On the eve of the launch of the A3, a stunning automobile placed between the compact luxury hatchback and an entry-level luxury sedan, German carmaker Audi’s India head Joe King talks about what’s necessary to look at before buying your first luxury car. In this beautiful film, exclusively produced for The Luxe Café, Joe bares his heart about Audi, the luxury automobile brand that is taking the country by storm. In between lovely shots of some of the carmaker’s iconic cars, King, the quintessential Australian who jumped at the opportunity to come to this country to lead his employer’s operations, emphasizes the importance of catering to customers in smaller cities and towns. In hindsight, he seems to be reiterating our belief that luxury cannot be bound within the walls of traditional notions. It’s too beautiful to be put into a corner, facing the wall. Like one of the outstanding automobiles captured in the film above, luxury is about passion and excellence. Perfection, on the other hand, lies in the eyes of the beholder. So, go ahead, click play, and judge for yourself.
The French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton known for its personalized services since 1854 has planned to offer initialization services to men on soft leather goods.
Placing a unique stamp on the luggage has been a key element in Louis Vuitton’s heritage. While trunks and other hard pieces continue to be painted by hand even today, the brand offers technology where original initials can be applied to the soft leather pieces like Keep all bag, Zephyr rolling luggage, small leather goods like Passport Cover and the organizers.
The brand introduces Mon Damier Graphite – Louis Vuitton’s signature grey check canvas for men. The iconic grey checks have been zeroed in on considering men’s subtle, discreet, sophisticated, sense of style.
New color shades including some soft and pop tones have been added to the personalisation color range to reflect elements such as sports and nature, nautical luxury, race cars, luxuriant foliage and water. In short, the colors are muted to add personal and masculine approach.
Initials can be stamped either on the center (over the stripes), or in a new configuration on the side on the Mon Damier Graphic.
The services has started September onwards, available through 70 LV stores worldwide and online.
Gone are the days when going on a holiday meant packing a duffle bag and getting ready to let your hair down. The well-heeled holidaymakers follow a strict dress code. The chic today spend as much time and energy on choosing the right resort wear as on any other aspect of the trip.
But don’t worry if you are not sure which outfit offers the best combination of style and comfort and, the deluge of information on what’s chic is making it even harder for you to choose. The Luxe Café will help you pick the resort wear which goes with your body type and will get you a lot of wows and maybe even a few wolf whistles, that is if there are exceptions in the crowd of the well-heeled.
Resort wear at its simplest is fashionable yet practical cloth that you can dress up in when on vacation, whether on the beach or an evening party.
Easy and free-flowing silhouettes, bright colours and interesting cuts make the dress standout. Indian women should remember that their body types and curves are different and must choose the cuts and fabric accordingly.
“My first advice to clients is to shun clingy materials. Organza, sheer and georgette are great picks for resort wear. Next comes the colour scheme. One should go for brights and neons in solid colour or pastels in interesting prints,” says Preeti Chandra, a Delhi-based resort wear designer.
Different shades of blue, fiery orange, aqua and corals are the hottest colours this season. Experimenting with sheer and solid separates with pastel hues is the new trend, especially after Nishka Lulla’s display of resort wear collection dominated by vintage yet sexy separates.
Sarong-inspired dresses and maxis which give a chic beach vibe to your look without making you conscious are another interesting option.
India’s first dedicated beachwear designer duo, Shivan and Naresh advice the bold and the beautiful who are game for experimenting to wear funky bralets with high-waisted shorts and trikinis with interesting cutout detail. For evening outings, wear their glammed-up avatars with embellishments, tassels, sequin and crystal work. Also don’t forget to accessorise well.
Another great way to perk up a dress is to use printed scarves or a piece of jewellery which makes the statement and to ditch the rest
“Accessorising right is crucial, as it means half the battle’s won,” say Falguni & Shane Peacock.
Their advice is to go for bold add-ons like cuffs, leather bracelets and embellished slip-ons to add glamour to an otherwise simple look.
Another great way to perk up a dress is to use printed scarves or a piece of jewellery which makes the statement and to ditch the rest. Remember ‘less is more’.
