Panerai’s Most Complicated Timepiece

Officine Panerai have just announced the creation of their most complicated timepiece, The Radiomir 1940 Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon GMT which aims to honor their naval history.  The brand is also very aware that it will become a grail piece for collectors, and as a result they are offering an extensive amount of customization.

Becoming the first timepiece to poses two minute repeaters for local time and a second time zone, the minute repeater also contains three hammers to achieve an oh so soothing chime.  Most traditional manufacturers offer a triple chime in their minute repeaters, that usually allow for fifteen minute increments, but the Carillon utilizes a decimal repeater which plays its melody every 10 minutes.  In regards to their decimal repeater Panerai said “the timepiece corresponds to customary ways in which time is now indicated by digital watches.”  I believe Panerai is the first high quality manufacture to pay homage to an electric timepiece.

In line with the companies plans for the near future and upcoming “Dive Into Time” event which will be held in a former crypt at the Museo Marino Marini in Florence, Panerai clearly showcases this piece as a milestone achievement for Haute Horology.  The Panerai Radiomir 1940 Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon GMT sits on the wrist at a massive  49mm wide and in 18k red gold with a platinum alloy which promises to ensure considerable wrist presence.  The case is actually created from two separate pieces which have been soldered together.  This unique construction allows each watch to have its own unique song.  The hands and indexes coated with Super-LumiNova ensure high quality legibility, as we have come to expect from the brand. Water resistance for the Carillon is 30 meters.

The skeletonized dial allows for a one of a kind view of the hand-wound P.2005/MR which has taken Panerai nearly five years to craft.  Panerai has also included a revolutionary Tourbillon design, rather than rotating on a parallel axis, this does so at a perpendicular axis and completes its full rotation every thirty seconds.  The company has stated this allows for a more accurate experience while taking into effect changes in gravity. The P.2005/MR has a power reserve of 96 hours that is monitored with an indicator through the display back.

The Panerai  Radiomir 1940 Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon GMT will be limited edition pieces that are made to order.  Buyers will be able to customize multiple aspects of design to achieve a considerably personalization timepiece.  Prices start at $400,000.

For more information visit:  www.panerai.com

Meet Lana Scolaro

Lana Scolaro is the daughter of businessman Francesco Scolaro & Socialite Anna Scolaro.  As such the 21 year old jewelry designer has spent much of her childhood jetting between Monaco, London, New York, Ibiza, Saint Barths, and many other chic locales, absorbing the finer points of culture around the globe that she would later put to good use in her jewelry designs.  Her love of fine jewelry & unique symbols—combined with an education at the prestigious Parsons School of Design at The New School in New York City have allowed Lana to create one of the most unique Jewelry Lines around. 

How did you get into jewelry design?
“Design and Fine Art has always been my passion. I attended Parsons the New School for Design in New York and after one year I moved back to Monaco in order to focus on starting my own line with the jeweler connections I had close by in Vicenza, Italy.”

What was the inspiration for your current collection?
“I was initially inspired by the young, rebellious rock elite of our era, as I’d never seen fine controversial jewelry designed for a niche market of the young and fearless, involving weapons and illegal substances. I then realized that I did not want to provoke use of weapons through my designs, as the designs were merely for comical attraction, the same way children play with toy guns; so I decided it would be an idea to donate to specific War Funds such as War Child with each item sold.”

Walk me through your daily routine.
“If I’m going to be honest, I don’t have a daily routine and never have since school. I don’t believe life should be a consistent routine, as each day for me is different. I could spend one whole day with photographers shooting my line, or driving to Italy to the factories making sure my pieces are manufactured exactly how I would like them.”

What is the starting point in your design process?
“The starting point in my design process has always been a rough sketch of my imagination, I’ll then spend a lot of time with the dimensions of the product and precisely draw each design in my portfolio with the exact measurements. I’ll then send my designs to my manufacturer and he’ll send me back a preventive and the CAD files on the computer to see if I would like to go ahead with it before it is produced.”

