Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2024 i Robb Report Singapore

THE PORSCHE 911. A Picasso painting. A Montblanc pen. The Chanel No. 5 perfume. The mere mention of these creations is enough to fire up images in your head. You know exactly how they look and, if you fancy stretching your imagination, probably have an idea of how to enjoy them, too. These iconic luxury accoutrements may span different categories. However, they have one thing in common: the allure of identity. By the same token, their effortless imprinting of clear pictures in our minds is the result of another singular characteristic—that of expert design. As we explore the subliminal impact of art and design on our lives in this issue, we, too, are astonished by their influence and reach. It is when we examine the influence of omnipresent luxury items,…

BEING A FASHION writer and a style consultant, the biggest gripe I hear from men has always been some version of: sure, I understand what to wear to work, but how about dressing elegantly outside it? What splits the difference between my custom suits and silk ties and my old khakis and a T-shirt? Except now it's worse, because even the codes around dressing for the office have collapsed. The frustration at not being able to nail 'smart casual' is palpable—and understandable. As the phrase suggests, it's an in-between approach that requires dressing comfortably yet also stylishly (or is it the other way around?) and without looking like you've made much effort. No wonder guys throw up their hands and reach for what they already know. But it doesn't have…

BEFORE 7 OCTOBER, the contemporary art world tended to be seen as a reliably liberal bloc, with shared values around issues of social justice including race, gender and reproductive rights. But Hamas's attack on Israel that day and Israel's subsequent invasion of Gaza have divided artists, gallerists, curators and other art professionals in an unprecedented manner. Across the art world, people traded accusations of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and censorship. Pro-Palestinian protests erupted at numerous institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Talks were disrupted; artists pulled works from shows. In one case, a group of Jewish anti-Zionist artists withdrew their pieces from San Francisco's Contemporary Jewish Museum, in part to protest funding from the Israeli government and pro-Zionist foundations. Another museum in…

“ALL ART,” DECLARED Gustav Klimt, “is erotic.” And it is easy to appreciate the Austrian painter's sentiment when looking at The Kiss, arguably Klimt's most famous artwork. A heady creation depicting love and lust with swathes of gold, flowers, geometric shapes, and, of course, a couple sharing an intimate moment, The Kiss is a monumental artwork by one of the greatest decorative painters of the 20th century. It is safe to say that the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere museum in the Viennese Belvedere Palace who view the painting would be gripped by a sense of awe and desire. And this year, Montblanc again puts itself up for the challenge of reimagining the greatest artworks of all time with its Masters of Art Homage to…

THE ART & DESIGN ISSUE DURING HIS PROLIFIC and inventive career, Marc Quinn has cast a self-portrait with his own frozen blood, preserved flowers in liquid silicone, and made a series of 3D works by covering images of postcard-pretty sunsets with urban detritus and mounting them on violently crumpled aluminium. The through line? Our inextricable dependence on our environment, both natural and of our own making. Or, as Quinn puts it, “what it is to be a person in the world”. “Those frozen sculptures bring out the idea that we only exist in certain conditions—and if you change those conditions, then we cease to exist,” Quinn says over Zoom from his London studio. “The frozen head only exists because it's minus-20 Celsius. If you unplug it, it turns to a…

Pleasure yachts were once the province of amateur sailors and oligarchs—men who, aside from a shared appreciation of varnished teak, adhered to diverging aesthetic templates. For serious mariners, form followed function and fripperies were frowned upon. The upper-cruster aboard his gin palace, meanwhile, preferred nightclub chic, with heavy doses of gold, chandeliers and black-lacquered surfaces. Both types of vessel suffered from a surplus of wood panelling and a scarcity of sea views. That design rulebook has now been thrown out, thanks to shifting priorities, new technologies and the pandemic-fuelled boom in yacht ownership. A rising generation of younger owners prefers watersports toys and wellness suites over cigar lounges and book-matched mahogany. Seductive superyacht concepts on social media promise a life in which families waft unbounded through fluid, open-plan, indoor-outdoor spaces…

Special Feature IMAGINE THE FREE-SPIRITED capriciousness of artists from the 1970s, the disciplined perfection of watchmakers from the 1800s, and the unencumbered visions of hungry entrepreneurs of today—all bubbling in a heady brew—and you are close to what H. Moser & Cie. has to offer with its new Streamliner watches. The brand's marketing statement describes the Streamliner's look as “a nod to the sleek automotive and locomotive designs of the 1920s”. To our eyes, though, the watch's strong cushion-shaped case with a stylised integrated bracelet, complemented by minimalistic coloured dials on some models, and ornamental versions on others, harks back to the early luxury sports watch aesthetic of the 1970s. Although the Streamliner raised eyebrows at first with its unusual appearance, it has now become an unequivocal H. Moser &…

