Property of the Week: 2B Lugar Brae Ave, Bronte

The Spanish word for coastal, Costera is the ideal moniker for the contemporary residence at 2B Lugar Brae Ave, which has been created through an expert collaboration between Micrah Projects, Tesserarch Architecture and MXM Design Studio. Just listed with Augusto Gerocarni and Nader Hotait of Ray White Eastern Beaches, in conjunction with Alex Udler of The Property Group, the designer duplex is one of two homes completed just weeks ago. “These are award-winning master builders, and their work is very, very good. It's just a gorgeous property with impeccable attention to detail; it’s hard to put a price on this one,” said Gerocarni, who declined to quote a price guide for the March 8 auction. “It’s a large duplex, but it’s pretty much a house on almost 300sq m, with 280sq m internally. I’ve sold $10 million houses that don’t have that much space.” Over three levels, the recently completed retreat now has a 21st-century layout with a sophisticated palette of high-end finishes and resort-style amenities. Crafted to let the outside in and vice versa, the open-plan ground floor soaks up abundant natural light thanks to an expansive wall of floor-to-ceiling glass that peels back to reveal the Siena tumbled limestone terrace and private landscaped gardens. A sleek Miele kitchen anchors the main living level and includes a curved central island bench, as well as a fully equipped butler’s pantry with a second oven and basin. The terrace is home to a Tucker Horizon barbecue and a protected level lawn for alfresco entertaining. The separate study has a convenient private entrance and built-in cabinetry, perfect for remote or hybrid workers, or anyone running a business from home. Up on the accommodation level, a second family retreat features sweeping ocean views and is an ideal spot for teenagers or parents to find their own stylish breakout space. All three bedrooms each have big windows, built-in wardrobes and Juliette balconies, while the primary suite has a dressing area, a wall of wardrobe space, and an ensuite with twin showers, a double vanity and a glass ceiling. In the family bathroom there is a Victoria + Albert freestanding bath and rain shower. Downstairs, a bonus entertainer’s level houses the state-of-the-art cinema room with Carson screen and Acer projector, a wine cellar with kitchenette, a large gym, a Harvia Vega electric sauna, and a family-friendly laundry with a handy chute. Additional extras at the near-new Bronte home include an internal elevator to all levels, a lock-up garage, a second off-street car space, and ducted air-conditioning. Close to Bronte Beach, the home is a short walk to Waverley shops, St Catherine’s School and Bronte Public.   Set to go under the hammer on March 29, 2B Lugar Brae Ave, Bronte is on the market with Augusto Gerocarni and Nader Hotait of Ray White Eastern Beaches as well as Alex Udler of The Property Group.

Property of the Week: 2B Lugar Brae Ave, Bronte

The Spanish word for coastal, Costera is the ideal moniker for the contemporary residence at 2B Lugar Brae Ave, which has been created through an expert collaboration between Micrah Projects, Tesserarch Architecture and MXM Design Studio.

Just listed with Augusto Gerocarni and Nader Hotait of Ray White Eastern Beaches, in conjunction with Alex Udler of The Property Group, the designer duplex is one of two homes completed just weeks ago.

“These are award-winning master builders, and their work is very, very good. It’s just a gorgeous property with impeccable attention to detail; it’s hard to put a price on this one,” said Gerocarni, who declined to quote a price guide for the March 8 auction.

“It’s a large duplex, but it’s pretty much a house on almost 300sq m, with 280sq m internally. I’ve sold $10 million houses that don’t have that much space.”

Over three levels, the recently completed retreat now has a 21st-century layout with a sophisticated palette of high-end finishes and resort-style amenities.

Crafted to let the outside in and vice versa, the open-plan ground floor soaks up abundant natural light thanks to an expansive wall of floor-to-ceiling glass that peels back to reveal the Siena tumbled limestone terrace and private landscaped gardens.

A sleek Miele kitchen anchors the main living level and includes a curved central island bench, as well as a fully equipped butler’s pantry with a second oven and basin. The terrace is home to a Tucker Horizon barbecue and a protected level lawn for alfresco entertaining.

The separate study has a convenient private entrance and built-in cabinetry, perfect for remote or hybrid workers, or anyone running a business from home.

