2012-11-30

6 Minutes @ Matthias Breschan

RADO watches are known for its modern, open minded & creative innovation with practicality. The latest Rado HyperChrome Collection, featuring the brand’s latest technological breakthrough, the “monobloc” (one-piece) casing made from high-tech injected ceramic. The dandy Matthias Breschan, the brand President of RADO watch told mylifestylenews sometimes that is what's outside that counts......
 
Rado is famous for its innovative design and the use of revolutionary materials to create some of the world’s most durable watches. That is what Swiss watchmaker are known for.
 
 
Rado is known for its innovative design and its use of revolutionary materials to create some of the world’s most durable watches. Ever since its beginnings in Lengnau, Switzerland in 1957, Rado has had a pioneering spirit, with the brand philosophy “if we can imagine it, we can make it” still holding true today.

 
The brand is remarkably experienced in using cutting-edge materials such as high-tech ceramic, Ceramos™ high-tech diamond, sapphire crystal and hard metal in the creation of their watches. The use of materials such as high-tech ceramic makes Rado watches scratch resistant, hypoallergenic, light and incredibly comfortable to wear.

 
The new Rado HyperChrome Collection, featuring the brand’s latest technological breakthrough, sophisticated injection moulding has enabled the creation of a one-piece (monobloc) high-tech ceramic case, where the case forms the entire structure of the finished timepiece. 

 
To differentiate this monobloc case from others is the full integration of the lugs and surrounding brackets into the high-tech ceramic form, these watches come in sleek black or pure white and demonstrate impressive hardness of 1’250 Vickers. They are embraced by parentheses in a variety of metallic finishes, echoed by matching dial detail to distinguish indexes and chronograph discs and on the chronographs’pushers.
 
It is literally bracketing together the 32-strong Rado HyperChrome family where the design incorporating contrasting elements on either side of the case to resemble elegantly elongated parentheses. Mirroring the heat-intensive processes pioneered by Rado to create its innovative materials, these watches harmoniously unite high-tech ceramic, Ceramos™ and diamonds. 
A selection of hardened metal versions in golden- or silver-coloured steel adopts the same construction, presenting a classical alternative. Individual timekeeping tastes are accommodated by automatic chronographs and three-hand automatic or quartz versions.
 
The perfectly round frame around the dial has an ultra-modern, smooth surface inspired by the enigmatic ring around the planet Saturn. In all of the models in the new line, Rado showcases its skill at uniting shapes from the past and materials of the present, in products for the future with unrivalled comfort, durability and Swiss precision.
 
Digression is both desired and gained in watches inspired by such famous ancestors such as the Rado Golden Horse Collection.
 
The benefits of high-tech ceramic are well documented, especially at Rado where it was first introduced as a watchmaking material in 1986. This innovative, lightweight, hypo-allergenic material offers optimum comfort, adapting to the wearer’s skin temperature. Where Rado went, the industry followed and other watch parts in ceramic soon started to appear.
 
Rado set a new standard for ceramic watches in 2011. Previously, ceramic watch cases had always contained a steel ‘heart’ as a base. The Rado True Thinline made such a construction impossible as the case of the watch was so thin. The resulting design was a resounding success: a watch case made entirely of ceramic and offering unrivalled levels of lightness and comfort.
 
This innovative case construction, known as ‘monobloc’, then paved the way for the creation of the new Rado HyperChrome. The design vision was to create a watch with a case that would be extremely light, very comfortable and available in a range of colours. The ceramic monobloc case was the natural choice, but not the easiest choice.


 
 



25 years of expertise with high-tech ceramic helped Rado to develop the process for creating a monobloc case. A liquid form of ceramic is injected into a mould and it is then subjected to pressures of up to 1,000 bar. The pressure is then slowly released and the finished case is gently eased out of the mould. Finally the case is ‘sintered’ at 1,450
°C in a furnace.
Even for a master of materials, creating the tools required for the process was extremely difficult. The biggest challenge was creating a mould which included all the openings for the bracelet, side inserts, crown and pushers.
 
In a separate, delicate procedure these are fixed to the case by hand later. For the Rado HyperChrome, the mould had to be a precision instrument. If something was even slightly out of place it would be impossible to add the movement and other parts to the case and the materials would be wasted.

