The ultimate Christmas gift guide

Start ticking off your Chirstmas list with this luxury gift guide.

By Michael Stahl, Steve Colquhoun, Megan Dye, Georgina Safe, Christian Barker, Susan Skelly, Bennet Ring, Jeni Bone 19/11/2018

Inspired choices: For those hard-to-buy-for friends, family, colleagues, neighbours…

VEUVE CLICQUOT GOUACHE LIMITED EDITION
Yellow Label Gouache $80, Rosé Gouache $100, thechampagnecompany.com

French champagne house Veuve Clicquot takes the artistry of its trade to another level with the Gouache edition, presenting a bottle of its trademark Yellow Label, or the delicate Rosé, in a container shaped like a paint tube (gouache is a type of artist’s paint). A beautiful keepsake for any true artist – although with the distinctive container also able to keep the precious liquid chilled for up to two hours, there’ll be no judgement from us if this gift doesn’t make it past New Year’s Eve.

MONTBLANC MEISTERSTÜCK LE PETIT PRINCE SPECIAL EDITION
From $960 to $2400, montblanc.com

The storied German pen maker celebrates one of the most globally loved children’s books, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince, with a range of pens based on its famous Meisterstück range. Graphic elements etched into the case symbolise key characters and powerful messages from Le Petit Prince, the enchanting tale of a chance encounter between a pilot and a little prince from a distant planet, which has been translated into more than 250 languages.

AL NASSMA CAMEL MILK CHOCOLATE
From $13.50, gourmetlife.com.au

You could preach the health benefits of camel versus cow milk: the former, slightly saltier in taste, carries five times the vitamin C and 10 times the iron, and lacks the proteins that cause many dairy allergies. Or impress with the fact that camel milk is seven times more expensive. Then describe the logistical effort in creating fine chocolate, with zero additives or preservatives, in the 50°C summers of Dubai. Or you could just let Al Nassma chocolate, the first of its kind, speak for itself. It’s available in white, milk or dark varieties, with a choice of authentic fillings including dates, pistachio and coffee. The wooden casket gift box ($98) and 700-gram camel figure ($119) provide the perfect presentation.

JAGUAR E-TYPE – 50 YEARS OF A DESIGN ICON
$74, jaguar-merchandise.com.au

Enzo Ferrari once famously said: “The Jaguar E-Type is the most beautiful car ever made.” More often described simply as “sex on wheels” (and going at it again in the ’90s as Austin Powers’ ‘Shaguar’), the E-Type’s significance in both automotive and popular culture is celebrated in Jaguar E-Type – 50 Years of a Design Icon (FP Creative). It’s a fascinating and fitting tribute to a car that was as technically advanced as it was beautiful.

MUNGO AND MAUD PET ACCESSORIES
From $205, mungoandmaud.com

Inspired by primary colours and elementary school, British brand Mungo and Maud’s newest collection is the perfect way to spoil your dog this Christmas – in advance of next winter. Mungo and Maud strive to ensure that style is not sacrificed for practicality, as is effortlessly demonstrated by the beautiful Quilted Coat (small, around $205; large, around $240) in navy blue – a simple cotton-blend fabric coat, uplifted with a chic, chintz finish. It is water repellent, with a Velcro closure and underbelly protection. No less dignified is the Beetle Coat (around $260-$278), cheerful in cherry red, but also available in grey and olive. It has button detailing and a sporty puffer finish; your pug will be snug as a bug.

LARK DISTILLER’S SELECTION 500ML TASMANIAN WHISKY
$170, larkdistillery.com

Australia is gaining a well-earned reputation internationally for its beautifully crafted whiskies. But supply is running far behind demand and it’s tough to get your hands on anything truly special. This bottle hails from the very cradle of Australian whisky – the Lark Distillery in Tasmania, presided over by Bill Lark, the man who started it all. Lark Distiller’s Selection is sweet and fruity on the nose, with smooth chocolate and salted caramel across the palate and a big oak finish. Presented in a beautiful gift box, it’s Tasmania in a bottle.

Style statement:The most covetable fashion and accessories with which to stuff stockings.

FENDI LOGO PRINT PIECES
From $1750, fendi.com

If you like your fashion with a capital F, make a statement this summer in one of Fendi’s playful twists on its logo. The colourful Heart Print Shirt ($1750) is a flattering pyjama-top style in teal and gold, while the F Print logo trench ($7300) and Logo Off The Shoulder dress ($4800) come in classic Fendi brown and tan. The three pieces perfectly showcase the mix of wit and heritage that has come to define the Italian brand jointly helmed by Silvia Venturini Fendi as creative director of accessories and menswear and Karl Lagerfeld as artistic director.

