Rolex ‘Rainbow’ Daytona to Fetch Over $3.5M

Welcome to the 54th edition of Maximalist! Dive into the ultimate guide, filled with insider insights into the world of fashion, art, real estate, travel, jewelry, and horology.

The world of luxury is never boring, and this week is no exception. Let’s dive in!

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On this week’s agenda:

1. Rolex ‘Rainbow’ Daytona to Fetch Over $3.5M

2. Tiffany & Co. Moves into Tennis

3. Djokovic to Become 1st Aman Wellness Advisor

4. Ralph Lauren NYFW Spring 2025

5. Unveiling of Ilma - Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Rolex ‘Rainbow’ Daytona to Fetch Over $3.5M

Phillips auction house is set to present a remarkable timepiece, the first-ever "Rainbow" Daytona, at its Geneva auction in November. With a starting price of $3.5 million, this watch is not just a collector's item but a cornerstone in Rolex's prestigious lineup.

Introduced as a unique piece for a Middle Eastern client in either 1993 or 1994, this Daytona predates the 2012 model that popularized the trend of rainbow-hued gemstones in watches. Its significance lies in its pioneering role in setting a trend that has become widespread across the watchmaking industry. The watch's gem-set design and its status as a one-off creation have positioned it as a highly valuable piece.

The lore around this particular Daytona includes its mention in a Hodinkee article by Malaika Crawford, who traced the origins of the modern rainbow-watch trend back to Rolex. Previously sold by Eric Ku, founder of Loupe This, to a private collection, this watch had been somewhat of a legend until its recent surfacing for auction.

Phillips highlights the era of the 1980s and 1990s as a time of significant experimentation within the watch industry, and the Rainbow Daytona exemplifies this spirit. Originally received with skepticism due to its departure from Rolex's traditional rugged sport watch aesthetic, it has since become a defining piece of the luxury-sport watch era.

Tiffany & Co. Moves into Tennis

Cumberland, Rhode Island, may seem worlds apart from the bustling streets of New York City, yet it plays a pivotal role as the crafting ground for the U.S. Open's sterling silver trophies, thanks to Tiffany & Co.’s Holloware workshop located about 15 miles northeast of Providence. This workshop, buzzing with the sounds of metalwork and meticulous engraving, is where the U.S. Open trophies begin their journey.

These trophies, symbols of tennis excellence, are handcrafted with such detail that they take 4.5 months to complete. Once ready, they are transported under tight security to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, for the annual Grand Slam event. Here, men's and women's singles champions receive these lustrous awards, marking a tradition that Tiffany & Co. has upheld since 1987. Notably, until 2023, there was a noticeable size difference between the men’s and women’s trophies, a disparity now corrected to reflect equality in stature and weight—each now stands 18.5 inches tall and weighs approximately 10 pounds.

In a unique twist of tradition, champions don’t actually take home the original trophy but receive one-to-one replicas, also crafted by Tiffany, which are engraved on-site immediately following the championship match. The original, a "perpetual trophy," remains with the USTA, updated annually with the names of the winners.

Adding to the allure, Tiffany & Co. has introduced a fan experience at this year's U.S. Open, including a pop-up showcase at the Fountain Plaza through September 8. This immersive experience features replicas of the championship trophies and an augmented reality (AR) setup, along with other novelties like Tiffany Blue tennis balls. The highlight is perhaps the diamond-studded Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard tennis racket, adding a touch of glamour to the sport's gritty challenge.

This celebration of craftsmanship and sportsmanship not only highlights Tiffany’s enduring legacy but also enriches the U.S. Open experience, blending luxury with the competitive spirit of tennis.

Djokovic to Become 1st Aman Wellness Advisor

Aman, a leading Swiss-based hotel group, has announced the appointment of Novak Djokovic as its first-ever global wellness advisor. Founded in 1988 by Indonesian hotelier Adrian Zecha, Aman Resorts has become synonymous with merging luxury hospitality with wellness, operating 35 properties across 20 countries. This partnership marks a significant step for Aman, which has historically promoted wellness and longevity through its services.

In this new role, Djokovic will spearhead a series of initiatives, including special events for Aman Club and Residence owners, annual wellness retreats, and bespoke programs available throughout the year, aiming to enhance the wellness experiences for guests. Djokovic, celebrated for his mental resilience and physical prowess, brings a wealth of experience from his illustrious tennis career, which includes the most Grand Slam titles in men’s tennis history and a recent Olympic Gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games.

