From its origin, the Balancier Convexe S² was designed as a fully integrated object in which case geometry and movement structure evolve together. The Convexe architecture follows the natural curvature of the wrist, allowing the three-dimensional movement to remain balanced, legible and comfortable in daily wear. Rather than enclosing the calibre, the case extends its architecture outward, reinforcing the dialogue between exterior form and mechanical construction.
At the heart of the movement lies Greubel Forsey’s 30° inclined balance wheel system, positioned as the visual and chronometric centre of the composition. The movement is built around openness and perspective, with multi-level bridges and suspended structures designed to reveal rather than conceal mechanical function. Composed of 301 components, with an escapement platform of 68 parts, the calibre combines structural lightness with technical density. Two fast-rotating coaxial barrels provide a 72-hour chronometric power reserve, while the in-house variable-inertia balance with six gold mean-time screws operates at 21’600 vibrations per hour.
The finishing philosophy remains fundamental to the identity of the timepiece. Titanium bridges and main plates are frosted and hand-finished with polished bevels, countersinks and carefully executed transitions between surfaces. Every component is treated with the same level of attention, including areas that remain largely unseen, reflecting a consistent approach to execution where integrity of construction prevails over visibility. The two final editions express contrasting visual identities while sharing the same mechanical foundation.
The black ceramic and 5N red gold edition emphasises contrast and depth. Black-treated movement components and the ceramic case frame the architecture, while the red gold bezel and caseback introduce warmth and visual weight. The interplay between matte and polished surfaces amplifies the three-dimensional character of the movement and reinforces the sculptural nature of the Convexe case.
The white ceramic edition explores the opposite approach. The monochromatic light-toned case accentuates openness and precision, allowing the movement to emerge through light and shadow. The result is a more technical and graphic expression, where structure becomes the primary visual language. The white ceramic construction highlights the purity of the Convexe geometry while preserving the same mechanical depth and legibility.0
Both editions retain the essential functional layout of the Balancier Convexe S²: hours and minutes displayed on a suspended arch bridge, small seconds, and a sector power-reserve indication. The curved sapphire crystals, three-dimensional bezel geometry and profiled lugs reinforce the continuity between movement architecture and exterior form, maintaining the balance between presence and wearability that defines the Convexe approach.
These two editions complete a five-year exploration of the Balancier Convexe S² calibre through different material and aesthetic interpretations. Their release marks not an evolution, but a conclusion. In 2026, production of the movement will end permanently.
The year 2026 also marks the beginning of a gradual transition toward an almost entirely new collection. As Greubel Forsey closes the chapter on calibres that have shaped the past years of technical and creative development, each will be retired deliberately – not silently – with a final expression that celebrates its contribution to the Atelier’s continuous evolution.
Limited to only 11 timepieces per edition, the black ceramic / 5N red gold and white ceramic executions stand as the final and most exclusive expressions of the Balancier Convexe S² – the closing statement of a calibre defined by architecture, chronometric intent and mechanical coherence.
Greubel Forsey – Balancier Convexe S² – The Closing Chapter via 360 MAGAZINE.
Mashrabiya design recurs as hand-painted, embroidered and illuminated motifs
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continuously seeks to extend the vocabulary of contemporary craft, developing new techniques and materials to interpret time-honoured forms that resonate across generations and cultures. Phantom Arabesque speaks to that ambition, exploring Middle Eastern architectural heritage through a newly patented laser-engraving technique, developed at the Home of Rolls-Royce.
This one-of-one Phantom Extended celebrates the forms and geometry of traditional mashrabiya latticework – a defining feature of traditional houses, palaces and courtyards throughout the Middle East. The mashrabiya pattern is reinterpreted in various ways: as the first laser-engraved bonnet ever created for a Rolls-Royce, as an intricate Blackwood and Bolivar marquetry Gallery artwork, and as a suite of Bespoke motifs subtly placed throughout the motor car.
LASER ENGRAVING: A NEW CRAFT FORM BY ROLLS-ROYCE
Phantom Arabesque is the first Rolls-Royce in history to be graced with a fully laser-engraved bonnet. This newly patented technique is the result of a five-year development programme led by the marque’s Exterior Surface Centre. It draws inspiration from the Italian sgraffito technique – the artistic practice of revealing contrasting layers of colour by precisely removing upper surfaces. Five years of experimentation, testing and calibration were required to perfect a process capable of delivering the depth, clarity and consistency demanded by Rolls-Royce artisans.
