Dive Deep: Bruichladdich’s Legendary Yellow Submarine Is Back, And This Time It’s Liquid
A bright yellow submarine sits outside Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay. Not a statue someone bought from a garden centre. A full-size replica of a wayward Ministry of Defence submersible that washed up off the island in 2005.
That accidental visitor (and the even more accidental US intelligence report that once flagged the distillery as a possible weapons-of-mass-destruction site) gave birth to one of the most gloriously tongue-in-cheek cult bottlings in modern whisky: Yellow Submarine.
Twenty-one years after the original, and eight years after the sequel, the progressive Hebridean distillery is bringing the legend back for its 25th anniversary celebrations.
The spirit of early Bruichladdich, bottled
This is not a serious, steeple-fingered, “look how grown-up we are” anniversary whisky. It is pure, unfiltered Bruichladdich attitude from the days when the team had more imagination than marketing budget and a bright yellow submarine parked outside the still house.
Gareth Brown, Global Marketing Director, puts it perfectly:
“The Yellow Submarine series captures the spirit of Bruichladdich in its early years, inventive, a bit rebellious and always up for a good story. Bringing Yellow Submarine back for our 25th anniversary honours that spirit. It’s a reminder that great whisky can be refined in the glass, but it doesn’t have to take itself too seriously.”
What’s in the bottle?
● 14-year-old unpeated single malt
● 100% Scottish barley (Appaloosa)
● Matured entirely on Islay in a precise recipe: 75% first-fill bourbon barrels + 25% first- and second-fill French red wine casks
● Bottled at a muscular 54.2% ABV
● Un-chill-filtered, natural colour
Master Blender Adam Hannett has deliberately channelled the original 2005 bottling while making something that feels distinctly of today.
“Bruichladdich Yellow Submarine III is one of those whiskies that makes you smile as soon as you nose it,” he says. “The bourbon and French red wine casks wrap around the spirit beautifully, you get honeyed oats, buttery shortbread, then this ripple of nutmeg, hazelnut and gentle ginger heat.
“On the palate it’s luxuriously smooth, with orange zest, honeysuckle, apple and pear all playing their part, before crème brûlée richness and a touch of sea salt bring you right back to Islay. It’s playful, layered and moreish, exactly what a Yellow Submarine whisky should be. Dive in!”
The tasting experience (spoiler: it’s dangerously moreish)
Nose: Sweet honeyed oats and buttery shortbread, toasted hazelnuts, pistachio baklava, a dusting of nutmeg, pink peppercorn and ginger.
Palate: Silky texture, bright orange zest, honeysuckle, crisp apple and pear, then rich crème brûlée and a whisper of sea salt that drags you straight back to the Atlantic coast.
Finish: Long, honeyed, gently spicy, toasted hazelnut. The kind of finish that makes you immediately want another sip.
This is not just another anniversary bottling. It’s a love letter to the scrappy, rebellious, slightly absurd early years of a distillery that refused to play by the rules, and somehow ended up with a yellow submarine in the car park as permanent proof.
The original Yellow Submarine became a cult classic. The second one sold out fast. This one already feels like the one collectors and drinkers will still be talking about in another 25 years.
The submarine has resurfaced. Time to dive in.
Women’s Issues: This year’s more feminine novelties tick boxes for looks, legacy and long-term value
The women’s luxury watch market is no longer defined by scaled-down proportions or decorative afterthoughts. It has become one of the most dynamic and strategically important segments in horology. Latest launches reflect confidence: mechanical sophistication in refined sizes, archival revivals rooted in heritage, and bejewelled creations that blur the line between timepiece and objet d’art. Women are not only buying watches for style – they are collecting them with discernment, considering legacy and long-term value.
Among the most compelling releases is the Cartier Myst de Cartier high-jewellery watch. Drawing inspiration from the maison’s 1930s design language, the timepiece merges sculptural gold forms, gem-set architecture and a dial integrated within the fluid precious metalwork of a clasp-less bracelet. It feels more like wearable art than a conventional watch.
Cartier’s enduring authority in design gives this launch particular significance. Archival reinterpretations tend to perform well over time, especially when produced in limited quantities and executed at high-jewellery level. Cartier’s global brand strength and auction track record provide a strong foundation for future collectability.
Lady Likes
Rolex continues to dominate the conversation with new variations of the Lady-Datejust 28. Updated dial finishes and precious-metal options refine rather than reinvent the formula. That restraint is precisely the point. The Lady Datejust remains one of the most recognised women’s watches in the world.
The brand’s controlled production, unmatched demand and robust resale market make it one of the most stable acquisitions in luxury watchmaking. Rolex may not deliver dramatic short-term spikes, but it has historically preserved and gradually increased value with remarkable consistency.
Chanel’s new Première Galon model shows how far the fashion house’s watch division has evolved. Crafted in white gold and black lacquer set with brilliant-cut diamonds, the piece retains the iconic octagonal case inspired by Place Vendôme. As Chanel strengthens its watchmaking credibility, jewelled executions of the original 1987 Première design gain additional relevance. Limited production and strong brand identity suggest enduring appeal, particularly among collectors who value both couture heritage and horology.
Time Capsule
Bulgari’s Serpenti Tubogas Studs model injects vibrant energy into the market. Featuring dials in malachite, sodalite, carnelian and mother-of-pearl, this capsule release of the iconic coiled-bracelet watch remains instantly recognisable – the Serpenti is Bulgari’s defining symbol. Coloured stone dials are inherently limited due to natural material variation, enhancing their rarity. Capsule collections like this, especially those tied to a house icon, often perform well in the secondary market.
Hermès introduces the H08 Squelette in lightweight titanium, marking the first skeletonised version of this contemporary line. Architectural and modern, it demonstrates the maison’s expanding confidence in serious mechanical watchmaking. While Hermès is traditionally associated with leather craftsmanship, its watch division has steadily gained collector respect. First-of-its-kind releases such as this skeleton model carry niche long-term appeal.
The Ulysse NardinSuper Freak watch celebrates 25 years of the brand’s boundary-pushing Freak collection. Featuring advanced mechanical innovation, including a double tourbillon system, it appeals to collectors seeking technical distinction. Though less overtly feminine in aesthetic than many of the new releases showcased here, this watch resonates with women interested in high complications. Anniversary editions tied to mechanical milestones often become future reference points for collectors, though the category carries higher volatility than established icons.
