The ultimate conversation starter

Braun’s President Austin Lally told me recently that watches are a conversation starter, and I totally agree.

It would be quite hard to beat a Sekonda tourbillon in the conversation-starting stakes. Yes, such a genius mass-market watch does exist and was launched only a few months ago. It’s yours for only around £1,400.

Of course, there’s a catch. The movement is made in China, but it is a proper tourbillon, I’m told by my mole at the Marcus boutique on London’s Bond Street. 

Marcus houses one of the world’s largest collections of high-end watches – I once tried on a $2m-plus Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4, just for the hell of it. My head spun for days... But Marcus Margulies, the owner of this fabulous namesake boutique, also owns Sekonda.

I feel like buying one and wearing it at the forthcoming edition of SalonQP, the luxury watch fair being held in London from November 7-9. Imagine the exhibitors’ faces when I tell them I’m sporting a tourbillon and show them this masterpiece. I’m liking this idea...

Sekonda Skeleton Tourbillon face

Hand-winding Skeleton Tourbillon movement

Mineral case back glass

For watch-lovers, here are the watch features:

Hand-winding Skeleton Tourbillon movement.

Calibre HS 2233 Tourbillon mechanism.

19 jewels.

Sapphire crystal face glass.

Mineral case back glass. 

Diamond cut hands.

Stainless steel case.

40-hour power reserve.

Good work, Marcus!

Party time in Cannes!

Travel retail’s annual shindig in Cannes is an excuse to party. My favourite evening events this year were:

Davidoff – CEO Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard and his wonderful team know how to throw a party, or Premium Gourmet Evening, as it’s known. Alongside the huge selection of cigars – including the new Davidoff Nicaragua range – several partner brands were present for the delectation of the many guests, namely Valrhona chocolates, Rougié foie gras, Petrossian caviar and Taittinger Champagne. The great and the good of the travel retail world were there, including Gebr Heinemann’s Harry Diehl, Valrhona’s travel retail consultant Stuart Bull and many other customers and friends.

Furla held a Special Cocktail Event co-hosted by CEO Eraldo Poletto and the brand’s indefatigable travel retail dynamo Gerry Munday, who was greeting her legions of customers like old friends. Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco was serving up his out-of-this-world delicacies for the guests, who admired the new accessories collection, each bag presented on individual glorifiers. 

My most convivial dinner award goes to Pernod Ricard’s annual dinner at the Carlton, co-hosted by company chief Alexandre Ricard and Thierry Billot, managing director of brands.

During the evening I heard all about Absolut’s ground-breaking new monobrand area in Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s fashion and lifestyle zone. The detailed planning and store design is impressive (more about this pioneering initiative in a future blog post).

Thanks to you all for your warm hospitality and see you next year!

MJ Rabbit meets... Silvio Denz, CEO, Lalique

My most head-turning moment at the TFWA World Exhibition was when I finally met Silvio Denz, CEO of Lalique. I've always thought of Denz as the James Bond of the brand world, and I've always wanted to meet him. Like me, he loves luxury.

The suave Swiss entrepreneur was in Cannes to celebrate the unveiling of Lalique's latest collaboration with The Macallan - a $25,000 handcrafted decanter containing 62yo whisky.

After explaining to journalists the quality and craftsmanship that had gone into the making of this masterpiece, he gazed at his watch. He had to leave in a few minutes.

As a watch-lover, I knew the signs. This is a man who loves watches. Before he departed, Denz showed me his unique Chopard L.U.C. - number one of 25 - given to him as a gift by his friend Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-CEO of Chopard. Yes, it was number ONE of a very rare chronograph collection. Scream!

So what other watches does he own? He has a collection of Patek Philippes, as he likes the complications and owns a number of rare limited editions. Parmigiani also forms part of his collection, again for the complications and the limited editions.

Denz said his other passion is wine - he owns five Bordeaux estates. His personal collection spans over 35,000 bottles, according to his Wiki. (I can only manage 1,000 - on a good day.)

He agreed to meet me for a proper interview in London, where he lives in Richmond when he's not jetting/helicoptering around the globe pursuing his numerous business interests.