An added complication lay in the fact that high-tech ceramic decreases in size by 23% during sintering. So, not only did the mould need to be completely accurate in its design, but it also had to allow for shrinkage at exactly the right ratio to ensure that all the openings were correctly sized down to one tenth of a millimetre.

 
With its pioneering spirit Rado was able to successfully develop all elements of the process and the HyperChrome’s ground-breaking monobloc case was born.

With materials and first-class design combining to make a beautiful, practical and durable timepiece, the Rado HyperChrome represents Rado at its very best and remains unique to Rado. 
 
We have a pretty strong tradition in our clientele base, we always create something new with a young mindset. Since the Rado True Thinline, we are very much focusing on the modern, creative, open minded & innovative designs.

The integration and new geometry in manufacturing with innovative material in the trend industry in order for us to create something  that so comfortable to wear on our skin.

We will continue to be unique with distinctive and innovative designs at least in the next 50 years. Thanks to the modern technology and reinvention of the material we use.

In all consumer brands, we are the first to advertise in China and the Swatch group, 2012 is another record year for Rado in terms of brands building.

Many years back, a lot of brands wants to go luxury but manage to change the brand but not on its substance. They increased the price but not the quality. Sadly, it is one way of cheating their customers.

As a watchmaker, one shall not stop being innovative, do not fall in love with your strategies and be too comfortable with it. It is always about reinvention with innovative ideas.
 
A watch today is more than just a watch, it need to offer more authentic and credible materials. A watch is a perfect statement of your own. For instance, Rado watch is a statement of sophistication and futuristic. It is emotional, a wearer shall ensure the comfort by wearing it and it brings out your inner personality.
 
In 2013, there will be two more new family from the brand to be release, it will be another true innovation. Can't tell you much now but hope you will like what you see.
 
My favorite possession is always my watches. I am passionate about watches, it is emotional and accessible, it is also easily to fall in love with.
 
My ideal way of a living lifestyle is to have a work and life balance, always. Family is equally important to me and part of my living.
 
 
"A watch is a perfect statement of your own" ~ Matthias Breschan
mylifestylenews @ Matthias Breschan


Head EAST for Christmas

Executive Chef Colin Gouldsbury created a set of special festive menus to celebrate Christmas and New Year at the vibrant café at Feast (Food by EAST). The Christmas semi-buffet menu features a selection of antipasti including Soups, Christmas Ham, Pâte, Terrines, Aged Parmesan, Smoked Cheddar, Stilton and Farm House Brie with Festive Chutneys as well as a spectacular seafood selection including freshly Shucked Oysters, Blue Swimmer Crab, Smoked Salmon, Cooked Prawns and Mussels.
 Following the generous starters, a choice of main courses including Roast Turkey and Gammon Ham, Smoked Haddock, Beef Bourguignon, Stuffed Chicken Breasts or a delicious vegetarian Aubergine Five Nut Roast for you to chose from.
 
Traditional favourites with modern twists are on offer at both the semi-buffet dinner for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 24 and 25 December, priced at HK$595, with two sittings on Christmas Eve.Children aged 12or under can enjoy a discounted rate at HK$295. A Christmas Day semi-buffet brunch is also available on 25 December from 11:30am –2:30pm, priced at HK$495 and HK$275 for children. Meet Santa Claus on both the 24 and 25 December to give away little toys to all children at dinner.


 