Up on the accommodation level, a second family retreat features sweeping ocean views and is an ideal spot for teenagers or parents to find their own stylish breakout space. All three bedrooms each have big windows, built-in wardrobes and Juliette balconies, while the primary suite has a dressing area, a wall of wardrobe space, and an ensuite with twin showers, a double vanity and a glass ceiling. In the family bathroom there is a Victoria + Albert freestanding bath and rain shower.

Downstairs, a bonus entertainer’s level houses the state-of-the-art cinema room with Carson screen and Acer projector, a wine cellar with kitchenette, a large gym, a Harvia Vega electric sauna, and a family-friendly laundry with a handy chute.

Additional extras at the near-new Bronte home include an internal elevator to all levels, a lock-up garage, a second off-street car space, and ducted air-conditioning.

Close to Bronte Beach, the home is a short walk to Waverley shops, St Catherine’s School and Bronte Public.

 

Set to go under the hammer on March 29, 2B Lugar Brae Ave, Bronte is on the market with Augusto Gerocarni and Nader Hotait of Ray White Eastern Beaches as well as Alex Udler of The Property Group.

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This Vintage Rolex Day-Date Has an Ultra-Rare and Coveted ‘Bark’ Design

Over the last four years there has been a resurgence in interest for 18-karat yellow gold watches. Much of that is due to fatigue over the long-running craze for steel tool watches, but it is also in part due to the rising value of gold (which shows no sign of slowing), rendering these once undesirable pieces increasingly worth collecting. Add to that the fact that, in some niche and stylish circles, unusual bracelet treatments, gem-setting, and interesting dials are becoming increasingly appealing and you have a new wave of watch collecting emerging. Steel sports watches are still the bread and butter for most dealers, but as pockets of interest in more unusual timekeepers, often from younger and fashion-forward collectors, continue to rise we’re seeing some really fun pieces pop up on the market. Case in point: This 1980s Rolex Day-Date in 18-karat yellow gold with a sapphire and diamond dial from Wind Vintage currently available exclusively on The Vault.

It wasn’t that long ago that dealers had a hard time unloading an all-gold gem-set piece. Eric Wind, the notable dealer and founder of Wind Vintage, says five years ago he would have sold this piece for around $23,000 to $28,000. The asking price today? $45,000. “It is very rare,” he tells Robb Report. “I think that was all clearly hand-done. Funnily enough, bark watches were not very desirable in the past. You know, even five to 10 years ago, they were very, very hard to sell. But, over the last three to five years, there’s been such an emergence and interest in jewellery and watches and work like that engraving and other kind of artistic forms that the watches took.” The style of engraving he is referring to on this watch can be seen on the bezel and middle links of the bracelet that is referred to as “bark” for its rough tree-like appearance.

“Bark” engraving on the bezel and bracelet of the Wind Vintage 1980s Rolex Day-Date
Courtesy of Wind Vintage

And while the bracelet is certainly a notable feature that will stand out in a sea of Submariners and Daytonas, the dial is also worth bragging about. Its diamond minutes track and sapphire hour markers are executed in what is known as a “string dial” because it looks like a string of pearls. “They’ve become very popular,” says Wind. “They were very expensive back in the 80s, just because of the cost of the stones, and there are just not many that exist on the planet.” Likewise, Wind says the canary yellow matte dial is not something he comes across often, having only seen a couple of others.

An up-close look at the patina and “bark” engraving on this 1980s Day-Date from Wind Vintage.
Courtesy of Wind Vintage

Part of what makes this watch so hard to find on the market is that pieces like this often didn’t survive past their ’80s heyday. “A lot of times these watches were so undesirable that dealers would replace the bezel inserts and put on fluted inserts, or smooth bezels or fluted bezels and melt down the bracelets or polish the center link so they looked like a standard Day-Date. Those dealers should have learned that what goes around, always comes around. Now with these interesting Rolex watches on the rise, they’ll become even harder to find.

A Wind Vintage 1980s Day-Date with “bark” engraving and a gem-set “string dial”
Courtesy of Wind Vintage

If you’re interested in the piece and want to speak to Wind about it IRL, he will be at Robb Report’s House of Robb event in San Francsico today during the NBA All-Star weekend.

