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

Watertone: A Sustainable Solution for a Variety of Skin Tones

Sustainability focused beauty brand, MAKE UP FOR EVER, has released WATERTONE, a beauty product focused on fans of natural beauty. Developed by professional Makeup Artists, the foundation with a range of 23 shades was created to meet the needs of all skin tones. Another highlight is the fact that WATERTONE is crafted without the use of animal derived ingredients. Packaged within a recyclable glass bottle with a removable cap that doubles as a palette, even the product’s paper packaging is sourced from sustainably managed forests. The product is formulated from ‘94% nature-derived ingredients’ and is 78% water based with under 1% fragrance.

WATERTONE features two unique complementary products that were also developed with a conscious for sustainability. The ARTISAN BRUSH #116 and WATETONE SPONGE were developed by the brand’s professional Makeup Artists to enhance the foundation’s performance. The artisan brush is constructed of a Beech-wood handle and synthetic-bristles, whereas the latex free sponge is crafted with water-activated materials to deliver an ideal finish. This unique and innovative product delivers on MAKE UP FOR EVER’s mission of sustainability and an inspiration for unique beauty.

Images courtesy: © Make Up For Ever

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

Discover The Unknown With Zino by Davidof

For those of you whom seek to discover the unknown, Swiss luxury tobacconist Davidoff has just the smoke for you. The family owned company founded more than a century ago, has re-launched the brands Zino cigar line, named for Davidoff’s eponymous founder, Zino Davidoff. Promising a Central American taste profile, the Zino line promises three formats suitable for “every occasion.”

“The new Zino brand is inspired by people who celebrate a lifestyle and state of mind driven by experiences, open-mindedness and an unwavering curiosity,” says Edward Simon, CMO at Oettinger Davidoff AG. “Zino Davidoff himself was a restless pioneer of the tobacco world and, when he set out to learn and gather experiences around the globe, he was only 19 years young.”

“While creating the new Zino cigar brand, we aimed to suit Zino Davidoff’s sense of discovery and spirit to live in the moment, and are very excited about the result. The blend of the new Zino Cigars is sure to
please those who look for earthy taste profiles with spices and some sweetness.”

With the relaunched range including three different models; including the Toro (50 x 6”); the Robusto (54 x 5”); and last but not least, the Short Torpedo (52 x 4 inches). The range, which is crafted to appeal to the tastes of “occasional aficionados” boasts a blend of fillers from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras. The medium bodied cigars are said to emit tastes of cream, fresh peppers, and milk coffee through a Nicaraguan binder and Ecuadorian wrapper

The packaging of Davidoff’s Zino line is particularly prominent, wrapped in a boastful yellow motif and available in in a cabinet box of 25 and four count freshpacks. A particular highlight of the freshpack is the ability to keep the cigars humidified for several weeks without a humidor, according to Davidoff. The Zino Cigar line which just made its return to the market this year is already catching the eyes of enthusiasts seeking handmade cigars with unusual taste profiles.

Images courtesy of: © Oettinger Davidoff AG 2021

An Interview with Chef Takeo Yamazaki of YOSHI

Chef Takeo Yamazaki has made YOSHI one of Monaco’s premiere dining establishments by pushing aside restaurants like Nobu, with his innovative approach to Japanese Cuisine. Yoshi’s selections of maki, nigiri, sashimi, and classic hot dishes bridge the gap between eastern and western flavors. The fruits of these efforts have resulted in YOSHI becoming the only Michelin Star Japanese restaurant in the region since 2010.

Located within the Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo, Yoshi’s exceptional cusine is complimented by a fine drink selection and a sober atmosphere. A menu of sakes and green teas were hand selected by the sommelier. YOSHI’s elegant dining room was designed by Didier Gomez and the menu of fresh local produce is served alongside a view of a Japanese-inspired garden. 

To learn more about Yoshi, we spoke with Chef Takeo on how YOSHI continues to wow their loyal following of patrons.

What is the inspiration behind YOSHI?

“My inspiration comes from my mentor Joël Robuchon who was in love with Japanese culture and gastronomy. We realised at the time that there was no great Japanese restaurant in the Côte d’Azur and we started to work on the concept of Yoshi.“

How do you balance traditional dishes while incorporating modern techniques?

