Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2016 i Tatler Philippines

Sen Loren Legarda has already secured a prominent place for the Philippines in next year’s Art Biennale, at the main exhibition hall, Arsenale AT THE STUDIO OF Raymund Isaac, the conversation revolved around Italy. The architectural curators of the Philippine pavilion at the 2016 Architecture Biennale in Venice—Leandro “Andy” Locsin Jnr, Sudar Khadka Jnr, Juan Paolo “JP” dela Cruz—and the photographer were comparing travel notes, all having just returned from Italy and its environs. At this moment of animated sharing, Senator Loren Legarda arrived. Without her, there would be no Philippine pavilion at the Biennale. In 2013, she initiated moves to bring back the country to the list of participants to the Venice Art Biennale. She achieved her goal in 2015. As architecture is part of this biennial, Legarda also…

The Shangri-La Mactan Hotel will host the 13th Filipina Leadership Global Summit later this month, on 21 to 24 August. The summit was launched 13 years ago by the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) to foster a renewed understanding of Filipino culture’s emerging influence as a community and create a network of Filipina women to work together in shaping the Filipina image as effective leaders of society. The highlight of the summit is the Gala and Awards Night, where the 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the World are recognised. Expected to attend are past awardees Loida Lewis, Mely Nicolas, and philanthropist Angelica Berrie, among many other noteworthy personalities. filipinawomensnetwork.org…

TONICHI MENDOZA “Hands down, it’s Kenneth Cobonpue. Armed with his industrial design degree from Pratt New York, he came home to find his inspiration and put the Philippines back on the design world’s map. My favourite piece is his iconic Yoda Chair in black.” CARLO CALMA “I always work with Arbitare—they carry two of my favourite furniture makers: Moooi and BD Barcelona. I currently like Moooi’s Charleston Chair by Marcel Wanders and BD Barcelona’s Tout va Bien cabinet by Antoine Audiau and Manuel Warosz.” GIL COSCOLLUELA “There are many, but one that stands out for me would be Gaetano Pesce. Favourite piece: UP5 and UP6 (chair and ottoman) by B&B Italia.” GELO MAÑOSA “My favourite industrial designer—who also happens to be an architect—is E Fay Jones. My favourite industrial work…

THOUGH IT WAS Carlos Ott who conceptualised the famous Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the iconic sail-shaped hotel isn’t officially one of the Uruguayan architect’s buildings. Should you look up the building on the Internet, the initial results won’t even show Ott’s name. Why? It only took the tiniest of blunders to cause what the architect now calls one of the “most horrible experiences” he has ever had in his career. In the late ’80s, Ott was contacted by the ruling sheikh of UAE’s right-hand man to create conceptual sketches for an iconic building. After submitting some rough pencil drawings to the client, the architect soon found out that his contact had been fired, thus bringing the project to a standstill. Three years later, however, he was shocked to find…

A day before the public sale, select guests were invited to an exclusive preview of Salcedo Auctions’ Collectors’ Sale at Three Salcedo Place. Stunning pieces of jewellery, sculptures, and other rare art pieces were among those up for bids, including much-coveted BenCab art pieces. Guests and collectors alike enjoyed their champagne as they celebrated the joy of collecting. THE INSIDER Zelda Kienle and her husband Max founded the furniture brand Philux which was Salcedo Auctions’ partner for this event…

“It’s always fun with cars, and being with the guys makes you learn a little bit” AS A DRIVEN and hardworking woman, Maricar Parco never thought that being in the motoring industry was unconventional. Joining the industry wasn’t part of her plan, but Honda hired the then-fresh graduate as a part of its pioneer team, which led to her first foray into the industry. From there, she moved on to American brand Ford, where she found herself on a much larger playing field. Great as the work was, Parco eventually had to slow down and focus on her personal life. BMW offered her a dealership level post, which was a step down from her distributorship level at Ford, but she accepted it with no regrets. On her first day at…