To achieve the effect:
The bonnet is first painted in a darker colour
Then sealed beneath multiple layers of clear coat before a lighter top layer is applied
The geometric mashrabiya pattern is then engraved to a depth of just 145–190 microns into the uppermost surface revealing the darker tone beneath
Each of the engraved areas is meticulously hand-sanded to ensure an even, sculptural finish
By integrating the pattern within the paint itself rather than applying it on top
This method achieves an exceptional level of refinement and durability, while variations in laser velocity and intensity create subtle visual shifts as light moves across the surface
The project brought together the full expertise of the Exterior Surface Centre, with every team contributing to the development of this new craft form.The result is a richly textured, three-dimensional surface that catches the light and invites exploration: a pattern intended to be discovered by both the eye and the hand.
This one-of-one Phantom Extended celebrates the forms and geometry of traditional mashrabiya latticework – a defining feature of traditional houses, palaces and courtyards throughout the Middle East. The mashrabiya pattern is reinterpreted in various ways: as the first laser-engraved bonnet ever created for a Rolls-Royce, as an intricate Blackwood and Bolivar marquetry Gallery artwork, and as a suite of Bespoke motifs subtly placed throughout the motor car.
ARCHITECTURAL INSPIRATION
In an architectural setting, mashrabiya is built using intricately carved wooden screens that create privacy, allowing those inside to look out without being seen. The latticework also encourages airflow, providing natural cooling for the building’s interior. Decorative, functional and perfectly attuned to the region’s climate, these geometric forms are a hallmark of regional craftsmanship and architectural identity.
“Mashrabiya is one of the Middle East’s best-known and most enduring design languages. For Phantom Arabesque, we were inspired not only by its beauty but also by the privacy, light and airflow it creates. Our aim was to interpret these qualities in ways that feel both culturally rooted and unmistakably Rolls-Royce.”
Phantom Arabesque’s interior centrepiece is presented within the Gallery, which runs the full width of the front fascia. An intricate Bespoke marquetry artwork crafted from Blackwood and Black Bolivar wood echoes the mashrabiya design cues and is subtly elevated with an offset clock presented in a complementary dark colourway.
The interior suite is finished in serene Selby Grey and Black leathers with Black seat piping and carpets, elevated by contrasting Black mashrabiya motifs embroidered on the front and rear headrests. Mesmerising Starlight Doors are trimmed with Selby Grey piping and Black contrast stitching. Illuminated treadplates bearing a cross-section of the bonnet engraving motif complete this landmark commission.
On the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas, the House embraces the creative energy of this iconic motif with new expressions of its Color Blossom Fine Jewelry line. Celebrating the Monogram flowers, this emblematic collection welcomes a new stone color – the eye-catching, navy-blue hued sodalite, which is rarely seen in jewelry today – while also introducing new pavé designs. A total of 28 new jewels now enhance the Color Blossom collection, inviting wearers to play, stack, combine and self-style the pieces.
First created in 1896 by Georges Vuitton in tribute to his father, the Monogram is rooted in artistic inspirations and movements – Neo-Gothic ornamentations, Japanism among them – embodying a timeless cultural resonance. An enduring icon for the House and universal symbol of creativity, it’s no wonder the motif has for 130 years been endlessly reimagined and reinterpreted, inspiring a host of artists and collaborators, and adorning pieces across the House from leather goods to ready-to-wear.
In 2015, the House welcomed Color Blossom, a graceful and versatile design that was themed around colored stones, each meticulously carved in volume to bring out of their individual beauty. Today the range of stones include ultra soft and feminine pink and white mother-of-pearl, refined and classic onyx, to radiant and lively cornelian, malachite and Amazonite. Combining luminous hues and delicate designs, each jewel – from rings and earrings to long sautoirs and short necklaces and bracelets – exude the effortless elegance and playful sophistication of the Color Blossom collection.
The House now welcomes a brand-new stone to the Color Blossom repertoire: sodalite. With a beautiful navy-blue hue, sodalite is a strong, relatively opaque stone with subtle inclusions, highlighting its link to nature and the elements. Known as the “salt stone”, sodalite is rarely seen in jewelry today.
In order to ensure the finest quality and color, only sodalite is used in Color Blossom. The rough stone, like all Color Blossom gemstones, undergoes a stringent lapidary process to carve and craft them into their distinctive volume and signature bombé shapes. After a meticulous and uncompromising stone selection, the rough is then cut and inspected again, before shaping begins. Here is where the Monogram Flowers truly comes to life in three dimensions – a highly complex cutting and polishing process that requires exceptional expertise to achieve perfect symmetry and light reflection – not to mention a tailored craft to meet the individual characteristics of each type of hard stone. Such carving requires up to five times longer than polishing a flat stone, while sculpting in volume enhances the gemstone’s natural materials. Each stone’s beauty and depth are magnified.
