Fashion

Fashion, Instagram, Lifestyle

1. October 2024

Interview with Nikki Benett, founder of Spilanthox

You are the organic Botox pioneer and have enjoyed success on the market for nearly 10 years. What initially motivated you to found Spilanthox? Why expressly natural cosmetics?
All my life, I have used only natural cosmetics and I’m also a nature lover and “country girl”. My family and I appreciate nature and own many horses and dogs. Nothing would be further from my mind than to produce things that might be bad for someone’s health, or bad for the environment or animals. I also wanted to do something meaningful. And when you’re convinced of a vision or idea and firmly believe in it, it will work.

What makes the products special? What sets them apart from other natural cosmetics?
We keep our promises. The effectiveness of the products can be seen and felt, and it has been proven in independent clinical in-vivo studies (involving a group of women aged 35 to 65). The results were groundbreaking! After four weeks of consistent use, wrinkles are reduced by up to 82%. It’s remarkable. I also develop and thoroughly test everything myself before I release a product for production. I don’t know of a single company that has an owner who is involved like this to such a large degree. It’s really a genuine “owner-managed family business” that still vouches for the quality with its name. And that isn’t a marketing gimmick, it’s real.

How did you come up with spilanthol as a miracle ingredient against wrinkles and lines?
I discovered spilanthol by chance at my dentist’s. He was the one who told me about it. I haven’t been able to tolerate anesthetics since my cardiac arrest and spilanthol is basically an herbal anesthetic. In England, it’s called the toothache plant, for example, and the plant is also chewed for toothaches in South America. It anesthetizes the nerve receptors reversibly, which means that the effect wears off after some time. I then did a lot of research and found numerous studies, including some that covered its effect on skin texture. That’s when I came up with the idea of a natural cosmetics range with spilanthol, as I no longer looked quite as fresh due to my illness. I thought, wow, this is a great natural alternative to Botox or fillers.

What is behind the natural active substance of the jambu plant?
Paracress, which is another name for the jambu plant (botanical name: Acmella oleracea), contains the active substance spilanthol. If the dosage is sufficient, it immediately smooths expression lines and relaxes the facial features. Long-term use also reduces the depth of wrinkles. Its effect on the dermis is generally well known and valued. By now, it has become a popular active substance for the visible and rapid reduction of facial wrinkles. It’s wonderful for relaxing crow’s feet, forehead lines, or lip lines. But the dosage must be pretty high to result in visible smoothing. And that’s what we did.

In what way are spilanthol and paracress the same thing?
Spilanthol is an extract from the paracress plant.

Does it make sense to call the active substance organic Botox?
The media coined this term, more or less. And I like it because it wonderfully conveys the effect of the paracress. Ultimately, this is a gentle and natural way to smooth expression lines and the overall skin texture. Just not as strongly and without a mask effect, and, of course, it’s reversible.

Are products containing spilanthol more like smart instant helpers or do they also provide long-term results?
I can only confirm the long-lasting effect of my products. But yes. With continuous use of highly dosed products, you can minimize wrinkles for a long time.

How easy was it to implement Spilanthox as a business idea? What was the biggest challenge?
Establishing a company in Germany is a challenge overall. Especially as a woman. I could probably fill a book if I had to list every single challenge. But aside from the challenging business climate here, I myself was one of the biggest challenges. Because I founded the company at a time when I hadn’t recovered yet. I was still battling heart problems and the resulting panic attacks. Also, I was still physically ailing in general. But I made it.

Your products are available Europe-wide and now you are also expanding into the United States?
Yes, starting at the end of 2024, our products will also be available in the US, which makes me immensely proud. I’ve never been someone who seeks a lot of attention. I prefer to work quietly and then present everyone with successfully completed facts. No, seriously: the US market needs a product range like Spilanthox. We will also be pioneers there in the field of natural cosmetics with active substances, so we’re opening up a new market there.

