Recharge Your Body: Benefits of Pilates

Everyone, who has gone to Pilates for at least a few months, has probably noticed the many benefits that it brings to both body and mind. Not only can Pilates help you lose weight and sculpt your body, but it can also help you clear your mind and feel so much better about yourself. Furthermore, it can reduce stress. Pilates certainly sounds like a great idea now, but let’s see what are the other benefits that Pilates can induce.

Popular Types of Pilates

When you hear Pilates, you probably just think of some exercises using a pilates ball. However, there are different types of Pilates and all of them can bring you many benefits.

Reformer Pilates – this type of Pilates offers a more intense exercise for your whole body. Also, it includes a wider variety of exercises done in groups. Plus, the benefits of Pilates reformer are bigger and you get to use machines for working out.

Mat Pilates – this is close to the original Pilates and it’s performed on the floor. Also, the exercises are more focused on your core and little to no equipment is used.

Clinical Pilates – the name can be a bit misleading because clinical pilates uses the equipment to treat the body for a specific injury. It may lack the holistic nature of Pilates, but it certainly helps the body heal and become stronger.

Pilates Improves Your Memory

It is natural that as we age we lose the volume of our hippocampus, which is in charge of our memory and cognitive function. There have been studies which have proven that exercise improves our neurogenesis (creation of new brain cells) and keeps our memory fresh. Also, scientists have found that people who practice mindful exercises such as Yoga and Pilates have much better brain function and they don’t lose their memory and cognitive functions as people who don’t practice these.

It Keeps Your Body Healthy

Different types of exercises focus on different parts of your body and may over-develop some parts, while others stay neglected. However, Pilates doesn’t do that. It focuses on core strength and it trains the entire body as a whole. Pilates exercises promote balanced muscle development and strength, but they also focus on flexibility and increased range of motion for your joints. What is more, it also focuses on your breathing and mind, which makes Pilates popular among many people of different ages.

Pilates Improves Your Posture

Our spine and back are the support for our entire body. That is why good posture is essential for everyone. A good posture is a sign of good alignment and a strong core and Pilates can help you with that. Pilates trains your body to be strong and in harmony, which is a needed foundation for a strong and healthy body. And a strong and healthy body will provide ease in everyday movements. So, it’s no surprise that people with back pain do Pilates, which certainly helps them stand strong.

Makes Your More Aware of Your Body

We often forget or neglect our bodies and never pay attention to our movements, posture, and breathing. However, with Pilates, you will learn how to focus on these three areas and how to perfect your controlled movement. This will translate into your everyday life and you will start to notice how you are treating your body and what needs to be improved. Also, it will teach you the symmetry and coordination, how to keep your core tight, shoulders square and take care of your posture. Through time and exercise, this will come naturally to you and you will start treating your body better.

Where to Train

Every bigger city certainly has its Pilates studio. So, do some digging and ask around if you have a local Pilates studio near you. However, there are some major studios that are really famous for their work. For example, New York and London have some of the most famous and luxurious Pilates studios that are worth trying. If you’re in NYC you should certainly try Karen Lord Pilates Movement studio and the SLT studio. 

These two studios are lead by professionals and have all the necessary and latest equipment that will get the best out of your Pilates workout. In London, try Triyoga and Heartcore if you want the best equipment, trainers and a relaxing atmosphere.

If you’ve always wanted to try Pilates, this is the time. It brings many benefits to your body and mind and it can help you a lot. Not only will your body be strong, but your mind will stay clear and you will be treating your body as a temple.

Talking Sustainable Fashion with Pauline Hansen of PAMA London

German born, London based eco-entrepreneur, active-wear designer, and yogini, Pauline Hansen is passionate about contributing to a more mindful world. For Pauline, Yoga is more than just an activity, it is a lifestyle. With this in mind, we seized the opportunity to chat with the Creative Director about how she aims to make a difference and why sustainability in fashion is so important. When meeting Pauline you are quite literally intoxicated by her overwhelming energy and enthusiasm. As she showed us her most recent collection titled ‘Moon and Stars’, Pauline’s first statement was “the new collection is all made out of recycled plastics from the ocean.” 

All of the fabric in PAMA London’s current collection is sourced from plastic gathered from the ocean and sea around Spain. After the plastic is collected it is woven into a yarn, which is made into a superfluous fabric in Italy. Pauline’s desire to produce high quality and environmentally conscious clothing is at the heart of her brand. “The Issue with fast fashion [is] people just keep on buying and buying and then they threw [the clothes] away,” says Pauline. “It’s better to buy a couple of things that are really nice and then keep them for longer.”

In the past, Hansen’s brand PAMA London had their line manufactured in Los Angeles, however for this new collection, PAMA moved manufacturing to Portugal where ultramodern equipment is able to assist in the creation of the brand’s current line. When discussing the subject of the move, Pauline explains “I moved everything to Portugal because actually the technology is much better there for Active-wear and flatlock stitching.” 

Read on to learn more about the woman behind what can easily be described as one of the best active-wear brands on the market.

How did you initially become interested in Yoga and Wellness? And how did that subsequently inspire you to create PAMA London?

“My Mom always took [me and my four sisters to do Yoga] since we were little. My Mom has always been really into Yoga. I decided to do my Yoga teacher training in Costa Rica just for myself to deepen my practice and I learned a lot about the chakras and the energy fields and how it also helps you when you wear [particular] colors; and I thought at least when you practice yoga it’s nice to wear something sustainable, made [mindfully], and eco conscious. I live in London and I’m always in big cities. I live in my PAMA leggings because they are comfortable and you know you run around and it’s important when you practice yoga, or [at least personally] for me it was important because everything that you put on your skin [should be made ethically] and good for your skin and has no chemicals. So I wanted to create something [that is] fit to form because leggings are really high waisted, so they really tuck you in and support you [in] your active lifestyle and for yoga practice. I wanted to create something not only like organic cotton or linen, because [many] yoga clothes [are made from those materials]. All the gurus in India wear organic cotton or linen. I wanted to create something that could be worn in the city and look fashionable.”

