Hagerty’s 40th Anniversary: MOTORLUX To Kickoff Monterey Car Week

Its once again that time of year, when everyone gathers to enjoy a week solely devoted to their mutual love of cars, the world-renowned Monterey Car Week. Calling forth car enthusiasts from all corners of the globe, this weeklong celebration incorporates the best of the best throughout the whole automotive industry. And the kickoff party to this incredible week, all starts at the grand Motorlux event held every year at the Monterey Jet Center.

Set the date, on August 14th the ultimate party begins incorporating not only a plethora of automobiles, from vintage to superlatively charged models, but also an impressive array of motorcycles and aircrafts. We not only pay homage to this famed week of nothing but the best of the automotive world with this one party, as we also bond with like-minded individuals who share this deep-seated passion.

To offer the ultimate experience, Motorlux doesn’t only boast all things auto-aero-motor with over 100 airplanes and automobiles, they have gone through much effort to provide guests with the best of California’s cuisine from master chefs as well as local wines and cocktails. Furthermore, this year’s event marks the anniversary of Hagerty’s 40th year, with a special surprise in store for attendees: all access previously exclusive for VIP guests is now granted to all who attend. From being able to be move throughout the whole party, including the upstairs that overlooks the entire jet center, to all access to the event’s Broad Arrow Auction held on the 14th and 15th of August.

Cars connect us through life, they represent the past, present and future. Our innovation and ingenuity have developed the automotive industry into what it is today. The same can be said for aircrafts and motorcycles; we have watched and participated in the development and preservation for these incredible mechanical marvels, and now is the time to fully immerse yourself in this unperturbed environment that is synonymous with an automotive paradise.

Prepare to shift gears, get ready for the party of a lifetime, and rev your engines for a night of automotive bliss!

To purchase tickets for this amazing event, please visit motorlux.com. Tickets come in two different packs this year, starting at $625 for standard tickets, and $725 for their early access ticket.

TCHA: A Pop-Up That Blends Art, Food & Design

Stemming from her passion for matcha bars, Joya Burda came up with an exciting new way to incorporate an interactive environment with culinary creations. Founded in January, she created Tcha, a unique experience in the form of a pop-up that also hosts several engaging activities from a number of luxury brands.

The concept takes an even more lively turn as she meticulously goes over themes for her pop-ups that result in one spectacular party. There is always a different theme when Tcha opens in a new space, from ‘Garden of Eden’ to ‘Mad Hatter Invited Marie Antoinette’. One of the most recent pop-ups in Germany had its theme based on its space in a factory, being dubbed ‘Studio 54 Goes to Factory’. The artistic ingenuity that Joya puts into the space is phenomenal, which begins with her creating a vision board with the brands she selects.

“That is exactly what Tcha is,” says Joya. “It is an experimental concept that each time I bring something new to Tcha, sometimes things that haven’t even hit the market. I had these fantastic dried apple and egg white candies that I brought to Paris [and] I have this really fantastic jewelry brand [called] Moxie that is being launched today.”

Due to the nature of the pop-up, there is no set location and every couple months they open up in a new location. However, whenever a space is set and ready to let the party commence, personal invitations and social media connectivity will allow guests from all over the globe to know where Tcha is next in the world.

“I am going to do Gstaad next,” states Joya. “Then I have Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris. I have quite a lot coming up. That is what keeps Tcha alive. It’s like a monthly magazine.”

Images Courtesy of: Joya Burda

Another Exciting Year at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

When Monterey Car Week rolls right up to you, there are many places to go to share your love for the automotive world. Yet, few can compare to The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering. This highly anticipated event is one of the most immersive automotive experiences to be had each year. By incorporating a phenomenal lineup of vintage and ultramodern vehicles with a fine selection of international delicacies all the while set on a verdant golf course with a backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountain range, the Quail prevails as a meeting point for connoisseurs to truly delve into the world of motorsports.

Marking its 19^th year, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, has provided car collectors and enthusiasts from all across the globe with a haven of rare automobiles and motorcycles. Situated atop the lush landscape of the Quail Lodge & Golf Club, this garden-party will also be filled with booths for sponsors to introduce their latest innovations. In addition to the party taking place across the golf course, the 25^th annual Bonhams Motorcar Auction will also be set on the western grounds of Quail Lodge & Golf Club.