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This Le Mans-Winning Ferrari Just Sold for Over $57.4 Million

Mercedes-Benz may have built the two most expensive cars sold at auction, but that doesn’t mean that collectors have lost their hunger for Ferraris.

Just look at the Le Mans-winning 1964 250 LM by Scaglietti that was auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s in Paris this month. The stunning race car sold for over $57 million, enough to make it one of the five most expensive auction cars of all time.

The 250 LM, like the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen that fetched $84 million earlier this week, was sold as part of a three-part auction of cars from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection overseen by RM Sotheby’s. It’s little wonder why it sold for so much. Post-war Ferraris, especially those from the 250 series, have been enthusiasts and collectors mad for decades now. All Ferrari from this era are special, but especially those with racing pedigrees, and few have a competitive history like the car that hammered at €34,880,000 (or $70,000,000) at the Retromobile car show.

1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti
shooterz.biz/RM Sotheby’s

That’s because this example is considered to be the greatest of the 32 250 LMs that were built, according to the auction house. It became the only privateer-entered car to ever win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965. It’s also the only Pracing Horse from the Enzo Ferrari era, which lasted from 1947 to 1988, to compete in six 24-hour races (it appeared at Le Mans two more times and at Daytona three times). On top of that, the car features gorgeous Scaglietti coachwork and includes its numbers-matching Testa Rossa-spec 3.0-litre V-12 and gearbox. And, after more than 50 years in the museum’s collection, it’s in impeccable condition.

Inside the 250 LM by Scaglietti
shooterz.biz/RM Sotheby’s

The car auction market has reached new heights during the first half of the 2020s. Things appeared to settle down last year, with no car selling for more than $30 million. But thanks to the three-part Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum auctions things are heating up again. The Streamlinerand the Le Mans-winning 250 LM may have been the headline lots, but don’t be surprised if something else sells—like this 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II—for an unimaginable sum during the third sale in Miami later this month.

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The Porsche 911 Dakar Is Coming Back as a Hybrid

Porsche unveiled the last 911 Dakar last year with a limited-edition variant that was an ode to its famous 1984 win in the Paris-Dakar Rally. Or at least it was the last one for that generation, at least. Now, Porsche is gearing up to make a new 911 Dakar, this time with a hybrid powertrain.

The new hybrid 911 Dakar will be based on a refreshed version of the current 992-series 911, and will likely be launched later this year, according to Autocar‘s sources. The car will be another limited edition model, though just how many new 911 Dakars Porsche is planning was not revealed.

Under the hood will be a 3.6-liter flat-six engine that makes 478 brake horsepower, which will be combined with an electric motor for a further boost and 534 brake horsepower total. That is the same powertrain currently sold with the 911 GTS, which goes from zero to 60 in 2.9 seconds, and has a top track speed of 194 mph. The acceleration number in particular is better than the previous 911 Dakar, which went from zero to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds.

“Senior sources have told Autocar that the upgraded model is under development at the firm’s Weissach engineering centre,” Autocar says.

The new 911 Dakar will also have Porsche’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. Beyond that, it’s expected that the new 911 Dakar will have many of the same characteristics as the old one: an air intake that designed for off-roading and a suspension that sits higher than a normal 911. That would be 1.9 inches higher, and an extra 1.2 inches higher if you flip a switch, for a maximum ground clearance of 7.5 inches.

Some new paint jobs are in the works, too, Autocar says, and the car is likely coming in large part due to customer demand, as sales of the last 911 Dakar were brisk. For a certain segment of Porsche enthusiasts, the hybrid powertrain will be a turn-off in the new 911 Dakar, as it was in the new 911 GTS, to which Porsche would say: Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. The buyers lining up to purchase don’t seem to mind, in any case.

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Bulgari and MB&F Just Dropped a Wild ‘Serpenti’ Watch for Men

When Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, product creation executive director at Bulgari, held court at the brand’s boutique on Fifth Avenue in New York City last month to present the new Serpenti watches for women, now equipped with automatic movements, he presented journalists with one last surprise, under embargo. “And now, I’m going to show you something very special…a Serpenti for men,” he said before he took out the box to unveil the new creation. Journalists let out audible gasps.

