Don’t be surprised if you spot a swanky new Maserati Gran Cabrio mapping the busy streets of Mumbai, as the city recently witnessed the launch of the Italian car brand’s third showroom in India. Located in the heart of Mumbai, at the newly Taj Hotel opened in Santacruz, the car brand has partnered with leading auto dealers Group Planet Petal to unveil this upscale retail space. Sprawled across 3,200 sq feet, the ultra chic showroom features four iconic models by Maserati– the Quattroporte, its sports executive sedan—Ghibli, the sports coupe and cabriolet – the Gran Turismo and the four seat convertible the Gran Cabrio. The showroom worth $2 million, apart from these cars, features a visitor’s lounge, an exclusive section narrating Maserati’s luxurious record, some fashion merchandises and an exclusive configuration area offering the clients a chance to customise the vehicle they buy. The showroom’s launch was hosted by Sukhbir Bagga, Managing Director, Group Planet Petal, and Bojan Jankulovski, Head of Operations for Maserati India; the duo not only spoke about Maserati’s celebrated history but also gave the discerning guests a chance to take a peek at the lifestyle of a Maserati owner over champagne, wines and epicurean bites. What’s more, the brand intends to pamper Indian clients just the way they do it internationally. Maserati will have a workshop in Marol, Andheri, which is equipped with the high-tech tools and equipment required for servicing the entire range of Maserati cars.

MasterCard and WISeKey has just announced a partnership at the Mobile World Congress, to bring contactless payments on a selection of luxury watches and wearables. WISeKey already has a long list of premium watch manufacturers which already use WIS.WATCH, including Hublot and Bulgari. WIS.WATCH is WISeKey’s patented security software. The partnership adds new brands and devices to current similar MasterCard programs such as Groceries by MasterCard, as new app collaboration that lets you order groceries directly from Samsung’s Family Hub refrigerator. Atlas, Moov, and Omate are also part of the MasterCard program, which enables payment from their collection of Fitness Bands and Smart Watches. In this collaboration, MasterCard’s payment technology is integrated with WISeKey’s Cryptographic Root of Trust for IoT and NFCTrusted© technology solutions for a convenient and secure shopping experience. Well, you never know when you suddenly realize that you need some last minute groceries on your run, or when you accidentally left your wallet at home. “Our collaboration with WISeKey is a great example of how payments functionality can deliver transformative more value for a variety of device manufacturers, and create safe and convenient shopping experiences,” said Sherri Haymond, senior vice president, Digital Payments and Labs, MasterCard.

The Dallas-based Heritage Auctions sold a nearly 50-year old lock of John Lennon’s hair Saturday for the princely sum of $35,000. Other Beatles items sold included a signed Lennon photograph for $2,125, a signed photograph of the whole band for $42,500, and a rare sealed copy of the band’s limited US album Yesterday and Today for $125,000. The lock of hair in question was snipped in 1966 before he began filming How I Won the War, a dark comedy filmed by Richard Lester about a fictional British army troop in World War 2. The film was where Lennon first public donned the signature round glasses that he wore for the rest of his life. Richard Lester had also directed the prime Beatlemania movie A Hard Day’s Night back in 1964. The German hairdresser cutting Lennon’s hair, Klaus Baruck, kept the 4-inch lock afterwards. Heritage director of music memorabilia, Garry Shrum reported that it was “the largest lock of John Lennon’s hair ever offered at auction”.

Lexus has introduced the LC500, the brand’s long-awaited successor to the SC430 hard-top convertible, which ended production in 2010. The LC500 is built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform, and has a body that Lexus claims is the stiffest it has ever produced. Power comes from a 5-litre V8 that kicks out 470bhp. The car maker claims this automobile does the century sprint in less than 4.5 seconds. Lexus has introduced turbocharged power trains in its “regular” vehicles, but a spokesperson confirmed that naturally aspirated large-displacement engines favored by most enthusiasts would still be used in sportier models. Debuting on the LC500 is a 10-speed automatic transmission – the most forward ratios in any passenger car today. Lexus says that this gearbox’s shift times rival that of dual-clutch units. Production of the vehicle will begin later this year.

Santa Fe Stone works is a family operated business (based in Santa Fe, New Mexico), producing a range of knives from collector-grade, handmade rarities; to popular, affordably-priced gifts that comfortably fit almost any budget.  The Dinosaur Bone Damascus Pocketknife ($154) you see here belongs to the latter category, but it’s by no means ordinary. The handle is made of 150 million years old dinosaur bone (Brontosaurus species, if you must know) while the 3-inch long blade is forged from 16-layer Damascus steel – known for its strength, edge holding ability, and its dramatic appearance.  Due to the nature of the materials, each piece has a unique appearance, so you can pride yourself in owning a gorgeous and badass pocketknife, that’s also a one-of-a-kind.

