North American Premiere of the all-new Bugatti Chiron Sport

The new Sport variant of the Bugatti Chiron, following its debut at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show, just recently made its North America premier during this year’s New York International Auto Show.  Celebrating its first time in North America and in the Big Apple, the New York International Auto Show’s exhibition of the new Chiron Sport started on the 30th of March and lasted until the 8th of April.

Despite having no change in power and performance data, the Chiron Sport has made substantial progress in increased handling as well as far better dexterous maneuverability.  Bugatti even developed a dynamic handling package in order to lessen the weight of the car by roughly 40 pounds.  This resulted in the Chiron Sport achieving greater cornering speeds and even making it possible to do a complete lap around the Nardò handling circuit in the south of Italy a whole 5 seconds faster than the Chiron.  And you should know the Nardò circuit was the perfect testing ground to assess the Chiron’s capabilities to its utmost potential; it was undeniably the ideal track for the sports car to execute its handling to the upper limit even at cornering speeds in excess of 200 km/h.

“We have developed the Chiron Sport for customers wanting an even sportier driving experience with their Chiron, with improved lateral dynamics on winding roads,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. “What was important for us was to leave unchanged the unique character of the Chiron, its combination of ultimate performance, longitudinal acceleration and maximum speed with luxury, comfort and everyday usability.”

One of the most obvious distinctions between the characteristics of the Chiron Sport and the standard Chiron version are the new wheel design specs as well as the new four-pipe exhaust deflector.  Furthermore, the Chiron Sport comes with an optional colour and trim package to offer prospective customers unhindered customization to suit their individual preference.  You can make your own Chiron Sport look as sporty as possible, and look to the Chiron Sport on show in Geneva to get inspired as it features all the available options.  Specifications include: Fuel consumption, l/100km: urban 35.2 /extra urban 15.2 /combined 22.5; CO2 emissions, combined, g/km: 516; efficiency class: G

“The Chiron Sport has become perceptibly more nimble and its new agility, especially in tight corners makes for a much more emotional experience for the driver on winding roads and handling circuits,” Winkelmann continues.

The Chiron is the most superlative production super sports car ever built by Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. to date.  Crowned the ultimate production vehicle, the Chiron distributes a massive power output of 1,500 HP, an incredible high torque value of 1,180 ft-lb from between 2,000 to 6,000 rpm and a wide range of advanced technical features.  The Chiron embodies not only speed, but also luxury to increase the overall thrill and comfort the ride has to offer.  By joining together both luxury and speed, the Chiron has transformed into a vehicle of unrivaled proportions; be its one of a kind concept or its outstanding ability to be the best in everything all the while leaving out nothing of importance, the Chiron is truly worthy of being the world’s most complete super sports car.  Because of how the Chiron is already perfect with excessive power and performance data, the changes needed for the Sports version is minimal, though, the handling has had immense improvement.

As the first manufacturer to develop a carbon fibre windscreen wiper, Bugatti developed the current windscreen wiper arms on the Chiron Sport, which created quite the striking feature.  Being the first production car to harbor windscreen wiper arms contrived from carbon fibre, the Chiron Sport has become a perfect example of innovativeness.  Additionally, this new feature makes it unnecessary for Bugatti to employ articulated joints that would typically be used on standard wipers.  The purpose for such joints are not needed because there is joints already fused inside the carbon fibre of the wiper arms.  These carbon fibre wipers are 77 percent (1.4 kg) lighter than their predecessor versions, which is a result of aluminium on the wiper arm tips that were created by a weight-saving 3-D printing process.  The Chiron Sport’s carbon fibre windscreen wipers not only enhance the overall look of the car, but also improve the aerodynamic capabilities as well.

The dynamic handling package with stiffer suspension and new Dynamic Torque Vectoring function makes the Chiron Sport far more superior than the standard Chiron version in a contest of speed.  A significant modification on the Sport is that it has a weight reduction of 18 kilograms, causing it to be extremely nimble on the road.  This package introduces a new control plan for the shock absorbers that perform a complete 10 percent more stiffly than on the standard Chiron.  In addition, the steering has been adjusted without omitting its superlative performance.

