In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: The McLaren Artura Spider is more than just a convertible, the Royal Salute King Charles III edition is the whisky-maker’s second coronation special, and more.
The McLaren Artura Spider Is More Than Just A Convertible
The new McLaren Artura Spider features some thrilling upgrades from the original coupe version It finds an extra 20bhp from its hybrid powertrain, its electric motor and 3.0-litre V6, now combining for 690bhp. Although the retractable roof system adds 62kg, its 0-100km/h time of 3.0 seconds and 0-200km/h time of 8.4 seconds are a near match for the coupe. Other improvements include a new cabling architecture reducing weight, a revised exhaust system, engine mounts, and other technical touchpoints, resulting in an improvement in overall response and handling. Going forward, many of these upgrades will also be found on the coupe version. Existing owners are not entirely left in the lurch, however, as McLaren will be providing the previous model year’s coupe a complementary 20bhp upgrade.
The Royal Salute King Charles III Edition Is The Whisky-Maker’s Second Coronation Special
The conception of Royal Salute blended Scotch whisky was in 1953, as a coronation gift for Her Majesty Queen Elizbeth II. More than seven decades later, the tradition continues to a second generation with an especially exceptional release: the Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition (RM118,000). A blend of more than 53 rare malt and grain whiskies, it is as rich and complex as one may expect from such an occasion—berries, chocolate, nuts and spices are all notes present in abundance. Housed in a Dartington Crystal decanter and an exquisite wooden box, only 500 will be released worldwide—and only one available in Malaysia.
Breitling Introduces Limited Edition Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham Collection
Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling recently partnered up with Victoria Beckham to create a limited edition Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham collection, embedding some of Breitling’s timepieces with Beckham’s signature style. This exclusive line comprises only 1,500 pieces, retaining classic features such as the metal rouleaux bracelet and raised rider tabs at the 15-minute mark, as well as a new combination of colour schemes inspired by Beckham’s Spring/Summer 2024 palette including peppermint, midnight blue, dove grey and sand. Each dial on the timepiece is stamped with a Breitling logo alongside Beckham’s initials on the seconds hand. With options of stainless steel or yellow gold cases, this collection marks the revival of Breitling’s yellow gold—with dials marked with the respective limitations: “One of 400” for stainless steel pieces and “One of 100” for gold variations. Powered by the Breitling Calibre 10, this Chronomat boasts a running time of approximately 42 hours off the wrist, and a self-winding automatic three-hand movement with a date display. The timepiece is packaged in a specially designed co-branded box, while the gold pieces also come with a travel pouch.
The Monaco Rose Ball Celebrates Its 68th Anniversary With A Disco Theme Visualised By Christian Louboutin
The annual Bal de la Rose was born from the visionary spirit of Princess Grace of Monaco in 1954 to support ailing children. Today, under the High Patronage of H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco and in the presence of The Princess of Hanover, all proceeds raised will benefit the Princess Grace Foundation. Throughout its history, luminaries who have graced the affair included Hollywood royalty mingled with nobility, from Princess Alexandra of Kent to Lady Gaga and Ava Gardner. This year, Ru Paul’s Drag Race alumni, Shangela and Chad Michaels, will grace the stage, along with the iconic Gloria Gaynor, famous choreographer Sadeck Berrabah, DJ Kiddy Smile, and Charly Voodoo, the undisputed master of cabaret and live entertainment.
Kingsley Ben-Adir Showcases Gucci’s Classic Horsebit 1953 Loafers In New Campaign
British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir stars in Gucci’s latest campaign, dedicated to the classic Horsebit 1953 loafers under the creative direction of Sabato De Sarno. Captured through the lens of Heji Shin, the campaign highlights Gucci’s time-honoured loafers with several relaxed portraits in a minimalistic setting. Originally produced in 1953, the Horsebit loafer is largely influenced by equestrian pursuits, with its double ring and bar taken from Gucci’s collections back in the late 1940s. Now, the newly reimagined Horsebit loafers have evolved for the modern epoch, inviting wearers to make this a staple in their daily wardrobe rotation.
Tiffany and Co. Announces Its Tiffany Wonder Exhibition In Tokyo
From 12 April 12 to 23 June 2024, Tiffany and Co. will bring its remarkable story to the Tokyo Node gallery with its latest brand exhibition, Tiffany Wonder. The gallery, located within one of the tallest building in Tokyo, Toranomon Hills Station Tower, will showcase displays ranging from Jean Schlumberger’s emblematic Bird on a Rock brooch to relics of pop culture and iconic jewellery such as the Tiffany Diamond. Tickets can now be booked on the Tiffany and Co. app.
Guerlain Celebrates Its First Ultimate Boutique Grand Opening With Mile Phakphum
Guerlain recently unveiled its first Ultimate Boutique in Malaysia at The Exchange TRX, evincing luxury makeup, skincare and fragrances. The boutique is designed to offer a premium customer experience, inviting guests to explore Guerlain’s most sought-after creations—from Parfumerie d’Art to high cosmetics—and to indulge in facial treatments at the boutique’s facialist suite. Inspired by the maison’s emblematic ‘bee concept’, the boutique’s interior reflects its high-end identity with tailor-made architecture and natural materials. The grand launch provided guests with a first-hand experience of the services available at the boutique, alongside Guerlain’s first Southeast Asian friend—Thai actor and singer Mile Phakphum.
Royal Selangor Brings Joy To Easter With These Gifts
With easter just around the corner, create memorable moments for the little ones with these whimsical gifts. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic Sports Day Header Sporks make the perfect companion during a meal, while the Bunnies’ Day Out Routemaster Container make for adorable storage for chocolate eggs and candies. Bookworms will enjoy the Pooh and Tigger Bookend Pair. Meanwhile, the Hazel Rabbit Figurine will make a charming display, and the Simba Music Carousel adds a touch of magic in what will surely be a cherished gift.