What has been the inspiration behind your collections so far?

“So I did my Yoga teacher training in Costa Rica with Marianne Wells Yoga School and we [focused] a lot on the Chakras. So [the Chakras inspired] the first collection, which is made from charcoal bamboo. [My second collection], the Moon and Stars Collection was very influenced by astrology. I’m bringing out new leggings in October, so they are [influenced by] astrology and star alignment. I work with the ECONYL brand, so that’s an organization that cleans up the ocean, they take the plastic from the ocean [and repurpose the materials into nylon which is used in our second collection].”

“The Moon and Stars [collection was inspired by the] love [I have for] the moon cycle and my interest in bio dynamic farming. The cycle of Bio Dynamic Farming and the Moon Cycle [were definitely major inspirations]. I [became] inspired [one year ago] when I was in Tulum because there was an astrology workshop [with] a woman, who spoke a lot about the star alignments. The energy in Tulum is very magical, it is healing.”

We absolutely love that PAMA London is eco-conscious and ethically made. With that said, why do you believe that it is so critical for brands to produce great products that are both environmentally considerate and ethical?

“It really depends on the industry that you are in. If you make flowy dresses or [like my brand PAMA London], it’s really high-performance and activewear with a focus of fitting really well and providing support. [For me] it’s important to use fabrics that are biodegradable for the earth. There are so many things now, it’s like ‘where do you start and where do you stop?’ I think [with] the whole cycle, it’s important to tick all of the boxes [in regards to] sustainable production. So [for me] it’s always [fabric] quality; [the material in the Moon and Stars Collection] is wonderful because it gives great support and is just [all around] such a nice fabric. [Though] even if it’s not a legging, it’s still always about the material. It’s also important to me that there are no toxins in the fabric because eighty percent go straight into your skin [and then] the blood stream.”

What do you believe makes PAMA London stand-out compared to other Active Wear brands?

“It’s important when you produce a product that is [very desirable], especially for me. Selling in London, I think people in the [USA] are more open minded but it is still fit to form and is still fashionable [not to mention] looks nice. I wanted to create something that is young and fun, and not too organic because there are a lot of sustainable organic brands. I see their [products] and it’s nice that they use [organic or sustainable materials] and it’s [also] nice how they produce, but for me personally I would never really love to wear [those products] because I’d like to wear something that looks [stylish] and not too strange. Most of the other eco-friendly activewear brands have very baggy garments made from hemp or [similar materials]. With the Nylon [that I use in my collection our products] are fit to form and really tuck you in very well because all of the leggings are high waisted.”

“We use sustainable recycled fabric. Very few activewear brands are using recycled plastic [in their products]. What is nice about PAMA is that it is a simple and timeless active wear [brand]. [Our pieces] can be worn in the city and are not too funky like many other organic brands that [resemble a] hippy [style], you know? A lot of other brands’ designs are just too hippy yoga. I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing them in London when I’m running about all day.”

Can you tell us a little bit about the healing colours of the seven Chakras in your collection?

“The Chakra collection is all about the colours and how you are attracted to a [particular] colour each day. Based on the colour that you are drawn to, this is the Chakra that you should work on. It is nice to wear the colour Chakra that you are working on to balance out that Chakra. Each of the Chakra bras come with a booklet that explains each chakra and how each Chakra helps you when you wear the colours.”

“So the bras are made in the colours. The first collection featured all of the colours and now the new Chakra bra is available in two [shades] of blue, green, and violet. The chakra is all about the energy field, so it [always tells] a story. And it is quite like mystical.”

Take us through a day in the life of Pauline Hansen.

“Well, it’s always so different because I travel so much! My parents brought [me and my siblings] up so internationally. In the summer my [family] is always in Germany and then in the winter my family is in the US. But I’m based in London [and] I’ve been there for seven and a half years now. I start my day with morning Yoga because it really grounds me and helps me to set all my intentions. I focus and I feel great with my Yoga practice, it really helps me.”

What is your favorite work-out and how do you find the time to fit it in?

“Well I always do Yoga, [so] I should work-out more. [Aside from] Power Yoga, Yoga really isn’t a workout; it’s more for your mind and your spirit. It’s great to work out – I love going hiking, I love swimming, and I love just being active. I actually [dance] Zumba, [as well]. I love dancing, I used to dance professionally in Germany until I was 19 [years old].”

How do you feel that Yoga has impacted your life?

“For example when you travel, sometimes you cannot do Yoga. But I try to do it every day even if it is just for ten minutes. It really helps me just to ground myself and to have clear thoughts. You know when you’re really stressed out, and you have so many meetings, I just do Yoga and it helps me to [compile] my thoughts and to get to a decision when [I] can’t make up my mind about things.”

“Yoga is really a whole lifestyle. Only twenty percent is on the mat and 80 percent is off the mat. That’s why I also produce the [PAMA London clothing] because I think it’s silly if you just sit there on your mat and then everyone says ‘be mindful, be good to the planet’, and normally people only speak about eating organic and gluten free [as well as] vegan or vegetarian. But then all the yogis don’t really care so much [about] what they wear. [However, yoga] is a whole lifestyle. It’s just as important [as] what you put on your skin and see where it is manufactured. Before I started my brand I was sitting there in my Lulu Lemon outfit and I just thought ‘great, but what I’m wearing was actually produced in Bangladesh’. And now I’m sitting here doing my yoga [and] talking about ‘be good to the earth and mindful to every being’. Like I’m vegan for four years [now], but I’ve been vegetarian since I was 14.”

