By Neha Mehrotra

Staying informed about the latest launches and happenings around you is key to keeping your finger on the pulse of luxury and lifestyle. This week, PEAKLIFE brings you an exclusive roundup of exciting new releases and events that are making waves. From luxury watches and innovative beverages to vibrant culinary experiences and captivating art exhibitions, we’ve curated the best of what’s new and noteworthy. Take notes!

1. Panerai celebrates the Spirit of the Sea with Kauli Vaast

Luxury watchmaking and the dynamic world of surfing came together in 2023 as Panerai
announced its new Friend of the Brand, the multiple-time and newly crowned Olympic surfing
champion, Kauli Vaast. Born in Papeete, French Polynesia, the 21-year-old surfing sensation has a deep-rooted connection with the sea, especially the powerful waves of Teahupo’o, Tahiti. With a decorated career, including three European WSL Junior Championships and a historic gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, he is a modern hero on water with an unyielding commitment to pursuing sporting excellence. His passion for the ocean, his ties with the waves of Tahiti and his pursuit of performance mirror Panerai’s own voyage.

2. TAG Heuer and Oracle Red Bull Racing Unveil the Ultimate Racing Timepiece

TAG Heuer and Oracle Red Bull Racing have teamed up once again to introduce the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition, a watch that captures the essence of both brands’ racing heritage. Following the success of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Red Bull Racing Special Edition, this new connected watch pushes the boundaries of traditional timepieces, combining cutting-edge technology with the exhilaration of motorsport. Featuring dedicated watch faces and vibrant blue and red straps that echo Oracle Red Bull Racing’s colours, this special edition is designed for the team’s dedicated fans, offering a perfect blend of style and performance.

3. Sanjay Dutt Launches the Glenwalk Zero-Calorie Ginger Ale

Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt ventures into the FMCG sector with the launch of The Glenwalk Zero-Calorie Ginger Ale. A long-time brand ambassador for The Glenwalk, Dutt introduces this refreshing, guilt-free beverage crafted from premium natural ingredients and a bold ginger flavour. This latest addition to The Glenwalk’s portfolio reflects the brand’s dedication to innovation and health-conscious living. Available in stylish 250-ml bottles at retail outlets across Mumbai, this new ginger ale is perfect for those seeking a flavourful, healthy alternative. Dutt’s partnership with The Cartel Bros. continues to thrive, with this launch marking just the beginning of their exciting journey into the non-alcoholic beverage market.

4. NAO Spirits Introduces a Unique Spirit for the Adventurous Palate

NÄO Spirits introduces Broken Bat, a distinctive gin that bridges the gap between gin and whisky. Crafted as a cask-aged variant of Greater Than Gin, Broken Bat is aged in toasted Kashmir Willow, sourced from cricket bats and off-cuts. This process infuses the gin with deep, woody flavours reminiscent of fine whisky, catering to brown spirit lovers. With an ABV of 47%, Broken Bat is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of soda, allowing its rich, layered notes of juniper, citrus, and spice to shine. A perfect choice for those seeking a unique spirit experience.

5. Los Cavos Brings Vibrant Peruvian Flavours to Bangalore

Bengaluru’s Indiranagar welcomes Los Cavos, the Latin American hotspot from Mumbai. Led by Chef Rafael Estremadoyro García, a culinary expert with two Michelin-star experience, Los Cavos offers a vibrant menu of Peruvian dishes infused with Japanese, Spanish, and Italian influences, known as Nikkei cuisine. Expect bold, flavourful creations like Hamachi Tiradito, Los Cavos Ceviche, and Umami Corn Ribs, along with mains such as Lamb Chops and Lomo Saltado. The beverage program, rich in tequila, mezcal, and pisco, complements the menu with cocktails inspired by Latin America. Finish with indulgent desserts like Churros or Tiramisu for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

6. ZLB23 Takes Over Rubicon: India’s Top Bar Brings Speakeasy Magic to The Leela Ambience Gurugram

Prepare for an extraordinary experience at Rubicon Bar & Cigar Lounge, The Leela Ambience Gurugram, as ZLB23 from The Leela Palace Bengaluru, India’s Best Bar and the only Indian bar ranked in Asia’s Top 50, takes over on 27th and 28th August. Ranked #40 at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, ZLB23 will bring its Kyoto-inspired cocktails and masterful mixology to Rubicon for two nights of sophisticated, speakeasy-style luxury. Led by head mixologist Rajib Mukherjee, this unique bar takeover promises a night of creative, prohibition-era cocktails reimagined with futuristic flair, offering a taste of India’s finest in luxury bar culture.

7. Ekaya Banaras and 431-88 Collaborate to Give Benarasi Textiles a Contemporary Spin

Ekaya Banaras collaborates with 431-88 to present a modern ready-to-wear festive collection, bringing together age-old and time-honoured Banarasi textiles crafted in contemporary silhouettes embodying ease, movement and wearability. This unique partnership between Palak Shah, CEO and Founder of Ekaya Banaras, and Shweta Kapur, Founder and Creative Director of 431-88, features 64 ensembles across 17 designs. The collection includes co-ord sets, blazers, kurtas, and pre-draped sarees, all crafted with nature-inspired motifs in vibrant shades like fuchsia, red, and electric blue, balanced by classic black and white. The collection will be available online from August 20th and in stores nationwide starting September 1st.

8. A Celestial Journey: NOCTURNUM Couture’24 by Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna

Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s latest couture collection, ‘Nocturnum’, is an ode to the night sky, blending geometry, nature, and architecture. Inspired by the midnight descent of meteors transforming into imaginary wildflowers, the collection features Indian contemporary silhouettes adorned with star-centric patterns, intricate beadwork, and three-dimensional embroidery. A rich palette of golds, including striking mocha gold, adds a celestial glow. Luxurious fabrics like velvets, silk satins, and tulles evoke a cosmic dance of shadow and light. For menswear, formal attire is reimagined with innovative cut-outs and long-tailed jackets.

9. Ardbeg and Royal Enfield Celebrate the Rebirth of the Classic

At an exclusive event at The Bombay Club, Mahalaxmi Race Course, Ardbeg Islay Single Malt Whisky and Royal Enfield marked the relaunch of the iconic Royal Enfield Classic. The star-studded evening brought together Bollywood celebrities like Gul Panag, Satyadeep Mishra, and Sunny Kaushal, along with passionate bikers and luxury connoisseurs. The event celebrated The Classic’s enduring appeal and craftsmanship, complemented by the bold, smoky flavours of Ardbeg whisky. This partnership highlighted both brands’ unwavering dedication to tradition and quality, leaving guests with a powerful message: Stay True. Stay Classic.

10. Ashwani Kumar Unveils “Shadows and Light” at Alliance Française, Delhi

Alliance Française, Delhi, presents “Shadows and Light,” an art exhibition by Ashwani Kumar from August 23rd to 25th, 2024. This collection of watercolours and oil paintings captures India’s evolving landscapes, blending ancient monuments with modern architecture. Through masterful use of light and shadow, Kumar explores the dialogue between tradition and modernity, highlighting the coexistence of the past and present. Curated by Preeti Harit, the exhibition reflects India’s cultural identity, showcasing how history and progress intertwine.

When: 23rd to 25th August 2024 (10 AM – 6 PM)

Where: Alliance Française, Delhi