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- Auberge Collection Announces Auberge Safari
Auberge Safari : The Ultimate Luxury Safari Experience Redefining Tanzania Nine Extraordinary Sanctuaries. One Unforgettable Journey into Africa’s Wild Soul. Luxury travel has entered a remarkable new era. With the launch of Auberge Safari, the prestigious Auberge Collection unveils its very first African chapter, introducing an exceptional portfolio of nine luxury camps and lodges set across Tanzania’s most breathtaking wilderness. More than a new destination, Auberge Safari is an invitation to rediscover the very essence of exploration where conservation, authenticity and refined hospitality merge into one extraordinary experience. A New Definition of Luxury in the Heart of Tanzania Stretching from the legendary plains of the Serengeti to the pristine shores of Lake Manyara, Auberge Safari brings together two of East Africa’s most respected safari pioneers Legendary Expeditions and Chem Chem Safari. The result is an unparalleled collection of exclusive properties, each preserving its own identity while embracing Auberge Collection’s philosophy: luxury rooted in place, culture and meaningful human connection. Here, every journey is intentionally crafted rather than simply planned. Private guides, tailor-made itineraries, exclusive wildlife encounters and intimate cultural experiences transform each safari into a deeply personal adventure. Where the Great Migration Becomes a Front-Row Experience Guests enjoy privileged access to one of nature’s greatest spectacles the Great Migration following millions of wildebeest and zebras throughout every stage of their incredible journey. Beyond the migration, travelers encounter Tanzania’s iconic Big Tusker elephants, elusive leopards, tree-climbing lions and abundant wildlife in some of Africa’s most protected ecosystems. Whether exploring remote landscapes on foot, enjoying private game drives or sharing unforgettable moments beneath endless star-filled skies, every experience is designed around exclusivity and authenticity. Nine Extraordinary Properties Across Tanzania Each Auberge Safari destination tells its own story. Mwiba Lodge offers secluded luxury overlooking the Greater Mwiba Protected Wildlife Area, blending spectacular safari adventures with authentic encounters alongside the Hadzabe and Datoga communities. Mwiba Plains immerses guests in the ancient calving grounds of the Great Migration, where thousands of newborn wildebeest begin their first journey into the wild. In the Western Serengeti, Mila celebrates the timeless romance of classic safari life with intimate tented accommodations overlooking lion territory. Further north, Nyasi and Songa place guests at the heart of the dramatic Mara River crossings, delivering unrivalled views of one of the world’s most iconic wildlife events. Near Arusha, Legendary Lodge provides an elegant sanctuary nestled within a historic coffee estate, offering the perfect beginning or ending to an unforgettable safari. Meanwhile, the celebrated Chem Chem Collection continues to redefine luxury through its iconic Slow Safari philosophy. At Chem Chem Lodge, time slows naturally, allowing guests to reconnect with nature without urgency. Little Chem Chem captures the romance of vintage safaris, where sunrise awakens the African plains and wildlife roams freely beyond the canvas walls. Finally, Forest Chem Chem offers one of Tanzania’s most exclusive private wilderness retreats, hidden beneath ancient forests alive with extraordinary birdlife and elusive wildlife. Luxury with Purpose At the heart of Auberge Safari lies a profound commitment to conservation. Every guest stay actively contributes to protecting approximately 600,000 acres of extraordinary ecosystems through the Friedkin Conservation Fund and the Chem Chem Association. Together with local communities, these initiatives safeguard vital wildlife corridors connecting Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara and the Greater Mwiba Protected Wildlife Area, ensuring Tanzania’s remarkable biodiversity thrives for generations to come. Luxury here is measured not by excess, but by legacy. An African Milestone for Auberge Collection The arrival of Auberge Safari represents far more than an expansion. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of the world’s most respected luxury hospitality brands. Guided by the belief that true luxury resides in the soul of a destination, Auberge Collection delivers an experience where elegant design, exceptional gastronomy, intuitive service and meaningful conservation coexist in perfect harmony. For discerning travelers seeking authenticity without compromise, Auberge Safari offers something increasingly rare in today’s luxury landscape: A journey that transforms not only the destination you discover but also the way you experience the world. Patricia Holdener Editor-In-Chief Luxe magazine switzerland AubergeSafari AubergeCollection LuxurySafari LuxuryTravel Tanzania Serengeti AfricanSafari TravelInStyle LuxuryLifestyle Conservation SustainableLuxury SafariExperience BucketListTravel LuxuryHotels ExclusiveTravel WildlifePhotography GreatMigration LuxuryAdventure AfricaLuxury LuxeMagazineSwitzerland
- The Burberry Trench: How a British Icon Became a Museum Piece
V&A Celebrates 170 Years of Burberry with The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon There are fashion pieces that belong to a particular season, and there are others that gradually become part of cultural history. The Burberry trench belongs firmly to the second category. On 21 September 2026, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London will open The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon, a free display celebrating one of the most enduring garments in British fashion and marking Burberry’s 170th anniversary. Running until 3 January 2027, the exhibition brings together rare material from the Burberry Archive and the V&A collection, tracing the trench coat’s remarkable evolution from practical outerwear and military attire to a globally recognised fashion icon. Presented in the museum’s rarely seen Prince Consort Gallery, the display offers something more revealing than a celebration of a famous garment. It examines how innovation, craftsmanship and creativity can transform a functional object into a piece of cultural heritage. From Protection to Icon: The Invention of the Burberry Trench The story begins with Thomas Burberry’s invention of cotton gabardine in 1879. The fabric’s protective qualities helped establish the Burberry trench as sought-after outerwear, bringing together functionality and style. This practical origin is essential to understanding the garment’s longevity. The trench was not created as a fashion statement in the contemporary sense. Its purpose was protection. Yet its construction, materials and distinctive design elements gradually gave it a visual identity capable of surviving changing fashions and generations. More than a century later, that combination of utility and design remains central to the Burberry trench. Its history demonstrates that an object does not necessarily become iconic because it was designed to be iconic. Sometimes, cultural significance develops through repeated use, recognition and reinvention. The V&A display follows that evolution, showing how the trench became a design classic while remaining rooted in its original principles of protection, craftsmanship and innovation. The Craft Behind the Icon One of the most revealing aspects of The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon is its focus on the details that can easily disappear beneath the familiarity of the finished garment. Under the theme of “Craft”, the exhibition examines elements including the hand-finished collar, distinctive House Check lining, storm flap and detachable throat latch. Each detail has a practical purpose, particularly in protecting the wearer when the weather turns, while simultaneously contributing to the visual language that makes the Burberry trench immediately recognisable. This is where the exhibition moves beyond the idea of the trench as simply a famous fashion item. It allows visitors to understand how craftsmanship and function are embedded within the design itself. The coat’s identity is therefore not dependent on a logo alone. It is contained in its construction, proportions, materials and accumulated details precisely the elements that allow a garment to remain recognisable across decades. From Archive to Museum: When Fashion Becomes Heritage For a luxury house, an archive preserves the physical evidence of its history. A museum adds another dimension: interpretation. Once a fashion object is placed within a museum, it can be considered not only as a commercial product but as an artefact of design, craftsmanship and cultural