Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) 2016 presented a host of elegant, timeless timepieces for the discerning. And Piaget joined the league by launching the world’s thinnest haute joaillerie watch. In 2014, Piaget introduced the Altiplano 38 mm 900P watch to celebrate its 140th anniversary. As a sequel to this beautiful piece, this year, the brand launched Altiplano 38 mm 900D. As mechanics are pivotal to Piaget, this timepiece has 1270D self-winding skeleton movement and is set with 71 baguette-cut diamonds and 561 brilliant-cut diamonds. The face is further adorned with 5.77 carat diamonds, including the baguette shaped one for the bezel and chapter ring, as well as brilliant-cut for the lugs and middle. And of course, it comes with the distinction of being the thinnest jewellery timepiece in the world, with a thickness of 5.60mm.The availability and price of this exquisite watch are currently under wraps.

The Bejewelled’ Serpenti Forever bags are the coolest accessory for the hot season ahead. The crown jewel of Bulgari’s Spring Summer accessory collection, the bag in python skin has a mix of textures and detail, reminiscent of a colourful canvas brought alive by lavish floral design. The muse for this piece is, in fact, a necklace dated 1968 from Bulgari’s high jewellery collection. Set in gold and embellished with emerald, rubies, sapphires and diamonds, the necklace features floral clusters. Incidentally, this vintage necklace was worn by Keira Knightly to the Oscars in 2006. Bulgari has revisited the rich compositions of the necklace and screen-printed it onto the python skin, imbuing the bag with a flourishing bejewelled pattern. Adding accent is the signature snakehead clasp, enameled in black and white, while the eyes of the snake are adorned with lapis lazuli. Each of the ‘Bejewelled’ Serpenti Forever bags, belonging to the 68-piece limited edition collection, takes three months to craft. That is truly one luxe bag.

Ready to capture unique moments in a flash – and in the toughest weather conditions – the new Leica X-U Underwater Camera for $2950 boasts a rugged body that can endure falls, sandstorms, and pouring rain. Waterproof down to 49 feet for up to 60 minutes, this expedition companion is the first underwater camera with an Advanced Photo System type-C Sensor. With a built-in flash, 16.5 Mega Pixels, 23mm f1.7 ASPH lens, a 3″ LCD viewing screen, dedicated underwater mode, it records 1080p HD video at 30p.  The minimized and intuitive handling that lets you focus on more important stuff (like not missing any opportunities),, while the Leica X-U delivers the pin-sharp pictures this maker is known for.

Presented Monday January 25 in Paris, Christian Dior’s collection at the Spring 2016 Haute Couture Show struck a poised balance between the elegant and the risqué, featuring the house’s “signature lightness of touch and sensual approach to women’s fashion”, in the words of the AFP report covering the much-anticipated show. Staged at the Musée Rodin, the show opened with graceful monochrome ensembles featuring geometric necklines and cutout skirt details, with austere black overcoats flapping open to reveal diaphanous dresses festooned with ostrich feathers. Then came the miniskirts, featuring doodle-style black-and-white sketch motifs and floral panels. The hemlines grew longer, dropping gorgeously to below the knee in an asymmetrical fashion, and skirts teamed with nothing but an open blazer to give the look a raw edge. The designers played with volume, nodding to the current trend for outsized coats with a camel jacket featuring structured sleeves, and a floral midi dress that flared out at the hips before tapering back in along the leg. A midi strapless dress with a stiff ruffled neckline was actually revealed to have full-length sleeves and cold shoulder blouses were given extra structure thanks to the addition of puffball volumes. Frothy hemlines peeked out from underneath sharp outwear for an added dash of fancifulness. The fashion world would now be looking forward to what Lucie Meier and Serge Ruffieux, credited with the collection, would be bringing forth in the coming years.

If you’ve dreamt of living the superhero life, the Co50 Valkyrie private jet is here to add a dash of Batman to your life. Private aircraft builder from San Francisco Cobalt has worked on this snazzy new jet that looks like a fighter plane, but is created for personal use. This futuristic aircraft is touted as the fastest and safest in the world of private aviation. Cobalt put in 10 years of research and innovation to create its first model—the Co50 Valkyrie—a result of CEO David Loury’s vision. Five prototypes of this aircraft were built for testing, thus ensuring complete safety and stability and the company aims at getting full FAA certification for it. The Co50 is one of the few planes that feature a small wing at the nose, known as a canard. In combination with a rear-facing propulsion system it aids in accelerating the lift and overall performance. Cruising at a speed of 300mph, this the fastest single piston engine plane compared to others that offer 280mph and can carry up to five passengers, including the pilot, and offers extra storage space for luggage, golf clubs, and even skis. In addition, it has an anti-stall capability making it easy to manoeuvre. The interiors feature plush leather seats hand-stitched by former Hermès craftsmen and can be completely customised. Valkyrie comes with standard retractable landing-gear, but there is an option of extra rescue parachute for emergency purposes. The parachute system is designed not only for passengers but the entire aircraft. What’s more; this jet has the world’s largest single piece canopy. The glass canopy not only provides access to the leather-appointed interior, but also provides a 320-degree view for the pilot and passengers. The Co50 Valkyrie from Cobalt is priced at $695,000 (approx. Rs 4 crores) and would be delivered by 2017.