Where is your all time favorite destination?
“Los Angeles is my favourite destination, I love the energy and stress free vibes there.”

What designers are you currently inspired by?
“Saint Laurent has always inspired my designs, especially with the gun purse in one of the collections. I have also always been a big fan of Anthony Vaccarello; which is ironic as he is now the creative director of Saint Laurent; I love how his collections are full of character, strong and fearless.”

What is your go to timepiece?
“My iPhone.”

When you travel, what items could you not go without?
“My headphones, Elizabeth Arden moisturizer, and my pink fluffy blanket.”

Favorite Restaurant in Monaco?
“Robouchon.”

What was the most challenging obstacle you encountered since starting your own business?
“I realized that most of my collection is targeted at a niche market, which makes it very difficult to pitch the brand to the right people and places, especially deciding which countries to distribute the products to.”

How would you describe the LS Diamonds Customer?
“The LS Diamonds customer is young, reckless, and daring. They are street smart and are always up to date on the latest trends. If they are not making art, they are making music or watching independent films and hanging at places that aren’t in the spotlight. The LS Diamonds customer is exclusive, just like the collection.”

Where do you see LS Diamonds going next?
“LS Diamonds will be distributing more products in the U.S this Fall of 2016, mainly in stores in Los Angeles, Miami and New York. I will be launching a new range I have spent months designing towards the end of the year which I am beyond thrilled about.”

For more information on LS Diamonds visit:  www.lanascolarodiamonds.com

Also, check out Lana’s Instagram at:  www.instagram.com/lanascolaro

Bvlgari’s “Eyes On Me” Collection

People say that the eyes are the windows to the soul and with Bvlgari’s Serpenti “Eyes On Me” Collection, they really are.  Anyone who dares to look into this collection is instantaneously bewitched by the jewelry’s mesmerizing eyes, this new collection features earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces that are designed to make all “eyes on you”.

The jewelry collection was also designed to move conveniently from dawn til dusk, which is an idea that Bvlgari has honored since the 1980’s.  The unique Serpenti form is inspired by Bvlgari serpents of the 60s to 70s.  From Cleopatra to Ancient Greece, the serpent has always represented strength and sensuality, but for Bvlgari it has been a symbol of heritage and modernization.

The eyes are like that of a woman, attractive yet captivating and giving off a bewildering glare that makes the flow of time stay still.  The collection uses metal, precious gems, and a  hexagonal scale pattern as a motif that copies the serpents scales perfectly.  Buyers have the choice of adorable pink gold, white gold, or yellow gold, furthermore you can choose which designs are coated with a particular set of precious gems.  Prices for the “Eyes On Me” Serpenti Jewelery collection will start at $2,860.

For more information visit: www.bvlgari.com

Bottega Veneta’s Cruise 2017 Collection

Bottega Veneta has shown their unique creativity and style once again with their 2017 collection which focuses on textile and color choices rather than bold design.  The collection will feature delicate velvet suits all the way to their bright jewel-toned racing jackets.  It’s a move towards a simpler, more elegant style of dressing, Creative Director Tomas Maier says as the intention behind both the men’s and corresponding women’s cruise sets.  The collection didn’t forget about accessories, lined with luxurious treatments like crocodile and matte calf leather.  Lovers of Bottega Veneta will be overjoyed to know that the 2017 collection is expected to be released in November of this year.  Please see additional images below.

For more information visit: www.bottegaveneta.com

John Lobb Adds New Colors to The Levah Collection

One of John Lobb’s biggest stars of last season was the Levah trainer collection.  A complete change from the conservative collection the English shoemaker is well known for.  The Levah may have had some identity issues with many believing the company was aiming for a younger clientele, yet the trainers are ultra high quality and have been well received by a diverse age group.  John Lobb has added even more colors to the range for this season, which feature luxurious materials such as velveteen calf leather and a rubber sole.  Prices start at 670 USD.