Top Secret
Van Cleef & Arpels revisits its archival Ludo bracelet, transforming it into a refined Secret watch in yellow gold set with sapphires. The concealed dial reinforces the maison’s poetic approach to timekeeping. Secret watches occupy a special place within high-jewellery watchmaking; they are intimate, sculptural, and often produced in small numbers. Van Cleef craftsmanship and Place Vendôme heritage position the Ludo Secret as a potential heirloom piece.
The Joia de Baume & Mercier collection marks a renewed focus by Baume & Mercier on women’s horology, drawing inspiration from its early 20th-century jewellery watches. Elegant and accessible within Swiss luxury, Joia represents thoughtful design rather than aggressive experimentation. While Baume & Mercier does not typically command auction headlines, first-generation revivals of heritage lines can gain traction if the collection proves enduring.
Patek Philippe continues expanding its mechanical offerings for women, including recent refined updates to the Twenty-4 line. Patek’s philosophy of restrained production and uncompromising craftsmanship keeps demand consistently high. Even simple time-only pieces benefit from the brand’s reputation as one of the most investment-grade names in watchmaking. Complicated models, in particular, tend to perform strongly at auction due to their technical rarity.
Stone Faced
Known for its mastery of thin movements and decorative artistry, Piaget presents new stone-dial creations for 2026. For an investment in sculptural elegance, choose the Swinging Pebble sautoir watch in a choice of tiger’s eye, verdite or pietersite, or the dazzling hand-engraved opal face at the centre of the Sixtie cuff model’s standout asymmetric trapezoid case. Andy Warhol iterations in blue quartz and bullseye (red tiger’s eye), and a Polo 79 in white gold complemented by the blue hue of sodalite are other appealing releases.
Hardstone dials are rendered exclusive by nature itself; no two are identical. This inherent scarcity supports long-term desirability, especially among collectors drawn to artistry as much as engineering.
The broader narrative here is not merely about aesthetics or mechanics. It reflects a maturation of the women’s luxury watch market. Women are choosing timepieces with the same strategic consideration historically associated with male collectors. They are evaluating brand heritage, production numbers, material rarity and long-term positioning. In short, the women’s watch is no longer peripheral. It stands confidently at the centre of horology’s future, combining beauty, engineering and investment awareness in equal measure.
High Art: Breathtaking contemporary masterpieces by 9 of the world’s most accomplished jewellers
High jewellery has become a stage for spectacle and technical audacity, with annual launches revealing how luxury jewellers transform precious stones into compelling stories. Collections reflect both tradition and innovation, proving that haute joaillerie remains one of the most expressive forms of art and design.
Boucheron’s ivy-inspired necklace The Untamed, part of the Histoire de Style high-jewellery collection, reflects its roots in endowing natural forms with a modern architectural spirit. The motif is especially symbolic, representing endurance, attachment, eternal growth – and atelier founder Frédéric Boucheron’s love of wild nature. Leaves, vines and flowing lines etched in precious materials give the piece a sense of movement and delicacy, while detachable branches provide a range of wearing options.
Serenissima high-jewellery creations highlight Buccellati’s deep connection to Italian artistry and traditional goldsmithing. Suggesting elegance, history and refined beauty, the name evokes Venice, once known as La Serenissima (The Most Serene Republic). Signature techniques like hand engraving, openwork and lace-like gold textures create pieces that feel rich, delicate and timeless. Rather than relying solely on dramatic stones, the house builds beauty through craftsmanship, texture and detail.
Bvlgari’s Eclettica collection presents a bold and artistic vision of high jewellery, continuing the house tradition of wearable architecture. Monumental gemstone collars like the Emerald Strata necklace anchor the collection, while the iconic Serpenti motif dominates the Spira cuff and the coils of the Infinia bracelet. Unusual materials, sculptural forms and exceptional stones combine in ways that feel dramatic and modern.
Le Choeur des Pierres (The Choir of Stones) brings a poetic and musical concept to Cartier high jewellery, with gemstones treated almost like voices singing in harmony. Each creation contributes its own note: emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds and other gems working together in visual rhythm. The maison has always been a master of composition, balancing colour, geometry and movement with remarkable precision. The collection reflects Cartier’s deep understanding of stones not merely as materials but as characters with personality, history and emotional force.
Continuing a long relationship with the botanical world, Chaumet unveils a collection that reinterprets the forms, colours and emotions of nature. Rather than simply copying flowers or leaves, Jewels by Nature captures the sensations of the natural world: growth, light, fragility and transformation. The result is high jewellery that feels organic, elegant and poetic while showcasing the technical discipline expected from a historic Parisian maison.
Graff makes a powerful statement with a Sapphire high-jewellery choker inspired by the image of a droplet meeting a still pool of water. At the centre is a remarkable 31-carat emerald-cut unheated sapphire, surrounded by diamonds and sapphires arranged to suggest ripples of light and movement. The design captures Graff’s strength in working with extraordinary stones while presenting them in a clean, dramatic and luxurious way. It is not simply a necklace, but a jewel built around the emotional impact of one exceptional gemstone.
Colours of Extraleganza completes an exceptional high-jewellery narrative by Piaget, blending ornamental stones with fluid gold architecture. Showing the jeweller at its most playful and artistic, the vivid collection embraces personality, joy and confident luxury. Vibrant rubies and pink sapphires appear in asymmetrical compositions that evoke movement; bold cuffs are framed by hand-hammered gold textures reminiscent of the glamour of the 1960s and 1970s.
Tiffany & Co.’s Blue Book 2026: Hidden Garden opens to dreamlike botanicals and natural wonders. Through rare diamonds and coloured gemstones, its highest designs are often connected to nature, inspired by flowers, leaves, butterflies, birds and hidden landscapes. The new collection also reflects the influence of Jean Schlumberger, whose soaring imagination shaped many of the US jeweller’s most memorable creations.
