Asylum seekers from Mali and Gambia strutted down the catwalk January 14 at Florence’s prestigious Pitti Uomo exhibition, kicking off an initiative to school would-be migrant fashionistas in Italy’s top art. In a fashion world first, farmers and construction workers who made the perilous journey by boat to Italy in May took centre-stage in Tuscany’s capital, modelling everything from sharply-tailored suits to tasselled jumpers and outlandish hats. Despite initially appearing a touch overawed, they pulled off the trademark model walk – one even shooting the cameras a smoldering look worthy of a supermodel as he stopped to pose at the end of the runway. The men, aged between 19 and 27, who could not be identified for legal reasons, were handpicked for the show from their reception centers by the ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative, which mentors young emerging designers from Africa. EFI head and founder Simone Cipriani told the media that the event, which features four collections by African stylists, was an initiative to “show that migrants are a resource”. “We are setting up a training centre for refugees and migrants in Italy to work in the industry of fashion and be enabled to go back home and set up their own businesses there,” he said. The project is being launched with Lai-momo, an Italian association which raises awareness of migration issues and since 2014 has been involved in running a series of reception centers in and around Bologna, in Italy’s center-north.

Oceanwide Expeditions has announced its 2017 Antarctica adventure cruise, taking travellers to the Ross Sea in Antarctica. Only discovered in 1841, the Ross Sea is a deep bay in the Southern Ocean in Antarctica. The 116 passengers will be carried by the Ortelius, a Polish vessel that formerly served the Russian Academy of Science and is specially equipped to sail icy waters. The 32-day expedition would take a route across the polar circle, arriving at the west of Peter I island, before sailing through the ice to the Ross Ice Shelf and finally reaching the Ross Sea. The trip then heads to the sub-Antarctic Campbell Island and ends in New Zealand. Two helicopters will be allocated to accompany the amateur explorers, taking them to remote locations like the refuges used by the first explorers to discover the region. Oceanwide Expeditions warns that conditions at one of the cruise’s Antarctic destinations “are the closest you get to the conditions on Mars anywhere on Planet Earth.” Travellers will have plenty of fauna to discover too, from the royal albatross on Campbell Island to minke whales and killer whales in the Ross Sea. Head to the Oceanwide Expeditions website for a chance to win a free ticket for the Ross Sea Cruise, valued at over $25,000.

Burberry’s Spring/Summer collection brings the latest statement in androgynous clothing, with the once resolutely feminine material making a grand entrance in menswear—lace. The delicate woven fabric is no longer just for fancy frocks or slinky lingerie. Creative director Christopher Bailey has incorporated lace separates into classic Burberry looks: ensembles tailored in brown and green, smart-casual outfits anchored by jogger pants, with the occasional trench coat. It was the designer’s unexpected way of paying homage to British craftsmanship. Small artisanal firms weave the intricate cotton lace used to craft traditional menswear items including shirts, ties and even the collar of a trench coat. But will the very macho Indian male take to lace? Well, perhaps the trendsetters might go for it just to blur the lines between the genders, but it’s hard to say! At the very least, there’s one thing for sure about lace: It is perfect for tropical weather.

Gear up for the long months of summer ahead with the latest offering from the Cartier stables: Trinity deCartier, a brand new range of sunglasses. Known for fine jewellery and timepieces, Cartier has added a luxe touch to various fashion essentials in the past. The Trinity de Cartier range of sunglasses is a statement of elegance and poise. The refined and feminine glasses draw inspiration from the three interlocked rings of Cartier Trinity design. It  sure makes for a great pick for a tropical vacation. One of the iconic designs from the range is the purple composite piece with hand-polished arms and vibrant brilliance in gold and palladium finishes. It showcases the expertise of the Cartier Maison’s craftsmen. With a hint of sparkle, the glasses flaunt detailing on the temple. Handcrafted in Italy, these sunglasses are available at Cartier boutiques and brands via prior appointment only.

One of India’s most iconic hospitality brands, the Taj Group has brought a fresh property to add to the glamour of Mumbai, and this one’s a stone’s throw away from the domestic and international airports. The group’s fourth property in the city, Taj Santacruz is an ode to its vibrance while keeping pace with its cosmopolitan life. Reflecting a distinctive design, housing spacious rooms and extending warm service to guests, the property symbolizes what quintessential Mumbai stands for. With 279 rooms and suites, possibly the largest in the city, the property also houses culinary destinations—Tiqri, Rivea and its tasting room Enoteca, a pool deck and a health centre. The hotel opened to guests on January 16, 2016. Be it for business or pleasure, this one’s sure going to be on the list of every discerning traveller headed to Mumbai.

