star Class – Loft Suites or higher categories – will also have the opportunity to have their own personal Royal Genie to cater to their every whim.  The Royal Genie will serve as the ultimate insider helping craft one-of-a kind experiences based on a guest’s personal style and preferences. From planning the perfect date night or a unique family celebration to creating the memorable adventure of a lifetime in one of the ship’s destinations, the Royal Genie will curate personalised experiences catered to each guest. The Royal Genies will also assist with making restaurant and show reservations, in-room dining requests and any other needs – from laundry, pressing and shoe-shining, to luggage handling and unpacking. Royal Suite Class is now available onboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas as well as Harmony of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas

(Source: www.theluxuryeditor.com)

Mixing together convenience and high quality design, the new Elizabeth Tube line coming up in London will link together 40 stations, and feature 10 brand new stations each with distinct designs. The pictures of the new stations were released by Crossrail as a sneak peek at the London Festival of Architecture, and are on display now at the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA). Spanning across 42-kilometres, each station is “conceived by different architects and each will reflect the environment and heritage of the local area” Crossrail noted in a statement. All of the designs aim to be modern, integrated, sustainable, and secure – splitting between mined and box-shaped underground stations. They’re also meant to be instantly recognizable so that passengers can get a sense of familiarity and direction when they commute. For example, the new Paddington station will be a modern take on a Victorian icon, and will also have a 120-meter long canopy with art by American artist Spencer Finch. Farringdon station will be inspired by the district’s historic craft industry of goldsmiths, watchmakers, ironmongers and blacksmiths. Tottenham Court Road will become a station of black and white glass and stainless steel contrasts with Turner Prize-winning artwork.

(Source: www.luxuo.com)

In what could be a world-first, one of the biggest names in aviation has revealed perhaps the world’s least likely top secret project: a fully operational 3-D printed motorcycle. Aviation giant Airbus’ boss Tom Enders went for a spin Friday last (May 20) on the group’s latest innovation. Why is this an Airbus project and will we be seeing a full production line? For now no one really knows. The e-motorbike (yes it is fully electric) weighs just 35 kilograms (77 pounds), 30 percent lighter than other electric motorcycles, said Airbus subsidiary APWorks in a statement. Dubbed “Light Rider”, the bike, which has a 6 kiloWatt engine, has a hollow-looking frame that helped bring down its weight. Joachim Zettler, chief executive of APWorks, said 3D printing had made it possible to produce the special frame. “The complex and branched hollow structure couldn’t have been produced using conventional production technologies such as milling or welding,” he said. Airbus is trying to apply the same principle on aircraft. The group plans to present a 3-D printed twin-engined aircraft prototype at the Berlin Air Show in June.

(Source: www.luxuo.com)

As a visitor to Paris, Sundays have always been an excellent time to take in the scenery because the stores are closed – well, not anymore because the city’s top luxury stores will be throwing open their doors from this weekend onwards. Tourists flocking to the French capital will now be able shop at luxury shops that line the Champs Elysees and the Place Vendome on Sundays as a key government reform comes into effect. An agreement between luxury shops and employee unions on Sunday hours has come into force, said Sylvie Zawadzki, who heads up tax and social issues at the French Fashion Federation. The deal allows shops to take advantage of a reform pushed through by Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron last year allowing for shops to open on Sundays in newly created international tourist zones in Paris. Sunday openings for shops in France is severely restricted. “It is an agreement that provides companies the possibility to open (on Sundays) but it is a decision they take based on their commercial strategy,” said Zawadzki. The flagship shops of luxury brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton are covered by the deal. Zawadzki declined to say how many companies are concerned, but according to the business daily Les Echossome 30 brands and nearly 100 shops could now open. Other international tourist zones cover the central part of Paris, including the area where many of the city’s top department stores are located, including Galeries Lafayette. So far only one, BHV, has reached a deal with its employees.

(Source: www.luxuo.com)

Perched atop a narrow limestone ridge overlooking Lake Austin (Texas), the Cliff Dwelling is a picturesque shelter that allows its guests to fully engage with the dramatic surrounding site. The home is built upon the frame of an existing 1970s-era structure, and it’s been redesigned for better “processional sequence into and through the house.”  The entrance used to be a wooden exterior ramp that ran 25’ from street level down to the bottom floor, and now the access is done through a new rooftop-level, light-filled pavilion that leads onto a large roof garden.  Once inside, a sequence of stairs, supplemented by an elevator, take one through the three levels of the house, where rooms are tastefully decorated with solid furniture made from industrial parts.  Huge windows reveal views of both the limestone cliff and the lake, while a 160’ long deck runs through the whole length of the home’s facade, providing the perfect place to meditate or enjoy a cup of coffee.

(Source: www.mensgear.net)

Having conquered the culinary world of Europe, Singapore and Seoul, the Michelin Guide has now set its sights on Mainland China. With a focus on Shanghai, the book is slated to be unveiled later this year. Lauded as the ultimate restaurant guide – a handbook for foodies on the road if you will – its international director Michael Ellis said “The richness and quality of Shanghai’s culinary scene completely won us over.” He added that “The city is an economic and cultural crossroad, and its gastronomy is the result of a strong culinary heritage which makes the dining scene very exciting. Shanghai’s culinary scene range from popular to fine dining restaurants, and we are eager to discover the high quality of Shanghai’s gastronomy and starting the selection.” Some say Michelin has been expanding into Asia to match rival Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards, a spinoff of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The Michelin Guide Shanghai 2017, will be released later this year and will represent the 28th edition of the international collection.

(Source: www.luxuo.com)

One of the rarest, most beautiful cars in the world can now be yours for around $10 million dollars. This 1967 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale Continuation ($Auction) is one of only 18 examples ever produced, and also the first production vehicle to sport butterfly doors – a feature that was copied by the McLaren F1 many years later. The street legal supercar has an aluminium body on aluminium tubular chassis, and it’s powered by a 230 bhp 2-litre V8 aluminum engine with twin overhead camshafts and SPICA fuel injection, coupled to a Colotti six gear transmission.  Suspension is by double wishbones, Girling disc brakes provide the stopping power, while the cast-aluminium Campagnolo wheels add a nice finishing touch to the red stunner.  With contemporaries like the Lamborghini Miura, the De Tomaso Mangusta, or Ferrari Dino, the 33 Stradale belongs to a highly exclusive group of supercars.

(Source: www.mensgear.net)