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Time(less) is everything

Striking, robust and durable – this is what distinguishes the «Khaki Field» collection from Hamilton. And the two new models really have style.

Made for life’s adventures, Hamilton’s «Khaki Field» collection is about more than just timepieces. It is known for its robust military design and impresses with its functionality and minimalism. And the two new models continue this trend, or rather the tradition of this watch collection. The manufacturer wants them to be a reliable companion for their wearer. And that’s exactly why we rely on timeless design and innovative materials.

The new Khaki Field Titanium is available in two colours. An elegant, bold matt black – with PVD-coated titanium providing the foundation. Or brushed titanium, which brings out the blue dial to its best advantage. The question you have to ask yourself is: do you like the classic look or prefer it to be a little daring? Both models are available with a diameter of 38 or 42 centimetres. The Super-LumiNova® coating on the dial ensures that no matter what the weather or the time of day, you will always be clear about what time it is.

Hamilton itself can look back on more than 130 years of experience. The company, founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and now part of the Swatch Group, launched the world’s first electric watch on the market in 1957. And the first LED watch was also a pioneer in its field. The simple timepieces were once also used to synchronise rail traffic. At the same time, they have made it their task to write film history. The brand’s custom-made products do not always play the main role in various Hollywood blockbusters, but they do play an important supporting role. And that’s what the Khaki Field collection is all about. Always involved, but you always play the main role.

Photos Copyrights: Hamilton SA

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Adam

Above the rooftops of Rome

Although still in its infancy, the Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, which belongs to the Antara Group, is a real grande dame. A stylish apperance paired with an abundance of elegance …

The «Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel» is celebrating its first birthday this autumn. And is looking back on a successful first year. Located directly on the Piazza della Republica, the roof terrace not only offers a great view of the Eternal City, but above all of the impressive fountain, which forms the focus of the square designed as a plaza. A magnificent sight even during the day, the building becomes a highlight in the evening especially – in the truest sense of the word. The semicircular building from the late 19th century is illuminated by hundreds of lights that artfully highlight the impressive facade.

And the inside of the hotel also impresses with charm and, above all, impressive details. The suites in particular offer everything you could hope for on a city trip to the Italian capital.

A whirlpool, your own steam bath, a terrace for the first aperitif in the evening and also fitness equipment. And in the two presidential suites you will even find your own kitchen. Although you have to be honest: if you don’t discover culinary gems in the wonderful little alleyways of Rome, you haven’t tried hard enough.

Bella Italia – just enjoy yourself absolutely

Of course, you can also avoid a long trek and visit one of the in-house restaurants or bars. A glass of champagne is recommended here in the «lobby bar» – decorated in Art Nouveau style. Romantics are welcomed to dine in the «SEEN by Olivier – Posh Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge Bar». And because that’s not enough, the gourmet restaurant «Ineo» was started after the opening as another «luogo piacevole». Only 28 guests can be accommodated in the evening. It’s important to gourmet chef Heros De Agostinis to take time to prepare the 7-course menu together with his team for every guest with great attention to detail. After all, the renowned chef has finally returned to his homeland of Italy and his home in Rome after many positions abroad, which have also had a significant influence on his culinary art. And pleasure should be savoured, without time pressure, but with style.

Our conclusion: still in its infancy, but still convincing, the «Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel» has developed into a real insider tip among the best hotels in the city. And since, as we all know, many roads lead to Rome, this could be one of the closest ones to you.

Photos Copyrights: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel

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Adam

“As a Car Designer You Move Ten Steps or, better, Years Ahead.”

This October, Cadillac opened its first experience centre in Europe – at a prime address on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse. Head designer Magalie Debellis gave us a creative insight into what sets the brand’s e-fleet apart from its competition and what her goals are with her team. And then there was the matter of the masterpieces …

Adam: Magalie, many designers have a personal signature – which one is yours?