history. This distinction is increasingly important as fashion houses look beyond the seasonal cycle and seek to understand, preserve and communicate the codes that have shaped their identities. The V&A provides a particularly appropriate context. Its fashion collection is designated as the UK’s National Collection and is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of dress in the world. Its holdings range from rare 17th-century menswear and 18th-century mantua dresses to contemporary couture and exceptional accessories. The collection has also inspired generations of designers, including Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Molly Goddard. Against this background, the Burberry trench becomes part of a much larger story: the preservation of fashion as a creative discipline and as a record of changing society, technology and design. Rare Burberry Archive Material Goes on Public Display The exhibition also offers visitors an opportunity to encounter material that would normally remain within the world of the fashion house’s archive. According to Burberry, a myriad of objects from the brand’s Archive will be publicly exhibited for the first time, including early 20th-century catalogues and a Burberry trench coat worn by British fashion designer Hardy Amies. These archival objects provide a different perspective on the history of the trench. They show that fashion heritage is not built only from finished garments or famous runway moments. Catalogues, historical references and individual pieces also form part of the evidence through which a fashion house’s identity can be understood. For visitors, this creates an opportunity to see not simply the finished icon, but some of the material history surrounding it. Creativity: How an Icon Continues to Evolve The final section of the display, “Creativity”, brings the story into contemporary fashion. The V&A will present 19 standout runway looks from the past two and a half decades, including designs by former Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey and Chief Creative Officer Daniel Lee. Their inclusion underlines one of the central characteristics of the Burberry trench: its ability to be reinvented without losing its identity. A design classic cannot survive simply by remaining unchanged. It must retain enough of its original character to remain recognisable while allowing successive generations of designers to reinterpret it. That balance between continuity and creativity is one of the reasons the trench remains relevant more than a century after its origins. Why the V&A and Burberry Partnership Matters The relationship between Burberry and the V&A extends beyond this exhibition. The two institutions have a longstanding relationship and share a commitment to ensuring that their heritage and collections continue to inspire the next generation of creatives. The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon also opens ahead of The Burberry Gallery, scheduled to launch in autumn 2028 as part of a major transformation of the V&A’s fashion galleries at South Kensington. Supported by Burberry through a multi-year partnership with the museum, the redesigned gallery will offer visitors new ways to experience fashion. The forthcoming gallery gives the current trench display an additional significance. It is not an isolated celebration, but part of a longer cultural relationship between one of Britain’s most established luxury houses and one of the country’s leading museums of art, design and fashion. What the Burberry Trench Teaches Us About Luxury Heritage The Burberry trench is an especially compelling example of how luxury heritage is created. Its history begins with a practical innovation: cotton gabardine. It develops through craftsmanship and functional design. It acquires recognition through repeated use. It is reinterpreted by successive generations of creative directors. And ultimately, it enters the museum. That journey reflects a broader shift in the way fashion is understood. Luxury is no longer defined only by what is new. Increasingly, value also comes from knowing what has endured and understanding why. Archives, historical garments and museum exhibitions allow audiences to see the layers behind a contemporary fashion house: the materials, techniques, design codes and creative decisions that have accumulated over time. The Burberry trench therefore represents more than a successful product. It represents continuity. The Future of Fashion Is Also About What We Choose to Remember Fashion is often associated with constant change: new collections, new designers, new silhouettes and new seasons. But the most enduring luxury objects operate differently. They accumulate meaning. The Burberry trench has evolved from practical outerwear and military attire into a globally recognised symbol of British craftsmanship, innovation and creativity. Its continued relevance lies precisely in its ability to adapt while retaining the design language that made it distinctive. At the V&A, that journey is given a new context. The customer becomes a visitor; the garment becomes an object of study; the archive becomes part of a cultural narrative. And perhaps that is the most significant lesson of The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon: the future of fashion is not only about what comes next. It is also about determining which designs, techniques and creative ideas deserve to be preserved, studied and passed on. The trench coat began as an answer to the elements. More than a century later, it has become an answer to another question: what makes a fashion object endure? About the V&A The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) South Kensington) is one of London’s most important cultural institutions, dedicated to the power of creativity across art, design, fashion, photography, furniture, theatre, performance, architecture and ceramics. Its collections and programmes span 5,000 years of creativity, and the museum is also home to the UK’s National Art Library and world-leading research and conservation programmes. The V&A’s fashion collection is designated as the UK’s National Collection and is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of dress in the world. It encompasses rare historical garments, including 17th-century menswear and 18th-century mantua dresses, alongside contemporary couture and exceptional accessories. The collection has inspired generations of designers, including Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Molly Goddard, as well as students and researchers worldwide. For further information about the museum and its programmes, visit vam.ac.uk. The V&A can also be followed on Instagram at @vamuseum and on Facebook at Victoria and Albert Museum. The exhibition is presented as part of the continuing relationship between the V&A and Burberry, ahead of the opening of The Burberry Gallery in autumn 2028, a major transformation of the museum’s fashion galleries at V&A South Kensington, supported by Burberry through a multi-year partnership. The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon Essential Information Location: Prince Consort Gallery, V&A South Kensington, London Dates: 21 September 2026 3 January 2027 Admission: Free Occasion: Burberry’s 170th anniversary Featured material: Burberry Archive and V&A collection Key themes: Invention, Craft and Creativity Contemporary highlights: 19 standout runway looks from the past two and a half decades Next chapter: The Burberry Gallery, opening in autumn 2028 Patricia Holdener Editor-In-Chief Luxe Magazine Switzerland Burberry BurberryTrench Burberry170 VandAMuseum VictoriaAndAlbertMuseum BritishFashion FashionHeritage LuxuryFashion FashionExhibition LuxeMagazineSwitzerland
- Sotheby’s Secures the $450 Million Blaquier Collection, Bringing Van Gogh, Cézanne, Degas, Renoir and Pissarro Back Into the Spotlight