THEY SAY IMITATION is the sincerest form of flattery. But when you’ve painstakingly toiled hour after hour, day after day over a creation borne of an authentically inventive mind, heart, and soul—flattered is the last thing the imitated feels. Try shock, indignation, and frustration. “We needed an association like this,” said bag and accessory designer Bea Valdes, gesturing to her fellow violated creative luminaries in the room—jewellery designer Wynn Wynn Ong, furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue and architect Ed Calma. Also assembled in the room were Ong’s legal advisors, Leslie Anne Cruz and Peter Calimag of Cesar C Cruz & Associates, and Valdes’ sister and business manager, Marga Valdes-Trinidad. “Now we can move forward,” continued Valdes, who, despite her sweet demeanour, clearly meant business. The first of many to come, this…

SUN’S UP Don’t miss dancing to Disclosure and Mark Ronson at the Sunny Side Up festival, which takes place on 13 and 14 August at the Potato Head Beach Club. RETAIL THE TALE Forgot your bikini? Don’t fret. Seminyak is stuffed full with drool-worthy beachwear boutiques. Plenty of opportunities to splash that hard-earned holiday cash about. SHORE THING As fabulous as the hotel is, make sure you toddle through the beach club and onto Seminyak beach itself. It really is a cracker, particularly early in the morning before the other punters arrive.…

MAZU Ah, the perils of men’s swimwear. From the totally not okay “budgie smuggler” Speedo variety to those stylish but unoriginal Vilebrequins (and a whole host of too short, too tight and too sportswear-y numbers in between), bossing the beachwear situ can be fraught. But fear not. Mazu Swimwear founder Adam Raby is here to solve your bathing woes. “I saw a gap in the market for luxury, Asian-inspired men’s swimwear,” says Raby, whose collection of beautifully designed trunks pays homage to Hong Kong’s rich maritime history (Mazu is the name of the goddess of seafarers) by incorporating traditional colours and local motifs. The brand also recently teamed up with the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society to create a limited edition run of shorts featuring the region’s native pink dolphins,…

WITH THE FREEZING temperature, editors, retailers, and fashionistas decked themselves out in leathers and furs to attend New York Fashion Week. This season, designers chose to showcase modern simplicity on the catwalk. Some made references to the bohemian looks from the ’60s. Others took inspiration from Alessandro Michele’s edgy collection and Valentino’s feminine pieces. This season’s looks were also teeming with colour: magentas, rusts, blues, and yellows warmed the cold weather. BANANA REPUBLIC Michael Anderson took the lead this season, showcasing the French’s effortless way of dressing. He looked to Lyon, Provence, and Paris for inspiration, where men wore sporty suits and marinièrestriped turtlenecks, and women donned ankle-grazing skirts and cropped trenches. BOSS WOMAN Jason Wu’s new pieces for Hugo Boss found him following up his breezy spring collection with…

“That tan looks so unflattering on you,” said no one, ever. Whether a sun worshipper looking to enhance your natural glow or a shade addict who’d rather fake it entirely, it’s time to embrace bronze. Aside from brushing across cheeks, noses, brows, and chins, bronze is also a universally flattering colour swept across lids—try the excellent metallic creams from Tom Ford and Charlotte Tilbury, or the delightful new palette from shimmer specialists Bobbi Brown. Those who prefer to maintain an alabaster complexion should try a translucent bronze lip or a slick of shimmer on the cheekbones. Everyone shines in this shade.…

We all swoon over elegant, impeccably polished, and extremely complex watches—and why not? This time, however, let’s examine some pieces whose primary purpose is to entertain. Take Christophe Claret’s Margot watch. This ultra-feminine timepiece features a game we all probably played at some point in our adolescence, or maybe even in our adult lives, “He loves me. He loves me not.” With each press, a petal is tucked beneath the dial, and when all the petals disappear, the answer is revealed in French in beautiful calligraphy. With the Labyrinth watch by Hautlence, CEO Sandro Reginelli hoped to revive a game he often played as a child. As the time is displayed only when a button is pushed, the timepiece encourages the wearer to disconnect from the passing of the hours…