The car’s rear-axle differential has been upgraded and now includes a Dynamic Torque Vectoring function that distributes torque  separately to each of the wheels in order to enhance the Sport’s steering capabilities, such as its behavior and agility.  This shows signifiant improvement in efficiency, which is most noticeable when making tight curves, and is practical in every driving mode.

The new “Course” alloy wheel rims and the new exhaust deflector, which cast away the rectangular design used on the Chiron in favor of four round tailpipes, is a very distinguishable feature.  In addition, the “Sport” logo is seen on the door sill strips and there is also an insert on the central console with an embellished “Chiron Sport” logo.

The colour trim options include a traditional duo-tone colour pattern for the body of the car.  The A-colour at the back of the Chiron Sport is evident by grey carbon while the Italian Red paintwork at the front reflects the B-colour.  Furthermore, aside from Italian Red, there is “French Racing Blue”, the silver tone “Gris Rafale” and a dark grey “Gun Powder”.

The Chiron Sport features a mostly black interior, with even the controls of the car in a black anodised finish.  The steering wheel and selector level, however, are covered in luxurious suede leather.  The interior was styled with just three materials: alcantara was used for the roof liner as well as the A-pillar and sun blinds, the rear wall trim, the sill trims, the lower part of the central console, the insides of the seat side cushions and the boot lining.  Smooth leather is applied for the seats, the inside door trims, the armrest, insert of the central console, the airbag container on the steering wheel, and the islands on the dashboard with the instrument cluster trim.  The last material used in the interior is the dashboard itself, the door trims, the rears of the backrests and the steering column sheltering made from uncovered carbon fibre.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin at the end of the year with a base price of €2.65 million or $3.26 million in the US market, which also covers transport, customs duties, taxes and fees.  However, provided that you include the optional colour trim package, such as the one on show in Geneva, it would reach a price of €2.98 million (US market: $3.672 million), making it presumably one of the most expensive production cars of the year.

For more information visit:  Bugatti.com

Images courtesy © 2018 Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

Philately Meets Fashion In Lebanon

To all you stamp collectors, there’s a possible new addition to your collection! A stamp represents a country; it represents its history and its culture. When collecting all of these different pieces, it’s as important as collecting a bunch of paintings. It’s a collection filled with so much culture and information about different countries and populations.

When thinking about culture, you think about the literature of the country, about its art forms, or its music. Fashion is immediately on the mind. From their traditional costumes to the new designers coming up, fashion has a great part in a country’s accomplishments and memories.

On the 29^th of March, Lebanon took a step and officially added Fashion in the culture behind the stamp. Liban Post, the official post office of Lebanon, commemorated the Lebanese designer, Elie Saab with a stamp in his name.

“It was a way for the country to honor his accomplishments and all of his work”, says model Cindy Bruna.

 

Caroline Daur, Elie Saab, Cindy Bruna – Liban Post

Being a post office, one of Liban Post’s main jobs is to deliver any Lebanese package to the world. Elie Saab, through his remarkable designs, did the same in delivering “Lebanon” to the world.

The stamp was purely designed by Elie Saab himself, following all of the brand’s rules. It was named “Elie Saab, Le Timbre” (Le Timbre meaning “The Stamp” in French).

As for the event itself, it was held at Beit Beirut, an old house in the middle of Beirut that was destroyed during the civil war. By planning the event there; it was a way to honor Lebanon, its history and its culture in every way possible.

Beit Beirut was fully designed by the Elie Saab team with different works, pictures and information displayed around. It was as if one was walking into an Elie Saab exhibition, gaining so much knowledge about the designer.

Beit Beirut – Liban Post

The unveiling of Elie Saab Le Timbre by Liban Post was an event that did more than it had to. It gave people a chance to be part of a point in history: where fashion meets philately in Lebanon, a chance to see culture be appreciated, and lastly observe and learn about the beautiful designs of Elie Saab.

The Unveiling of the stamp: Khalil Daoud, PM Saad El Hariri, Elie Saab – Liban Post

Jack Barclay Bentley in London is Reborn

The automotive showroom icon, Jack Barclay Bentley, located in the Mayfair neighborhood of London, has just reopened as of last month after a painstaking multi-million-pound renovation, which has given new life to the world’s oldest Bentley dealership. Clients who plan to visit the newly refurbished space will immediately notice the more airy modern design that also incorporates its historic persona into a contemporary layout, which will improve the overall client experience. The finished product truly blends well with the gallery and boutique filled streets that make up the neighborhood the showroom resides in.