Objectified A Groovy Brew A departure from the clean exterior of La Marzocco's original Linea Mini, the limited-edition Rimowa x La Marzocco Linea Mini espresso machine features Rimowa's signature luggage grooves on the machine's all-aluminium panels. Featuring dual boilers and a precise temperature controller, the professional-grade espresso machine will help you brew the perfect cup of espresso while encouraging you to enjoy the process. Tactile components are paired with intuitive controls to ensure the brewing process is a breeze. Meanwhile, the machine's easy-to-adjust pump pressure allows you to extract your espresso just the way you desire. Assembled by hand in Florence, each unit requires 40 hours of dedicated craftsmanship to achieve its pristine finish, resulting in a stylish espresso machine that looks as enticing as the coffee it makes. Trident…

“Watches are the antithesis of liberty,” Gérald Genta once remarked. “I am an artist, I hate having to adhere to the constraints of time.” If you're familiar with Genta's work, you may be raising your eyebrow. Despite having no formal training in technical watchmaking, the late Genta designed some of the world's most iconic watches, such as Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak, Patek Philippe's Nautilus and IWC Schaffhausen's Ingenieur SL Jumbo Ref. 1832. In fact, the term 'watch designer' did not exist prior to Genta's emergence. Given so, it is natural for us to be puzzled by the staunch reproval of someone so intertwined with the art of time-telling. But perhaps it is this exact desire to remain unshackled by 'constraints' that has allowed Genta's designs to transcend their roles as…

THE CASTLE DUBLIN, IRELAND At first glance, this single-family home looks like an actual castle thanks to its turreted facade. It was built in 1816 and underwent a restoration project in 2004 and 2005 to bring it up to date with modern conveniences. It still has several period features, such as ornate ceiling coving and roses as well as Gothic windows and window shutters. Across its 418sqm of interior space, residents will enjoy a large dining room, breakfast room, three large reception rooms, five bedrooms and four full bathrooms. The Castle also comes with 1,619sqm of land, with landscaped gardens, a barbecue area and water features. The nearby Foxrock Village offers a selection of restaurants and specialist food shops, and golfers will appreciate the proximity of one of Ireland's most…

The Resource | SAVOUR STAGS LEAP DISTRICT, a small American Viticultural Area (AVA) on the east side of Napa Valley, skyrocketed to fame in 1976 when Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon took first place among red wines at the Judgment of Paris, beating out, among others, Château Mouton Rothschild 1970 and Château Haut-Brion from the same vintage. Fifty years after the production of the wine that would bring renown to this small AVA—and put Napa Valley on the map—the 16 wineries of Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association released a limited-edition 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, the first collaboration among its members. Originally planted in the area in 1961, Cabernet Sauvignon accounts today for more than 80 per cent of the grapes grown on Stags Leap's 486 hectares. With a winemaking…

The Resource | TRAVEL It's not uncommon to hear that once you've skied in Alaska, anywhere else is bound to be a letdown. And it's true that, after hitting slopes all over the world, my first taste of Alaska's gravity-defying mountains about a decade ago delivered the most epic day of snowboarding I'd ever experienced. But that high came to an abrupt end with a mediocre steak dinner at a Best Western sports bar. Being dropped by helicopter on a knife-edge ridge and carving fresh tracks on pristine 40-degree inclines may have been mind-blowing, but the next year I opted for the Alps. The apex of big-mountain skiing, the 49th state in the US should be on every enthusiast's go-now list. Yet for many snow-obsessed travellers, an ideal day requires…

Jack Nicholson and Denzel Washington at the Lakers. Jay-Z and Beyoncé rooting for the Nets. Bad Bunny, well, everywhere. Seating celebrities courtside is de rigueur in the modern National Basketball Association, but you don't have to be an A-lister to relish the royal treatment at today's games. The US's premier arenas offer high-rolling sports fans stylishly indulgent experiences that go beyond covetable tickets to include hidden enclaves, gourmet cuisine, collector-worthy wine lists and, in at least one case, all the candy you can eat. Nestled at court level is Courtside Crown Club, accessible only to 218 season-ticket holders. Barclays Center: Courtside Crown Club While the Brooklyn Nets didn't exactly set the league ablaze this season, the VIP programme at the team's home court, Barclays Center, rivals any in the Association.…

