Welcome to the future! BMW recently unveiled the iVision Future Interaction Concept ($TBA), an interesting vehicle that exhibits sharp, sexy lines, and packs next-generation display technology. Based on the hybrid BMW i8 Spyder Concept, the iVision has a dramatic body finished in a sleek orange & smart black. Instead of traditional mirrors, the car uses rear view cameras which enhance safety while reducing drag coefficient and wind noise. Step inside to find a 3-D displaying instrument cluster in front of the driver, providing speed info and more and also alerting you of obstacles farther up the road that aren’t in the field of view. A massive 21 inch (in diagonal) monitor sits in the middle of the dashboard, controlled entirely by motioned gestures and connecting automatically with the driver’s smartphone or smartwatch, while also providing access to the Internet. The iVision Concept offers three drive modes: Pure Drive (driving yourself), Assist and Auto Mode, so you have the option to just relax and let the car do the work.
Elie Saab will shortly be opening his first London store on 24 Bruton Street in the fashionable neighborhood of Mayfair. The four-level flagship will cover 8,640 square feet and neighbour boutiques from other luxury designers like Isabel Marant, Stella McCartney, Bugatti, Diane von Furstenberg and Hermès. The shop will offer ready-to-wear, accessories and fragrances in addition to a haute couture salon—the brand’s third after Beirut and Paris. This flagship will also be the third Elie Saab location to highlight the designer’s new interior design concept. The first was in the brand’s Paris location and the second in Dubai. Saab has been working with the architectural design agency RDAI to furnish and decorate the new space for the unveiling.
His works are mostly known for its steampunk influence, but Russian fine jewelry designer Vladimir Markin’s latest Carrot brooch is a different style: cute and classy at same time. Created in 18K white gold and yellow gold, the brooch is adorned with orange sapphires, tsavorites and diamonds. A classic Markin touch: a push of the carrot’s top will reveal a rabbit peering with its head out. Markin’s designs are known for being ‘different’. For the past four years, the Moscow-based designer has been giving fine jewelry a wicked twist, thanks to his obsession with mechanical art and the steampunk movement. Rings come adorned with gears, necklaces can be taken apart, ebony wood makes up the body of rings, and pieces are crafted to replicate suspension bridges and floor plans of old cathedrals. Even his first Asian outpost on 8 Elgin Street in Hong Kong stands out among the other hipster stores in that area with a mural of a bearded man smoking a pipe taking up the entire exterior space.
The Wave City Coffee Table is an unusual and fascinating work of art created by Stelios Mousarris, a young Cypriot designer who makes weird but cool-looking furniture. Priced at $5,440, this table represents a modern city that bends over itself—inspired by the tripping scenes from the 2010 science fiction heist thriller Inception (starring Leo DiCaprio). Constructed of wood & steel, it features a bunch of detailed buildings which were shaped with the help of a 3D printer. This one’s surely a collectible for connoisseurs of rare and exquisite specimens of art.
RETRO ROYALE | The Great Eastern Home, a sprawling series of showrooms cum café, is among the top antique treasure troves of Mumbai
Mumbai is the place where dreams come true. Getting a good job, making it big in Bollywood or even finding an antique you have been dying to buy. Today Chor Bazaar is not the only destination for aficionados of period pieces. The city of seven islands has many exclusive stores which specialise in antiques and employ experts who restore your handpicked antiques to functional usage or create reproductions. Your search for good antique shops ends here today, as The Luxe Café brings you the addresses of top haunts for antique lovers.
Chor Bazaar
Don’t get misled by the name, this 150-year-old market is a harmless place where love for vintage meets candid bargaining. From exquisite nautical pieces to old English teapots, from bronze statues to lovely art deco pieces and from antique chandeliers to old Bollywood posters—you’d find it all in this cozy part of old Mumbai.