Magalie Debellis: My signature is my approach. So, rather not a classic element, but the way I create a design instead. I love fashion, art, architecture… to start a new project, I first question the general inspiration. I take a look at the brand, its heritage, but above all its future. What should a vision for tomorrow look like? And then I am reinterpreting this heritage. I love beautiful, but enjoy it even more when they are bold. I take a stance from the overall silhouette, it has to meet these demands. And I am adamant, my team knows that. It is important to me to always take ourselves to a new level together – that is exactly how the design should be. We work a lot with our hands and 3D models. Especially when a project is just being started. I want to feel things, model them, experience them.

How long does a design process take – starting from the first idea to the presentation?

I created the first sketch for the LYRIQ in 2018. This was followed by the first models in 3D form, true to scale. We also had a short film made and pushed ahead with production in parallel. At GM we work hand in hand, there is no silo mentality. I see my task in the process as accompanying it from the beginning to the end, but also shaping it. We coordinate with each other. The engineers, the designers and everyone else involved within the organisation. Each Cadillac is a collective work.

Are there things that make the LYRIQ special or rather set it apart from other models manufactured by other brands?

I would say that exactly one thing was really unique. We have created a completely new battery, the Ultium platform, for this car. It is a next-generation battery platform – or as I like to say: the battery rests between four wheels like a skateboard. And we were able to build on that in the truest sense of the word. We were able to completely redesign the configuration, based on a base with a powerful engine and a chassis that offered plenty of room to do so thanks to its mass. Our goal was to innovate elements that can be found in every car. We wanted to give expression to the car. Vertical headlights, a centre console that has been integrated in a way that allows for enough space for storage. We have transferred the technical possibilities into the design and, in my opinion, created an expressive Cadillac. The brand’s personality becomes visible in every single detail, even if the model is new.

At Cadillac, you are the «Head of Cadillac Advanced Design». What does the «Advance» mean for your work, for you personally?

The job as a car designer is exciting, you have to be enormously creative. But you must also always move ten steps ahead. You have to think far into the future. Which means developing a strategy and a vision together with your team that starts with the short term and does not really end with the long term. We are currently thinking about where Cadillac and the entire industry will, should, ought to be in ten years’ time.

That is definitely not an easy task …

Whenever a new model is launched, we are already thinking about the next

one, the next ones. Cadillac has a strong portfolio, but we always have the next generation in mind. Both the next generation of humankind and their needs in the future, but also the next generation of our technology and our design. We live a great dynamic within the team and the whole company. Everything we implement should be something special. We want to launch niche products that live up to the brand’s heritage but, above all, are in line with American luxury.

Magalie, you have been in the industry for many years. Is there such a thing as a masterpiece?

Basically, they are two masterpieces, if I may call them that. I designed the LYRIQ, but also the CELESTIQ. The latter model is the brand’s flagship. And I am very proud of both products, as they have had a lasting impact on the portfolio. They are the flagships of Cadillac’s electric division. And that makes me proud.

What are the next projects going to be?

In everything we do, we have Cadillac’s entire journey in mind. With the opening of the Experience Centre here in Zurich, the first in Europe, we are starting a new era. Our goal is to provide people around the world with the cars they want today and need tomorrow. We want to produce performance models that are trendsetting. And models that shape the future – especially the future of our industry.

And one last, very personal question: you are originally from France. What is it like to work with Americans in America?

They are definitely different cultures (laughs). But that is exactly what is important for our work. Working at Cadillac, but also at GM in general. The diversity of our team is the key to our success. Especially in a creative environment, different opinions, attitudes and also discussions are what is necessary. My personal advantage is that, as a Frenchwoman, I can look at the heritage of an American brand and thus also have the external view. While that is exciting, it is challenging as well. But it is great.

Photos Copyrights: Cadillac

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Adam

A valuable meeting place

Sotheby’s and Bucherer are successful companies with tradition. With the new Sotheby’s salon at Bucherer on Bahnhofstrasse, they have now created a valuable space together.