How do you work when you develop products?
I think about what could help me look fresher and better, and what might save me time in my skincare routine. After all, my needs are the same as those of many other women. I also keep looking around for natural raw materials that have a scientifically proven benefit for the skin. I don’t care for new skincare products with trendy ingredients that don’t actually benefit the skin at all. And as soon as I have an idea, I go to our chemists in the lab.

What are your personal beauty favorites
Definitely our Extreme Night Repair. This is my knight in shining armor, no matter at what time of year or how little I’ve slept or how stressed I am. With the Night Repair cream, I still look fresh and “de-crinkled”. I also carry our hand cream with me at all times – especially when traveling. It’s the first hand cream in the world with smoothing power that has been proven in clinical in-vivo studies. It’s also great as an emergency lip balm or facial care. An absolute must-have at every polo tournament …

What do you like most about your job?
I love being able to implement my visions and ideas and work for all of our futures and hopefully be able to leave a mark. But being independent also means being responsible for everything and ultimately working 24/7. It’s a lot of pressure and a great responsibility.

How and where do you recuperate?
Definitely in nature. Whether it’s at my house on the Baltic Sea or in the stable with our animals. All that matters is fresh air, quiet, and nature.

www.spilanthox.shop/en

Text & Photography Spilanthox

Interview with Nikki Benett, founder of Spilanthox You are the organic Botox pioneer and have enjoyed success on the market for nearly 10 years. What initially motivated you to found…

Fashion, In own affaires, Lifestyle, Polo News

POLO+10 meets the Fagliano family

8. July 2024

(this article was published on 30 April 2013)

Hurlingham, a few kilometers away from frantic Buenos Aires, has an air of mystique. A traditional town of English immigrants, this place was visited by royalty, celebrities and top polo players because of a very special place: a workshop. This workshop is none other but the home of the best polo boots in the world. The Fagliano family, who has been running the shop since is beginnings, opened their doors for POLO+10.
Once you go past the Fagliano doors, the smell of leather impregnating the air, the machinery, the endless shelves containing boot molds of all sizes, surely make you acknowledge you are in a very special place, that has a story that deserves to be told. Eduardo and Hector Fagliano, are the 4th generation of boot makers, and with their father Rodolfo, and Eduardo’s son, Germán, they run the shop as their great grandparents used to.

The Faglianos have made and keep on making all their boots entirely by hand, with the processes and machinery they inherited, and without the aid of the latest technologies. Nowadays, in the age of mass production, the Fagliano boots have countless reasons that make them so outstanding. This undeniable appeal has brought to their door members of the English Royal Family, The Sultan of Brunei (who, by the way, was so impressed by the product, that ordered 120 pairs of boots at once), and even the actor Tommy Lee Jones, amongst the best polo players such as Adolfo Cambiaso.

This work philosophy called Julius Bär’s attention: the private bank understands both the sense uniqueness that comes, among others, through the respect for tradition. Fagliano’s essence and long-run heritage, together with the special dedication to each client in a most personal way, is perfectly related to the way that they run personal assets management in the prestigious bank. Thus, this resulted on an alliance, in which Eduardo Fagliano himself participated of the Julius Bär add campaign and they were chosen to be sponsored by the bank, joined together by one commitment: excellence.

Even Jaeger-LeCoultre, the luxury watch manufacturer, in 2011 celebrated the anniversary of their product Reverso (released in 1931) by a special edition with a handmade strap made by this craftmen family. Fagliano’s name is getting more recognized through their excellence day by day and their acceptance is growing steadily worldwide.

The Founder of POLO+10, Thomas Wirth, was able to speak with Eduardo Fagliano, who kindly answered some of our questions:

What do you think that is the key factor that makes Fagliano boots so special? Do you believe it is the quality, the expertise that has endured for more than 100 years, the materials you use….or maybe your (very) singular customers?
Fagliano started with the arrival from Italy of my great grandparents, and, here, in Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, we have been working since 1892, so its more than 120 years of experience. I believe the key factor is the material selection. We always are very thorough in selecting the best quality to make every pair, according to what our clients expect and, of course, by accomplishing to make the whole process by hand, that also ensures the best quality.