For more information visit: www.johnlobb.com/levah

Karlie Kloss Is the New Face of Swarovski

Supermodel Karlie Kloss seems to be continuing in her ever blossoming career having just been named the new Brand Ambassador of Jewelry Giant Swarovski.  The 23 year old who was formerly a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 2013 to 2015, and has just recently been listed among the top 30 models of the 2000s by Vogue Paris.

Based on the comments by Swarovski’s Creative Director, Nathalie Colin, it looks like he is very pleased with the decision: “We are so excited to have Karlie as our new brand ambassador. Besides her amazing beauty, she stands for modernity, freshness, self-confidence, elegance and spontaneity. Everything that we convey through our collections.”

Karlie herself has stated how happy she is to be part of Swarovski Brand. “The ‘Be Brilliant’ campaign is about celebrating the special moments in life, from the extraordinary to the everyday,” Karlie commented. “The pieces in the collection allow women everywhere to shine a little bit brighter, no matter what the occasion.”

For the next two years, we can now look forward to seeing Karlie’s newest campaign for Swarovski; which will be appearing in television, outdoor, digital and print campaigns starting in September of this year.  For now, visit Swarovski’s social media platforms to enjoy a few sneak peeks of what lies ahead.

For more information on Swarovski visit: www.swarovski.com

Meet Stephanie Scolaro

Stephanie Scolaro, a visionary, entrepreneur, designer, and socialite, who has set the Fashion Industry on fire with her one-of-a-kind accessories.  She is the Monaco based Designer and Founder of SS Python – a 100% python baseball cap line.  Fulfilling her long quest to produce high quality products for niche markets, and ushering in a whole new concept to the the fashion world, she is an inspiration to young fashion designers everywhere.  

We spoke exclusively with Stephanie about her chic lifestyle and SS Python. 

What inspired you to create SS Python?
“I have always been a lover of baseball caps and I’m constantly encountering people who are wearing plain black, basic caps. When I sat down and thought about creating something unique, I immediately noticed that there was a gap in the market for 100% python caps in all colours and designs.”

Growing Up did you always know you wanted to have a career in the Fashion Industry?
“I have always been interested in the fashion industry, especially whilst studying Style and Design for one year before I completed my university degree. I never knew I would end up creating my own brand, but it has certainly been worth it.”

What items could you not live without?
“Mascara, phone and moisturizer.”

Describe a day in the life of Stephanie Scolaro.
“I wake up at around 9am during the week and respond to emails if my day isn’t fulfilled with busy meetings. I also work efficiently with my team to source retailers, focus on marketing strategies, and discuss new ideas and designs. After a day in the office, I’ll go to the gym or have coffee with friends.”

Being a frequent traveler, what have been your favorite destinations and why?
“Since a young age, I have always loved Ibiza. The vibe of the island is magical and it makes you feel as if there are no limits. I am a great admirer of freedom, love and peace, and this island definitely profits from all three! Other must-see destinations are Mykonos, St Barths, and Capri. I love small islands with big opportunities.”

What was the most difficult aspect of setting up your own business and so far what has been the most rewarding?
“Setting up your own business is more tedious than most people would think. The most difficult aspect has been working with suppliers, ensuring that they stick to deadlines and that every little detail of every hat is perfect. The most rewarding aspect has been the satisfaction of spending so much time on marketing, and having a great relationship with my clients.”

How would you describe the SS Python Customer?
“The typical SS Python customer is one who wants to stand out from the crowd, be unique and stylish, and respond to questions such as “where is your hat from!?” I am very thankful for having such supportive customers.”

What do you believe sets Monaco apart, being your locality of choice?
“Monaco is a great place for meeting new people, which is very beneficial for my brand. I believe that it is very unique as it is such a small country, yet there are so many new things to explore.”

Where would you like to go next?
“I would love to go to Bali because I think that it shares the same magical feel as Ibiza. There are so many things to see in the world and I am yet to continue my travels!”