The Quail will be featuring several traditional classes this time around, from pre-war sports and racing to custom coachwork. The wide range of automotive innovations from past to present is an impressive sight to behold. There will be three themes that will also be eager additions to the 19^th annual The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: All Things MINI Cooper. 70 Years of Jaguar and their Wins at Le Mans and the 50^th Anniversary of the BMW M Division.

This year’s gathering is sure to create an experience that will leave both the guests and sponsors in complete exultation. A vast array of cars and culinary pavilions, not to mention the gratification of on-site parking, will allow guests to delve into this automotive marvel in utter contentment.

The event is set to take place on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information, please visit Peninsula.com

The McCall’s Motorworks Revival’s New Legacy: Motorlux

Starting this year, a new host has taken over the torch for renowned McCall’s Motorworks Revival, which serves as the unofficial kickoff to Monterey Car Week. The legacy carries on with Hagerty as they bring together automotive elegance and refined aircraft in one exclusive party at the Monterey Jet Center.

Having been partnered with McCall’s Motorworks Revival for 20 years, Hagerty is enthusiastic to be taking on this long-cherished event as part of their ever-expanding portfolio of automotive events that span across the country. With a new chapter beginning for this massive jet center party, the new host, Hagerty has renamed the event Motorlux. In what started as a fun place for Molly and Gordon McCall to bring the motorworks community together and share their love of the art, has now spiraled into one of the most exclusive events of the year.

This exciting venue of classic automobiles and state of the art airplanes will also be showing a preview to the inaugural Broad Arrow Group auction. Motorlux introduces three new types of tickets to guests as they provide a different level of benefits to make the experience more immersive. Starting with the Lux Pass at $450 per person or $405 with Hagerty Drivers Club Discount, the next ticket is the Lux Plus pass that offers early entry and access to the Lux Lounge for $650 per person. Lastly, on top of upgraded parking on the tarmac and access to the Lux Lounge, the Lux Premium pass, which is priced at $700 per person, includes admission to the Broad Arrow Group Auction on Thursday. The auction will be offering a stunning collection of over 80 rare automobiles.

Please note that tickets for the Lux Plus and Lux Premium are in limited supply. Don’t miss out on this auto-moto-aero aficionado escape with fine foods and drinks accompanied by interactive entertainment.

For more information visit: motorlux.com

Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance Opens the Field for their 71st Year

Just around the corner is yet another event we automotive enthusiasts never seem to forget, and why should we? What was first founded in 1950, we are just shy of two months away from celebrating the 71^st annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. One of the most unforgettable events to see during famed Monterey Car Week, this vast oasis of cars has been dubbed the ultimate place to be for anyone with a true passion for automobiles.

Like the years before, this event takes place on the 18^th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, where fine cars and their owners gather for an impressive display of automotive brilliance. This affair is also a heated competition where cars from all generations are judged by automotive authorities based off their technical specifications, sheer elegance and history to be dubbed the Best of Show winner. This riveting event ushers in automotive aficionados from all across the globe to see this incredible lineup, which also includes new car debuts and concepts that we all have been eagerly awaiting.

This year’s event will begin on Sunday, August 21, 2022. For more information, please visit PebbleBeachConcours.net.

Images Courtesy of: the Pebble Beach Concours

Aspen Trees: Talking The Holga with Artist Molly McCall

When we imagine an exceptional camera, rarely does our mind transfix on an inexpensive Hong Kong made instrument, but the Holga is no ordinary camera, nor are professional photographers its typical user. Carmel Valley based artist, Molly McCall, is one of the devices greatest advocates. To learn more about the Holga’s unique properties we sat down with McCall for a deep dive Q&A on how she captured the natural beauty of Aspen through her Holga’s lens.

How did you learn about the Holga camera?

“A fellow darkroom photographer first introduced me to the Holga camera and I was instantly interested in the effects of the plastic lens because of the diffusion and optical distortion that it created. I was already using my other film cameras with a soft-focus technique, so the possibility of taking that further was intriguing to me. The ephemeral images that come from the Holga perfectly conveyed my interest in exploring memory and the passage of time.