One of the most impressive additions to Jack Barclay Bentley include a central leather accented bar and private room for clients to customize or spec their future Bentley. The dealership which is operated by H.R. Owen deals with several premium auto brands in addition to Bentley, yet also provides after market services such as Insurance Services and Chauffeur Drive.

Jack Barclay Bentley Brand Director, John Stone, comments: “Jack Barclay Bentley is true British institution and a real icon for both Bentley and the UK as a whole. Customers come to Mayfair from around the world to savour the Jack Barclay Bentley experience, and thanks to this stunning refurbishment, we can ensure they continue to enjoy the best service available. We are very excited to open our doors once again and plan to use the space to the full by hosting some fantastic events throughout the year.”

Aside from all of the marvelous updates, longtime customers will be able to rest assured that many original design elements have been incorporated harmoniously into the Showroom’s current layout, such as the quintessential art-deco signage, chequered floor, and stunning wood panelling.

Images courtesy of: Bentley Motors

Living Luxe in Miami

In sunny Miami, there’s no shortage of new development properties offering sleek architecture, modern interiors, and beach front views; but, there are few that amaze quite like these two.

Penthouse 5101, Biscayne Beach Residences 

Firstly, this penthouse offers stunning, nearly-panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and, in the distance, Miami Beach. Listed at $9,453,900, it also features a private rooftop pool, summer kitchen, sauna in the master bath, and over 10,000 square feet of living space. The space includes four bedrooms, five bathrooms and two half baths, a den, and a study. Represented by The Elmir Group, the penthouse is on the top floor of the Biscayne Beach Residences. The building, designed by renowned interior designer Thom Felicia, is one of the premiere luxury buildings in the city. It offers residents premium access to a residential spa with a sauna, a steam room, a blow-dry bar and massage treatment rooms, a fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows, a 24-hour concierge, and a beach club compete with private cabanas, volleyball courts, and a sanded area.

7311 Belle Meade Island Drive 

This L-shaped property in the gated community of Belle Meade Island is brand new, from the ground up. The over 7,000 square foot space offers a vestibule with soaring 20 foot ceilings, modern fittings, and an open concept layout. It is also outfitted with SAVANT smart home technology, so the home’s amenities can be monitored through an iPad. Alongside the seven bedrooms, den and 6 ½ bathrooms, the home has a gorgeous water-facing deck, an outdoor pool, and a private dock. Listed at $8.45 million, the home defines modern luxury.

Images courtesy of: Alicia Rivas at Levy Public Relations

Bang & Olufsen Releases The BeoVision Eclipse Wood Edition

Bang & Olufsen, which was founded in 1925 by the two audio reproduction innovators Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen, have now created yet another revolutionary product for the audio and motion picture industries with the release of the BeoVision Eclipse Wood Edition: “the latest variant of the world’s best sounding TV.”  Utilizing the latest 4K HDR OLED screen technology, the BeoVision Eclipse Wood Edition features an elegant handmade speaker cover in oak, which gives off a sophisticated and warmhearted feeling to the ambiance of any kind of home.

Designed by award-winning Torsten Valeur – David Lewis Designers, the new BeoVision Eclipse Wood Edition offers stunning oak to complement its slender frame and sleek aluminum components; as it also simultaneously pays homage to Bang & Olufsen’s time-honored use of wood elements in their products.  Senior Concept Lead from Bang & Olufsen Kresten Bjørn Krab-Bjerre agrees with this statement as he later goes on saying that: “We feel obliged to keep innovating the use of a material that has played an integral part in our products since 1925. Oak is a material that patinates beautifully, and by adding this option to our flagship TV we reinforce our commitment to provide people with the flexibility to match our designs to their personal interior style.”

Ever since the company was started, it has turned into a symbol of the highest grade performance and the forefront of design; a name that fully commits to its history in traditional craftsmanship and highly advanced tech R&D.  Long-standing as one of the most prominent domestic technology innovators of our time, Bang & Olufsen has been rapidly expanding their reaches by integrating its audio and video solutions, which were primarily utilized at home, to the hospitality and automotive industries.  For example, Bang & Olufsen’s latest products that relate to media and audio functions used in your home can now be seen in the car while on the go.