The introduction of sodalite is marked with a full set of jewels, for a total of seven new pieces. Two delicate and more classic pendant necklaces, in a star and sun motif, are joined by a long sautoir necklace. There is also a standout multi-motif bracelet playing with a sodalite star and a paved sun. A more elevated version accented with a unique motif and a precious round brilliant diamond. A simple star stud earring joins the lineup, while an open ring, set with a sodalite star paired with a precious diamond, rounds out this debut.
In addition to a new hard stone, pavé creations are also being introduced across the line. They are adding more luminosity and sparkle, but also new self-styling options to mix, match and complement the existing Color Blossom line. Luxuriantly enveloping the center bombé stone, the precious pavé detail frames the signature motif, enhancing contrast with light and shade, while emphasizing the center stone’s depth and intensity. This workmanship calls upon the demanding execution of the in-house jewelers, where the gold is delicately polished to a high shine, requiring precise skill to meet each distinctive angle.
The new pavé pieces include two refined, white mother-of-pearl pendants in either the star or sun motif, paired with a single diamond. There are also two standout, statement-making pave medallion-style necklaces: a sun design in white mother-of-pearl, and another in malachite with a star motif.
As ever, the Monogram’s creative spirit continues to inspire, and new jewels are further being added to Color Blossom, launching even more versatile ways to wear the collection. Two new short necklaces with alternating sun and star motifs come in either pink mother-of-pearl, or malachite. These are joined by a sublime sautoir that mixes the star and sun emblems with pink and white mother-of-pearl.
Several new closed rings and earrings also enrich the line. There are two high-end closed rings that feature a star or sun motif inviting stacking, mix and matching. Meanwhile four new sleeper hoop earrings have been added, in either the sun or star motifs, in white mother-of-pearl or malachite. Finally, a star ear cuff, studded with diamonds, adds a trendy new edge to the collection.
Finally, the House expanded its popular pink mother-of-pearl designs, adding five new jewels including a long sautoir, two bracelets and two chic and minimalist pendants.
As ever playing with the line’s signature volume, the new pieces celebrate Color Blossom’s underlying sense of freedom, inviting wearers to embrace and self-style the jewels in their own expressive ways. From the new navy-blue sophistication of sodalite to luminous, precious pavé expressions, via contemporary new jewels like sleepers, a stylish ear cuff and multi-motif long and short necklaces, Color Blossom joins the rest of the House in paying wonderful tribute to 130 years of the Louis Vuitton Monogram.
Louis Vuitton’s Iconic Color Blossom Fine Jewelry Collection via 360 MAGAZINE.
Inkaterra Cabo Blanco, with 13 ocean-view suites opening onto private terraces and plunge pools, has opened on northern Peru’s wild Pacific Coast. Cabo Blanco, once a legendary fishing village, is now reborn as a luxury retreat, a dream of Inkaterra’s Jose and the late Denise Koechlin, marking the latest development in Inkaterra’s half-century homage to Peru’s natural and cultural richness.
The resort will progressively evolve as additional facilities and services are introduced, with the coming months seeing a gradual soft opening at reduced rates. Designed primarily for travelers seeking serenity and a unique sense of place, Inkaterra Cabo Blanco brings understated luxury to one of South America’s most privileged natural settings.
Cabo Blanco is located at the far edge of northern Peru – a 95-minute flight from Lima – where the desert yields to Pacific Ocean currents that are home to one of the country’s richest marine ecosystems.
In the 1950s, Cabo Blanco entered immortality. Ernest Hemingway arrived for the filming of The Old Man and the Sea, forever linking Cabo Blanco to the golden age of literature, cinema and sportfishing. And from this tranquil cove, American philanthropist Alfred C. Glassell Jr. caught a 1,560-pound black marlin from aboard the Miss Texas, a world record that remains unbroken. Inkaterra Cabo Blanco now owns the Miss Texas and is refurbishing it for exclusive use by its guests.
At Inkaterra Cabo Blanco, woven textures, shaded terraces and open ocean views reflect the handcrafted elegance and coastal minimalism of northern Peru. Each 1,000-square-foot suite has a vast bathroom, a king-sized bed and couch seating, as well as a private plunge pool and terrace overlooking the Pacific beach. The resort has a large curved main pool complete with canopied private retreats. All meals are served in the oceanfront Cabo Blanquillo restaurant or lounge; the beachfront Bar Analua serves Pisco Sours and every cocktail possible from midday to midnight daily.
