In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: Maria Sharapova hosts an inaugural immersion experience with Amanpuri, Audi Malaysia launches the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron, and more.
Maria Sharapova Hosts An Inaugural Immersion Experience With Amanpuri
From 21 to 24 February, join Aman’s wellness immersion experience, the ‘Optimising Performance and Recovery Immersion’, with its Global Wellness Ambassador Maria Sharapova. Hosted at Amanpuri in Phuket, the immersion is hosted by Sharapova, utilising her decades of experience as an elite athlete, in combination with Amanpuri’s expert practitioners. This intimate session includes an individual consultation with Amanpuri’s medical doctor, daily meditations and breathwork practices, performance sessions designed and led by Sharapova, recovery practices including IV treatment, hydro-facility treatments, and Aman Signature spa treatments. Beyond the wellness activities, guests will also get to enjoy daily breakfasts tailored to the day’s forthcoming activities, a welcome beach barbecue dinner, and an exclusive farewell dining experience. There are only eight spots available. Bookings can be made via enquiry by emailing amanpurires@aman.com.
Audi Malaysia Launches The SQ8 e-tron And SQ8 Sportback e-tron
Audi’s SQ8 e-tron and SQ9 Sportback e-tron recently launched in Malaysia, and are the first EV models in Malaysia to feature three motors. The front axle is powered by one electric motor with a peak output of 124 kW, while the real axle has an electric motor (98kW peak output) for each rear wheel. Besides Audi’s famous electric quattro all-wheel drive system, the two SUVs also feature flow optimised wheel arch panels, an aerodynamic diffuser in the rear, Singleframe grille with projector lighting and Digital Matrix LED headlamps, and drag coefficients of 0.24 to 0.27 depending on which options are selected. They can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and have a top speed of 210km/h. They’ll charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 31 minutes, when using a DC high-speed charging point. The SQ7 e-tron has a WLPT range of 458km and starts from RM519,999, while the Sportback’s range is 471km and starts from RM529,990.
Louis Vuitton Crafts Exclusive Malle Verstiaire With Tennis Sensation Carlos Alcaraz
Louis Vuitton recently teamed up with US Open 2022 and Wimbledon 2023 champion Carlos Alcaraz to design a customised Malle Verstiaire to house his memorabilia and equipment. Skilled artisans at Louis Vuitton’s French ateliers crafted the trunk using selected wood, covering it in classic monogram canvas, brass clasps, and rivets reminiscent of the maison’s trunk-making heritage since the 1860s. The quilted interior of the trunk features five microfibre-lined drawers, each equipped with a natural cowhide handle and a central drawer with woven cotton straps. Meanwhile, the exterior of the trunk is hand-painted with distinctive logos inspired by Alcaraz’s career. The Malle Verstiaire is now open for clients to personalise their versions. Each trunk will be made-to-order.
IWC Schaffhausen Presents Exclusive Aquatimer Pepetual Calendar With Warner Bros. Pictures
IWC Schaffhausen has partnered with Warner Bros. Pictures’ recent film Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom to introduce the Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month, drawing inspiration from the prop watches featured in the movie. Limited to 25 pieces in two versions, this diver’s watch features a 49-millimetre Ceratanium case, a black dial and a black rubber strap. One version showcases red Super-LumiNova, while the other version highlights blue Super-LumiNova. The standout feature of these watches is the perpetual calendar with digital displays, demonstrating the date and month through rotating discs for easy and intuitive reading. Its Ceratanium rotor, visible through the transparent sapphire glass case back, undergoes a meticulous nickel-plating process for a blackened finish. This latest timepiece is now available at selected IWC boutiques.
The Exchange TRX Highlights The Historical Significance of Silk This Lunar New Year
In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, The Exchange TRX transforms into a living canvas to bring to life a dynamic showcase that highlights the historical significance of silk. ‘The Silk Story’ is displayed up till 18 February adorned with captivating decorations, an intricately crafted silk lantern with a mythical dragon, ornate pop ups, and an animated dragon intertwined with silk, as well as Lunar New Year craft workshops and group performances. The Exchange TRX has also collaborated with UNIQLO and Mercato for community initiatives to donate customised T-shirts and Lunar New Year goodies to children and families in need.
Habib Showcases The Allure of Its Conch Pearl Jewellery
Explore Habib’s conch pearl collection, showcasing exquisite pearls that are among nature’s rarest gems. The conch pearls boast unique hues that range from delicate pink to creamy whites and occasionally rare fiery tones. The collection features an 18k white gold ring, set amidst 2.11 carats of brilliant cut diamonds and conch pearls of various hues (RM78,140); a pastel pink conch pearl and diamond ring set in titanium (RM122,620); dangling conch pearl earrings with 4.33 carat diamonds (RM360,660); and a limited-edition conch pearl brooch set in 18k white gold and 1.92 carats of pink sapphire gemstones (RM370,275).
Score Big With Balenciaga’s Ready-To-Wear Soccer Series 2024
Balenciaga has just launched an exclusive Soccer Series for 2024, featuring a limited collection of ready-to-wear items and accessories. The lineup includes wool scarves, brimmed caps, short- and long-sleeved jerseys, tracksuits, sweatpants, poplin jackets, zip-up hoodies, and socks—they’re all adorned with stripes, piping and logos reflecting both on- and off-duty soccer team uniforms, as well as fan gear. The collection boasts an array of city and neighbourhood names, such as Aoyama, Barcelona, Beverly Hills, Dubai, Ipanema, Mayfair, Miami, Milan, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai, Soho, and Tokyo. Notably, certain items highlight the number ten, paying homage to Balenciaga’s historic address in Paris, 10 Avenue George V, instead of a player’s number. These pieces are now available for purchase online, at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, and other selected Balenciaga stores worldwide.
