In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news around the world. This week’s highlights: Cartier’s new Tank, party on with Louis Vuitton And Yayoi Kusama, Tumi’s bestselling collection returns, and more.
A French Twist With Cartier’s New Tank Francaise
One of Cartier’s most beloved staples, the Tank Française, just got a very French makeover—by which we mean that the subtle nods to modernity only enhance the timepiece’s effortless, understated elegance. Updates include more rounded case sides, an inlaid crown sitting closer to the case than in previous models and more compact links in a flexible bracelet that moves together as a single unit. Small details to be sure, but ones which, taken together, offer improved ergonomics on the wrist and an overall sleeker presentation. Available in small, medium and large sizes in yellow gold or steel, with or without diamonds, each model features a quartz movement — except for the large edition, which now comes equipped with an automatic winding mechanical calibre. It’s precisely what one hopes to see when such an enduring design is given a modern refresh and especially on point for the Tank DNA: comfort and style, hand in hand.
An Infinite Party With Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama
Hands down, the most celebratory item from this year’s transversal collection between Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama is its Infinity Party Trunk. Eclectic – in the style of Kusama – and bearing all the savoir-faire cues of the French maison that popularised the travelling trunk – this functional objet d’art becomes the tinder to spark white-hot revelry in your very own home.
Encased in the iconic Louis Vuitton, this trunk is limited to 30 pieces worldwide. It is given the Kusama riff with 72 transparent eyelets – recalling the now 93-year-old’s signature dots which has been the mainstay of her art since her childhood. Inside of the trunk, the mirrored room installation is an ode to Kusama’s infinity room installations, drawing the gaze to the domed champagne bucket.
Matching straps can secure up to nine Champagne bottles, while an internal drawer reveals 10 Champagne flutes. Another grass-like lined drawer harks back to Kusama’s 1966 Narcissus Garden, holding reusable metal ice cubes. Other compartments would then ostensibly hold party accoutrements or speakers, a sure-fire way to always bring the party.
An Auspicious Time For The New Lunar Year
This 37.3mm Grand Seiko SBGW287 Boshu (RM19,500) recalls the rich autumnal colours of the trees which surround the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi in Northern Japan. Its lustrous burgundy colour is an undoubted part of its charm, as is the sapphire case back which showcases the hand-wound Caliber 6S64, a slim movement which beats within a stainless steel case made all the more elegant with the crocodile leather strap.
Luxuriate At This Kengo Kuma-designed Hotel In Kota Kinabalu
Since its opening towards the last quarter of 2022, the Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu has quickly become a magnet for adventure seekers and culture vultures. For this 222-room lifestyle hotel, its position within the vibrant and yet laid-back city of Kota Kinabalu commands all the advantages of its location. Emerging from the hotel’s cool interiors accented by art, guests quickly discover life bursting from the streets through hotel-guided tours of the neighbourhood’s hidden gems. In the distance, the majestic mountains including mount Kinabalu which gives the city its name, and the turquoise waters of the South China Sea enchant and lull the senses in equal measure. Back in the hotel, guests will find plenty of creative spaces brought to life through Kuma’s slick inventiveness; with a hotel lobby reminiscent of a tree’s roots, augmented by bamboo and calming waters, while guest room floors recall a tree trunk reaching into the sky.
Tumi Relaunches Their Bestselling Voyageur Women’s Collection
Tumi’s Voyageur collection for women has always been heralded for its lightweight and versatile offerings that are also well-made and well-designed. But never one to rest on its laurels, Tumi is relaunching the collection with a new focus on sustainability. Incorporating recycled materials, popular products such as the Celina Backpack and Valetta Tote have been updated with enhanced functionality by allowing users to personalise them with Tumi+ travel accessories – the Small Organiser, Charm Pouch and Modular Accessory Pouch, just to name a few. All-new designs and silhouettes such as the Adelaide Hobo Crossbody and the Loha Slim Hip Bag are two more highlight’s from Tumi’s Voyageur collection, available this spring.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Utter Bliss At Jumeirah Bali
Located in the Pecatu region of Ulutwatu, Jumeirah Bali is an all-villa luxury resort that boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and luxurious amenities, all while enabling guests to escape the chaos of modern life and to reconnect with oneself in the exquisite privacy of their own villa. For Valentine’s Day this year, Jumeirah Bali is offering a special package where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway featuring in-villa floating breakfast as well as dinner, a three-course dinner at Segaran Dining Terrace, daily Tantra yoga sessions, couple’s spa treatment at the resort’s Talise Spa, a Blessing Ceremony, and much more. Whether you and your partner want to savour the pristine beach, reset yourself with a plethora of fitness, yoga and meditation activities, or simply not be disturbed in your villa, you’re bound to create an unforgettable Valentine’s Day this year at Jumeirah Bali.