A landmark Argentine collection is heading to Sotheby’s, in what could become one of the most consequential consignments of the 2026–27 auction season. Sotheby’s has reportedly secured a major tranche of the Blaquier family’s celebrated Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection, valued at approximately $450 million, according to people familiar with the transaction. The group includes important works by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissarro, positioning the consignment among the most significant collections to reach the international market in years. The reported deal marks a major victory for Sotheby’s in its increasingly competitive battle with Christie’s for the world’s most valuable private collections. According to Artnet News, Sotheby’s offered a substantial guarantee to secure the Blaquier works, although the auction house itself declined to comment on the arrangement. A Collection Shaped by Argentine Cultural History The collection was assembled by Nelly Arrieta de Blaquier and Carlos Pedro Blaquier, whose holdings became synonymous with the highest level of private collecting in Argentina. In 1995, The New York Times described Nelly Arrieta de Blaquier as the owner of what was then considered Argentina’s largest private art collection. Her importance extended well beyond collecting. Arrieta de Blaquier served as president of the Asociación de Amigos del Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires from 1977 to 2011 and was subsequently named honorary president. Her death in 2020 marked the end of an important chapter in Argentina’s cultural and philanthropic history. The collection reflects the couple’s sophisticated taste for European modern art, with works by some of the defining figures of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Following the deaths of both Nelly Arrieta de Blaquier and Carlos Pedro Blaquier, their children are now overseeing the dispersal of a portion of this extraordinary legacy. Van Gogh Could Lead the Sale Among the most important works reportedly destined for Sotheby’s is Vincent van Gogh’s Châtaignier en fleurs roses et blanches (Chestnut Tree in Pink and White Blossom), painted in 1890. The work could emerge as one of the defining lots of the season. An art adviser quoted by Artnet News suggested that, in favorable market conditions, the painting could achieve between $150 million and $200 million. Its potential arrival at auction is particularly significant given Van Gogh’s extraordinary performance at the top end of the market. The Blaquier collection previously owned another celebrated Van Gogh, Zouave (1888), which was reportedly sold privately for approximately $190 million. Christie’s handled that transaction. The contrast is notable: a collection historically associated with Christie’s is now reportedly moving a substantial portion of its remaining masterpieces to Sotheby’s. Cézanne, Degas, Renoir and Pissarro Complete a Blue-Chip Lineup The reported Sotheby’s consignment extends well beyond Van Gogh. A major Paul Cézanne harlequin is expected to be among the highlights. Cézanne produced his celebrated Harlequin series around 1888–1890, and comparable works are held in major museum collections, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. According to market sources cited by Artnet News, the Blaquier Cézanne could command more than $120 million. The collection is also expected to feature Edgar Degas’s Avant la Course (1893), a Parisian street scene by Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s En canot (ou Jeune fille à la barque) (1877). Each of these works could reportedly exceed $25 million at auction, underscoring the extraordinary concentration of high-value Impressionist material within the collection. This combination gives Sotheby’s something particularly powerful: not simply a collection of expensive paintings, but a coherent group spanning the transition from Impressionism to Post-Impressionism and illustrating the evolution of European painting in the late 19th century. A Collection Already at the Center of an International Story The Blaquier holdings have attracted attention beyond the auction market. Several works from the collection were previously exported from Argentina to Luxembourg under temporary authorization. Argentine Customs later imposed a substantial administrative penalty over the matter. Contemporary reporting valued the group of exported works at more than $350 million and identified paintings by Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Monet, Gauguin and Cézanne among them. According to Artnet News, the authorities ultimately waived the proposed penalty in July 2026. Some of the works involved are now expected to form part of the Sotheby’s consignment, although the precise composition of the sale has not yet been publicly confirmed. That uncertainty is particularly intriguing in the case of Claude Monet. Earlier reports identified two Nymphéas paintings among the works exported, one dated 1904 and another from 1908, with reported values of approximately $50 million and $42 million respectively. Sotheby’s has not confirmed whether either Monet will ultimately appear at auction. Sotheby’s Makes a Strategic Move The significance of the Blaquier consignment extends beyond the individual masterpieces. For Sotheby’s, securing a collection reportedly worth $450 million represents a strategic coup at a moment when auction houses are competing aggressively for scarce, museum-quality works. The market for top-tier Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art is increasingly driven by a limited number of paintings capable of attracting ultra-high-net-worth collectors from around the world. Sotheby’s decision to reportedly offer a significant guarantee demonstrates how valuable such consignments have become. The auction house is competing not only for individual masterpieces but for the opportunity to control the narrative around entire collections. The timing could also prove advantageous. Sotheby’s continues to promote its strength in Impressionist and Modern art, a category in which the house has a long-established history. Its catalogues regularly feature major works by Renoir, Cézanne, Pissarro, Degas and Van Gogh, illustrating the depth of its expertise in the period. What the Blaquier Sale Could Mean for the Art Market If the reported valuations materialize, the Blaquier collection could become one of the defining events of the upcoming auction cycle. The most important question will be whether the market can absorb several exceptionally expensive Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works at once. A Van Gogh potentially valued at $150–200 million and a Cézanne potentially worth more than $120 million would already represent an extraordinary concentration of value. Add Degas, Renoir and Pissarro, and the collection has the potential to reshape the season’s hierarchy of trophy lots. Yet the importance of the Blaquier collection cannot be measured solely in dollars. Its story connects Argentine cultural philanthropy, European modernism, private collecting and the increasingly global art market. The dispersal of the collection will therefore represent not simply another auction, but the next chapter in the history of one of Latin America’s most important private art holdings. For Sotheby’s, it is a major acquisition of market share and prestige. For collectors, it may represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire works that have spent decades within a single distinguished collection. And for the international art market, the message is unmistakable: the next great auction battle may already have begun. Patricia Holdener Editor-In-Chief Luxe Mgazine Switzerland Sotheby’s, Blaquier Collection, Argentine Art Collection, Vincent van Gogh, Le Zouave, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, Alfred Sisley, André Derain, Maurice de Vlaminck, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Modern Art, Art Market, Art Auctions, Fine Art, Auction Season 2026, Sotheby’s Auction, Art Collecting, Private Collections, Latin American Art, Argentine Art, European Masterpieces, Art History, Provenance, Museum-Quality Art, Blue-Chip Art, Art Investment, Major Art Collection, Auction House, International Art Market, Buenos Aires, Paris, New York, London
- When Fashion Looks Beyond Its Capitals: Why San Francisco Matters
Vogue’s decision to bring its global fashion and culture spectacle to San Francisco in 2027 signals something larger than a change of scenery: the fashion map itself is evolving. There are few decisions in fashion that can be read simply as logistical. The choice of a city, particularly for an event as visible as Vogue World, inevitably carries a message. In 2027, that message will come from San Francisco. The city will host the next American edition of Vogue’s travelling celebration of fashion, culture and performance in early autumn, following New York, London, Paris and Los Angeles, and ahead of the September 2026 edition in Milan. At first glance, the choice may seem unconventional. San Francisco does not occupy the traditional fashion hierarchy alongside Paris, Milan, London or New York. But that is precisely what makes it interesting. Vogue World was created in New York in 2022 as something deliberately broader than a conventional runway show: a public spectacle designed to bring fashion into direct conversation with a city and its wider cultural life. London followed in 2023, with the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane providing a theatrical setting. In Paris in 2024, Place Vendôme became the stage for a celebration linking a century of French fashion with sport. Los Angeles then brought fashion into Hollywood in 2025, exploring the enduring relationship between clothing and cinema. Milan will continue that