CARRERA Eyewear @ CARRERA Generation

The history of the CARRERA brand in the field of eyewear, ski helmets and goggles began as far back as 1956, a story of success driven by passion for design, continuous innovation, eye-catching flare and uncompromising style. CARRERA was originally created as a motorcycle and ski helmet brand, whose name was inspired by the legendary Carrera Panamericana road rally which traversed the length of Mexico. Thus began the adventure of a brand famous for high-performance products which still today retain their original on-the-road spirit, dynamic appeal and consistently cutting-edge design. Over the years the product range has expanded to include ski helmets, sports glasses, optical frames and sunglasses.
Since 1996 CARRERA has been part of Safilo Group: this synergy has amplified the stylistic and innovative potential of its products and strengthened the brand’s success at international level. Today CARRERA is a prestigious label, synonymous with design and technical innovation, a brand which represents a dynamic lifestyle and which communicates emotion.
The CARRERA eyewear collection is inspired by the original spirit of CARRERA and the uncompromising style which cemented the brand’s success during the 1980s. Distinctive shapes, bold personality and an inimitable colour palette: CARRERA sunglasses are based on the original designs of the signature CARRERA styles that were so popular in the 1980s. The CARRERA styles are earning a legendary reputation and are even making waves with the international celebrities: from Hollywood to Europe, numerous Vips and trend-setters have been spotted showing off these iconic and trendy shades. CARRERA is also the benchmark brand for the most important sports disciplines: for over half a century, CARRERA products have helped the world’s greatest champions to victory in various sports, assuring total comfort and maximum performance.
Today the research and development department, with its headquarters in Padua, Italy, follows every stage of design and development of the products from the first draft to the final design, from the raw model to the prototype, from the development in 3D to the industrialization and from the selection of the colours to the definition of the collection. Models are designed to improve the performance of sports champions and the practical glasses that are worn everyday are guaranteed by years of experience and research. Half a century of victories in many sports, at international level, is the result of an engrossing passion for production development and continuous technological research.
The CARRERA eyewear collection CHAMPION/HI/FS teardrop injection-moulded sunglasses are customised with unique and inimitable details, such as the “C” metal icon on the nosepiece, a high-quality “Made in Japan” detail underlining the excellence of this product. The temples are decorated by the laser-engraved enamelled logo on a metal plaque. Even the colours are new: shiny black with grey shaded lenses, matte black with grey silver flash lenses, dark matte Havana brown with brown shaded lenses, red with brown shaded lenses. The temples are subtly decorated with a slim metal detail featuring the distinctive CARRERA logo.
Today CARRERA is a prestigious brand, synonymous with design, technological innovation and sportsmanship. CARRERA is a brand that represents a dynamic lifestyle and communicates excitement.
The new CARRERA eyewear collection is dedicated to those who like to live in the fast lane and never stop, who seize every moment as an opportunity for simple pleasures, and who are always on the lookout for new challenges, for new people to meet and for new experiences. The new sunglasses and eyeglass models were designed for the “CARRERA generation”: young, dynamic, determined and committed to realizing their dreams and goals, in order to always be able to say, after everything has been said and done: “AFTER ALL NO REGRETS”.


Aesop @ Christmas Gift Pack

Aesop releases a series of much-anticipated gift kits every year. The designs linked by a theme of significance to the innovative and philosophically inclined brand. The six gift kits released this year focus on birds; each is named for a specific aspect of avian life, and profiles the history of an extinct or endangered species.
For Aesop, birds are symbolic of freedom, admirable idiosyncrasy, and being at ease in one’s own skin; while the fragility of their habitats is testament to the constancy of change.  
Perch references Newton’s Parakeet, a large, greenish-blue bird once endemic to the island of Rodrigues, near Mauritius, off the East coast of Africa. It offers four wonderfully compatible products from Aesop’s Classic Skin Care range, ideal for gentle cleansing and toning, and optimum hydration. Fabulous Face Cleanser removes grime and makeup thoroughly without drying the skin, while B & T Balancing Toner refreshes, soothes and balances; Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream provides immediate relief from dryness, and leaves the skin soft and supple.
For regular deep cleansing and mild exfoliation that leaves the skin exceptionally clean and smooth, the kit also includes Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste.The kit is presented in an elegant, practical grey case made from RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) – a plastic fibre created from used PET products.


LINKS of LONDON @ New Advertising Campaign

Links of London new campaign comes with a rich aristocratic feel running through its veins the new campaign is a modern gallery of typically English portraits, art directed by the renowned creative agency Air Paris. It was shot by a stellar team including acclaimed photographer Jean-Francois Campos supported by stylist Charles Varenne, hair stylist Valentin, make-up artist Georgina Graham and prop stylist Vincent Olivieri. With reference to the Pre-Raphaelite English masters the portraits are filled with evocative imagery using flora and fauna. Deeply poetic and imaginative, the campaign reflects the originality and creativity we demonstrate in all that we do; a twist to the norm and always with a nod to our British eccentricity. These portraits convey the symbolism of jewellery; keepsakes that we cherish forever, where the act of gifting is full of emotion and often great sentimental reason.
 