Famous for its vivid green hue, the emerald is revered by jewellers and connoisseurs, and is among the most valuable of gemstones. Unrivalled when it comes to the intensity of its colour, the crème de la crème of beryls is perhaps the only gemstone where inclusions are tolerated. And those in immaculate condition, well, they’re destined for museums or masterpieces. Bulgari’s Italian Extravaganza necklace, one of the key pieces of the Magnificent Inspirations high jewellery collection, is a prime example of a flawless emerald put to good use. The necklace features an astounding 17-carat round emerald complemented by flawless diamonds and emeralds. Designer Cindy Chao enriches her Four Seasons collection with a beautifully crafted floral bangle that highlights a cabochon emerald amid diamonds and tsavorites. Chao crafted this piece using…

INTERIOR DESIGNER ISABELLE MIAJA grew up in Paris surrounded by creative forces—her father was one of Paris’ most well-known jewellery designers, and she also had the national poet of Spain, Frederico Garcia-Lorca, as a granduncle. It only made sense when Miaja decided to pursue an artistic path as well. After studying interior design in California, she formed the interior design consultancy Robisa Design International with business partner Robert Arambulo; the duo would later garner much critical acclaim for their work around the United States and Canada. Miaja then relocated to Singapore around two decades ago to establish what is now known as the Miaja Design Group, an interior design consultancy specialising in boutique hotels and high-end residential development projects. Today, she is designing the Botanika Nature Residences, the first project…

THE LAST DECADE has seen music festivals sprouting up left and right in and around Manila, but few have as strong a line-up as that of the newest one. In the Mix will be bringing six top-notch groups to the country in a concert headlined by The 1975 and James Bay. For the uninitiated’s information, The 1975 is an English alternative rock band that found mainstream chart success in 2013 with their single “Chocolate.” Later that year, they released their self-titled debut album, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. Their second album—titled the mouthful I Like It When You Sleep for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It—was released earlier this year, and features their single “The Sound,” currently the band’s highest charting single…

“I have no fear anymore, and I used to have loads of fear in front of the camera” Before Gone Girl, Rosamund Pike was a face you might have recognised but couldn’t place. James Bond fans may remember her as the dress-dropping, sword-wielding double agent Miranda Frost in the 2002 film Die Another Day. Three years later, she gave a masterful, albeit brief, performance as Elizabeth Bennet’s elder sister, Jane, in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. But it was Pike’s portrayal of psychopathic, narcissistic suburban housewife Amy Dunne in David Fincher’s 2014 thriller that thrust her into the spotlight and branded her rather unusual name (“Rosamund” is derived from the Latin rosa munda, meaning “rose of the world”) on the minds—and little black books—of Hollywood’s heavyweights. Set for…

In honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday, the main hall of the British School Manila was transformed into a lush forest inspired by scenes from William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The occasion marked a triple celebration: the royal birthday; 70 years of diplomatic ties between the UK and the Philippines; and 400 years since Shakespeare’s death. British Ambassador Asif Ahmad made sure all the 500 guests led by Vice President Leni Robredo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene Almendras enjoyed the treats by Chef Margarita Forés and an assortment of fine wines. THE INSIDER Leni Robredo was sworn into office by Punta Tarawal’s barangay captain…

Renowned photographer Bengy Toda held the opening of his photo exhibition Building Bridges at Provenance Art Gallery in Shangri-La at the Fort. For this collection, the artist showed the rich side of the Philippines by focusing on scenic and historical landscapes, rendering images in classic black-and-white or in impressive infrared style. Cocktails were served to guests and attendees, and DJ Cocoy Puyat kept the crowd upbeat with a variety of lively music. THE INSIDER This is the fourth exhibition at the newly-opened Provenance Gallery of Raul and Joanna Francisco with partner Derek Flores…

