Eye catching innovations, design trends and stunning solutions.

Reverso Squadra Art Ice
www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
This limited-edition watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre is set with an eye-catching pattern of 1,300 diamonds and 1,755 sapphires. The trademark of this model, now in its 80th year, is its reversible case, so the wearer constantly feels the gems next to the skin. It’s created using the snow-setting technique, in which the maker sets the jewels into the pattern using his eye: placing diamonds individually, he must choose stones of perfect proportions or risk ruining the work. It costs €350,000.



Tribute to Honour
giaia.rener@pernod-ricard.com
Only 21 bottles of Tribute to Honour have been produced. The first bottle of 21-year-aged Royal Salute was produced by the Chivas Brothers in 1953 in honour of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and since then it has been the only Scotch whisky whose range starts at 21 years old. The Tribute to Honour is a blend made from the rarest bottles in the company’s impressive vault, all of which have matured for 45 years or more. It comes in a bottle hand-cast by Garrard, the world’s oldest jewellers, in black porcelain. It’s also emblazoned with 413 black and white diamonds. The flagon features a diamond-encrusted sword of state, a decorative collar of 22-carat gold and silver, and gold lions to symbolise valiancy and battles won. A flagon costs $200,000.

 



FlightShip
Flyshiphq@gmail.com
You’ll probably need to do a bit of work to your tender garage to accommodate one of these on board, but a wing-in-ground-effect transporter from FlightShip will make you the envy of the harbour. On the water, the unit is no low-speed wallower – with the wings folded, the diesel engines and waterjets give a top speed of 30 knots. Retractable undercarriage means that with a suitable ramp nearby the FlightShip can make a smooth transition to land.

But it’s out in clear water where the magic of physics takes over. The wings are locked into place, and the propeller stream is guided under the fuselage to help with lift. The unit then lifts out of the water, cruising on its own cushion of air at speeds of up to 250kph. The makers say this cushion eliminates any motion from the sea, producing a comfortable and safe ride. If required, it can also clear obstacles, though the FlightShip’s maximum altitude is limited to 100 metres.

The team behind FlightShip has already produced four and eight-seater models, and claims that it can be used for vehicles that carry 200 people. The interior can, of course, be customised to a client’s needs. The makers claim that as well as being more fuel efficient than conventional helicopters, aircraft and ferries, the FlightShip is also safer, being able to maintain a stable cruising attitude even if the turbo-prop engines fail. Standard range is 1,000km. Produced in carbon fibre and composite, and with the possibility of being run on LPG and biofuels, the Abu Dhabi-based team are seeking potential clients and investors to take their ideas forward.



Zero2infinity bloon
www.inbloon.com
“We live in a globalised world. How often do we have the chance to see it as a globe?” This is the thinking behind bloon, whose inventor José Mariano López-Urdiales is promising wannabe space tourists a near-space experience, the chance to see the earth from a giant, 129-metre-wide balloon 36km (22 miles) above ground. The first flight for four passengers, which will last for about five hours and cost £90,000, is expected to take place in 2013.



Bespoke carpets
www.veedonfleece.com
A bespoke carpet complements the design of an on-board space, and adds something tactile to a cabin. Veedon Fleece has been producing customised rugs and carpets for 20 years, with a growing following among interior designers. A design will either be hand drawn in watercolour or computer generated, and a small sample woven. Once approved, the carpet is produced by craftsmen at its facility in Nepal using a range of silks and wools. Shown is a bespoke silk and wool carpet.



Johnnie Walker bar
www.johnniewalker.com
Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended whisky has teamed up with Porsche Design Studio to create this two-metre-tall private bar, crafted from brushed stainless steel, natural shagreen leather and Australian lace wood. Motion sensors activate the automated opening, with the sections of the bar folding back to reveal one magnum and two bottles of Blue Label, plus four crystal glasses – all subtley illuminated. Below them, a push-button door reveals a chilled area that contains more glasses and an ice bucket. The made-to- order bar will be limited to 50 units, with a price yet to be fixed.



Bubbletree tent
www.bubbletree.fr
Looking for a back-to-nature adventure without abandoning luxury altogether? These globe-shaped tents come with separate furnished bedrooms equipped with wardrobes, electric lights and offer 360 ̊ views so guests feel as though they’re sleeping under the stars. It retains its shape via a turbine that ensures a steady stream of fresh air comes in, regulates the moisture and temperature levels, and keeps mosquitoes and pollens out. They’re currently only available in France and available to book for a week (with a privacy wall option) or to buy for €8,800.

This feature is taken from the November/December 2011 edition of SuperYacht World. Click here to buy the issue for your iPad.