Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2024 i Robb Report Singapore

ALTOGETHER NOW, EXHALE. Yes, we are allowed to—it’s December. What a ride it has been. And I’m not even referring to the immense triumphs and challenges that I’m sure we’ve experienced in our lives. Zoom out a little and we find ourselves navigating a world in flux like never before. We witnessed climate change getting real; we grappled with artificial intelligence; we stewed in the aftermath of an election that isn’t ours, yet affects us so much… the list goes on. But yet, we exhale and celebrate. Not just because we can, but we should. If not, how else—or when—should we pause, reflect and recalibrate to the cycle of work and life? It is rudimentary: we breathe in, so we need to breathe out. Some of us do so simply.…

AMERICAN WHISKY HAS exploded in popularity over the past 20 years—in 2023, more than 31 million 9-litre cases of it were sold in the US, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States—but there has remained one dirty word that nobody really wants to talk about: the ‘blend’. Mention the term to any dedicated liquor aficionado and you’ll probably be met with a dismissive sigh, which is preferable to the more likely option, a pedantic lecture on why blended juice isn’t worth the plastic in which it’s most likely bottled. Yet, these notions have been slowly and steadily evaporating, like the angel’s share, as a new wave of producers elevates the much-maligned American blend. In fact, some of those aforementioned whisky snobs are now on the hunt for…

LEICA HAS ALWAYS gone against the grain. Whether it’s popularising 35mm film when larger formats ruled in the early 20th century or remaining steadfast to manual rangefinders, the German manufacturer is like that effortlessly cool kid in class who prides himself on being different. Unlike the all-too-familiar hipster, however, Leica’s approach never comes across as superfluous posturing, even when producing something as unconventional as a digital camera without a rear screen. Adding to its line of unorthodox quasi-film digital cameras, Leica introduces the M11-D. Just like its predecessors (the M-D from 2016 and M10-D from 2018), the M11-D forgoes the rear screen, encouraging photographers to rely on their instincts and skill rather than digital feedback when composing their shots. The result is a film-like shooting experience that gives you full…

Gucci Glow Highlighter Gucci Beauty expands its collection with the Gucci Glow Highlighter, showcasing a unique powder-gel texture. Offered in five radiant shades, each housed in a luxurious gold case adorned with Gucci’s signature star motif, the formula is enriched with fine pearls and innovative light-capturing technology, creating a luminous, multidimensional glow. Designed for versatility, it can be applied to both face and body, with a buildable texture that achieves everything from a subtle cheekbone sheen to a brilliantly radiant Cupid’s bow. Le Flacon Quadrilobé by Lee Ufan for Guerlain Each year, Guerlain invites an esteemed artist to reinterpret one of its iconic bottles and, for its latest collaboration, it has partnered with South Korean painter Lee Ufan. Launching in January 2025, Le Flacon Quadrilobé (limited to 21 bottles) reimagines…

It’s easy to miss Auric Room 1915, the new private members’ club at Lone Mountain Ranch resort on Montana’s North Fork Gallatin River. It opened this past spring, tucked away upstairs above the lobby and reached via a small mahogany lift in the wood-framed main-lodge building. Those who know to step inside are whisked up to a cramped corridor, where a hostess offers a polite greeting and coats—a floor-length vintage fur, perhaps, or an oversized woollen shrug—in case you need to duck out onto the terrace. Then she requires everyone to hand over their phones, which she stows in a wall of vintage safe-deposit boxes. Auric Room 1915, which is named after the year this ranch was established, is a small space, barely 111sqm, with high ceilings and dark wooden…

DECEMBER IS A funny month. For some, it’s a time to savour the year’s highs; for others, a reminder that a new chapter is around the corner. Whichever way you see it, one thing’s for certain: a well-deserved break is in order. To make that respite especially memorable, Scott Dunn’s travel experts have curated a list of the most idyllic winter and spring getaways. But more than that, here, they offer invaluable insights to help you get the most out of your preferred destinations. WINTER Dolomites | Europe & ski specialist, Ying Ying Koo “The Dolomites offer some of the world’s best skiing thanks to Dolomiti Superski, a vast network of interconnected ski resorts accessible with a single ski pass. If you’re seeking a more elevated experience, opt for one…

Crowning Glory Chaumet’s Aphrodite tiara demonstrates the timelessness and elegance of feminine grace to captivating effect. Exuding a spirit of sensuality and sophistication that alludes to its namesake, this high jewellery creation is the perfect accessory to elevate an evening ensemble. Crafted with artful finesse, the tiara is fashioned in 18k white gold and adorned with intertwining bands of radiant diamonds. But don’t let its billowy silhouette deceive you. The Aphrodite tiara brings high-wattage glamour to the party: bearing 540 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 35 carats along its ribbon-like structure, and anchored at the centre by 11 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 5 carats. A Quiet Affair While some watchmakers dazzle with avant-garde designs and complications that boggle the mind, Breguet prefers a quieter approach. That’s not to say it lacks theatrical flair.…