Finally, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Fascinating Egypt brings history, mythology and travel into high jewellery. Inspired by ancient Egyptian art and symbolism, the collection draws on lotus flowers, scarabs, pyramids, sun forms and golden geometry. Combining historical references with refined craftsmanship, the maison’s most modern jewels suggest mystery, power and timeless beauty. The Muse éternelle clip, for instance, appears as an ode to Cleopatra, dripping with gold, diamonds and gemstones.
While each maison approaches creativity in a distinct way through showcases emphasising richness and variety, they all demonstrate that high jewellery is not just about rarity and value. It is also a narrative of imagination, emotion, and the transformation of precious materials into works of art.
Approved List: 11 refined reds that are made to be ordered
When your dinner companion possesses excellent wine knowledge, ordering a bottle of red to accompany the food becomes more about restraint than showmanship. The experienced connoisseur does not reach automatically for the loudest cult label or the highest price on the list. Instead, the selection becomes a subtle declaration: I know what matters.
Peerless Pinot
One of the most eloquent choices in this setting is Burgundy Pinot Noir, particularly from the Côte de Nuits. Domaine Armand Rousseau’s Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru ‘Clos Saint Jacques’ demonstrates fluency in terroir and hierarchy. This clos is widely regarded as possessing Grand Cru quality, and ordering it signals that you appreciate the intricacies of Burgundy’s vineyard system and value site expression over headline prestige. The wine itself is perfumed with red berries, rose petal and fine mineral detail.
Similarly, a Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru from Domaine Dujac reflects refined sensibility. Dujac’s careful use of whole-cluster fermentation produces aromatic lift and layered texture, resulting in a Pinot Noir that feels both intellectual and graceful. This is the kind of wine that unfolds slowly in the glass. Choosing it suggests that you are comfortable with subtlety and understand that elegance often leaves the deepest impression.
Bordeaux Beauties
In moments when structure and gravitas better suit the occasion, Bordeaux provides a language of authority. Château Léoville-Las Cases from Saint-Julien is an exemplary selection, rivalling First Growth estates with its precision, depth and longevity. Cabernet Sauvignon forms its backbone, delivering cassis, graphite and firm tannins that promise evolution over decades.
For an even more layered statement, Château Haut-Brion stands apart among Bordeaux’s First Growths, combining robustness with earthy complexity and aromatic refinement. This nuanced pour appeals to those who appreciate detail within structure, and selecting it signals confidence and cultivated taste.
Super Syrah
For those seeking a cerebral detour from Burgundy and Bordeaux, Northern Rhône Syrah offers remarkable depth. E. Guigal’s Côte-Rôtie ‘La Landonne’ exemplifies power disciplined by structure. Dark fruit, smoked meat and mineral backbone create a wine of formidable character. Ordering it demonstrates knowledge of Rhône terroir and an appreciation for wines that combine intensity with age-worthiness.
Bandol Width
Domaine Tempier’s Bandol Rouge presents another thoughtful alternative. Mourvèdre-driven, earthy and savoury, this wine of Provence is not the most obvious choice on a list, and that is precisely its strength. It shows that your palate extends beyond the mainstream.
Idyllic Italians
Italy offers equally compelling expressions, with Giacomo Conterno’s Barolo Riserva ‘Monfortino’ representing Nebbiolo at its most monumental – structured, age-worthy and uncompromising. To order Monfortino is to acknowledge tradition and patience, demonstrating respect for classical winemaking and long-term cellaring.
While similarly rooted in Piedmont heritage, Gaja’s Barbaresco provides a slightly different register, balancing approachability with seriousness. This choice conveys an ability to navigate between global recognition and regional authenticity. It suggests discernment rather than flash.
Merlot-based Super Tuscan Masseto is a modern icon crafted with extraordinary precision. It embodies richness without excess, and structure without heaviness. Choosing Masseto communicates appreciation for contemporary excellence executed at the highest level. It is a bold statement, yet one grounded in craftsmanship rather than hype.
Spain Fame
Spain contributes its own masterpiece in Vega Sicilia Único. Long-aged before release and composed in style, Único offers depth without heaviness. Selecting it signals European savvy and appreciation for disciplined craftsmanship.
Californian of Choice
Over in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ridge Vineyards’ Monte Bello offers an American expression of balance and longevity. Structured and restrained, it has famously excelled in blind tastings against Bordeaux’s finest. Ordering Monte Bello conveys confidence in California’s capacity for classical structure rather than overt opulence.
Ultimately, when ordering for a guest with excellent wine knowledge, the bottle itself is only part of the gesture. What truly impresses is the evidence of thought: understanding the producer’s philosophy, acknowledging vintage variation, and choosing a wine that aligns with the meal and the mood. The most successful selection does not overwhelm the table. It invites conversation, reflection and shared discovery.
Mary Marvellous: China’s most bankable actress, Mary Ma Li, elevates comedy into cultural prestige
Two years ago, as her cumulative film earnings surpassed 20 billion yuan, China’s favourite comedy actress assumed the role of the highest-grossing female star ever at the box office. Yet, Mary Ma Li has never depended on moments of flashy spectacle to hold the audience’s attention. Instead, she commands the screen with precision, warmth and authenticity.
In a film market that ranks among the largest in the world, Ma’s rise is more than impressive; it is historic. And in an industry where fortunes shift quickly and consistency is rare, the 44-year-old has repeatedly demonstrated her sustained appeal. The journey made from comedy performer to commercial powerhouse reflects not just her personal ambition, but the evolution of modern Chinese cinema itself.
Ma’s cultural roots lie in Liaoning Province, northeastern China, a region known for its humour and expressive storytelling traditions. She enrolled at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, receiving rigorous technical training in vocal control, acting discipline and character development. While many future film stars chase visibility early, Ma concentrated on mastering her craft.
Taking to the Stage
She began in theatre, where she learned how to land a joke without forcing it and how to transition seamlessly from comedy to sincerity. That foundation later became her defining advantage on screen. Her comedic style is distinct. Rather than relying on exaggerated gestures or loud punchlines, she favours subtle expression and controlled timing.
Asked about her rationale for accepting roles earlier in her career, Ma once said: “At first it was a matter of finances – a very practical issue – but also an emotional one; you realise your family needs to lean on you. I used to think of my mother as ‘Superwoman’, capable of anything, with no worries. But when our roles shifted, I saw the burdens of daily life that one has to shoulder alone – her hardships and the struggles she faced.”