To recap, kaftans, asymmetrical cuts and dresses in sheer play remain the best bet for women in their late 30s or 40s, but the honeymooners as well as the young and the restless can experiment with bold prints, bralets and a lot of high-waisted skirts and shorts. As they say, you are young only once, so don’t be afraid to go the whole hog.
If you are looking out for that perfect Himalayan holiday with your kids in Mussoorie, you must head out to The JW Marriott Walnut Grove resort and Spa.
Soon-to-be opened in September, the resort is far from the maddening tourist traffic of the mall road.
Tucked in a scenic valley in the Tehri Garhwal Himalayas, 7 kms away from Mussorie, the resort offers one of the largest kid’s entertainment centre equipped with gaming consoles, bowling alleys and many more attractions. Just while the kids would be busy in the entertainment area, the spa enthusiasts can indulge in some Ayurvedic therapies at the Cedar Spa by L’Occitane. The Signature treatments here are inspired by the cedar trees of Mussoorie providing you the perfect does of wellness.
The JW Marriott Walnut Grove, stands true to its name. The property has two ancient walnut trees which produce more than 250 kgs of walnuts every year. Moreover, the resort has planted some 500 trees around its periphery, of which many are walnut.
The five acre wide resort is set amidst a beautiful valley offering panoramic views of the mountains from each of its 115 ultra-luxurious rooms (including 10 suites). The interiors speak out loud of the era gone by. From the old vintage photographs and frames, to the portraits of its famous residents like Ruskin Bond, the resort is dripping with old world charm, hospitality and splendour.
To make sure the food scores as much on the palette scale, the restaurants at JW serves everything from Indian, Asian to Italian, all cuisines prepared using home grown ingredients. You must try out their fine -dining Asian restaurant ‘Teppan’ for dinner and “Wisteria Deck” if you like Italian.
With all of this in place, this address will leave you looking no further when it comes to the highgates of luxury amidst the mountains of Mussoorie.
The craggy cliffs talk an ancient language with the surf while the frosted moon listens to their conversation with her soft kind heart. At Le Cap Estel, time stands still.
A few hills throw away from the tiny sparkling airport at Nice in the South of France, the extraordinary Le Cap Estel is a gated resort tucked away on a private peninsula that juts rudely into the azure serenity of the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s a hush-hush life that one leads at one of the most revered addresses in the French Riviera. Spread tastefully over five acres, flanked by the Mediterranean and the Maritime Alps, Le Cap boasts just eight guest rooms and 12 suites. The suites are large, sometimes exceeding 5,000 square feet.
On a bright sunny day, which is usually the norm in Cote d’Azur, you can step out in your balcony to be greeted by palm trees and the blue sea receding into the horizon. Unlike most seaside destinations this side of the world, the weather is crisp as a sprightly nippy breeze will gently buffet your romantic heart around.
Le Cap has played host to some of the most famous yet reclusive celebrities in the world. Read Greta Garbo, Ernest Hemingway and the Beatles among others. You will do well to grab a glass of your favourite wine (I prefer Scotch hopelessly stirred and not sassily shaken) and walk down to one of the many hidden corners around the resort to watch the sun splash down into the cold bleak water in a burst of his masculine glory.
There is an inexplicable nostalgia around the place, almost hinging on loneliness. Le Cap’s impeccable service is unobtrusive yet special. That’s how the celebs—the real ones—dig it.
For those of you who prefer sculpted pecs over stiff pegs, Le Cap offers two personal trainers in its ocean-view training facility. You can also savour a Mediterranean menu that will be designed especially for you, even before you set foot in France, at one of the many dining spots scattered across the property.
Leave your guts and generosity for the next evening. One of the world’s best casinos is just a drive or a boat ride away, in Monaco.
I for one, prefer philanthropy. That’s how the rich—the really rich—dig it.
The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” could never have been truer. The restored wooden and iron entrance belied its reputation of being Mumbai’s first luxury boutique hotel, even as the double-storeyed building standing in bustling Colaba exuded an old world charm.
Hotel Abode is the renovated avatar of the 114-year-old Landsowne House. The Sham family had purchased this residence of David Sassoon, once Bombay’s most influential entrepreneurs, in 1982 and turned it into a budget lodge called Regency Inn. In 2013 inspiration stuck Abedin Sham, son of the owner Essa Sham, who transformed the inn into an abode of luxury housing a blend of Bombay’s tradition with Mumbai’s modernity.