More than a hotel, Inkaterra Cabo Blanco represents a long-term ecological and cultural initiative for northern Peru. Inkaterra’s marine-coastal ecotourism program encompasses high-quality ecological infrastructure; research and conservation initatives led by Inkaterra Asociación; ecotourism experiences grounded in local identity, and sustainable development strategies to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities.
For over fifty years, Inkaterra has redefined the art of travel through conservation, culture, sustainability and the timeless beauty of Peru — from the cloud forests of Machu Picchu to the lushness of the Sacred Valley, and from an aristocratic mansion in Cuzco to the heart of the Amazon.
Recognized by Green Initiative as the world’s first climate-positive hotel brand, and ranked among the top three hotel brands worldwide by E magazine, Inkaterra now celebrates another milestone: three of its most emblematic properties — Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Inkaterra La Casona and Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba — are highlighted in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Peru 2025.
For more information about Inkaterra, please visit: www.inkaterra.com.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to present a range of exquisite accessories, designed to surprise and delight by extending the marque’s peerless design and craftsmanship into its clients’ homes, leisure activities, and lifestyles. Like every Rolls-Royce motor car, each of these items is crafted using only the finest materials and a blend of traditional and modern techniques. Timeless, beautiful, and built to the same uncompromising standards of excellence as the marque’s motor cars, these accessories make wonderful gifts for family, friends, and business associates—or as a treat for oneself.
Like all Rolls-Royce Motor Cars commissions, each accessory presents a different opportunity for Bespoke attributes. The designers and artisans at Goodwood, Home of Rolls-Royce work on these projects not only to provide our clients with a Rolls-Royce lifestyle experience, but also to encourage thoughts and imagination on how one can Bespoke their Phantom, Spectre, Cullinan or Ghost. Rolls-Royce Accessories are part of the Rolls-Royce ownership experience and lifestyle.
Items can be viewed on the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA Boutique and are available only through an authorized Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealer.
Rolls-Royce Cameo
Made from solid wood and polished aluminium, the Rolls-Royce Cameo has been designed to captivate and delight. This charming model comes complete with self-levelling Rolls-Royce centre caps and its very own driver. A perfect display of dedicated artisanry. Constructed with European Oak wood and Grace White interior details.
From: $5780
Rolls-Royce Replica Car Model 1:18
Every detail of the Rolls-Royce Chess Set exudes elegance. The embedded chess pieces are ceremoniously unveiled, evoking the sense of occasion synonymous with the arrival of a Rolls-Royce motor car. This statement piece offers a seamless blend of the finest materials (RR Leather and veneer) and refined artisanry, designed to elevate the chess-playing experience into a performance of style and elegance. Obsidian Tulip and Blackwood veneer. Cashmere Grey leather exterior and Peony Pink.
From $1,870.
Rolls-Royce Amphitheatre
Experience unparalleled audio with our lightweight and versatile wireless Bluetooth headphones, designed exclusively for your Rolls-Royce motor car. Enjoy noise-cancelling functionality and uncompromised sound quality, ensuring an immersive listening experience.
From: $2,065
Spirit of Ecstasy Cufflinks
Elevate your everyday with these Spirit of Ecstasy Cufflinks. Crafted in 925 Sterling Silver with either Rhodium plated or Dark Ruthenium finish, these cufflinks will add a touch of sartorial elegance to any wardrobe.
From: $875
Spirit Of Ecstasy Ball Point Pen
Inspired by nautical forms and crafted from premium materials, the Spirit of Ecstasy ballpoint pen features a subtle engraving of the marque’s iconic mascot on its polished clip. This painstakingly hand-polished writing instrument is available in Black or Gunmetal.
From: $420
Rolls-Royce Infinity Stylus
A statement of timeless design and elegant artisanry, the Infinity Stylus is not limited by the traditions of ink or graphite. A truly unique writing instrument crafted from solid aluminium, with the choice of two striking anodized finishes, and complemented by subtle Spirit of Ecstasy detailing.
From: $516
Rolls-Royce Stone Paper Notebook
Lined in black reclaimed leather fibres, this A5 Rolls-Royce notebook will add a fashionably formal look to any writing desk. Subtly detailed with a debossed Spirit of Ecstasy this beautifully crafted notebook is designed specifically to work well with our Infinity Stylus or Ballpoint Pen.
From: $595
Rolls-Royce Organiser Pouch
Made from Rolls-Royce natural grain leather and is available in three striking colours – Tailored Purple, Tan, and Navy. Elegantly debossed with Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy.