Merging the best of two worlds

The BeoVision Eclipse incorporates Bang & Olufsen’s remarkable design, high-quality craftsmanship and impressive acoustic capabilities together with LG Electronics’ technological expertise on OLED TV mechanics, which encompassed their webOS and 4K video processing capabilities.  Combined with a 450 watt 3-channel SoundCentre, the TV features both stereo performance and center channel control, which makes it superior to most integrated solutions and soundbars presently available in the market.  Furthermore, the BeoVision Eclipse also includes music streaming services and built-in internet radio, which alone make it a music system in a class of its own.

The BeoVision Eclipse comes with a motorized floor stand underneath.  Just a press of a button, and the TV is able to move across the floor so silently that it looks as if it is hovering towards your direction.  The stand can even turn 90 degrees to either side with a touch of a button, which allows for a more enjoyable viewing experience and a good way for it to blend with the room’s decor.  Additionally, besides having the motorized floor stand, BeoVision Eclipse can be mounted on the wall with a motorized manual bracket.

The BeoVision Eclipse Wood Edition is currently available in two different sizes.  The first is the 55” version that retails for a suggested price of DKK 68,995 / USD 10,995 / EUR 9,095 / GBP 8,195.  The other is the 65” version, which has a suggested retail price of DKK 95,995 / USD 15,995 / EUR 12,795 / GBP 11,495.  In addition, owners of the BeoVision Eclipse can also purchase a separate speaker cover for a proposed retail price of DKK 7,595 / USD 1,295 / EUR 995 / GBP 895.

The brand new BeoVision Eclipse Wood Edition as well as the separate speaker cover will be available for customers in any Bang & Olufsen store worldwide, starting from the beginning of April 2018.  However, aluminium and fabric covers for BeoVision Eclipse are currently available at Bang & Olufsen stores.

For more information about Bang & Olufsen’s new BeoVision Eclipse, visit:  Bang-Olufsen.com/BeoVision-Eclipse

Connect on Facebook:  bangolufsen
Connect on Instagram:  @bangolufsen

Images Courtesy of: Bang & Olufsen

An Interview With Alex Assouline

Alex Assouline carries himself differently than most people his age. At first impression, it takes a second to remember that he’s only in his mid-twenties. When I met him in his office one afternoon, he greets me in a three piece suit, immediately apologizing for making me wait an extra three minutes. He’s had a busy day, he explains. I, however, hadn’t even noticed those three minutes as, sitting in the lobby, I’m intrigued by the gorgeous coffee table books that surround me. Highlighted in a striking red, all-encompassing book case, the titles catch my attention. Dior. Chanel. Bentley. Vintage Cars. Up next, he tells me, is a book with design family Missoni. But, it’s not the book you’d expect: it’s a cookbook. It’s unique, and it’s on brand with Assouline, the publishing company Alex’s parents started that records culture in an elegant, timeless way.

Our conversation took us through some of that culture, with more upcoming additions to the Assouline catalogue, his passion project, and his fashion inspirations.

For those of us who are not already familiar with your family’s publishing house, give us an introduction to Assouline and your role within the company.

“So Assouline is a nearly 25 year old coffee table book publisher. We specialize in books about art, lifestyle and culture. I joined a few years ago after working in consulting. I’m now the director of marketing, and I work a lot on interior design, where I curate libraries, especially in New York.”

Other than the Missoni book, can you tell us what’s coming up for you? 

“I’m working on a fantastic book on [Azzedine] Alaia, who passed away a few months ago. It’s a very dear project to me because he was my godfather. We’re working on a special edition as well, leather bound with three different covers. It’s going to be a good homage.”

Tell me about the process of curating a library.

“So I started that a few months ago as an organic extension of what I was doing, but just on the side. So I met with a friend of mine for lunch and she was working on a building with her family as well, and she was just saying that she needed a space where–she needed a library, you know? She needed a space where people could just sit down and unplug from everything and feel safe and troubles with their minds are gone. And it just was a perfect fit, so I started one there, at The Shephard with the Naftali Group. Then I started having some requests, from word of mouth, and then started to structure it as a part of the business. So I go to a very specific place, whether it’s a hotel, restaurant, office, apartment or amenities for a library building, I just study the place, the neighborhood, the tenants, who goes there and their interests, and after a few days or weeks I just come up with something. A little drawing, a proposition. It’s a passion at this point.”