Appearances are deceptive, as the adage goes. So don’t let the shabby looks of the shops deceive you. Most of the around 200 shops have a storage in the backyard or on the upper floors where they usually keep the more expensive antique work for serious buyers, which includes Bollywood celebs too. Haggling is a mandatory, unspoken rule of Chor Bazaar.
ROBBER’S CAVE | From exquisite nautical pieces to old English teapots and then dazzling rainbow lights such as these, Chor Bazaar has it all
Says Bhanu Uday, a self-confessed antique shopaholic who has been frequenting the Chor Bazaar for a nearly decade, “If you want the best of variety, be sure not to appear too keen about anything you like at a shop. Ask questions, show mild interest and demand variety before making your choice. This way, you always get more variety and better prices.” Yes, reproductions are found in abundance. At times, it’s difficult to tell the reproduction from the antique.
Aman, the third-generation owner of Golden Era, shop no. 69 which specialises in antique statues, advises, “A lot of shops claim to sell antiques which are actually merely 30-40 years old. However, strictly speaking, only items over 100 years qualify to be called antiques. Antiques have an altogether different shade and shine to them, which easily separates them from the reproductions.”
Oshiwara Market
This market is the new favourite of antique enthusiasts. The narrow lanes and disordered shops which are prone to suffering in monsoon make it difficult to like the place in the first look. The shops mainly sell reproductions and custom-made furnishing pieces inspired from original artworks. But if you shop around, there are great bargains for antiques to be found. Only be careful about what you are buying.
ANTIQUE HAUL | Happy treasure-hunting in the lanes of Oshiwara market, where you can get your chosen piece polished, upholstered and delivered
Warns Ramesh Sharma, owner of Gramin Arts, a 22-year-old popular shop, “Though most of the shops here are transparent about what’s antique and what is a mere reproduction, coming to such markets with an antique expert is always a good idea.” What’s really great about this market is that most of the shops offer a one-stop place for your furnishing needs. So if you have picked an antique and need to get it polished, upholstered or delivered, they would have all the required artists and experts to get all the work done.
Camelot
It is the place to go for those who want handpicked antique furnishings for a perfect ‘colonial look’ to their house. The owners have given a beautiful look to this old colonial bungalow. Two large rooms and a terrace area display some of the most spectacular art deco pieces.
COLONIAL CLASS | Camelot ups the colonial quotient in home décor, with the best bargains to be had
People love coming here for classy, colonial designs and to enjoy a hot cup of tea. You can even preorder a special request for any reproduction piece. The store is busiest during the sales it holds round the year when you find most of Mumbai queuing up for the best of the bargains.
IF LUXE COULD KILL | Admiring yourself got a new dimension with this art deco mirror, complete with coathooks, from Camelot
The Great Eastern Home
What’s better than a one-stop shop that offers everything vintage and classy? Well, a showroom that also doubles up as a party hosting venue complete with a scenic pond. The Great Eastern Home is a spacious series of showrooms cum café spread over 7,000 sq. ft. in Vikhroli. The price scale is on the higher side but saves you the time to go from shop to shop looking for that perfect period style piece of furnishing.
ONE-STOP SHOP | The Great Eastern Home in Vikhroli oozes spectacular old-world charm, doubling up as a plush party hosting venue
The coffee tables and antique chests are especially popular here. You can always get in touch with Neilofur on 0-9819050936 for any query.
ART ALIVE | The Great Eastern Home offers this fine specimen of Italian Art Deco—metal and marble—from the 1950s
For the first time in 35 years, a trio of secluded isles near Panama are up for sale, listed at a $ 100 million. The three islands—Bayoneta, Cañas and La Caida, collectively known as the Cayonetas Islands— totaling 1,800 acres of land and 50 beaches spread across 19 miles of coastline are located in Panama’s Las Perlas archipelago. Currently undeveloped and uninhabited, the pristine islands are being offered by Pangea World, a transnational foundation that focuses on scientific discovery, sustainable development, and eco- tourism.The future owner will have the chance to work closely with Pangea World to bring their unique vision for the properties to life, whether that entails building villas, a private compound, or an environmentally friendly resort. Up to 30 percent of the land is eligible for development, while 70 percent must remain a nature preservein these eco-heavens home to four species of turtles, 12 subspecies of birds not found on the mainland, and archeological sites studying the indigenous people who lived on the islands in pre-Columbian times.