From: $1,387
Black Badge Ball Point Pen
Make a statement with the Black Badge Ballpoint Pen. Beautifully. Finished in Vapour Violet with dark chrome detailing, the pen is complemented by a Rolls-Royce leather pouch with a debossed Black Badge infinity symbol for those who dare to be different.
From: $360
Spectre Spirit of Ecstasy Plinth
Evoking the classic elegance of monogrammed luggage, the Duality Luggage Collection introduces an exquisite Rolls-Royce embroidery design, available in a selection of striking thread colours to reflect your personal style.
From: $3,660
Spirit of Ecstasy Plinth
The iconic Rolls-Royce umbrella has been reimagined with striking colors, finished with a polished color tone handle. Featuring our signature Rolls-Royce monogram, it is the ultimate everyday accessory.
From: $3,640
Rolls-Royce Key Rings
A finely crafted leather keyring loop, available in a palette of striking colours. With tonal stitching and Spirit of Ecstasy engraving on a polished metal ingot, these make for the perfect accessory for any Rolls-Royce key.
From: $160
Rolls-Royce Leather Key Wrap
Protect your Rolls-Royce motor car key with a beautifully crafted Leather Key Wrap. These striking leather pouches are available in a selection of carefully curated colours, with a vibrant contrasting interior shade. A monochromatic black option is also available for those who prefer a more understated aesthetic.
From: $390
Rolls-Royce Chrome Umbrella
The iconic Rolls-Royce umbrella has been reimagined with striking colors, finished with a polished color tone handle. Featuring our signature Rolls-Royce monogram, it is the ultimate everyday accessory.
From: $750
Rolls-Royce Picnic Hamper
Making entertaining as pleasurable as driving, the Rolls-Royce Picnic Hamper embodies the golden age of picnicking, when the picnic was an occasion to be savoured. The Picnic Hamper welcomes and entices social delight.
Including lead crystal wine glasses, Wedgwood crockery and handmade stainless steel cutlery. The Picnic Hamper is handcrafted from oiled teak, saddle leather and polished aluminium and features everything essential for the finest picnic for four people.
From: $56,000
Champagne Flutes
For life’s true connoisseurs. Two crystal flutes nestle in a striking gift box accompanied by two beautifully embroidered cotton napkins. The perfect ensemble to accompany those special moments of celebration.
From: $780
Whisky Decanter and Tumbler
For those who appreciate the best. Two crystal tumblers alongside a beautiful whisky decanter with subtle Rolls-Royce detailing, the perfect ensemble for those special moments of reflection or celebration.
From: $1,390-
Rolls-Royce Chess Set
Every detail of the Rolls-Royce Chess Set exudes elegance. The embedded chess pieces are ceremoniously unveiled, evoking the sense of occasion synonymous with the arrival of a Rolls-Royce motor car. This statement piece offers a seamless blend of the finest materials (RR Leather and veneer) and refined artisanry, designed to elevate the chess-playing experience into a performance of style and elegance. Obsidian Tulip and Blackwood veneer. Cashmere Grey leather exterior and Peony Pink.
From: $40,000
Pet Accessories: Dog Collar and Lead, Seat Mat
This beautiful matching collar and lead set is made from the finest natural-grain leather, as used in Rolls-Royce interiors, with contrast stitching and finished with a polished metal Spirit of Ecstasy charm. Available for lounge and individual rear seats, the Pet Seat Mat is crafted from soft lambswool, matching the celebrated Rolls-Royce carpets and leather with personalized embroidery.
Collar and Lead from: $1,200.
Seat Mat from $5,500.
Dog Collar and Lead
Reward the loyalty of your canine companion with this beautiful collar and lead, crafted from the finest Rolls-Royce natural grain leather with contrast stitching, and finished with a polished metal Spirit of Ecstasy stud.
From: $1,880
Black Badge Escapism Luggage
Black Badge is for those who live on their own terms – innovators, trailblazers, rule-breakers. Now, capturing the essence of its bold older ego, Rolls-Royce has created the Black Badge Escapism Luggage Collection.
The Collection comprises of five pieces – available in two colourways – which can be ordered individually or as a 5-piece set.
Crafted from the finest leather and new material inspired by the intricate technical weave in our Black Badge motor cars, this exquisite new range of luggage fits in any vehicle. Choose from eight eye-catching leather colour options which are derived from the Black Badge colour pleat.