A favourite from last year’s Baselword, luxury Swiss watch brand Frédérique Constant’s masterpiece of a smartwatch has finally arrived in India. Unlike other smartwatches which highlight the digital aspect, this watch features a silver dial with hand applied indexes. Its classic dial and 42 mm stainless steel case are matched by the exotic alligator straps which accentuate the beauty of this folding-clasp watch. Displaying central hours and minutes hands, the small blue hand on the dial indicates the date during the day and will point out the moon while you sleep. Its quartz movement is powered by MotionX® which is capable of bi-directionally communicating with an iPhone and Android apps. Redefining Smartwatch innovations, this timepiece features a sleep monitor, sleep cycle alarm and get-active alerts to keep you on the go. The smartwatch, with its 2-year battery life, offers all the benefits of the ‘quantified self’, without ever having to recharge a battery like the Fitbit band or the regular smartphone.

Following in the footsteps of Rahul Mishra who won the prestigious Woolmark Prize in 2014 for his contribution to women’s wear, Suket Dhir from Delhi has claimed the International Woolmark Prize as his own in the menswear category for 2015-16. The designer received the prize at Pitti Uomo, the world’s foremost menswear trade fair, in Florence on Jan 13, along with AU$100,000 as a gesture of support to help him develop his business. This being the second year for menswear category at the International Woolmark Prize, his competing with more than 70 designers from six different regions of the world does make this feat a big deal for the designer. Cleverly fusing classic western silhouettes with elements of traditional styles such as oversized proportions and lightweight fabrics, Dhir’s collection transformed fibrous wool into smooth, silk-like yarn to render an effortless prêt line for men. His creations are already selling at Pernia’s Pop-Up Store at present, but with the winning amount providing a boost, Dhir will be able to extend his collections to various leading multi-retail boutiques alongside big retail names like MatchesFashion.com (online), Isetan Mitsukoshi (Japan), David Jones (Australia), Saks Fifth Avenue (New York), 10 Corso Como (Milan) and Boon The Shop (South Korea).

Another sci-fi fantasy gets transformed to reality as you’d soon be able to travel short distances in your very own personal drone. The first Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV), called Ehang 184 ($TBA), has been revealed and it looks darn promising. The drone sports four arms and eight propellers that offer enough lifting power to carry one person (no heavier than 220lbs), at speeds of up to 62mph (100km/h). Safety was a major priority when designing this vehicle, so it features a fail-safe system that ensures an immediate landing in case any components malfunction or disconnect. To operate, simply type in your destination (using the on-board app), sit back and let the drone do its thing. Offering a maximum 23 minutes of flight time per charge—which takes 2-4 hrs—the Ehang 184 should be able to take you on a fun ride to the nearest grocery store and back. That’s not impressive, but it’s just the beginning of Jetsons-like flying cars moving all over the city.

Bentley Motors and Vertu have had a long standing association, creating outstanding luxury gadgets inspired by automobiles. This New Year, the Signature Touch phone gets a technological facelift, with the brand’s most vibrant display ever and extraordinary sound quality through Dolby Digital Plus virtual surround sound. It is touted as the highest ever technical performance smartphone from Vertu. What’s more, it features two-tone Beluga and Hotspur Bentley leather with Hotspur stitching. It also has a host of other enhancements, including a 3D Bentley logo. There’s more still: the phones will have a special Bentley app that will offer updates, exclusive content, tailored events and VIP access to users. The gadget is powered by Android 5.1 Lollipop and Dedicated Concierge service and other packages that ensure seamless user experience. Signature Touch also has Vertu’s Made to Order option allowing each phone to be personalised in leather of different colours and 16 stitching options. Third in the line of Bentley and Vertu phones, this will be available January 28 onwards.

England’s premium automobile manufacturer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Ghost Series II has been named the world’s finest luxury car by ‘What Car?’ UK’s prestigious annual award function for automobiles. Ghost Series II has been an iconic car by the brand that is available in a host of bespoke options and is a celebrity favourite. The light steering, pedal responses and the twin-turbocharged V12 engine coupled with its chic look made this an award-winning automobile. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “Since its launch in 2009, the Ghost has propelled Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to new heights. It attracts a very special breed of some of the most discerning and successful entrepreneurs in the world; seduced by this special car’s thoroughly modern interpretation of the Rolls-Royce luxury.” The What Car? Award has made an honourable addition to a long list of accolades for Rolls-Royce, a name that’s a statement of power and elegance.