Sitting on the vintage furniture purchased from local antique sellers you can connect with the world using the latest technology. A pillar with two clocks on opposite sides, one saying Bombay and the other Mumbai aptly symbolises this marriage. The Sham family’s masterstroke, which today is USP of this hotel, was to provide hospitality in the true sense of the word.
In the words of the owner Essa Sham: “What makes Abode a truly luxury experience is its unique touch of personalised services. A lot of five-star hotels offer every possible amenity but miss out on this simple but crucial one.”
The pampering starts at the check-in counter where you are served the hotel’s special tea along with glucose biscuits. You can complete the formalities from the comfort of your room. Keeping up with times, each room has a cell phone instead of the usual fixed line phone for calling up room service, concierge and other service staff. If the cell phone provides the modern touch then the good old days when maps and not Google helped travelers are recreated through a cute, customised Abode Map of South Bombay detailing the area and its eating joints.
Australian architect and interior designer Sian Pascale has succeeded in engraining Indianness in the décor and design. From the restored vintage teakwood furnishings to the unusual picture of Mumbadevi, the deity after whom the city is named, the décor is enchanting. The ivory white walls are brought alive by some amazing photographs of Mumbai. Frames containing vintage books in Bengali, Marathi and other Indian languages with signed covers add class to the surroundings.
The floors are laid with hand-made cement tiles, using a 100-year-old technique and reclaimed Burma teak, salvaged from demolished houses.
The mirror wall and the 19th century chandelier in the lobby add to the grandeur. Deft use of lighting multiplies the beauty and charm of this heritage building and leaves you enchanted.
As I bid adieu to Essa Sham, I meet an Australian who has made the hotel his abode for almost 4 months now. “This place is awesome, mate!” he chirps in a typical Aussie drawl. I couldn’t agree less and, leave the hotel feeling like a tourist who makes a promise to himself to return to complete the adventure.
Jewellery trends are the quick, wicked cats of the fashion industry. You never know when trends fade away or sneak their way in and most of the trends have as many lives as a cat’s. One such trend to make an official comeback this year is pearl jewellery. Around the globe, pearls are ditching their classic stature for a more cosmopolitan look.
It all started with Chanel’s spring 2014 catwalk where Karl Lagerfeld’s innovative use of chunky pearls on the entire line created a bit of a storm and got everyone talking. This was quickly followed by international designers creating attention-grabbing looks with pearls, be it Alexander McQueen’s modern take on pearls in his last fall collection or Valentino’s brilliant use of them as accessories.
Pearls have a classic appeal, which can easily transform you from demure to edgy. For instance, if you are aiming for a fun-filled, club meets grunge sort of look, simply adorn your apparel with multi-layers of pearls and chains intertwined, like shackles. And this is just one option. Says popular Bollywood jewellery designer, Suhani Pittie, “Pearls have that luminescent quality that adds a certain glow to the face. Club something as simple as a shirt or your casual wear with a thick pearl row bracelet or pearl hoops for that chic modern look.”
Another way to combine a classy and a chic look is to go for designs that combine pearls and spikes. A simple pearl neck piece or bracelet with spikes does the trick. While pearl drop earrings do wonders for a dress, a pearl choker with gold strings can make a statement.
“Pearls have that luminescent quality that adds a certain glow to the face,” says jewellery designer, Suhani Pittie
However, when it comes to investing in pearls, you might face a dilemma. It’s immensely difficult to grade. Like diamonds, the main criteria is quality, followed by size. Suhani explains, “A big pearl doesn’t always denote quality. Pearls are expensive because of their heritage and rarity, for instance, Basra. Look for lustre on the surface and then pick the most unblemished piece that your budget allows.”
Another thing to look out for would be your point of purchase. Stick to established jewellery brands while investing in pearls. There is a huge market for imitation and flawed pearls.
And remember, if nothing makes sense, you can never go wrong with simple, round pearl studs. It certainly never did for the legendary Jacqueline Kennedy or Coco Chanel!
You might be living in the heart of a bustling metropolis but have you ever thought of buying a boat? No seriously. It’s not impossible at all. Nor is it impractical. Like a sumptuous Bentley or a nifty Maserati, there is a boat to suit everybody’s needs and desires. And need we tell you that our oceans have enough…err…parking space.