Just a couple of years ago, during LVMH watch week, Antoine Pin, the former Bulgari managing director of watches now CEO at TAG Heuer, was pressed on whether or not the company would ever release a Serpenti for men. Specifically, the thought process among some journalists, myself included, was that there might be a rendition of the classic Serpenti Tubogas made large enough to wrap around a man’s wrist. Sure, it’s not for everyone, but in today’s era where everything goes, it seemed like the red-carpet moment for a celebrity not afraid to take risks, such as Timothée Chalamet or Dwyane Wade, both of whom have been spotted wearing ladies’ watches at press events. Of course, it would have to be a limited edition because it’s not the kind of thing you could sell at a reasonable price point, but the marketing moment would seemingly be priceless. Pin, with a smile, mentioned that there could be room for something in the future.

Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti (Photo: Bulgari x MB&F)

What was not expected was that it would appear in the form of a collaboration between the Roman house and avant-garde watchmaker MB&F. The Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti marks the second joint venture by the two makers—the first debuted in 2021 with the MB&F x Bulgari LM FlyingT Allegra. As far back as 10 years ago, Buonamassa Stigliani says he saw two men wearing Serpenti watches on New Bond Street in London and he thought, “Maybe they need something that doesn’t exist yet.” But he felt it was too early. Now, three 39 mm wide by 18 mm thick by 53 mm lug-to-lug iterations in 18-karat rose gold ($170,000), Grade 5 Titanium or black PVD-coated stainless steel (both $148,000) are executed in an out-there case reminiscent of both MB&F’s HM10 Bulldog and Bulgari’s Serpenti head. Each version is limited to just 33 pieces.

Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti Case Assembly (Photo: Bulgari x MB&F)

Fans of MB&F’s HM10 Bulldog will instantly recognise the similarities in design, but Buonamassa Stigliani noted that the case still had to be reworked to look more serpentine. “Honestly, it was very hard at the beginning to find the face of this watch,” he says. “I made several sketches in different directions. But when I had in mind the idea that I have to see the watch, and I have to read the time and keep the eyes of the snake…after that, it was two days [to finish the design].” The movement, which was created and developed in-house by MB&F, is hand-finished and is composed of 310 components. The “eyes” of the snake come alive via two rotating hour and minute domes, which are machined from solid aluminium for lightness, which required a unique milling process. Both are equipped with SuperLuminova, so the snake’s eyes illuminate in the dark. The unconventional architecture of the movement is a result of MB&F’s innovative thinking across 20 calibers since it began in 2005 and is a testament to founder Max Büsser’s ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in the genre.

Bonamassa Stigliani is an equally an out-of-the-box thinker, having developed the Octo Finissimo for Bulgari, arguably one of the most interesting and innovative modern watches on the market. They are a creative match made in heaven. Both are also serious car enthusiasts—Buonamassa Stigliani used to design for Alfa Romeo at the Turin Automotive Group—and you can see the influence of the automotive world in the “bodywork” of the case, the stepped sapphire crystal meant to evoke the flaps on a rear window, and crowns that look like car wheels. So, here you have a watch inspired by a snake, a bulldog, and sports cars…it’s not for everyone and it may not be the men’s Serpenti some had in mind, but for the very few that will own one of these, it’s safe to say they’ll have a watch that looks wildly unique.

 

 

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Soccer Star Kylian Mbappé Is Now an Investor in Watch Marketplace Wristcheck

Kylian Mbappé just went from brand ambassador to investor.

The celebrated French footballer, who currently plays for Real Madrid, has taken a stake in luxury watch trading platform Wristcheck, Hypebeast reported lat week.

Off the filed, the 26-year-old soccer star is a known timepiece collector and has served as an ambassador for Swiss marque Hublot since 2018. With this new partnership, the forward joins a growing group of influential backers, including Jay-Z. The rapper and business mogul took an equity stake in the Hong Kong-based company last summer as part of a recent funding round of $7.9 million.

“I’m thrilled to join Wristcheck as an investor through Coalition Capital,” Mbappé said in a press statement. “As a Hublot ambassador and someone passionate about watches and innovation, I see Wristcheck as a platform that truly understands the next generation of collectors. They’re reshaping the watch industry with a forward-thinking approach that blends technology, transparency, and creativity.” Mbappé did not immediately respond to Robb Report‘s request for comment on his new business endeavor.