Being a frequent traveler, what are some of your favorite wellness destinations?

“Actually, I’ve honestly never been to such a special place as [where we are here in Big Sur, California] I’ve traveled a lot, and Big Sur and also [specifically the Post Ranch Inn] is very impressive. The garden here [at the resort] and all of the vegetables they grow for the [restaurant]; the nature is so impressive here. Yesterday I went on a four hour hike and I learned so much! The [giant Redwood] trees are so impressive. I had never seen so much nature in one day, and in one place. You have the ocean and then the forest. I think it’s very special and super magical. [Also, in Big Sur] everyone is so into Yoga.”

“I also love Tulum, especially since there is this healer from Los Angeles – his name is Bobby Klein. I’ve been [visiting] Tulum for eight years, and now because of Instagram everyone is there, so it’s great to visit Tulum off season. Tulum is great because it’s very eco-conscious. Then there is the Yäan wellness spa by Bobby Klein. The Mayan energy [in Tulum] is super healing and they work everything with the Chakras, as well. I think Mexicans are really amazing people, they are so nice! Whenever I’m in Tulum I feel the best because [many] of the hotels are on the beach. You are right on the beach and it’s so nice! You also have the jungle. You can drive around there and visit so many sanitas and healing waters and [natural] springs.”

Is there anywhere that you have not yet visited, but are dying to go and see?

“So [Big Sur] was really on my bucket list. I would love to visit Bhutan to see all of the temples, hike around there, and also visit the Himalayas. I think that is supposed to be really amazing. I’ve also never been to Bali or Hawaii.”

Where to next?

“I want to make sustainable fashion even more accessible to everyone. My dream is to see everyone wearing sustainable fashion.”

Is there anything you’d like to add that you didn’t have the chance to say?

“I’ve already filmed the [PAMA clothing] production, but I am really hoping to share more about our sustainable production and the educational side of things as well. I am going to be starting a blog in October. No one really knows what goes into the fabrics [of most clothing], there are so many toxins and then even if you wash them the clothes still have toxins in there.”

“I think the new generation is so much more aware of [being environmentally conscious] and supporting sustainable fashion. I work with ocean cleanup and they clean up the ocean [from] the plastic. But then you have all this plastic, so it’s great to recycle that into something. It’s a whole cycle! Our packaging is made from organic cotton.”

“In the process of making things, it is not only that vegan is much better and like non-vegan is bad. Because for example, leather is biodegradable. So, I’m vegan, but I wear leather goods. I think natural shoes are much nicer than plastic. One of the worst vegan fashion products is vegan fur, because the process of vegan fur production is so much more polluting to the environment than like buying or wearing an organic fur that [meets] all the guidelines where the animals aren’t harmed that much.”

Where can we follow you?

“We have the @PAMALONDON Instagram and we also have the website.”

Images courtesy of: PAMA London

HENNESSEY PERFORMANCE UNVEILS THEIR TAKE ON THE UPCOMING ELECTRIC PORSCHE TAYCAN

Texas based Hennessey Performance Engineering is set to take on their very first electric vehicle project. Hennessey, which is best known for their work on the super-fast Venom F5, is set to tackle modifications of the all electric Porsche Taycan. With nearly thirty years of experience modifying fast cars, the team at Hennessey is set to add an electric vehicle to their entirely petrol propelled fleet.

“We’ve been planning to do something with electrified vehicles for a while now,” said company founder & CEO, John Hennessey.  “We felt that the new Porsche Taycan was the right platform from which to modify our first EV.  Initially, we will start with simple modifications such as wheels, tires and interior upgrades as well as exterior modifications such as more aggressive front and rear bumpers.  After that we will see what might be possible in terms of adding more power.”

The 2020 Porsche Taycan is described by the German automaker as a four door coupe. Porsche boasts about the new vehicle’s extreme performance and everyday usability. Porsche claims that the sustainably designed “Taycan Turbo S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, while the Taycan Turbo completes this sprint in 3.2 seconds. The Turbo S has a range of up to 412 kilometres, and the Turbo a range of up to 450 kilometres (according to WLTP in each case). The top speed of both all-wheel-drive models is 260 km/h.” Though here at Extravagant we were most impressed by the two-speed transmission fitted to the Taycan’s rear axle, which is an innovation pioneered by Porsche. 

“We promised a true Porsche for the age of electromobility – a fascinating sports car that not only excites in terms of its technology and driving dynamics, but also sparks a passion in people all over the world, just like its legendary predecessors have done. Now we are delivering on this promise,” emphasizes Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board of Porsche AG – Research and Development.

“Nearly all of our clients still want raw, powerful ICE engines.  But some of them have begun to add an EV to their collections for daily driver duties,” said Hennessey.  “We don’t want to reinvent the wheel in the electrified market, we just want to make it roll a little faster and cooler!”

Hennessey anticipates that they will begin their work on the Taycan shortly after Porsche starts to fulfill delivery of models to the United States in 2020.

Images courtesy of: Hennessey Performance Engineering

In-Depth with The Bugatti Centodieci

The Centodieci, which was exhibited at the Quail, a Motorsports Gathering and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during world renowned Monterey Car Week, caused automotive aficionados to go abuzz with excitement. Following this week-long car heaven, the superlative Bugatti Centodieci took part in another exhibit at Le Domaine Bugatti. To honor the French marque’s 110^th year anniversary, the hypercar manufacturer celebrates their long-standing history with the unveiling of the Centodieci that pays homage with its name derived from the anniversary year.

