Nigo X Louis Vuitton
Streetwear gets chic in a big way in Louis Vuitton’s latest campaign in collaboration with cutting-edge designer Nigo. Dubbed LV2, the capsule collection with the Bathing Ape creative includes ready-to-wear leather goods and luggage and explores the design codes of the French maison in variety of new, savvy ways. The collab goes both ways too, with LV offering a makeover of Nigo’s signature duck from his Human Made label. Our favourite however has to be the Keepall (£1,920), which replaces the standard monogrammed pattern of the house with alternative squares of chainmail-printed leather and LV signature trim dripping from the handles.
Discover the full collection at Louis Vuitton.
‘Perpetual Music’ From Rolex
At the time of writing, Rolex has been relatively quiet throughout lockdown and we don’t blame them; it’s not the best time to be showcasing a new collection. Yet that’s nothing compared to what musicians must be feeling right now, which is why Rolex has introduced ‘Perpetual Music’, a series of concerts live streamed across the world early this month. Even if you miss them (the last is happening on 3 September), the streams will remain on hosting platform Medici TV until October so if you need a dose of spectacular classical sounds, check it out.
Available to watch at Medici.Tv.
NAD Electronics M33 Amplifier
NAD understands the importance of timing; the self-clocking amplification tech of its newest M33 model shows that well enough. It’s what delivers the kind of superlative soundstage and acoustic realism that NAD’s amplifiers are known for. To hammer the point home, NAD has enlisted the help of Canadian watchmaker Birchall & Taylor in its latest campaign. The partnership emphasises the precision, skill and attention to detail required of both an amp and a fine timepiece, not to mention the technical excellence of the M33 itself.
Find out more at Nadel Ectronics.
New on the Reading List
We already knew we had a good writing team, but it looks like not one but two of Oracle Time’s regular contributors have books coming out this month. Go us!
Audio Research: Making the Music Glow
First, we have a coffee-table deep-dive into the history of American luminaries of valve-based sound, Audio Research, by our very own Ken Kessler, created for the brand’s 50th anniversary. Expect an encyclopaedic history wrapped around anecdotes from leading lights of high-end audio, and some truly spectacular imagery. If you’ve ever wondered why Audio Research holds such an intimate place in every music-lover’s heart, read this book.
£125, available at Absolute Sounds.
Smoke & Mirrors
Car photography is usually glossy, superficial and designed to sell a lifestyle. Smoke & Mirrors, published by Hoxton Mini Press x Penguin Books, goes the other way; iconoclastic, abstract, often mysterious photographs from the road, shot by renowned artists including Andreas Gursky, Gerd Ludwig, Todd Hido and Nicolai Howalt. From hypercars to battle trucks, the automobiles here are playful, introspective and meaningful. As author (and OT contributor) Adam Hay-Nicholls writes: “At their best, and occasionally their worst, cars have layers of cultural meaning which can be read like a book.” This one is a good place to start.
£20, available at Amazon.
Bentley For Men Silverlake Eau De Parfum
Rid yourself of thoughts of petrol, leather or the smell of a garage; Bentley has been making some seriously luxurious fragrances for years now, the latest of which is Silverlake. Inspired by the great outdoors and housed in a typically lovely flacon, it’s as fresh and invigorating as a top-down mountain drive.
£69.50 for 100ml, available at Bentley Motors.
Sustainable Skiing at Courmayeur
Sure, it might be a while before we all get back to the slopes, but once we do it’s worth noting that one piste in particular will be opening with longevity in mind. The ever-spectacular Courmayeur resort has overhauled its epic Skyway Monte Bianco with sustainability at the core, allowing unsurpassed, panoramic views of Valle d’Aosta, Cervino, Gran Paradiso, Monte Ros and Combin without disrupting the natural environment. The Skyway will also be the basis for a research project into preserving the legendary Mont Blanc glacier, a necessity in these uncertain times. If you do take a ride, don’t be afraid to turn back when you reach the top; the 3,400-metre Punta Helbronner station’s extreme off-piste skiing is not for the faint-hearted.
More information available at Courmayeur-Montblanc.
Trackside Living at Silverstone
Ever wished that you could wake up every morning, open your curtains and be greeted by the screeching of tyres, the smell of petrol and the sight of blurred racers eking every second out of their cars? Then you my friend are who Escapade Living’s new trackside residences are designed for. Set alongside the legendary Silverstone track, the new residences are a brief roll from the hallowed tarmac and offer the kind of views dedicated petrolheads dream of. The two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments also come with access to a central clubhouse with simulators, a restaurant, bar and driver-focused gym. The residences will be ready to move in by May 2022. Get your engines ready…
£650,000-£1,650,000, more information at Escapade Living.
Salon Privé Returns
Over the past few months, it has felt like summer – with most of our social lives – had been cancelled, with lockdown emptying the British events calendar like a rainstorm at the races. Proving that it’s not for good however, pinnacle concours Salon Privé will be making a return on 26-28 September to make all your automotive dreams come true. As of writing, 23 brands will be exhibiting, showcasing 50+ models between them. In that number you can include three world premieres and over 15 new model debuts, ensuring that this is the car event for car lovers of a certain status. Need proof? Here are just three of the highlights visitors will be able to get up close and personal with:
Ferrari Roma
Ferrari will be showcasing its latest models during Salon Privé Week. The all new Ferrari Roma continues a long tradition of sublime GT cars from Maranello and features a front-mid-mounted turbocharged V8 engine giving more than 600bhp. The Ferrari Roma’s timeless design is combined with its unparalleled performance and handling.
Zenvo TSR-S
The flagship TSR-S model from Danish hypercar manufacturer Zenvo utilises a lightweight carbon-fibre body produced in-house, a 1,177bhp twin-supercharged flat-plane V8 and classleading aerodynamics including Zenvo’s patented centripedal rear wing which reacts to steering inputs to create high levels of downforce while cornering.
Koenigsegg Gemera
The world’s first ‘mega GT’ Koenigsegg is set to star at Salon Privé with the ground-breaking new Gemera. Its name is derived from the Swedish words for ‘give more’ and is engineered to provide megacar performance but with a spacious interior and next-generation environmental technology.
The main event will of course be the Concours itself and, this year looks to be a seriously competitive run. Between a spectacular 1933 Lancia Astura Bocca, a 1934 Hispano Suiza J12 Vanvooren Cabriolet and a superb 1966 Ford GT 40 Mk 1 Prototype / 1034, it’s anyone’s race. Because driving is a lifestyle, these petrolhead giants will be accompanied by a number of other luxury brands, ranging from motorbikes and helicopters to jewellery. Looking for a boat to match your Bugatti? Salon Privé has you covered – in a safe and socially-distanced way, obviously.
Tickets from £295, available at Salon Privé Concours. All tickets are protected in case of cancellation.
