Valentine's Day: Lols tho

 Well... 

Richard Mille: Time Honoured

Born on February 13, 1951, in Draguignan, France, I've been writing about Richard Mille watches since... a time I cannot remember. 

So when Richard Mille Hong Kong office hosted a VIP luncheon, got a rare opportunity to sit across him and get an exclusive chat for... I think I was working at Prestige magazine at the time. 

They liked the interview so much, the brand fully sponsored one of my 40 under 40 editions. And went on to do the same until I left. 

Richard Mille turns 75 today - bonne anniversarie indeed. 

Frank Binder on record

Was a pleasure to interview Frank Binder. Full feature out at Robb Report.HK

Part of my last few series of interviews for Leaders of Luxury. 

 

Arsenale’s Paolo Barletta on the Resurgence of Luxurious Rail Journeys

Arsenale’s singular approach to luxury train travel is poised to revolutionise the way we experience the world—one languid, opulent locomotive at a time.

In Asia, the iron horse is all about velocity—the region’s swiftest operational trains include the Shanghai Maglev, Indonesia’s Whoosh, and Japan’s Shinkansen.

In Hong Kong, the MTR whisks commuters from workplace to hearth (and back) with minimal fuss and immaculate carriages. If you’ve endured the New York City Subway or London Underground, the contrast is cause for celebration. Luxury is an empty cabin and a seat that isn’t damp. We seldom spare a thought for railways unless a delay derails the day.

Enter Paolo Barletta, the visionary founder and CEO of Arsenale, intent on persuading us that slow travel is the ultimate indulgence. In a world where haste eclipses panache, the romance of the rails has receded into the shadows of modern frenzy. Barletta, however, is resolute in resurrecting this timeless conveyance, lavishing it with luxury and refinement. In an exclusive conversation with Robb Report Hong Kong, he unveiled his audacious blueprint to redefine travel, drawing on his family’s storied legacy in hospitality and real estate.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Ulyssia’s Frank Binder on Navigating New Horizons, His Vision For Sustainable Luxury Living at Sea, and Building a Floating Community

 

We explore the innovative world of Ulyssia, where luxury meets sustainability aboard a residential ship designed for the discerning few—very few.

Frank Binder stands at the forefront of a maritime revolution with his most ambitious project to date: the glamorous and grand Ulyssia. As founder and chairman of Ulyssia Residences AG, Binder is crafting a unique experience that merges the opulence of high-end residential living with the dynamic lifestyle of a luxury yacht. His pioneering venture promises not only to elevate the standards of luxury travel but also to foster a deeper connection with the world’s most breathtaking locales studded around the planet.

The genesis of Ulyssia can be traced back over two decades, when Binder first encountered the concept of a residential ship. His vision has since evolved into a magnificent project that aims to provide an unparalleled living environment for its residents. “When I first came across the idea 25 years ago, I was captivated by the notion of having a home at sea,” Binder recounts. “Since then, I have explored various similar projects, but none met my standards. I knew I had to create something extraordinary.”

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.