«True values are not the ones you see, but the ones you feel» – an anonymous quote sums it up perfectly. Founded in 1744, Sotheby’s is one of the oldest and most renowned auction houses in the world. Today, Sotheby’s is the world’s first address for art and luxury because certain things are worth a lot to certain people. In cooperation with the Swiss watch and jewellery retailer Bucherer, the first Sotheby’s Salon has now been opened, where customers can not only view the valuable products, but also purchase them directly on site. In addition to watches, there is also an exclusive selection of handbags and accessories, jewellery, sneakers and high-quality streetwear, works of art as well as sports memorabilia and wines.

To mark the launch, we spoke to Vanessa Conlin. She is Global Head of Wine Retail and one of the few female Masters of Wine.

What does valuable mean to you, Ms Conlin?
Valuable goes far beyond the «price». It is about what is meaningful to you as a person. Memories we create. Time we spend with dear and beloved people. For me, that is precisely what is of ultimate value. Shared moments with people, and wine brings people together. Wine is made to be shared. Being together with friends and enjoying an evening together is a shared and always unique experience. I myself have a musical background. And music also brings people together. The exciting thing about both things is that everyone personally describes this experience differently, because everyone feels it quite individually.

Values have a lot to do with emotions …
That’s true, and they influence how valuable we find something. Which then in turn determines how much we are willing to give for it. Here is an example: The «Screaming Eagle» is expensive. It is the most expensive wine from the United States. For a 0.75 litre bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from 2019, you pay around 4,500 Swiss francs. I am often asked whether a wine can cost so much, can be so valuable. I then want to know from my counterpart whether they think that the Screaming Eagle is worth so much to them personally. Because that’s all that matters. For some people, it is the greatest thing to own such a rarity and such an excellent wine. Value is relative and, as you say, something very emotional.

While we are on the subject of emotions – what makes your job, your task, your mission at Sotheby’s worthwhile?
It is this very special composition of exclusivity and craftsmanship that makes wine unique. After all, producing something means craft and agriculture. I myself
often like to be directly on site with the producers. I love it when we walk through their vineyards and they explain their philosophy of cultivation to me. Going back to the roots, that’s how I feel about it. To experience the beginning and then enjoy the result even more. However, I also share the common experience with the clients. I am delighted when someone tells me how much they enjoyed the wine they bought from us. How they enjoyed it and with whom. Finding out what became of the fine wines that we, as Sotheby’s, have curated for our customers.

Which brings us back to the connecting element. Who are you most closely connected with in your life?
Definitely with my family, and with my three cats. (laughs) My husband and I named them after old film stars. Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner and Vivien Leigh. My family is this very personal space where I experience pleasure, connection and value. Where I get the chance to gather strength and share my favourite moments together.

You addressed it: How much may a wine cost? Are expensive wines really always the better ones? A sommelier once told me: It the end, it just has to taste good to you …
That sums it up wonderfully. I myself am a real explorer and always open to new impressions and experiences. There are new wines, new producers every year. A new vintage. That’s why I never buy the same wines myself. I want to learn, discover and above all expand my knowledge about wines over and over again. That’s why I’m trying my way through the world.

What does that look like?
I travel a lot. As I said, I enjoy being at the wineries, on site. In the vineyards. Next on my list is Croatia. I really want to go there. The country makes wonderful wines. More and more wine and better wines by the year. But these wines don’t make it to the USA. So I have to go to Croatia myself to experience the pleasure on the spot.

Experiencing is an important part of your life, as I may interpret it from what you just said before. Before your wine career, you were a singer on Broadway. It’s close to impossible to find anything that sums up «experiencing» up more quintessentially. Why the change?
I grew up in a family full of music. My parents are both classical musicians. My father is a conductor and my mother was an opera singer. Therefore, music has been a part of my life since I was born and it comes naturally. So, my path was clear at the beginning of my career. I went to New York at that time, pursued a Master’s degree in music and performed on stage as a professional. But since I am an open-hearted person and love enjoyment and togetherness, I eventually came to the subject of wine. And when I do something, I do it completely or not at all. And so I focused completely on this new theme. I put a lot of money into courses, training, further education. And finally, I acquired «The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)». It was the door opener to a new chapter in my life and a valuable one for me. Especially today and in the present, togetherness, exchange, being together is so important for all of us. And this is why I am so pleased that we have now been able to create this meeting place together with Bucherer.