Guests at the Naples Winter Wine Festival in Florida will have a chance to take home the very first Rolls-Royce Dawn drophead coupe available anywhere. Production of the courtly convertible begins in February but the entire first year’s yield has already been spoken for, making this a car to be coveted. One of the most notable charity auctions in the US, the three-day fete runs from January 29 through 31. On Saturday the 30th, the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples would provide the proper ambience of affluence for the attendee lunch, as well as the auction, where the first Rolls Royce Dawn would be claimed. Built specifically for the festival, the 563 hp roadster (a two-door that seats four) will feature an Andalusian White exterior with a deep-red roof and matching red-leather interior. Delivery is scheduled for April.
ST Dupont has created a special pen collection dedicated to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which has broken all box office records and got people desperately queuing up to lay their hands on its merchandise. The limited edition Star Wars collection channelling the spirit of Jedi and Sith includes two pens and a special levitating concept model. The silver X-Wing ballpoint pen is made from Ceramium A.C.T, a rare and high-tech material and enhanced by beautiful guilloche motifs that replicate the original design of the fighter spacecraft. When you assemble the pieces in the box, you can create an uber-stylish X-wing fighter jet. If you’re tempted by the dark side, though, you may opt for the TIE Fighter writing instrument in matt black, based on the Streamline-R model and created from Ceramium A.C.T. With beautiful hand-guilloche patterns this comes with a Star Wars logo on its ring and the Galactic Empire symbol on its clip. A tribute to the magnificent lightsabers of Darth Vader and Yoda, the pens have two-carat red and green topaz stones placed on the body made from bronze with black lacquer, palladium and rhodium finishes. Both pens are priced at £1,400 and are available via Harrods.com.
Feast your eyes on a super-surfboard that can burst through barrels on its own power, skim flat water at speeds up to 35 mph, and propel its rider to new heights on chop and surf. With a 17 hp, 100 cc gas-powered water-jet engine, the JetSurf Factory GP 100 does all the above and more. The board is not just fast, but also light, weighing in at 30 pounds and made of ultra-light carbon fiber and Kevlar. Its ability to be checked as personal luggage on a plane makes it fairly unique among motorized watercraft. What’s more , it’s built for the new age eco-conscious surfer: with a two-stroke engine designed by MSR Engines, it’s low emissions—about 210 grams of CO2 per hour at top speed—make it one smart board. To reach its goal of a zero carbon footprint, JetSurf also plants a tree for each board purchased.
COSMOPOLITAN HAVEN | Frankfurt offers the seasoned traveller a host of avenues to indulge it, from culture to cuisine to consumer comforts, the city has it all
Frankfurt, the largest city in the German state of Hessen, is a metropolis which offers one, within its confines, the best that Europen culture has to offer. A centre of trade and commerce, the city has its place on the cultural map as well with a vibrant art and performance scene, a great culinary scape and a modish local lifestyle. Home to Messe Frankfurt and also some of the world’s largest trade shows, be it the Frankfurt Motor Show or the Frankfurt Book Fair, the city has many tourist attractions with museums like Stadel, leading opera house [Oper Frankfurt] and concert hall [Alte Oper], cathedrals, tall towers dotting its landscape along with restaurants, marketplaces and much more to keep one engaged. Going beyond the obvious and culling out the address one needs to bookmark when Frankfurt-bound, here is a curated guide to stay, shop, eat like a boss.
