Richard Mille Unveils 4 New Sapphire Crystal RM 07-02s

Welcome to the 68th edition of Maximalist and Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, let Maximalist be your compass for curating a year of elevated luxury. This ultimate guide is packed with insider insights into the dazzling realms of fashion, art, real estate, travel, jewelry, and horology—helping you set bold, refined goals for the year ahead.

Luxury is always evolving, and this week’s edition is no exception. Let’s dive in!

In Case You Missed it

1. CYVN Holdings Acquires McLaren Automotive in £1.2 Billion Deal

2. Louis Vuitton Revives Murakami's 'Superflat' Short Films

3. Watches of Switzerland Shares Rise on Signs of Improving Demand

Markets

On this week’s agenda:

1. Richard Mille Unveils 4 New Sapphire Crystal RM 07-02s

2. LVMH Acquires Villa Bagattelle for €50 Million

3. Saks Completes $2.7 Billion Acquisition of Neiman Marcus, CEO to Depart

Richard Mille Unveils 4 New Sapphire Crystal RM 07-02s

Richard Mille is once again redefining the boundaries of high-end watchmaking. Known for its avant-garde designs and groundbreaking innovation, the Swiss brand is leaning into its colorful side with the release of four new RM 07-02 Sapphire Crystal models in lime green (two variations), lilac, and fuchsia.

This playful approach to luxury continues a trend Richard Mille has embraced in recent years, starting with the candy-themed collection in 2019, featuring pastel shades like bubblegum pink and mint green, which shocked the watch industry with their audacious six-figure appeal. Last year, the brand’s RM 07-01 models celebrated Ettore Sottsass and the Memphis Movement, bringing kaleidoscopic ceramic cases in baby blue, coral, and lilac.

Richard Mille introduced sapphire crystal cases to the world in 2012, making the material a hallmark of its innovation. Sapphire crystal, a synthetic form of aluminum oxide, is one of the hardest substances after diamond. Machining the material requires diamond-tipped tools and hundreds of hours of precision work. Adding color to sapphire crystal complicates the process significantly, with consistency in hue requiring extreme precision and production times exceeding 1,000 hours for a single case.

The RM 07-02 collection pairs the vivid sapphire crystal cases with intricate gemstone arrangements. Diamonds, blue sapphires, and yellow sapphires are set alongside orange spessartite, white agate, green tsavorite, chrysoprase, and malachite in chevron patterns. These vibrant designs highlight the brand’s ability to combine artistry with technical excellence.

Inside the colorful exterior is the CRMA5 automatic movement, a marvel of engineering. Its variable geometry rotor adjusts to the wearer’s activity, optimizing winding efficiency. The movement includes baseplates and bridges crafted from 18-karat red or white gold, finished with microblasting and chamfering. Even the oscillating weight is adorned with diamonds, emphasizing the collection’s opulence. With a 50-hour power reserve, the watches balance beauty with functionality.

Though these watches may appear feminine, their unisex sizing reflects modern trends. The RM 07-02 models are bold enough for men, aligning with the rise of smaller, more colorful timepieces. For example, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum made headlines wearing a lilac and canary yellow RM 07-01 at a press conference in Abu Dhabi this October.

These striking timepieces are limited to just seven pieces per color globally, ensuring their exclusivity and desirability among collectors.

Richard Mille’s RM 07-02 Sapphire Crystal collection proves that high-tech innovation and playful design can coexist in perfect harmony, making these watches a vibrant start to 2025’s luxury landscape.

LVMH Acquires Villa Bagattelle for €50 Million

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the global luxury powerhouse, has acquired a historic villa in Cannes, France, for approximately €50 million (S$70.7 million). The 12-bedroom property, Villa Bagatelle, will serve as a premier venue for hosting exclusive events and showcasing brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Moët & Chandon during the city's prestigious festivals.

The deal, closed in April for €46.5 million (excluding furniture and fees), was one of the largest real estate transactions in Cannes history, according to previously unreported filings reviewed by Bloomberg. Magrey & Sons brokered the transaction. Built in 1928, Villa Bagatelle is an Art Deco-style estate perched on a hill overlooking Cannes and the Mediterranean. It features two outdoor pools, one indoor pool, terraced gardens, and staff accommodations for 14.

The property has had an illustrious history, passing through the hands of notable owners such as the Russian-Armenian billionaire Sarkisov brothers, banker Anatoly Motylev, and Algerian businessman Rafik Khalifa, according to Le Monde.

This purchase underscores LVMH’s continued investment in real estate, following a record €2.45 billion spent globally in 2023, primarily on retail properties. Luxury brands like LVMH are increasingly investing in hotels and branded residences to attract top-tier clients, create Instagram-worthy experiences, and expand business opportunities.

During the summer months, when the French Riviera becomes a magnet for tourists, LVMH plans to rent out the villa, maximizing its use beyond brand events.

Cannes, known for its annual Film Festival in May and the Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity in June, attracts a high-profile crowd of celebrities and industry leaders. LVMH has long been a fixture at these events, hosting glamorous receptions and dressing A-list stars. At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Dior threw a poolside party attended by supermodel Naomi Campbell and actor Anya Taylor-Joy.

The acquisition aligns with LVMH's broader push into experiential marketing. In February, the group announced the creation of an entertainment division aimed at extending its brands into premium film, TV, and audio content, enhancing the storytelling potential of its luxury labels.

Villa Bagatelle’s purchase solidifies LVMH’s position at the intersection of luxury, exclusivity, and strategic marketing, making it a centerpiece for unforgettable brand experiences on the French Riviera.

Saks Completes $2.7 Billion Acquisition of Neiman Marcus, CEO to Depart

Saks Global has finalized its $2.7 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group, marking a major shift in the luxury retail landscape. As part of the transition, Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Neiman Marcus since 2018, along with several members of the leadership team, will be departing the company.

Saks Global confirmed the leadership changes in a statement on Monday, praising van Raemdonck and his team for their contributions to Neiman Marcus Group’s (NMG) position in the luxury sector. “This group of executives has been instrumental in establishing NMG’s strong position in luxury,” the company said. “Other NMG leaders will be staying on as we work to ensure each brand continues to deliver a seamless experience for customers.”

Marc Metrick will now serve as CEO of Saks Global Operating Group, while Ian Putnam will take the role of CEO of Saks Global Properties & Investments. Both will report directly to Richard Baker, executive chairman of Saks Global.

The deal, announced Monday, integrates Neiman Marcus and its flagship brand, Bergdorf Goodman, into the Saks Global portfolio, which already includes Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH. Each retailer will continue to operate under its own brand.

“This milestone transaction marks a transformative moment for Saks Global and the luxury retail industry,” said Baker. “With data and innovation at our core and a portfolio of prime real estate, we aim to redefine the luxury shopping experience.”

The acquisition signals the conclusion of over a century of local leadership for the iconic Neiman Marcus brand, which helped establish Dallas and North Texas as a hub for luxury retail. Founded in 1907, Neiman Marcus has long been a cornerstone of high-end shopping in the region.

The transition ushers in a new chapter for Saks Global, with a focus on leveraging data, technology, and innovation to elevate the luxury shopping experience across its expanded portfolio.

This deal represents a significant consolidation in the luxury retail market, positioning Saks Global as a dominant force in high-end retail.

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