Photos Copyrights: Bucherer / Sotheby’s

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Adam

Kulinarisch verführt

The enjoyable summer of 2023, let’s do it all again.

It’s always come down to details. And when it comes to culinary delights, a little sprinkling of a herb or two often makes all the difference. That’s why, especially in the hotel industry, more and more chefs are growing their own herb gardens.

Let’s just call them «natural miracles.» Herbs have held a special fascination for us for centuries. We use them in many different ways. No matter whether for medicines, cosmetics or as a culinary product. However, we often forget their history.How did they come about? What was their original task? Essentially, they are our connection to nature and everything that existed before we did. But do we really know them? They often defy adverse circumstances and are not very demanding when it comes to their care. Quite impressive, isn’t it?

A long way from where it all began, we should therefore ask ourselves what these forces of nature are doing for us today. Where can they enrich our lives even more? Making it better, more enjoyable, more eventful? An answer that is particularly appropriate, definitely in the culinary field. Because herbs are experiencing a real coming out or rather a coming back. Famous chefs are increasingly deciding to plan, create and manage their own herb garden. And with success. On the rooftop, in the backyard, or even right where people dine. Here are three successful examples from Switzerland.

Photos Copyrights: Digitale Massarbeit, NIC Nicolas Bruni, Lauren Bamford

THYME
The Dolder Grand

The word «Lamiaceae» has something sensual about it – doesn’t it? In any case, thyme belongs to this genus and it also has a unique aroma. It is often described as earthy, but also spicy. The fact is, it is unmistakable and very popular in medicine, cosmetics and even more so in (domestic) cuisine. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties sound a little unromantic, a unique aromatic dimension sounds more like desire and passion. But both are wonderful.

And that’s exactly why «thymus vulgaris» had to be part of the new garden at the «The Dolder Grande». For the first time this summer season, the establishment towering above Zürich’s rooftops opened «blooms». A small yet sophisticated restaurant in the middle of vegetable beds, fruit bushes and herb plants. Chef Fine Dining Heiko Nieder was both the initiator and the beneficiary, because he and his team were able to go poaching within their own ranks for many weeks this summer and surprise the guests with combinations they had cultivated themselves. There was space for 36 people each evening.

The Dolder Grand has already taken its traditions one step further with the omakase restaurant «Mikuriya». The 5-star hotel on Adlisberg now has four restaurants and 64 Gault Millau points. The gastronomic variety was completed with «blooms» restaurant. An outdoor dining experience where sophisticated and, above all, vegan/vegetarian and light cuisine proves that you won’t be going home hungry. They only come back because it was simply great. Not from hunger, but from appetite.

And that’s exactly why «blooms» blossomed for the first time, but certainly not for the last. The garden restaurant is expected to reopen for the summer season in May 2024.

Photos Copyrights: The Dolder Grand, Digitale Massarbeit, Fabian Häfeli

ROSMARY
The Grand Hotel Kronenhof

An unmistakable scent, unique appearance and simply delicious – rosemary is an integral part of kitchens worldwide and is practically a mandatory spice in the Mediterranean region. It is used either fresh or dried and its two best friends are called thyme and oregano. «Rosmarinus officinalis» is also said to stimulate our cognitive abilities and, thanks to its use in aromatherapy, can alleviate exhaustion. What more could we want?

In keeping with the 175th anniversary of The Kronenhof in Pontresina, chef Fabrizio Piantanida and F&B manager Alexander Waschl – who is also a trained chef and was the «Best Malaysian Chef» in 2013 – became gardeners. Right next to the historic pavilion in the garden of this traditional establishment, rosemary and exotic plants such as Thai basil and lemongrass are now thriving. But it is above all the alpine herbs that have been refining the dishes in the «Grand Restaurant» or «Kronenstübli» since this summer. A fried slice of mountain pikeperch with herb sauce or a fresh salad with edible flowers, which can also be found in the garden in all their colourful splendour – the herbs and plants grown can be found in almost all dishes.

