TWIL: The New Aston Martin Valen, Bvlgari’s All-Diamond Capsule Collection, And More
Catch up on this week’s most noteworthy updates from the universe of luxury.
In our weekly TWIL series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: Aston Martin has created the world’s most powerful front-engined car, Bvlgari is inspired by lace for its new high jewellery capsule, and IWC Schaffhausen lauds the 140th anniversary of motoring partner Mercedes-Benz with a perpetual calendar.
Aston Martin Debuts The World’s Most Powerful Front-Engine Production Car
Another ‘V’ car from Aston Martin, but this one has unprecedented punch. The latest supercar from Gaydon is the Valen, and it is the world’s most powerful front-engined production car, packing a 5.2-litre V12 that can kick out 838bhp—good for a 0-100km/h time of 3.1 seconds. Extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fibre, means that it shaves off 110kg from the marque’s typical V12 platform. Hardware and software are tuned specifically for a dynamic, responsive, and authentic driving signature, while the titanium exhaust system provides the drama. The full carbon fibre body bears the signature Aston Martin profile, but is aggressively cut at the front, back, and sides—surprisingly so, considering the British automaker’s pedigree, and perhaps a statement of whom this car is meant for. Strictly limited to 150 examples worldwide, this is also the latest project to come from Aston Martin’s bespoke department, Q by Aston Martin.
Bvlgari Eclettica Weaves Diamonds Into High Jewellery
Bvlgari unveils a new High Jewellery capsule for Eclettica, transforming diamonds into delicate, lace-like compositions inspired by the artistry of Haute Couture. Across 26 creations, the Maison treats the stone not simply as an ornament, but as fine material–woven, draped and articulated into luminous structures that move like fabric against the skin.
Amongst its highlights, the Melange Precieux necklace centres on a rare 6.20-carat diamond, while the Serpenti de Tulle reimagines the Maison’s emblematic serpent in a shimmering white-gold weave. The result of this collection is a harmonious meeting of jewellery and couture, where long-standing textile traditions are translated into something precious.
IWC and Mercedes-Benz Translate Innovation Into Timepieces
IWC Schaffhausen celebrates Mercedes-Benz’s 140 years of innovation with a new limited-edition Big Pilot’s Watch, restricted to just 140 pieces. Beneath its black dial and gold detailing lies the brand’s newly developed Perpetual Calendar ProSet, a feat of mechanical engineering that allows the calendar to be adjusted forwards and backwards through a single crown position.
On the sapphire glass case back is Mercedes-Benz’s first logo, created after Daimler and Benz merged in 1926, tying the contemporary timepiece to a century of automotive history. The watch itself carries a 42mm stainless steel case, black rubber strap, and quietly technical character–proof that, in the worlds of both watchmaking and automotive design, the most impressive engineering often reveals itself through simplicity.
Bell & Ross Unveils A Limited-Edition BR-X5 With A Meteorite Dial
Bell & Ross takes its “Advanced Time Instrument,” the BR-X5, to new heights with this 250-piece limited edition (RM41,500) that sports a meteorite dial. Taken from an iron meteorite discovered in Sweden in 1906, its compelling, intermittent geometric patterns are an organic, monochromatic counterpoint to the deliberate facets and curves of the surprisingly complex 41mm BR-X5 case. Machined directly from solid meteorite, its random patterns mean that every dial is unique. As always, it is equipped with the self-winding BR-CAL.323 manufacture movement, which is COSC-certified, sports a 70-hour power reserve—and on the dial side, presents itself with a power reserve display and altimeter-style date window.
Louis Vuitton’s New Fall Men’s Capsule Collection Envisions A Quiet Picnic In The English Countryside
Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Capsule Collection for Spring/Summer 2027 is an ode to quiet mornings spent picnicking in the English outdoors—a recurring source of inspiration for the maison’s men’s creative director, Pharrell Williams. The collection combines natural hues with the iconic LV Monogram across sharp-edged flannels, padded nylon liners, structured knits and furs, and staunch wool overcoats, offering a versatile selection that may be layered or worn on its own. A new playful take on classic LV accessories takes shape in the Monogram Highland line—consisting of pastel crayon-effect illustrations of sweeping landscapes on small leather goods—and the basket-woven Picnic Keepall 45, adorned with side pockets in an apple-shaped leather construction. Finally, its selection of boots and sneakers, including the LV Remix Ranger Boots and the LV Tilted sneakers, infuses the line with movement and unbridled adventure.
Etihad Guest Launches A Frequent Flyer Partnership With Starlux Airlines’ Own Cosmile Loyalty Programme
Following the launch of Etihad’s direct services to Taipei last year, the airline is deepening its strategic partnership with Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines. Etihad Guest members can now redeem frequent-flyer miles for Business and Economy Class flights across Starlux’s network, significantly expanding the programme’s access to destinations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration is set to strengthen further next year, when members of Starlux’s Cosmile loyalty programme will gain the ability to earn and redeem miles across Etihad’s network of more than 100 destinations worldwide.
“This partnership with Cosmile gives our members more ways to use their Etihad Guest Miles, opening up Starlux’s network across Asia, North America, and Europe. As we build towards full reciprocal earning and redemption in October, we’re creating a seamless loyalty experience that reflects the strength of our wider partnership with STARLUX, from our codeshare agreement to our direct Abu Dhabi–Taipei service,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways,
Amanvari Opens On Baja’s East Cape, Mexico Surrounded By Desert And Water
On Baja’s East Cape in Mexico, and overlooking the Sea of Cortés, Amanvari officially opens its doors. As the Aman group’s first property in Mexico, the 18-casita sanctuary is nestled within the exclusive Costa Palmas community, with architecture that seamlessly blends wood and stone with the surrounding Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Facilities include four dining establishments, the Aman Spa and Wellness centre, and a private heated pool, while immersive activities on offer include horseback riding across the local landscapes, ocean explorations aboard a private boat and access to local farms, orchards and private beachfronts. A collection of Aman-branded Residences is also available along Baja’s East Cape, for those looking for a more permanent stay.
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