“It is a unique sight to have all Bugatti hyper sports cars of the last 30 years together,” says Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann. “Not only our customers, but all automotive enthusiasts visit our stand as a clear highlight of the weekend. And I think they will get their money’s worth.” There were many noteworthy cars this time around including an EB110 Super Sport, a Veyron Super Sport, a total of three Chiron Sports, the Divo, the La Voiture Noire that is currently limited to just one model, which was positioned on the Concept Car Lawn underneath the Bugatti stand, and the new Centodieci.

Bugatti’s prestige didn’t stop with the Centodieci this year as, besides some of the other newer models displayed throughout the week, an assortment of ravishing pre-war examples from private collectors were showcased during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. But, like the preceding years, Stephan Winkelmann and Bugatti Design Director Achim Anscheidt had utilized their prowess fortify the judges ability to assess the 22 categories of automobiles that stand for originality, functionality and elegance.

“Monterey Car Week is a traditionally important event for Bugatti. The U.S. is our largest market worldwide, and California in particular has a large number of enthusiasts for the most exclusive sports cars,” explains Winkelmann. “Every year, historic Bugatti vehicles can be admired on the lawn here at Pebble Beach, and more than once, a Bugatti has been named the ‘Best of Show’.”

Even though the EB110 has been built in Campogalliano, Italy, the french influences remain strong within its DNA. The previous owner of the hypercar, Romano Artioli, established the factory on Ettore Bugatti’s 109^th birthday. Artioli had purposely selected Campogalliano as the location of the factory due to the environment’s key advantages in the year 1990, with it being the domain of several Italian sports car manufacturers, which made it simple for highly capable individuals to be recruited for work in his factory. In commemoration of Ettore Bugatti’s 110^th birthday, Artioli unleashed the EB110 hypercar from the factory and into the eyes of the public, which bears a name that combines the initials of Ettore Bugatti with the 110 years since his birth.

“With the Centodieci, we pay homage to the EB110 super sports car which was built in the 1990s and is very much a part of our tradition-steeped history,” states Stephan Winkelmann. “With the EB110, Bugatti catapulted itself to the top of the automotive world once again after 1956 with a new model.”

The new Bugatti Centodieci’s stunning form is reminiscent of its super car predecessors that date back to the 1990s. “The challenge was not to allow oneself to be captivated too much by the design of the historic vehicle and work solely in retrospect, but instead to create a modern interpretation of the shape and technology of that time,” says Achim Anscheidt, Head Designer at Bugatti. The aerodynamic and energetic spirit of the EB110 champions over both the Bugatti Chiron and Divo in the view of its sporting stance. Furthermore, the sheer grandeur and timeless vibe the EB110 emulates is equally evocative of the La Voiture Noire, which stands by its identity as a birthday present for Ettore Bugatti.

“We faced a number of technical challenges in terms of the development and design of the Centodieci,” says Achim Anscheidt. The EB110 is a very flat, wedge-shaped and graphically quasi two-dimensional supercar originating from the late 1980s. “Transporting this classic look into the new millennium without copying it was technically complex, to say the least. We had to create a new way of combining the complex aerothermal requirements of the underlying Chiron technology with a completely different aesthetic appearance.”

Revealing its draft solely through the side view, the radiator, which is shaped like a flat horseshoe, coordinates along with the freshly built, ingrained front spoiler and the three-segment air intakes to create a harmonic facade. The exterior of Centodieci is beyond words as the front drops to an extremely low level, which draws out the awareness of high acceleration and dexterous handling. A reduction has occurred for the Bugatti horseshoe, whereas the Bugatti logo Macaron is placed above the hood – this is perceived as the heart by the supercar’s black element. This format of the Centodieci rekindles the fire that the EB110 possessed. The agility of the car is then bolstered by the elongated front splitter and airflow through the hood.

“The body has a lot of sculpture, you will see a lot of change between negative and positive,” says Frank Heyl, Head of Exterior Design at Bugatti. “What is really important to us is that it is not seen as a retro car. It draws inspiration from the EB110, but it is not trying to recreate that in modern technology. That is why you see that there are several elements that remind you of the EB110, but other than that it is a completely fresh modern car – that is why it had to be rather futuristically looking.”

In spite of its main cooling surface, the car’s front is downgraded to the lower geometry. In addition, the taper headlamps of the vehicle are fused together with LED daytime active lights. As a result of these recently perfected headlights, the front and rear of the car free itself from cluttering surfaces in order to pay homage to the EB110. This created a visually stimulating design that is nostalgic of both the past and the present as it also incorporates a semblance of modern technology.

“It’s only ten cars so we allowed ourselves to completely deviate from what we normally do, which is very refreshing to the design team. The horseshoe is now very small, which makes the space between the horseshoe and the outside of the car much longer. That altogether makes the front really low and that is what really inhales us to drives the wedge much up together with a taller rear end we get this kind of gesture into the car and that is completely new to us,” says Frank Heyl

The wedge-shaped design was implemented into the development process, however the Centodieci modified it in an all-new approach. Rather than just using the same old classic Italian wedge where the force pushes from the rear to the front wheel, Bugatti opens a new door for the Centodieci. The inactive Bugatti line, specifically the C line on the B pillar, allows for a new design language to prevail. Set up in a diamond shaped pattern, five circular air inserts work to provide ample air intake for the exemplary 16-cylinder engine. Through the aforementioned method, the Centodieci introduces optically dazzling wedge belonging to the EB110 SS towards a new era.