I am starting to use the term “old school” to describe numerous wines that I taste as a critic. This year I have already tasted close to 5,000 wines from all over the world, but mostly from Bordeaux, Italy, Argentina, and Chile, and I have jotted down “old school” to describe a number of the wines. It’s a slightly derogatory term. The wines I describe as old school are slightly unbalanced and show overly ripe fruit, over-extraction of tannins and too much new oak; they are heavy and alcoholic, even slightly sweet, as well as chewy and overtly velvety textured with lots of vanilla character. They impress some wine drinkers but, alas, they are so concentrated that it’s hard to finish a glass. Such wines were extremely popular in the…

1. LUMINESCENT DREAMS Created by artisans Aimé Cécil and Pierre Dubois, the Nacelle Floor Lamp was inspired by poetic designs using modern materials and colours. Available at Roche Bobois. 2. UP THE TREETOP The Gautier Tree Bookcase is a sleek new home for your books. It comes in five elegant finishes: white lacquer, natural oak, sierra oak, grey oak, and smoked walnut. Available at Gautier. 3. HEAVEN SENT The Eden Pillow Cover has a beautiful design in delicate earthly delights fashioned through springtime colours. Available at Crate & Barrel. 4. NEW DIMENSION House Doctor’s Geometric Play Volume One is an elegant wall accessory for any room. It is made out of glass and medium-density fibreboard. Available at selected Dimensione branches. 5. TWIST AGAIN The Zanotta Twist by Emilio Nanni is…

THE ZAMBEZI RIVER springs from Northwestern Zambia and flows for 2,700 kilometres into the Indian Ocean, making it Africa’s fourth-largest river, and one of the continent’s last remaining wild rivers. Apart from being one of the finest rivers in the world, the Zambezi also includes one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: the Victoria Falls. Discovered in the 1850s by Scottish explorer David Livingstone and named in honour of his queen, the falls are visible from over 30 kilometres away, which is why the Kololo people with whom the explorer had travelled called it “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “the smoke that thunders.” Though it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, it is the largest, with a width of 1,708 metres and a height of 108…

In an age of fashion where nigh on anything goes, it can be real tricky to find ways of poking one’s sartorial head above the parapet. To find ways of dressing that are more zut alors! than crashing bore. The answer? I say take your ribs and cables—hell, even Fair Isles— and splice those naughty knits into your sassiest of day and dance-wear. The key to success with this look, so deftly paraded on the runway at Miu Miu, is to inject the woolly wonder where least expected. Bit nippy at the gala dinner? Not this time buddy, I’ve got my chunky woollen scarf! What’s that under my minidress? Oh, just some long thick grey woollen socks pulled up to the knee. What of it? This look, after all, is…

 SHE IS MORE than just a pretty face. The talented Iza Calzado has won awards for her TV and film appearances, and even made her theatre debut last year in Sabel, Love and Passion. Style-wise, she says she’s quite laid-back, but likes to turn to sexy, form-flattering silhouettes for events and parties. “I’m a huge fan of socialite Olivia Palermo’s style,” Calzado says. “I also admire Pam Quiñones, Liz Uy, Teresa Herrera, Sarah Meier, and Kat Cruz, who are effortless at expressing their personalities through their fashion.” In her spare time, Calzado reads, watches films, works out, and spends time with her love, Ben Wintle. “ I love accessorising with pieces that show off my tough side ”…