<The Chicane Collection> – Of Steel & Speed. Every well groomed man needs a luxury timepiece to complete his look. Our Chicane watches are inspired by the aesthetics of vintage motor car racing. The collection reflects a classic British sporting quality which inspires this masculine and elegant shot. <The Effervescence Collection> – Of Light & Celebration. A lilac and mimosa bouquet was chosen for this shot to mimic the bubbles in the designs of the Effervescence collection. The flora evokes a sense of springtime which is synonymous with fresh new life and vitality and this theme is present in the celebratory nature of the Effervescence pieces.
 
<The Infinite Love Collection> – Of Pride & Passion. With connotations of passionate love and precious femininity the Rose is the perfect symbol for our infinite Love collection. Each piece undeniably beautiful in white, yellow and rose gold with exquisitely cut stones of amethyst and topaz; tokens to express one’s pure love and passion. <The Friendship Collection> – Of Love & Trust. The doe is a symbol of generosity, love and kindness and is used in our Friendship collection portrait. Our ever popular friendship collection grows and evolves like the love and trust between friends and loved ones. Wrapped and stacked on wrists they are a symbol of the unbreakable bond of friendship.
 
  <The Noble Classic Collection> – Of Courage & Honour.This portrait is depictive of a male rower – a sport long associated as a gentleman’s pastime with rules and behaviour associated with sportsmanship. The Noble Classic collection has been created for a man of decorum and integrity which are reminiscent in these watches –bold yet elegant pieces that offer timeless sophistication with a contemporary edge. <The Sweetie Collection> – Of Innocence & Promises. Innocence and promises are illustrated within this Sweetie Collection portrait – a collection which signifies purity and virtue. The frog symbolizes the fairytale legend; and encouragement to those still seeking their true love. Sweetie is a playful collection evocative of the spirit and essence of childhood.


2012-11-29

JOHNNIE WALKER® @ ‘WHERE FLAVOUR IS KING’ CAMPAIGN

JOHNNIE WALKER® LAUNCHES ‘WHERE FLAVOUR IS KING’ CAMPAIGN  showcases products’ credentials rooted in the big, bold flavours of Johnnie Walker whisky recently. The new global campaign focuses on the diverse spectrum of rich and intense flavours found in various blends of Johnnie Walker whisky. The campaign aims to enhance local whisky lovers’ appreciation of the centrality of flavours in whisky blending, an art that Johnnie Walker has reigned supreme.
Anchoring the new, vibrant campaign is a collection of stunning images featuring Johnnie Walker’s iconic Striding Man immersed in a mysterious and evocative world with giant fruit smashers, towers of spices, honey cauldrons and fire-breathers. The bold visuals bring to life the signature flavours of the different Johnnie Walker blends, including the luscious sweet fruits and honey tones of Gold Label Reserve; Black Label’s fig and toffee flavours, as wells as its signature smoky finish; and Double Black Label’s spicy notes and intense smokiness.
"The new campaign will open consumers’ eyes to the depth and variety of flavour that exists across the Johnnie Walker whisky taste spectrum. By creating a unique image for each variant of Johnnie Walker whisky, the consumer will be able to make an instant, tangible association with the power and depth of flavour of each blend. For example our Black Label shot features a supersized apricot and slabs of chocolate; the Double Black Label campaign highlights dense penetration of smoke and spices piled high; while the Gold Label Reserve image centres around dripping honey and gigantic fresh apples." Gavin Pike, Global Brand Director for Johnnie Walker, said the campaign would help drive consumer awareness of the range of tastes across the brand portfolio.
 
From its origins in 1820, the Johnnie Walker label has always been committed to its quest to blend whiskies of exceptional flavour, refusing to compromise on quality. This dedicated attitude to finding exotic and exciting tastes takes the product on a special journey of distillation, maturation and blending, to produce the ultimate, unrivalled blend. The flavours, derived solely from the simplest ingredients of barley, water and peat, are mythically transformed through distillation and years of maturation in charred wood casks before being unleashed through the craft of the master blender.