Ethos brought the extremely prestigious and coveted Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) to India with a gala dinner hosted by Mr. Yashovardhan Saboo, Chairman Ethos at the Swiss embassy.

The event saw many guests appreciating the watches like: Dr. H.E. Linus von Castelmur (Ambassador of Switzerland to India and Bhutan) with his wife, Rajive Suri, Peter Dascoli, Cecile Dascoli, Prisca Marti, Reis Marti, Patrick Saurini, Sarah Arnett, Wolfgang Will, Aurel Bacs, Carlo Lamprecht, Carine Maillard, Jerome Riff, Malvika Suri, Aditya Singhal, Charuvi Agrawal and many others.  

Anu & Yashovardhan Saboo;  Peter Dascoli with Cecile Dascoli

Clockwise: Aerel Bac with Carlo Lamprecht; Patric Saurini & Sarah Arnett; Dr. H.E. Linus von Castelmur with his wife 

At the GPHG, New Delhi, discerning watch lovers and collectors got the opportunity to admire 72 phenomenal timepieces from participating luxury brands including Breguet, Blancpain, A. Lange & Söhne, Van Cleef & Arpels, Jaquet Droz, Harry Winston, OMEGA, Bulgari, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Breguet, Mont Blanc, Hublot, Hermes, TAG Heuer. Each unveiled these special creations that showcased their expertise and excellence in haute horlogerie. Other internationally acclaimed luxury watch brands like Urwerk, Frederic Jouvenot, Grönefeld Parallax, Delaneau among others, which have so far not entered Indian retail, also reached the Indian connoisseurs at this symposium.

Couturier Varun Bahl recently put up a spectacular show at the Audi 2015 Autumn Collection launch in Mumbai’s Sofitel Hotel. He launched his new collection, which is an infusion of India’s opulent crafts with cutting-edge patternmaking from the West. The event was well attended by fashion and car connoisseurs alike.

Present at the occasion were Katrina Kaif, Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem, Anil & Sabina Chopra, Shanoo Sharma, Ravi Shastri , Niharika Khan and Pragya Yadav.

“I am delighted to be a part of the Audi 2015 Autumn Collection showcase.Every car here at Audi exudes classic elegance, modern luxury and meticulous design quality. Audi never fails to amaze. Thus, its relationship with design and fashion is an unbreakable bond. I thank them for being part of my 10 year celebration”, said Varun.

"Our stunning Autumn Collection perfectly complements Varun Bahl’s breath-taking designs that have been inspired by our cars. As the number one luxury car brand in India, it has been our constant endeavor to introduce exciting cars that set new standards in sportiness, progressiveness and sophistication. The Audi 2015 Autumn Collection is a celebration of these core values and reinforces our philosophy ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’,” said Mr. Joe King, Head, Audi India.

Varun Bahl’snew collection revolves around 3 different lines- Sporty, Progressive and Sophisticated that are Audi’s brand pillars. It celebrates modern silhouettes—jackets, dresses, trousers, skirts, and shirts—and blends them seamlessly with contemporary Indian embroideries and hand-done techniques. The jacket is the key piece of the season and has been used in many different ways. 

The Sporty Line

The Progressive line

The Sophisticated Line

His colour palette is a mix of black, silver, grey, ivory, beige, pale pink, powder blue, and rose that are also incidentally the colours of the season. It caters to the fashion forward man and woman.

The fabrics used are Varun Bahl trademark; silk, tulle, cotton, crepe and duchesse-satin. 

We are drooling over this gorgeous Marc Jacobs collection, all 120 of them which will debut exclusively at Sephora India stores from November 2014 onwards. They are provocative inviting you with exquisite textures and will make you feel like the girl you really want to be, beautiful and confident. “I see beauty in many things and I am attracted to all sorts of imperfection, to syle to confidence or experimentation. It’s unexpected and surprises you,” says Marc Jacobs of his namesake cosmetic line.

The range include everything a girl can wish for in  her beauty wardrobe including the blackest of the black eye liner, genius gel super-charged foundation, amazing array of colours for the nail paints, lip colours and lip balms, soft brushes among many others. Get set to make heads turn with this label already known in the world of fashion and  fragrance. 