In 2005, Ma joined Mahua FunAge, a comedy troupe and talent agency that evolved from theatre work into a hugely successful film-production company. The partnership she forged here with actor Shen Teng has become one of the most bankable collaborations in contemporary Chinese cinema. Their chemistry – playful, natural and emotionally balanced – resonated strongly with audiences.
Hello Ms. Success
It was the 2015 film, ironically titled Goodbye Mr. Loser, that transformed the careers of both leads. First performed as a play, the fantasy comedy became a massive big-screen success, grossing over a billion yuan and capturing nationwide attention. It elevated Shen and Ma from respected comedy actors to household names.
A succession of box-office triumphs followed, including Never Say Die (2017), Moon Man (2022), and Successor (2024). “When working with the Mahua FunAge team, we might spend days and nights refining a script that’s only a few pages long and lasts just 10 minutes,” said Ma in 2023 of their enduring on-screen relationship. “We pull in the same direction. It’s a feeling of fighting together side-by-side – which is why we’re able to produce such great work together.”
With each project reinforcing her reliability as a lead actress capable of drawing massive audiences, Ma got the chance to display her broader acting talents. For her 2024 performance as a protective mother in Zhang Yimou-directed drama Article 20, she won Best Actress at China’s prestigious Hundred Flowers Awards, the first from a comedy background to do so.
Drama Queen
Continuing her steps beyond comedy, Ma starred in last year’s acclaimed Hong Kong-set biographical drama, The Dumpling Queen, helmed by Andrew Lau. Challenging older stereotypes that confined female characters to ornamental or purely romantic roles, she is known for portraying women who are intelligent and emotionally layered – flawed, witty, capable, and central. The women she inhabits drive narrative momentum.
Her influence also mirrors the rise of China’s domestic film industry. As the country’s box office expanded into one of the world’s largest markets, stars like Ma became symbols of local storytelling power. Unlike some famous Chinese actors who have built reputations abroad, her dominance is rooted primarily within mainland audiences. Yet the sheer scale of that audience gives her achievements global significance.
Human Face
Equally notable is her public persona. In a celebrity culture often fuelled by constant exposure, Ma maintains a relatively private life. Married to actor-director Xu Wenhe and balancing responsibilities as a mother, she projects stability. Viewers feel they know her through consistent, relatable work. At the heart of her success is empathy. She understands the emotional rhythms of ordinary life and translates them into performance.
Back in 2021, Ma candidly disclosed to CCTV that she had suffered from depression and retreated from the outside world for a year. Her mental-health struggles stemmed from anxiety about her appearance and being typecast as a comedy actress. In a later interview, she revealed that an early casting director had made “very unpleasant remarks” about her face.
Recalling that incident, she said: “At the time, I felt my self-esteem had been wounded. I knew I wasn’t the type of girl who was stunningly beautiful at first glance. But I was torn between confidence and insecurity… so I stopped going to auditions.”
A stronger Ma resurfaced: “After going through so much, I’ve realised that having an ‘in-between’ look is actually the best – it’s the most versatile… I can play older characters or younger ones; I can even craft roles that make me unrecognisable to the audience, surprising them and catching their eye.”
Playing It Forward
From theatres in Beijing to record-breaking film premieres, Ma’s career reflects patience, craft and strategic partnership. She did not ascend through sudden reinvention, but through steady evolution. Each performance built upon the last, reinforcing a reputation for reliability and warmth.
“It took me 20 years from stage plays to films to this,” declared Ma proudly as she accepted her Hundred Flowers Award trophy two years ago. “The process was arduous, and I even thought about giving up because comedy is often unrecognised in the film industry. But I love acting too much, so I persevered. This award is a recognition for all comedians. I will carry this honour forward.”
Today she occupies a unique cultural position, representing both continuity and change: continuity through her work with Mahua FunAge, and change in the expanding possibilities for female leads in commercial Chinese cinema. Younger actresses now enter an industry where women can headline billion-yuan productions, a path she helped to legitimise.
In an era defined by rapid fame and fleeting trends, Ma demonstrates that laughter, delivered with intelligence and heart, can become one of cinema’s most enduring currencies. Her influence is not merely measured in billions of yuan, but in the lasting connection she has forged with millions of viewers across China.
Silk Road Threads: In Uzbekistan’s ancient cities, indulgent hospitality and immersive heritage weave new luxury routes
There are destinations where luxury arrives wrapped in polished marble and skyline views, and then there are places where it reveals itself more slowly, through light, silence and the patina of centuries. Uzbekistan slips serenely into the latter scene. As seasoned travellers search for depth and distinction in their holiday experiences, this Central Asian nation is emerging as an unexpected standard bearer for cultural luxury travel.
Indulgence in Uzbekistan is not defined by excess but by access: access to architectural wonders without suffocating crowds, to artisans whose crafts stretch back generations, to private moments beneath turquoise domes that have watched over the Silk Road for half a millennium.
The journey begins long before arrival, in the imagination shaped by names that sound almost mythic – Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. These oasis cities once anchored the vast trade routes connecting China, Persia and Europe, serving as crossroads not just for goods but for ideas, science, religion and art. Today they retain an astonishing sense of continuity. Yet what has changed is the manner in which one can experience them. Modern infrastructure and refined hospitality now coexist with ancient stone and mosaic, allowing travellers to move through history without sacrificing comfort.
Grand Samarkand
In Samarkand, grandeur is the prevailing emotion. The Registan Square, framed by three monumental madrasas clad in intricate blue and gold tilework, feels more like a vision than a plaza. At sunrise, the space is hushed and luminous; mosaic patterns catch the early light, revealing layers of geometry and calligraphy. To stand here with a private historian who can unravel the ambitions of the Timurid Empire and the intellectual brilliance of Ulugh Beg – who died in the city in 1449 – is to experience luxury in its purest form: time, knowledge and quiet.
Accommodation in Samarkand increasingly reflects this sensibility. International hotels offer sweeping views, spa facilities and polished service, while boutique properties reinterpret traditional caravanserais (roadside inns) with inner courtyards, carved wooden ceilings and hand-embroidered suzani textiles. Breakfast might include warm non (local round bread), mountain honey, ripe melon and green tea poured with unhurried grace.
