Massimo Bottura made such a hit at last year’s MGM x RR1 Culinary Masters Macau, a culinary gathering presented by Robb Report Hong Kong and MGM, that there must be many who would want to follow this Italian star, wherever. Well, thanks to his collaboration with Gucci, it’s possible to appreciate his edible art in the Gucci Osteria restaurants in such world cities as Seoul and Tokyo. And, not surprisingly, the chinaware he uses is Gucci, at its best. In Macau, the maestro produced kaleidoscope-like eye-openers on white china. At Gucci Osteria restaurants, by contrast, food fits with confidence onto a china pattern that sometimes emulates a Gucci scarf.
Bold and noticeable is in, not only on tabletop, but also on the wrist. Cartier’s animal jewellery watch collection and De Bethune’s DB28XS “Purple Rain” were just a few of the hits at the last Watches and Wonders in Geneva, held in April of this year. Some collections have certainly attracted the attention of Hong Kong-based watch collector Mervin Ling, who most encouragingly believes in sharing horological knowledge. Ling is most impressed, however, by any watch associated with FP Journe—see his @fpjourne.collectors.club account on Instagram to see what pieces he prizes. FP Journe, the only horology workshop based in Central Geneva, was started by François-Paul Journe, born 1957, and today, it’s partly owned by Chanel.
Collaborations are prolific in all elements of lifestyle. Germán Coto, CEO of Los Angeles-based G&G Business Developments, is working with Aston Martin Residences. First up is the 66-floor Aston Martin Residences Miami, officially opened in time for the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. Over 50 owners of the 391 residences, which include seven-pool penthouses, already drive Aston Martins. There’s a choice of residence interiors that are overseen, like the designs for their cars, by Aston Martin’s EVP and chief creative officer Marek Reichman.
Singapore is metaphorically on fire at the moment with a new hotel. Another one? Yes, and it is yet another CDL development, once again tied to Marriott. CDL chairman Dr Kwek Leng-beng did at one point attempt to do his own six-star property, South Beach, with Philippe Starck Design, no less. But he is a financial genius and a realist, and within a few months, he handed South Beach to Marriott, which also does a great job on the CDL-owned St Regis Singapore, among others.
The latest CDL-owned hotel, on Cuscaden Road, is the 191-room Singapore Edition, designed in-house by Ian Schrager’s team. It launched with amazing pizzazz in May, and it seemed that every Gen Z influencer of relevance was not only invited but turned up—think Ikhsan Fandi Ahmad, Priyanka Annuncia, Michelle Chia, Fakkah Fuzz, Nathan Hartono, Jade Seah, Mae Tan, Hirzi Zulkiflie, and many more.
The three-night extravaganza included Aussie dining by Josh Niland at Fysh restaurant—glazed Blackmore Wagyu beef chuck rib with La Lune oysters and Giant Steps Primavera Pinot Noir 2022, and don’t forget the 64 per cent Manjari Valrhona tart with Kaviari caviar and Murray cod-fat caramel. The hotel has plenty of spaces, including a velvet-swathed Wonder Room “microclub” specialising in art, music, and other cultural experiences.