SARAH & SEBASTIAN EARRINGS
From $1590, sarahandsebastian.com

Once best known for its barely-there delicate jewellery, Sydney brand Sarah & Sebastian has recently begun exploring larger statement pieces. The New Tidal earrings ($1590) feature an organic, warped silhouette with a sandblasted textured finish, and the colourful Double Prism earrings ($2800) in nine-karat yellow gold with semi-precious rainbow stones are perfect for Christmas Day and beyond. Wear them with everything from a breezy white summer dress to a glamorous cocktail gown for functions over the entertaining season.

CDLP SEA ISLAND BOXER SHORTS
From £70, matchesfashion.com

The Stockholm-based brand CDLP has the perfect Christmas gift – its limited-edition Sea Island Cotton Boxer Shorts (from £70). Sea Island Cotton is one of the rarest and most luxurious in the world, accounting for just .0004 per cent of the world’s cotton supply. With silky lustre and a fine uniform texture, these boxer shorts are luxurious and extremely comfortable, thanks to cotton grown in the West Indies and handcrafted by textile artisans in Portugal. The shorts are modern and elevated in design, with a slim silhouette. They are sure to be a Christmas favourite.

LOUIS VUITTON SHAWLS
$605, louisvuitton.com

While summer days are long and warm, the evenings can turn chilly, making a shawl
a smart as well as stylish accessory. Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Shine Shawl ($840)
with an ombre-effect monogram pattern has a subtle shimmer thanks to the use of a soft-shine yarn, while its Pop Monogram Square ($605) is a playful twist on the house’s iconic patterns. The central Monogram Flower comprises a joyful mix of straps, locks and chains in a riff on the historic leatherwork codes of the house, and the addition of dots and stripes give a fresh update to the much-loved Louis Vuitton monogram.

BOTTEGA VENETA INTRECCIATO BUTTER CALF BACKPACK
$4190, bottegaveneta.com.au

Speaking of house codes, Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato leather weaving technique is as iconic as they come. This Intrecciato Butter Calf Backpack ($4190) features a panel showcasing the Intrecciato technique on the front and has a top handle and adjustable backpack straps. With a front zip pocket, interior zip pocket and three interior slip pockets, there are plenty of clever storage options, making it easy to keeptrack of documents and essential items. A perfect travel companion, the made-in-Italyaccessory is ideal for an active lifestyle, or simply for anyone who appreciates clever and refined design.

LOCK & CO. ROLLABLE PANAMA HAT
$450, lockhatters.co.uk

Costing anywhere between $400 for a very good example to $25,000 for the finest, at either level, a quality Panama hat represents something of an investment. It’s also quite tricky to travel with and prone to being crushed, which is why we recommend the natty, easily transported rollable style. Lock & Co. of St James’s, London, the oldest hat shop in existence (established 1676), stocks and ships internationally an excellent entry-level rollable Panama. Priced at £250 ($450), it’s of sufficient quality that you’ll be able to hold your head high, but not so eyewateringly expensive that you’d shed too many tears should it happen to be swept away by the Caribbean breeze. For the fearless aficionado who laughs in the face of tropical squalls, however, Lock also purveys a rollable Superfino Panama, handcrafted in Montecristi, Ecuador and priced at £1195 ($2160).

BERLUTI FAST TRACK TRAINERS
From $1700, matchesfashion.com/au

Be bold this Christmas with Berluti. The Parisian fashion company has expanded its men’s shoe collection this season with the Fast Track Trainer Shoe (from $1700); a beautiful hybrid of the Oxford shoe and a sports trainer. It is a uniquely contemporary dynamic that breaks the rules. Each shoe is Italian-crafted from Berluti’s Mogano leather with decorative perforations, a two-hole lace-up front and a tan-brown, white and black rubber sole. Available through MatchesFashion, this shoe would be the perfect gift this Christmas.

LOEWE FLAMENCO KNOT TOTE BAG
$2495, parlourx.com

Loewe demonstrates its meticulous craftsmanship this Christmas with the gorgeous caramel leather Flamenco Knot Tote Bag ($2495). It is both surprisingly spacious and wonderfully stylish. It is accented with the Loewe debossed anagram logo while the rolled leather top handles thread through the sides of the bag, with the trademark flamenco knots enriching the otherwise smooth silhouette. Crafted from soft natural calfskin, it features a suede lining and black lacquered edges. The colour, size and shape of the bag make for the perfect everyday companion to a classic, yet contemporary, wardrobe.

A pink Christmas: Pink diamonds are extremely rare and up to 20 times more valuable than white diamonds and the Argyle mine in Western Australia produces around 90 per cent of the world’s supply. They have been treasured throughout history by royalty (the 23-carat Williamson diamond is currently owned by Queen Elizabeth II) and are also favoured today on the red carpet by celebrities from Mariah Carey to Blake Lively. Dare we say it: an eternal gift.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
vancleefarpels.com

The fairytales of the Brothers Grimm provided the inspiration for the new Quatre contes de Grimm high jewellery collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The French luxury brand reinterpreted four tales – The Twelve Dancing Princesses, The Golden Bird, The Three Feathers and The Town Musicians of Bremen – in a series of pieces featuring the birds, animals and princesses that inhabit the stories. The collection continues the house’s tradition of taking inspiration from art and culture, in particular the worlds of ballet and dance. Charming examples from this collection are the Princesse Eos, Princesse Danica and Princesse Hemera clips, each representing one of the 12 princesses from the brothers’ tales.

