PEAKLIFE

By Kratika Agarwal

From an immersive Korean festival organised by SOCIAL to discovering the next favourite through the ancient art of perfumery in Chloé’s Nomade Nuit d’Égypte, brands have stepped above all expectations this month. Step into the PINNACLE of unexplored luxuries ranging from automobiles to festivals and accessories. Take a look!

1. Revealing Defender Octa: Engineered For Unrivalled Performance, On and Off-road

The British adventure brand Defender has introduced the new Defender OCTA, the most powerful and luxurious 4×4 in the Defender family. It boasts a 4.4L Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, delivering 467 kW and up to 750 Nm of torque for a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.0 seconds. With this, they have unlocked its dynamic capabilities to reach new heights with a heavily revised chassis and 6D Dynamics suspension. The bolder, tougher exterior features raised ride height, widened stance, and extended wheel arches. Redesigned bumpers improve approach and departure angles, while tough underbody protection enhances off-road confidence. The OCTA also offers superior wading capabilities, handling up to one metre of water.

2. Get Ready for an Immersive Korean Festival by SOCIAL

The “Kore-yeah” festival by SOCIAL celebrates Korean culture with special menus, themed beverages, and activities like K-Pop karaoke and workshops. Throughout July, the festival offers experiences such as kimchi-making, K-pop dance classes, and pop-up markets. Chefs Yen Valavalkar, Soonye Choi, and Shamsul Wahid curated a menu featuring Korean rice cakes, kimchi, Gochujang sauce, Soju, Tteokbokki, Bibimbap, and fried chicken. SOCIAL has collaborated with Nestlé MAGGI® for ramen bowls and special K-Drinks like Soju Kimchi Highball to add to the experience. Partnering with the Embassy of Korea, Universal Music Group India, and WinterBear, SOCIAL aims to immerse guests in Korean culture. “Kore-yeah”

When: July 1st to 31st, 2024,

Where: All SOCIAL outlets

3. Celebrate Heritage and Innovation with Levi’s® and McLaren Collaboration

Levi’s® and McLaren Racing, renowned for their pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation, join forces for the first Levi’s® x McLaren Racing Collection. This exclusive lineup includes the Racing Jacket, Racing Suit, Racing Gloves, Heritage Trucker, Heritage 501® Jeans, Constructors Tee, and Racing Bandana, blending heritage with modernity. Inspired by McLaren Racing’s vintage era, highlights include the racing jacket with chain stitch embroidery and the Racing Suit featuring vintage patches and a unique crackle print design. The collection also features the three-tone Racing Gloves, the Heritage Trucker with vintage-inspired details, and the iconic Heritage 501® Jeans with innovative design elements.

4. Discover the Vespa 946 Dragon Collector’s Edition and Exclusive Varsity Jacket

Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Italian Piaggio Group, unveils the Vespa 946 Dragon and Vespa Dragon Varsity Jacket exclusively for India. Originally launched globally for Lunar New Year celebrations, the Vespa 946 Dragon is a limited-edition model embodying luxury and heritage. Hand-crafted in Italy, it features dragon-inspired design elements and is powered by a 150cc engine with advanced features like a metal-monocoque body and 12-inch wheels. The accompanying Vespa Dragon Varsity Jacket reflects the scooter’s style with emerald green dragon motifs and premium materials. Priced at ₹14,27,999 (ex-showroom, India), the Vespa 946 Dragon is available for booking nationwide at Piaggio’s Motoplex showrooms.

5. Embrace the Sensuality of Floral Ambery Notes with Chloé Nomade Nuit D’Égypte

Chloé’s Nomade Nuit d’Égypte pays homage to founder Gaby Aghion’s Egyptian roots and the ancient art of perfumery. Inspired by Kyphi, Egypt’s first known perfume, this Eau de Parfum blends myrrh, ginger, cinnamon, and broomflower nectar with Cypriol and opopanax for balsamic richness. Orange blossom absolute from the Nile Delta adds opulence, while warm vanilla enhances its allure. Encased in the iconic Nomade bottle with a deep blue knot symbolising Egyptian blue, the fragrance is crafted with 90% natural origin ingredients. Sustainable packaging includes 15% recycled glass and FSC-certified cardboard, embodying Chloé’s dedication to authenticity and environmental responsibility.

6. Introducing Luxury Dining at Opus, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Mumbai thrives on blending tradition with innovation, and the new all-day lobby restaurant Opus at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai exemplifies this spirit. Known for world-class hospitality with AER, San:Qi, and Modernist, Four Seasons Mumbai has set a new benchmark with Opus. Derived from the Latin “work of art,” Opus reflects culinary craftsmanship and design finesse, offering a European-led, diverse menu round the clock. The art deco-themed space, bathed in natural light, nods to Indian palatial grandeur. A standout feature is the Modbar units, a rarity in India, offering the finest coffee on tap. Guests enjoy single-estate teas from Darjeeling, an extensive wine selection, and handcrafted dishes like Smoked Portobello and Eggs Shakshouka. With inventive small plates, day meals, and late-night dining, Opus is a true culinary masterpiece.

7. Explore Aeropostale’s Mayfield Duffle Bag Series

Explore Aéropostale’s trendy and functional collection, perfect for the fashion-forward. From stylish backpacks to chic accessories, each item blends fashion with practicality for effortless carrying. Reflecting inclusivity and unity in every design, the Mayfield Duffle Bags combine sleek modernity with everyday usability. Offering ample storage, durable materials, and convenient compartments, they’re ideal for daily use and ensure stylish and organised travel to the gym, work, or weekend getaways, embodying Aeropostale’s commitment to merging fashion with function.

8. Outletcity Metzingen Opens the Doors to “The Museum”

Metzingen, a small town with just 23,000 people, has made a big name in fashion—a rare achievement for any city. Outletcity now attracts fashion lovers from all over the globe with its incredible array of premium and luxury brands. The story of how this town became a fashion powerhouse is now beautifully told at The Museum. It’s a place where you can dive into the intertwined history of this destination and the city itself, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in fashion history.

9. Experience the Artistic Marvel of Artix 3.0 Unfolding in New Delhi

Artix, India’s pioneering hotel art exhibition, returns to New Delhi from August 30th to September 1st, 2024, at The Claridges Hotel. Experience a unique blend of indigenous and global art energies, transforming hotel rooms into immersive spaces of creativity. Founded by Payal Kapoor, Malvika Poddar, and Sethu Vaidyanathan, Artix celebrates the convergence of art forms and invites art lovers to engage in meaningful exchanges. Future plans include expanding to major cities across India. Don’t miss this exceptional artistic journey:

When: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Where: The Claridges Hotel, Motilal Nehru Marg, New Delhi

10. Enjoy Nawabi Bhoj of Murshidabad at Novotel Mumbai International Airport

From July 5th to 13th, 2024, Food Exchange at Novotel Mumbai International Airport hosts a culinary event showcasing Murshidabad cuisine. In collaboration with Chef Pin, this pop-up features Chef Ananya Banerjee, a lawyer-turned-globetrotter passionate about regional cuisines. Experience the unique blend of Persian, Mughal, and Bengali flavours with dishes like Murshidabad Mochar Shami Kebab and Taal Saash / Chennar Kofta Sukto.

When: July 5th – 13th, 2024

Where: Food Exchange, Novotel Mumbai International Airport