Kylian Mbappé is an investor in online watch shop Wristcheck.
Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Launched in 2020 by renowned horophile and Instagram personality Austen Chu, Wristcheck offers a platform for collectors to buy and sell pre-owned watches that have been authenticated by Swiss-trained watchmakers. Since it was founded, the company has raised more than $21.6 million in funding from investors including the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners GBA, and K3 Ventures.

Mbappé, meanwhile, has achieved remarkable success in his soccer career. He won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France, becoming the youngest player to score in a final since Pelé. At PSG, he has secured multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups. Individually, Mbappé has earned the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award and regularly features in top European scoring charts. And in 2020, he was ranked the world’s highest-paid player, surpassing rivals Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

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Gordon Murray Says It’s Easier to Win an F1 Championship Than Le Mans—Here’s Why

The 24 Hours of Le Mans has been run since 1923 and still offers what might be the stiffest test for sports car manufacturers and racers, combining speed and reliability. Formula 1 is a slightly different proposition, and Gordon Murray, the legendary car designer who has made cars for both competitions, said recently that F1 is easier to win, too.

Murray is best known as the designer of the McLaren F1, one of the greatest cars ever made, a version of which raced at Le Mans in 1995 and won. Murray also was the technical director of McLaren’s Formula 1 team when Ayrton Senna won his first Drivers’ Championship in 1988 with the team.

McLaren F1 GTR at Le Mans
Pascal Rondeau

But in an interview with Top Gear Murray said that the Le Mans win with the F1 was the sweeter (and more difficult) of the two, in part because it was so unexpected. Murray set out to redefine sports cars with the three-seat F1, or at least outdo the Ferrari F40, and doing so solidified his reputation for good.

“It’s very satisfying that it’s being recognised now,” Murray told Top Gearof the F1. “Not because of its value, there’s nothing clever about that, but because of what it stood for. The world’s first carbon road car, the first with ground effect, the carbon clutch. . .all that stuff. It was so different. At the time, the media focused on the fact that it could do 386 kph. That didn’t interest me at all. Never has. And then it won Le Mans, which I think was the biggest achievement of all. Winning Le Mans is more difficult than winning the Formula One world championship.”

Winning either competition is a career highlight for any manufacturer and driver, and each are part of one version of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, which also includes the Indianapolis 500. For drivers, Formula 1 glory is more prized, since it comes with greater money and fame. For manufacturers, Le Mans has always been the real test, which is why Ford famously went after Ferrari there.

Gordon Murray in 1989 at the French Grand Prix
Pascal Rondeau

For car designers like Murray, Le Mans is also a greater challenge than F1 since reliability is such an important factor. Le Mans is also more unpredictable because it’s 24 hours versus F1’s two. Coming out on top after a full day and night of big speed is all the sweeter.

Murray didn’t stop at comparing F1 and Le Mans. Elsewhere in the Top Gear interview, he threw some shade at a few of his fellow icons.

“We’re a dying breed,” Murray said. “Engine, gearbox, aero, the fuel system, cooling, suspension, the setup. . .the only person, I think, who could manage all of it in the same way was Mauro Forghieri [Scuderia Ferrari’s legendary technical director in the 1960s and 1970s]. Maybe Carlo Chiti, too, who I worked with when Brabham ran Alfa Romeo engines. Colin Chapman never drew anything. Enzo Ferrari was a great entrepreneur and petrolhead but didn’t draw. I always loved F1, sports car racing, and road cars. I’ve done all three and still enjoy all three.”

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Sotheby’s Will Put on the Largest Auction of Breguet Watches in Decades This Fall

Interest in Breguet has experienced a quiet resurgence among savvy collectors who appreciate the brand’s deep-rooted watchmaking heritage. This growing enthusiasm will soon take center stage with an upcoming auction that shines a significant spotlight on the storied Maison.

Founded in Paris 250 years ago, Abraham-Louis Breguet was one of the most influential watchmakers in history, best known for inventing the tourbillon and the automatic winding system—along with many other groundbreaking innovations. His legacy continues to inspire modern masters such as F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour. You can see Breguet’s influence pointedly in pieces like F.P. Journe’s famous Chronomètre à Résonance timepiece, voted one of Robb Report‘s 50 Greatest Watches of All Time.