PINK KIMBERLEY DIAMONDS
pinkkimberley.com.au

An Australian family-owned company, Pink Kimberley Diamonds was founded in 1967 with a vision for prestige and exquisite jewels. From the company’s Pink Kimberley collection, the Chantilly ring ($157,731) was a finalist in the Red Carpet category of the recent Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Awards. Other breathtaking pieces include the Corowa earrings ($19,780), the Cybele pendant ($30,461) and the Peyton ring ($66,696).

FAIRFAX & ROBERTS
fairfaxandroberts.com.au

Fairfax & Roberts first opened for business in 1858 on Sydney’s George Street, initially as a watchmaker and soon after, a creator of fine jewellery. Today the company is renowned for its customdesigned pieces, often featuring pink diamonds. Current pieces include a ring in 18-karat white and rose gold with a fancy orange pink pear-cut centre diamond and an Argyle Pink Diamond halo ($138,600); a platinum and diamond pendant featuring a pink diamond centre and 22 round brilliant-cut diamonds ($17,800); and a ring in 18-karat white gold with a 3.51-carat cushion centre diamond and two heart-shaped pink diamonds ($168,900).

J FARREN-PRICE
jfarrenprice.com.au

In Muzo Emerald Colombia and Argyle Pink Diamonds, two of the world’s most prized stones come together in this collection sold by J Farren-Price (a founding
member of the Diamond Guild Australia). The collection, which includes an 8-carat pear-shaped ring and a 15-carat emerald-cut design, is the second J Farren Price collection to marry the seductive qualities of both diamond brands. Other Argyle Pink Diamond pieces include a stunning jade and Argyle Pink Diamond dress ring and a matching necklace, and a number of rings, of which an emerald-cut Argyle Pink Diamond Ring ($725,000) and a round-cut Argyle Pink Diamond and white diamond ring ($538,000) are particularly spectacular.

PASPALEY
paspaley.com

Paspaley is renowned for its South Sea cultured pearls – which are among the most beautiful in the world – but the Australian jeweller also incorporates exquisite stones into many of its pieces. At the heart of each collection is the bounty from the Pinctada maxima pearl oyster, found only in the Kimberley but pink diamonds are regularly sprinkled through each collection. Examples include a pair of earrings with pink diamonds of 1.459 carats, two 15mm Paspaley pearls and 32 white diamonds of 2.186 carats ($93,800); and a necklace with pink diamonds of 0.8 carats, white diamonds of 1.09 carats and a spectacular 17mm baroque Paspaley pearl ($92,800).

MONDIAL
mondial.com.au

Australian jeweller Mondial began when Fred Neuman and his wife Maria opened a jewellery store named Carina Jewellers in 1962 in Sydney. In the ’70s the Neumans shifted their focus to jewellery wholesaling, during which time they developed a love of coloured gems – and today they lavish that love specifically on pink diamonds. Mondial in Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building is a treasure trove of pink beauties, including a ring featuring a radiant-cut Argyle Pink Diamond of 0.89 carats surrounded by eight ovals of 3.67 carats ($POA), and a classic feminine engagement set with an Argyle Pink Diamond ring and matching pink diamond wedding band ($26,000 for the set)

Marking Time: Both practical and aesthetically pleasing, timepieces make the ultimate lasting gift statement

ULYSSE NARDIN EXECUTIVE SKELETON TOURBILLON HYPERSPACE
$70,000, ulysse-nardin.com

First gaining renown in the 19th century as a trusted purveyor of marine chronometers to seafarers, Swiss watchmaker Ulysse Nardin’s latest timepiece takes inspiration from ships of another sort — spacecraft. Encased in ultra-light titanium, the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon Hyperspace, which debuted at the recent 2018 Cannes Film Festival, draws cues from the Millennium Falcon piloted by Han Solo in the Star Wars saga. Its open-worked design, and less-is-more UN-171 manufacture movement with a flying silicium ‘hyperspace’ tourbillon is redolent of the stripped-back aesthetic of the famed starship that “made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs” (or
so rakish smuggler Solo claimed). Available in three colourways, the force is strong in this one.

TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 LADY
From $2700, tagheuer.com

In a recent interview with Robb Report Australia & NZ, watch industry legend Jean-Claude Biver (who retired from a highly successful run as TAG Heuer’s CEO in September) remarked: “There’s a new generation that is coming, and we have to work to address and to communicate with this generation. Because if we cannot get them attracted to the idea of a watch when they are 18, 25 or 30, how can we sell them a watch later?” With its easily interchangeable straps, fashionable ‘luxeathleisure’
aesthetic and accessible price point, TAG Heuer’s new quartz-powered Formula 1 Lady will undoubtedly appeal to this new customer. Once again, Monsieur Biver comes up with a winning formula.

