In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: Belmond is set to launch the first luxury sleeper train in 2025, Hublot’s new sapphire rainbow timepiece in collaboration with Takashi Murakami, and more.
Belmond Debuts The Britannic Explorer, A Luxury Sleeper Train, Next Year
Belmond announces the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, the Britannic Explorer, which is set to launch in July 2025. The train will take guests on a three-night journey through Cornwell, the Lake District and Wales, with options for guests to have off-train guided excursions, as well as venturing into the stunning landscape at Lake District and Wales for hikes and swims. Guests will also have access to exclusive tours to renowned art sites such as Hauser&Wirth Somerset and Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. In addition, guests can enjoy fine-dine cuisine by Chef Simon Rogan, a visionary leader in Britain’s farm-to-fork movement, with 10 Michelin stars at his restaurants collectively worldwide. An onboard wellness suite and a Victorian botanical-inspired bar are the other luxurious amenities onboard the Britannic Explorer. Tickets are priced at £11,000, which covers meals, alcoholic beverages and guided excursions.
Hublot And Takashi Murakami Unite Again To Dazzle With Gems And Watchmaking
The Hublot MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow (RM1.64 million) is, conceptually, a straightforward rendition of the Japanese artist’s famous ‘Smiling Flower’ motif. But its execution is anything but—not only is the 42mm case made out of sapphire crystal, and its 12 petals equipped with polished titanium inlays that are set with 444 different coloured gems, but it is also equipped with a 120-hour central tourbillon movement. Calibre HUB9015 is Hublot’s first central tourbillon movement, and was first seen last year in a similar one-off timepiece created for Only Watch that was the clear inspiration for this new piece, which is limited to 20 pieces.
Omega Celebrates Olympians And Paralympians At An Exclusive Dinner Showcasing Paris 2024 Timepieces
Omega recently hosted an exclusive dinner at The RuMa Hotel to celebrate Malaysia’s Olympians and Paralympians. The event was organised to honour the dedication and resilience of Malaysian athletes who participated at the Olympic and Paralympic games in Paris earlier this year. Esteemed guests who attended the event included Dato’ Sri Megat Shahriman, president of the Malaysian Paralympic Council; Datuk Nicol Ann David, Malaysian professional squash player; and numerous Olympians and Paralympians. The event displayed Omega’s Paris 2024 Olympic timepieces—the Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 and Seamaster Diver 300M Paris 2024, among many others—highlighting the brand’s role as the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Martin Issing, Vice President of Omega Malaysia, emphasised that Omega’s values coincide with the athlete’s pursuit to greatness.
Chelsea Barracks Reveals The New Penthouse At New 9 Mulberry Square, Equipped With An Outdoor Ice Bath and Sauna
Chelsea Barracks introduces the Penthouse, located at 9 Mulberry Square. This penthouse spans two floors with a 333 square metre terrace and comes with five bedrooms. The Penthouse offers a variety of wellness amenities such as an ice bath, sauna, herb garden, and spaces for relaxation and entertainment. The residence also comes with a bar and a fire pit. The interior of the penthouse is designed using a blend of nature-inspired British elegance in its colour schemes of cool creams and whites, along with contemporary comfort furniture such as floral sofas and cool-tone lighting. Residents will also have access to the Garrison Club’s exclusive amenities, which offers a 25-metre pool and private medical services. The penthouse is priced at £44 million.
Minotti’s Vivienne Collection Presents A Family Of Seats, Playing With Graceful Curves
The Vivienne collection from Italian design house Minotti, envisioned by Italian-Danish design duo GamFratesi, brings the concept of family to life through form. This family of seats is unified by the gentle hemicycle curve of a backrest—a shape that embraces the sitter, inviting both comfort and connection. Within this collection are large armchairs, lounge chairs, bergères, dining armchairs, and ottomans. Each piece exudes its own character while carrying the same cohesive design trait, like a harmonious family. Crafted for flexibility, the Vivienne collection features removable upholstery available in fabric and leather, and offers the choice of fixed or swivel bases in wood or metal.
Dior Collaborates With KAWS, Blending Sophisticated Designs With Vibrant Colours In This 2025 Capsule Collection
Dior recently revealed an exclusive collaboration with contemporary artist and designer KAWS, merging Dior’s elegant cannage patterns and Oblique motifs with KAWS’ vibrant pop artistry. The collection features the Dior logo, reimagined with a snake motif along with Christian Dior’s initials. Highlight pieces include quilted shirts, knitwear, Bermuda shorts, Rider 2.0 messenger bags, and Dior’s B35 sneakers in neon hues of yellow and red. The collection also showcases refined brass jewellery—necklaces, bracelets and brooches—adding a modern edge to each piece in the collection. The collection is set to launch on 2 January 2025 in all Dior boutiques worldwide.
Dolce&Gabbana Launches Its First Ever Caffè In Shanghai
Dolce&Gabbana has opened its first DG Caffè in the world at its flagship store in CITIC Square in Shanghai. This Italian-themed cafe blends the maison’s Sicilian aesthetics with gourmet Italian cuisine such as Sicilian-inspired pasta, artisanal desserts and cakes. The cafe has exclusively collaborated with iconic Italian brands such as Bialetti, Donnafugata, and Pastificio Di Martino to elevate the dining experience and promote cultural exchange between Italy and China through food.