“My passion is blending  traditional Japanese dishes with French delicacies. For example, adding Foie gras or caviar to an otherwise typical Japanese dish. You can use the Tataki, Agemono and tempura techniques and incorporate products that are European and make it a great plate.“

“So, I would say I use traditional techniques but with products that are not usually included in Japanese gastronomy. A great example of this is our wasabi puree which is a side dish that really pleases our guests. It’s interesting to integrate a very traditional Japanese product into a very popular dish like mashed potatoes.”

What elements do you believe set Yoshi apart from all of the other Japanese restaurants on the Riviera? 

“YOSHI has an amazing design with a Japanese style garden so it sets the tone when you enter. It is as if you were in Japan. YOSHI is also an intimate restaurant, which allows us to cater to our guests in a very personalized way. We are the only Japanese restaurant on the French Riviera to have been awarded a Michelin star since 2010 and this star still shines since we obtained it.“

What is the greatest challenge to maintaining a menu that appeals to both Western and Eastern palates?

“It is challenging; however, when we opened YOSHI, it was more of a challenge. Nowadays our clientele is well travelled and their palates have adapted to Japanese cuisine. They would be keener now to taste a traditional dish without having to adapt it to western palates. However sour flavors and gelatinous textures are still difficult for most Europeans.“

Have you always had a passion for European and Japanese flavours? 

“Yes, because I love to travel and find my inspirations through these moments where I go taste different restaurants around the world. It’s funny to see now that it’s common that Western dishes are reinvented into Japanese styles where Japanese ingredients get new foreign treatments and foreign ingredients get Japanese treatments, respectively.”

In a previous interview, you stated that if you were not a chef, then you would be an interior designer. With this in mind, how do you believe Yoshi’s remarkable design contributes to the overall dining experience?

“Yoshi is an experience and the design by Didier Gomez plays a big role in the contribution of our overall reputation. Visual presentation is an absolutely essential ingredient – it’s as much a part of the dining experience as the actual taste of the food.”

Images courtesy of Hotel Metropole

A Charitable Endeavor: The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The 70th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has raised an impressive $1.75 million for local charities. The event’s storied association with automotive history has made the event what some call the definitive Concours. This year’s Best of Show winner was a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier owned by The Keller Collection at The Pyramids in Petaluma, California. This particular 540K was joined by 38 former Best of Show winners at the Pebble Beach Golf Links’ lawn. “This Best of Show winner embodies so many sensational features—styling, speed, and performance. Unveiled at the Berlin Auto Show and built to rule the new German Autobahn in 1938, this rare automobile is truly an example of beautiful German design,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. The 540K, which was restored in 2006, faced significant competition from ‘Joanie & Scott Kriens’ 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Corsica Drophead Coupé; the 1966 Ferrari 365 P Pininfarina Berlinetta Speciale shown by RQ Collections; and Jonathan & Wendy Segal’s 1956 Maserati A6G Zagato Coupé.’

Origins of the 540K’s design begin in the 1920s with the introduction of motorways across Germany. The translation for Autobahn Kurier is Highway Kurier, the model was celebrated upon its release for revolutionary engineering and elongated design elements with nods to the legendary Silver Arrow Grand Prix cars. According to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Mercedes produced just two 540K Autobahn Kuriers. This particular example owned by The Keller Collection is the only surviving of the two produced, though most astonishingly is the fact that The Keller example includes its original equipment. The Best of Show award to the 540K, follows two previous wins for the Keller Collection at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The Keller Collection have claimed ‘a 1986 win with their 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster and a 2001 win with their 1930 Mercedes-Benz SS Erdmann & Rossi Roadster.’ “It’s my Triple Crown,” said Arturo Keller. “This is the only remaining car of its kind, and I am the second owner from new. It’s a very special car, and we are very happy.” This 540K marks the ninth win for Mercedes-Benz at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, effectively tying the marque with Bugatti for the most Best of Show wins at Pebble Beach.

After raising $1.75 million this year, the Pebble Beach Concours will have now provided over $32 million to charitable causes since its inception. Via distributions made through the Pebble Beach Company Foundation these proceeds will benefit more than 95 local organizations which work to better the lives of over 10,000 children in Monterey County. The 71st annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will honor the Lincoln and Talbot-Lago Grand Sport on Sunday, August 21st, 2022. For more information on the Pebble Beach Concours visit www.pebblebeachconcours.net

Images courtesy of: The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

A 350 Acre Luxury Horse Farm Heads to Auction Next Week

One of America’s most prominent Arabian equestrian farms is scheduled to be sold by Platinum Luxury Auctions without reserve on November 12th. Located just half an hour from Fayetteville, North Carolina, the 350 acre property includes an 11,000 square foot red-brick Georgian mansion. The property, called Butler Farm was previously listed for sale at $8 million USD, and includes amenities such as a 30,000+ square foot equestrian training facility.