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 What one thing do you always take to a festival? “I LIKE TO LET MY SKIN BREATHE OR JUST POP ON A LITTLE BIT OF BB CREAM.IF I’M GOING OUT IN THE DAY, I’LL TAKE LIPSTICK AND USE IT AS BOTH A LIPSTICK AND A BLUSH” Always carry a pot of honey in your pocket for when you need a sugar boost. What are your top festival beauty products? Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base, Burberry Kisses, Papaw Ointment, and Fresh Glow BB Cream because it moisturises, protects, and illuminates. What’s your favourite lipstick shade? Burberry Kisses in No 517—a really bright and fun shade that makes my lips pop. What’s your daily beauty regime? Cleanse, Vitamin Cserum, and twice-a-week retinol at night. What beauty secret would you tell your 16-year-old…

WATCHMAKING PRODIGY Drawn to the intricacies and inner workings of a movement while observing a watchmaker-restorer for the first time, Christophe Claret, then 14, knew he was destined to be a watchmaker. He enrolled at the Geneva Watchmaking School and, after graduating, furthered his knowledge under the tutelage of master watchmaker Roger Dubuis. In 1987 he attracted the attention of Ulysse Nardin founder Rolf Schnyder, who commissioned him to produce minute repeaters. Two years later he founded the Claret manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, where he produces calibres for other brands and, increasingly, complications that carry his own name. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY Claret adheres to the traditions of watchmaking, but uses these long tried and tested techniques to create exceptional and surprising timepieces. His watches are at the cutting edge of technology…

Day 1 8AM Start the day in a dazzlingly Rio way—stroll to the beach for a dip. Settle on the golden sand and soak up views of the island-dotted ocean as the cariocas, Rio’s fortunate residents, come to life. 9.30AM Slip on some comfortable shoes and take a cab downtown to Praça Mauá in the revamped Porto Maravilha district, where a fabulous collection of Brazilian and international art awaits at the Rio Art Museum (MAR). On the other side of the square, jutting dramatically into Guanabara Bay, is Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava’s landmark Museum of Tomorrow. Its fascinating exhibition and interactive displays pose questions on the themes of Cosmos, Earth, Anthropocene, Tomorrows, and Us. 11AM Grab another cab and head to the neoclassical Banco do Brasil Cultural Centre (CCBB), which…

Every year, I travel to Italy with my husband and our four children. It’s hard to choose a favourite city, but we always have such a good time in Positano. Besides the stunning views, friends and family join us there each year. I look forward to this time—it’s become a tradition and a moment to reset. The landscape is so unique. My husband Balthazar’s parents were married there, so it has an important history for us as well. I always remember to bring a caftan from my collection, APL trainers, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, a bathing suit from Eres, and a Patricia Underwood hat for the sun—it’s hot when we travel in late June. I also pack a good book: I picked up Patti Smith’s M Train for the next…

WE ARE WRITING THIS note while glued to the TV, watching the inauguration of Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the 16th president of the Republic of the Philippines. Gauging from the large number of votes he garnered from the country’s electorate, the former Davao City mayor definitely has the mandate. Vox populi, vox dei. He rode on the campaign slogan “change is coming,” evident as early as on his first day in office—in the simplicity of the ceremonies, food, clothes, and even official cars. It is our hope that this “fresh air” in politics will continue. We wish this administration and its officials well, and hope that our people would truly benefit from the change they will bring. We in the magazine are on the subject of change as well, with our…

3 WOFEX This annual trade expo for epicures will exhibit the best food and beverage products in a three-day event. The show will simultaneously take place at the two biggest venues in the country: World Trade Centre and SMX Convention Centre, Pasay City. 5 CINEMALAYA One of the most successful film festivals in the country will be featuring 10 full-length and 10 short films for its 11th year with the theme “Break the Surface.” Screenings run until the 14th of August. At Ayala Cinemas and CCP Theatres, Pasay City. 11 KENNY ROGERS With hits such as “Through the Years,” “We’ve Got Tonight,” and “Lady,” the country pop legend is staging his first and last concert in the country in his final world tour—The Gambler’s Last Deal. At the Smart Araneta…