The partnership follows the previous appointment of Maria Sharapova as Aman's global wellness ambassador, who has already introduced strength and recovery programs at Aman New York and will be hosting a resilience retreat in Greece. Djokovic’s role will expand beyond event hosting to influence future product development and brand extensions under the Aman Essentials brand, focusing on enhancing guest wellness.

Djokovic expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, "To remain competitive at the highest level over an extended period demands more than skill. Over the years, I have cultivated a daily wellness routine that combines mental health, nutrition, and fitness, enabling sustained success both on and off the court. Sharing these learnings with Aman guests will be both a privilege and a pleasure."

Ralph Lauren NYFW Spring 2025

Ralph Lauren showcased his Spring 2025 collections at a lavish event in Bridgehampton, on the eve of New York Fashion Week, making a statement with an off-site runway show that blended nostalgia with modern flair. The venue, a scenic equestrian estate known as Khalily Stables, was transformed into a glamorous backdrop reflecting Lauren's deep ties to the Hamptons, a place he describes as "a natural world of endless blue skies, the ocean, green fields, and white fences."

The designer presented his Ralph Lauren Collection, Purple Label, and Polo Ralph Lauren lines, infusing elements of coastal sophistication and equestrian heritage into the designs. The collections spanned a variety of themes—from ruffled romanticism and varsity prep to rugged western and Americana—tailored to resonate with both longstanding fans and newer generations. Key highlights included the introduction of The Ralph, a new leather tote with potential "It" bag status, and a range of preppy sportswear reimagined for a modern audience.

Despite the nearly eight-hour round trip from Manhattan, which tested the patience of many attendees, the show was a star-studded affair. Notable guests included First Lady Jill Biden, Usher, and Jude Law, with supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington gracing the runway. The event culminated in a dinner that recreated the ambience of Lauren’s The Polo Bar, offering guests a taste of the designer's personal aesthetic and hospitality.

Ralph Lauren's event not only highlighted his enduring influence in fashion but also his ability to adapt and evolve his brand. The combination of luxurious settings, celebrity power, and a masterfully crafted collection reinforced his status at the forefront of American fashion, all while celebrating the brand's roots and its vision for the future.

Unveiling of Ilma - Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Ilma, the latest addition to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, marks a significant expansion of the brand's maritime offerings, providing an experience that seamlessly transitions from their land-based luxury hotels to the open sea. Launched shortly after its predecessor, Evrima, Ilma is the second superyacht in a rapidly growing fleet, designed to deliver a blend of privacy, luxury, and the familiar refined service associated with the Ritz-Carlton name.

This yacht exudes an intimate, hotelier’s touch in its design and amenities. Its interior, comprising ten decks, reflects a clever use of space that ensures guests never feel crowded, fostering a sense of exclusivity and privacy. Key features include director-style dining chairs, specifically designed for Ilma, which speak to the yacht's unique blend of comfort and style, enhanced linens throughout, and a host of intimate dining and lounging areas that mimic the elegance of a Ritz-Carlton hotel.

Each cabin on Ilma offers expansive living spaces that include separate dining and living areas, luxurious Frette linens, and private balconies that boast impressive sea views. The attention to detail extends to the onboard dining options, with five distinct restaurants led by chefs of the highest calibre, including Michelin-starred talents, providing an unmatched culinary experience at sea.

The crew aboard Ilma, drawn from various Ritz-Carlton properties, combines the impeccable service standards of the brand with a personal touch that anticipates the needs and preferences of each guest. From the seamless delivery of an iced oat milk latte to pressing guests' clothing for evening events, the service is both thoughtful and efficient.

Ilma's wellness offerings are comprehensive, with expanded fitness facilities and a variety of spa treatments that cater to relaxation and rejuvenation. The yacht also includes unique features like an "aquabana," a floating lounge that allows guests to enjoy the sea up close, adding an element of adventure and exclusivity to the luxury yacht experience.

The voyage itinerary enhances this luxurious escape, with stops at iconic Mediterranean destinations like Saint-Tropez and Monte Carlo. Excursions are thoughtfully planned to offer both structured activities and ample free time, allowing guests to explore at their own pace.

Ilma's dedication to sustainability is evident in its construction, designed to accommodate future sustainable fuels, reflecting the Ritz-Carlton's commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. This yacht not only advances the luxury maritime experience but also sets a new standard in sustainable luxury travel.

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