There’s a spontaneity that I felt when I first starting using a Holga camera in 2004. It’s as if my interest in photography had fallen asleep, and suddenly it was awakened. There’s nothing precise or planned with a Holga; it’s all about chance; and it allows room for experimentation. I had studied antiquarian photographic processes in art school in Laguna Beach and later discovered pictorialism, an artistic photography movement from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that emphasized using photography to mimic painting. I was immediately drawn to this transitional art period when photography was beginning to be thought of as a creative process rather than purely for documentation. I quickly could see that the Holga provided an image that I could incorporate with other artistic techniques.

The loose definition of subjects and the distortion around the edges gave me a doorway into a more creative way to work with my photos. Finally, I could marry my two interests—painting and photography—which I had been chasing for decades.”

What was the inspiration for this series on Aspen?

“I have a great reverence for nature and the landscape; the endless cycles of life and change all hold poetic meaning for me. As my travels are usually planned around the natural landscape, parks, mountain ranges, water, etc., I like to read about the history of these places and the influence that their natural beauty had on other artists, writers, and explorers. My work almost always begins with a literary reference, a poem, or a title, which opens up the door to begin a dialogue.

These Aspen images are part of my fascination with the West, and the natural beauty that drew pioneers this way; the expansive sense of freedom to build a life and an identity of one’s own choosing; to be closer to nature, animals, and the elements. It’s all very poetic to me and I found Aspen presented a unique landscape with the native Aspen trees, which hold such energy and inspiration. The way the light reflects off the light bark and dances through the delicate lacy leaf formations is extraordinary.

The mountains are equally as powerful, with their glacial striations and formations reflecting time and history, and most of all, possibility. My work often includes themes of memory, beauty, the passage of time, and belonging, which have all been present in my imagery over the past two decades. The combination of the Holga imagery with the encaustic medium creates a beautiful ethereal veil that humanizes those thoughts. The wax adds a warm, tactile surface while diffusing the image underneath, and slightly abstracts the imagery in a way that allows room for the viewer to place their own feelings into it. It’s a slow, evolving process that requires a lot of patience and waiting, and I find the work is more of a conversation as a result of the added layers.”

When you went to Aspen, did you only take the Holga?

“Yes. The Holga became my travel camera because it is so lightweight. The meniscus lens creates really interesting effects with natural matter, so it became my camera to use for landscape very easily. Using the Holga has also become part of my overall creative process— the spontaneity of image making is more exciting to me with a Holga than using any of my conventional cameras. The randomness of the results are like “living on the edge,” and with a Holga, there is only one shot, there is no backup, like a digital camera with a chance to capture multiple images. With all its quirks and oddities, you hope something odd happens—some light leak, or distortion—it’s what sets a Holga image apart.”

How did you create these images of Aspen?

“I had a studio visit with a friend from Aspen last spring and was showing her my recent work taken locally in Carmel while hiking during the COVID lockdown. Lushly treed landscapes, with oil paint and wax. She mentioned that she would like something similar, but for her house in Aspen, and could I send her some ideas. I immediately thought of these Holga images that I shot in Aspen while traveling with my husband through Colorado several years ago en route to his godfather’s ranch in Montana. I asked her to send me photos of the walls where the images would be installed, and using Photoshop, I dropped my images onto her photos, and she could see exactly what they would look like in place. I sent her several choices and she chose the diptych titled “Unintended glimpse”, a phrase I borrowed from a John O’Donohue poem.

The process I chose for this diptych included several steps starting with the original film negative shot with the Holga camera, scanning, printing on to archival canvas, then stretching the images over two Birch Wood panels. The canvas images were then covered in layers of encaustic medium, a combination of natural beeswax and Damar resin.

Using a gas handheld blowtorch, the wax was slowly melted away using a natural goat bristle paintbrush, revealing the images underneath, excavating the photographs through the cloudy, diffused wax. The process is similar to dodging and burning in the darkroom, as you select areas of importance in the image to reveal, and conceal others with the opaqueness of the wax. After many experiments, I realized that encaustic was the perfect, natural medium to complete my photographs. I’ve worked with many different surface materials such as resin, varnish, fiberglass, cold wax, gel medium, and glue, but I like this soft diffused effect from the encaustic the most.”