Professional equestrians will benefit from a facility that include “offices, recreational areas, 66 stalls (plus 6 additional wash/grooming stalls), a dedicated breeding barn with 4 certified isolation stalls, a halter-schooling barn with open training area, a mare/isolation barn, 4 total arenas, and 2 large pasture shelters.” To house the farm’s much needed staff are 2 separate groom’s apartments in the barn’s upper-level living quarters. They include a 3-bedroom unit with 1 full bathroom and a separate 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit. 

The main Georgian residence includes just 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, with highlights such as a two story foyer with marble flooring imported from Turkey. From the foyer guests can access a plethora of living spaces, including the parlor, formal dining room, and large living room that opens to an elegant terrace. On the main level there is a sumptuous guest suite with sitting area and a spa like bath. In addition to the main residence, Butler Farm includes a 5,000 square foot billiards room with elegant French doors that open to a rear courtyard, which is ideal for entertaining. The impressive property offers a plentiful supply of water via 6 deep wells, capable of caring for both livestock and the farm’s 10 ponds, 5 of which were professionally designed. An open air pavilion on site is the perfect backdrop for a family reunion or large gala.

The property is said to have been tediously maintained and enjoys technological features, such as video surveillance, as well as automated lights and irrigation. The beautifully landscape grounds benefit from a grand entrance and driveway lined with Crepe Myrtle trees. A bronze splash fountain surrounded by custom landscaping fronts the barn beside elegant bronze horse statues, modeled after actual, champion horses raised on-site.

 Image Credit: Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty

Where Timeless Design Meets Harmonic Perfection The Beosound Emerge

For those of you who desire a rich and powerful audio experience, few stereos can compete with the design and sound quality of the Beosound Emerge. Designed for Bang & Olufsen by Benjamin Hubert of Design Agency Layer, the Beosound Emerge is a slim compact home speaker well suited for a variety of spaces.

“The vision for Beosound Emerge was to create the slimmest speaker possible that could still deliver full range, ultra-wide sound despite its size through its revolutionary driver configuration. Whether placed on a bookshelf in the bedroom or a tight corner of the kitchen, Beosound Emerge’s slim design allows you to extend your music to a new room or complement an existing speaker in the same area without taking up extra space”, says Christoffer Poulsen, Senior Vice President and Head of Product Management at Bang & Olufsen.

Built to last, the Beosound Emerge can be described as a marriage of noteworthy craftsmanship combined with a superfluous audio experience. The perfect object d’art to decorate the home or office of someone with a passion for design, craftsmanship, and music; the Emerge delights all the senses. The principal design inspiration for the Beosound Emerge was a book to allow for the speaker to look discretely at home on a modern bookshelf. A principle design element of the Emerge are its side panels, which wrap around the speaker like the boards of a book.

Incorporating warm materials inspired by modern interior decor was a core philosophy behind the Beosound Emerge’s design. With a range of material options including oak wood, woven Kvadrat, pearl blated aluminum, and black anthracite among others, the use of high quality materials is a hallmark of Bang & Olufsen’s product vision. This fundamental approach is also quite apparent in the way the Beosound Emerge is controlled. Located on top of the device is an interface with soft touch activated buttons; here the user can control the volume through a sensory circular interaction or easily pause their music or change the track

“As a studio, we like to build long-term partnerships with the brands we work with and Beosound Emerge is our second collaboration with Bang & Olufsen. The super slim speaker has been designed to minimise the physical footprint and maximise the audio output as a response to the real estate in people’s homes being at an unprecedented premium. At LAYER, we believe that technology should enable happiness but doesn’t necessarily need to be an expression in its own right, so it was equally important for us to create a new architectural format with a strong sculptural sensibility and a more domestic material palette that will stand out in the saturated audio market while seamlessly fitting into the home”, says Benjamin Hubert, founder of LAYER.

The Beosound Emerge also benefits from a host of multi-room functionalities with a built-in microphone for voice control along with the ability to support Apple Airplay 2. One of the great appeals of the device is that its built to last. Bang & Olufsen equipped the Beosound Emerge with a replaceable connectivity module. This advancement allows for the already well-equipped speaker to be updated with physical hardware advancements to ensure the product’s longevity. Available internationally as of this Fall, the Beosound Emerge is priced
from 599 Euros.

