Tom Ford’s show at the New York Fashion Week this spring is no longer. The designer will instead return to the show in September, as part of what looks to be a mini revolution of sorts, that is, in the fashion world. Ford criticized the old fashion model, which typically presented a collection months before its launch, calling it “an antiquated idea and one that no longer makes sense.” “We have been living with a fashion calendar and system that is from another era,” he said, instead pushing for a more immediate model where a collection is presented a lot closer to its launch date. The designer previously pulled out of the London Fashion Week, and looks like he won’t be showing for Paris and Milan either. “Our customers today want a collection that is immediately available. Fashion shows and the traditional fashion calendar, as we know them, no longer work in the way that they once did,” Ford said. He added, “We spend an enormous amount of money and energy to stage an event that creates excitement too far in advance of when the collection is available to the consumer.” The designer will return to the fashion show in September, where his menswear and womenswear collection are combined in one Autumn/Winter 2016 show.

Celebrating its 40 years since its first ever quartz movement watch in-house, Piaget unveiled the Emperador Coussin XL 700P at the SIHH watch exhibition in Geneva. Mastering the skill of making ultra-thin timepieces with its innovative mechanical movements, Piaget nailed the unusual incorporation between a mechanical calibre and a generator with this watch. Driven by a generator regulated mechanical movement, the launch of the Emperador Coussin fuels the creativity and innovation Piaget is best acknowledged for across the world. This patented quartz movement stems from two years of dedicated research conducted within the maisons of Piaget and is based on an original Swiss concept first registered in 1972. Piaget illustrated technological dynamism by developing its own ultra-thin quartz movement, famously called the 7P. As a tribute to the latter, the Maison has decided to name this new electronically regulated self-winding calibre – ‘700P’, which is also how the brand zeroed down on the name—Emperador Coussin XL 700P.  Ideal for black-tie evenings, the 46.5mm cushion shaped white gold case is topped with a round gold bezel, coated further with an amorphous diamond like carbon coating complementing the black shade of the watch. Blending in tradition, innovation, boldness and refinement, the watch in itself is a mechanical achievement in the world of horology mastered by Piaget’s technical team. Bound to appeal to connoisseurs with a taste, the watch, limited to only 118 pieces, is currently available at the brand’s exclusive boutiques.

Motoring enthusiasts are looking forward to Alpina’s latest work of art to join the BMW 7-series team. The announcement has been made that the car will be unveiled come March at the Geneva Motorshow. It keeps the high-tech features that are usually found in the previous BMW 7-series editions while showing off a twin-turbo charged 4.4-liter V8 engine. A modern and sleek design, this is a high-performance vehicle that does not compromise on its aesthetics. Its interior is high-quality Lavalina leather that is hand-finished, for a polished feel. Making its debut at the Geneva Motor show in March, the 2017 Alpina B7 xDrive delivers an impressive 600 horsepower and the same high-torque-low-revs ratio that characterizes Alpina in general. The eight-speed automatic transmission brings this power to all four wheels with ease, while the re-worked suspension system keeps it all under control. Going from 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds, this luxury sedan can seriously put the pedal to the metal, as they say. A first in the history of the B7 is the introduction of Integral Active Steering. The combination of variable ratio electric steering at the front axle and active steering on the rear axle provides the driver with a truly dynamic experience. The Alpina classic wheels that have Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires mounted on it further enhance the B7 xDrive.

French fashion house Chanel introduces its 2016 high-jewelry collection “Signature de Chanel”, so-named because it is dedicated to something of a signature craft for the brand, quilting. Split into 11-mini-collections, the pattern loved by Gabrielle Chanel is highlighted with the help of diamonds, mother-of-pearl marquetry, rock crystal and pearls. Quilting was first seen in the maison‘s jewelry line with the “Coco Crush” collection in April 2015, where selected cuffs and rings showcased the pattern. Originally inspired by the equestrian world, the quilted pattern is an integral part of Chanel’s history that’s often considered a signature of the brand. This now legendary effect was first seen on the “2.55” bag, before soon being brought to more of the brand’s bags and accessories. For 2016, it’s in the hands of Chanel’s jewelry studio — the Studio de Création de Haute Joaillerie — to craft a range based on the famous quilting, with no less than 48 pieces reinterpreting the motif. Chanel has put 18k white gold and diamonds at the heart of this new high jewelry collection. However, 18k yellow gold is used in the “Signature d’Or” mini-collection, with a ring and cuff set with brilliant-cut diamonds. Other mini-collections include “Signature de Saphir,” which sets sapphires among square-cut, brilliant-cut, baguette-cut and triangle-cut diamonds, while “Signature de Perles” sees Japanese cultured pearls alongside emerald-cut, brilliant-cut and cushion-cut diamonds. The “Signature Acidulée” collection includes a ring set with an aquamarine stone.