Surrealism will be the flavour of the evening at Sotheby’s London auction house on the eve of January 29, 2016. Connoisseurs of art will appreciate and bid for paintings, looking back at the Surrealist Movement of the early 20’s. The collection includes masterpieces such as VÉNUS DE MILO AUX TIROIRS by Salvador Dali, estimated to fetch between INR 39,017,356 — INR 58,526,035; a portrait called Le Miroir by Paul Delvaux estimated at INR 536,488,652 — INR 731,575,434; Pablo Picasso’s oil on canvas titled Personnages, estimated INR 97,543,391 — INR 146,315,087 along with the magnificent Le Savoir faire painting by Rene Magritte, titled L’Usage De La Parole, at an estimated INR 48,771,696 — INR 68,280,374. A winner across many countries for its surreal theme is Simon Hantai’s painting capturing caricatures of fossils estimated at INR 11,705,207 — INR 17,557,810 and Many Ray’s plaster and rope assemblage—defining a woman’s bondaged anatomy—which was first witnessed in late 30’s, estimated to go at INR 34,140,187 — INR 48,771,696. All of these and many more constitute the treasure haul set to be auctioned off. Befitting rewards for those enamoured of art.

Luxury chocolate brand Godiva has created a limited edition tribute to the Chinese Year of the Monkey with three new flavours enhancing its delightfully tempting collection. Embossed with the monkey, these chocolates are inspired by the flavours of authentic Chinese tea, in three variations – Jasmine Green Tea, Pu Erh and oolong tea. Filled with nuts and nougat topped with aromatic tea filling, these classy, seductive chocolates are sure to tantalise your senses with sumptuous richness. Wrapped in dark chocolate, milk chocolate and Ecuadorian white chocolate, a bite into the core reveals a harmony of layered flavours, unveiling the mouth-watering richness of this confection. The ideal for gifting your special ones, this new collection will be retailed in specially created red gift boxes with the golden monkey emblazoned on it.

The iconic UNESCO world heritage site at Mahabalipuram, Chennai, gets a luxe feel with the launch of the all new InterContinental resort. The first luxury hotel near the Bay of Bengal, it has a tropical look with a rich cultural history. This oceanfront property designed by CV Sydney, part of the Kerry Hill design firm in Singapore, boasts of a mesmerising view along with state-of-the-art architecture and décor that adds to the luxurious experience. The architectural design philosophy blends the aesthetics of the resort with Indian authenticity and history, one of the main design elements being the Golden Mean space. The hotel also offers space to facilitate interaction and business meets at various conference areas, along with Planet Trekkers programme for children and Club InterContinental Lounge for businessmen and CEOs. To offer the real taste of Chennai, this new property offers three gourmet dining options starting with The Melting Pot: Market Cafe with three live kitchens serving the best of European, South Asian and Peninsular Indian cuisine. There is also a Chinese speciality restaurant, Tao of Peng, and Off The Hook—a beachside grill and seafood restaurant. The Gatsby Lounge offers classic cocktails and more. The 105-room hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool and a fully-equipped health club and a spa, Amrtam, by Escenza that offers relaxing therapies and signature treatments from across the world. The InterContinental Mahabalipuram is now open for elite globetrotters.

Niraamaya Retreats recently unveiled the Foxy Lady, a brand new vessel for the elite vacationer in Goa. The 66-foot yacht is perfect for 25 to 30 guests, and available for charter to the discerning, complete with a professionally trained crew. Featuring a master suite—with a bottle of champagne and strawberries to welcome guests—and an en-suite bathroom, it flaunts a plush setting with silk upholstery in camel, beige and brown. The interiors of this yacht feature strong accents of a Manhattan lifestyle, with wooden enclosures, glass walls and upholstered ceilings. It features two dining spaces—one inside the yacht and the other on the deck and is especially designed for couples who wish to experience a candle-light dinner under the blue sky. The bar and the galley, totally carved in wood, are stacked with champagne bottles and accessories monitored by an on-yacht butler. The saloon space is equipped with a flat screen and sofas, while the upper deck is furnished with lounge seats ideal for sunbathing. So, whether it’s a week of lazy fishing you are looking at, a few days away with your family, a corporate rendezvous or even a casual get together, the Foxy Lady is the ideal queen-of-the-seas.

To offer the finest in hospitality to its guests, DoubleTree by Hilton in Agra has collaborated with Tattva Spa, offering a range of salon and wellness treatments under the brand Calista – The Spa by Tattva. The facility is spread across 5000 square feet, boasting of a dedicated couple spa room, thai-yoga room, western spa therapy rooms, quaint salon, meditation zone, well equipped gymnasium, and a swimming pool. DoubleTree by Hilton is one of the few hotels in the city that is close to the Taj Mahal as well as other attractions. To unwind after a long day, tourists will now be able to enjoy the exclusive treatments at Tattva, such as the most authentic Thai and hot stone massage with well-trained healers. Additionally, guests can choose from a host of Indian and International massage selection, as well as luxury beauty therapies called Beauty Elixirs. Calista Spa by Tattva also offers wellness packages for couples, under the theme ‘Celebrate Togetherness’ in the romantic city that is home to the symbol of eternal love – The Taj.