In addition, the new housemates have also found their way into the Kronenhof bar. The «Bündner Heu» liqueur will be on the menu here for the first time this winter. The grass on the slope of the hotel was mowed and dried in the summer. The same goes for a handful of rosemary and thyme. And at tea time, our own herbal tea is served.

Winter can do its worst!

Photos Copyrights: Kronenhof, Shutterstock
www.kronenhof.com

SCHAFGARBE
The Chedi Andermatt

Finely pinnate leaves, combined with white or pink flowers – when you hear the name ‘yarrow’ you usually imagine something more «robust». But the alpine plant is rather delicate with its countless small flowers and also exudes an aromatic scent reminiscent of chamomile. In culinary terms, it harmonises perfectly with vegetables and as an addition to salads. However, it is important to be economical, otherwise it could become bitter.

Carsten Alexander Kypke is someone who knows how to deal with the «achillea millefolium» and uses it skilfully and enjoyably. This summer, the head chef at «The Restaurant» at The Chedi Andermatt, which has been awarded with 15 GaultMillau-Points, planted his own herb garden. And «The Botanicum» has impressively proven how tasty the Alpine regions can be as an extra ingredient on the plate. His partner-in-crime is bar manager Elmir. Together they were supported by regional gardeners.

This year, 35 different herbs have been grown in «The Botanicum». Due to its altitude of 1,447 metres above sea level, a particularly large number of essential oils were synthesised and were therefore particularly intensive. They tempted both the team around the master chef and the bar manager to indulge in various creations and gave the guests real herbal evenings. First of all in the afternoon, a real, organic detox in the form of an Alpine herbal tea. Camomile, mint, lavender, thyme or sage and of course sheep’s gift – how beautiful it is to choose. Then a guided herb tour – the «Herbal Hike» – with the Andermatt original Bänz Simmen. Who knows more than just the Latin names of the individual plants. But nothing more is revealed.

Then take a brief rest. Enjoy the amenities of the 5-star deluxe hotel. Afterwards, in the evening you can marvel at the appearance of the trout tartare and caviar with a herb vinaigrette and then experience it in culinary terms. Complemented with homemade lemonade. Of course, a wine also goes perfectly. And because the day isn’t over yet, there is still time for a «Garden Breeze» in the bar.

You can hardly use more herbs, right? So, repeat next year.

Photos Copyrights: The Chedi, NIC Nicolas Bruni, Michael Adair
www.thechediandermatt.com

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Adam

Copyright is for losers

His name is known around the world, but few know who the street artist Banksy actually is. Those who know do are keeping are silent. And the man himself? He gives people reasons to talk about him …

A long line of people is standing in front of Hall 622b in Zürich-Oerlikon. People full of anticipation, curious people. Because they all want to see the current exhibition featuring around 150 works by the world’s currently most high-priced artist. We’re talking about Banksy. Internationally known as one of the best street artists in the world. And a mystery. To this day there is only speculation as to who is behind the stencil graffiti with its huge recognition factor. So it is fitting that the exhibition in Zürich is entitled «The Mystery of Banksy – a genius mind. The unauthorised exhibition». Because when an author does not officially insist on his rights, authorisation is difficult. Banksy is a phenomenon. One with influence.

An exceptional talent from day 1

He is an exceptional phenomenon and his anonymity, which has been preserved for decades, of course makes that even stronger. In addition, he is absolutely direct. His art is always socially critical – and has been from day 1. The first works appeared in Bristol, England, as early as the 1990s. Initially, Banksy worked here with other graffiti artists. Then, thanks to fellow artist «3D», he discovered stencil art. Or to put it in his own words from an anonymous interview: «When I was about ten years old, a boy called 3D was the first to bring spray paint to Bristol. So I grew up with it and graffiti was what we all loved at school and did on the way home from school.»