geographical dialogue in September 2026. Vogue has positioned the Italian edition around craftsmanship, creativity and the human touch at a moment when technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping the creative industries. San Francisco therefore does not appear as an accidental detour. It is the next statement in a sequence. A different kind of fashion capital San Francisco has never needed couture salons to establish its cultural importance. Its influence has historically come from elsewhere: technology, design, entrepreneurship, scientific research, venture capital and the companies that have transformed the way the world communicates, works and consumes information. That distinction is important. Paris represents an extraordinary concentration of fashion heritage and luxury craftsmanship. Milan combines design, manufacturing and commercial sophistication. London has long cultivated experimentation and cultural irreverence. New York remains one of the industry’s great centres of commerce, media and creative energy. San Francisco belongs to another category. It is a city associated with ideas before institutions, with disruption before tradition. Its cultural identity has been shaped by successive generations willing to challenge established structures a quality that Anna Wintour herself highlighted when announcing the 2027 destination, describing San Francisco as a city of diverse communities, artistic energy, innovation and a longstanding willingness to embrace change. That makes the decision more revealing than the question of whether San Francisco is becoming a new “fashion capital”. It is not necessary for it to become one. The more interesting possibility is that fashion no longer needs every important conversation to happen inside a traditional fashion capital. Where fashion meets technology The relationship between fashion and technology has been developing for years, but its significance is accelerating. Artificial intelligence is beginning to influence creative processes. Digital platforms have transformed how audiences discover designers and brands. Luxury houses are exploring new approaches to personalisation, digital experiences and retail. Technology has also created enormous concentrations of wealth and a new generation of entrepreneurs, collectors, philanthropists and cultural patrons. San Francisco sits at the heart of that ecosystem. Vogue World 2027 will therefore arrive at a moment when the boundaries between fashion, technology, entertainment, design and investment are becoming increasingly fluid. The event’s detailed programme and participating talents have not yet been announced, but Juan Costa Paz, creative director of the 2025 Hollywood production, is set to return for both Milan and San Francisco. The significance lies less in predicting what will appear on the eventual runway than in understanding the audience and cultural environment around it. For decades, fashion operated within a relatively defined network of editors, buyers, designers, celebrities and luxury clients. That ecosystem still exists. But its surrounding culture has expanded dramatically. The people shaping the future of fashion may increasingly come from adjacent worlds. A city with something to prove There is also a distinctly local reason for the partnership. San Francisco has been seeking to reinforce its economic and cultural vitality following years of disruption, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. Mayor Daniel Lurie has presented Vogue World as part of a broader effort to support the city’s creative economy and highlight its designers, musicians, artists, workers and small businesses. For San Francisco, the event offers international visibility at a moment when the city is keen to project its creative identity beyond its technology reputation. For Vogue, the equation is equally compelling. The magazine gains a setting that is culturally recognisable yet not overexposed within the traditional fashion calendar. It offers a city with its own mythology, its own creative history and a powerful association with innovation. And for fashion, there is something increasingly valuable in choosing a place that does not feel inevitable. The changing geography of influence The traditional capitals are not disappearing. Paris will remain central to luxury and couture. Milan will continue to represent one of the world’s most sophisticated relationships between design, craftsmanship and industry. London and New York will retain their enormous cultural and commercial influence. But the map around them is becoming larger. Vogue World’s evolution makes that visible. Each destination has supplied a different cultural language: New York’s urban energy, London’s theatre, Paris’s fashion heritage, Los Angeles’s relationship with cinema, Milan’s craftsmanship and, now, San Francisco’s culture of innovation. That progression is more revealing than any individual collection that may eventually be shown. The real story is not that San Francisco is replacing Paris or Milan. It is that fashion’s definition of influence is becoming more expansive. In choosing San Francisco, Vogue is placing its spectacle in a city where technology, capital, creativity and cultural experimentation have converged for decades. Whether the event ultimately fulfils the expectations surrounding it remains to be seen. But the choice itself is already significant. The future of fashion will still be made in ateliers, studios and design houses. It will still depend on craftsmanship, imagination and the accumulated knowledge of generations. Increasingly, however, it will also be shaped in places where fashion intersects with other forms of power. San Francisco may be one of those places. And that is why, in 2027, the most interesting part of Vogue World’s next chapter may not be what walks down the runway. It may be where the runway is built. Patricia Holdener Editor-In-Chief Luxe Magazine Switzerland VogueWorld SanFrancisco FashionIndustry FashionFuture LuxuryFashion FashionCulture FashionInnovation SanFranciscoCulture LuxuryMedia LuxeMagazineSwitzerland
- Roger Dubuis Unveils a New Luxury Watch Lounge in Geneva’s Iconic Molard Square
Roger Dubuis Returns to Its Geneva Roots with a New Conceptual Lounge In the heart of Geneva, where Swiss watchmaking has been shaped by centuries of craftsmanship, Roger Dubuis is opening a new chapter. On the iconic Place du Molard, in the city where the Maison has called home for three decades, the new Roger Dubuis Lounge invites visitors into a world where haute horlogerie, design and hospitality meet. The opening is particularly symbolic as Roger Dubuis celebrates its 30th anniversary. More than a new retail destination, the Lounge has been conceived as an intimate meeting place a setting designed to spark conversations, discoveries and a deeper connection with the Maison’s distinctive watchmaking universe. “Opening the Lounge in the year of our 30th anniversary is particularly symbolic,” says David Chaumet, CEO of Roger Dubuis. “Geneva has been our home for three decades, and it is a European city that embodies the tradition, prestige and history of Swiss watchmaking.” A Geneva-Inspired Luxury Interior with Roger Dubuis DNA From the moment guests enter, the Lounge reveals a carefully orchestrated blend of natural materials, Roger Dubuis’ emblematic touches of red and discreet references to the Maison’s founders. The different salons are connected through a harmonious architectural flow, creating an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and intimate. Every element has been considered with the same precision that defines fine watchmaking. One of the most striking details is the Lounge’s wooden feature wall, punctuated by luminous squares inspired by the distinctive paving stones of Place du Molard. Outside, transparent stones embedded in the square illuminate at night, carrying warm messages. Inside the Lounge, words drawn from the identity of Roger Dubuis echo this visual signature, transforming a familiar Geneva landmark into part of the Maison’s interior narrative. Discover Haute Horlogerie Through a More Personal Experience At the entrance, a timepiece appears to float in mid-air behind a display window an immediate expression of Roger Dubuis’ philosophy of technical innovation and expressive design. Further inside, a dedicated presentation area offers guests the opportunity to explore the Maison’s collections in greater depth. Among the latest creations on display are the Excalibur Bi-Retrograde Calendar and the Knights of the Round Table Merlin The Enchanter, alongside historic timepieces that once belonged to Monsieur Roger Dubuis himself. These rare pieces will be exhibited for a limited period, adding an especially personal dimension to the experience. Yet the Lounge is not conceived solely around watches. It is also about conversation, culture