It is a popular myth that boats are extremely expensive and sailing is a passion only the ultra-rich can afford! Thus the first question to ask yourself would be, why do you want to buy a boat? The reason could vary from you being an avid boating enthusiast, a love for the water or maybe because you need it as a medium of transport.
The answer will help you determine the next important step: the size of the boat. Boat models generally indicate the length in feet or meters. If you are looking at entertaining large number of people and the purpose of owning a boat is simply pleasure, you may want to consider a luxury boat builder for a larger yacht. If transport is a priority on your list, you would be better off opting for a speedboat!
Boats are broadly categorized into power and sail. Sail boats are suitable for individuals who enjoy sailing as a sport and are adventurous in nature. If you have penchant for adventure sports and enjoy the outdoors, learning to sail may augur well for you.
Power boats, on the other hand, are ideal for those individuals who love speed. Several certified training courses are available for those who wish to learn sailing or how to operate a power yacht.
For your purchase, you may consider buying a new boat or a pre-owned boat. When looking at a pre-owned boat, you would have to look at the condition of the boat, the year it was built and the engine hours. Along with a service check, these are the true indicators of what sort of life the boat has led. For new boats most manufactures offer a number of customizations, to suit your tastes and requirements.
“A benchmark for annual maintenance would be around 5-7% of the cost of the yacht,” Malav Shroff says.
Options for financing a boat and co-owning a boat are available. If you feel that the investment cost is high and your usage may not be enough, you can find a friend and go in for a co-ownership option. In this arrangement, all owners split not only the purchase price but also the operating costs in a pre-decided ratio and use the boat on a time share basis.
But ensure that you purchase the boat from a reputed dealer. This will take care of post-sales issues like maintenance and spares. It is also advisable to use the dealer’s expertise in terms of certified crew, fuelling and maintenance support for an annual fee.
Most dealers would be able to offer a sea trial of a yacht or a speedboat to give you a fair idea of what to expect from you boat. In case the yacht is manufactured internationally, one trip to the shipyard would be recommended.
“Ocean Blue has an annual maintenance service which looks after all preventive maintenance, as well as services such as, manpower/crew management, fresh water supply and fuelling among others. Routine daily-checks are performed and a weekly-maintenance log is,” Malav Shroff says.
Four steps to your first boat:
1) For people who live in cities that are not directly connected to the water, they can contact us and we can help them with buying a yacht that would be suitable for their requirement. Based on their reason for buying the boat, how much they would be using it, how many people they need it to accommodate, whether they want a sailing yacht or a power yacht and where they want it to be located, we can help determine the correct product and take things forward accordingly. We can also arrange a visit to the manufacturing yard of the yacht (most of our brands are based in Europe) in order to ensure that the customization is to their taste.
2) Once the boat is acquired, it can be kept at a city as per the owner’s preference, such as Mumbai, Goa, Kochi (Kochi is home to India’s first commercial marina, built and managed by Ocean Blue). Alternately, in the case of smaller boats, sometimes a lake or river closer to the city of residence could also be their preferred location for the boat.
3) Maintenance is very important. Ocean Blue has an annual maintenance service which looks after all preventive maintenance, as well as services such as, manpower/crew management, fresh water supply and fuelling among others. Routine daily-checks are performed and a weekly-maintenance log is. As and when the boat requires any replacement of spare parts or specific servicing, the owners are alerted. For boats that are kept in a different location, our technicians would travel to that location for monthly checks.
4) The price of a luxury yacht would start at roughly Rs 3 crore and there is no upper limit. A benchmark for annual maintenance would be around 5-7% of the cost of the yacht.
Malav Shroff is the founder and organizer of the Mumbai International Boat Show and managing director of Mumbai-based Mahindra Ocean Group.
You are a law-abiding, politically correct, liberal man, who supports women empowerment and abhors anti-gay laws or anything else remotely regressive. In other words, you are familiar with some basic skin care products that the global cosmetics industry has grudgingly bestowed upon you. Other than standard shaving cream, astringent and a “musky”or “marine”body wash, you are the proud user of a Clinique facewash or may be a bodycare astringent. Of course you are not one of the really experimental men who so far as to use foundation and lip color. That is for models and filmstars. Right? Maybe. But even if you don’t “get” make-up, you could certainly do yourself a service by browsing the market for new skincare products which every man over 30 needs to know about. Actually, according to experts, the earlier, the better — even though most research shows that facial aging is slower in men than in women, mostly due to higher collagen content.