I can tell. 

“It’s my own thing. Something I developed that I’m happy about and proud of. It’s kind of the extension, when you have a family business, that you need to find your area to develop, while still being in the family business. And I found it, so I can have my own thing on the side.”

So let’s talk about style. Do you have a style philosophy? Do you have some icons you look up to? 

“I just saw a documentary on Gianni Agnelli. It absolutely changed my philosophy of fashion. It was so interesting because this guy was super well dressed, and he wasn’t scared of going his own way and his own style. Like putting the watch over the cuff, for example. And he did it in such a stylish way, that’s very inspiring. There’s no real boundary that you have to set for your style.

I like to wear suits. I feel good in a suit, I feel comfortable in a suit, which may sound a bit not genuine, but to me I really feel comfortable. You need to present yourself in a way that people can receive well. It’s an action of respect as well. I keep t-shirts for Sundays.”

Where are some of your favorite places to buy suits? 

“I have the two extremes. I have a tailor in Hong Kong that comes once a year or once every two years. So I just see everything, all the patterns that I can do. I’m very into plaid, so I’m very experimental in that way. So that’s fun. And then, I have a store in Paris where I buy most of my suits called Wicket. I trust them, I know every time I go I’m going to leave with a couple. It’s exactly my taste. In New York, I just buy my shirts at Brooks Brothers. Cufflinks, only vintage and on eBay. And suspenders as well, only on eBay. I have a big collection of suspenders. I’m very proud of it. I used to go on eBay and start betting on crazy suspenders and I would try to get a pair once a week. I cannot stop, but I don’t have space anymore.”

Do you have any brands of suspenders that we would recognize? 

“There’s vintage Ralph Lauren and there’s Trafalgar. These are the only two I find, but when I go to a vintage store or something, I might stumble upon something unusual, but it’s very rare. It’s not really in today’s culture, even to carry in vintage stores.”

Where did your love of suspenders come from? 

“That’s the thing. I didn’t see them anywhere, and I wanted to have something different. I wanted them with different colors, like an accessory that wasn’t something you couldn’t see on everyone. I wanted to build my own identity from that.”

What about timepieces?

“I don’t like extravagant or showy timepieces. I love my Cartier Tank because it’s meaningful to me. I got it when I was 18, and there was a big story behind it. My father, when he was an assistant and he was 18, saw it on his boss at the time in an elevator. And he said, “wow, this is what I want for my son one day.” And he got it for me when I was 18. So I just keep it at all times.”

Take me through a day in your life. 

“I wake up at 6:30 or 7, depending on what I did the night before. Then I jump on my rowing machine for about 20 or 30 minutes. I have to do that every day because it keeps my body moving at all times. It gives me the right energy. Then I have a big glass of water, shower, go to the office, meet with my team around 9 or 9:30. I try to separate my day around the tasks in the aspects of marketing or the library or communications. Mostly, I start with working on the new products we’re going to release–for example, we’re working on bookstands, candles. Then I answer e-mails for partnerships that we’re doing, and work on marketing products for books–how to make the book come to life. And then quick lunch with my parents to debrief about what’s happening in the company. And after that go back to the office, until I finish the day and I take out my pencil and I just draw a library. For a client or just to practice. I leave the office around 7 or 7:30, depending on whether I have a drink with a client, or dinner, which usually happens.”

What’s your favorite drink? 

“I’m in my spicy margarita with salt phase. I don’t know how long that’s going to last. But, usually, I love a pisco sour. It’s a Peruvian drink made of pisco, lime juice, sugar and egg whites and a bit of tabasco.”

What do you feel like is different about New York? 

“What I see the most is the energy and the willingness for people to achieve. That’s a pretty cool trait.”

You can follow Alex on Instagram at @alexassouline and Assouline at @assouline. Assouline is on Twitter at @AssoulinePub.

Featured photo courtesy of: Assouline, by Josh Deveaux.

Dior Takes Canada

There’s no doubt about it: Christian Dior is legendary. And so, in a special exhibit at the Patricia Harris Gallery at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, the French designer is celebrated in an exhibition of beauty, elegance and, of course, fashion.