What do you and your family feel when a special client crosses your doors? You are famous to have handcrafted boots for royalty, celebrities, top polo players… There must be some nervousness still when you get their visit!
It is such a great experience every time we get a special visit, and we are really touched by it, and it is a reminder of the recognition that we have accomplished through all these years. Nevertheless, we believe that all clients should be treated like kings, and we bear that in mind always.

Which is the most singular pair of boots you had to make by request?
Well, we sure had a lot… some of them include embroidering in leather club logos, monograms, initials, but there’s always a new challenge coming up!

You are three generations working at the same time, in the same workshop, a family setting a honest example of tradition and passion about what they do. Which do you think were they key factors in your upbringing that made you feel the exact same passion your ancestors did?
We’ve been visiting the workshop ever since we were small kids, as our father did (he was born right here), and through watching our family work, we could experience how passionately they worked, thinking about how rewarding it was to do something that would be received by the client with deep affection. We started learning since early age, the very first steps, cutting the leather, or pinning nails everywhere, small tasks that gave us the possibility to learn the job, though you can never finish the learning process, there is always something new to discover. Our mentors always were open to our new ideas, because we always had the same goal: do our best, and keep on excelling the final product.

We know that you studied some engineering too. Did you ever think of starting a separate project or you just felt that more knowledge would complement your craft?
I have studied Mechanical Engineering in the Universidad Tecnológica Nacional for four years, but I have not finished it. Nonetheless, I was able to expand my knowledge in that years, that absolutely complemented my work here at the shop.

For the future, which are your expectations for the business?
Our will for the future is to continue with our quality standards, without rushing but also without stopping the progress. We sure hope our future generations, if they want, and God willing, keep the work with the same passion and dedication that we transmit to them.

And last question, how do you feel about Polo becoming more and more popular these days, do you feel it will lose its “élite sport” essence?
There is a special attraction to polo, and it was always that way. Nowadays, it is easier to start practicing it since amateur levels, the Polo fever has spread widely and it is easier to contact people that are involved in the sport and get you into it. I personally believe that the “elite sport” concept refers more specifically to put always first the principles of purity, quality and excellence in every aspect of polo. From our place in the polo world, we support that principles and hope that people keep working to keep that essence.

“Keep the essence”, “purity” and “excellence”, three adjectives that Eduardo Fagliano used for describing polo, unintentionally described the work that he and his family have been doing for so long. The Faglianos certainly know what polo is about, and live up to every aspect of it, in every pair of boots they make with such care and passion.

About Fagliano
Casa Fagliano is specialized in shoe manufacturing, specifically adapted to horse riding or country activities. The result is an “almost everlasting” product. The best leather, the best thread, also the best soles and the use of certain tools for manufacturing, together with the most detailed production process, gives as a result an superior product that stands by itself.

History of the Fagliano family
In 1892, Pedro and Giacomina Fagliano, Italian inmigrants, started their workshop in Hurlingham Buenos Aires. With much effort and work, their perfect craftsmanship grew famous, which spread throughout the world. Their sons, Antonio, Santiago, Pedro and José continued to run the shop. In 1924, Eduardo Alighieri arrived from Sicily, contributed with his knowledge and experience. Pedro’s son, Rodolfo, was born in 1929 and together with his two sons, Eduardo and Héctor, is nowadays running the business. They have specialized in shoe manufacturing, following the european traditions and an entirely handmade production, and also a special care of quality and detail. More than 120 years of steady experience and excellence, that cannot be overlook by any polo lover.

by María Paula Fernández

www.fagliano.com.ar

(this article was published on 30 April 2013) Hurlingham, a few kilometers away from frantic Buenos Aires, has an air of mystique. A traditional town of English immigrants, this place…

Art & Design, Fashion, Lifestyle, Polo News

THE DOUBLE C DE CARTIER BAG

29. April 2021

A MINIMALIST SHAPE THAT HAS PROVEN ITS WORTH, A STRICT UNIFORM AND IMPECCABLE MAINTENANCE: THE NEW DOUBLE C DE CARTIER BAG HAS A LONG LIFE AHEAD.

