In our weekly TWIL series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: Louis Vuitton’s Virtuosity High Jewellery collection shines with rare gems and technical artistry, Richard Mille enters the track with RMB01, and more.
Louis Vuitton’s Maestria Necklace Is A 2,370-Hour High Jewellery Masterpiece
In Virtuosity, Louis Vuitton’s latest high jewellery opus, the maison reimagines its emblematic codes from sculpted craftsmanship to unbounded artistry, set with some of the world’s rarest and most remarkable stones. Comprising 110 one-of-a-kind pieces across 12 themes, the collection unfolds in two acts: The World of Mastery and The World of Creativity. It begins with a reverence for savoir-faire, where technique and disciplined hands give rise to graphic motifs, shields, and Damier patterns—framed in glistening stones such as a 30.56-carat Australian black opal in a rare triangle cut as well as a 30.75-carat Brazilian pear-cut emerald. The collection then takes flight into liberated creativity, where jewels are expressed through fluid lines, vivid sapphires, diamonds, and florals.
The Maestria high-collar necklace stands as a near-perfect example of technical execution, a feat that required 2,370 hours to complete. An architectural marvel, the piece is crafted in white and yellow gold, set with 2,500 diamonds (250 of them custom-cut), and crowned by three Colombian emeralds, led by an 8.88-carat centrepiece. The openwork design subtly references the maison’s classic symbols, including the V, the chevron, the Damier, and a kite silhouette.
Richard Mille’s First Track-Ready Motorbike With Brough Superior
A collaborative interplay between time and motion, Richard Mille and Brough Superior have engineered a unique, track-focused motorbike inspired by early 1910s Boardtrackers. More than just a bike, the RMB01 is a fiercely contemporary kinetic sculpture—taut, lightweight, and minimal in form. Over 18 months, Richard Mille and Brough Superior CEO Thierry Henriette oversaw 12 design iterations to fuse their distinct identities. The result reflects Richard Mille’s horological principles, with emblematic aspects including titanium, carbon fibre, and architectural detailing. These finishes are visible throughout, such as the divided rims inspired by gear trains and casings reminiscent of tourbillon calibres. Rather than chasing peak speed alone, the 130 bhp engine is tuned for track responsiveness, and is supported by aerodynamic fins that enhance stability and control.
Entirely handcrafted in France and limited to 150 individually numbered pieces, the RMB01 will be available from late 2025 in three finishes: Nocturnal Sapphire, Selene, and Pearl of Speed.
The Dior And Lewis Hamilton Capsule Collection Frames The Fusion Of Fashion And Sportswear Through The Lens Of Afrofuturism
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion and Dior ambassador Lewis Hamilton has joined forces with the maison to release a lifestyle collection that combines the energy and passion of motorsports with the savoir-faire and finesse of the brand’s ateliers. Specifically, Hamilton was inspired during recent travels through Africa and wanted to explore the future of black culture through the perspectives of fashion and sportswear, while remaining steadfast to one’s persona, personality, and personal expressions. Expect a spectrum of styles, including oversized and boxy silhouettes, fitted and trim looks, and comfortable vibes all around. Highlights include an oblique jacket that resembles a cardigan, as it does not have a lapel; a short jacket, reinterpreted from a piece from a Miss Dior ready-to-wear range from 1968; fully reversible hooded jackets; and plenty more. Work boots, derbys, B44 sneakers, hobos, totes, sunglasses, and lots more accessories are other standouts in this men’s collection.
Berluti’s Employs A Film Technique To Present Its SS26 Collection in Paris
The French house, founded in Paris in 1895, returns to the Simone & Cino Del Duca Foundation in Paris’s eighth arrondissement to showcase its collections and savoir-faire. The presentation revolves around the concept of champ-contrechamp, a film technique that switches camera angles back and forth around a fixed position that shows both sides of the conversation. It allows visitors to explore the precision of the maison’s craftsmanship across three storeys through a series of rooms. Come face to face with a monumental foot sculpture, Berluti’s signature Scritto leather pattern depicted on a cigar case in a room designed like a study, and more.
The Waldorf Astoria Bali Is Set To Open In 2027
In the fourth quarter of 2027, the Waldorf Astoria Bali will open in Nusa Dua, featuring 71 villas and 68 guest suites. Award-winning chef Dave Pynt will lead the oceanside resort’s specialty restaurant, The Ledge by Dave Pynt, which will whet guests’ appetites with its refined yet relaxed barbecue concept. The Waldorf Astoria Bali joins a portfolio of 34 properties all around the world, including recent openings in Costa Rica and the Seychelles, as well as new signings in Turks and Caicos. Of course, the re-opening everyone is eagerly anticipating is the original Waldorf Astoria New York later this year, after its multi-year and extensive refurbishment works. Meanwhile, all of us in Malaysia await news regarding the launch of the Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur. Stay tuned…
Plaza Premium Lounge Is Now Available At Senai International Airport
Travellers will be delighted to discover the debut of Plaza Premium Lounge Johor Bahru, the airport’s first and only lounge operator to date. As a proud Malaysian brand, the 80-seater lounge celebrates our nation’s vibrant heritage with authentic local cuisine and beverages, with regional specialties such as Laksa Johor. The lounge also features cutting-edge technology to enhance the guest experience and convenience, including self-check-in kiosks and a QR-code-based food ordering system. Travellers on tight schedules will find a dedicated To-Go corner for a quick grab of the premium food selections without compromising quality. Despite its name, the Plaza Premium Lounge Johor Bahru is more than just a lounge. Adorned with local artworks by Malaysian artists, it also offers guests the opportunity to purchase these unique pieces.
Plaza Premium Lounge Johor Bahru
Aesop Takes Bathing To A Whole New Level
From 25 July to 3 August 2025, Aesop will present Bathing the Senses—a series of immersive installations—at Mid Valley Megamall. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the brand’s storied history and discover the latest additions to its shower-time portfolio: the Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser, boasting a comforting blend of herbaceous and woody aromas. Two of Aesop’s longest-standing ranges—the Germanium Leaf Body Care and Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm—will also be displayed. Each station will provide visitors a moment to unwind with an aromatic hand massage while experiencing these products.