Check out some photos from the exhibition below:

For more information visit:  www.rom.on.ca/en/dior

Oceanco Unveils Their New and Innovative 115-Metre Tuhura

Unveiled during the Dubai International Boat Show, one of Oceanco’s most recent projects “the new 115 metre Tuhura” has proven itself as a yacht of unparalleled innovativeness that also reflects upon a design of forgone ages.  This groundbreaking super yacht is the result of a brilliant collaboration with the Lobanov Design studio, BMT Nigel Gee and interior designer Achille Salvagni; with Lobanov Design doing the exterior of the vessel, BMT on the naval architecture, and Achille Salvagni obviously engaging in its interior design.

Tuhura is in a league of its own, from an unconventional exterior design to a contemporary interior layout.  Its outer design is reminiscent of the early phases of canoes, in which it brings forth an archaic style to the vessel.  The idea of returning an ancient concept to the yacht was precisely for giving it an impression of voyaging to the unknown and seeking pure adventure.  In fact, the name “Tuhura” is adopted from the Maori verb, which meant to discover, ascertain, bring to light, and explore.

“Our Tuhura is a simple idea,” explains Igor Lobanov, “The thought was to take a natural shape similar to those seen in the earliest canoe-type craft and augment it multifold to a larger scale, using modern technology.”

The exterior design of Tuhura by Lobanov is incredibly flexible as it blends perfectly with the interior in such a way that allows the yacht to be designed seamlessly at a size anywhere from 80 to 120 metres in length.  The beauty of this design is that it could be adjusted to a yacht size of your preference, which is quite helpful for those looking for a “Tuhura” in their own specifications.

“This is a technically challenging and intriguing project,” says Dirk de Jong, Commercial Director at Oceanco. “It is 180-degrees different from our previous two yacht collaborations with Lobanov Design studio, the 86m launched in 2013 and the 110m Jubilee launched just last year. Yet Tuhura is still 100 percent Oceanco DNA.”

Cutting-edge technology can be seen throughout the yacht’s 115 metres (377 feet), which emphasized the level of innovation with the primal exterior design.  Numerous horizontal windows were added onto the hull, which employed avant-garde glass technology with countless dots that lets the view from the inside to be entirely clear, whereas from the exterior, the windows fully blend among the colour of the hull, thus masking its presence on the outside.  In addition, more glass features can be integrated to Tuhura’s black superstructure, of which is inclusive of flat glass paneling.

As referred to as a “brushed Teak habitat” by Achille Salvagni, the interior design of Tuhura (mainly the floors, walls, and ceiling) gathered inspiration from East Asia and the Pacific islands.  This “brushed Teak habitat” introduced thin reveals in gunmetal and natural bronze with tatami floors throughout the interior.  “Tuhura is a megayacht conceived for a dynamic owner, nevertheless the timeless sense of peace and calmness are the main characteristics,” stated Salvagni. “This softness and dynamicity are reflected in the humble elegance and sensuality of the primitive organic shapes echoed throughout.”

The ship’s hull as well as its propulsion system, have both been developed together with the collaboration of BMT.  Thanks to its uncomplicated form, the hull has lowered resistance, natural adeptness, high endurance, and top-notch maneuverability.  Because of how the current propulsion systems were too difficult in setting up on the yacht’s canoe like form, the BMT team instead chose to go with a hybrid Azipod® CRP (contra-rotating) propulsion system from ABB.

James Roy, Yacht Design Director at BMT, stated, “The hybrid CRP system is inherently efficient and perfectly suited to the canoe form, there is a synergy between the efficiency of the hull form, and that of the propulsion system, leading to a yacht which marries an evolutionary simple hull with an evolutionary advanced propulsion system”

The creation of Tuhura can also be contributed to LuxLab, the custom design label from Van Berge Henegouwen (VBH), which joined the team to provide the yacht with the latest leading-edge technology from bow to stern.  To turn Tuhura into a technologically advanced vessel, not only were controls for HVAC, lighting, audio, video, curtains, and others added, but controls for monitoring preferences, such as temperature and music, will also be available for her owner’s enjoyment.  Another unique part about the ship is that there are plans underway for the creation of a 360° room.  So, it could be said that the 115-metre Tuhura is the perfect sailing vessel for thrill seekers and innovators alike.