Pricing from:
Holdall: $10,570
Organiser Pouch: $1,995
Tote: $8,750
24hr Weekender: $11,225
48hr Weekender: $11,225
Set: $38,440
Rolls-Royce Kinetic Luggage
Innovative engineering meets exquisite artisanry and an elegant aesthetic. The six-piece collection, including two Grand Tourers, three long weekenders and a Garment Carrier, has been designed to fit perfectly into the luggage compartment of your Rolls-Royce Wraith. The striking two-tone styling of the leather and stitching can be personalised, giving you opportunity to choose from a selection of available colours, or your favourite colours if you prefer.
The Spirit of Ecstasy adorns each piece as a token reminder of the Rolls-Royce tradition: taking the best that exists and making it better. A carbon fibre and high-grade aluminium frame makes the Grand Tourer effortless to manoeuvre, while also providing your belongings with superior protection.
The uniquely designed wheel holds true to the smooth handling of your motor car and feature a self-levelling central monogram. Practical and lightweight, the Long Weekender is an ideal accessory for any journey. The piece features a unique magnetic zip that keeps your belongings safe and secure, as well as distinctively crafted handles to ensure maximum comfort when carried. Lastly, the Garment Carrier keeps your formal attire in pristine condition throughout your journey.
Pricing from:
Garment Carrier: $4,390
Grand Tourer: $20,980
Long Weekender: $4,355
5 Set: $53,135
6 Set: $46,960
Rolls-Royce Escapism Luggage
Capturing the essence of the wandering spirit, Rolls-Royce presents the Escapism Luggage Collection. The essential luggage range for those who travel for enriching experiences and spontaneous moments of discovery. Crafted from exquisite leather and durable canvas. This essential range of pieces is beautiful in form, yet relaxed and contemporary. Choose from a collection of curated colour ways or for the ultimate bespoke interpretation of your personality choose from ten leather colours and eleven fabric hues.
Pricing from:
Holdall: $6,65845
Organiser Pouch: $1,235
Tote: $5,620
24hr Weekender: $6,870
48hr Weekender: $6,870
Set: $21,800
Duality Luggage Collection
Evoking the classic elegance of monogrammed luggage, the Duality Luggage Collection introduces an exquisite Rolls-Royce embroidery design, available in a selection of striking thread colours to reflect your personal style.
Few photographers have captured the essence of postwar glamour quite like Slim Aarons. His images—sun-drenched poolsides, elegant ski chalets, and impossibly chic gatherings—document a world where leisure was an art form and style was effortless. Today, his work remains a touchstone for collectors, interior designers, and anyone drawn to the visual language of mid-century sophistication.
Slim Aarons’ framed prints occupy a unique space in contemporary decor. They’re not merely nostalgic artifacts; they’re carefully composed narratives that bridge fashion, photography, and social history. As interest in vintage photography continues to grow, these prints offer something increasingly rare: authenticity wrapped in elegance.
The Enduring Legacy of Slim Aarons
Aarons didn’t just photograph the wealthy—he documented a particular strain of American aspiration. His subjects weren’t celebrities seeking attention but rather people who embodied what he called “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.” This philosophy produced images that feel both intimate and cinematic, casual yet meticulously framed.
What distinguishes Aarons’ work is its lack of pretension. Unlike fashion photography that often feels staged or editorial work that can seem contrived, his images capture genuine moments of leisure. The composition is impeccable, but the subjects appear unaware of the camera’s presence. This tension between artistry and authenticity is what makes his photographs so compelling decades later.
Why Collectors Seek Slim Aarons Prints
The market for Slim Aarons photography has remained remarkably resilient, driven by several factors that go beyond simple nostalgia:
Historical Documentation: These images preserve a specific moment in American social history—the postwar boom when leisure became democratized among the upper-middle class, yet still retained an air of exclusivity.
Compositional Mastery: Aarons understood color, light, and spatial relationships in ways that make his work feel contemporary even today. The images don’t age because the fundamentals are timeless.
Versatile Aesthetic: Whether displayed in a minimalist loft or a traditional home, these prints adapt to their surroundings while maintaining their distinct character. Several wall art retailers — including Leisure Piece, Artsy, and Saatchi Art — carry curated print selections that work across both minimalist and traditional interiors, making it easier to preview how a specific image might sit within an existing room.
Cultural Resonance: The intersection of fashion and photography in Aarons’ work speaks to audiences who appreciate both disciplines—the clothing, the settings, and the social dynamics all tell stories.
Framing Considerations for Vintage Photography
The right frame doesn’t just protect a print—it completes the visual statement. With Slim Aarons’ work, the framing choices can either enhance the mid-century aesthetic or create interesting contrasts with contemporary spaces.
Material Matters: Natural wood frames in walnut or oak complement the warm tones in many Aarons photographs, while black metal frames create a gallery-like formality that works in modern interiors.