VACHERON CONSTANTIN FIFTYSIX DAY-DATE
From $16,700, vacheron-constantin.com

A handful of other watch companies can lay claim to having been registered at
earlier dates. However, as each of them paused production for a time, it is Vacheron Constantin – established in 1755 – that holds the title of world’s oldest watchmaker in continuous operation. While best known for its traditional timepieces, the storied manufacture asserted its contemporary bona fides with the new FiftySix range launched at this year’s SIHH watch fair. Though elegant and classic, the line is nevertheless squarely aimed at a new, younger customer. While FiftySix prices start at an amazing $16,700, if you’re feeling particularly generous (to the tune of $48,000) towards a millennial this Christmas, may we suggest considering the beautiful FiftySix Day-Date in 18K pink gold?

JAEGER-LECOULTRE ATMOS 568 CLOCK BY MARC NEWSON
Available from J Farren-Price, from around $40,000, jfarrenprice.com.au

Perhaps the ultimate gift for the lover of late-20th century design, one of the
dozen or so examples of Marc Newson’s iconic Lockheed Lounge will set you back
more than $3.5 million, if recent auction results are any indication. Sound a little extravagant? Fortunately, Jaeger-LeCoultre has provided a more affordable route to installing a Newson rarity in the home of your nearest-and-dearest design aficionado. JLC’s latest collaboration with the famed Sydney-bred creative genius sees Newson again reinterpret the Atmos clock — a veritable perpetual motion machine, powered by changes in atmospheric pressure, and encased in curvaceous Baccarat crystal.

A home run: Add to list … Sculpture, storage and safe-keeping

GIOBAGNARA SCULPTURE
$3300, beckerminty.com

Noble materials, graphic lines … Interior architect and designer Stéphane Parmentier began his career working for Karl Lagerfeld. He’s now the artistic director of Giorgio Bagnara’s design outfit, Giobagnara, and this season’s creations include Tabou Sculpture 3, a 72cm tall study in leather, suede and bronze. Parmentier’s work borrows from Greco- Roman antiquity, Puglian landscapes and Japanese artistic restraint, but still manages to convey that Italian art of living.

DEDON FEDRO CHAIR
From $1395

Call it a rocker (it balances on two skids), a beach chair or a picnic
essential, the stackable ‘Fedro’ seat from homemakers Dedon has all the colour and charisma of a Costa Rican rainforest. Its weatherproof, colourfast woven fibre is stretched over an aluminium frame and has a comfortable quick-dry fabric headrest. Designer Lorenza Bozzoli took her cue from something right in front of her nose – a son playing a video game on TV while balancing on the seat of a chair without legs. Fedro borrows its colours from three birds of paradise – the flamingo, the hummingbird colibrí and the quetzal.

VERSACE HOME TREASURES
palazzocollezioni.com.au

Everyone needs a treasure chest. And no one is going to do one quite like Versace. ‘Medusa’ ($1700) announces itself with a signature Versace 24-karat gold-plated clasp, a case in aqua cow leather printed with a crocodile-skin pattern and a fabric lining with signature opulent black and gold Barocco print. Assuming you have change left over from shopping our pages, here’s the porcelain money box to hide it in. ‘Break the Bank’ ($272) is new from a gift collection by
Rosenthal meets Versace, which says it all. Both belong to the Versace Home range, on show in Sydney in Waterloo and at Sheraton on the Park.

COCO REPUBLIC FINISHING TOUCHES
cocorepublic.com.au

Coco Republic is a one-stop shop when all your friends are homemaker types. The candles, cushions and vases won’t be re-gifted. So let the hankering begin … with a sumptuous Timothy Oulton faux fox throw ($415), which looks inviting whether tossed over an armchair or the edge of a bed. It’s incredibly soft and snuggly, and no foxes were harmed in the process. Also to love is the 15-kilo Frye table lamp in clear crystal with a cap of vintage brass sheeting cut to look like a dripping candle; the shade is white microfibre ($1210).

Kitted out: For the technocrat in your life, only the latest and greatest will do

HASSELBLAD X1D FIELD KIT
$24,995, hasselblad.com

If you’re looking for the ultimate camera for your travels, you can’t go past this starter kit from the fabled Swedish brand Hasselblad, whose long-lived H-series captured some of the most iconic images on earth (and off it, as NASA’s official camera of the Apollo missions). At the heart of this field kit is the brand’s new-generation X1D-50c camera, which here comes with a Pelican carry bag and three different lenses: XCD 3.5/30, XCD 3.5/45 and XCD 3.2/90. There are also a couple of batteries so you never run out of juice, and a plethora of cleaning accessories to keep the dust and grit away while on safari.

