Salvatore Ferragamo Fall/Winter 2017 campaign is here

Salvatore Ferragamo have unveiled their latest campaign for Fall/Winter 2017, and it’s christened “Ferragamo and I”. Featuring an addictive soundtrack, kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and spontaneity, the campaign has Chinese supermodel Xiao Wen Ju starring alongside Aymeline Valade and Kit Butler. Swiss photographer Walter Pfeiffer is the man behind the campaign, and he has also created a mini-series titled “Cast Diaries”, where the models improvise with the Ferragamo accessories against multiple vibrant backdrops to add more pep to the campaign.

Bentley’s limited edition ‘SZR by Mulliner’ for $310,000

Bentley recently unveiled the SZR Mulliner to celebrate the opening of their largest showroom in the world, at Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) in Dubai.  Crafted by Mulliber, Bentley’s bespoke division, this limited edition luxury vehicle is built exclusively for the UAE market and only three examples of this extremely limited edition car will ever be built. A variant of the Continental GTC V8 S, the ‘SZR by Mulliner’ edition costs Dh 1,142,000, which is about $310,000. Though the limited edition is exactly the same as the standard model in terms of mechanical specifications, what define this SZR by Mulliner are the classy touches to the exterior. The car features a special body kit, unique tread-plates bearing the car’s name and a super sleek finish with “orange flame” and “ghost white” paintwork. The interiors are done up in a three tone palette. A special trim called the Sparkle Carbon has been created for this special edition, from meshing three different fabrics – carbon fiber, copper foil and metal wire – which were then lacquered, polished and cut to size and applied to the fascia panel, console and instrument panel.

The Jim Henson Exhibition opens in New York

The Jim Henson Exhibition opened to the public on July 22, as a permanent exhibition housed in a new gallery space funded by the City of New York, exploring Jim Henson’s groundbreaking work for film and television and his transformative impact on popular culture. Featured in the exhibit are a broad range of artefacts from Jim Henson’s career, revealing how Henson and his team of builders, performers, and writers brought to life the enduringly popular worlds of The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth. It also includes material from Henson’s lesser known and experimental film projects, presenting Henson as a restlessly creative performer, filmmaker, and technical innovator. Among the nearly 300 objects on view are 47 puppets, character sketches, storyboards, scripts, photographs, and iconic costumes. Film and television clips and behind-the-scenes footage are presented on more than 27 monitors and projections throughout. Interactive experiences allow visitors to try their hand at puppeteering on screen and designing a puppet character. In addition to the permanent gallery, the Museum will explore Henson’s career and legacy through education programs, live appearances, family workshops, and film screenings.

Hail the ferocious Dartz Black Alligator GLS63 AMG
Based on the Mercedes-AMG GLS63, the Dartz Black Alligator can take you comfortably through a shower of bullets in a warzone

Latvian Carmaker Dartz have created the Black Alligator GLS63 AMG, a mean machine that could take you comfortably across a shower of bullets and a veritable war zone. A vehicle fit for a Mafia king or perhaps even a dictator the Black Alligator borrows its name from a helicopter used by the Russian army. Based on the Mercedes-AMG GLS63, the Dartz actually does a good job of hiding its source of inspiration. The GLS’ brawny lines have morphed into a boxy, Tonka truck-like design characterized by a rectangular grille with horizontal slats, headlights that look like they’re sourced from a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and an angular front bumper.

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The body is crafted out of a combination of Kevlar and carbon fiber in order to keep weight in check—and also to make it bullet proof for that warzone safety! But if you’re well and truly concerned about the deadly enemies out there, Dartz have also put on offer a fully armoured version of the Black Alligator with a body made out of Kevlar-coated titanium. Now that is the way to live the high risk life!

Dartz has retained the GLS63’s twin-turbocharged, 5.5-liter V8, but the engine has been modified to provide anywhere between an impressive 700 hp and a mind blowing 1,600 horsepower—depending on the choice of the buyer. Obtaining those jaw-dropping levels of power required fitting bigger turbos, strengthening key internal components such as the connecting rods, and fitting a reinforced seven-speed automatic transmission. The standard, 585-horsepower GLS63 hits 0-100 kmph in 4.6 seconds—so what the 1600hp Black Alligator would do is anybody’s guess!

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The insides of the Black Alligator feature alligator leather seats but customers can orders the Dartz Department of Opulence—the customisation division— to get anything from diamonds to gold on the steering wheel and everywhere else inside.
Dartz is encouraging future buyers to closely follow the production process and provide inputs to create a bespoke model for their very own use. The completely badass vehicle is available in three exterior options—gold-plated, blacked-out, and even camouflaged. But you’re only limited by your imagination and your penchant for the dark side!

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Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe makes India debut at Rs 74.80 lakh

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 coupe just made its debut in India, taking up the tally of this year’s Mercedes-Benz launches in India to the figure of eight. This is also the third AMG model to make its way into the country this year, after the G63 Edition 463 and GLS 63 AMGs. The newly launched model distinguishes itself from the regular GLC with a coupe-styled SUV body coupled with AMG performance. Powered by a 3-litre V6 bi-turbo unit that can belt out a powerful 362 bhp and is mated to an improved 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic gearbox, the AMG GLC 43 is available in an all-wheel drive variant—only for India. As for the 0-100 sprint, the coupe takes just 4.8 seconds to do it, and its top speed is electronically limited to 250 kmph. The vehicle gets five driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.  Its exterior sports a sloping coupe-like roof, while the AMG-style exterior kit that includes the diamond-pattern grille, muscular front bumper, silver side skirts along with a well-sculpted rear all come together to give it an aggressive, hard-core stance. As for the interior, you’ll find premium upholstery with AMG logo stitched in the head rests, with red seat belts and embossed door sill plates.