A mix of old style luxury and new age hideouts, Frankfurt offers a range of options to the cosmopolitan traveller who is looking at, maybe, not just spending the night but is also game for some eclectic experience alongside. Here are our property picks for such discerning globe-trotters
Jumeirah Frankfurt – The striking 28-storeyed Jumeirah Frankfurt, with its glass tower and shiny saddle back roof, is located right in the heart of the city – just a few steps away from the popular ‘Zeil’ shopping street and the financial district. They take their motto ‘Stay Different’ seriously as well, given some of the extraordinary features of the hotel – from being an architectural icon on the Frankfurt cityline to housing original artworks by local artist Hartwig Ebersbach peeking at you throughout the hotel, to nurturing beehives on the roof that produces the hotel’s own organic honey, to having body-heat detectors and motion sensors that regulate temperatures and energy consumption in the guest rooms, Jumeirah Frankfurt is a trendsetter in its own right. Presenting a choice of 217 spacious guest rooms and suites, with amazing views across the city, this indulgent hotel offers you a taste of Frankfurt’s very best, whether you’re dining at the fabulous Max on One restaurant, or enjoying a Skyline Honey Massage at Talise Spa.
LANDMARK ADDRESS | Jumeirah Frankfurt is an iconic building and a hotel par excellence for the one uncompromising on luxury
Villa Kennedy – This was once a grand family home built in 1904 and then renamed in honour of President John F Kennedy’s visit in 1963. Its neo-Gothic façade, with its overhanging aura of an age-old family mansion, belies an edgy interior with minimalist furnishings and avant garde art. The hotel is a short drive from the airport and is located well given its proximity to the Museum Embankment. Constructed in a charming old style, there is a scenic and serene garden at the centre of the villa’s layout and makes for a great view from all its rooms, while doubling up as a tranquil setting for alfresco dinner and drinks in the balmy weather. One can avail of an array of treatments at the Villa Spa and if that does not suffice for relaxing activities, then there is also an indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna and fitness centre with yoga and pilates classes. For some good Italian, one need not go further than the in-house restaurant Gusto with its authentic Italian cuisine created by celebrity chef Fulvio Pierangelini and for drinks, just head to the JFK bar with its resident mixologist.
The Pure Hotel – Situated at Niddastrasse in Frankfurt am Main, this new age construction is a minimalist dream in pristine white, offset at intervals with striking orange backlit mirrors. This boutique property is an award-winning member of the Design Hotels, and aptly so with its white leather, Thassos marble, and light gray floors which keep the ambience on a cool and subtle yet warmly welcoming tone. The rooms are all furnished in a lean and clean way with light fabrics, straight furniture and high ceilings warmed by glossy African zebrawood and oak parquet. The Pure’s patio goes on to highlight the functional design aspect of it becomes a lovely communal space to chill out on the oversized lazyboys strewn around and the fountains and bamboo around.
PURE PERFECTION | Stark white and striking orange, this hotel combines utility and design in its minimalistic yet comfy décor
24Hours Hotel by Levis – This is a concept hotel, much talked about in fashionable circles, and a result of the collaboration between hotelier Christoph Hoffmann and his three partners who, interestingly, commissioned artists and film-set designers to recreate an interior aesthetic based on literature and pop culture. As the 25hours hotel group entered into a unique collaboration with the classic American denim brand, Levi’s, this lifestyle hotel houses rooms sized as M, L, and XL and done up in blue hues. The hotel’s six floors, with a total of 76 distinctive guestrooms, are each commemorating a different decade of the twentieth century with their ambience and differing colour palettes, furniture, and music, with a special emphasis on the rock ‘n’ roll era so conjoined with the idea of Levis.
Moving onto retail therapy, once again, we have before us an array of places which are must-visits not just for their potential as the consumerists’ mecca, but also because some of them offer a story to go along with the product. So, we have here for you a mix of the luxurious, the best and the off-beat to go spend your bucks at when in Frankfurt
Zeil – is the city’s main shopping street and stretches for about a mile [the ‘Golden Mile’] across central Frankfurt. The broad streets are flanked by cute outdoor cafes, department stores and boutiques. While multi-level department stores like Karstadt and Galeria Kaufhof, [especially known for its impressive foodhall], have been mainstays, this area, often referred to as “the Fifth Avenue of Germany,” is also the setting for stores like Peek & Cloppenburg, which offers designer labels and also some mid-range labels for men, women and children. Saturdays are also great days to hang around this area as one can see the outdoor farmers market on the Konstablerwache.