A typically Grande Maison bag, whose jewelled clasp with Cartier’s initials sets the tone: a metal logo enhanced by a delicate touch of lacquer.

ORIGINALLY, IT WAS THE SAME INITIAL MULTIPLIED BY TWO, that of a Parisian family name that crossed the borders of France in the beginning of the 20th century, under the leadership of three jeweller brothers and their father.

A C within a C, two stylised letters inscribed as a token of an exceptional tradition, on the red wax that the jeweller used to seal his gift packages. It is now the focus of the metal C bag.

“We sought to modernise the logo by freeing it from the interior oval, where it had previously appeared on the Maison’s bags. We handled it like a piece of jewellery, with particular attention being paid to its unexpected opening. For the first time, its presence is both aesthetic and functional, not to mention the pretty click sound it makes when closed, further enhancing its jewel clasp.

Moreover, the highly structured bag shape is so streamlined that it allows the clasp to shine. The bag is its perfect backdrop. It was designed to be worn two ways: ‘over the shoulder or crossbody’, thanks to its adjustable shoulder strap.” MARIN YUSON, DIRECTOR OF LEATHER AND LEATHER ACCESSORY CREATION

NEITHER TOO SMALL NOR TOO BIG, A TRULY URBAN PIECE, THE DOUBLE C BAG IS A TIMELESS CLASSIC IN ANY WARDROBE.

It can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. Always chic, with the right size and right proportions, it structures every look. A question of style and elegance that boils down to the essentials: simple lines, shoulder strap, smooth leather.

THE COLLECTION

DEEP BLACK, INTENSE RED, POWDERED PINK, FUCHSIA PINK:

from the most sensible to the most pop colours, the leather of the Metal C bag radiates with just the right amount of shine to spice up the silhouette.

The metal C bag consists of two versions, a large and a small model, available in four colours, which meet the essentials of small leather goods.

www.int.cartier.com

A MINIMALIST SHAPE THAT HAS PROVEN ITS WORTH, A STRICT UNIFORM AND IMPECCABLE MAINTENANCE: THE NEW DOUBLE C DE CARTIER BAG HAS A LONG LIFE AHEAD. A typically Grande Maison…

Art & Design, Fashion, Lifestyle, Polo News

JAEGER-LECOULTRE PRESENTS THE REVERSO TRIBUTE SMALL SECONDS IN GREEN

8. April 2021

When the Reverso was created in 1931, the Manufacture immediately recognised the design’s wide appeal beyond the sporting arena for which it was originally conceived and, within the first year, began to offer colourful variations on the original black dial.

In chocolate brown, red, burgundy or blue, the lacquered dials created a stylish and exuberant contrast with the case metal and – at a time when coloured dials were rare in watchmaking – made the Reverso appear even more modern and distinctive.

Over the decades, the Reverso has appeared with a variety of dials and in different case sizes – without ever compromising the integrity of the original design – and, in 2016, Jaeger-LeCoultre returned to the stylistic codes of the original 1931 model to create a series of Tribute models.

For 2021, recalling the early use of colour that distinguished the Reverso, La Grande Maison presents the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds in Green. The rich tone of the sunray-brushed lacquer dial and matching leather strap is reminiscent of the deep green of the pine forests that surround JaegerLeCoultre’s home in the Vallée de Joux.

The dial features all of the signature design elements of the Reverso Tribute: the hours are marked by applied indexes rather than numerals. Their faceted shape echoes the form of the Dauphine hands and adds visual depth to the lacquered surface. In the lower half of the dial, the circular track of the small seconds display provides a counterpoint to the linear geometry of the dial and case. Echoing the sunray brushing of the dial, a sunray pattern on the inside of the cradle is visible when the case is flipped over.

In keeping with Reverso tradition, the solid metal back of the reversible case is an ideal canvas for personalisation with a motif or engraving. The owner can choose to keep this personalisation hidden, as a private pleasure, or to turn the case over, so that the back becomes the front.