The bad news is that you should stop secretly using women’s night creams, anti-aging creams and sunblocks — starting from the texture, to thickness, to pH, your skin just isn’t the same as hers. Now that the market offers so many products, there is no holding you back. And you imagine yourself, glamorously gracefully gliding towards 50s like Johnny Depp, or George Clooney, or Richard Gere, or Arjun Rampal. There is just one drawback: you are not sure what is what.
“Indian male grooming sector is very active in India compared to the rest of the world,” says Gilles Moutounet, Country Head for L’Occitane, India.
Skincare for men has grown globally in the last decade, with India following suit, its market currently worth at $500 million per year, and estimated to grow at about 15 percent annually. Anti-aging products are a top priority in this category, providing premium and exclusive brands with incentive to make their products available in India. Gilles Moutounet, Country Head for L’Occitane in India explains, “Indian male grooming sector is very active in India compared to the rest of the world. The top VIPs (based on bills and amount spent) for L’Occitane in Indian market are mostly men.”
We offer you some simple guidelines to upgrade your daily routine with top-of-the-line products created for your skin.
WHO NEEDS ANTI-AGING TREATMENT?
An anti-aging routine is recommended if you are approaching your thirties. A stressful urban lifestyle exposes the skin to pollution, dehydration, free radicals and sun damage. All these contribute to loss of elasticity, firmness and texture — most visible on the face as fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, large pores or dullness.
WHAT DO THESE PRODUCTS DO?
Most active ingredients in these products focus on reversing the process of cell damage. Peptides promote the collagen production (absence of which results in wrinkles) and improve cell-repair.
Retinol This is an animal form of vitamin A. Its main effect on the skin is removal of fine lines and discoloration, and it is used in almost all intense anti-aging treatments worldwide.
Anti-oxidants Another popular ingredient, anti-aging anti-oxidants promote collagen production and eradicate free radicals from your skin. Common example: Vitamin C and E.
Cytokines, popularly known as Stem Cell Extract: probably the latest entrant in this list, and some claim in works wonders by simply removing the old cells and stimulating the skin cells to manufacture new tissue.
“Although the market is filled with 2-in-1 products, I always suggest to opt for separate products because any product can target only one problem area effectively at a time,” explains Delhi-based skincare expert.
WHAT DO I NEED?
- Anti-aging Face wash/Exfoliant/Cleanser As with a regular skincare routine, it is important to prep the skin by removing the accumulated sweat, dust and dead cells. This will ensure optimum effect of the topical treatments.
- Anti-aging moisturizer When your skin is well-hydrated, it behaves its best. The sebum production is less, resulting in less oily skin and less open pores. These are loaded on ingredients that help prevent the lines on your face by keeping skin plump and fresh. Always use it twice a day post cleansing.
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Classic La Mer Moisturizing cream Sunscreen/Sunblock We shop for a sunscreen before a seaside vacation, forgetting that in our climate, we are probably getting more sun than is good for us. UVA/UVB rays can damage the skin beyond repair, besides causing unsightly pigmentation. “Although the market is filled with 2-in-1 products that claim to protect from sun as well as moisturize/brighten, I always suggest to opt for separate products because any product can target only one problem area effectively at a time.” explains a popular Delhi based skincare expert.
nti-aging serums/eye creams Age becomes most visible around the eyes, as the skin is both fine and sensitive and the muscles in that small area take a lot of stress. These intense formulas specifically work on the problem area. While regular use of anti-aging eye creams before sleeping takes care of puffiness and crow’s feet at the delicate skin around eyes, the serums are the hottest new thing these days with a water-fluid based consistency.
Recent research underlines the restorative power of sleep. Tap into this fountain of youth with a night cream.
Anti-aging night creams Recent research underlines the restorative power of sleep. Tap into this fountain of youth with a night cream. These heavy-duty products are heavier in consistency, working on your skin while you get ready to face the day. You wake up with a noticeably refreshed and younger looking skin.