IMAGES COURTESY OF: MOLLY MCCALL

Diamonds & Champagne, Dom Perignon Meets Bulgari

When we think of glamour, what often comes to mind is something like this: Diamonds and Caviar. To celebrate the best of the best, two prominent LVMH maisons have teamed up to craft ‘Bvlgari Serpenti x Dom Pérignon Rosé’. This marriage of brands is perfectly represented with a limited edition case of Champagne that’s characterized by the iconic Bvlgari snake wrapping itself around a magnum of Dom Pérignon Rosé. This proudly Franco-Italian collaboration is the work of Bvlgari Creative Director Lucia Silvestri and Dom Pérignon Chef de Cave Vincent Chaperon. The ultra exclusive, yet entirely innovative statement is the product of showcasing the best of each brands’ unique cultural heritage.

Each of the four examples are packaged within an alluring saffron and fuchsia lined wood case, with three magnums of Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2004 gently strangled by a Bvlgari Serpenti necklace. This fine wine is all too worthy of the snake’s jealousy. The 2004 vintage benefited from a slow ageing process of 12 years in the maison’s cellar, not to mention the fact that Champagne’s 2004 harvest produced grapes that were impressive in both size and yield quantity. By harnessing the radiance of the Pinot Noir grape, Dom Pérignon has crafted a superlative elixir with notes of dark fruit as well as citrus, cocoa, and fresh hay. On the palate the Champagne is intense with long lasting hints of green citrus, a unique hallmark of this particular vintage.

And although the wine is remarkably impressive, we must not forget the serpent and her impressive history. Originally designed by Bvlgari in the 1960s, the inconic Serpenti has gone on to become the brand’s hallmark. A celebration of desire and seduction, for this particular edition, the Serpenti necklace that surrounds the Dom Pérignon magnum’s neck is crafted of Pink Gold, Onyx, and White Diamonds. A further highlight being the bottle’s engraving of a snake and a Rose Gold label which perfectly compliments the Serpenti necklace.

First released in April, the Bvlgari Serpenti x Dom Pérignon Rosé limited edition was made available
exclusively on request in London, Milan and Tokyo.

Images courtesy of: © Bvlgari & Dom Pérignon

Bugatti Chiron X Hermes: A Bespoke Automotive Creation Like Few Others

For many automotive enthusiasts, owning a Bugatti Chiron would be enough, but the most discerning of collectors may beg to differ. Entrepreneur and real estate scion, Manny Khoshbin took his Chiron to a truly bespoke level with collaboration between Molshiem and Paris. Khoshbin’s vision for a custom
automobile is a nostalgic reminder of Bugatti’s coach building history. A major highlight of the Bugatti Type 57 models were the individualization options offered to clients. Today, this very French triumph is dubbed the ‘Chiron habillé par Hermès’.

Mr. Khoshbin, who describes himself as “a true Bugatti aficionado”, even wanted to name his son ‘Ettore’ after the brand’s founder; Khoshbin’s wife disagreed. Taking years to realize, the Chiron habillé par Hermès was a labor of passion. “When I saw the Chiron for the first time in 2015, I was one of the first customers in the world to reserve a build slot, yet one of the later to take delivery of one, but the reason for that was down to me.” Said Khoshbin, whose passionate devotion year-after-year resulted in a Chiron that genuinely stands out from the pack

Small details were never overlooked, Khoshbin and Hermès crafted details that contributed to an unrivaled selection of colors, fabrics, and creative finishes. According to Bugatti, almost every detail of this Chiron has been individualized. To emphasize the Chiron’s remarkable horsepower (1,500 PS), Khoshbin requested the installation of the equestrian inspired Hermes Courbettes motif on the bottom side of the rear wing. The Parisian atelier further incorporated iconic elements, such as the H monogram proudly applied to the Chiron’s iconic horseshoe grille.

The color has been adopted from an Hermès leather shade titled ‘Craie’ which resembles an off white chalk like color. As rare as it is to see a Chiron finished in one exterior color scheme, Khoshbin decided to take customization another step further. The Craie color hue extends to all mesh covers, the rear bumper, alloy wheels, and trim parts. The only exterior items not finished in Craie are the exposed engine bay, aluminum finished doorsills, and Italian Red brake calipers.

The interior of the ‘Chiron habillé par Hermès’ is finished to some of the most extraordinary bespoke levels. The Courbettes design makes a re-appearance inside, prominently featured on the middle console plate, door cards, and center console tray. The leather seats, inner signature roofline, roof surround, rear panel, and door clasps are finished in Craie. The Ecru leather around the dashboard, center console, and other trim areas combine tastefully with the Craie elements and beige carpets. The majority of all interior materials have been manufactured by Hermès to an extraordinary standard.