Now, Sotheby’s has announced “the largest sale of Breguet timepieces in three decades.” Though the auction won’t take place until November, the auction house is already working to build anticipation. In the meantime, it might be wise to brush up on the most coveted Breguet references.

Breguet 1827 Perpétuelle à Tact watch made for King George IV Breguet

What may pique collectors’ interest is the sale is being curated in conjunction with Breguet and Emmanuel Breguet, the vice president and head of patrimony, who happens to be a descendant of the original Monsieur Breguet. So far, the only timekeeper publicly associated (at least visually) with the auction is the 1827 Perpétuelle à Tact watch made for King George IV. Still, it hints at the historic level of pocket watches, wristwatches, and clocks that will be on offer. Abraham-Louis Breguet was a frequent supplier of high-end and state-of-the-art timepieces for royalty, including Marie Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte, and King George III.

Other highlights include an open-faced montre à tact (a watch that replicates the internal hour hand on the cover of the pocket watch via an arrow so that time could be read via touch) with a calendar and moonphase indications that was the inspiration for the Ref. 3330. A pendulette with alarm, perpetual calendar and repeater, and a two-color gold open-faced tourbillon watch is said to be a part of the sale, although no images were provided as of press time. More info on what will be in the sale will come this spring.

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How to Navigate Unpredictable Weather in Style

As a menswear stylist, I’m accustomed to a series of questions that crop up with most of my clients. Most revolve around the fundamentals of fit and tailoring and how to match a shirt with a tie. But something that seems to preoccupy them equally is the challenge of transitional dressing, particularly this time of year, as temperatures begin to rise and fall, and then rise again. As a born and bred New Englander, I’m uniquely equipped to field such questions.

I once heard someone say that the beauty of England is that you can experience every climate in the span of 24 hours and the country’s stateside counterpart region is much the same. Come spring in New England, it’s not uncommon to wake up to tundra-like temperatures, enjoy a sunny lunch outdoors by midday, and return home in a humid rainstorm. While there’s no cheat code for outsmarting mother nature—shy of being weather-worn and hearty like New Englanders, which is not necessarily something that can be taught—there are ways to navigate it sartorially, and still look good.

Maine’s sardine fishermen provide a masterclass in layering.
Getty Images

Much of the quintessential New England aesthetic—a delightfully disheveled hybrid of preppy academic, and weathered fisherman—lends itself perfectly to adapting to changing temperatures throughout the day without looking like a crass approximation of Gorpcore. The basic principles are simple: enlist layers, neutral, earthy tones, and build interest with varied textures. Whether that’s because the climate here necessitates it, or because we’ve adapted our signature style to meet the climate’s needs (or a blend of both), it serves as a blueprint for transitional dressing that’s both stylish and effective.

The first thing I tell all my clients is to start from the bottom up: an all-weather shoe does not have to mean an insulated clunky boot, but it should have a durable if not weatherproof sole. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that New England-based Alden has a fantastic variety of lug sole shoes. And while legacy and luxury brands are brimming with excellent options, don’t turn your nose up at stalwart New England staples like L.L. Bean, which is worn by everyone from schoolchildren to financiers here in the Northeast for good reason.

Next come the layers. It can be so tempting as the weather changes to just change your outerwear but this ignores the critical truth that a Autumn day rarely stays one temperature. I advise all my clients to enlist a simple refined base layer like a knit long sleeve polo, a crewneck sweater, or well crafted tee, and to layer that under a or shirt jacket or wool sportcoat, before finishing with a piece of outerwear attuned to the most extreme temperature expected that day; i.e. if you’re expecting downpours, your outermost layer should accommodate this. Ditto snow. But underneath, you should layer multiple medium to lightweight pieces so that as you move from the blustery outdoors into an office building with the heat cranked up, you can shed accordingly without looking undone or underdressed.

A snowy day on the Harvard campus.
Getty Images

The tricky thing with layers is always how to blend and pair them so you don’t look ridiculous, and for this, I’d also suggest taking a page from a hearty New Englander’s book and foregoing bold or light colours and patterns and opting instead for a palette that is rich in neutral tones, and subtle, traditional patterns like plaids, windowpanes and stripes.