Ranbir Kapoor has now been added to TAG Heuer's alluring list of sports and celebrity ambassadors. The association with the biggest youth icon of India will surely give a great push to the Swiss watchmaker's position in the market.

The actor signed a long term partnership with the brand as its Brand Ambassador while it unveiled its global campaign in India - DON’T CRACK UNDER PRESSURE. Best known for breaking rules, the brand is synonymous to ground breaking innovation. 'Don’t crack under pressure' asserts the powerful truth that achievement is due as much to mental strength as to physical capabilities. 

Ranbir sporting TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 Ceramic Bezel Black Dial Black Leather Strap

“Far more than a claim, it is a powerful mindset,” said TAG Heuer CEO Stephane Linder. “Those who know TAG Heuer may recognize the motto, a tribute to an early 90’s campaign which for many remains the most archetypal expression of TAG Heuer’s unbreakable determination. The campaign captures the mental strength of our Dream Team, athletes and partners, who reflect the values of the TAG Heuer shield. In India, we are proud to have two of the best names in Bollywood sporting TAG Heuer and we see a great future with them in the coming years.” 

“TAG Heuer has always been one of my dreams,” said Ranbir Kapoor. “It started when I was really young, it was the first watch I wanted to own in my life. I really have to pinch myself to believe that I am part of the TAG Heuer family. I think TAG Heuer stands for the four principle P’s that is prestige, precision, passion and performance. I think that is something we all and especially I can identify with.”

The most health and environmental friendly mode of transport, the bicycle, got a stylish luxe makeover with the launch of 'Ducati' by TI Cycles. A part of the Murugappa Group, TI Cycles launched this range of super-premium bicycles designed and manufactured by Europe’s leading bicycle conglomerate CyclEurope Group.

Ducati Bicycles are available both in carbon and alloy frames at Track & Trail retail outlets and key multi brand outlets across cities. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arun Alagappan, President, TI Cycles of India, said “At TI Cycles, we strongly believe in investing in innovation which makes us adopt the best technologies to meet the preferences and needs of the customers. We are confident Ducati bicycles will infuse fresh dynamism to our commitment to India and the Indian consumers”.

Actor Arya unviels DUCATI with Mr. K R Chandrasekaran, Chief Operating Officer, TI Cycles of India and K C Ramamoorthy, Vice President – International Business, Tube Investments of India

Ducati bicycles have many special features and advanced technologies like light weight Carbon frame with tapered headtube for internal headset, internal cable routing, and press-fit bottom bracket set. These bikes are targeted towards the age group of 25 to 40.

TI Cycles plans to expand its reach of Track and Trail stores up to 50 outlets by 2017 from its present 4 outlets. It has a world class domestic and export manufacturing facility in Chennai. The company is committed in promoting cycling which provides extensive health benefits for the individual and society as a whole.

Art and design are increasingly becoming a part of the real estate industry. Delhi saw four renowned couturiers joining hands with Advanced India Projects Ltd for a residential luxury project Cattaro at the Taj Mansingh Hotel.

Tarun Tahiliani, Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla, JJ Valaya and Shantanu & Nikhil will be the design partners to AIPL’s luxury residential project Cattaro. Cattaro personifies the four couturiers elemental in the birth of India’s first bespoke designer residences, styling and designing each space to resonate their own aesthetics. The 24-storeyed tower consists of 84 boutique homes, lush green spaces and all modern amenities that will be infused with the artistic instincts of the designers.

Tarun Tahiliani, Sandeep Khosla, Daljeet Singh, Abu Jani and JJ Valaya  ;  Nikhil Mehra, Shantanu Mehra and Sanjay Sachdeva

Sonia and Sharukh Passi  ;  Mr. Rachpal Singh, Mr. Gurdeep Singh and Mr. Sanjay Sachdeva 

While Abu-Sandeep, JJ Valaya and Shantanu-Nikhil will design & style the spacious residences; Tarun Tahiliani, will breathe life into the common areas. Cattaro is a self-contained complex with its own ultra-modern sky lounge, exclusive porch, business center, multi-specialty café, ultra-modern fitness center, salon & spa, swimming pool and full access of the clubhouse of ‘The Peaceful Homes’.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Sachdeva, Executive Director, AIPL, “At AIPL we are constantly pushing the bar of perfection, creating homes and spaces for connoisseurs of luxe living. At Cattaro we take this quest a notch above by partnering with designers to create India’s first designer homes that will combine evolved aesthetics with sound construction. To great design, we add the luxury and comfort of a world-class concierge service that every resident will be privy to. Besides creating a veritable oasis where everything you need is available at your doorstep.”