Images courtesy of: Oceanco/Lobanov Design

Talking Art: Interview with Dale Lewis

Dale Lewis is undeniably one of the most talented as well as creative up and coming abstract British artists of today; his work is awe inspiring and thought provoking, reaching deep into the mind of the viewer and bringing out emotions they may not have known they possessed.

One of Mr. Lewis’ latest shows, titled “Fat, Sugar and Salt”, brings together a collection of mural sized paintings which breathe life into the depiction of comical grotesque scenes of contemporary, lower class, urban existence packaged inside a quintessentially British set of modern dark humor.  The end result of viewing Lewis’ work can best be described as unforgettable.

Far flung from his days as a studio assistant to Damien Hirst and Raqib Shaw, where he worked on kaleidoscope and photorealist paintings; Lewis, now fueled by his absorption of past memories, paints in a frantic style of work that is often compared to that of the likes of David Hockney and Jean-Michel Basquiat. 

What has been the inspiration for some of your most recent works?

“The latest body of work shown at Edel Assanti was based on my home in East London, after spending quite a lot of time away last year I thought I’d focus more on what I see in my immediate surroundings.”

What does it mean to you to be a quintessentially British artist? What is your viewpoint in regards to the Art Scene in London today?

“There is lots of British humour in my work and looking at very ordinary day to day life of people that I’m surrounded by. I don’t think much of the art scene, it’s more important to look at life in general rather than look at what everybody else is doing.”

Take us through a day in the life of Dale Lewis.

“It’s quite ordinary. I wake up naturally and slowly make my way to the studio along the canal and think about what I’ll do when I get there. Arriving in the studio, I have some breakfast and start painting. I usually paint til quite late in the evening and drink wine and look at what I’ve made today. I’m usually filthy at the end of the day and head home to spend an hour or so in the bath before going to bed.”

Your work consistently explores both dark humor and religious references, which ultimately provokes and develops deep thought and emotion within the mind of the viewer, if there is just one thing that a viewer takes away with them from your work what would you like that to be?

“I would just like them to remember it. Or see something they see in their own life reflected back at them.”

How has your own London neighborhood helped inspire your paintings that depict scenes of the reality of urban life?

“I live in a very poor, miserable part of East London where I see people drinking in the morning. There is rubbish everywhere and people not doing very much, and I like that. No ambition and no future.”

Are there any artists in particular that have influenced you most?

“Yeah, probably Rose Wylie, she’s a real hero. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know her over the last few years. I find her work very freeing and enjoyable.”

Are there any other mediums outside of spray paint/acrylic on canvas that you are looking to explore further in the future?

“Not really. I’m a traditional painter. I like the smell of the paint. I like how oil moves and how instant spray paint is. It suits my often frantic way of working.”

Range Rover SV Coupe Makes its Debut at The Geneva Motor Show

It has been nearly 50 years since Land Rover introduced the luxury SUV segment known as Range Rover.  However, now in March of this year during the Geneva Motor Show, an amazing new addition to the class was presented as the world’s first full-size SUV Coupe: the limited-edition, two-door, Range Rover SV Coupe.

The SV Coupe has proven to be a masterful creation by Land Rover Design and Special Vehicle Operation; it is inherent of Range Rover as it offers oustanding capabilities, exemplary craftsmanship and superior design elements.  This new SUV Coupe, which boasts the next generation of cabin luxury, is quite proficient in a variety of terrains as well as in many different weather conditions.  Demonstrating the sheer exclusivity of the vehicle, it will be brilliantly hand-crafted and limited to approximately 999 examples.

“The introduction of the new SV Coupe brings a new level of individual expression to the Range Rover portfolio and builds on the success of Special Vehicle Operations’ existing bespoke Range Rover program,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director. “Feedback from SV clients who have already seen the vehicle in confidential commissioning sessions has been overwhelmingly positive.”

With its luxurious interior finishes, sleek outer appearance and stellar high-performance capabilities, the Range Rover SV Coupe is synonymous of the words: elegance and speed.  Being a new addition to the Range Rover family, the SV Coupe can be easily recognized by its signature floating roof, unimpeded waistline and acicular tail, yet also has its own distinctive features.