and the art of living. Swiss Wine, Watchmaking and the Art of Hospitality The Lounge creates an inviting environment where the Maison’s team can share its expertise, stories and anecdotes with guests from around the world. Conversations can unfold in several languages, including English, French, Arabic and Chinese, reflecting Roger Dubuis’ international community. A bar and carefully selected wine cellar extend the experience beyond haute horlogerie, with a focus on exceptional Swiss wines including some of the favourites of the Maison’s founders. Throughout the year, the Lounge will evolve through exclusive services, access to limited editions and a changing programme of collaborations and launches. Its universe will move beyond traditional watchmaking, embracing worlds ranging from motorsport to contemporary art while continuing to express the uncompromising spirit of Roger Dubuis. A New Destination for Swiss Luxury Watchmaking in Geneva In this new Geneva setting, Roger Dubuis brings together its heritage, avant-garde spirit and passion for exceptional watchmaking. The Lounge is ultimately a place designed not simply to display timepieces, but to experience the Maison through its stories, its people and its unmistakable creative energy. The Roger Dubuis Lounge is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Appointments can be arranged through the Maison’s official Geneva boutique page or by telephone at +41 (0)22 321 28 28. Patricia Holdener Editor-In-Chief Luxe Magazine Switzerland RogerDubuis RogerDubuisLounge Geneva GenevaWatchmaking SwissWatchmaking LuxuryWatches HauteHorlogerie SwissLuxury LuxuryLifestyle Excalibur KnightsOfTheRoundTable FineWatchmaking GenevaLuxury LuxuryWatchmaking LuxeMagazineSwitzerland
- EFG Swiss Open Gstaad 2026: When Tennis Becomes a Lifestyle in the Swiss Alps
Every July, the EFG Swiss Open Gstaad transforms one of Switzerland’s most exclusive alpine destinations into the beating heart of international tennis. Here, the sport extends beyond the court, becoming part of the village’s lifestyle, where world-class competition unfolds against a backdrop of charming chalets and breathtaking mountain scenery. Tennis is a sport of strength and precision, of endurance and mental resilience, it tends to be best appreciated by those in the know. It has its recurring weekend of fame in Wimbledon, then gets handed back to well-informed aficionados. What we witnessed in Gstaad this July, however, was something rather different. Far from being a sport for the initiated, tennis had turned into a lifestyle, seamlessly integrated into the daily routine of this rather swanky mountain village. The stadium was so snugly nestled between the chalets that line the high street, it looked as if it had been dropped there from above on a parachute, having gently glided down until it found its perfect resting place. It was hard to say who had the honour of being associated with whom: whether Gstaad was lucky to have the tournament in its midst, or whether the tournament should have been grateful to Gstaad for being held there. All we know is that together, they packed a punch. Passion vs. precision on the tennis court The morning of the semifinals particularly caught our attention at Luxe Magazine. The first set saw two opponents of nearly identical age and ATP ranking face each other, the Belgian Raphael Collignon and the Argentinian Juan Manuel Cerundolo. As if to highlight their similar rankings, except for the first set they were constantly neck-to-neck. Cerundolo managed to be slightly in the lead most of the time, but Collignon made it a habit to fight back just at the right moment, eventually going on to win 1-6, 7-6, 7-5. Having spent nearly the whole match a few points away from defeat, in the crucial instants he unleashed a force that was something to reckon with, holding the stadium in awe at the sheer strength and passion on display. The whole confrontation really was decided by a few key points. Cerundolo had control, technique and consistency on his side, while Collignon was entirely powered by resilience and staggering might. Precision vs. passion, that’s what it was. Thanks to his mental and physical strength, Collignon managed to pull momentum to his side when it most mattered, and in the end unleashed a series of killer serves that left everybody astounded. As time passed, he became stronger, not weaker, as if he were sucking in energy from the pastures surrounding him. It was such a joy to watch, a true game of superlatives. The sheer number of crucial points decided on a cliffhanger gave it suspense by the bucketload. Thus, on the morning of Saturday the 18 th of July, these two players, who aren’t even the world’s most prominent, delivered one of the most riveting tennis spectacles in recent memory. The crowd, for its part, did not trail behind. It was enthusiastic, endearing even, cheering the players on while enjoying every bit of the show in front of them. A show it was indeed, and a pleasure to be there, even someone who had never heard about tennis would have enjoyed it. And that, we believe, is the biggest compliment one can make to a sports match. As we left the stadium, we found ourselves smack in the centre of the village again, flanked by chalets with a formidable number of flower-studded balconies and windowsills. As high as emotions were running inside the stadium just a few minutes before, out on the high street the ambience was relaxed, pleasant and unhurried. The essence of the Swiss summer, we are tempted to say. Enrico Börger Patricia Holdener Editor-In-Chief Luxe Magazine Switzerland EFG Swiss Open Gstaad Gstaad ATP 250 Swiss Alps Tennis Switzerland Luxury travel Switzerland Gstaad lifestyle Tennis tournament Switzerland Alpine luxury Raphael Collignon Juan Manuel Luxe Magazine Switzerland
- Abu Dhabi Isn’t Building Museums. It’s Building the World’s Next Cultural Capital
Why Abu Dhabi Is Becoming the New Global Capital of Art, Culture and Luxury Beyond spectacular architecture and blockbuster exhibitions, Abu Dhabi is executing one of the world’s most ambitious cultural strategies. Here’s why the emirate is redefining the future of luxury through museums, art and soft power. Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, luxury, museums, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, cultural tourism, luxury travel, Middle East art. The World’s Most Expensive Cultural Bet Isn’t Being Made in Paris, London or New York. It’s Being Made in Abu Dhabi. Luxury has always been associated with geography. For more than a century, Paris dictated elegance. Milan shaped craftsmanship. London cultivated creative rebellion, while New York transformed fashion into a global business. Together, these cities formed an almost unquestioned map of cultural influence a map so deeply rooted that few imagined it could ever be redrawn.Yet maps change. Not overnight, and rarely with dramatic announcements, but through a succession of deliberate decisions that, viewed individually, seem unrelated. A museum opens. A renowned architect is commissioned. An international institution signs a partnership. An art fair grows in stature. A cultural district slowly takes shape. Only years later does the broader picture emerge. That is precisely what is happening in Abu Dhabi. While much of the world has focused on its spectacular skylines or its growing luxury hospitality sector, the emirate has quietly pursued a far more ambitious objective: to become one of the world’s leading cultural capitals. This ambition is not measured by the height of its buildings or the number of luxury hotels lining its coastline, but by its ability to attract ideas, preserve heritage and shape global conversations around art, design and creativity. The opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi in 2025 did not mark the birth of this vision. It merely revealed a strategy that has been unfolding for nearly two decades. The real story is not about a new museum. It is about the emergence of a new cultural geography. Saadiyat Island Was Never Designed to Be a Tourist Attraction Most destinations build museums to attract visitors. Abu Dhabi has taken the opposite approach. It is building an ecosystem where museums, architecture, education, public art and cultural institutions reinforce one another, creating an environment in which culture itself becomes the destination. At the centre of this vision lies Saadiyat Cultural District, one of the most ambitious cultural developments undertaken anywhere in the world. Rather than concentrating on a single flagship institution, the district brings together internationally recognised museums and homegrown initiatives within a carefully curated landscape dedicated to artistic exchange. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, was the first major milestone. Its iconic floating dome quickly became one of the most recognisable pieces of contemporary architecture, but the building’s significance extends beyond its visual identity. Unlike traditional national museums, the Louvre Abu Dhabi presents human civilisation through shared narratives, deliberately placing works from different cultures and eras in dialogue. It proposes that artistic achievement is a collective story rather than a succession of isolated histories. The arrival of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi introduced another dimension altogether. Known for immersive digital environments that dissolve the boundaries between art, science and technology, the Japanese collective created a space where artworks continuously evolve in response to visitors and natural phenomena. The experience is less about observing objects than participating in an ever-changing environment, reflecting a broader shift in how contemporary audiences engage with culture. Future additions, including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, reinforce the same vision. Each institution has a distinct mission, yet together they form a cultural ecosystem rather than a collection of standalone attractions. This is a crucial distinction. Abu Dhabi is not assembling famous museum brands as trophies. It is constructing an intellectual infrastructure designed to endure for generations. Culture Has Become the New Currency of Global Influence For decades, nations projected influence through economic power, military strength or industrial innovation. Today, another form of influence has become equally significant: culture. Museums, biennales, architecture, cinema and design increasingly function as instruments of what political scientists describe as soft power the ability to shape perceptions through attraction rather than coercion. Paris has long understood this. So have London and New York. Abu Dhabi has recognised that cultural leadership is no longer inherited. It can be built through sustained investment, strategic partnerships and institutional credibility. The emirate’s cultural policy reflects this understanding. Rather than attempting to imitate established capitals, it is positioning itself as a crossroads where Eastern and Western artistic traditions meet, where historical heritage coexists with technological experimentation and where contemporary architecture becomes part of the cultural narrative itself. In doing so, Abu Dhabi is challenging a long-held assumption: that cultural authority must emerge organically over centuries. Instead, it suggests that, with vision and commitment, it can be cultivated deliberately. Luxury Is No Longer Defined by Possession. It Is Defined by Access to Culture. One of the most significant transformations in the luxury industry over the past decade has received surprisingly little attention. Luxury is no longer measured solely by what people own. Increasingly, it is measured by what they can experience. Collectors no longer travel simply to purchase jewellery on Place Vendôme or handbags on Via Montenapoleone. They travel to attend biennales, discover exhibitions before they become global conversations, dine inside museums, meet artists, and experience destinations where architecture, gastronomy, fashion and culture exist within the same ecosystem. This evolution has fundamentally altered the economics of luxury tourism. A destination capable of offering exceptional cultural experiences no longer competes only with other cities. It competes with the world’s most exclusive lifestyle brands Abu Dhabi appears to have understood this shift earlier than many expected. The emirate is not investing in museums because museums attract tourists. It is investing in museums because culture attracts influence, talent, international partnerships and, ultimately, long-term economic resilience. The distinction is subtle, yet fundamental. Tourism generates visitors. Culture generates reputation. Architecture as a Cultural Statement Throughout history, architecture has served as the visual language of political ambition. The pyramids of Egypt, the cathedrals of Europe and the great museums of the nineteenth century all communicated more than technical achievement. They expressed confidence, permanence and identity. Abu Dhabi’s contemporary architecture follows the same tradition. Jean Nouvel’s dome at the Louvre Abu Dhabi has become more than an architectural landmark. Inspired by traditional Arabic geometry, its intricate structure filters sunlight into what the architect famously described as a “rain of light”, creating an atmosphere that feels simultaneously rooted in regional heritage and unmistakably contemporary. Nearby, the future Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry, will introduce another architectural language altogether, one characterised by bold sculptural forms that have become synonymous with some of the world’s most influential cultural institutions. These buildings are not merely containers for art. They are cultural objects in their own right. Visitors increasingly travel to experience the architecture before stepping inside the galleries, a phenomenon that has transformed museums into destinations where design and exhibition become inseparable. A Different Vision from Dubai Abu Dhabi is frequently compared with Dubai. The comparison is understandable, yet increasingly misleading. While Dubai has built an international reputation around commerce, innovation, hospitality and spectacle, Abu Dhabi has adopted a quieter, more institutional strategy. Its ambition is not to become the most visited destination in the Middle East. It is to become one of its most respected. This distinction explains why the emirate has invested heavily in museums, conservation, archaeology, education and long-term cultural partnerships rather than relying solely on entertainment or record-breaking attractions. Rather than competing for headlines, Abu Dhabi is competing for credibility. That approach requires patience. Unlike luxury retail or hospitality, cultural influence cannot be purchased overnight. It must be earned over decades through consistency, scholarship and public trust. The New Geography of Luxury Is Being Redrawn For generations, discussions about luxury inevitably centred on Europe. Paris represented couture. Milan embodied craftsmanship. London championed creativity. These cities remain essential to the industry’s identity. Yet luxury itself has become increasingly global. Its clients, collectors and investors now come from every continent. Its cultural conversations are no longer confined to Western capitals. In this context, Abu Dhabi represents something larger than a regional success story. It reflects a broader redistribution of cultural gravity. The world’s most influential museums, architects and artists are no longer looking exclusively towards Europe or North America. They are participating in a new network of cultural exchange in which the Gulf has become an increasingly important actor. This transformation does not diminish the historical significance of Paris or London. It expands the map. The Museum Is Not the Destination. The Strategy Is. Reducing Abu Dhabi’s cultural transformation to the opening of another museum misses the point entirely. The museum is only the visible outcome of a much larger vision. The true achievement lies in creating an environment where art, architecture, education, heritage, tourism and innovation reinforce one another. Few cities have attempted such an integrated approach. Even fewer have pursued it with the same long-term consistency. Whether this strategy ultimately establishes Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s defining cultural capitals will be judged over the coming decades. But one conclusion is already difficult to ignore. The emirate is no longer asking to be included in the global cultural conversation. It is helping shape it. Conclusion: Why the Luxury Industry Should Pay Close Attention Luxury has always anticipated change before the rest of the world recognised it. Today’s most successful luxury destinations are no longer defined only by iconic hotels, flagship boutiques or exceptional dining. They are defined by the quality of their cultural ecosystems. That is precisely why Abu Dhabi deserves attention. Not because it has opened another museum. Not because it has commissioned another celebrated architect. But because it has recognised that, in the twenty-first century, culture is no longer an accessory to economic development. It is one of its most powerful foundations. For decades, the world’s cultural capitals inherited their influence from history. Abu Dhabi is attempting something far more ambitious. It is building one deliberately. Patricia Holdener Editor-In-Chief Luxe Magazine Switzerland AbuDhabi SaadiyatCulturalDistrict LouvreAbuDhabi GuggenheimAbuDhabi teamLabPhenomena LuxuryTravel ArtCollectors MuseumCulture FutureOfLuxury GlobalCulture Architecture LuxuryLifestyle CulturalTourism MiddleEast LuxeMagazineSwitzerland