“It’s fully wedged, so we allowed ourselves to make the rear a little bit higher than the Chiron. Normally if you go to the designer and make something like this he will say ‘NO’, but we deliberately made this to [start low and finish high] to get the wedge into the car. For us it’s a new flavor and a fresh breath of air. You need to know, we can only do these things because we have our main product in the market already. So with our main product having to have the two tone configurative ability,” states Frank Heyl.

Unlike the EB110’s two-dimensional rear alongside its two pill-shaped tail lights, an expansive air vent opening that raises the effectiveness of the engine thermals is prevalent in the Centodieci as the flying tail light conveys a spirited focus similar to the EB110. The car features a perfectly balanced temperature solutions that were only realized after many months. And just like the EB110, the Centodieci shares the same characteristic of having its engine covered by a lucid glass surface. The rear of the car is masterfully designed to form a single ventilation window that is further reinforced by eight rear light elements, 2+2 exhaust tailpipes located above one another in a black matt anodised finish and a performance diffuser in order to better enhance downforce. The rise in downforce is contributed partly to the fixed projected rear wing that has been replicated from the EB110. A laminar flow-revamped rear window and streamlined tailgate sustains the downforce of the Centodieci.

“An interesting character to mention here is Mr. Benedini. [Giampaolo] Benedini is an architect who designed the factory [during the brand’s Italian era], which still stands to present day. Mr. Benedini also got trusted by Mr. Artioli to design the car, which is remarkable as he being an architect. And that is why you find so many geometrical shapes on this car – it is quite unusual for a car design. In the day, this was quite a remarkable car in itself already; it had four wheel drive, four turbochargers, both of which you find on all of our new cars. So, it was groundbreaking at the time to have these elements on the car,” says Frank Heyl.

Harboring an 8-litre W16 engine with 1,176 kW/1,600 hp at 7,000 rpm, the Centodieci is capable of unleashing fierce power. The temperature of the performance-heightened engine is controlled by an extra air inlet located within the bounds of the oil cooler. This limited production supercar can go not to 100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds, from not to 200 km/h in 6.1 seconds and or from not to 300 km/h in 13.1 seconds. However, the Centodieci forcefully tops out at 380 km/h. “It’s not just the top speed that makes a hyper sports car. With the Centodieci, we once again demonstrate that design, quality and performance are just as important,” says Stephan Winkelmann.

The Centodieci reserves 20 kilograms more of unburdened weight in relation to the Chiron. The car is complemented by a lightweight windscreen wiper and carbon fibre constructed stabilisers. Through these elements the power-to-weight ratio is merely 1.13 kilograms per horsepower.

The limited-edition Centodieci is available in an array of Bugatti colors. With a limited production of only ten examples, the car is already sold out and deliveries are scheduled to begin in two years at a base price of 8 million EUR not including VAT. “We are proud of our long Bugatti history, of which the EB110 is very much a part. That’s why we’re celebrating a reinterpretation of this extraordinary vehicle with the Centodieci – Italian for 110,” says Stephan Winkelmann.

Images and video courtesy of: Bugatti.com

Ermenegildo Zegna x Maserati: When Iconic Fabrics Make Automotive History

On August 7th, the Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer Maserati unveiled their latest collection of 100 limited production Quattroporte S Q4 GranLusso sedans and Levante S GranSport SUVs with an exclusive PELLETESSUTA™ interior by Ermenegildo Zegna, an Italian luxury menswear house, at Monterey Car Week. Having partnered previously with Zegna’s innovative design of silk interiors, two Italian-based companies are entering a new phase of exploring modern manifesto of a luxury experience together. 

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For the 100 limited edition Maseratis presented during Monterey Car Week, 50 are Quattroporte S Q4 GranLusso sedans. Quattroporte has been the flagship of the company since Series I, the then fastest sedan in the world as it was introduced in 1963. The other 50 are levante S GranSport SUVs, which are the latest versions of the legendary Levante, the first SUV in the long history of Maserati. These vehicles will be available for order on a first-come-first-served basis and delivered to customers as early as spring 2020. 

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The most distinguished feature of the new collection is the use of PELLETESSUTA™ leather. The innovative use of thin strips of nappa leather woven in place like thick yarn help to create light, soft, and enduring leather surfaces that are unique and iconic. The muted woven surface of the interior along with the versatile knitting technique highlights the unique, chic style of Maserati: steady and timeless. Aside from the special offering from Zegna, both Quattroporte and Levante are equipped with refreshing features like blue brake calipers and sports seats for the Quattroporte, and black brake calipers and 21” polished Helios rims for Levante. 

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There’s no doubt that the collaboration between Ermenegildo Zegna and Maserati is a one-of-a-kind campaign. With distinctive radiator grilles in the front and streamlined silhouettes, the collections of Maserati stand out as a stunning representation of power and strength, which is also implied by its badge: The Trident. Zegna, on the other hand, showcases the beauty of Italian manufacturing by deploying high-quality natural fibers, directly from their country of origin. Devoted business partners as they are, Zegna’s objective on redefining masculinity as a state of mind echoes with Maserati’s long-lasting appeal to their owners for courage and fearlessness. 

For more information visit www.maseratiusa.com

Images Courtesy of: Maserati North America

Celebrated Architect I.M. PEI’s art collection to be sold by Christie’s

Following the passing of famed Chinese American architect, I.M. Pei, Christie’s will be auctioning off the icon’s tasteful collection of art. I.M. Pei passed away in May of this year at 102 years old. Throughout Pei’s long career, he has been praised as one of the most talented architects of the 20th and 21st centuries. Pei’s designs include the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, to name just a few.