For Mr. Khoshbin, who says he drives this Chiron “almost every day,” this project was a true labor of love. Khoshbin adds: “The order of this special Chiron involved two visits to Hermès in Paris to discuss design, the realization of the interior and see progress being made. Between myself, the team at Hermès and designers at Bugatti, we exchanged hundreds of emails. I took my time to draft the car and that was very much a conscious decision – this is a car that I will one day hand down to my son, it will live for generations”

Images courtesy of: Bugatti

Gulfstream’s G700 Takes Flight

As of this spring, Gulfstream has begun test flights of their fully outfitted new flagship, the G700. With the ability to fly at an altitude of 48,000 and a maximum speed of Mach 0.935, the G700 is quickly establishing itself as one of the most anticipated business jets of 2021. Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the G700 features a worldclass cabin and a range of 6,400 nautical miles at Mach 0.90 or 7,500 nm at Mach 0.85.

Commenting on the G700’s test program, Gulfstream’s President Mark Burns stated; “Flying a fully outfitted aircraft signals significant progress in the G700 flight-test program.” Adding more on the subject, “the G700 interior is raising the bar for cabin innovation and customization. It provides more space than ever before for Gulfstream’s precision-crafted furnishings, more opportunity for personalization and more technology to optimize passenger health, safety and enjoyment. We look forward to fully testing the cabin before delivering this amazing aircraft to customers.”

Gulfstream claims the G700 cabin is ‘the most spacious in the industry’ and has the only ‘ultragalley’ in the industry with over 10 feet of counter space. Additional highlights are said to include the ability to be configured with as many as five living areas, with options such as a ‘grand suite with optional shower’ or a ‘passenger lounge in the ultragalley.’ A host of other highlights include ‘the all-new ultrahigh-definition circadian lighting system along with Gulfstream’s signature 100% fresh, never recirculated air, the industry’s lowest cabin altitude, whisper-quiet noise levels and an unprecedented 20 panoramic oval windows.’

Interior finishes are sumptuous and offer quartz counter tops and natural stone flooring in the galley and bathrooms. Furthermore, a range of interior layout options is likely to please even the most discerning of buyers. The G700 includes design options such as a six-place dining area as well as a stateroom with a full-length wardrobe. The offerings exceed the exceptional features of her sister models, and position the G700 clearly at the forefront of a fleet which includes the award winning G650ER, G650, G600, G500, and G280.

The G700 benefits from a host of Gulfstream tech, including: The Symmetry Flight Deck with active control sidesticks, dual head-up display with Synthetic Vision, and the award winning Gulfstream Predictive Landing Performance System. With a prominent collection of innovative features and a commitment to excellence, we’re confident that the G700 will go on to become one of the world’s most coveted business jets.

Images courtesy of Gulfstream

The latest Amels 180 has hit the market

Say hello to Motor Yacht LILI, the latest member of Amels 180 limited edition range to join the brokerage market. Launched in 2017 to a timeless design by Tim Heywood, this Amels 55m has been maintained to a high standard and enjoys an exceptional interior by Laura Sessa. LILI was built for those who aspire to develop an intimate emotional connection with the sea through her various design elements that allow for guests to make the most of this 55 meter vessel. 

Expansive plush living spaces are a defining characteristic of LILI’s interior. Entertaining areas, such as the main deck salon and dining area, can easily host dinner parties of ten. The versatile layout boasts a large master stateroom with a privatized Bridge Deck aft terrace; furthermore, the yacht offers five generously sized guest cabins. Amenities aboard include a fully equipped main deck gym, as well as a lower deck beach club with a steam room and a large selection of water toys.

Tim Heywood’s exterior design has allowed for vast deck spaces, such as LILI’s massive 175 square meter sun deck which offers al fresco dining for ten, as well as a four-metre counter-current Jacuzzi and extensive spaces for sunbathing. The main deck and swim platform also provide lavish large volume areas to enjoy whether at sea or at anchor. Under the deck, the 671 GT LILI is powered by twin MTU 2000 M70 engines outputting over 1050 KW each and giving her a top speed of 15.5kn and a range of 4,500 nautical miles at cruising speed.  Imperial has been appointed as Central Agent for the sale of LILI. She is available at an asking price of EUR 43,300,000 ex. VAT.

Image courtesy and copyright: Imperial Yachts