A 30-minute walk northeast of Registan reveals the splendour of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a narrow avenue of mausoleums clad in some of the most dazzling tilework in the Islamic world. Visiting in the soft light of late afternoon, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, transforms the site into a layered narrative of faith, artistry and dynastic memory. Further on, the Ulugh Beg Observatory, once a beacon of astronomical innovation, similarly becomes a contemplative experience when approached with context and calm.
Cultured Bukhara
If Samarkand impresses with scale, Bukhara to the west enchants with intimacy. The old town unfolds as a living tapestry of alleys, domed bazaars and centuries-old mosques. Anchored by a towering minaret, the Po-i-Kalan complex presides over a square that glows honey gold at dusk.
Yet it is in its quieter corners that Bukhara reveals its luxury. Restored merchant houses now function as refined boutique hotels, where guest rooms open onto tranquil courtyards shaded by mulberry trees. Evenings drift by on rooftop terraces overlooking tiled domes, the air perfumed faintly with spice and dust.
In a series of curated cultural encounters, a master embroiderer may invite guests into their atelier to explain the symbolism woven into the motifs of a suzani panel. In another quarter, a ceramics artisan might demonstrate the delicate glazing techniques that give Rishtan pottery its luminous blues. Elsewhere, artists work with brushes so fine they resemble single strands of hair, reviving miniature-painting techniques once patronised by royal courts.
Such experiences are not staged spectacles but living traditions, shared in conversation over tea. A visit to a 16th-century hammam adds another dimension, blending ritual and relaxation in vaulted chambers warmed by history as much as steam, leaving skin polished and senses restored.
At dinner, the emphasis is on authenticity rather than elaborate fusion menus. Plov (Uzbek rice pilaf) prepared in a traditional kazan over open flame arrives fragrant with cumin and carrot; delicate manti dumplings encasing meat and onion are arranged with care; local wines surprise with their balance and character. Meals unfold in private courtyards lit by lanterns, where conversation lingers long after plates are cleared.
Khiva High
In Khiva, western Uzbekistan, close to the Turkmenistan border, the inner city of Itchan Kala appears almost theatrical in its preservation, enclosed within fortress walls. Minarets rise in shades of turquoise and sand, their forms reflected in the stillness of early morning.
Staying in a former madrasa or merchant residence transformed into a boutique hotel affords the opportunity not just to observe heritage, but to inhabit it. Ascend to the rooftop terrace and watch as sunlight traces the carved wooden columns of a mosque courtyard while swallows arc across the sky.
Beyond the architecture of the old Silk Road cities, Uzbekistan’s landscapes offer space and contrast. In the Nuratau Mountains north of Samarkand, refined eco-lodges provide understated comfort amid rugged terrain. Guided walks lead to remote villages where shepherds tend flocks much as their ancestors did, and ancient petroglyphs mark stone with enigmatic symbols. Evenings conclude under vast star-filled skies, where the absence of urban light feels like a rare privilege.
In the desert near the man-made Aydar Lake, luxury yurt camps reinterpret nomadic traditions with plush bedding, attentive service and candlelit dinners. Camel rides at sunset and storytelling by the fire connect past and present in ways that feel both romantic and grounded in lived history.
Rail Caravans
For travellers drawn to old-world glamour, luxury rail journeys across Central Asia offer a poetic alternative. Multi-day itineraries link Uzbekistan’s great cities aboard elegantly appointed trains, complete with private cabins, fine dining and curated excursions. The rhythm of rail travel echoes the caravans that once threaded these routes, allowing landscapes of steppe and desert to unfurl slowly beyond wide windows.
One of Uzbekistan’s most compelling attributes for contemporary visitors is its relative tranquillity. Even at peak season, the absence of overwhelming crowds allows monuments to breathe. The scale of Samarkand’s squares and Bukhara’s complexes can be appreciated without jostling for space. This sense of openness amplifies the feeling of exclusivity.
At the same time, costs remain comparatively moderate when measured against Western Europe or Japan. Private guides, chauffeured transfers and high-end accommodations often represent strong value for money, enabling travellers to design bespoke itineraries that prioritise depth, privacy and personalisation.
Quiet Appreciation
Uzbekistan does not trade in flash. It offers no beachfront villas or glittering nightlife districts. Instead, it invites engagement with craftsmanship, scholarship and the continuity of daily life. Luxury here is intellectual and aesthetic, rooted in narrative rather than novelty.
As international awareness grows, Uzbekistan stands at a fascinating crossroads once more. It is modernising thoughtfully, enhancing hospitality while preserving identity. For the discerning traveller seeking more than surface indulgence, the country presents a rare proposition: comfort intertwined with meaning, beauty enriched by context, and encounters that linger long after departure.
The ideal seasons for cultural exploration are spring and autumn, when the weather is temperate and the light flatters tile and stone. Summer brings intense heat, particularly in desert regions, while winter offers quiet streets and a stark, contemplative beauty that appeals to photographers and romantics alike.
In a world saturated with spectacle, Uzbekistan offers something subtler yet infinitely more enduring – the privilege of stepping into a living tapestry of culture and emerging changed by its depth and grace.
Scent-sational Milestone: Fort & Manlé Hits Its Scent-ennial Ten years of notes, nuance, and pure perfume perseverance and the sweet smell of a limited-edition celebration
It is difficult to write the words “ten years” without feeling something stir. For Fort & Manlé, those two small words carry the weight of a quiet, fragrant revolution. What began not from certainty but from pure, unfiltered admiration has blossomed into a decade of independent perfumery that refuses to shout, yet somehow fills the room.
Rasei, the founder and nose behind the house, never set out to conquer the industry. He set out to stand, however humbly, beside the great masters whose bottles had once lined his own shelves like sacred relics. Christopher Laudamiel’s bold architecture, Christopher Sheldrake’s oriental dreamscapes for Serge Lutens, Jean-Claude Ellena’s airy, travel-soaked Jardins for Hermès, these were not just inspirations. They were teachers. Rasei studied them the way a painter studies the Old Masters: not to copy the brushstrokes, but to understand why certain compositions refuse to fade.