The auction that’s set to take place this Fall in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong is said to include works from artists such as Willem de Kooning, Zao Wou-Ki, Barnett Newman, Henry Moore, and Frank Kline, among many other highly acclaimed artists. Over the course of I.M. Pei’s 72 years of marriage to his wife Eileen, the couple amassed a praiseworthy collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures. A wide range of international artists and styles are represented in the collection, which ranges from Impressionist & Modern Art to 20th century Asian works and Chinese paintings. The entire collection of Eileen and I.M. Pei is estimated to gross over $25 million USD.

Reflecting on her parents’ collection and their close relationship with many of the artists, Liane Pei stated: “My parents’ collection is a personal reflection of how they lived. They shared a deep curiosity about the world and I have wonderful memories of traveling with them. No matter the country, they always seemed to have friends, many of whom were artists, architects, gallerists and museum directors, ready to welcome them. There was always a deep feeling of mutual respect, warmth and friendship. Whenever we were in Paris, we would visit Zao Wou-ki, whom I always referred to as ‘Uncle Wou-ki,’ to see his latest paintings. Years later, I recall a splendid trip to Venice with Annalee Newman, whom I adored as a grandmother. She and Barnett Newman, along with friends such as Tony Caro, Isamu Noguchi, and Pierre and Tana Matisse were often invited to our home. A tremendously accomplished chef and consummate hostess, my mother was always ready with a delicious home-cooked meal, which my father was equally ready to match with the perfect bottle of wine. My parents cherished these friendships. Even when these friends were far away, however, it never felt like that. We lived with their art every day and so they were always present. In that respect, I believe my parents could not have been happier, as they found inspiration in, and were always surrounded by, their treasured friends.”

The collection created by the Peis together with their artist friends was approached in a way that was highly inspired by personal relationships and studio visits. I.M. Pei is quoted as once stating “Great artists need great clients.” Mr. and Mrs. Pei acquired many works directly from the studios of acclaimed artists such as Jacques Lipchitz and Jean Dubuffet.

“The Barnett Newmans came from his wife Annalee Newman a few years after Newman passed away and many of the Jean Dubuffets are inscribed specifically to the Peis. Their collection was a significant part of the couple’s self-designed home, which speaks very much to the dialogue they had between top artists of the 20^th century and I.M Pei’s aesthetic eye as their contemporary in the field of architecture,” said Johanna Flaum, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales, Post-War and Contemporary Art at Christie’s

Particular highlights of this collection include Jean Dubuffet’s La Brouette (The Wheelbarrow) (Estimate: EUR 350,000 – 550,000), which took twelve years to complete, and Barnett Newman’s Untitled 4, 1950 (Estimate: in the region of US $8 million)  and Untitled 5, 1950 (Estimate: in the region of US $5 million), which were both acquired from Newman’s widow, Annalee in the mid-1970s by the Pei family.

Featured Image: Eileen and I.M. Pei, Hong Kong, 1988 | Courtesy Eileen and I.M. Pei Family Archive, provided via Christie’s

Best Innovative High-Tech Gadgets for Your Living Room In 2019

In the world of today technology continues to advance at breakneck speed and with it our society enters an innovative era. We are surrounded by cutting edge technology and as every day passes the progress of our scientific research make breakthroughs that tend to cause our world to steadily evolve into the future of tomorrow. However, as time goes by we must not keep our attention focused solely on what’s yet to come, but to what has already arrived.

Be it a contemporary home audio system or a home assistant system to keep up with the chores for your living room, there are plenty gadgets you would find invaluable for the 2019 year.

Take A Look At the Top 5 Current Home Devices Below:

Transparent Television

Yes, you can literally see through this television. However, you can’t when it is in operation. This television makes use of the conventional LCD coupled with the latest TOLED technology to give you a memorable television experience. These technological implementations allow you to have access to non-transparent moving pictures with rich colour representation and full contrast range from pristine white to solid black. Alongside giving you maximum entertainment, your living room would have a futuristic look.

Evapolar Personal Air Cooler

Fans do not bring down air temperature. Instead, through the drying of your body moisture, they make you cooler. To feel comfortable, you need something that reduces the temperature of your surrounding – and that’s what Evapolar Air cooler sets out to achieve.

This should is an ideal living room gadget: you don’t even need to clear any furniture to use it; a corner on your desk is adequate space. Read CoolAndPortable.com’s review of Evapolar for more information.

Anker Powercore 10,000mAh Power Bank

From playing games to watching movies, we basically use our smartphones for anything. So, chances are your phone’s battery drains really fast – and, of course, requires to be boosted. But then, what if you don’t have access to electricity? Boredom would most likely eat away at you. This is why you need to have a spare power bank in your living room—in cases of where power outage occurs.

The boredom that could follow power outage inspired Anker to produce a fast-charging and long-lasting portable power bank. With its width just a little bit more than that of a credit card, its portability can’t be questioned. Also, within it includes a VoltageBoost technology, which ensures you don’t have to abide your time until your phone is fully charged.

 How long does it last? Your phone’s battery is probably extends to 2800mAh. If your phone’s battery dies every 24 hours, the power bank would die in 85 hours. That’s 4 days of battery life! The cost of this gadget is extremely low: only $30 on amazon.

Sony eclipse

If you are a music lover, this was made just for you. It is a smooth looking media concept that has embedded in it all the bells and whistles needed to make you enjoy your favourite song.

This nifty Sony appliance never runs out of power due the presence of photovoltaic cells –  the only catch is that it has to be attached, with the aid of a suction cup, to a sun-facing window.

Amazon Echo device

For lovers of Alexa, Amazon has something perfect for you: Amazon’s Echo device. Echo is the upgraded version of Alexa.  By issuing a single command to echo, you can change the television to your child’s favourite station or listen to your most loved songs.