CHILLI ISLAND
Approx US$15,000, chilliisland.fr/en

Chilli Island is a motorised floating deck chair that can comfortably accommodate two people for a leisurely float/ cruise, with no boat licence required. Measuring approximately 2.5 metres in diameter and weighing 300 kilograms, it comprises a fibreglass internal frame and polyethylene body. Overhead, adjustable palm fronds provide shade and there’s a built-in ice bucket, cup holders, 80-watt sound system, LED lighting and an underwater camera. Chilli Island is propelled by a Torqeedo electric motor, available in 0.5kW and 1kW options, with a pair of 300Ah batteries that keep it operational for up to six hours. The fun begins by creating your custom Chilli Island via a dedicated app.

DJI MAVIC 2 DRONE WITH DJI GOGGLES RACING EDITION
$3358, store.dji.com

Five years ago, a drone of this quality would easily have set you back at least $15,000 – so it’s quite incredible to see DJI push the envelope so quickly. The Mavic 2 is by far the best consumer drone on the market, and the crystal-clear Hasselblad 4K camera can take images up to seven kilometres away thanks to a 31-minute flight time. We’ve seen this drone hit altitudes above 1500 metres, and the new auto tracking technology means you can just throw it up in the air, set it to follow you, and then let it do its work. Add in a pair of DJI Goggles and it’s like being in the
drone; you can even control its flightpath with head motion. An amazing, must-have piece of technology.

BANG & OLUFSEN BEOSOUND EDGE
$5000, bang-olufsen.com/en

B&O is renowned for delivering stunning audio quality on a larger scale, but this wi-fi-enabled speaker dials things down a notch. It’s relatively small, with a minimalist circular aluminium design and a circumference of just 50cm. But crammed within is an active 10-inch woofer design with bass port, twin threequarter- inch tweeters, twin four-inch mid-range tweeters and six Class D amps. Expect this small disk of Danish design to punch out seriously loud and clear music. Best of all it has touch controls and motion sensors, and you can adjust the volume by rolling it up and down the wall, where it’s held in place by an invisible mount.

TECHNOGYM SKILLBIKE
$5995, technogym.com/skillbike

Indoor cycle trainers don’t really mimic the exact performance of cycling, but the Technogym SKILLBIKE changes all that. It’s the first indoor bike with real gears, known as ‘Real Gear Shift’ technology, which replicates the challenges of uphill riding. This is tied to the ‘Multidrive Technology’ that allows riders to flick between a power-based routine to authentic hill climbing situations. It may look like a light-cycle from Tron, but the ergonomic design perfectly represents real riding position, while the seven-inch LCD monitor provides a wealth of information, from heartrate to distance travelled (including vertically). And even better, there’s no worry about near-misses with inattentive drivers.

HUMMINGBIRD E-BIKE
£4495, hummingbirdbike.com

British company Hummingbird – which produces the world’s lightest folding bicycle, at 6.9 kilos – has outdone itself with an electric version weighing just 10.3 kilos. That’s still lighter than the average commuter bike, but the Hummingbird’s lithium battery can propel it at up to 25km/h for a range of 160 kilometres, recharging in just two hours. The accompanying Bitride app lets you access online diagnosis, navigation and mobility stats, and even remotely lock the rear wheel for security. Assembled by Prodrive, which designs, builds and races cars for Aston Martin and others, this serious piece of precision engineering is made from the world’s most advanced composite technologies.

DENON AVC-X8500H AMPLIFIER
$5999, au.denon.com/au

You name it, this amp does it – from packaging top-of-the-class components to deliver room-shaking audio so clear that you’ll hear the guitarist plucking and squeaking each string, to handling up to 13.2 channels of audio. That’s because it has to, thanks to its support for the latest Dolby Atmos surround technology, which allows
for the installation of speakers in your ceiling– perfect for capturing that true cinema soundscape. We could list the supported specs if we took another whole page, but trust us; if there’s a sound spec out there, the Denon AVC-X8500H amplifier supports it. It’s potentially a panacea for all your audiophile’s ills.

DYSON SUPERSONIC 23.75-KARAT GOLD HAIR DRYER
$699, dyson.com.au

We’re fairly confident in saying there’s never been a hairdryer quite like it.
Conceived by British billionaire inventor James Dyson, the Dyson Supersonic 23.75-karat gold hair dryer uses a traditional hand-gilding process to apply pure gold to its signature ‘ring’ component. Dyson’s team of 103 engineers went through some 600 prototypes in refining the gilding process. After exploring mainstream industrial processes and techniques, the engineers determined that the gold coating – comprised of five gold leaves, each just 333 atoms thick, sourced from Florence – was best performed by hand, by a skilled craftsman. Aside from its hand-applied elegance and rarity, the light weight Dyson Supersonic has many practical features, including an intelligent heat control system, fast and efficient drying and quiet operation.

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Escape from the Ordinary

Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean.