Located in Sector-70 A, Gurgaon, Cattaro will be ready for its first resident by 2017.

Logix Group has announced the opening of the Logix City Center, one of the first mixed-use commercial projects in the heart of Noida city.

Celebrating its collaboration with the India Couture Week, Logix group also announced the launch of 'Destination Couture' in the Logix City Center that provides retail opportunities for upcoming as well as established designers. Chandni Nath Israni, Director, Logix Group said, "City Center Mall is all about the art, cinema and fashion and will cater to the complete range of apparel and lifestyle accessories along with entertainment. Destination Couture will celebrate India’s everlasting love for International luxury and fine taste in high end couture."

Chandni Nath Israni,Director Logix Group,Mr. Govind Shrikhande, MD, Shoppers Stop Limited, Mr. Shakti Nath, CMD Logix Group and Mr. Pramod Arora. Group President PVR Ltd. 

Strategically located at the nodal point of Noida City Center in Sector 32, the five-storeyed Logix City Center shall have over 7 lac sqft of retail and entertainment, over 4 lac sqft of premium corporate office towers along with 250 keys 5 Star Luxury Hotel. "The Mall will have the largest HyperCITY to provide truly international shopping experience, where customers can shop in comfort in a large, modern and exciting environment. Many national and international brands outlets including Shoppers Stop will be there in the Mall to offer a complete range of apparel and lifestyle accessories to cater every lifestyle need", said Mr. Shakti Nath, CMD Of Logix Group.

Another striking feature of the Logix City Center is the PVR Superplex, a 15-screen multiplex that will attract cinema buffs for an enhanced experience at the movies. It will house 6 different cinema formats including PVR Premier, PVR Imax, PVR Motion X and PVR Playhouse for kids. The mall will have only the best Indian and international brands on leasing and rent basis. Mr. Shakntinath revealed that he plans to maintain the quality of brands by not selling "even an inch" of the mall. 

Noida is continuously growing in terms of population and infrastructure. The mall's pivotal location, luxurious ambience and a wholesome brand mix is what we think will contribute to the it's success. The Logix City Center is expected to be open for public in the coming festive season around Diwali.

The growing luxury shoe market in India sees a new entry in Mumbai. John Lobb who has been making the finest shoes for gentlemen since 1866 in London and 1902 in Paris debuts with its made-to-order ‘By Request’ service. Britain’s premier boot maker, owned by the Hermès Group, will foray into the Indian market with Regalia Luxury Retail LLP, a retailer partnering with leading luxury houses in introducing brands at the forefront of the industry in their respective categories. John Lobb was acquired by the Hermès Group In 1976.

With the strong heritage that the brand brings, it will offer service that allows connoisseurs to customize a pair of John Lobbs as per their style and own a pair unique to them. The brand will offer about 150 models including the bestsellers, William and Philip II, in a variety of leather options. Each pair spells sartorial elegance with its quality and selection of only the finest full-grain and exotic leathers. The 190 steps taken to craft each John Lobb shoe ensures the incorporation of the unique creative concepts and patterns, exceptional quality and thorough attention to detail.

“Considering the promising growth in demand for luxury goods, we are very excited to launch our ‘By Request’ service in India. India is a key market for us, and an integral part of our global strategy. We believe in offering the best quality products world over and are hoping to continue to do so. With our ‘By Request’ service, we will be able to understand our customers better and provide them with our personalized service that is part of John Lobb’s brand experience for decades.” says Thomas Collette, Commercial Director, John Lobb (Europe, Middle East and India).