The slim 8.5mm case houses the manually wound mechanical Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822/2; a rectangular shaped movement with small seconds designed expressly for the Reverso, it offers a power reserve of 42 hours. Reconnecting the Reverso to its roots in the sport of polo, Jaeger-LeCoultre began a collaboration in 2011 with Casa Fagliano. Celebrated throughout the polo world for its handmade boots, Fagliano has created straps for a series of special Reverso models. In keeping with the relaxed modernity of the Tribute collection, the calf leather strap of the new Reverso Tribute Small Seconds, made to Fagliano’s signature design, is in the same green as the dial, creating a unified aesthetic that underlines the timelessness of the Reverso design.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
REVERSO TRIBUTE SMALL SECONDS

Case material: Steel
Case dimensions: 45.6 x 27.4 mm
Thickness: 8.5mm
Movement: Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822/2
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
Power reserve: 42 hours
Water resistance: 30 metres
Case back: closed
Strap: Green calf
Reference: Q3978430

ABOUT THE REVERSO

In 1931, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched a timepiece that was destined to become a classic of 20th-century design: the Reverso. Created to withstand the rigours of polo matches, its sleek, Art Deco lines and unique reversible case make it one of the most immediately recognisable watches of all time. Through nine decades the Reverso has continually reinvented itself without ever compromising its identity: it has housed more than 50 different calibres, while its blank metal flip side has become a canvas for creative expression, decorated with enamel, engravings or gemstones. Today, 90 years after the Reverso was born, it continues to epitomise the spirit of modernity that inspired its creation.

jaeger-lecoultre.com

When the Reverso was created in 1931, the Manufacture immediately recognised the design’s wide appeal beyond the sporting arena for which it was originally conceived and, within the first year,…

Art & Design, Fashion, Lifestyle, Polo News

RICHARD MILLE launches multi-year partnership with FERRARI

23. February 2021

Richard Mille is delighted to announce its new partnership with one of the world’s most iconic brands – Ferrari. Founded in 1947 by the legendary Enzo Ferrari, the company has always been ahead of the field, driving towards excellence both on and off the track.

This meeting of minds is based on shared values. Both brands forge their inspiration in the white heat of technology, combining age-old know-how with cutting-edge, state of the art innovation and passion leads to true world-beating excellence in their respective fields. This multi-year partnership extends from the pinnacle of motor racing in Formula 1 through WEC endurance programs, Competizioni GT, Ferrari Challenge, Ferrari Driver Academy to the fast-developing Esports category.

The meeting of minds does not end there. Richard Mille will also back not only Ferrari’s Driver Academy, a breeding ground for up-and-coming talent but will also be an active supporter of the Ferrari Challenge series. Since 1993 this renowned single-model motorsport championship has brought together thousands of gentleman drivers competing throughout the globe.

Historically many Ferraris combine the latest period technology whilst being true works of art and these attributes are often synonymous with our watches, symbols of modernity, performance and technical prowess achievements. The next few years will see the development of a specific range of watches through the close collaboration of our dedicated team in Switzerland and Ferrari’s design department. There are multiple inspirations between both brands to create and produce together stunning timepieces combining technicity and aesthetics of the highest order, all driven by a mutual engagement of a very strong partnership.

Richard Mille couldn’t be more enthusiastic about this partnership with Ferrari:

“Everyone knows Ferrari is an iconic brand with an incredible history, and a true following from the legendary ‘tifosi’ right through to multiple collectors of classic cars. We see this as a true partnership with multiple developments at its heart of our watches with Ferrari’s designers and engineers. The whole team is thrilled about the collaboration with Ferrari and committed to creating a strong and passionate partnership.’’

Mattia Binotto, Managing Director and Team Principal Scuderia Ferrari:

“I am very pleased about this new multi-year partnership. Ferrari and Richard Mille share many common values, from technology to use of similar materials, as well as the passion we put into coming up with and designing our products. Both brands bear the name of their founder and represent their dreams and visions. The partnership will have a wide reach and I am particularly pleased that it also extends to the Ferrari Driver Academy. Richard Mille is a great racing fan and shares our commitment to bringing along talented youngsters and to attract young people to motorsport.”

