Gucci unveils new kids-only store in Dubai Mall

Gucci has just unveiled a new children’s store in the heart of the Dubai Mall. The boutique brings to life Alessandro Michele’s vision for Gucci in an eclectic spectacle of multi-colored patterns and floral motifs. The space that is designed like a giant playroom represents the House through the eyes of a child. So you have trunks with fawn’s legs, decorative wooden pineapples, pieces of furniture with lions’ paws peeping out from beneath them and silver six-pointed stars and wings on walls. Flaunting pistachio-colored carpets with navy-and-white striped wallpaper and vichy-patterned yellow-and-white wallpaper, the store also displays decorative elements of lacquered oak in white, cherry red, blue and hazel. The changing room showcases a curtain in red jacquard floral fabric, as a nod to the House’s playful spirit.

Triumph unveils new Bonneville Bobber Black

British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph has added a new beast to its Bonneville Bobber lineup, and it’s called the new Bonneville Bobber Black. The Bobber Black now sits alongside the new Bonneville Speedmaster, and like its name, flaunts an all-black exterior in two variants: Jet Black and Matt Jet Black. The all black paint scheme includes the engine, exhaust, side panels, fuel tank, brake and gear pedals and clutch and brake levers as well. The Bonneville Bobber Black is powered by the existing 1,200cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine producing 76bhp and 106Nm of torque, coupled to a 6-speed gearbox with torque-assist clutch for quicker gearshifts. It gets performance upgrades as well, such as the 310mm Brembo twin-disc setup upfront as opposed to the single disc on the standard Bobber. The new 47mm Showa forks replace the 41mm forks on the regular Bobber. The Bobber Black also features ride-by-wire throttle with two riding modes (Road and Rain), switchable traction control and ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System). Also being offered are 150 custom accessories which include aluminum Vance and Hines exhaust, Fox adjustable rear-suspension unit, heated grips, short mudguards and ape hanger handlebars.

Check out this Porsche inspired limited edition Xbox controller

Here comes a limited-edition Xbox controller inspired by the 2018 911 GT2 RS, created by SCUF Gaming in collaboration with Porsche and Turn 10 Studios.  The special edition controller priced at $300 has been made in preparation for the upcoming release of Forza Motorsport 7 and is apparently hand-built at the facility in Atlanta, which is also the home of Porsche Cars North America. Finished in silver with red and black racing stripes and carbon-fiber accents, the Scuf Forza Elite controller features the Porsche and Forza logos with its handles covered in hand-stitched microsuede. The controller comes with a variety of thumbsticks as well as a custom case. Only 2000 units of the controller will be created, with sales opening October 7.

Mandarin Oriental London unveils first phase of renovation

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s European flagship Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, has unveiled the first phase of its extensive restoration, which will be completed in the third quarter of 2018. The first phase includes the launch of 95 new guest rooms and suites in the Knightsbridge wing. In addition, the hotel’s classic entrance, notable main lobby and reception lounge have been reconfigured and redesigned to maximise natural daylight, and the building’s iconic façade has been revitalised. Internationally renowned designer Joyce Wang has been commissioned to oversee the property’s overall design concept, and has taken her inspiration from the building’s Edwardian heritage, the hotel’s peaceful park side location, as well as the glamour of the early 20th century’s Golden Age of travel. Art deco inspired features including carefully curated artworks and custom-designed furniture have been incorporated. The hotel will remain open throughout the renovation that continues well into next year.

Michael Schumacher’s winning F1 car to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s

Michael Schumacher’s 2001 world championship winning Formula 1 Ferrari F2001 racecar—which is still in perfect condition and ready for circuit use—is all set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s on November 16, as a part of its Contemporary Art Evening Auction in New York City. Schumacher used the very same car to win the Monaco Grand Prix and F1 driver’s championship in 2001 – his forth out of seven in total. The Ferrari F2001, chassis no. 211, is powered by a 3.0-liter V10. Currently on display at Sotheby’s Autumn Sales week in Hong Kong, the race car is estimated to fetch over $4 million and is being auctioned by Ferrari as a part of the company’s 70th anniversary celebration. Ferrari is even offering to house it in Maranello, and transport it worldwide to Corse Clienti track events offering the services of a squad of Ferrari technicians, mechanics, and test drivers.