By Robb Report Team 19/02/2024

Not all cruises are created equally. Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean. From the stunning Amalfi Coast to the pristine Greek Islands, the narrow Corinth Canal to the picturesque Dalmatian coast, historic Istanbul and beguiling Malaga, each destination is a unique adventure waiting to be unravelled. With Ponant, these aren’t just locations on a map; they’re experiences that come alive with the intimate knowledge and insight that their expert guides provide.

Ponant’s luxury cruises are renowned for their individuality, with no two journeys the same. This is not by chance. Itineraries are scrupulously designed to ensure that each passenger is left with a feeling of having embarked on a journey unlike any other.

Athens-Venise. Photograph by N.Matheus. ©PONANT

In 2025, their fleet will set sail for a combined 56 departures from March to October, exploring the dreamy locales of Greece and the Greek Islands, Malta, Italy (including Venice and Sicily), Croatia, France, Turkey, Spain and Portugal. These European Journeys offer an intimate encounter with the Mediterranean, its people and culture. As you cruise in luxury, you’ll dive deep into the heart of each destination, exploring historic sites, engaging with locals, sampling scrumptious cuisine and soaking in the vibrant atmospheres.

The company’s small, sustainable ships, which can accommodate from as few as 32 to 264 guests, have the exclusive ability to sail into ports inaccessible to larger cruise liners, affording privileged entry into some of the world’s most treasured alcoves. Picture sailing under London’s iconic Tower Bridge, crossing the Corinth Canal, or disembarking directly onto the sidewalk during ports of call in culturally rich cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice and Venice, among others.

Photo by Tamar Sarkissian. ©PONANT

This singular closeness is further enriched by destination experts who unravel the tapestry of each locale’s history and traditions.

Onboard their luxurious ships, every guest is a VIP and treated to refined service and amenities akin to sailing on a private yacht. Whether at sea or ashore, their destination experts guarantee a fascinating experience, immersing you in the rich cultural and historical diversity of each region.

Indulge in the finest gastronomy at sea, inspired by none other than gastronomic virtuoso and Ponant partner, Alain Ducasse. Each voyage offers an expertly crafted dining experience, from a-la-carte meals with perfectly matched wines by the onboard Sommelier at dinner and lunch, to a French-inspired buffet breakfast, featuring all the favourite pastries, fresh bread and quality produce.

Chef Mickael Legrand. Photograph by NickRains. ©PONANT

For a more intimate discovery, consider Le Ponant, with its 16 high-class staterooms and suites—perfect for private charter—sailing eight exclusive routes between Greece and Croatia, offering guests unparalleled experiences both onboard and ashore. Ponant’s commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences extends beyond itineraries. Aboard their ships, the luxury is in every detail. Unwind in opulent cabins and suites, each offering private balconies and breathtaking views of the azure water and destinations beyond.

Ponant’s upcoming European Journeys are more than just cruises—they’re your passport to a world of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and unrivalled luxury. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on the voyage of a lifetime: the Mediterranean is calling.

To book European 2025 sailings visit au.ponant.com; call 1300 737 178 (AU) or 0800 767 018 (NZ) or contact your preferred travel agent.

 

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Saint Laurent Just Opened a New Bookstore in Paris. Here’s a Look Inside.

The chic new outpost is located on the city’s arty Left Bank.

By Rachel Cormack 14/02/2024

Saint Laurent is taking over even more of Paris.

The French fashion house, which only just opened an epic new flagship on Champs-Élysées, has launched a chic new bookstore on the Left Bank. Located in the 7th arrondissement, Saint Laurent Babylone is a mecca of art, music, literature, and, of course, fashion.

The new outpost is a tribute to the connection that Yves Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Bergé had to the Rue Babylone, according to Women’s Wear Daily. (In 1970, the pair moved to a 6,500-square-foot duplex on the street.) It is also inspired by the house’s original ready-to-wear boutique, Saint Laurent Rive Guache, which opened in the 6th arrondissement in 1966.

The exposed concrete in contrasted by sleek marble accents. SAINT LAURENT

With a minimalist, art gallery-like aesthetic, the space is anchored by a hefty marble bench and large black shelves. The raw, textured concrete on the walls is juxtaposed by a soft blue and white rug, a wooden Pierre Jeanneret desk, and sleek Donald Judd stools.

The wares within Saint Laurent Babylone are the most important part, of course. Curated by Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello, the collection includes everything from photos by British artist Rose Finn-Kelcey to books published by Saint Laurent itself. Some tomes on offer are so rare that white gloves are required for handling.

The store also offers an enviable selection of records that are no longer being pressed. Highlights include Sade’s Promise, Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love, and the debut studio album of electronic band Kraftwerk.

Other notable items on the shelves include Leica cameras, chocolates made in collaboration with pastry chef François Daubinet, prints by Juergen Teller, and brass skull sculptures. You’ll also find an assortment of YSL merch, including pens, lighters, and cups.

To top it off, Saint Laurent Babylone will double as an event space, hosting live music sessions, DJ sets, book readings, and author signings over the coming months.

