In our weekly TWIL series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: Aston Martin debuts its new DB12 halo model, French digital artist Francois Bancon’s Malaysian debut, and more.
Aston Martin Launches A New DB12 Halo Model
Building on the driver-focused DB12 comes the DB12 S, the marque’s latest addition to the powerhouse DB line, and the fastest and most powerful iteration of the DB12. Via a 19bhp boost to the 4.0-litre AMG V8 under that vast bonnet, the Aston Martin DB12 S bests its predecessor’s power at 690bhp, while torque and acceleration numbers remain largely unchanged. The DB12 S also provides an option for a new titanium exhaust system, which gives the Super Tourer a distinctive new sound character, and a build that’s 11.7kg lighter. On the outside, the new DB12 S reflects its bolstered performance and sporting feel with a new refined look, from a new dual-element front splitter and bonnet louvres, to the new rear diffuser, which reduces lift while allowing space for the signature stacked pairs of exhaust tailpipes, framed within a broader rear bumper for maximum visual impact.
The New Gérald Genta Minute Repeater Marries Elegant Design With Consummate Watchmaking
At 40mm across and only 9.6mm in thickness, with a yellow gold case and a black onyx dial set off by an austerely minimal set of hands and markers, the latest release from Gérald Genta is simple, elegant, and timeless—in essence, the ideal dress watch. Now under the purview of Louis Vuitton’s La Fabrique du Temps manufacture, the subtle geometry of a circular track within an ever-so-slightly squared-off circumference is a fine homage to the eponymous designer, who is famous for his work on iconic 1970s timepieces.
Although this release is definitively a dress watch, it is also something more extraordinary—lurking within its slim profile is a minute repeater. The manually wound calibre GG-002 is a classical take on this sort of striking complication, with two stainless steel hammers and hand-tuned gongs; these gongs are fixed to the case to maximise volume and projection.
Parmigiani Fleurier Launches Its Latest Tonda PF Timepiece
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36mm carries the prestige of a Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve award in 2022—a mark of true excellence in contemporary watchmaking. The new icon dazzles with its alluringly deep ruby Grain d’Orge hand-guilloché dial and hand-applied baguette-cut diamond indices. The interwoven stainless steel and 18-carat rose gold components of the bracelet complement each other harmoniously, resulting in a luminous duality of strength and elegance. Graceful at 36mm, it perfectly embraces elegant wrists with soft proportions to create tangible luxury and sophisticated fluidity.
Powered by the in-house PF770 automatic calibre, the Tonda PF Automatic 36mm Steel Gold Deep Ruby combines mechanical excellence with haute horlogerie artistry. With a 60-hour power reserve and operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, this movement exemplifies precision and reliability. Decorated with traditional “Côtes de Genève” and bevelled bridges, the movement is crowned by a skeletonised 22ct rose gold oscillating weight, polished and sandblasted to perfection.
Breguet Celebrates Its 250th Anniversary With Two New Watches
To mark this special occasion, the watchmaker presents two new launches in the Reine de Naples collection inspired by the 9935 and 8925 models. While the new 9935BH features its original display, numerous aesthetic enhancements were made—including its debut in Breguet gold and a reworked movement with a larger moon-phase indication. Meanwhile, the 8925BH is enlivened with three complementary faces. The first is adorned in extra-white mother-of-pearl, the second features Breguet gold omnipresent in every detail, and the third is coated in shimmering black aventurine.
Roberto Coin Introduces The Floral-Inspired Jasmine Collection
In Italian, jasmine is known as Gelsomino Bianco, a flower with white and delicate star-shaped petals and a sweet-calming fragrance. However, despite its appearance, jasmine has remarkably resilient capabilities through strong, deep-reaching roots that anchor them firmly while allowing them to thrive in diverse conditions. Italian jewellery house Roberto Coin translates the jasmine flower into the language of gold and white gold, with a collection of simple and refined designs, illuminated with diamonds, mother-of-pearl and tourmaline drops. This includes earrings, rings, necklaces, and bangles, which bring a sense of grace and femininity to the wearer.