Richard Mille is delighted to announce its new partnership with one of the world’s most iconic brands – Ferrari. Founded in 1947 by the legendary Enzo Ferrari, the company has…

Art & Design, Fashion, Lifestyle, Polo News

CIPULLO: MAKING JEWELRY MODERN

17. February 2021

Foreword by Renato Cipullo
Text by Vivienne Becker

ASSOULINE SPRING 2021 LEGENDS COLLECTION
CIPULLO: MAKING JEWELRY MODERN

“For the longest time I have wanted to create a book dedicated to my brother Aldo, to shed light on the scope of his work, and in celebration of his life and the times in which he lived.” – Renato Cipull0

“I design for today, thinking of tomorrow.” – Aldo Cipullo

Born in Naples in 1935 to a family of jewelers, Aldo Cipullo became the most glamorous jewelry designer of the 1970s and early ’80s. Aldo left Italy for the exciting possibilities of life in New York City, enrolling at the School of Visual Arts. By 1960 he was working for the acclaimed society jeweler David Webb, who was renowned for producing designs that were bold and expressive, to then joining Tiffany & Co., where he began developing his own design vocabulary.

In 1969 he moved to Cartier alongside the company’s President Michael Thomas, where, at the top of his craft, he introduced some of the most modern and timeless creations, such as the Love bracelet, a seminal design that is fastened to the wearer’s wrist with a special screwdriver. He followed this up in 1971 with the Nail collection, inspired by a nail wrapped around the finger or wrist, a surprising creation that embodied the gritty glamour of New York of the time.

Aldo Cipullo struck out on his own in 1974, continuing to create jewelry for men and women that turned heads, including pieces in the shape of the dollar sign, which he deemed “the electric eye that reflects the mood of this country.” In 1978, the American Gem Society commissioned him to create a collection featuring stones mined in America, such as turquoise from Arizona, diamonds from Arkansas and sapphires from Montana; these pieces are now part of the Smithsonian Institution. Although he sadly passed away suddenly in 1984, Aldo Cipullo’s legacy of forward-thinking yet classic designs remain perennially popular.

This slipcase volume is filled with striking images of Aldo Cipullo’s modern jewelry designs, which are both iconic and universal, intimate yet also intensely personal, contemporary and timeless. Punctuated with Cipullo family photos and fond anecdotes from Aldo’s friends, Cipullo: Making Jewelry Modern unfolds the story of one of the most innovative and, until now, enigmatic talents of modern jewelry history.

Designer Renato Cipullo leads a fine jewelry house based in New York. In addition to his fine jewelry collections, Renato’s creations have been worn by royalty and celebrities, and among an extensive list of private clients globally who regularly commission him for the intricacy of his bespoke designs. He created the Midnight watch in the 1980s, for which he was dubbed the Father of High-Tech Accessories. Carrying on a tradition from generations of jewelers, Renato Cipullo continues to steward the legacy in keeping with the family’s traditions and uncompromising design principles.

Author Vivienne Becker is an award-winning journalist and jewelry historian. A contributing editor to Financial Times How to Spend It magazine, Becker writes for publications around the world and lectures and broadcasts on her subject. She organized the first major exhibition of the jewelry of René Lalique, and curated Jewels of Fantasy, a traveling exhibition of twentieth-century costume jewelry. Becker’s previous books for Assouline include De Beers Jewellery (2011), The Impossible Collection of Jewelry (2012), Sevan Bıçakçı (2014), The Pearl Necklace (2016), Bulgari: The Joy of Gems—Magnificent High Jewelry Creations (2017), De Grisogono: Daring Creativity (2017), and Sevan Bıçakçı: The Timekeeper (2018).

Foreword by Renato Cipullo Text by Vivienne Becker ASSOULINE SPRING 2021 LEGENDS COLLECTION CIPULLO: MAKING JEWELRY MODERN “For the longest time I have wanted to create a book dedicated to…

Art & Design, Fashion, Lifestyle, Polo News

Simone Jewels celebrates 15th anniversary with a new beautifully intricate collection titled ‘From Russia With Love’

17. February 2021

LONDON, 16 February, 2021: The award-winning Singaporean designer, Simone Ng, debuted Simone Jewels 15 years ago, and in celebration of this momentous occasion she is delighted to announce the release of her latest collection ‘From Russia With Love’.