He created his first large mural one night in 1997. It was entitled «The Mild Mild West». It was an image of a giant teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at three police officers. The legend of Banksy was born. And it was clear to everyone that this artist is hiding behind a pseudonym, but hardly anyone denounces capitalism, society, the economy, politics, cultures as blatantly as he does – and people celebrate that, at least for the most part. The first rays of sunshine in the morning suddenly illuminate smooching police officers in Soho, a girl with a gas mask in Barcelona or a pair of scissors on a border wall in Israel. Cynical wit paired with humour, as his style is often summed up. And a style that receives worldwide attention.

His identity is practically a state secret

The fact is, there are people who know who Banksy is. Starting with 3D, who by the way is now the front man of the band Massive Attack under his real name Robert Del Naja. But the fact is that all these people are keeping silent. It doesn’t matter whether it’s his first companions or active artists, musicians and creative people who know him personally. And that bothers a lot of people. Among other things, the Daily Mail has undertaken extensive research into who is behind the pseudonym. Based on this, scientists at Queen Mary University in London used forensic and static methods to track down Banksys. Incidentally, methods that are actually only used in the search for serial killers and serial offenders.

Both the Daily Mail and the university researchers came to the conclusion that Banksy is the British artist Robin Gunningham. But Gunningham himself is having none of it. Others believe that 3D is Banksy, again various different comparisons were made when it came to where the band performed and where new images appeared. In 2003, Banksy also gave an interview to ITV News correspondent Haig Gordon. With a baseball cap and a T-shirt over his nose and mouth, he says, among other things, in the 35-second-long appearance: «I’m covered because you can’t really be a graffiti writer and then go public.» And Gordon himself insists that although he saw his face, he can’t remember it.

Headstrong and yet in the spirit of the community

What Banksy thinks of commercial art is anyone’s guess. But on the other hand, he has also made his views more than clear. Starting with the fact that he renounced his copyrights, with the statement «Copyright is for losers», to the day he destroyed one of his most famous works after it had secured the highest bid. No sooner had the hammer fallen at Sotheby’s for the «Girl with Balloon» for an amount of EUE 1.2 million when a shredder built into the picture began to destroy the work. Due to technical problems, it was finally only half disassembled into its individual parts. Fun fact: three years after the incident, the half-destroyed picture came under the hammer again under the new title «Love is in the Bin». And found a new owner for EUR 18.9 million.

Certainly, both the lack of copyright and transferable ownership rights mean not all the proceeds go to Banksy. Nevertheless, he earns a decent sum. And he wouldn’t be Banksy if he didn’t know how to use that for his own convictions. For example, in May 2020 he had his painting «Game Changer» hung exclusively in a hospital in Southampton and then auctioned off to benefit the National Health Service in the wake of the Covid pandemic. At that time, the highest price ever paid for a Banksy painting was EUR 19.5 million. The artist is also the financier and originator of the sea rescue ship «Louise Michel». This bears his drawings and is used to rescue refugees who try to cross the Mediterranean Sea in rubber boats and in so doing get into trouble.

And the story goes on …

Banksy is now believed to be in his late 40s or early 50s. It is therefore likely that new surprises will await people under his name in the coming years. It’s rather doubtful that he will one day appear in front of a camera and reveal his identity. And that’s actually a nice thing in an age when people promote their lives and their loved ones on every social channel going. Incidentally, those waiting in Oerlikon all agree.

Photos Copyrights: Dominik Gruss, Getty Images

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Experience

A place where time stands still

The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc has created a unique oasis of wellbeing. Thanks to Dior. Sinde mid-April, guests have been enjoying absolute luxury in the newly opened spa of the luxury hotel in France.