You can also have some fun with silhouettes—don’t be afraid of a good turtleneck (not too tight!) or a well styled knit vest. To add visual interest to an outfit, instead mix textures: wear a cotton button down under a craggy wool sweater or pair a lightweight knit with a corduroy shirt jacket.

They’re called fisherman sweaters for a reason but that doesn’t mean you have to be one to wear one and they make fantastic layering staples with beautifully knit patterns that adds character and legacy to an outfit. If you wear a suit everyday, consider adding a lightweight cashmere in a neutral complementary color layered over your shirt. And nothing says a damp Autumn day along the Charles River like a pair of flannel or corduroy trousers.

Painter Jamie Wyeth’s style exemplifies New England practicality.
Getty Images

Finally, the most important piece of advice I will impart is to relinquish some aesthetic control to nature. This is not the season to insist on wearing your leather soled shoes or to fuss over your hair looking perfectly coiffed or your outfit being neatly ironed. You are going to get wet, your clothes are going to get road salt or dirt on them, and fighting that is not only going to limit you logistically, it’s going to make you look incredibly silly and vain (never a good look). Take a cue from New England’s most famous artists and our treasured fishermen, and embrace it.

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How To Enjoy A Remote Island Like Royalty

Just an hour’s flight from Far North Queensland’s Cairns, tucked on a verdant green island, sits the exclusive Lizard Island Resort. 

This is a one resort town with no imposters. Never trying to be all things to all people, this small scale The White Lotus style resort, supplies a languid bridge to incomparable, one-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The advantage to staying here is there’s no need to leave by boat to see the reef. This island is on the reef.

Lizard Island was declared a National Park in 1937, and its waters as a Marine Park in 1974. The only other inhabitants of the island are researchers of Cook University, who study the abundant ecosystems of the area, and all guests are offered the opportunity to take a tour of their research facility.

From fishing, snorkelling or diving in the morning, to bush treks, tennis and day spa visits in the afternoon, life on Lizard is an invitation to commune with bliss.

After a short golf buggy ride from the landing strip, friendly staff deliver you into the bosom of tropical paradise. With only 40 rooms, including both suites and villas, and one house, guests here don’t walk, but rather saunter between beachfront villas on raised wooden walkways.

On your way to breakfast or cocktail hour there is every temptation to stop off under the shade of a palm tree for a swim or paddle in the water.

Because the resort is so small guests feel more like a few privileged groupies taking their seats in the front row of a spectacular rock concert than visitors.

In the months when it’s not too hot or too wet, the resort throws open its doors to guests, with an all inclusive price per night (rooms start from $2000 a night), meaning there’s never any worry about which credit card to use or how to calculate the cost of each titillating experience.

One minute you’re being guided to swimming with rare green sea turtles in the Clam Gardens of Watsons Bay, the next, hopping onboard boat to enjoy a chilled Champagne Lallier picnic in a quiet cove with a lover.

The food and beverage on the island are second to none. All meals arrive in a fine dining yet relaxed open air restaurant from the hands of young, highly trained  staff who provide the kind of doting royalty enjoy.

The attention to detail and thoughtfulness comes from a ratio of 100 staff to a maximum 80 guests and a happy team who live on the island and are passionate about its many virtues. For most of the year there is a 2:1 staff ratio and 100 of the time nothing too much trouble.

On a hot afternoon one single Tommy’s margarita ordered to my room by telephone arrive in under 10 minutes.

Quite unlike most tropical outposts, the central dining room of Lizard Island Resort creates a kind of sacred nucleus to return to during the stay. It’s sublime food and beverage offering that keeps you — magnetically —coming back for more. Menus change daily and each meals reflect a local, seasonal, tropical offering with a South-East Asian inflection.

Dishes like crab eggs Benedict for breakfast are followed up with wagyu beef rending and coconut rice for lunch. On the Saturday a caviar masterclass is paired with four vintages of the Champagne Lallier served in the un-occupied House on the point overlook a private beach.

In 2009 Lizard Island Resort was taken over from a Hong Kong hospitality group and leased by US-based Delaware North who’ve made their focus discretion, service and luxurious, healthy food.

In 2021 Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest and his wife Nicola’s private investment company Tattarang splashed $42 million for Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef. The total property comprises three parcels of land with a total area of approximately two-thousand hectares held under the head leases from the Queensland government that don’t expire until 30 September 2050.