Watch this space!

Swiss entrepreneur Silvio Denz

Crystal craftsmanship

I’ve just returned from Cannes, where the duty-free industry’s annual conference and exhibition takes place. TFWA World Exhibition is a showcase of brands of all types and, as a brand-watcher for several decades, it’s essential viewing for me.

In my view, this year’s stand-out product was the The Macallan partnership with Lalique, the French crystal manufacturer.

This limited-edition handmade crystal decanter contains 62yo single malt Scotch whisky and depicts The Macallan’s spiritual home, Easter Elchies House, which dates back to 1700. Only 400 of these $25,000 individually numbered decanters have been made.

The Spiritual Home decanter forms part of a six-strong collection of striking decanters created by Lalique for The Macallan brand. This one is number five.

I love the craftsmanship and attention to detail in this objet d’art. Product is the wrong word – too industrial for such a lovingly made piece. Even the lining of the presentation box is made from bookbinder linen from Japan.

And, needless to say, the 62yo whisky tasted out of this world, with a tantalising hint of smokiness.

The Spiritual Home decanter

The box lining is made from bookbinder linen from Japan

The Macallan's David Cox and Lalique CEO Silvio Denz at the Cannes unveiling

MJ Rabbit meets... Martin Moodie, publisher and philanthropist

The travel retail industry is stepping into the spotlight thanks to the efforts of DFS, the world’s leading duty-free retailer, which is undertaking a rebranding initiative in its bid to attract the legions of luxury goods shoppers during their trips overseas.

One of the key players in this fascinating industry is Martin Moodie, the founder and publisher of The Moodie Report, the most influential media in the travel retail space.

Moodie has spearheaded hugely successful fund-raising drives for a number of charities, notably The Smile Train, which offers surgery to children with cleft palates, transforming their young lives in the process. A cancer survivor, he has also founded The Moodie Report Foundation, which raises money for cancer causes. 

Moodie has helped raise millions of dollars for philanthropic causes, and he remains an unsung hero.

He writes a wonderful blog about his globe-trotting and fund-raising activities. It’s well worth reading, even if you are aren’t in the travel retail industry.

Visit www.TheMoodieReport.com

MJ Rabbit loves... Saint Laurent Paris

Just when I thought Hedi Slimane’s ads for French fashion house Saint Laurent Paris couldn’t get any better, they have. Take a look at the November issues of the glossy mags.

In my dreams, I’m Dutch model Freja Beha Erichsen, swanning around Paris in my black leather mini-skirt and matching chain-handle bag. 

When I’m not Freja, I’m Chanel’s muse Amanda Harlech, clad in black couture, being chauffeur-driven around the French capital to my favourite stores – Colette, Galeries Lafayette and Saint Laurent, of course.

A few years ago I met Harlech’s daughter Tallulah on a fashion shoot for the uber-luxury magazine, BBeyond. I took a picture of her penny loafers but I can’t find it - aagh! By the way, I'm supporting her Twitter campaign for her mum to take over from Karl at Chanel. Mums rule!

Anyway, here’s Freja/me rocking Saint Laurent’s Fall 13 look:

Companies with soul: Estée Lauder

LET’S DEFEAT BREAST CANCER. WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER.

That’s the motto of The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness campaign for 2013 – an uplifting and inspirational call-to-action that aims to shift our focus from awareness of the disease to increased action, advancing us further towards eradicating breast cancer from our lives.

To date, The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign has raised more than $48m to support global research, education and medical services. This year’s campaign is committed to raising $5m to support breast cancer research, education and medical services worldwide.

Over the past 20 years, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, launched by the late Evelyn H. Lauder, co-creator of the Pink Ribbon and founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, has been a leading voice for breast cancer awareness globally, sparking a global movement that has helped save millions of lives.

This year’s call-to-action campaign has been launched in the spirit of Mrs Lauder’s vision, seeking to lessen the stigma and deepening awareness across the globe, while raising significant funds for medical research.