Inspired by Russian heritage, the collection, originally released back in 2011, has been revisited with a contemporary approach encapsulating new stunning elements. Designed with incredibly detailed craftmanship and artistic flair, a key feature of the collection is guilloché technique used in the renowned Fabergé eggs for the elaborate enamelling work and fine figurines.

Ballerina Ring in 18K Rose Gold with Pink Tourmaline and Diamonds ($14,350). Ballerina Earrings in 18K Rose Gold with Pink Tourmaline and Diamonds ($14,350)

The collection includes unique, one-of-a-kind pieces such as the Fabergé Delight. Handcrafted over five months, the egg, made of 18K white and rose gold is covered in diamonds, and opens up to a reveal a miniature white enamel Russian ballerina. The clasp is adorned with a vivid red ruby to finish off this luxurious pendant fit for royalty.

Faberge Delight in 18K White and Rose Gold with Ruby, Diamonds and Enamel ($22,550)

Commenting on ‘From Russia With Love’, Founder and Executive Creative Director of Simone Jewels, Simone Ng said, “I have always been absolutely fascinated by the grandeur of Russian and my inspiration for this collection was drawn from the craftmanship and intricacy of the royals’ elaborate pieces.”

She adds “Russian royalties have owned some of the world’s most exquisite jewellery, with Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia, believing that great jewels were as important as a great army!”

Ballerina Earrings in 18K Rose Gold with Pink Tourmaline and Diamonds ($11,000)

Launched in 2014 Simone’s designs are inspired by history, architecture, culture and each creation made is an heirloom of timeless essence, transformable and transformative.

The new ‘From Russia With Love’ collection is now available.

LONDON, 16 February, 2021: The award-winning Singaporean designer, Simone Ng, debuted Simone Jewels 15 years ago, and in celebration of this momentous occasion she is delighted to announce…

Art & Design, Fashion, Lifestyle, Polo News

FLORE GIRAUD – SCALING THE HEIGHTS OF SUCCESS!

11. February 2021

• Young French show jumping rider of 24 years old
• One of the world’s best show jumping hopefuls
• Wears the RM 07-01 Automatic in Carbon TPT ® and Titanium

“A true breath of fresh air!” Richard Mille is delighted to welcome Flore Giraud, France’s most up and coming showjumping champion into the Richard Mille stable. In a sport which is currently regaining popularity throughout the globe, Flore is jumping leaps and bounds on her way to peak performance.

“I was riding even before I was born” says the 24-year-old, acknowledging that her passion for all equestrian things comes from her mother. “When I was a little girl, you couldn’t get me out of the stables. I was riding, grooming, mucking in – I’d have slept there too if they’d let me! I had my first Shetland Poney when I was just 4 and started competing at 8.” The world has since become her chosen arena with world-beating success both at national and international Grand Prix such as Knokke, Equita Lyon, Wellington US and the 2019 Longines Masters in Paris.

“To nurture a relationship with horses requires sensitivity. They give you so much, you really have to build an instinctive relationship and that takes years of dedication. Of course, they sense how important it is when the Big Day comes. They are away from their home, they feel the crowd. Above all they sense your adrenaline. After all, you are demanding incredible achievements from them. You don’t get that without putting in the effort.”

Flore works at the estate Haras de Lécaude, located near Deauville in Normandy (France). The facilities are state of the art, equipped with an all-season riding arena, galop apparatus and spa. Horses, “the true athletes” as Flore insists, deserve only the best, with massages to ease their much in demand muscles. “It’s exactly the same as Formula 1. Edward Levy and I are the two riders at the Haras but all the staff around us make up the team, just like the technicians you find in the pits.” Mental attitude is 90% of the sport and Flore has her own mental coach. “It quickly becomes a virtuous circle of winning, positive attitude and how to cope with any down phases.”