Just like Alexa, Echo offers a suitable speaker system to quench your music desires. It can connect to music streaming sites such as Spotify and Pandora. And that’s not all, Echo also offers a 360-degree speaker experience.

Echo would read your audiobooks, give you news updates, and provide you with weather reports and forecasts at your convenience. With Echo, you can be relieved of the worry that’s home security as it offers you the ability to control your home’s locks and lights, despite that they must be from top brands like Samsung. You can purchase Amazon’s Echo device for as low as $200.

Technology Advances

With these devices in your living room, you can be sure of living comfortably and worry free. Technology helps to assist us with our needs, so just embrace it and enjoy the present while looking forward to the future of modern home innovation.

Experience the World of Cognac with Hennessy

Maison Hennessy is now offering visitors the exclusive opportunity to experience the world of Cognac “From Grape to Glass”. The offering is a 4 hour private tour where two or more guests are accompanied through the process of Cognac production at Hennessy’s world renowned facilities.

In an attempt to welcome more visitors to the Maison, Hennessy offers the tour in six languages. Hennessy’s goal with this new offering is to envelope their guests in a ‘multi-sensory experience’ where education and passion come together. By integrating new technology, Hennessy delivers one of the most immersive experiences in the industry which includes a very special behind-the-scenes look at all of the different dimensions of Cognac production.

“From Grape to Glass”, takes visitors on an experience that spans vineyard to distillery production and heightens appreciation for the world of Cognac. Through the learning of the process to the meeting of the craftsmen who create Hennessy’s precious eaux-de-vie, this experience can only be described as very rare indeed. During the spring/summer season, the tour focuses on the grape vines. Guests will experience Hennessy’s experimental vineyard, Domaine de la Bataille. Here guests will be educated on several key aspects of the grape vine growing cycle.

A highlight of the “From Grape to Glass” tour is a guided journey through the Le Peu Distillery during the off season, which occurs in the fall/winter months. It is during this time of year that the copper stills remain full of eau-de-vie, which is in the process of being distilled. Here visitors are able to revel in the sweet scent of what is yet to become some of the most coveted Cognacs in the world. A particularly special experience during this tour is the ability to discover the mystery behind the Charentaise double distillation process.

The finale of the tour occurs in the cellars where the Maison ages their precious creations. Most importantly is the Le Paradis, translated as “the paradise” where Hennessy ages their most prestigious and vintage eaux-de-vie. The end of the tour is celebrated by indulging in “five eaux-de-vie at different stages of maturation, as well as three Hennessy cognacs.”

The “From Grape to Glass” private tour is available from €250 per person (with a two person minimum). For more information please visit: lesvisites.hennessy.com

Image credit: © Hennessy, provided courtesy of LVMH

The Maserati Ghibli | A Practical midsize Sports Sedan with Italian Drama

Ahead of the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, we here at The Extravagant had the pleasure to test drive Maserati’s midsize sports sedan, the Ghibli, which is made to impress, compete and win. Today, Ghibli stands out with its race bred performance that boasts impressive handling capabilities paired next to a luxurious driving experience. Perfect for touring the many spectacular events offered throughout famed Monterey Car Week, the Ghibli smoothly runs from place to place in a subtle, yet powerful form. The name Ghibli refers to an African desert wind – which we feel is an ideal name to associate with a Maserati sports sedan. The Ghibli’s seductive curves are a product of true Italian innovation, however, we must not allow the car’s beautiful design to distract us from it’s exceptional performance.

The Ghibli’s on-road performance, in our opinion, is superior to it’s luxury sedan competitors such as the Audi A6 and Mercedes Benz E class. The Ghibli’s exceptional driving experience is courtesy of a V6 engine, which was built in Maranello, Italy at the Ferrari factory. When driving the Ghibli S, you will immediately become aware that this car is hungry for performance. Once the sport mode is engaged an Italian melody wafts over towards your ears causing a nostalgic tune to linger in them over and over again. One highlight of the Ghibli Sport, is an intelligent AWD option for optimal traction and all weather safety.

The base model Ghibli produces a vivacious 345 horsepower, with a twin turbo 3.0 liter that features rear wheel drive. However, the S version that we test drove was extremely responsive with an impressive 424 hp delivered through an all-wheel drive powertrain. When we tested the Ghibli in Pebble Beach, the car’s melodious notes turned heads as the gentle humming sound echoed through the streets. Our Ghibli sported a metallic white color paint scheme, which really brought out the lines and contours of its body; sadly, the pictures did not give the Ghibli justice as it showcases phenomenal contouring from behind the wheels. The driver of a Ghibli should be absorbed into the exotic style the car pronounces and possess the urge to fully highlight the striking curvature on the road or at the track.

The Ghibli’s refined exterior perfectly compliments the vehicle’s elegant interior design, which enjoys the benefits of smart technological features. The interior of the Ghibli S GranLusso is extremely luxurious, particular highlights are the leather stitching and silk fabric inserts – we love the fact that Maserati in collaboration with Ermenegildo Zegna applied a high quality fabric, such as Mulberry silk with special weaves and textures. The interior of our test car also included a faux suede headliner, a Bowers and Wilkins audio system and a steering wheel with a wood inlay. If one takes into account the additional options available, the Ghibli soars from a base price of $76,000 to nearly $100,000. However, we believe many of these options are well worth the cost. Auto journalists have often criticized the use of shared interior fixtures from lesser Fiat Chrysler products on the Ghibli, however, we felt that the interior’s fixtures were of an adequate quality for a vehicle at this price point. Additionally, there may be several benefits as to the reliability of widely used fixtures shared from the group’s more common models.