William P. Lauder, executive chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies, said: “My mother, Evelyn H. Lauder, believed that no one can defeat breast cancer alone – this spirit of unity is at the heart of our campaign as we bring people together across the globe to defeat this disease.”

Truly a company with soul. 

MJ Rabbit meets... Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO, Davidoff Oettinger AG

Being a CEO today is a 24-hour, globe-trotting job. Just ask Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO of Davidoff Oettinger AG, the maker of hand-rolled Dominican cigars.

A quick glance at his Twitter feed and you'll see what I mean. Recently, after a trip to Germany for a trade show to launch the new Davidoff Nicaragua cigar, the dynamic Dane visited Saudi Arabia for the opening of the new Davidoff Store and Lounge in Jeddah, followed by a quick hop back to Europe to Burgundy, France. Then it was back to his desk - briefly - in Basel, Switzerland, followed by a trip to Belgium. Phew!

I've interviewed Hans-Kristian many times, and he is one of the most knowledgeable executives about the ever-changing world of brands. His experience spans sectors such as beauty, jewellery, luxury goods, watches and cigars.

"Time beautifully filled" is Davidoff's tagline. The ad images that accompany this motto are some of the most appealing and evocative I've ever seen in the luxury goods industry.

Hans-Kristian tells me he has many exciting plans in the pipeline for the Davidoff brand. I don't doubt it for a moment, so watch this space.

Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO, Davidoff Oettinger AG

Shop-tastic

Don't get me wrong. I love shopping in Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdale's (you get the picture). But it's the outlet experience that really excites me.

I once interviewed Joey Kaempfer, the head of designer outlet store operator McArthurGlen. He was responsible for putting the 'designer' into 'designer outlet'. He set up the Serravalle Designer Outlet centre, near Milan. This architect-designed shopping mall is bursting with designer brand merchandise - all at discounted prices.

I visit Serravalle every year or so. Here's a quick roll-call of some of my dream purchases:

1) A black calfskin coat from Fratelli Rossetti. It's so amazing that a billionaire I know told me I looked like a millionaire. Hey, I've arrived!

2) Loro Piana equestrian-style Wellington boots. Wearing these brown beauties with my Brioni cashmere coat makes me feel a million dollars.

3) A huge Loro Piana cashmere blanket that's so cosy when it's cold outside.

4) A Meltin' Pot beanie hat and scarf. The black woollen scarf is so super-long that when I wrap it round and round my neck loads of times it resembles those giant, loopy Sister by Sibling hand-knitted scarves styled by Katie Grand. (I can dream.)

Loro Piana equestrian-style Wellington boots

Hublot fashions a winning strategy

I donned my Hublot Big Bang Jeans (see my previous post) for a party last night at Hublot's flagship store in London thrown by the fast-growing Swiss watch brand and Tatler magazine.

I love the way Hublot's brand owner, LVMH Group, is "fusing" (excuse the pun) the worlds of fashion and watches in its collections - and this sound approach is paying off. My mole in London's Hublot store tells me that some 30-35% of all watch sales at Hublot are to women. Women like me - with superb taste!

My favourite timepiece in the store is the Hublot Big Bang White Zebra Bang - a beautiful watch sporting a black and white calfskin strap. I want one - but can I have a calfskin face, too? I adore my Big Bang Jeans, partly because the face is covered in DSquared denim, and I just think that's so cool.

Hublot Big Bang White Zebra Bang

Skull-duggery

I'm a fan of one of fashion's coolest motifs - skulls. (RIP, Alexander McQueen.)

I'm the proud owner of a gold Zadig & Voltaire jacket emblazoned with a diamond skull  on the back for all to see and admire.

So imagine my excitement when I heard about the latest limited-edition watch created by Richard Mille for the Swiss brand’s new store in Las Vegas. 

The exclusive RM 52-01 tourbillon Skull is a one-of-a-kind watch crafted in 18ct white gold and fully set with diamonds. It’s only $795,000.

As Debbie Harry once sang: “Dreamin’... dreamin’ is free...”

RM 52-01 tourbillon Skull