Proportion and Scale: Aarons often worked in horizontal compositions that benefit from wider frames. The mat board should provide breathing room without overwhelming the image itself.
Glass Selection: Museum-quality UV-protective glass is essential for preserving color saturation, particularly in prints featuring the vibrant blues and greens of poolside scenes.
Context and Placement: Consider the wall color and surrounding decor. These prints often work best with space around them, allowing the composition to breathe rather than competing with adjacent artwork.
To learn more about framing, check out this detailed guide.
Mid-Century Photography’s Lasting Impact
The period from roughly 1945 to 1970 represents a golden age in photography, when technological advances met cultural shifts to produce work that still feels vital. Slim Aarons emerged during this era, but his approach was distinct from contemporaries like Richard Avedon or Irving Penn, who worked primarily in studios.
Several elements define mid-century photography’s continued relevance:
Color as Narrative: The introduction of reliable color film allowed photographers to use palette as storytelling. Aarons’ work is notable for its saturated yet natural color that evokes specific times and places.
Documentary Meets Art: This period saw photography gain acceptance as fine art while maintaining journalistic integrity.
Social Commentary: Beneath the glamorous surface, these photographs document class, leisure, and the construction of American identity during a transformative period.
The aesthetic continues to influence contemporary photographers, particularly in lifestyle and travel photography where the goal is to capture authentic moments within beautiful settings.
The Premium Print Market
Not all Slim Aarons prints are created equal. The market has developed distinct tiers based on provenance, print quality, and edition size. Understanding these distinctions matters for both collectors and casual buyers.
High-end prints typically feature:
Archival Processes: Museum-quality printing on acid-free paper using pigment-based inks that resist fading for decades.
Limited Editions: Numbered prints with certificates of authenticity that maintain value over time.
Proper Licensing: Authorized reproductions through the Getty Images archive, which controls Aarons’ estate.
Professional Finishing: Expert framing and matting that meets conservation standards.
The investment potential of premium photography prints has grown as the medium gains recognition in the fine art market. While Aarons’ work isn’t likely to appreciate at the rate of contemporary art, quality prints from reputable sources tend to hold their value, particularly iconic images like “Poolside Gossip” or “Verbier Vacation.”
Vintage Prints and Authenticity
True vintage Slim Aarons prints—those produced during or shortly after his lifetime—command premium prices at auction. These prints carry historical significance beyond their aesthetic value, representing the photographer’s original vision and printing standards.
What distinguishes vintage prints:
Provenance: Documentation of the print’s history, including when and where it was produced.
Physical Characteristics: Vintage prints often show subtle aging—slight yellowing, paper texture changes—that collectors value as markers of authenticity.
Printing Techniques: Earlier prints used different processes than modern reproductions, resulting in distinct color profiles and tonal ranges.
Rarity: Many images exist in limited vintage print runs, making them genuinely scarce compared to contemporary reproductions.
For most buyers, however, high-quality contemporary prints offer the visual impact of Aarons’ work without the premium attached to vintage originals. Modern printing technology can actually surpass older methods in color accuracy and longevity when properly executed.
Why These Images Still Matter
Slim Aarons’ photography endures because it captures something beyond mere luxury—it documents a particular relationship between people, place, and leisure that feels increasingly distant yet perpetually appealing. In an era of curated Instagram feeds and manufactured authenticity, his work reminds us what genuine style looked like before it became self-conscious.
These prints work in contemporary spaces precisely because they’re not trying to be contemporary. They offer a counterpoint to minimalism’s austerity and maximalism’s chaos—a middle path of considered elegance that never shouts for attention.
Whether you’re drawn to the fashion, the photography, or simply the aspirational beauty of these images, Slim Aarons framed prints represent an accessible entry point into serious photography collecting. They elevate interiors without demanding the reverence of capital-A Art, making them ideal for spaces where people actually live rather than merely display.
Life doesn’t unfold in straight lines. It moves in chapters — some brief and bright, others long and quietly transformative. A ring has a way of showing up in many of them. More people now choose to buy rings online, the way they approach any considered decision: carefully, privately, and without the pressure of a showroom floor.
When a Ring Marks a Beginning
An engagement ring is unlike almost any other purchase. Most things we buy get used, replaced, or forgotten. This one stays — part of the daily texture of a life, present through the ordinary Tuesdays and the extraordinary ones alike. That kind of permanence deserves a thoughtful search. Here is what makes it worth taking your time:
It follows you everywhere. No other piece of jewelry carries the same permanence. That kind of commitment deserves more than a hurried decision; it deserves a search conducted on your own terms, at your own pace, long before setting foot in any boutique.