 The wedding happened in New York; not many friends and family from the Philippines were able to attend, and so Bobby Cuenca and Chingbee Kalaw decided to throw a wedding reception in Manila for their son Diego and his beautiful bride, Jenny. Beautifully arranged wisteria hung from the ceiling of the Manila Polo Club’s main lounge, which was magically transformed into an enchanted forest. “Guests entered the venue donning their best garb, complete with masks to add more fun and mystery to the wonderful celebration” Some of the newlyweds’ family and friends flew in to Manila just to be a part of the enchanting celebration. Guests entered the venue donning their best garb, complete with masks to add more fun and mystery to the wonderful celebration of the couple’s marriage.…

 Margarita Milne has a golden heart. At the young age of 15, this student from Cebu International School personally raises money to help underprivileged children with cancer through the Cancer Warrior Foundation. “This is important to me because cancer has touched my family and I know how devastating it can be,” says Milne. “I want to do whatever I can to make these children have their moment of happiness while on treatment.” “I hope that whatever path I take, I will be able to live my life in a way that helps other people” Aside from volunteer activities, Milne is also an active equestrian and a member of her school’s varsity volleyball team. As for future plans, she has taken interest in veterinary medicine, all thanks to her love for…

With its event partner, Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa, the French-Filipino luxury brand Jewelmer Joaillerie chose a Parisian night backdrop at the Mactan Ballroom Foyer for its thanksgiving celebration. The highlight of the programme was a fashion show for Jewelmer Joaillerie’s 2016 spring/summer collection, in collaboration with designers Rhett Eala and Mia Arcenas. Hosted by Issa Litton, the spectacular event was attended by guests such as Amparito Lhuillier, Annie Aboitiz, and Johnny Litton. THE INSIDER 150 guests flew to Cebu for Jimmy Aboitiz’s 50th birthday party in 2011…

CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE POMEROL The sweetness of fruit and the balance are really impressive. Medium to full body, fine tannins, and a light milk chocolate, blueberry, and spice character. Bright acidity gives it verve. Drink or hold. 93 points CHÂTEAU MONTROSE SAINT-ESTÈPHE The purity and precision in this wine is exciting. Medium to full body, firm and chewy tannins, and a long finish of currant and spice. Black tea and bark too. Better in 2020 but beautiful now. Decant before serving. 95 points CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE PESSAC-LÉOGNAN Decadent and rich on the nose with lots of ripe fruit and meaty undertones. Almost truffle-like. Full body, lots of ripe tannins, and plenty of fruit. Still needs time to soften. Big and juicy for the vintage. Better in 2018 but impressive…

FLORENCE KO Managing Director and Co-Owner, Furnitalia What are the design trends for 2016? A major design trend in 2016 is the mixing of the old with the new—like minimalist with nods to classical shapes, materials, and motifs; or a modern twist to the traditional. In furniture, harsh lines and angles of the minimalist trends are softened with rounded corners, circular, and oval shapes, bended woods and raw-finished materials, all of which are traditional furniture design features. Among the designer collections of 2016, a standout is the Altea Sofa by Roberto Lazzeroni for Flexform Mood. This oversized upholstered sofa with curved corners and a high back projects a very luxurious and dramatic look, perfect for houses with high ceilings. Another unique creation is the Beam Sofa System by Patricia Urquiola…

IT IS NOT typical to grow up with a hotel as your home and playground, which was what John Patrick Y Chan’s childhood was like. Moving back to the Philippines from Canada when he was just a year old, he and his family stayed in his grandfather’s hotel, Copacabana, for about six to seven years. “The employees of the hotel became our second family,” says Chan. His father did not plan on taking over the hotel business since he was already established in the manufacturing industry back then. “But later on, when he decided to build his own hotel, my siblings and I all decided to help to get it running,” the son relates. Chan learnt the ins and outs of hotel management, even going to Shanghai as an executive…