Four Seasons will manage a new, all-suite luxury hotel in Capital Place, a luxury mixed-use development located in the heart of Jakarta’s bustling Sudirman Central Business District. Recognised as one of the safest developments in Jakarta, Capital Place, a collaboration between the Rajawali Property Group and GIC, achieved an impressive accident-free safety record during construction and was recently chosen by the DKI Jakarta Government as the launch venue for National Safety Month 2016. Located along Jalan Gatot Subroto, the integrated business development will also include a 47-story office tower and upscale retail and dining outlets. “Capital Place is a remarkable project that represents our bold vision for the city of Jakarta,” says Shirley Tan, CEO, Rajawali Property Group. “By leveraging Four Seasons experience and flexibility gained in similar mixed-use projects around the world, we are creating the first luxury mixed-use development in Jakarta to offer a seamless five-star experience.” Four Seasons is well-known for operating some of the world’s greatest hotels in key global financial centres including Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo, London, New York and Paris. The architects of the development are the internationally acclaimed Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, whose design celebrates the Indonesian architectural principle of transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces. The clean lines of the French Deco-inspired interiors, designed by the renowned New York interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, will complement the outdoor spaces created by tropical urban landscape designer Bill Bensley.

International make up brand MAC has introduced delectable shades of lip colour as part of its Hugs & Kisses collection this season, in sync with the grand celebration of love. The Huggable Lipcolour and Huggable Lip Glass bring a unique formula of lip shades. The lipstick has a creamy formula that remains luminous for up to six hours. The smooth glide and the dewy look of these products leave the lips moisturised and hydrated, offering a light colour with a rich sheen. The highlight is, of course, the characteristic vanilla scent of the lipsticks. The Huggable Lipcolour in shades of red, beige and nude, coral and even plum is perfect for the Valentine’s Day pout. The range is priced at INR 1,800.

Last month was all about speculations around the auction of the exceptionally rare 1957 Scaglietti-bodied 335 S. And this month, this beautiful automobile left everyone jaw-dropped as it set a new record at the Artcurial Motorcars Retromobile auction in Paris. This driving magnificence got sold at a whopping $35.7 million approximately, becoming the most expensive car to be sold at an auction. Undoubtedly a stunning car, this mean machine has some fascinating history attached to it. The chassis no. 0674 is owned by collector Pierre Bardino and its bidding at the exhibition started at $22.3 million, until a secret international bidder wrote it off at the whopping price. What makes this automobile incredibly rare is its excellent condition and brilliant racing career. It was part of Sebring 12 Hours in March 1957 and the famous Mille Miglia race. It was driven by many racing legends like Peter Collins, Maurice Trintignant, Wolfang Von Trips and others. The car which was then owned by Scuderia Ferrari was sold to Luigi Chinetti’s North American Racing team. During its racing career with the American team, the automobile won for celebrated racing drivers of their time like Masten Gregory and Lance Reventlow. This sports car boasts of a 12 cylinder, 4.1 litre engine with 400 horsepower. It attracted maximum attention when it set the first over 200 km/h average lap record at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1957. It was the fastest lap ever taken in the history of the event. The identity of the buyer has not been revealed yet, but there are rumours that it is bought by Ohio-based real estate dealer Brian Ross.

Popular American chef and author Julia Child spent over three decades at the La Pitchoune where she cooked and published her first book. Now you can live her life and learn professional culinary with a short course or on a trip with your family to her home in France. La Pitchoune or La Peetch, the summer home of Julia and Paul Child, has been turned into a cooking school and vacation rental. Here cooking enthusiasts will undergo training with professional chefs while exploring the magic of food and wine. The cooking sessions start in 2017 and will be held weekly from April through June, and September through October. Sessions are limited to six guests, and will include cooking lessons, all breakfasts and lunches, excursions throughout the local area, daily yoga, delicious wine from the region and much more. The highlight will be cooking in Child’s customised kitchen which has been kept intact over the years. It has the original copper pots, pans, measuring cups and assorted kitchen utensils. Additionally, these homes can be hired for retreats and vacation with on-site concierge, in-house chef services, apart from other services. The rental service is available from spring this year and the cooking courses will start next year. For prices, booking and more visit LaPeech.com.

Andhra Pradesh tourism will soon host a new luxury hotel on Vizag shores as the world’s oldest aircraft carrier, INS Viraat is set to be revamped into a 500-room luxury property this year. Designed by the British and launched in 1953, the century old ship has served as a world class carrier to the Indian Navy transporting 26 fighter planes, helicopters with 16 Sea Harriers and Chetaks, and will now be inducted into India’s tourism league. Likely to dock on the shores of Vishakhapatnam, the ship will start undergoing the refurbishment post it’s decommissioning in June 2016. Slated to house 500 swanky suites and rooms, it is said the hotel will tell historic tales of the Indian Navy and the battles waged by the country’s courageous naval guards. This will be the second time a naval vessel is converted into a tourist destination; INS Vikrant, which was the first Indian aircraft carrier, was transformed into a museum post being decommissioned in 1997. The present government is surely upping the tourism game. Set to add glory to Vishakhapatnam’s scenic coast, which already features the country’s first submarine museum and a lighthouse overlooking the Bay of Bengal, we’re holding our breaths for the first look at INS Viraat post makeover.