NOTHING ARTICULATES QUIET luxury better than a 67m superyacht decked with seven opulent staterooms, a built-in lift, a dedicated spa and an expansive, al fresco lounge area. Sounds ironic? Yet, this pervasive—and confusing—assessment lingered as I stepped off Calex, a stunning custom-built superyacht made by Italian shipyard Benetti. Just moments prior, Marco Valle, CEO of the Azimut|Benetti Group, had, with a mischievous grin, informed me of an adage the yachting industry takes to heart: “No cash, no splash.” If anything, the admittedly amusing aphorism offered quite the opposite observation. Things only became clearer the next day when I had the chance to speak again with Valle. “People look at our yachts and all they see is the high life and the glamour,” he said. “No one sees the people behind…

FIRST, THE LEAKS. Then, the confirmation. Perhaps a buying frenzy next? After images of Patek Philippe’s new Cubitus watch started appearing online in early October, watch lovers could not stop dispensing hot takes on the brand’s latest creation. As it is expected with an esteemed, centuries-old brand that attempts to try something new, views are bound to be polarising. Reactions to Cubitus-Patek Philippe’s first new collection since 1999—spanned from delight to incredulity. But one thing is for sure, Patek Philippe knows exactly where it is headed with the bold new watch, which does not look like anything that it has done in its 185-year history. One might describe it as a cousin to the iconic Nautilus, given that both collections occupy the sports-luxe space, but further comparisons will, quite frankly,…

FRAGRANCE CONVEYS EMOTIONS and memories beyond words at Penhaligon’s, the British luxury fragrance house founded in 1870. Steeped in Victorian tradition and royal heritage, each scent evokes a universe unto itself, combining olfactory artistry with the finest ingredients. To encapsulate the magic and joy of Christmas, Penhaligon’s introduces the Luna’s Moon Delights festive gift set. Comprising an eau de toilette and a body and hand lotion, both echoing a singular, captivating aroma, the set is an ode to the divine. This set transforms fragrance into a luxurious dessert for the senses. Sweetened with rose, enriched by fir balsam and accented with a hint of bergamot, Luna’s scent exudes a certain je ne sais quoi that reflects its divinity. Each note unfolds with precision, exhaling a sensual, balanced aroma that lingers…

ON A RECENT trip to Bukhara, Uzbekistan, Lina Ghotmeh fell in love with the city’s 10th-century mausoleums. “The woven brickwork is mind-blowing,” says the Lebanese architect on a call from Paris, where her eponymous studio can be found in the 11th arrondissement. It’s the type of design— rooted in tradition, materiality and memory—that Ghotmeh is most passionate about. Since completing her studies at the American University of Beirut, that dedication has made her one of the most sought-after architects working today. From an eco-conscious leather workshop for Hermès to last year’s Serpentine Pavilion to the upcoming contemporaryart museum of AlUla in Saudi Arabia, her projects span the globe. Given the demand, one could understand the pressure to do things faster. But for Ghotmeh, there are no shortcuts. “Sometimes a client…

LUXURY CRUISES CAN seem inherently ironic. You board a magnificent ship, lured by the promise of new lands and ports, yet spend much of the voyage revelling in the beauty and expanse of the world’s oceans. Don’t get us wrong, the journey is often just as magical as the destination. As such, an unforgettable cruise experience requires an exceptional operator like Silversea, which has mastered the art of marrying world-class service with breathtaking expeditions. Being on a cruise aboard any of its eight ships takes you on a journey into realms of adventure and opulence. Silversea is committed to delivering first-class, all-inclusive indulgences with an inimitable ability to imbue guests with spectacular onboard experiences and a splendid array of unique destinations and itineraries. Case in point: Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea And…

NOTHING COMPARES TO a ski holiday, from the breathtaking views to the sense of accomplishment you get from descending a steep mountain. But if we were being honest, the best part about spending a day on the slopes is everything that comes after—the apres-ski, when the boots come off and the party is getting started. It’s a magical time that begins as soon as the blue hour hits, when the sun dips below the horizon and the moon comes out to play, bathing the world in a deep, mystical blue. The Essence of Apres-Ski It’s also a magical moment that calls for that perfect glass of whisky, and we can’t think of anything better than the newly released Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet. Unveiled by brand ambassador Priyanka Chopra…

HOW TO BUY To facilitate your Ultimate Gift Guide purchases, please email us at ultimategiftguide@imv.com.sg. Robb Report may receive a portion of the proceeds. 1 A Japanese Ski and City Getaway ❄ Think of this seven-night experience in Japan as the ultimate luxury tasting of a destination that has seen a surge of interest among international visitors over the past 5 years, especially in its extraordinary winter sports. You won’t be idling with the crowds, though, but rather experiencing the country through a rarefied insider’s lens courtesy of specialist agency, Black Tomato. Nagano prefecture, on Honshu’s northwestern coast, is one of the prime ski locations and a former Olympics host. You’ll start there, near the rural town of Togari. After-hours, when the pistes are cleared and the chairlifts halted, you’ll have…