Fahrenheit from Dior has been a classic fragrance since 1988; the brand has been reinventing the scent for the urban men. To add to its list of mesmerising perfumes, it now presents the Dior Fahrenheit Cologne. This new product is an addition to the brand’s collection of Fahrenheit parfum, eau de toilette, after shave, shaving balm, shower gel and deodorant. Considering the league it belongs to its masculine, refreshing scent was a given. It exudes a woody fragrance that is juicy and peppery. Created by François Demachy, the Dior Perfume Creator, it opens to top notes of Sicilian mandarin, followed by a rich violet note and a lingering Virginia cedar fragrance. It is a mild version of the popular eau de toilette version of the collection. It is pure with a woody, spicy charm. Price on request.

The Luxury Lifestyle Awards will hold the Asia 2015 Gala Ceremony on the 25th of February this year. The most anticipated event in the world of luxury will be welcoming prominent personalities from leading luxury brands, key media representatives and celebrities from 10 countries of Asia region at the fabulous Fairmont Singapore. We, at The Luxe Café are pleased to be the media partners for this landmark event representing the spirit of the world of luxury. The winners in all categories will be awarded with an official trophy – Golden Crown – a true masterpiece, handcrafted by Italian brand Faraone Mennella, besides bringing them into the spotlight of global audiences. The guests would also enjoy the privilege of a breath-taking night in Casino Royale style, experience fine dining, range of exclusive cocktails provided by Alcohol Partner Campari Group along with a vibrant entertaining show. Bespoke bouquets for the winners and ballroom floral decorations have been designed by Official Partner Flower Factory. The Gala Evening will be scintillating with jewellery creations by Caratell (Singapore), Chara Wen (Taiwan) and MBj (India). Attendees would also stand a chance to win a fancy deep reddish purple diamond by participating in the Grand Raffle organized by the event’s exclusive Diamond Partner – World of Diamonds .

Hilton has announced the Triptych Miami Design District will join Curio – A Collection by HiltonTM when it opens during the 2017 – 2018 high season. “With a need for more high-end accommodation options in this unique location, the HES Group is positioning the Triptych perfectly to be the frontrunner among hotels in the area,” said Matt Wehling, senior vice president, development – North America, Hilton Worldwide. The name Triptych is inspired by works of art composed of three sections that are meant to be appreciated together. Triptych Miami Design District is located at the intersection of the three hottest areas in Miami, and will bring together the exquisite taste of the Design District, the modernity of Midtown and the artsy style of Wynwood. It will be the epicenter of fashion, art, design and business in Miami. Once completed, Triptych will pay homage to its namesake by becoming the only hotel in the Design District of Miami to boast an extensive gallery space for both locals and visitors to enjoy. The 20-story hotel will include 296 rooms and suites and 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting and function space. There will be a number of food and beverage venues including a Sky Lobby with pool deck, restaurant and bar, as well as a rooftop deck with bar and lounge. The fitness center will be open 24/7 and offer morning yoga classes for guests. The hotel will not only be a place for travelers to relax, but a place to connect with local businesses. Both the ground floor and second floor will showcase some of the trendiest brands in its retail space. Office space will be available between floors three and six in shared concept style. These forward-thinking workspaces will be ready for creative businesses and the most curious entrepreneurs.

Beyoncé, Madonna, Diane von Furstenberg, Mary-Kate Olsen and Christian Louboutin are just a few of the many celebrities who nurse a penchant for Hanut Singh’s jewellery. And now Mumbaikars must get ready to welcome this exclusive collection that comes to the Millennium city in the form of a two day exhibit, to be held from February 23 to 25, 2016. The last decade has seen designer Hanut Singh create jewellery based on fine craftsmanship, appreciation of history and modern sensibilities. He offers his pieces a personal touch, with his celebrity clients gaining access to them by way of exclusive showcases of his works at private trunk shows and at his by-appointment-only boutiques. He is a descendant of the Kapurthala royal family of India, a style icon of the 20th century. The family’s legendary treasures and discerning tastes are evident in his designs. Classic art deco style remains the DNA for all of Hanut’s jewellery that also features master techniques of specially hand-cut and carved stones. Hanut Singh does not have a retail outlet in India and will be hosting his latest collection, Future Of The Future exclusively at Mumbai’s Bungalow 8. The collection is inspired by architecture, movement and vivid nature.