Audi’s new and updated A3 sedan is all set for its India debut on April 6th. The refreshed A3 version features a smaller 1.4-litre TFSI engine developing about 150bhp of power and 250Nm of torque as it does in the Audi A4. The engine is mated to a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox. The diesel verison will have the 2.0 litre TDI serving up 141bhp and 320Nm torque. The six-speed dual clutch automatic sends all that power to the front wheels. On the inside, the top variant of this model features a seven-inch retractable screen for the MMI infotainment system, climate control, powered front seats, front and rear parking sensors and a panoramic sunroof. You also get a wireless charging box for your smartphone, but you might miss features such as the Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, start/stop button and keyless entry. Exterior changes include headlamps that resemble those of the A4 sedan, new and sharper bumper, reprofiled foglamp enclosures and angular single-frame grille with revisions to the tail lamps and bumper at the rear. The A3 sedan is meaner and more aggressive looking, and will offer competition to the recently updated Mercedes-Benz CLA and A-Class.
Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity Edge Vessels are promising to be something else altogether, providing us visions of cabins that extend to the edge of the ship, equipped with glass windows that stretch from floor to ceiling—and retract at the push of a button. The debut of this superstar cruise ship is tentatively scheduled for 2018, and the venture was announced by Richard Fain, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises and Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the President & CEO of Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity Edge vessels are expected to feature six duplex villas with private plunge pools, direct access to the one of the ship’s sundecks, Eucalyptus-treated cashmere mattresses from Italy, Bulgari bath amenities, butler service, packing and unpacking support, and even a bar with a personalized stock. Add to that RFID-enabled wristbands enabling guests to scan in and out of the ship at port and you have a tecehified dream cruise. Guests will also be able to check in, control their room temperature and unlock stateroom doors using their smartphone. And oh, we forgot to mention the Magic Carpet: a mini that leans over the edge of the ship, and moves up and down similar to an elevator! We bet you can’t wait to book yourself into this one!
It takes a lot to encapsulate the wistful, enchanting scent of the ocean, but Bulgari’s Aqva Pour Homme Atlantiqve achieves just that: the Atlantic in a bottle. The Aqva Pour Homme line was initially crafted in 2005, and featured two popular fragrances by renowned perfumer Jacques Cavallier: Aqva Pour Homme and Aqva Pour Homme Marine. Now, the Aqva Pour Homme Atlantiqve brings you the Atlantic Ocean in the signature pebble-shaped bottle. The sleek surface of the bottle recounts the seashore, while its body’s translucent deep blue colour suggest the depths of the ocean waters when viewed from the surface, and the incessant beating of the waves on the shore. Available in in 100ml, 50ml, and 30ml bottles, the perfume is priced at $143, $102and $82 respectively.
FASHION FORWARD | Lecoanet Hemant created 33 collections with the ultimate aim of transitioning from artisanal to semi-industrial
An impressive exhibition ‘Paris, New Delhi: From Haute Couture to the Technologies of Elegance’ was held at Bikaner House, Delhi, where award-winning designers Hemant Sagar and Didier Lecoanet (the duo behind the brand Lecoanet Hemant) showcased their unique handmade work. The exhibition was held to mark 36 years of the ace designers Lecoanet and Hemant in the fashion industry.
Through this unique exhibition, the designers aim to spread awareness about the need to invest in research and design that can be instrumental in placing India on the map for Global Fashion. The show demonstrates the intrinsic research that goes into developing certain designs by hand and how the same idea has been re-developed to become an exceptional commercial product. At the exhibition, there were more than 70-80 creations on the display; some made in Paris (1984-2000) and the other half at their Gurgaon Atelier (2000-2017).
Recognized as a couture house in the eighties, Lecoanet Hemant initially worked from Paris with a flagship store in the heart of the aristocratic Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, (considered the Paris Mecca of luxury fashion and Haute Couture) and featured on the couture schedule.
Recognized as a couture house in the 80s, Lecoanet Hemant worked from Paris with a flagship store in the heart of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Lecoanet Hemant created 33 collections with the ultimate aim of transitioning from artisanal to semi-industrial. In 2000, the multi-award winning designers moved their business metaphorically from couture to ready-to-wear, and also physically, from Paris to New Delhi.
The designer duo narrated their story of the fashion journey at the exhibition. They shared their thoughts about many things including their designs, changes in the fashion industry from early Paris days to now and their journey in an exclusive interaction with The Luxe Café.
Q. How has the journey from Paris to India been so far, and what difference do you see in the business of fashion from your early Paris days till now? It was really great so far. We’ve seen a lot (of differences). We have expanded a lot, in fact. Earlier, we used to cater to individuals but there is a huge transformation now. We are catering to shops today.
Q. What approach do you follow while designing clothes? For us, the comfort and identity of the person are important and we always keep this in mind while designing clothes.
The craftsmanship and artisanal procedures seen in India can’t be found anywhere else, says the duo
Q. Do you think reinventing the brand is important to survive in a world where there are so many other brands existing? Yes, reinventing the brand is important, because it’s more about reinventing yourself.