Saint Laurent’s latest endeavor isn’t exactly surprising. With Vaccarello at the helm, the Kering-owned fashion house has entered new cultural realms. Only last year, the label established a film production company and debuted its first movie at Cannes.

The space is fitted with a Pierre Jeanneret desk and Donald Judd stools.
SAINT LAURENT

Perhaps Saint Laurent film reels and movie posters will soon be available at Babylone, too.

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The Best Watches at the Grammys, From Maluma’s Jacob & Co. to Jon Batiste’s Vacheron Constantin

Music’s biggest names sported some outstanding watches on Sunday evening.

By Rachel Mccormack 08/02/2024

Weird yet wonderful watches punctuated this year’s Grammys.

The woman of the moment, Taylor Swift, who made history by winning Album of the Year for an unprecedented fourth time, wore an unconventional Lorraine Schwartz choker watch to the annual awards ceremony on Sunday night. That was just the tip of the horological iceberg, though.

Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma elevated a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds, while American musician Jon Batiste topped off a stylish Versace ensemble with a sleek Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon. Not to be outdone, rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for the occasion.

There was more understated wrist candy on display, too, such as Jack Antonoff’s Cartier Tank LC and Noah Kahan’s Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo.

For the rest of the best watches we saw on the Grammys 2024 red carpet, read on.

Maluma: Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

Maluma busted out some truly spectacular bling for this year’s Grammys. The Colombian singer-songwriter paired a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds. The sculptural wrist candy sees a four-arm movement floating in front of a breathtaking dial adorned with no less than 257 rubies. For added pizzaz, the lugs of the 18-karat rose-gold case are invisibly set with 80 baguette-cut white diamonds. Limited to just nine examples, the rarity is priced at $1.5 million.

Asake: Hublot Big Bang Essential Grey

Nigerian singer-songwriter Asake may not have won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance for “Amapiano,” but did wear a winning Hublot Big Bang at Sunday’s proceedings. Released in 2023, the Essential Grey model is made purely of titanium for a sleek, uniform feel. The 42 mm timepiece was limited to just 100 pieces and cost $37,000 a pop.

John Legend: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding

Multihyphenate John Legend wore a legendary Audemars Piguet with silky Saint Laurent on Sunday evening. The self-winding Royal Oak in question features a 34 mm black ceramic case, a black grande tapisserie dial, and striking pink gold accents. The watchmaker’s signature is also displayed in gold under the sapphire crystal. The piece will set you back $81,000.

Jon Batiste: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon

American musician Jon Batiste received four nominations but no wins at this year’s Grammys. The “Butterfly” singer can take solace in the fact that he looked ultra-sharp in Versace and Vacheron Constantin. A tribute to the spirit of travel, the Overseas Tourbillon features a 42.5 mm white-gold case, a bezel set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, and a blue dial featuring a dazzling tourbillon cage inspired by the Maltese cross. Price upon request, naturally.

Fireboy DML: Cartier Santos

Fireboy DML’s outfit was straight fire on Sunday night. The Nigerian singer paired an MCM wool jacket with a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet, several iced-out rings, and a sleek Cartier Santos. The timepiece features a steel case, a graduated blue dial with steel sword-shaped hands, and a seven-sided crown with synthetic faceted blue spinel.

Noah Kahan: Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo

Best New Artist nominee Noah Kahan wore one of Panerai’s best new watches to Sunday’s festivities. The Luminor Quaranta BiTempo features a 40 mm polished steel case and a black dial with luminous numerals and hour markers, a date display at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock. The timepiece can be yours for $14,000.

Busta Rhymes: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Legendary rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a chic Audemars Piguet for this year’s Grammys. The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in question is distinguished by a 42 mm rose-gold case and a matching pink méga tapisserie dial with an outer flange for the tachymeter scale. The face is fitted with three black subdials, large black numerals, and a black date display at 3 o’clock. You can expect to pay around $61,200 for the chronograph on the secondary market.

Jack Antonoff: Cartier Tank Louis Cartier

Producer of the year Jack Antonoff took to the red carpet with a stylish Cartier on his wrist. The Tank Louis Cartier in question appears to be a large 33.7 mm example that features an 18-carat rose-gold case, a silvered dial with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands, a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, and a brown alligator strap. It’ll set you back $19,900.

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This 44-Foot Carbon-Fiber Speedboat Can Rocket to 177 KMPH

The new Mayla GT is available with a range of different powertrains, too.

By Rachel Cormack 03/02/2024

We knew the Mayla GT would be one of the most exciting boats at Boot Düsseldorf, but a deep dive into the specs shows it could be downright revolutionary.

The brainchild of German start-up Mayla, the 44-footer brings you the blistering performance of a speedboat and the luxe amenities of a motor yacht in one neat carbon-fiber package.

Inspired by the go-fast boats of the 1970s and ‘80s, the GT sports an angular, retro-futuristic body and the sleek lines of a rocket ship. Tipping the scales at just 4500 kilograms, the lightweight design features a deep-V hull with twin transversal steps and patented Petestep deflectors that help it slice through the waves with ease. In fact, Mayla says the deflectors decrease energy usage by up to 35 percent while ensuring a more efficient planing.