IT’S A SOLID drive, that’s for sure. Being one of Maserati’s many releases in 2024, the brand bills its latest Grecale GT as the ‘everyday exceptional’. After spending two days exploring its capabilities, I can attest that it is precisely that: a seamless blend of Italian elegance, spacious comfort and the unmissable spark of spirited daily driving. The Grecale GT draws immediate attention with a silhouette that is slightly reminiscent of Porsche’s Macan. Its sleek, sporty stance holds up well against other luxury SUVs, with design cues that hint at Maserati’s lineage. From the imposing grille to the boomerang rear lights inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT, it’s an iconic Maserati look that doesn’t shout for attention but still receives it. The entry-level Grecale GT houses a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid engine…

“SPORTIVE AND ELEGANT,” says Brice Tchaplyguine, managing director of TAG Heuer Asia Pacific, when pressed for a succinct description of the Swiss watchmaker’s storied heritage and DNA. To really get the full measure of Tchaplyg uine’s assessment, however, one needs to step into TAG Heuer’s latest boutique, located in Raffles City. Decked with motorsports memorabilia and a curated collection of arresting photographs and literature, the boutique immediately immerses you in the brand’s history—an effect, Tchaplyguine tells us, isn’t accidental. “This is how I see the connection with the customer,” he says. “The purpose (of a boutique) is not to push a purchase. It is to understand what the customer wants and what they want to talk about. This is how you build a relationship and why we’ve built such a…

WHEN CHANEL DEBUTED its Sport collection of high-wattage jewels in Monaco earlier this year, the house wasn’t specific about what inspired the pieces. But cars, perhaps for obvious reasons, were on the minds of many observers. There were lavish necklaces in settings that resembled tyre tracks, rings with bands and mounts that evoked knobby treads, and bold stripes that wouldn’t be out of place on a race-car livery. But the piece de resistance of the collection (which was so captivating that we’re inclined to believe the rumour that a single collector bought the piece after seeing it on a Zoom call) is a transformable diamond bracelet made of automotive-friendly carbon fibre. And where better than Monaco, the sovereign city-state home to F1’s most iconic Grand Prix, to unveil such pieces?…

THE HOLIDAYS ARE a time for creating memories and few things set the mood like the perfect scent. Byredo, a Swedish fragrance and lifestyle brand synonymous with understated elegance and modern luxury, has perfected the art of doing just that. Case in point: its newest festive launch, the Ancient Sand candle. From the moment the candle is lit, it fills the room with a warm glow and an evocative scent. The fragrance begins with subtle notes of rose petals and Sri Lankan cardamom, slowly giving way to the earthy richness of cedarwood and carrot seed. It’s a scent that feels both familiar and unique, evoking the comfort of winter nights spent by the fire. As the candle burns, its final notes of cashmere wood, amber and raspberry settle in, lingering…

VILLA EGO RIVIERA DEI FIORI, ITALY From sculptures by the Italian modernist master Giorgio de Chirico to a museum designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kenzo Tange, this villa lives up to its name in a spectacular manner. Its list of outstanding features includes a helipad, a seawater swimming pool, four separate apartments, a caretaker’s annex and direct access to a private beach. With 36,957 sq ft of interior space spread across three levels, the villa offers 10 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms and expansive spaces for relaxing, dining and entertaining. In the basement, residents will enjoy a spa and a heated therapeutic pool. The villa also comes with more than 2 hectares of land and is surrounded by a park. Villa Ego was completed by Milanese architect and industrial designer Giò…

EVERY YEAR SAFARIS get more accommodating, but at many lodges a red-line remains: young children. Not only was the safety issue obvious—even the most acclimated game animals might see a small human as a snack—but children were considered ill-suited for the Jeep for a myriad of other good reasons. They’re loud, unpredictable, difficult to control and tire easily. They are also often unprepared for the more animalistic elements of the circle of life. They didn’t like Bambi, so why would you take them to see the gore of a fresh lion kill? But as lodges reorient to create private camps-withincamps designed for multi-generational safari experiences, the cradle of humanity is beginning to look exactly that. Safari company African Travel saw a 20 per cent increase in family bookings last year—40…

THOUGH MUCH MODERN salt is produced in industrial quantities, with little concern given to finesse or flavour, this wasn’t always the case. For centuries, salt was a local product, an expression of terroir and technique— Hawaii’s blood-red crystals, for example, or the grey, pebbly salt of France’s western coast. A few entrepreneurs are looking to recapture that sense of place (and taste) and even turn salt from a sprinkled afterthought into an essential part of your diet. Here, our four favourite gourmet varieties. Grenadine Wild Sea Salt Bequia, St Vincent and the Grenadines When two former commercial photographers from New York, Jerry Simpson and his late wife, Elizabeth Watt, retired to the island of Bequia in St Vincent and the Grenadines, they resolved to find a new career. The purity…