For years the quiet fear lingered. Would his own work ever feel finished? Polished enough? Elegant enough to sit beside the giants without looking like an earnest understudy? That fear became fuel. Every formula was measured against immortality rather than trends. The result was a body of work that never chased attention and somehow earned devotion anyway. Amber Absolutely tipped its hat (respectfully) to Laudamiel. Certain orientals carried the ghost of Sheldrake’s magnificent worlds. The sense of place and story that Ellena bottled so effortlessly found its way into Rasei’s own atmospheric compositions. Even Under Which Rivers Flow and Kolonya read like love letters to a slower, more beautiful era, perfumes made for legacy, not for the algorithm.
And then came the ladybird.
Portrait of a Ladybird is the house’s tenth-anniversary statement, and it could not be more perfectly chosen. The ladybird is small, delicate, and quietly resilient. It lands on flowers without fanfare, moves through gardens largely unnoticed, and still manages to leave beauty in its wake. In many ways it is Fort & Manlé itself: never the biggest house, never the loudest voice on the shelf, simply a stubbornly independent atelier devoted to exceptional materials and uncompromising craft. While larger luxury brands calculate cost-per-drop, Fort & Manlé has spent a decade pouring in the good stuff; the rare, the costly, the almost-unjustifiable, because that is the only path that feels true.x
The perfume is more than a fragrance. It is a portrait of the journey itself: the late nights, the discarded formulas, the moments of doubt, the slow accumulation of confidence, the customers and collectors who believed long before the wider world caught the scent. It is a portrait of a young perfumer searching for his own voice in the long shadows of masters. Most of all, it is a portrait of gratitude.
Only three hundred bottles will ever exist. Three hundred small, gleaming reminders that great things are rarely built overnight. They are built the way a ladybird builds its quiet reputation; patiently, flower by flower, year after year, with devotion, perseverance, and an almost stubborn love of beauty.
Ten years have passed. The bottles of Portrait of a Ladybird are ready to leave the atelier and find their permanent homes. Long after the last one is gone, they will remain markers of a particular moment in time: the decade when admiration slowly, beautifully, became something of its own.
The journey continues. And for that, Fort & Manlé, and everyone who has walked any part of the path with it, remain profoundly, scentsibly grateful.
Shop location
Causeway Bay
Shop 117, 1/F, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road
info_leegardens@scentedniche.com Tel: 2608 2060
Tsim Sha Tsui
Shop 210A, Level 2, 18 Salisbury Road, K11 Musea
info_k11musea@scentedniche.com
Tel: 2608 2205
Causeway Bay
Shop 28, G/F, 11-19 Great George Street, Fashion Walk
Lakeshore Superior: An upscale custom-built Chicago townhouse suits an active Californian family down to the basement pool
Along a leafy street in a part of Chicago known for its grand mansions, one classically styled residence has added a distantly Gallic feel to the local ambience. Extending across 13,000 square feet, this four-storey home was custom- built a decade ago for a family who moved east from California. Fetchingly, its limestone façade and traditional mansard roof with arched dormer windows are irresistibly French, but its clean lines and able use of space betray an unmistakably American sensibility. A swimming pool in the basement adds to the considerable allure.
The spacious home is in the heart of Lincoln Park, one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Chicago, just a mile from downtown and offering a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. It’s a privileged community of ornate townhouses constructed over recent decades in the classical style. Amid historic brick buildings, renowned restaurants including the Michelin three-star Alinea, and abundant greenery, the area is anchored by the city’s largest public park, extending for seven miles (11.3 kilometres) along the northern lakeshore.
For 40 years, the team at BGD&C, a locally based bespoke builder led by company president Rodger Owen, has left its luxury handprint on a legion of houses in this upscale district. Classifying the design of this award-winning abode as “transitional”, Owen has masterminded the rise of Lincoln Park mansions in Parisian, Mediterranean, Venetian, Tuscan, English, Contemporary and even Greek Revival styles. Well-travelled on the European Continent, the American construction creative lists Italian-Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio as an important influence in his work, alongside the classic principles of symmetry and proportion.
Sun in the City
With its wet, cool springs, steamy summers and frozen winters, Illinois is not the natural environment for Californian émigrés. In order to make the family feel at home, BGD&C were at pains to ensure that every aspect of the structure benefited from the maximum possible exposure to the sun. Explaining how their architects approached this particular challenge, Owen said: “We tried to set the house farther north on the lot to allow more light to penetrate. We also designed it in a C-shape so that it caught the sun coming up in the east.”
Thankfully, BGD&C’s pre-planning more than paid off. As the morning sunlight pours in through a line-up of floor-to-ceiling windows and the custom-made stained-glass skylight set above the main staircase, the whole house is bathed in warmth and sophistication. Additionally, the metal and glass exterior walls of the dining room and study – a feature repeated as partition walls to the hall – allow the natural outdoor setting to extend indoors.
Family Favourites
Another prerequisite specified by the client was a suitable space for quality family time. In order to accommodate this particular requirement, the design incorporates an integrated family room and kitchen, complete with another sizeable dining table, a large island with stool seating and a surplus of storage and counter space. The sheer size of the residence allowed for a plethora of relaxation areas – among them, a playroom, craft room, loft and roof deck, as well as a lower level for exercising. The design brief was to remove the typical distinctions between formal and informal spaces.
While Owen’s team took care of the bigger picture, Chicago residential interior architect and designer Stephen Kadlec was commissioned to deliver the more intimate details. The kitchen, for instance, comes with a number of exquisite individual touches, including a painted tongue-and-groove ceiling, hand-painted cabinetry and a custom-made pewter hood. A Chesneys Contre Coeur interior fireplace panel (with custom mantel) from London takes pride of place in the living room,, providing a warm cluster point for those cold Chicago nights.
Founded in 2002, Kadlec Architecture & Design is known for the simplicity of interiors that speak softly and resonate deeply. The mantra that design should elevate everyday life while being grounded firmly in place perfectly fitted the bill of the client. Kadlec’s personal and deliberate approach has resulted in a house that looks thoroughly lived in – a successful marriage of grand French Provincial façade and relaxed, informal finishes and furnishings.