Since 2009 resort’s star has been firmly on the ascent. Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry came to take up residence if the House on Lizard Island in 2022 but chose to pop into the Marlin Bar to eat burgers and fraternise with people moored on nearby yachts. HRH King Charles (then a prince) and Queen Consort Camilla Parker Bowls have also nestled in here to enjoy the quiet pleasures of this untouched paradise. While actor Will Smith even plonked in himself on the island, as a way to overcome to his dread of the ocean.

In 2024 thanks to thoughtful partnerships with boutique gin distillers in Melbourne and Champagne houses in France, the team has led guests to enjoyed special weekends with wine and produce masterclasses and special programming offered to in-house guests at no extra cost.

With a measured, slow approach Lizard Island Resort has cemented itself in the constellation of excellent FNQ islands and just quietly – become popular with those with limited time, who want to see the real Australia or whom like to have quiet, considerate affairs. 

Lizard Island Resort

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SailGP Comes to Sydney

After kicking off the season in Dubai and New Zealand, the SailGP tour blew into town on the weekend. And what a stopover it was. Held over two glorious days on Sydney Harbour, the nine rival national teams (Team USA did not start after capsizing during training) competed for podium bragging rights and a not insignificant $640,000 for the winning team. (The overall prize money for the season is close to $20 million, with approximately $3.2 million for the winner-takes-all Grand Final in Abu Dhabi in late November.)

The Australian team, helmed by Tom Slingsby, dominated for most of the weekend and came into Sunday’s final atop the table, but was pipped out in the end by Great Britain, with a resurgent Dylan Fletcher at the wheel; Canada finished third. 

Living up to its billing as the most exciting racing on water, the foiled catamarans flew across the harbour—the top speed during the weekend was 93.54 km/h by GBR—despite having to navigate Shark Island in the middle of the course.

Next up, the tour moves to the United States for an American double header; the Oracle Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix takes place on March 15-16 followed by the Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix on March 22-23.

Photo: Patrick Hamilton for SailGP.
The SailGP fleet in action during practice racing. Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP.

 

Spectators on the Adrenaline Yacht watch the action on Race Day 2 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney. Photo: Brett Phibbs for SailGP.

 

Neil Hunter, grinder of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, runs across the boat on Race Day 2 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix. Photo: Felix Diemer for SailGP.

 

The fleet sails past Shark Island. Photo: Jon Buckle for SailGP.
Australia SailGP Team helmed by Tom Slingsby leads Spain, Brazil and New Zealand on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney. Photo: Jon Buckle for SailGP.

 

The SailGP fleet prepares to start racing in front of Shark Island on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney. Photo: Jon Buckle for SailGP.

 

 

Racing in front of Sydney Harbour Bridge on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Jason Ludlow for SailGP.

 

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Capella Brands Their Own Caviar to Mark Chinese New Year

These days caviar bumps are on the menu at all the best seaside restaurants, and now guests checking into a suite at Capella Sydney will be saved the trip to the beach with a tin of caviar conveniently stationed in their mini bar.

Downstairs at the chic lobby café Aperture, caviar is also part of their elegantly indulgent high tea. Expertly crafted by Head Pastry Chef Arthur Carré. This bespoke menu features a delectable selection of delicacies, including Capella Kaluga Caviar, sesame prawn toast, Peking duck pancake roll cornetto, fried pork dumplings, and pandan and mandarin lamingtons. The experience is complemented by the delicate notes of white rabbit jasmine tea from Zensation Tea House, with an optional upgrade to a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne for a truly indulgent experience.

It’s all part of a chic lunar collaboration with Kaluga Caviar (from central China) which supplies 21 of the 26 three Michelin starred restaurants in Paris. Kaluga caviar offers a balance of luxury, flavour, and sustainability. Its rich, creamy texture and large pearls make it a close alternative to Beluga caviar with a lovely walnut aftertaste.

Even if you are a guest just for the day at Capella Sydney you can indulge your palate with a high tea that pairs Oscietra black caviar, from Russian Sturgeon stock, with champagne and traditional accompaniments.

Ask for the Capella Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea when you make you reservation, and take your place at the table. Each set comes with a 10g tin of Capella Sydney x Kaluga Queen Caviar.

Capella Sydney