First you approach along a beautiful driveway and the anticipation grows. That’s because at the end of the drive, one of the most exclusive and beautiful places to go on holiday in France awaits: the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Since 1870, guests have experienced real luxury on a grand scale in this villa on the French Riviera. And this is what luxury means: privacy, culinary superlatives and, above all, no wish left unfulfilled. Not only is the service as discreet as it is perfect, but the «feel-good» factor is attended to in style. And now in a most special way in the spa belonging to the hotel. Newly opened and designed in cooperation with Dior, since April 2023 guests have experienced how Parisian elegance, nature and luxury can be combined in one place.

Christian Dior adored roses. He loved nature, which is why many fragrance creations from the House of Dior still bear a floral note. And that’s why it’s the hint of the floral that is the first thing you recall when you enter the new spa at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Then it’s time to switch off, uncouple, disconnect from everyday life. In the «Iyashi Dôme», traditional Japanese methods ensure that the body is brought back into balance in a natural way. This is assisted by various treatments such as the «Escale à Eden Roc ritual» and the «Roc affusion». The focus is on stones, water, items that nature gives us.

The site of this homage to wellbeing stands opposite a 100-year-old rose garden dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II. Yes, a little nostalgia. But anyone who has turned 90 is definitely a good testimonial when it comes to doing something good for yourself. Don’t you think?

Photos Copyrights: Dior, Oetker Collection

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Passion

“I belong to you”

He is one of the greates artists of our time: Lenny Kravitz. Jaeger-LeCoultre is therefore delighted to be able to present the American as their new ambassador.

«We weren’t put here to be miserable. We were put here to do the best we can, and we should take our energy and improve our state of being,» Lenny Kravitz once said in an interview. And what could better describe the pursuit of perfection and ceaseless self-improvement? In everything one does, the goal should be to elevate oneself to a new level. What the 59-year-old rock musician so aptly puts in a nutshell is an excellent description of the values that are also promoted at Jaeger-LeCoultre.

So it was actually only a matter of time before the Swiss watch manufacturer and the world-famous star entered into a collaboration. Now the time had come and both are happy about the new partnership.

A man with his own style
Unyielding and original, Kravitz forges his own path and has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve artistically. He always has his finger on the pulse. «With his artistry, inventiveness and ability to transcend genres, Lenny embodies the values and style of Jaeger-LeCoultre», says Catherine 
Rénier, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre. «We are delighted that he is a representative for our company.» As the new ambassador, Kravitz, who is also a photographer, designer and actor, champions all Jaeger-LeCoultre designs. But he admits that he has a favourite: the Reverso. That’s why he wore this watch at the Oscars in 2023, stylishly paired with a black silk jumpsuit and layered jewellery. «Function is important,» says the singer himself. «But how the watch looks and how it fits on the wrist plays an important role. I have to be able to identify myself with my watch.»

With the Jaeger-LeCoultre designs, he has found the brand that suits him. That’s why he owns more than just a timepiece from the Vallèe de Joux. «My Jaeger-LeCoultre watches feel like they’ve always been around – they suit me and their style is absolutely timeless,» Kravitz says. «You can really make these watches your own, and when you want to change the mood and atmosphere, they always fit the bill. It’s as though they become one with you.»

Or, to sum up with the lyrics of one of his songs:

“And you,
you belong to me too,
you make my life complete,
you make me feel so sweet.”

Photos Copyrights: Jaeger-LeCoultre

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Globetrotting

ARRIVE, RELAX, GET CLOSE TO NATURE

The Souki Lodges & Spa in the South of France could not be simply referred to as accommodation, they are places of natural beauty for a very special stay.

Green elevations, jagged rocks and red stone – in the South of France the Tal von Cabrières presents nature at its best. And this is exactly the reason why Fabien Morcel and Gilles Pascal were certain that it was the only location, their home, to make the project that was so close to their hearts become reality: the Souki Lodges & Spa. On the slope of a hill they created a stylish haven that is synonymous with relaxation, retreat and tranquility. Or as Fabien once put into words: «Souki Lodges & Spa is a small paradise that whispers into your ear, a timeless refuge in which life is an adventure and which also reminds you how important the simple and beautiful things are in life.» And those who have already been there can only confirm this. It is a place where you tank energy and the burden from an otherwise stressful everyday life dissolves the moment you arrive.  