For More information on SS Python visit: SSPYTHONOFFICIAL.COM

Also, check out Stephanie’s Instagram at: www.instagram.com/stephyscolaro

Audemar Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore 18kt Rose Gold & Ceramic Chronograph

The Royal Oak Offshore is one of Audemars Piguet’s most successful collections, a variation of the original Royal Oak designed by Gerald Genta in 1972.  The Royal Oak Offshore 18kt rose gold chronograph 44mm is my favorite of the collection for many reasons, its beautiful style, color, and functions make it a must have for your watch collection.

The case is finished in brushed 18kt rose gold and polished beveled corners, black ceramic crown with rose gold tip bearing Audemars Piguet’s insignia, and sand blasted rose gold push-pieces with polished black ceramic tops.  The watch is water resistant up to or should I say down to 100m/330ft, and contains these key features: a screw down crown, a scratch resistant sapphire crystal, an automatic movement, transparent case back to reveal the marvelous AP Caliber 3126/3840 movement, black rubber strap, tang buckle clasp, and a black color finish.

This AP’s heart beats at 21,600vph, composed out of 365 parts, contains 59 jewels and has a reserved power supply of 60 hours.  It certainly is a jaw-dropping watch that shines brightly in the eyes of many and enchants them with its alluring idiosyncratic style.

This timepiece has a beautiful black mega tapisserie dial texture design, a silver recessed sub-dials with a nice concentric circular guilloche texture pattern, a finely printed seconds and fractions of a seconds track, and the hands at the 12 0 clock sub-dial are of polished rose gold and luminescent fill center strip.  Many have called this watch many things, captivating, charming, stunning are only a few examples.  For this watch is in a league of its own.  This Audemar Piguet is priced at $45,900.00 and worth every penny.

Visit Audemar Piguet’s current collection at: www.AudemarsPiguet.com

The Newest Tech For Your Wrist

Recently a new type of watch has been released that functions just like a smart phone.  These devices are more advanced that any other watch, they can do the most basic of the functions like calculating, translating, and of course time keeping.  Some of the smart watches can even be used as a media player, a radio, and a Bluetooth.  Most of them even have internal hardware like a rechargeable battery and the peripheral devices have touch screen, gps receiver, compass, thermometer, altimeter, accelerometer, speaker, camera, and a vast amount of storage.  The watch can also use wifi.  And allows you to monitor your heart rate, your speed, and how many laps you have run.  One of our favorite smart watches out there is the Tag Heuer Connected.  It has directional wind and weather monitoring, google fit, and RaceChrono Pro capability.  The watch can connect you with thousands of apps that you can tailor to your own taste.  It has tilt detection sensors, haptic engine, gyroscope, microphone, and holds 1 gb main memory and 4 gb of storage.  This smart watch has a 1.6 GHZ dual core processor and a conductive charging cradle with USB cable and wall plug.  This type of watch makes it feel like you have a whole computer on your arm just not as heavy.

Patek’s Double Sided Masterpiece

The Grand Master Chime 5175R by Patek Philippe was created to commemorate Switzerland’s first rate independent watch manufacturer for their 175th year in business. It was revealed to the world in 2014 as Patek Philippe’s most complicated timepiece. The Wristwatch was crafted over a seven year period by numerous watchmakers and artisans to finally produce this beautiful work of art. This timepiece is a limited edition seven piece, dual dialed with reversible case, hand engraved laurel leaves adorning the entirety of the rose gold case, and a pivoting system inside the lugs that empower the case to flip sides. The Grand Master Chime also features twenty complications, a day and night indicator, a secondary time zone, 1,366 movement components, 214 case components, and five separate chimes that include a grand and petit sonnerie. The watch is priced at 2.6M USD, and is the master piece among master pieces.  More information on Patek Philippe can be found at the link below.

PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE: www.Patek.com