Thomas Collette, Commercial Director, John Lobb                                       Pratik Dalmia, Founder, Regalia Luxury Retail LLP

“We continue to observe a surging demand for luxury products and services from across India. John Lobb has enjoyed the custom and patronage of Indians ever since the early twentieth century and we remain confident the By Request offer will be well received as it allows an individual to customize a pair reflecting their individual personality and style. The offering would start at Rs. 45,000 for non-welted shoes and Rs. 70,000 for the mainstay welted shoe offering.” – Pratik Dalmia, Founder, Regalia Luxury Retail LLP. 

The shoes are crafted in its Paris workshop whilst its expanding Northampton made ready-to-wear collections maintain the core bespoke principles upon which the company was founded. John Lobb has twenty stores including flagship stores in London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai. 

Gucci has finally forayed into cosmetics with its much awaited make-up line. The launch was celebrated at a private cocktail party in honour of Charlotte Casiraghi, the face of Gucci Cosmetics campaign. The event, hosted by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, took place at The Carlyle hotel, New York.

As the evening unfolded, different products in the extensive cosmetics collection were revealed. The make-up range comprises of Gucci Eye, Gucci Face, Gucci Lip, Gucci Nail along with preparation products for the skin

“For me, beauty and fashion are always connected. One doesn’t exist without the other. Make up is a key element of the Gucci runway show – it helps communicate the essence of the Gucci woman. Eyes, skin, lips – they’re like accessories, all working together to create an unmistakable look,” said Frida Giannini.

Charlotte Casiraghi & Frida Giannini, Anja Rubik, Jessica Springsteen

Poppy Delevingne, Princess Alexandra of Greece, Rachel Zoe & Solange Knowles

The glittering guest list included Jennifer Fisher, Carine Roitfeld, Stefano Tonchi, Ludivine Poiblanc, Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict, Kate Shelter, Desiree Gruber, Kyle Machlalan and Princess Alexandra of Greece.

Spotted wearing Gucci were notable names like Frida Giannini, Kate Mara, Max Minghella,  Solange Knowles, Atlanta de Cadenet, Poppy Delevingne, Miroslava Duma, Rachel Zoe, Giovanna Battaglia, Lily Donaldson, and many more.

The event culminated with the showing of the advertising campaign featuring Charlotte Casiraghi and with a special performance by Say Lou Lou.

Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot and President of the LVMH Group Watch Division, put up for bids 200 bottles of exceptional wines from his private collection at Christie’s Hong Kong. The highlight was a unique box containing a bottle of Château d’Yquem 1811 presented with a world technological first - Hublot watch with a dial made of the rarest of metal, osmium crystal. This set comes in a presentation box made to order especially by the malletier Louis Vuitton for Biver. Rich in history and heritage the Château d’Yquem wines are known for their longevity, if kept properly they can be kept for more a century or even more, says Wikipedia.

Among the 200 exceptional bottles up for bids included the extremely rare Château d’Yquem 1865, Château Haut Brion 1945, Cheval Blanc 1947, and certain great vintages of Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Margaux and Haut Brion.

 "Yquem in particular, as well as the fine Bordeaux vintages, is first and foremost memory keepers or time keepers. Not only do they retain the memory of the magic fusion of God and mortal men, but they also form a genuine memory of human life and history. For example, if we taste an 1811 Yquem, we are not just drinking one of the best wines in history, but also the memory of the political, geographic, economic and cultural history of our civilisation. For this reason, it is practically obligatory to drink these wines with a history and geography book to hand. Was 1811 not the year of the Comet? How did it affect the Earth's climate? Where was Napoleon in 1811, and what was happening with his empire?

Being able to ask ourselves these questions and to transpose real people into this memory without any doubt represents the greatest privilege of discovering and tasting a bottle of this sort. That is why I sometimes say that Yquem is the historical memory of God and mortal men: which makes it a divine wine indeed,” says Biver

The Swiss luxury watchmaker is known for his remarkable contribution to Swiss watchmaking as well as his own exclusive cheese. According to Wikipedia, he creates tonnes of cheese in his farmhouse in Switzerland for a few weeks in summer. He offers this exclusive cheese to his friends and family and few of restaurants of his choice but refuses any sort of payment for it. The reason being that by refusing payment, he can remain in absolute control of the cheese's distribution. This is what Biver says,"I will be the master of my cheese until the last piece.”