Louis Vuitton returns to Paris with the Maison Louis Vuitton Vendôme

On 4th October 2017, Louis Vuitton will open the Maison Louis Vuitton Vendôme, a new gem set in this most storied of Parisian squares. The Maison, at 2 Place Vendôme, newly designed and re-instated by architect Peter Marino, marks the House’s grand return to where its story began over 160 years ago, when a young Louis Vuitton opened his first store. Travel goods, fashion and jewellery have been part of Place Vendôme and its neighbourhood for over 300 years, and it was in these streets that Louis Vuitton learned his craft and where he founded his first store in 1854. When the new Louis Vuitton Maison opens its doors tomorrow, it will reunite Place Vendôme and the House’s traditional métiers. Couture, ready-to-wear, jewellery, watchmaking, leather goods, shoes, fragrances, accessories, and artisanal workshops will all be brought together. This venue is very symbolic for Louis Vuitton as the Place Vendôme – just like the Château of Versailles – is one of the most beautiful examples of French artistry of the 17th-century. Under the impulse of Louis XIV and Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the Château of Versailles became the cradle of French luxury and a showcase for French craftsmanship and savoir-faire around the world. Both designed and built by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Place Vendôme and Versailles share a common heritage.

Aston Martin to build $4 million super luxury submarine

Aston Martin will now be building a super luxury submarine, priced around $4 million. To be built in partnership with Triton Submarines, the futuristic submarine project is codenamed ‘Neptune’ and will be the flagship product from Aston Martin Consulting – the marque’s newly formed special operations arm. According to Aston Martin, this will be an exclusive, strictly-limited edition vehicle that combines Aston Martin’s design skills with Triton’s submarine-making expertise. Based on an existing three-person submarine platform from Triton’s lineup, Project Neptune will have a diving capacity of 1,650 feet and travel at speeds of up to 3.5 miles per hour.

New Porsche 911 GT3 all set for India launch on Oct 9

German automaker Porsche is all set to introduce the new 911 GT3 in India on Oct 9 this year, according to reports. A combination of performance and luxury, the new 911 GT3 is powered by  4-litre six-cylinder, boxer engine churning out 493bhp and 540Nm of torque. The new iteration also brings back the manual transmission; the engine is coupled to a 7-speed PDK automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox. The automatic variant of the Porsche 911 GT3 can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds with tops speeds of 318km/h, while the manual variant takes another 0.5 seconds for the 100km/h sprint but has a higher top-speed of 320km/h. The new 911 GT3 sports a standard aero package with larger wheels and smoked headlamps with four-point LED daytime running lights, with the massive rear wing enabling the car to stick to the ground at high speeds. The Alcantara and leather lined interior comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control and Bose sound system. It offers three options for the seats as well—electrically adjustable adaptive sport seats, bucket seats with foldable backrest and bucket seats made out of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CRPF).

The Aviary NYC set to open at Mandarin Oriental New York

The Aviary NYC is all set to open atop Mandarin Oriental, New York, with the opening being announced by the Mandarin Oriental along with Chicago-based co-owners Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas of the Alinea Group. Featuring a distinctive culinary approach to cocktails and service, The Aviary NYC also includes the 44-seat glass enclosed OfficeNYC. The concept is Chef Achatz and Kokonas’ inaugural hotel partnership and first location outside of Chicago. Both spaces were designed by Tihany Design and are located on the hotel’s 35thfloor. The Aviary NYC is also the first to offer meal periods that extend beyond evening service. In partnership with Chef Grant and Chicago’s Aviary and The Office’s Executive Chef Dan Perretta, the team has developed a menu that incorporates the same attributes, philosophies and products as the Chicago location, but with a twist, taking inspiration from New York City. Menus are offered as part of “All Day Dining” featuring breakfast, brunch and small lunch plates with “Evening Service” focusing on more substantial dinner plates. Menu highlights include Chef Grant’s signature Black Truffle Explosion plate, made famous at his Alinea restaurant, featuring ravioli filled with exploding truffle in liquefied form,  A5 Miyazaki Wagyu with pickled young ginger, Tofu misozuke and yuzu kosho mustard. Visitors to the space can also indulge in a memorable dining journey with two Chef’s Tables, seating up to two guests each, offering panoramic views of the city along with an up close and personal look into The Aviary NYC’s drink kitchen.

MINI JCW Pro Edition debuts In India at Rs 43.90 Lakh

The MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Pro Edition has made its India debut, priced at Rs 43.90 lakh. The Cooper S three-door hatchback with the JCW tuning kit also features original JCW accessories and cosmetic upgrades borrowed from the JCW design house. Its red roof and ORVMs and matte black and red paint stripes distinguish the limited edition model from its standard variant, with the interior sporting Alcantara finished John Cooper Works sport seats, integrated headrests and contrasting Red Dinamica. The hatchback also features JCW steering wheel with perforated leather and red stitching and paddle shifters. You can choose from three driving modes – comfort, sport or efficiency, and the host of safety features include DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), cornering brake control and run-flat indicator.