Images courtesy of: Bang & Olufsen

Discovering ASKA With Guy & Maki Kaplinsky: The Innovators of The Flying Car of The Future

Have you ever dreamed of owning a flying car? Well, Los Altos, California based start up ASKA is working on bringing that dream to life. Founded by husband and wife duo, Guy & Maki Kaplinsky, ASKA is working hard to deliver their flying cars to customers by 2026. Priced from $789,000 USD, The ASKA™ is defined as ‘an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) drive and fly vehicle.’ The thought behind the idea is a solution for individuals who need to work in the city, but have the flexibility to live in a more remote suburb. The Aska is said to allow owners to reside around 100 miles from an urban area and travel ‘into the city in 30 minutes or less!’ Guy Kaplinsky believes this will allow individuals to enjoy nature and affordable housing, while subsequently improving their quality of life.

“It’s taking people to the next level of flying,” says Guy. “A lot of people came from the automotive industry because they want to be in the air, but they like the convenience of the car. It’s like a project for you. You have to go to the airport, park your car, go fly, and then when you land you need to arrange another car, [such as] a taxi or go rent a car. It’s okay for the weekend, but [not] if it’s [on] a daily basis, [while] looking for or [going to] work. [It’s fine if] you want to be 10 miles away from your work, but if you want to be 50, 100, [or] 150 miles [away] and still be within 30 [minutes] to 1 hour, that’s the solution. Because you get there, get to your car [and] go someplace that you can takeoff [from]. You can takeoff from wherever a helicopter or an aircraft [can], so if you takeoff vertical it’s taking more energy, but if you go forward on the runway you can save up to 60-70% of the energy.”

“We introduced what we call ‘ASKA on The Fly’,” says Guy. “It’s a time share program so you don’t need to buy. Until now we were collecting pre-order, people want to own that [for] $789,000. There is [a] $5000 pre-order payment which is deposited in an escrow account, and 100% refundable after 1 year, [and] you get the option to receive one share in the company. That is for limited edition, so you can customize the interior and exterior. [There] is a new program where people just pre-order and say they want it from Tuesday to Wednesday, and you buy 50 hours, 20 hours, 250 hours a year and we maintain that for you. You book ASKA, and get the vehicle .”

Although a pilots license is required to operate the ASKA, requisite training for customers is included in the base price. Customization is also an important element at ASKA, clients will be able to configure their own personalized interior as well as selecting exterior colors. For those who are hesitant to commit to a nearly $800,000 full purchase can enjoy ASKA’s new timeshare/partial ownership service that makes the vehicle available to a wider audience of potential users. ASKA On The Fly is said to become the future online platform for summoning your ASKA through a web based portal if you decide to opt for partial ownership. A hallmark of this service will be the ability to access 24 hour booking data. Through this platform customers will be able to either pick up the vehicle at a central location or have it delivered to their home via VIP service. Another highlight of partial ownership is that a service team takes care of both maintenance and cleaning to ensure that your ASKA is always ready for use.

“We target consumers,” states Maki. “Through various designs, we have the same mission to drive, to fly, vertical takeoff and landing and short takeoff and landing. ASKA can make Air Mobility possible without relying on new infrastructure. ASKA can use the existing landing strips, parking spots, charging stations and gasoline stations; and that is how we are different from other eVTOLs. We are very excited to introduce ASKA to the luxury area of aircraft and cars. Hopefully this is going to be an exciting addition to their collection.”

“Its [weight] is about 5,000 pounds, and can fly up to 250 miles with the weight of 4 passengers,” says Guy. “And if with less people [you can have a greater range. Also, the selection of the batteries is the key issue for us to select the batteries that [are] very safe. So we went more into the direction of existing batteries that we know are safe to use. We don’t want to stress the batteries, [which] is why we are not yet ready for full electric because of safety issues. Because it’s [for] a consumer, you need a private pilot license, you need to learn 40 hours training and the cost for the training is included in the price. It’s very easy to fly, just like [piloting] a drone.”

An air mobility learning center is a cornerstone element of ASKA show room in Los Altos, at this location events are held through out the year for those who have joined the Founder’s Club by placing a $5,000 deposit for their future ASKA. Founders Club members meet every 3-5 months either at the showroom or online to learn about updates around the air mobility industry. According to ASKA, the deposit is held in an escrow account and becomes refundable after one year.