The range-topping GT can reach 185 kph. MAYLA

The GT is also capable of soaring at breakneck speeds, with the option of a gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid powertrain. The range-topping GTR-R model packs dual gas-powered engines that can churn out 3,100 hp for a top speed of more than 100 knots (185 kph). At the other, more sustainable end of the spectrum, the E-GT is fitted with an electric powertrain that can produce 2,200 horses for a max speed of 50 knots. The hybrid E-GTR pairs that same electric powertrain with a 294 kilowatt diesel engine for a top speed of 60 knots (111 km/h/69 mph). (The GT in the water at Boot sported two entry-level V8s good for 650 hp and a top speed of over 70 knots.)

The GT is suitable for more than just high-speed jaunts, of course. The multipurpose cockpit, which can accommodate up to eight passengers, features a sundeck with sliding loungers, a wet bar and BBQ, and a foldaway dining table for alfresco entertaining. Further toward the stern, a beach club sits atop a garage with an electric transom door.

The garage has an electric transom door. MAYLA

The GT is even fit for overnight stays. Below deck lies a cabin with a double bed, sofa, wardrobe, vanity, and en suite. You can also expect a high-tech entertainment system with TVs and premium audio.

As for price, the GT with the entry-level powertrain will cost between $2.7 million and $2.9, depending on the final configuration. (You can fine-tune the layout, hull color, and interiors, naturally.) Interested buyers can set up a sea trial with Mayla, with test-drives set to begin this spring in Europe.

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Red Centre

First Nations artist Shaun Daniel Allen joins forces with Chopard to create a timepiece inspired by the Australian landscape.

By Horacio Silva 29/01/2024

Shaun Daniel Allen does not look like your typical collaborator on a prestige watch. For one, Shal, as he prefers to be known (“There are many Shauns but only one Shal,” he explains), is more heavily tattooed than your average roadie. His youthful appearance, bad-boy ink and all, belies his 38 years and leads to a disconnect. 

He recounts being recognised on the street recently by a journalist, who, unable to remember his name, shouted out, “Chopard!” “I was with a friend,” Shal says, holding court in his apartment in Sydney’s inner city, “and he’s, like, ‘What the hell? Does that happen to you often?’”

Perhaps because of his body art, he reasons, “People don’t put me and Chopard together.” It’s not hard to understand the confusion, Shal adds; even he was taken aback when Chopard reached out to him about a potential collaboration a little more than a year ago. “When I first went in to see them, I was, like, I don’t know if I’m your guy. I’m not used to being in those rooms and having those conversations.”

He’ll have to adapt quickly to his new reality. Last month Chopard released Shal’s interpretation of the Swiss brand’s storied Alpine Eagle model, which in itself was a redo of the St. Moritz, the first watch creation by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (now Co-President of Chopard) in the late 1970s. 

Previewed at Sydney’s About Time watch fair in September, to not insignificant interest, and officially known as the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt, the exclusive timepiece—issued in a limited edition of 20—arrives as a stainless steel 41 mm with a 60-hour power reserve and a burnt red dial that brings to mind the searing Outback sun. Its see-through caseback features one of Shal’s artworks painted on sapphire glass.

When the reputable Swiss luxury brand approached Shal, they already had the red dial—a nod to the rich ochre hues of the Australian soil at different times of the day and gradated so that the shades become darker around the edges—locked in as a lure for Australian customers.

Shal was charged with designing an artful caseback and collectible hand-painted sustainable wooden case. After presenting a handful of paintings, each with his signature abstract motifs that pertain to indigenous emblems, tattoos and music, both parties landed on a serpentine image that evoked the coursing of rivers. “I have been painting a lot of water in this last body of work and the image we chose refers to the rivers at home,” he says, alluding to formative years spent at his grandfather’s, just outside of Casino.

It says a lot about Chopard, Shal points out, that they wanted to donate to a charity of his choosing. “Like everything else on this project,” he explains, “they were open to listening and taking new ideas on board and it actually felt like a collaboration, like they weren’t steering me into any corner.”

In another nice touch, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the watch will go to funding programs of the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation—an organisation, established in 1995 by Bundjalung elders, whose work Shal saw firsthand after the 2022 eastern Australia flood disasters ravaged their area. “Seeing Ngunya Jarjum suffer from the floods,” he says, “and knowing how much they do for the community on Bundjalung Country was heartbreaking. I want to see Bundjalung families thriving and supported.”

So what’s it been like for this booster of Australian waterways to be swimming in the luxury end of the pool? “I’ve done a few things with brands,” he offers, referring to the Louis Vuitton project earlier this year at an art gallery in Brisbane, “but nothing on this scale. It’s definitely fancier than I’m used to but I’m not complaining.” Neither are watch aficionados.

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