The Range Rover SV Coupe integrates the panoramic roof, which allows for light to flood the cabin area, with its elegant power-close doors accompanying frameless glass to bring about a tranquil, contemporary and spirited atmosphere.  The cabin features heated and cooled 20-way electrically alterable front and 10-way electrically adjustable rear seats, seats available in Semi-Aniline leather from a single tannery established in 1905 and a one of a kind gradated diamond quilt design.  In addition to having much wider and deeper seats, which only increase the level of comfort, the SV Coupe introduced three elegant wood veneer choices (Nautica, Natural Black Ash and Santos Palisander) for the door casing, steering wheel rim, loadspace floor, instrument panel and central console.

“The Range Rover SV Coupe is a celebration of the Range Rover Bloodline,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover. “With a dramatic two-door silhouette, this breath-taking four-seat Coupe alludes to its unique heritage while being thoroughly modern and contemporary. Beautifully realized and superbly engineered, the Range Rover SV Coupe delivers the most distinguished, luxurious and exclusive Range Rover ever built.”

Powered by a vigorous 557 hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 powertrain, which is the most powerful engine presently available on the full-size Range Rover, the SV Coupe is unquestionably the fastest-ever full-size Range Rover.  Being fitted with extremely high performance capabilities, the SV Coupe can go not-to-60 in just 5.0 seconds (0-100 kmh in 5.3 seconds) and reach a top speed of 165 mph (265 kmh).  Furthermore, the vehicle has the 1700w, 23-speaker, Meridian™ 3D Signature Sound System paired with dual-channel subwoofer installed, which features Trifield™ 3D technology to allow for an unrivaled listening experience.

Every single Range Rover SV Coupe will be hand-assembled by specialists at the SVO Technical Center in the UK, which happens to be a first for the British marque.  “As you’d expect from Range Rover, the engineering integrity in the SV Coupe is more than skin deep. This is a meticulously honed vehicle that’s designed for SV clients who love driving,” said Mark Stanton, Special Vehicle Operations Director.

In comparison to the standard Range Rover model, the suspension of the SV Coupe is adjusted to become more driver-oriented with ride height reduced by 0.31 inches (8 mm), thus staying completely repressed and complacent.  The car includes the same dominant all-terrain capabilities as other Range Rovers, along with nearly three feet (900 mm) of maximum wading depth and a upper-limit towing intake of 7,716 lbs.  The SV Coupe also features a new 23-inch wheel option that expresses the body of the SUV in never before seen proportions.

Clients have the option of four opposing front-to-rear interior colorways as well as various single-tone interior color layouts.  As for the exterior appearance of the car, it was meticulously given a body color that is counterbalanced by the side vent and grille designs.

“Accentuating Range Rover SV Coupe’s proportions, and available as a unique feature for the first time, the new Contour Graphic is created by applying a contrasting paint to the flanks of the vehicle,” said McGovern. “Starting at the side vent, it flows rearwards and around to the opposite vent, and offers customers the opportunity to further personalize their specification.”

The exterior paint colors come in an array of eight tones and available in gloss or satin finish.  Four of these said tones are newly introduced to Range Rover: Constellation, Parallax, Liquesence and Obsidian; and the other four derived from the SV Premium Palette: Ethereal, Flux, Valloire and Desire.  The colors are further specified into one-of-four exclusive duo-tone gloss Contour Graphic options: Valloire/Flux, Valloire/Ethereal, Parallax/Ethereal, Obsidian/Desire.  Clients can also chose one-of-five SV paint finish options: pearlescent, tinted clear coat, tri-coat, ChromaFlair™ and satin matte.

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What’s sure to give customers the most memorable Range Rover experience are their choice of seven design packs that include exterior paint, bespoke badges and interior elements specially hand-picked by the Jaguar Land Rover Design team.  These design packs range from a ‘Modernist’ theme comprising of an Ethereal Silver exterior paint with a Liquesence finish and Rose Gold, Chrome Knurled badges to a ‘Heritage’ theme, which consists of a Modern Luxury Green exterior paint color and Vintage Tan front seats with Ebony rear seats.  This all allows the customer to have the most creative customization possible for his or her Range Rover SV Coupe.

The Range Rover SV Coupe is priced from $295,000 in the U.S. with sales expected to begin at the fourth quarter of 2018.

For more information visit:  LandRoverUSA.com/range-rover-sv-coupe

Images courtesy of LandRoverUSA.com