The Iconic Cartier Love Bracelet Receives A New Look
It has been 56 years since Cartier introduced its revolutionary Love bracelet, sealed with a screwdriver. This year, the maison embraces a new freedom in love with Love Unlimited, featuring a fully flexible bracelet in white, rose, or yellow gold, and matching rings. Departing from the rigid oval of the original bracelet, the latest creation fits like a second skin and can be linked to another bracelet or more to create an endless flowing form, like a limitless love.
Nobu Kuala Lumpur Celebrates Its 10-year Anniversary With A Limited-Time Menu
Nobu Kuala Lumpur recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a star-studded party. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, founder of the global culinary and lifestyle empire, was in town for the celebrations, which was also attended by His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, the Sultan of Selangor; the Selangor Royal Family; and ambassadors from USA, Qatar, Peru, and Japan; as well as other shining lights like Datuk K and Datin Seri Siti Nurhaliza. To celebrate the milestone even further, Nobu Kuala Lumpur is offering a 10-Year Anniversary Omakase Menu at RM720+ (no alcohol pairing) and RM1,100+ (with alcohol pairing) from now until 30 November 2025. “Celebrating 10 years in Kuala Lumpur is a very special moment for me,” Chef Nobu said in a statement. “Nobu Kuala Lumpur has grown in so many ways, and it makes me proud to see the team here carry forward the Nobu philosophy of great food and heartfelt hospitality.”
For reservations at Nobu Kuala Lumpur, please call 03-2380 0028, send a WhatsApp message to +6019 389 5085, or email [email protected].
Kickstart The Festive Season With A Thanksgiving Brunch At The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
The Library at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is serving a special Thanksgiving Brunch on 27 November 2025, from 12pm to 3pm. Gather with your friends and family or with colleagues or associates, and savour the ritzy flavours and ingredients. The wide variety of dishes will offer something new and yet everything familiar about why guests keep coming back to The Library and the hotel. It’s a great way to remind ourselves—before the hectic end-of-year period begins—about everything and everyone we should be grateful for this year. The Thanksgiving Brunch costs RM200 per adult and RM100 per child, while the Unlimited Pouring option (prosecco, wine, and beer) is available at RM400 per adult.
For reservations at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, please call or send a WhatsApp message to +6018 623 0037 or e-mail [email protected].
Francois Bancon Brings His Digital Compositions To Malaysia For The First Time
Nature in Exile 2.0 marks the Malaysian debut of French digital artist Francois Bancon, shedding light on humanity’s fraught relationship with nature. Running until 16 November 2025, the exhibition reveals how nature has become collateral in humankind’s pursuit of progress, dimming the integrity of beauty and authenticity. Now residing in Malaysia, Bancon works beyond the bounds of traditional photography, employing the medium as a framework for digital and conceptual storytelling. His imagery transcends literal representation, inviting viewers to question established perceptions of beauty and to reflect on doubt and truth. The concept evolved from Bancon’s earlier series, Fragmented Souls, which explored themes of migration and displacement. His interactions with migrant communities inspired reflections on loss, nostalgia, and the longing for a home that no longer exists. This sentiment, he notes, mirrors the modern world’s treatment of our environment, where nature has been relegated to the backdrop of daily life. In this solo exhibition, the resulting images evoke humility, melancholy, and ultimately, a sense of hope.
Nature in Exile 2.0 is now showing at the Centre of Photographic Arts, Kokopelli Templar, 87 Jalan Templer, Seksyen 7, Petaling Jaya.
Villeggiatura By Train: A Belmond Train Experience From Paris To The Amalfi Coast
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe is set to make 2026 an unforgettable year for luxury rail travel, as it unveils a new chapter in its Italian journey series: Villeggiatura by Train. Continuing its tradition of connecting Europe’s most romantic cities with Belmond’s iconic hotels, the legendary train now unveils a highly anticipated new Italian route—the first-ever journey from Paris to the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, with a stop in the ancient city of Pompeii. Following an exclusive exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, guests will arrive at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel in Amalfi Coast, Ravello, where cliffside grandeur and timeless elegance promise the ultimate escape along Italy’s most dramatic coastline. Here, they will be immersed in the essence of the region through experiences that offer a true taste of its rich traditions. Complementing this historic debut, the 2026 season also introduces new, curated Italian itineraries culminating in Venice and Florence, each offering a three-night journey that celebrates the romance of Paris by rail and the artistry, heritage, and hospitality that define Belmond’s hotels.
For more information or reservations, visit the website.