What do Danny Zuko, John McEnroe and Tony from The Soprano’s have in common? Aside from their fiery tempers and great hair, they all have a soft spot for that most versatile of zippered cardigans. And autumn, my friends, is going to be positively awash with these things! So whether you channel Björn Borg in Neil Barrett’s sporty versions, slink around in one of the altogether more flamboyant chinoiserie embroidered velvet numbers offered by Gucci or even perhaps feel man enough to tackle Burberry’s fully sequinned number, which just begs to dominate a dodgy disco dancefloor somewhere—wear it with rudeboy flair. Zipper up to the chin under a coat or down to expose a verging-on-inappropriate amount of chest hair...and preferably a chain. The truly badass brave the matching bottoms. If…

FRENCH BRAND LACOSTE may have never come into existence had its tenacious founder, René Lacoste, not developed a fierce passion for tennis. Initially set on becoming an engineer, Lacoste first encountered the sport as a teenager during a trip to England with his father. When he expressed an interest in pursuing a tennis career, his father had agreed on the condition that René would become successful in five years. In the short span of three years, he became one of the finest players of his generation, earning the moniker “The Crocodile.” He would go on to win several major singles championships, including two French Opens and one Wimbledon. René had found the typical tennis attire—white, long-sleeved button-down shirt, pants, and a tie—quite restrictive. One day, he noticed his friend, the…

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Longines presents a new collection designed as a contemporary interpretation of the elegance so dear to the Swiss watch brand: Longines Symphonette. The unique oval shape of the cases, the sophisticated mesh of the bracelets and the refined dials of the different variations are like notes that come together in an impeccably controlled arrangement. The Longines Symphonette is the perfect adornment for women whose life is conceived as an eternal performance. Since its inception , Longines has been attuned to the desires of its female customers. In line with its rich watchmaking history that has produced many legendary models worn by stylish women throughout the ages, the Swiss watch company presents a new collection for women who embrace modernity: Longines Symphonette. Resolutely contemporary, these designs will delight lovers of chic…

The term haute horology, or fine watchmaking, is often seen, but what does it mean exactly? What determines whether a watch or brand qualifies for that particular label? And why does it matter to you when you walk into a boutique and face an unprecedented range from which to select your next acquisition? The latter question is a highly personal one, but it goes to the very definition of fine watchmaking. The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) was founded in 2005 to be a guardian and authority of what constitutes fine watchmaking, and to communicate and educate all levels of the watchmaking industry, from the brands to the retailers and customers. Its mission hasn’t always been straightforward, though, largely because of the lack of a clearcut definition of fine…

“NOW, HOW CAN YOU COMPETE with that!” exclaims Carmen Brias, looking in the direction of her mother, the painter Betsy Westendorp who is patiently sitting in front of her huge painting of clouds in a light blue and orange palette, waiting for the fastidious photographer Wig Tysmans to shoot. The reference is ambiguous. Does Carmen mean the ethereal beauty of her mother or the masterful artistry of Betsy’s painting? Or both? It must indeed be difficult to live in the shadow of this diminutive painter whose art looms larger than life. And yet the Brias women gravitate to Betsy’s world, be it in Spain or in Manila. Home in Spain is a country house in Aravaca, outside central Madrid. Quite a sizeable estate, it is home to trees, shrubs, and…

Belmond Copacabana Palace You can’t beat the grande dame, the face of Rio glamour since it was inaugurated in 1923. Don’t be deceived by the old-fashioned facade; there’s nothing out of date about the service or facilities. With a new Asian fusion restaurant, Mee, joining the classic Cipriani, the hotel is a magnet for those in search of the best Rio has to offer. Grand Hyatt The large, deeply luxurious suites are a marvel, as is the matchless breakfast. But the special sauce in the Hyatt’s recipe is the utterly charming, superbly trained staff. The hotel is in Barra da Tijuca, the district that hosts most of the Olympic venues, and there are endless soft sandy beaches nearby. Hotel Fasano As sleek and streamlined as the Copa is expansive and…