- Hydrating facial masks As opposed to masks that deal with oily skin and acne, moisturising masks hydrate and fight signs of aging. While they gently exfoliate and unclog pores, their main job is to hydrate the skin to its depth and improve blood circulation, promoting skin renewal.
BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS:
TwinLuxe Anti-aging SPF moisturizer ($50) (Available in India)
Dior- Global Anti-aging skincare collection ($70-$127) (Available in India)
L’Occitane Immortelle Anti-aging Skincare Repair & Rejuvenate Set ($79) (Available in India)
La Prairie Anti-aging Stress Cream ($138)
Crème De La Crème- classic La Mer Moisturizing cream ($250)
MORE SUGGESTED PRODUCTS (Available in India)
Dermalogica Extra-Firming Booster
Age Fight Anti-Age Perfecting Fluid from Lancome
Shiseido Men Deep Wrinkle Corrector
Is it just a restaurant? No. Is it an experience? Yes. That too, thoroughly sophisticated, yet outrageously unexpected. Koh Samui’s Six Senses resort introduces you to a soul-searching journey that has got nothing to do with just choices, good service or the highest quality of food. The ordinary here is deconstructed and twisted to create the extraordinary, which is more like an all-out assault on your taste buds and senses.
Book yourself a table on one of the nine cantilevered verandahs of weathered teak and bamboo, and witness them yawn over the Gulf of Siam. An uninterrupted 270-degree panorama of islands and ocean is sure to make you feel you are dining atop a wooden barge that’s floating on a starlit sea-of course, after sunset and a glass of wine.
The kitchen moguls at Dining on the Rocks have raised the bar a few notches higher by introducing what they call Modern Interpretive Cuisine. Original recipes are reconstructed in such imaginative ways that you get a completely different result. Head chef Ryan Dadufalza likes to turn Asian staples on their heads by mixing up textures, tastes and temperatures. While grain-fed beef tenderloin almost drowns in a sukiyaki broth with a whiff of sesame-flavoured air and a side of spiced popcorn, Tom yam surprises you by appearing as tangy foam, served with ginger-tinted scallops and a crumbly cracker of parmesan cheese.
If you still feel way too spoilt for choice, you could ask the chef to even customise and create a special menu for you. Just brief him on the food you like or clarify something that you may be allergic to.
You won’t be disappointed even one bit as the focus is always on fresh, wholesome and local ingredients. The dishes are prepared using fresh herbs and organic vegetables procured from the resort itself. But you can pretty much feel confused, as every dish on the menu is available as an appetiser as well as a main course. To ease your predicament, the restaurant created the ‘Experiences’ set dinner that provides 10 mini-courses-taking care of temptation and variety at the same time! An example of such an ‘Experience’ would be: Tartar Dégustation; Reduction of Coconut and Truffle with rosemary roasted chicken; Tian of Seared Tuna with spiced lentils and balsamic; Roasted Duck with citrus and an orange-lavender granite; Iced Tom-yam Gazpacho with oysters; Steamed Hor-mok Soufflé; Iced Coconut and Blue Curacao; Lamb Cutlet filled with spiced potatoes served with raita and mint; Jasmine Tea-flavoured Chocolate Pots with spiced pineapple; and Organic Lemongrass Tea.
If you still feel way too spoilt for choice, you could ask the chef to even customise and create a special menu for you. Just brief him on the food you like or clarify something that you may be allergic to. There’s also something called the “Surprise menu” that can leave you wondering what’s going to be served next. Slightly strange for the uninitiated, but the experience can be outstanding.
The ‘Hot dog’ deserves a special mention, for its accompaniments are quite innovative. The ketchup comes in shape of a small ball and the mustard in the form of an ice cream.
The gastronomic revolution that began in 2004 offers distinctively different New Asian Cuisine with a cross over accent. The sheer ingenuity of the diverse tastes mingles together and the glint in your eyes can make your gastronomic partner in crime smile too. The ‘Hot dog’ deserves a special mention, for its accompaniments are quite innovative. The ketchup comes in shape of a small ball and the mustard in the form of an ice cream. Their philosophy is in combining tastes of east and west, different textures and contrasts of hot and cold to give your mouth a treat that will have it crying out for more.
P.S. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, book Table 99 well in advance; it’s best for a proposal-indecent or otherwise.