The Unveiling of Basquiat × Banksy Exhibition

Welcome to the 55th 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!

Markets

On this week’s agenda:

1. Hirshhorn Prepares for Basquiat × Banksy Exhibition

2. The New Bentley Flying Spur

3. The Breitling Chronomat NFL Collection

4. Burberry’s Daniel Lee Takes on LFW

5. The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam

Hirshhorn Prepares for Basquiat × Banksy Exhibition

The Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition, Basquiat × Banksy, which will run from September 29, 2024, to October 26, 2025. The show pairs two iconic artists, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy, showcasing how their works connect street art, contemporary art, and popular culture. The centerpiece of the exhibition is Basquiat’s 1982 painting Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump, displayed alongside Banksy’s 2018 response, Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search. Banksy's piece, originally created as a mural in London, portrays police officers frisking Basquiat’s skeletal figure, reflecting the irony of graffiti being displayed in traditional museum spaces.

The exhibit marks the first time that both artists' works are featured at the Hirshhorn. Alongside the main paintings, the show includes 20 smaller works by Basquiat from the collection of Larry Warsh, created between 1979 and 1985. These pieces highlight Basquiat’s deep knowledge of art history and his signature use of language, incorporating motifs like skulls and crowns. The exhibition also includes a screening of Downtown 81, a film shot in the early 1980s, starring Basquiat as a struggling artist in Manhattan’s avant-garde scene.

The Hirshhorn show emphasizes the connection between both artists' use of public spaces for art. Basquiat began his career with the graffiti duo SAMO, while Banksy rose to prominence with his politically charged guerrilla art. Both have become major figures in the auction world, with Basquiat’s works selling for over $100 million and Banksy’s Love Is in the Bin fetching $25.4 million.

Curated by Betsy Johnson as part of the museum's 50th anniversary, the exhibition is supported by Kenneth C. Griffin and Griffin Catalyst. To further explore the themes of the show, a lecture by art scholar Richard J. Powell will be held on October 10, 2024.

The New Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley has revealed the 2025 Flying Spur, replacing the W-12 engine with a plug-in hybrid V-8, the same one used in the Continental GT. Known as the "Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain," this new setup delivers an impressive 771 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.

The powertrain includes a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, producing 584 horsepower, paired with a 187-hp electric motor located between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Bentley claims the 2025 Flying Spur can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, which is faster than previous versions that took 3.5 seconds with both the eight- and twelve-cylinder engines. The car also offers up to 47 miles of electric-only driving range.

In addition to the new engine, the 2025 Flying Spur brings visual updates, particularly to the front end. Bentley has refined the bumper and grille, giving the car a more aggressive appearance, with the bumper now extending into the lower fascia. Customers can also choose from three new 22-inch wheel designs.

Inside, Bentley has added a new diamond quilt pattern for the seats, with the 3D diamond hide extending to the doors and pillars. For the first time, the optional Wellness Seating Specification is available for all four seats, providing automated climate control and posture settings.

The first model to be released will be the Speed version, which Bentley calls "performance-focused." It will be offered in more than 100 exterior colors, with options for custom color schemes. Pricing hasn't been confirmed, but with the previous model starting just under $220,000, expect the new version to be in a similar range.

The Breitling Chronomat NFL Collection

Breitling recently launched its much-anticipated Chronomat NFL Collection during a special event in New York City. This collection highlights the Swiss watchmaker's ongoing partnership with the National Football League (NFL) and includes 32 unique watches, each representing one of the NFL teams.

Each Chronomat B01 timepiece in the collection features a 42mm case and is limited to 104 pieces per model, commemorating the NFL’s 104th anniversary. The watches are crafted in stainless steel and can be paired with either a matching rouleaux bracelet or a rubber strap. Each watch showcases its respective team’s primary color and includes the team’s logo prominently displayed on the 9 o’clock subdial.

At the heart of these watches is Breitling’s Caliber 01 movement, a COSC-certified chronometer that offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve. The movement is visible through a transparent sapphire caseback, which also features an oscillating weight decorated with the NFL logo.

For a closer look at the full collection, visit Breitling's website, where all 32 models are showcased in detail.

Burberry’s Daniel Lee Takes on LFW

Daniel Lee continues to push the boundaries of Burberry’s traditional designs, unveiling the brand’s Summer 2025 collection at London’s National Theatre. This season, he moved away from Burberry's previous venue in Victoria Park, creating a fresh narrative that embraces a bold, militaristic vision while paying homage to the house’s British roots.

For the show, Burberry collaborated with artist Gary Hume, transforming the space with green cutout fabrics inspired by his 1990 art installation, Bays. This creative backdrop set the stage for a collection that reimagined classic Burberry pieces. Key elements included buckled trench coats cut at the waist in soft grays, paneled dresses with military-inspired details, and fur-trimmed outerwear designed for London’s chilly weather. Voluminous ponchos paired with pleated trousers flowed effortlessly, while checkered uniforms, nautical accessories, and Country crossbody bags completed the looks.

The collection also featured shimmering gowns paired with oversized parkas, capturing a sense of elegance and functionality. Knotted tops in pale purple and blurred patterns were introduced, reflecting Hume’s abstract art. Cargo gear came prepared for battle with chest pockets, and casual touches were added through mesh polos, embroidered blazers, and printed belts.

In the same spirit, Lee’s presentation at the National Theatre this season attracted a star-studded audience. Lila Moss, Barry Keoghan, Jourdan Dunn, and Skepta were among the celebrities in attendance, along with iconic British figures like Olivia Colman, Damon Albarn, and David Gandy. London's new creative generation, including Amelia Dimoldenberg and Nia Archives, also made appearances.

On the runway, familiar faces such as Lily Donaldson, Edie Campbell, and Liu Wen brought the collection to life. Donaldson dazzled in a turquoise evening gown paired with a parka, while Wen closed the show. Burberry loyalists were treated to reimagined trench coats with cropped fronts, low-rise capri pants, and biker jackets, further showcasing Lee’s ability to blend heritage with modern flair.

Accessories played a pivotal role, with models sporting nova check belts, white leather bags, and cobalt blue totes. The looks epitomized Burberry’s ethos: merging function with heritage. Daniel Lee’s vision for Burberry’s future remains a captivating blend of timeless style and forward-thinking design.

The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam

The Ritz-Carlton has expanded its presence in Africa with the opening of a new luxury hotel in Morocco, the Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam. Located within a sprawling 440-hectare forest and garden area near the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, the hotel offers three golf courses with a total of 45 holes.

The hotel features 100 guest rooms and 17 suites, each equipped with private terraces that provide views of the pool and surrounding gardens. Among the accommodations, the standout is the 180m² Royal Suite.

Helen Leighton, vice president of Marriott International Luxury Brands in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, commented on the opening: “The debut of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam marks a significant milestone for the Ritz-Carlton brand as we expand our footprint on the African continent and celebrate our first property in Morocco. Our guests can expect the brand’s legendary service, sumptuous interiors, and a stunning natural setting that together create a sanctuary of luxury and serenity in the heart of Rabat.”

In addition to its luxurious rooms, the hotel offers a variety of dining options, extensive outdoor spaces, spa services, and an indoor pool with a glass roof, making it a destination for both relaxation and indulgence.

Thank you for supporting the world of luxury.