GOLDEN MILE | The Zeil’s stretch is a delight for the travelling shopper as glam boutiques, extensive department stores are interspersed with cute cafés and great eating joints
Kleidoskop – Located in Nordend, this is where you can indulge in some ‘thrift’ shopping, Frankfurt style, with stores selling barely-used designer at a fraction of the real price. Armani, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Alexander McQueen – you can find most big brands here. What makes it special is that it is also a haven for buying wares from Frankfurt’s young and hip designers.
Bucherer – Located in Kaiserstrasse, this is the Frankfurt branch of the Swiss luxury watch and jewellery brand, which is actually spread out as a two-storeyed emporium with an enviable of high-end timepieces, diamonds, gold and other baubles not only from Bucherer but also from Cartier, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Chopard, Patek Philippe and other luxury design houses.
Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur – This heritage porcelain maker, also having obtained in 1746 a royal license by the crown prince and archibishop of Mainz, is Germany’s second oldest handcrafted porcelain brand with its much sought-after fine plates, cups and animal figurines. The company’s innovative “transparent manufactory” is located in west Frankfurt and is a must-visit with its enthralling guided factory tour allowing visitors to see the entire process of porcelain making, and not to forget, and the chance to look into their showroom for some take-home beauties.
Kleinmarkthalle – This is a favourite Frankfurt haunt and a vibrant food market where fresh produce abounds, from fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, cut flowers and plants, meats and organic German sausages, along with some instant edibles like baked goods and platefuls of local cuisines.
Like any commercially critical, cosmopolitan city of the world, Frankfurt has a very gregarious eat-out scene and there are some names which set the gold standard, while there are also those which redefine good for the global taste-buds. We bring you here, our favourites from among the best out there to gorge on
Gargantua – This pretty place belongs to the famous German food journalist and chef Klaus Trebes and has maintained its place among the high and mighty of the Frankfurt food scene. A place to splurge at, the food is German with a French influence and there are ‘Gargantua pairings’ to order, while there are also set menus, but the food is worth each dime spent on it as it comes with the exotic touches of a master chef.
FLAVOURS ON HIGH | The main tower in Frankfurt is a mark on the cityscape and so is the restaurant here which combines stunning views with sumptuous cooking
Main Tower Restaurant – Located on the 53rd floor of the eponymous skyscraper, the Main Tower Restaurant offers a view to go with its lavish three-, four- and five-course set menus which are altered as per the season and include European classics like suckling pig, smoked halibut or pumpkin risotto to go with their wide selection of local white wines, international red wines and champagne.
Café Laumer – This café has been a Frankfurt favourite since 1919 and that is no mean feat. To add to its charm, it is housed in a beautiful old building in the Westend university district, and serves breakfast, lunch and light dinner. You can choose from soups, salads, quiche, croissants and sandwiches as well as local specialties like schnitzel, sausages and Frankfurter tafelspitz (boiled beef in a green sauce) from the menu which also offers a range of teas and coffees, wine, beer and other spirits.
GERMAN GOODNESS | when travelling, sampling local cuisine is a must and Ebert’s comes in right here as the style of this deli and what it serves makes it very authentically German
Ebert’s Suppenstube – This deli stays true to its name and tempts you with its speciality soups – vegetable, chicken, pea, potato, lentil, liver dumpling, goulash, chili con carne – among other dishes like German-style pancakes with raisin and almond applesauce, and wild salmon fillet with leeks etc. Located on the pedestrian-friendly Fressgass, Ebert’s is an eating institution where you can eat out on the shaded sidewalk tables or get your food packed to take away to a nearby park.