Suite Success
The home’s generous bedrooms and bathrooms are accessed via a simple – yet elegant – spiral staircase, complete with a bespoke metal railing. The two children’s bedrooms are connected by a Jack and Jill bathroom, with both favouring a bold bed design – frames of yellow-painted wood and soft grey upholstery respectively – and colourful light fittings, all topped off with built-in window seats that double as toy storage units.
It was also the wish of the homeowners to welcome extended family and friends. Hence, the design incorporates a series of guest suites, all featuring double-sink vanity units and showers, as well as a bespoke sitting area.
No French-style home would be complete without la baignoire, a uniquely Gallic deep bathtub that makes extended soaking a must whenever time allows. Set in a bardiglio stone floor, with a resplendent crystal chandelier directly above, the bath is the centrepiece of a master bathroom that is discreet, but still flooded with natural light. Sumptuous doesn’t really do it justice.
From Top to Bottom
Just when you think you have found the home’s finest feature, it surprises you anew. On the top floor lies a true gem in the shape of a stylishly conceived office environment. With the tone set by a vintage crystal chandelier, its seeded glass doors open onto a gallery-style work area, with the space dominated by a bespoke Art Nouveau-style trellis reminiscent of the Paris Metro.
The home, however, has yet to give up all its secrets. Nestling at the very bottom of the building, set in the capacious basement, is another family-specified feature – the pool, with an adjoining exercise room and spa. Tackling the challenge of the required deep excavation head-on, Owen delivered both an unexpectedly roomy feel and a surprising volume of natural light given the subterranean setting.
For Kadlec, the pool level offered the chance to conceive a contemporary departure from the rest of the home. Ipe-slatted walls cleverly conceal a changing space and wet bar, bringing the warmth and texture of dense rainforest hardwood into the otherwise clean-lined pool deck.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, BGD&C garnered design gongs from the US National Association of Home Builders for its work on the property, including the Platinum Award for a one-of-a-kind custom home over 8,000 square feet. Acknowledging the awards, as well as the willingness of the client to trust the architect’s instincts, Owen said: “We are both honoured and humbled to receive these prestigious accolades. We owe it all to our dream team [of] interior designers, landscape architects, our talented subcontractors and, of course, our resolutely bold client.”
Torque of the Town: Electric vs combustion – the race heats up for Hong Kong’s aspirational automobile owners
In Hong Kong, the luxury car has never been merely a means of transportation. In a city defined by vertical living, compressed geography and visible success, the automobile functions as a moving declaration of identity. Because efficient public transport reduces the necessity of private ownership, choosing to own a luxury car is an intentional act. It signals achievement, taste, and alignment with a particular vision of modern prestige. Today, that signal is evolving as the market navigates electrification, the enduring pull of European heritage, and the unstoppable rise of the power SUV.
For decades, the hierarchy of luxury motoring in Hong Kong was relatively stable. Mercedes-Benz represented establishment authority and diplomatic polish. BMW suggested executive confidence. Porsche conveyed disciplined performance credibility. Bentley and Rolls-Royce occupied the summit of aristocratic refinement, while Ferrari and Lamborghini embodied flamboyant success. The driveway on the Peak or in Repulse Bay communicated belonging to a particular echelon, and the badge on the bonnet carried generational meaning.
Yet the psychology of desire is shifting. Hong Kong’s newer affluent class – entrepreneurs in technology, logistics, finance and private equity – approaches luxury through a different lens. They grew up in a digital world. Innovation impresses them as much as legacy craftsmanship. A panoramic digital interface, autonomous driving capability or ultra-fast-charging infrastructure may weigh as heavily in their decision as hand-stitched leather or a century of racing history. Status is increasingly intertwined with technological fluency.
Electric Accord
Electrification sits at the centre of this transformation. Over recent years, electric vehicles have moved from novelty to dominance in new registrations. Government incentives accelerated early adoption, but policy alone cannot explain the shift. Electric performance has matured dramatically. Instant torque delivers acceleration once reserved for supercars. Silent cabins create a new dimension of serenity suited to Hong Kong’s dense urban environment. Charging infrastructure, while still evolving, has become far more accessible across residential towers and commercial buildings.
The arrival of credible luxury electric models from established European brands marked a turning point. Porsche’s Taycan proved that battery power could coexist with sports car DNA. Its low centre of gravity and disciplined handling reassured purists that performance would not vanish in the electric age. Mercedes-Benz translated the opulence of the S-Class into the EQS, emphasising digital theatre and near-silent refinement. BMW’s i7 leaned into cinematic rear seat experiences and executive comfort. Audi’s e-tron GT bridged performance and sculptural elegance.
Mainland Drive
At the same time, Chinese manufacturers have entered the premium conversation with confidence. Brands such as BYD, Nio, Zeekr and XPeng now compete not only on price but on technology and design. Their vehicles often feature expansive curved screens, AI-driven voice assistants and rapid software updates that mirror smartphone ecosystems. Extended range and fast charging capabilities address practical anxieties. For Hong Kong buyers accustomed to digital integration across every aspect of life, this seamless connectivity resonates strongly.
The result is a more fluid hierarchy. Car buyers are increasingly cross-shopping across continents and categories. A Porsche Taycan may sit on the same shortlist as a high-spec electric SUV from a Chinese marque. A Mercedes EQS may compete directly with technology-forward alternatives that promise similar comfort with greater digital novelty. Loyalty is no longer guaranteed by badge alone; it must be earned through user experience, innovation and perceived value.
Power Trip
Still, heritage retains powerful emotional weight. The mechanical theatre of a naturally aspirated engine; the tactile sensation of a perfectly weighted steering wheel; the resonance of a V8 echoing through a tunnel – these elements continue to enchant collectors and enthusiasts. Limited-production Ferraris and Lamborghinis remain coveted assets. For some, they represent the closing chapter of internal-combustion artistry, destined to become rarer and potentially more valuable as electrification advances.
This coexistence of old and new defines Hong Kong’s current luxury landscape. It is not a binary contest between petrol and electrons but a layered transition. Many affluent households now maintain multiple vehicles: an electric sedan or SUV for daily urban commuting, and a combustion engine supercar reserved for weekends or special occasions. The garage becomes a reflection of dual identities – pragmatic modernity alongside nostalgic passion.
