This Week in Luxury: Porsche takes to the sea with Frauscher, La Darbia transforms Lake Orta and more

In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news around the world. This week’s highlights: TAG Heuer goes for gold, Loewe runs the extra mile with On, and Chanel works the night shift

Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air. Photo by Porsche

Porsche and Frauscher Shipyards unveil electric yacht

Integrating technology from the electric Porsche Macan, the stunning Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air features a 100 kWh battery, 400 kW motor, and multiple driving modes. With 800-volt technology, it can charge at over 250 kW, achieving 10 to 80 per cent battery in under 30 minutes. Studio F. A. Porsche designs the helmstand, and the yacht, based on the Frauscher 858 Fantom Air, accommodates up to nine passengers. The first 25 units, part of an exclusive edition, can be pre-ordered for delivery in 2024.

Frauscher x Porsche

Lake Orta. Photo by La Darbia

Lake Orta welcomes La Darbia

An abandoned rural settlement on Lake Orta has been transformed into the sophisticated La Darbia, a luxury holiday hideaway. The hotel, designed by architect brothers Gian Carlo and Matteo Primatesta, reflects quiet luxury and Italian Dolce vita. Situated on the eastern shore near Orta San Giulio, the property offers breathtaking views of the lake and Monte Rosa. The 20 suite-apartments, restaurant La Cucina, and cocktail bar in the organic vegetable garden embody understated elegance and regional authenticity.

La Darbia

New Carrera Chronograph 39mm. Photo by TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer introduces a new Carrera Chronograph 39mm

The timeless tribute to the link between cars and motorsports gets a new skin inspired by founder Jack Heuer’s audacious tradition of gifting gold timepieces to racing drivers. The 39mm Carrera embodies the spirit of accomplishment and courage, paying homage to the vintage era with 18K 3N yellow gold and a Glassbox design. The dial features black azuré subdials for enhanced legibility, and the in-house Heuer 02 movement ensures precision. Accompanied by a black leather strap, this timepiece symbolises challenge, determination, and 60 years of Carrera excellence.

TAG Heuer

Draft Land Singapore. Photo by Draft Land

Taiwan’s Draft Land reaches Singapore

Revolutionising the cocktail experience with its on-tap concept since 2018, ZhongXiao’s renowned cocktail bar Draft Land opens in Singapore in a collaboration with Nutmeg & Clove. Expect over 20 cocktails each prepared under 30 seconds, a pioneering Sample Service and modern Taiwanese-inspired grub. To celebrate the World’s 50 Best Bars announcement, Draft Land presents six exclusive cocktails crafted by global bartenders such as Antonio Lai of Hong Kong’s Quinary and Hidetsugu Ueno of Tokyo’s High Five throughout October.

Draft Land

Loewe x On campaign. Photo by Loewe

Loewe gets On

Loewe and On collaborate on the Cloudtilt, a unique silhouette with collapsing Clouds that adapt to movement, ensuring seamless weight transfer. It incorporates CloudTec® Phase, a computer-generated midsole technology for superior cushioning. The design includes a knitted sock construction, speed laces, and sustainable elements like an EVA foam outer sole and a 99 per cent recycled polyester upper. Available in two drops, the Cloudtilt emphasises performance and sustainability, with packaging made from recycled materials.

LOEWE

Sublimage L’Extrait de Nuit. Photo by Chanel

Chanel introduces Sublimage L’Extrait de Nuit

A groundbreaking skincare formula attuned to the skin’s circadian rhythms, Sublimage L’Extrait de Nuit supports the skin’s nightly repair mechanisms, offering visible results, improved hydration, reduced wrinkles, and enhanced radiance. The ultra-concentrated treatment is enriched with a chronopeptide and Himalayan swertia complex, leveraging the rejuvenating properties of polyfractioned Vanilla Planifolia. The refillable double-walled glass bottle adorned with a gold-hued aluminium cap symbolises timeless beauty and reflects the Maison’s dedication to excellence.

Chanel

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Barbara Walters Harry Winston platinum 13.84 carat diamond ring, estimate_ US$600,000-900,000. Credit Bonhams (1)
Barbara Walters’ Harry Winston platinum 13.84-carat diamond ring, estimated to go for US$600,000 to US$900,000. Photo by Bonhams

Lay hold of Barbara Walters’ US$8 million collection at Bonhams

American art, jewellery and objets d’art are amongst the trailblazing broadcaster’s impressive estate going on Bonhams.

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Pom Harrington
Rare books collector and dealer, Pom Harrington. Photo by Peter Harrington

The Answers With… Pom Harrington, owner of Peter Harrington Rare Books in London

The Answers With… Pom Harrington, who tells us more about collecting rare books, precious masterpieces and earning the right to flex.

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