Q. How do you see India as a market for haute couture? What changes have you seen in Indian fashion since the time you launched here? India is an excellent place to create haute couture. The craftsmanship and artisanal procedures here can’t be seen anywhere else. There is a bright future for fashion in India though it will take some time. There is a sense of fashion nostalgia, a celebration of artisanal excellence, an ode to our labor of love that we hope to evoke. We see a promise of a pragmatic future that beholds Indian fashion. Since the time we launched, demonetization is the only change I have seen lately. Earlier the money used to come from under the mattress so people used to have a huge budget. But now, it is coming directly from the bank, so the people have a limited budget these days.
Q. What does luxury mean to Lecoanet Hemant? Comfort, shape, size and the proportion of the wearer is luxury for Lecoanet Hemant.
The exhibit aims to spread awareness about need to invest in research and design, instrumental in placing India on the Global Fashion map
Stoer Skincare for Men, developed by Scottish skincare expert and business woman Marianne Morrison, has announced its exclusive launch in Harvey Nichols. Stoer’s USP is the technologically-driver ‘cosmetic drone’ skincare that it offers for men. This technologically advanced collection of skin-smart products driven by the ‘Cosmetic Drone’ technology is a first for the male skincare market. Cosmetic drones focus on delivering the brand’s unique Clima 5TM formulation of active ingredients directly into the skin layer where they work best. Each active has been individually sourced from extreme climates in 5 global locations (Mexico, Japan,Scotland, West Africa and the Alps) to underpin the value of protecting the skin against pollution and the elements, whilst rejuvenating, energising and improving skin health. Each active is enclosed in a unique microscopic ‘Cosmetic Drone’ mechanism to deliver the actives to a deeper layer of the skin. The Stoer Skincare collection for men includes a Foaming Face Wash, Detox Face Scrub, Firm & Protect Moisturising Serum, Energising Eye Serum and Vitamin Power Mask. The collection is available in Harvey Nichols London flagship store and Harvey Nichols online.
Fashion entrepreneur Kalyani Chawla recently unveiled her silverware brand ‘Rezon.’ Named after a Damascene king in the Old Testament, Rezon brings together the stylishly contemporary with the artistically traditional, mirroring the subtle stylishness of it founder, who is also the brand ambassador of Dior in India. The line features jugs, tea sets, home accessories and dinnerware, crafted in silver and glass-enamelled silver. The products from Rezon are crafted through a combination of Indian meenakari and Japanese mokume-gane, which is metalworking method that results in distinctive layered patterns. Contemporary designs rub shoulders with traditional forms and the prices start at Rs 1000 for the smallest products such as money clips. Chawla has also launched a Rezon commercial line, for personal and corporate gifts and hopes to have a retail outlet in the future, too.
Japanese bedding manufacturer Airweave recently collaborated with The Ritz Paris to create ‘The Ritz Paris Collection : a collection of specially designed mattresses. The mattresses come in two different models : The Portable Dual Mode and the Traveler Dual Mode. The Portable model is a one size topper designed for home and hotel use while the Traveler Dual Mode is appropriate for airline seats. Both mattresses feature the brand’s most advanced technology and come in special blue carrying cases that are emblazoned with the Ritz Paris par Airweave logo in white. Priced at $1,060 for the Portable model and $590 for the Traveler , these mattresses are available online or at the Ritz Paris Concept Store.
The Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45 smartwatch is Tag Heuer’s second smartwatch, and brings a combination of hi-tech sophistication with classic elegance. The watch lets you trade between digital and mechanical modes, allowing you to switch to more traditional timekeeping when you choose. The customization options are a whopping 4000 in number, including the option of a titanium bracelet or ceramic straps. The display on the ‘Connected’ smart module is a full 400×400 pixels showing on a 1.39 inch AMOLED display. The watch can withstand water down to 150 ft and boasts a full 24 hour + battery life in smartphone mode. The all-metal case holds improved wireless reception and runs Android Wear 2.0 with a huge selection of optional widgets. Now this is what’s called the best of both worlds.
Audemars Piguet recently unveiled the Royal Oak 2017 collection at SIHH, to mark the 20th anniversary of their classic Royal Oak chronograph. The seven piece capsule collection features four models in pink gold with matching pink gold bracelets or alligator straps. The other three are crafted from steel with matching stainless steel bracelets. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph was first introduced in 1997 in a 39mm version. The size was later increased to 41mm, and the new models are based on the same 41 mm case. All seven models in the new series feature a fresh, two-tone dial design with several new yet subtle details: chronograph counters of increased size that expand at 9 o-clock and 3 o’clock, shorter but wider hour-markers, additional luminescent coating for a better readability of the hour and new typeset and transfers.
Indians can look forward to welcoming Toyota’s luxe brand Lexus, when it finally makes its debut in the country on the 24th of March 2017. Bookings for Lexus cars that will be available in India had been opened in November 2016, and delivery can be expected right this month. The first dealership of Toyota’s luxury brand will open in Mumbai. It will be called ‘Lexus Boutique’ and will sell the RX450h, LX450h, ES300h and the LX450d or the LX570. Lexus is likely to expand its network in other cities like New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai.