Heesen delivers the world’s first hybrid superyacht to its owner

Heesen just delivered their 163-foot hybrid superyacht—which also happens to be the world’s first hybrid superyacht— to its owners in the Mediterranean. Project Nova, which was recently named ‘Home’, completed five days of extensive sea trials in the North Sea before being packed off to its destination. To be revealed officially at the Monaco Yacht Show in September, hybrid superyacht ‘Home’ sports an exterior designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, with an almost hawk-like, vertical bow and a long, lean profile. But its defining feature is the yacht’s hybrid electric-diesel propulsion mated to Heesen’s advanced hull shape. Powered by twin 804 hp MTU 12V 2000 M61 engines, the superyacht can achieve top speeds of 16.3 knots which can be further increased to 18.5 knots when the MTUs are supplemented with the yacht’s two 170 hp DC electric engines. Home also boasts splendid fuel efficiency along with very low sound and vibration levels for ultimate on-board comfort. The interiors designed by stylist Cristiano Gatto feature a sophisticated linear design based on a two-tone palette.

The Zarooq Sandracer 500GT is one mean off-roader!

Zarooq Motors of the United Arab Emirates have just announced that they’re going to begin production of their off-roader supercar Zarooq Sandracer 500GT in a limited edition run of thirty five units. Think the deserts of Arabia and whooshing over sand-dunes, with an engine that’s a Chevrolet with German modifications – a mid-mounted, naturally-aspirated 6.2 liter 525-hp V8 producing 487 lbs of torque with rear wheel drive & a racing grade Weddle 5-speed sequential gearbox. The Sandracer sports a carbon fiber body with a forward slanting profile and wide flaring wheel wells surrounding oversized off-road tires. But this isn’t just one big monster for rugged terrain, you cant simply take it out for a leisurely luxe ride on a night out in town. Inside, of course, you find all the staple features of a supercar this kind: a digital dashboard, infotainment center, climate control and more. Priced at $450,000 this super off-roader is our newest crush.

Dior celebrates 70th anniversary with gold-fiber watches

As Dior completes 70 years of its existence, it is celebrating with the launch of 5 new watches, which include two new versions of the La Mini D de Dior and three new ones for the Dior VIII Montaigne. All of these have two things in common—the 70 years of legacy and gold fibers woven into them. The Mini De Dior Satine Tressée—French for Braided Satin—comes with weaves of a thousand gold fibers in the ribbon bracelet. The artisans involved in its creation work meticulously with a knitting machine to build the golden threaded pattern for the bracelet, which is then finished with extensive polishing. Talk about intricacy and attention to detail! While one version of these sports a classic gold dial, there’s going to be a gorgeous teal dial watch—a unique one-off version to be released exclusively in the US. As for the three editions of the Dior VIII Montaigne, these also make use of gold fibers, each flaunting unique gold geometric patterns on the dials. Additionally, the dials come lined with diamonds, too. Dior’s seven decades of operations are well represented in each of the geometric patterns on the dials: herringbone, caning, and houndstooth—with the latter going all the way to 1947, where it graced a white and beige Oxford Suit at the brand’s inaugural fashion show.

Frankfut beckons with festivities this August

Plan your trip to Frankfurt this August because it promises to be a fun-filled time in Frankfurt with the Main Festival and the Apple Wine festival both being held this month. The Main Festival will commence on the Friday, August 4 with live music at the Römerberg and the Fountain of Justice will be transformed into a wine fountain for the occasion! This is a traditional folk festival with the splendid closing fireworks display being one of the highlights. The Apple Wine Festival, on the other hand, will extend from August 11 to 20. Every year, locals and visitors come together in the Main metropolis to celebrate Frankfurt’s most popular beverage with their very own Apple Wine Festival, which is traditionally accompanied by a highly entertaining stage programme. Typical Frankfurt folklore and dialect poetry provide old-school entertainment for both the young and young at heart, while nearby Hessian cult bands get their audiences singing and dancing. Relaxed lounge music is also on offer, providing the perfect atmospheric background. Festival visitors will also find an excellent selection of apple wine merchandise on sale at the Roßmarkt, where the event is held. Those of you interested in taking back your very own apple wine “utensils” will find everything you need – from the typical ribbed apple wine glass to glass covers and, of course, the famous “bembel”, the blue-grey earthenware jug from which apple wine is traditionally served.

Shantanu & Nikhil’s Autumn/Winter ’17 collection with Crystals from Swarovski

Acclaimed couturiers Shantanu & Nikhil unveiled their Autumn/Winter ’17 Collection in association with The Imperial, New Delhi & Swarovski recently. Christened ‘The Regiment’, the collection derives its inspiration from the 3 strong virtues of the Indian armed forces – Discipline, Pride & Togetherness, and is a crisp salute to everything Nehruvian. Structured trench coat inspired bandhgalas and long sherwanis teamed with drapes for both men & women rub shoulders with convertible Nehru collars, vertical pockets and epaulets in the collection. Handcrafted vintage coin buttons & rustic medallion like bejeweled brooches with Crystals designed by Chris Bangle for Swarovski enhance the look.