If one category best captures present-day dominance, it is the power SUV. Hong Kong’s topography makes the appeal obvious. Steep inclines on the Peak, narrow roads in Mid-Levels and frequent heavy rain reward ride height, traction and stability. Chauffeur culture further strengthens demand for spacious rear cabins and commanding road presence. The SUV satisfies both symbolic and practical requirements.
Sport Utility Versatility
Rolls-Royce’s Cullinan redefined luxury expectations by proving that an SUV could deliver both imposing stature and exquisite refinement. Bentley’s Bentayga balanced grand touring comfort with everyday usability. Lamborghini’s Urus injected supercar aggression into the format, attracting younger, more flamboyant buyers. Ferrari’s Purosangue merged performance pedigree with four-door practicality, expanding the brand’s appeal without diluting its mystique. Land Rover’s flagship variants continue to anchor driveways with understated British authority.
Electrification has amplified rather than diminished the SUV’s relevance. Instant torque enhances uphill performance. Battery placement improves cabin space and stability. Mercedes’ EQS SUV, BMW’s iX and Porsche’s electric Macan reflect European commitment to electrified utility. Chinese competitors offer similarly sized electric SUVs with competitive range and technology at compelling price points. For buyers weighing environmental responsibility against presence, the electric SUV presents a persuasive synthesis.
Sustainability also shapes purchasing decisions in subtler ways. Corporate leaders mindful of ESG narratives increasingly consider the optics of their vehicles. Arriving at a board meeting in an electric luxury sedan communicates alignment with forward-looking values. Premium brands now emphasise responsibly sourced materials, recycled trim elements and carbon-neutral production while preserving craftsmanship. Luxury remains indulgent, but it is reframed through a lens of accountability.
Asset Driven
Investment considerations further complicate the picture. Hong Kong’s affluent community has long viewed certain cars as alternative assets. Limited-edition hypercars and rare performance models can appreciate significantly. Indeed, the final iterations of iconic engines may gain collectable status precisely because they represent an ending. Simultaneously, early landmark electric models may acquire historical significance as pioneers of a new era.
Market dynamics in mainland China inevitably influence local sentiment. The rapid advancement of Chinese electric technology and the scale of production have accelerated innovation and pricing competitiveness. Mainland buyers with business ties to Hong Kong contribute to cross-border demand, particularly for high-spec SUVs and flagship electric models. Yet Hong Kong maintains distinct preferences shaped by space constraints, parking costs and dense urban living. Compact luxury sedans and performance coupes retain appeal among enthusiasts who value manoeuvrability.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the luxury-car market in Hong Kong is unlikely to converge on a single dominant narrative. Electrification will deepen as battery technology improves and charging networks expand. Autonomous features will become more sophisticated, appealing to chauffeur-driven owners who prioritise seamless commutes. European brands will continue investing heavily in electric platforms, ensuring that heritage evolves rather than fades. Chinese manufacturers will refine premium positioning, strengthening design language and global presence.
Ultimately, driving desire in Hong Kong remains anchored in aspiration. Whether powered by petrol or battery, whether adorned with a storied European crest or an ambitious new emblem, the luxury car continues to function as a mobile expression of ambition. The soundscape may be changing, trading engine roar for electric hum, but the symbolism endures. In a metropolis built on reinvention, prestige does not disappear – it recalibrates.
Dapper, But Make It Last: Tassels’ New Home in Central
If you’ve ever watched a properly cared-for pair of shoes transform from “great” to legendary, you already get Tassels.
For more than two decades, Tassels has been Hong Kong’s go-to place for men’s footwear- for those who want comfort that actually holds up, fit that feels right from the first wear, and leather that develops character instead of cracking under pressure. Now, Tassels has moved to a new address in Central and expanded the lineup, so your dapper rotation can be bigger, sharper, and better looked after than ever.
A new address. Same devotion to craft.
Tassels has relocated to The Galleria in Central. It’s not just a change of location, it’s a change in experience.
The new store is set up as a proper shoe salon, not a quick in-and-out retail counter. That means more space to browse, more room to compare styles, and, just as importantly, an even stronger emphasis on the shoe shine service. In a city like Hong Kong, with rain, humidity, and long commutes, even the finest pair needs regular care. Tassels treats that as part of the process, not an afterthought.
More brands, more choice (and still very much you)
Long-time customers will be pleased to see the familiar names still at the core: Alden, Crockett & Jones, Edward Green, and other established heritage makers known for quality you can feel in the leather and construction you can see in the details.
But the new chapter brings even more variety for the way men actually dress today: work-ready during the week, refined for dinners, and practical enough to handle everyday Hong Kong life.
John Lobb joins the mix, bringing the kind of elegance you expect from a maison; luxury that’s polished, refined, and made to order when you want something truly personal. Think sharp derbies, handsome loafers, and boots designed to wear beautifully and last.
And Paraboot adds a more relaxed, everyday kind of luxury: durable, comfortable, and weather-friendly without looking casual for the sake of it. If you’ve ever wanted a pair that works with tailoring and jeans, this is your lane.
With these additions, Tassels helps you build a wardrobe that makes sense together: classic, versatile, and built for longevity.
Because dapper isn’t a look, it’s a habit
One thing hasn’t changed: Tassels still believes great shoes deserve great attention. Their shoe shine service is right there in the experience, so you can keep your footwear looking clean, crisp, and well-maintained, especially when the weather and the schedule don’t always cooperate.
This is the difference between owning nice shoes and having nice shoes.
A place to try properly (and order with confidence)
Tassels has already used this salon-style format for events and brand weeks, bringing senior representatives in for fittings, advice, and by-request programmes. In other words: it’s not just about trying a pair once. It’s about getting the right fit, understanding the build, and choosing what you’ll reach for again and again.
Go see the new Tassels; your next “favourite pair” is probably waiting
If you’ve shopped Tassels before, this move is an invitation to rediscover what you already trust in a bigger, better space. And if you’re new to Tassels, consider this your starting point for footwear that actually carries your style, long after the first week hype fades.
Dapper looks good. But dapper that lasts? That’s the real flex.
TASSELS Shop G05, Ground Floor, The Galleria 9 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