- Van Cleef & Arpels Unveils Its New Geneva Boutique, A Refined Destination Celebrating Jewellery, Watchmaking and the Art of Hospitality
The Maison opens an exceptional new flagship on Rue du Rhône, bringing its poetic universe to the heart of Geneva. Van Cleef & Arpels has opened a remarkable new boutique at 23 Rue du Rhône, reaffirming its long-standing relationship with Switzerland and celebrating its historic ties with Geneva, one of the world’s leading watchmaking capitals. Established in Switzerland since 1960, the Maison begins a new chapter with a 486-square-metre flagship designed to immerse visitors in its distinctive universe of creativity, craftsmanship and elegance. Occupying two floors within a beautifully renovated building overlooking the shores of Lake Geneva, the boutique has been conceived as more than a retail destination. Every space reflects Van Cleef & Arpels’ commitment to exceptional savoir-faire, offering an atmosphere where jewellery, High Jewellery, watchmaking and heritage come together in an experience defined by refinement and wonder. A Striking Architectural Landmark Inspired by Light and Lake Geneva The boutique immediately captures attention with its elegant glass façade, where the Maison’s iconic monogram is interpreted through a sophisticated interplay of black, gold and textured bubbled glass. The contemporary composition creates a striking visual identity while echoing the timeless elegance synonymous with Van Cleef & Arpels. As evening falls, concealed lighting illuminates the diamond-inspired motifs across the façade, transforming the exterior into a luminous landmark on Geneva’s prestigious Rue du Rhône. Delicate sheer curtains soften the natural light entering the boutique while allowing discreet glimpses of the warm interior, creating an inviting atmosphere that balances transparency with intimacy. An Elegant Interior Dedicated to the Maison’s Finest Creations Visitors are welcomed through a dramatic entrance hall distinguished by its soaring ceiling and an impressive Murano glass chandelier that enhances the generous proportions of the space. Bespoke wall decorations, designed as an abstract triptych inspired by the surrounding landscapes and the waters of Lake Geneva, establish an immediate connection between the boutique and its exceptional location. The journey continues through a series of refined salons decorated in elegant shades of beige, brown and black, where the Maison presents its Jewellery, High Jewellery and Watchmaking collections. More intimate spaces, including the Poetic Salon, feature delicate floral motifs hand-painted and embroidered on silk, creating a peaceful setting that invites quiet contemplation. A Boutique Designed Around the Art of Hospitality Reflecting Van Cleef & Arpels’ celebrated art of welcoming guests, the ground floor also features a sophisticated bar lounge furnished with rounded sofas and elegant armchairs. Large bay windows dressed with translucent curtains maintain a seamless dialogue with the exterior architecture, while decorative screens adorned with dreamlike landscapes subtly draw the eye toward the surrounding scenery. The lounge naturally extends into a final room centred around an impressive library, reinforcing the Maison’s desire to create an environment where visitors can linger, discover and experience its creative universe beyond its collections. Discovering the Maison’s Universe on the Second Floor A graceful staircase leads to the boutique’s upper level, where elegant showcases and display counters continue the presentation of the Maison’s jewellery and watchmaking creations. From the mezzanine, visitors retain a striking view of the monumental Murano chandelier, further enhancing the architectural harmony throughout the boutique. Expansive bookcases introduce guests to Van Cleef & Arpels’ rich cultural universe through carefully curated books, iconographic archives and objects reflecting the Maison’s enduring sources of inspiration. These libraries continue throughout the floor, naturally creating intimate alcoves that enrich the visitor experience. The second floor also includes a private office inspired by the historic salons where the Maison once welcomed its most distinguished clients to imagine bespoke creations. Another elegant salon offers exceptional views across Lake Geneva and the Mont-Blanc Bridge. Decorated in soft shades of pink and beige with delicate floral accents, the room embodies the balance of light, landscape and intimacy envisioned by the boutique’s architects. Hidden within the décor, a discreet presentation system reveals a High Jewellery masterpiece or bespoke creation upon request. A Space Dedicated to the Heritage of Van Cleef & Arpels The new Geneva boutique also introduces a dedicated heritage space where temporary exhibitions will explore the Maison’s artistic evolution and creative identity across the decades. To celebrate the inauguration, visitors are invited to discover a carefully curated selection of creations drawn from both private collections and the Maison’s Patrimonial Collection. The exhibition highlights Van Cleef & Arpels’ emblematic inspirations while paying tribute to its enduring relationship with Swiss clients. Exclusive Experiences Beyond the Boutique Further enhancing the visitor journey, Van Cleef & Arpels has created two exclusive experiential spaces within the boutique. The first is a versatile salon designed to host private events, intimate gatherings and inspiring conferences. Featuring a soothing décor inspired by green foliage, bespoke lighting installations and a softly gilded ceiling, the space reflects the Maison’s signature elegance while encouraging moments of exchange and discovery. Beginning in March 2027, a second immersive experience located on the lower level will celebrate Van Cleef & Arpels’ watchmaking expertise. Developed in dialogue with the Maison’s Geneva Watchmaking Workshops, the space will immerse visitors in the philosophy of the “Poetry of Time”, offering a unique perspective on the artistic vision that defines its timepieces. A New Chapter for Van Cleef & Arpels in Geneva Founded in Paris at 22 Place Vendôme in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has built an international reputation for combining exceptional gemstones, outstanding craftsmanship and creative innovation. Inspired by themes including love, nature, couture and dance, the Maison continues to express its distinctive identity through iconic creations such as the Mystery Set™ technique, the Minaudière, the Zip necklace and the celebrated Alhambra collection. With the opening of its new Geneva boutique, Van Cleef & Arpels further strengthens its presence in one of the world’s most prestigious luxury destinations, creating an address where heritage, artistry and hospitality come together in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Patricia Holdener Editor-In-Chief Luxe Magazine Switzerland VanCleefArpels Geneva RueDuRhône HighJewellery LuxuryBoutique SwissWatchmaking LuxuryLifestyle JewelleryExcellence GenevaLuxury LuxeMagazineSwitzerland
- Chopard Unveils the New Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa: A Timeless Tribute to Italy’s Most Legendary Racing Pass
Discover the new Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa, a luxury chronograph celebrating the iconic Raticosa Pass and Chopard’s enduring partnership with the Mille Miglia. Chopard Celebrates the Spirit of the Mille Miglia with the New Classic Chronograph Raticosa Luxury watchmaker Chopard continues its celebrated relationship with the legendary Mille Miglia by unveiling the new Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa, an exceptional timepiece inspired by one of the most iconic and demanding sections of what Enzo Ferrari famously described as “the world’s most beautiful race.” As World Sponsor and Official Timekeeper of the Mille Miglia since 1988, Chopard once again demonstrates its passion for precision, heritage and motorsport through a chronograph that perfectly blends Swiss watchmaking excellence with the timeless elegance of Italian automotive history. The Legendary Raticosa Pass: Where Racing History Was Written Nestled at an altitude of 968 metres in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, the Raticosa Pass connects Florence and Bologna through a breathtaking sequence of sweeping bends and dramatic mountain scenery. Alongside the neighbouring Futa Pass, it remains one of the few sections of the original Mille Miglia route that enthusiasts can still experience today exactly as drivers did during the golden era of the race in 1955. Its reputation is legendary. The demanding climb, technical corners and relentless rhythm led Enzo Ferrari to declare: “You win the Mille Miglia race at the Raticosa Pass.” This spirit of endurance, precision and determination lies at the heart of Chopard’s latest creation. A Collector’s Chronograph Designed for Performance and Elegance Previous Raticosa editions have become highly desirable among collectors, and this latest interpretation elevates the concept even further. The 40.5 mm case is crafted from Lucent Steel™, Chopard’s exclusive alloy renowned for its remarkable brilliance, exceptional durability and sustainable composition with an 80% recycling rate. A beautifully domed “glass-box” sapphire crystal recalls the vintage racing chronographs of the 1950s while offering exceptional legibility. Refined details including redesigned knurled pushers, a reworked crown engraved with a steering wheel motif and elegantly welded lugs enhance the sporty sophistication of the watch. Turning the timepiece over reveals one of its most distinctive features: an engraved titanium caseback depicting a classic racing car climbing the Raticosa Pass, surrounded by enthusiastic spectators in a tribute to the unforgettable atmosphere of the Mille Miglia. Vintage Inspiration Meets Swiss Precision The elegant eggshell-coloured dial features a refined matte finish enhanced by beige Super-LumiNova® hour markers and rhodium-plated hands for outstanding readability. Powering the watch is a COSC-certified self-winding chronograph movement delivering a 54-hour power reserve and exceptional chronometric precision. The watch also includes: Chronograph function Tachymeter scale Small seconds display 12-hour and 30-minute counters Date display Stop-seconds function Water resistance to 50 metres A perforated brown calfskin leather strap completes the unmistakably vintage-inspired racing aesthetic. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele: Honouring a Legendary Road “The Raticosa Pass is one of the most emotionally charged stretches of the Mille Miglia,” says Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard. “With this edition, we wanted to honour that legendary road by capturing its intensity, its history and its importance to the race, translated into a chronograph that feels both timeless in spirit and resolutely contemporary in execution.” His words perfectly reflect the philosophy behind the Mille Miglia collection: combining authentic emotion with exceptional Swiss craftsmanship. Nearly Four Decades of Passion for the Mille Miglia The Mille Miglia collection has become one of Chopard’s most recognisable watch families since its debut in 1988. Every year, new limited editions celebrate the race’s extraordinary heritage through references to legendary drivers, iconic racing colours, celebrated coachbuilders and unforgettable stages of the historic Italian rally. The Maison’s involvement extends well beyond sponsorship. Since 1989, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele has personally competed in nearly every edition, frequently sharing the cockpit with Chopard Ambassador and six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx. Alongside endurance racing legend Romain Dumas, these ambassadors embody Chopard’s commitment to precision engineering, sporting excellence and timeless elegance. Chopard Returns to the Mille Miglia 2026 For the 2026 edition, more than 400 historic automobiles once again travel the famous 1,000-mile route between Brescia and Rome before returning to Brescia across five unforgettable days. The rally crosses spectacular Italian landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites and legendary mountain roads including both the Raticosa and Futa Passes, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s greatest classic car events. To mark its 39th consecutive year as World Sponsor and Official Timekeeper, Chopard also introduced the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control 2026 Racing Edition, produced in a limited series of just 250 pieces alongside the new Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa. Swiss Watchmaking Excellence Meets Italian Motorsport Heritage With the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa, Chopard once again succeeds in transforming one of motorsport’s most legendary roads into an exceptional luxury timepiece. Blending vintage-inspired design, cutting-edge Swiss engineering and nearly four decades of passion for the Mille Miglia, this remarkable chronograph is destined to become another highly coveted collector’s piece for enthusiasts of fine watchmaking and classic automobiles alike. www.Luxemagazineswitzerland.com .Luxemagazineswitzerland.com Patricia Holdener Editor-In-Chief Luxe Magazine Switzerland Chopard LuxuryWatches SwissWatchmaking MilleMiglia Chronograph LuxuryLifestyle WatchCollector AutomotiveHeritage HauteHorlogerie LuxeMagazineSwitzerland
- BYD Group Becomes Official Automotive Partner of Paris Saint-Germain in a Landmark Global Alliance
The world’s leading New Energy Vehicle manufacturer joins forces with one of football’s most iconic clubs in a three-year partnership driven by innovation, excellence, and global ambition. Fresh off Paris Saint-Germain’s remarkable back-to-back UEFA Champions League triumph, BYD, the world’s leading New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, has announced a landmark global partnership with the French football powerhouse. The agreement, running until June 2029, officially names BYD as the Official Automotive Partner of Paris Saint-Germain. The collaboration brings together two internationally recognized brands that share a common vision of innovation, performance, and forward-thinking leadership. Both BYD and Paris Saint-Germain have redefined their respective industries by continuously challenging conventions, embracing technological progress, and building strong connections with millions of customers and supporters worldwide. Over the next three seasons, the partnership will come to life through a wide range of international campaigns, exclusive digital content featuring both the men’s and women’s Paris Saint-Germain teams, immersive fan activations, and unique experiences designed to engage supporters across the globe. BYD will also benefit from premium visibility at the Parc des Princes stadium, while vehicles from both BYD and DENZA, the Group’s premium automotive brand, will support the club’s day-to-day operations. By uniting one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs with the global leader in New Energy Vehicles, Paris Saint-Germain and BYD aim to inspire millions of fans while setting new benchmarks in innovation, performance, and sustainable mobility. Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Paris Saint-Germain, a club that has become a global symbol of excellence, ambition, and innovation. At BYD, we share the same determination to challenge conventions, drive progress, and connect with audiences through technology. This partnership brings together two globally respected brands united by a forward-looking vision and a shared passion for creating exceptional experiences. Together, we look forward to engaging with millions of supporters around the world while contributing to a more innovative and sustainable future.” Richard Heaselgrave, Chief Revenue Officer of Paris Saint-Germain, added: “We are proud to welcome BYD to the Paris Saint-Germain family. As one of the world’s most innovative and fastest-growing companies, BYD is a natural partner for our Club. Bringing our two brands together creates exciting opportunities to engage supporters through creativity, innovation, and unique experiences on a global scale.” Founded in 1994, BYD has grown into a global technology powerhouse committed to improving lives through innovation. With operations spanning automotive, renewable energy, electronics, and rail transportation, the company is now present across six continents, operating in more than 100 countries and over 400 cities worldwide. Its automotive division, BYD Auto, specializes in fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, supported by proprietary technologies including the Blade Battery, DM hybrid systems, e-Platform 3.0, CTB, iTAC, DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, and the Super e-Platform. BYD was also the first automaker in the world to discontinue the production of conventional combustion-engine passenger vehicles in favor of New Energy Vehicles and has remained China’s best-selling NEV passenger car brand for twelve consecutive years. Headquartered in the Netherlands, BYD Europe continues to accelerate the transition toward sustainable mobility by delivering advanced electric vehicle technologies across European markets. Patricia Holdener Editor-In-Chief Luxe Magazine Switzerland BYD ParisSaintGermain PSG DENZA ElectricMobility Innovation LuxuryLifestyle SustainableFuture AutomotiveExcellence LuxeMagazineSwitzerland