The V6 lacks no power for its size and the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission delivers smooth and precise shifts, nonetheless the Ghibli does lack steering wheel paddles. The pistol grip shifter, however, was excellent: just pull back for an upshift, and push forward for downshift. The transmission doesn’t trip over itself when shifting on its own. The steering was what we expected from Maserati, the accuracy was top notch. The suspension, was a little stiff, but overall a compromise of sorts. The engineering geometry happened to be surprisingly aggressive, exhibiting some front tire traction at low speeds.

The driving experience was without a doubt impressive; the Ghibli ran smoothly yet swiftly and offered outstanding safety functions that were paramount. Maserati really went the distance to provide world class safety features, such as a pedestrian emergency braking system to alert you what the speed limit is on every street, which we discovered to be a marvelous feature.

All said, the Ghibli S GranLusso offers a wonderful experience within its class, however we’d love to see this car offered with an optional V8, which would only add a greater level of extravagance to its tenacious soul. We know for a fact that the V8 is the soul of Ferrari, something that reveals their performance driven focus. To receive a whopping addition of at least 125 hp, the Ghibli will definitely transition from its soothing Italian melody into the majestic roar of a beast impatiently abiding the moment it speeds pass the road ahead.

For more information please visit: MaseratiUSA.com

Drako Motors Launches First Limited Production Full Electric Supercar

Rising to the challenge of merging high performance capabilities with top notch handling and an eye for safety, the Silicon Valley based manufacturer, Drako Motors, has built a unique completely driver-focused supercar. As Drako Motors was founded by American entrepreneurs, Dean Drako and Shiv Sikand nearly a decade ago, the two have put their hearts and souls into making the brand’s first limited production electric supercar. Following these years of dedication in the works of uncompromising design language, track development and engineering, the all-new Drako GTE was born.

The GTE officially launched at the Quail, a Motorsports Gathering on Monterey Car Week 2019. Due to four permanent magnet hybrid synchronous motors, this new electric supercar is able to deliver an astounding 1,200 hp, 8,800 Nm wheel torque and a top of speed of 206 mph; this is possible through the streamlined form and ultra high performance quad motor architecture of the GTE. Thanks to a top output of 4,400 Nm of torque differential between wheels, the GTE features rotational deftness and cornering procesion that is unmatched by any other current supercar.

The ravishing look that is the GTE is attributed to the assistance of automotive designer, Lowie Vermeersch and his Italian GranStudio team. Comfortably boasting four passenger seats and fair luggage space, not to mention plentiful legroom as well as ingress and egress, the GTE is the ideal grand touring supercar. A combination of hand stitched leather and alcantara make up the front and rear seats, which result in offering passengers harmonization between comfortability and auxiliary support to enhance driver performance. Those wanting to tailor the GTE to their own personal specifications, buyers are able to pick from an array of colors, materials and finishes.

The purpose of the GTE’S design is to express the powerful, raw emotions the driver feels when driving. Dexterous and Tenacious, the design blends a four seat layout with electrifying contours to articulate the fluidity of its lines and the exquisiteness of the facets. Three air intakes are mounted on the front of the GTE,which are encompassed by complete and unending surfaces, thereby making it so all eyes on it are given a clear and unimpeded vision of its silhouette. The diverse components interlock with one another to conceive sinuous lines that give emphasis to key features and trimmed lights in order to fuse together to provoke a dynamic visage of the frontal face.

Taking a peek under the GTE’s full carbon fibre hood reveals an innovative perspective dissimilar to all other electric cars on the road today. The hood is a completely detachable, one-piece hood that allows for unobstructed view of what lies underneath. The car’s bespoke inverters, cooling system and suspension elements are wholly on display for the quintessential automotive aficionado to appreciate.

The structural and design benchmark for the making of an extraordinary coupé had taken shape thanks to a chassis frame from Fisker as the platform chosen for the GTE. Aside from the long wheel base being able to hold four passengers, it also contains GTE’s quad motor powertrain and floor-mounted battery; both of the aforementioned aspects add to a much reduced center of gravity for more advanced handling and high-spirited driving.

The battery of the GTE is focused on delivering megawatt power and its cooling functions that cope with track level performance on the most difficult circuits from around the globe. Holding up to 90kWh of energy in conjunction with its endowment to output 1,800 continuous and 2,200 peak amps, the battery provides the GTE’s four motors 900 kW of nonstop power. An internal cooling architecture assimilates various cooling pathways that envelope each separate battery cell, ensuring fast depletion of heat per lap.

There are four console braced switches that are utilized to weather through any circumstances when driving the GTE thanks to the driver specialized Quattro Manettino. The driver is granted the ability to modify powertrain features to equal their driving style; this includes total control over torque vectoring and slip control, front-to-rear power distribution, and fine-grained regenerative braking control. Furthermore, the Quattro Manettino allows the driver to pick out one of six road expanses (race, track, dry, rain, snow, and ice) which imparts the function of optimizing the car’s performance capabilities for any type of driving conditions.

Following its incredible debut at the Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, the GTE will be undergoing series production where deposit holders will be given the chance to take part in testing first hand the performance of the car on the track during a customer experience event this November. The vigorous power sleeping within the GTE is restrained through the use of technology that has been developed from attaining a Nürburgring lap record in 2015, which happened when the car was in the early development phase.

Production is already underway following the end of Monterey Car Week and the entire worldwide production of the Drako GTE is limited to just 25 units along with a base price starting at $1.25 million. The Silicon Valley based auto manufacturer is now accepting orders and deposits, as well as deliveries for GTE customers scheduled to begin in 2020.

For more information visit: drakomotors.com