Souki Lodges & Spa consists of two exclusive wooden cocoons. Both built on stilts, to leave nature its space and not to disturb the natural surroundings. The entire wooden structure was made of pine – sourced sustainably and ecologically and processed accordingly. The interior also combines the best names in contemporary modern design. The colourful carpets are from Moooi, the elegant and creative bird pendulum lights from Umut Yamac. And the sofas that are consistently in pastel shades are designs from Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The beds are the work of designer Paola Navone and architect Patricia Urquiola. 

The bathrooms, made completely of wood, are a particular highlight. And of course the respective terrace for each cocoon. In addition to a private jacuzzi it offers above all a fascinating view of the valley. The lodges are directly adjacent to each other but privacy is guaranteed. A place where the world seems to stand still and the guests have the chance to reinterpret the term «natural beauty». 

Photos Copyrights: Souki Lodge & Spa France

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Passion

Appreciating Art at its highest level

The artwork «Right Here, Right Now» is a pleasure for all the senses. An impressive thank you from the Danish artist Jeppe Hein for the «carte blanche» at the Maison Ruinart.  

It is old and beautiful. The first of its kind: the Maison Ruinart. The house of Champagne opened its doors for the first time in 1729. The landlord was Nicolas Ruinart. His uncle, the monk Dom Thierry Ruinart had told him of the «Wine with pearls». He had had his first contact with it during his time in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés abbey. Popular among young noblemen and women and at the aristocratic courts, it still lacked a name at this time, but had abundant connoisseurs. Nicolas recognized the potential of the pearl wine. As however at that time there was still a ban dictating that the transport of wine was restricted exclusively to barrels, he had to be patient with realizing his concept – the Maison Ruinart. In 1728 the time was ripe; wine could be transported in bottles effective immediately. And Nicolas laid the foundation stone of a now almost 300 year old success story.

ort von Wein ausschliesslich auf Fässer beschränkte, musste er mit der Umsetzung seiner Idee – der Maison Ruinart – warten. Im Jahr 1728 war es dann so weit, ab sofort durfte Wein in Flaschen transportiert werden. Und Nicolas legte den Grundstein einer nun fast 300 Jahre andauernden Erfolgsgeschichte. 

An artistic production

To honor the house and keep the family heritage alive, Ruinart issues contemporary artists today with a so-called «Carte blanche» once a year. The intention is both a challenge and an aspiration that an artist confronts the theme of the Maison Ruinart, the unique history of the brand and the exclusivity of the Champagne in their own specific manner. This year the Danish artist, living in Berlin, Jeppe Hein, received the card. And he skillfully displayed his artistic flair. Sun, earth, water and air – Champagne could not be produced without these four elements. They therefore became Hein’s source of  inspiration for the artwork «Right Here, Right Now» created specifically for Ruinart. His words on the subject: «It is important to me that my art helps people to understand who they are and where they are going, but also how they can be present in the here and now. Because with our hectic lifestyle we sometimes forget to enjoy the moment and to experience it consciously.»

An exclusive exchange with kindred spirits

The result is, strictly speaking, not a finished work of art but an installation that inspires the observer to participate. It unfolds the different steps in Champagne production and invites you to use your conscious, pleasurable perception. The scent of a Chardonnay blossom, raisins to touch, large boards in different shapes and colors on which the visitors can leave their ideas in chalk. Hein says himself he would like to encourage dialogue. He would like to develop Nicolas‘ idea of creating a place for interaction and a meeting point – Maison Ruinart – from an artist’s perspective. As did his predecessors, Jaume Plensa, Liu Bolin, Vik Muniz and David Shrigley. Hein‘s work can also be experienced at other locations, including at Art Basel, the Frieze London and the Gallery Weekend in Berlin. Since its debut at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris in April 2022 the installation has been travelling the globe, enticing us to join in an exclusive and pleasurable interconnection. 

Photos Copyrights: Mathieu BONNEVIE, Strempel Photography

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