Things “clicked” instantly when Flore met Amanda Mille. Both share a vision about the role of women in international competition. “It’s almost unique to have a sport where we compete on equal terms with men. On top of this I was struck by the brand’s commitment to detail. Our performance lasts a minute, but many years of preparation go into that minute. Every part of every second counts. I love the minutiae of perfection.” Not to forget the other important feature which endears Flore to the RM 07-01 in Carbon TPT ® and Titanium – its supreme lightness. “That’s exactly what I’m striving for when I approach each and every hurdle.” The 24-year-old French woman is obviously chomping at the bit to take on the challenge of the 2024 Paris Olympics and make no mistake, Flore has every intention of clearing any obstacles in her path!

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”1121″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]

• Young French show jumping rider of 24 years old • One of the world’s best show jumping hopefuls • Wears the RM 07-01 Automatic in Carbon TPT ® and…

Art & Design, Fashion, Lifestyle, Polo News

Richard Mille: Grey Cermet makes an appearance in the new RM 11-05 Automatic Flyback Chronograph GMT

3. July 2020

Grey Cermet, Richard Mille’s new exclusive material
The lightness of titanium meets the hardness of diamond
Limited edition of 140 pieces

Grey Cermet, Richard Mille’s new exclusive material The lightness of titanium meets the hardness of diamond Limited edition of 140 pieces

True to the Richard Mille spirit, grey Cermet is the fruit of painstaking research conducted by the brand, which is unrelenting in its commitment to the creation of new materials. This exclusive Richard Mille material in watchmaking combines the lightness of titanium and the hardness of diamond.

The construction of the automatic movement gives pride of place to titanium.

Its functions notably include a GMT display that can be simply adjusted thanks to a pushpiece at 9 o’clock, a 24-hour flyback chronograph, and an annual calendar. The added grey Cermet is adapted to the pure aerodynamic lines of the iconic case, which measures 50 x 42.70 mm with a total thickness of 16.15 mm.

The Cermet owes its unique grey colour to the combination of a metallic zirconium matrix with high-performance ceramic inserts. Its implementation required a degree of rigour commensurate with that needed to create the materials themselves. Heating and pressing together very different kinds of materials at a high temperature without altering their respective qualities was a challenge.

It proved even more difficult to obtain a homogeneous whole, as nickel and cobalt, which are normally used in this family of hard materials, were excluded in order to adhere to REACH standards, which ensure safety in the production and use of chemicals in the European industry.

It took many years of development for Richard Mille and the IMI Group, specialising in microtechnology, to remove these undesirable binders and only retain suitable materials. The innovative procedure used for this solution pairs classic hot stamping with a series of powerful electrical current pulses to increase the sintering kinetics, a technique known as ‘flash sintering’.Its density of 4.1 g/cm 3 – less than that of titanium – and its hardness of 2,360 Vickers – almost the same as diamond’s 2,400 Vickers make Cermet a judicious choice for use in bezels that are very exposed to scratches, while maintaining overall lightness. Cermet’s physical properties are widely recognised, hence its frequent use in ballistic protection, external aerospace fuselage components, and in the brakes of competition vehicles.

The combination of a Carbon TPT ® caseband, a grade 5 titanium caseback and a grey Cermet bezel helps to significantly reduce the weight of the RM 11-05.

Limited to 140 pieces, the RM 11-05 Automatic Flyback Chronograph GMT will be available from July 2020.

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Grey Cermet, Richard Mille’s new exclusive material The lightness of titanium meets the hardness of diamond Limited edition of 140 pieces Grey Cermet, Richard Mille’s new exclusive material The lightness…

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Performance Polo helmet sponsor for Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso

8. June 2020

Guest article from Michael Husted, Performance Polo

Let the games begin!

Both players arrived in the UK yesterday in time for their first practice with the Next Generation team, also comprising Pelon Stirling and Jean Francois Decaux. We have equipped both Cambiasos with HPA approved Instinct Polo helmets, hand painted by Eddie Kennedy in Cambiaso‘s tradtional design.

Instinct helmet

www.performance-polo.com