Cleopatra's Barge History's first superyacht owner was Ptolemy IV, who ruled Egypt from 221 to 205 BCE. Among his royal fleet was a 300ft catamaran that towered 18m above the Nile, propelled by thousands of enslaved men. But it was his descendant Cleopatra, reigning nearly two centuries later, who has captured the imaginations of poets, playwrights and Hollywood producers. Cleopatra's barge was the first nautical fashion statement, a blazing vessel that included silver oars, colourful sails and a gold-encrusted hull. Shakespeare's reference in Antony and Cleopatra was so inspirational to George Crowninshield Jr, who hailed from a wealthy merchant family in Salem, Massachusetts, that he named his yacht Cleopatra's Barge when it launched in 1816. At a time when no one cruised for mere recreation, the 83ft schooner was considered…

IT IS HARD to remember a time before the Porsche 911 existed. Although there is one, obviously—the car was released in 1963 and celebrated its 60th anniversary last year—the 911's sheer omnipresence evokes a sense of timelessness that makes us feel as if the car has been with us all our lives. “The term (timelessness) provides me with guidance for what the Porsche brand has represented for many years and what we aim to communicate in the future,” said Michael Mauer, Porsche's chief designer, in an interview to commemorate the 911's diamond jubilee. “In a world full of explanations, design should be self-explanatory.” In other words, nothing can adequately describe the feelings of delight and desire when encountering a Porsche. And it is a visceral emotion that the German marque…

Mizuma Gallery #01-34 Gillman Barracks 22 Lock Road Singapore 108939 Mizuma Sueo, the eponymous founder of the gallery, is a strong advocate of emerging Japanese and Asian artists. The gallery is currently staging Polycosmos Everywhere, a solo exhibition by Nelo Akamatsu, featuring installations that explore the evolving relations between living things and their ever-changing environments. Sundaram Tagore Gallery #01-05 Gillman Barracks 5 Lock Road Singapore 108933 Sundaram Tagore Gallery champions artists from underrepresented cultures, with an eye on the impact of crosscultural exploration. Representing both esteemed and aspiring artists from all over the world, the gallery is currently staging The Journey Within, featuring paintings by Delhi-based artist Olivia Fraser who explores spirituality, belonging and transcendence. Mucciaccia Gallery #02-10 Gillman Barracks 6 Lock Road Singapore 108934 Established by renowned art patron…

Dream Machines | WHEELS “OH, A BOSS'S car,” remarked a colleague when she found out that I was going to take the new BMW 520i for a spin. The reputation for the new 5 Series Sedan seems to precede itself. But it's all good. After all, there is nothing quite as gratifying for a business sedan as being hailed as a symbol of elevated boardroom stature. Since its roll-out in 1972, the 520i has steadily built up its cachet to become one of the world's most desired luxury saloons. BMW's ability to hone the 5 Series' levels of prestige and performance over the years in a manner that consistently hits a sweet spot for moneyed managers has earned it a loyal following. And it has the numbers to back it…

SOME MARRIAGES ARE just meant to be. Even though TAG Heuer and Porsche didn't officially get together until 2021, when both companies collaborated on their first jointly monikered timepiece, the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph, the partnership always seemed destined to take off. Porsche, which won its first-class victory at the Carrera Panamericana race in 1954, famously named one of its most powerful engines Carrera. Likewise, when Heuer launched its iconic chronograph in 1963, the company also chose to christen it Carrera. Although it took decades before the brands got around to collaborating with each other, the union has proven to be red-hot. The new Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963 is the fourth watch bearing the names of both brands to be released in the same number of years. Clearly,…

The Resource | SAVOUR IF YOU'VE FOUND yourself anywhere near a glass of whisky in the past five years, you may have noticed a burning sensation rising in your nose and throat. This, we're told, is a good thing. Across the whisky world but particularly at American distillers, high-alcohol, high-intensity spirits have taken over. These high-proof bourbons and ryes—often called cask strength or barrel proof—were once just a peripheral curiosity, but in recent years they've captured the attention of industry critics, writers and connoisseurs. The 2023 list of 100 top American whiskies from influential critic Fred Minnick is emblematic of the trend. Of 100 spirits listed, 87 are 100 proof and up, 49 are 110 or higher and 18 are at or above 120—which, because 'proof' is twice the amount…

The Resource | TRAVEL CONSIDER THE DOMED and turreted palaces that took 22 generations to complete, their walls inlaid with rubies, jade, jasper, onyx and cornelian. Or the thrones hewn from single blocks of serpentine, the porcelain tiles studded with diamonds and the life-sized white-marble elephants standing sentry in jasmine-scented gardens. Few monarchies have ever matched the opulence of Rajasthan's royal courts at their peak. For more than a millennium, these unimaginable riches drew marauders from all corners—Arabs, Seljuks, Chalukyas, Mamluks, Mughals and eventually, the Brits. Finally, in the early 1970s, an independent India stripped the royal dynasties of the last of their titles and much of their wealth. To endure, a few former maharajahs took the hotelier route. Jaipur's Rambagh Palace went on to host Queen Elizabeth II and…