It should reflect a person, not a trend. The engagement collections at Carrera y Carrera are built on a design language refined over generations — sculptural in form, drawn from nature, and shaped by craftspeople who treat jewelry as a serious art form.
An 18K gold band set with diamonds is more than beautiful. It carries the thinking of those who made it. That difference is felt, even when it isn’t immediately named.
Character varies more than you might expect. Some designs are bold and architectural. Others are soft and organic — echoing the curve of a leaf or the way light moves through water.
The right ring should feel like the person wearing it. Not lovely in the abstract, but specifically, unmistakably right for one particular hand and one particular life.
The Rings We Choose for Ourselves
Some rings don’t commemorate anything in particular. They’re chosen alone, for reasons that are entirely personal: a response to beauty, a quiet reward, a decision to wear something that reflects who you are right now. These rings tend to mean just as much as the ones tied to milestones, even if no one else knows the story behind them.
Color and Personal Expression
Among the most quietly compelling choices in any fine collection are white gold rings: their luminous finish lending itself to deep-colored stones with particular grace. Deep emeralds, sapphires, rubies — each gemstone finds a different voice depending on the metal that holds it.
Shopping for something like this online has its own particular satisfaction. You follow what draws your eye, revisit pieces across different days, and arrive at a decision that’s genuinely yours — not one shaped by what happened to be placed in front of you at a given moment.
What to Look for in a Luxury Ring Online
A ring that matters is more than a good photograph. The specifics count — what the gold is alloyed with and why, where the stones come from, and how the setting is constructed. Good luxury brands treat this information as part of the story of the piece, not as an afterthought buried in a product description.
Materials and Heritage Worth Trusting
When exploring fine jewelry online, transparency is a reasonable thing to expect. 18K gold, for instance, has become the benchmark for heirloom-quality pieces because it balances purity with the durability needed for everyday wear. Beyond materials, it’s worth paying attention to who made the piece and what tradition they’re working within.
Carrera y Carrera has been crafting jewelry in Madrid since 1885. That’s not background detail: it shapes everything about how the brand approaches a ring. The history is present in the proportions, the finish, and the way a stone is held in its setting. It’s the kind of thing you notice without necessarily being able to name it.
The Ring That Waits for You
There’s a ring somewhere in a collection that belongs to where you are right now. It might mark something significant, or it might simply be something you love. Either way, it’s worth finding. The digital age has made that search more accessible than it’s ever been — quieter, more considered, and entirely on your own terms.
For most customers today, buying a product or service is no longer about asking themselves if they want it, it’s about finding a way to pay for it without negatively impacting their financial stability. Customer financing is now one of the biggest influencers in making buying decisions today, from healthcare and home services, to wellness and beauty, to specialty retail.
Customer financing options were once limited to credit cards or high-interest personal loans, but now exist within a much more flexible payment ecosystem that allows businesses to offer their customers payment options that meet their needs at their point of purchase. In order for companies to maintain or acquire customer loyalty, and for consumers to find better ways to manage cash flow, flexible payment plans have moved from a luxury to the norm.
The Rise of Customer Financing in Everyday Life
In the past decade, customer financing has become increasingly popular due to changing consumer behaviours. Shoppers today are more cautious than ever regarding making a significant one-time purchase. When faced with economic conditions including inflation, increasing interest rates, and unknown future costs, many consumers would rather not make the purchase all at once.
Instead of delaying necessary purchases such as medical procedures or home repairs, many consumers now choose to use structured payment plans to break down the cost into smaller payments that fit their budgets.
In addition to helping consumers make the purchase without delay, the use of structured payments also helps reduce the stress associated with making a purchase.
Why Payment Flexibility Matters More Than Ever
Current day consumers have a higher regard for financial control and transparency than in previous years; however, many traditional credit products are rife with complex terms, compounded interest rates, and long-term debt that feel unmanageable to most people. Modern-day financing solutions are more likely to provide clarity, predictability, and ease-of-use compared to their predecessors
Flexible payment plans allow consumers to:
Make more accurate budgets by allowing you to spread the cost of purchases over time
Avoid using your high-interest credit cards to make pricey purchases
Make purchases without feeling financial pressure
In service-based industries, such as health care, elective procedures, and professional services, these benefits can determine if your customers choose to continue with your business or leave your business.
How Businesses Benefit From Offering Financing Options
From an employer point of view, offering customers the ability to finance their purchases is not only a convenience but also a method of growing your business. As a result, many businesses experience measurable gains in revenue and customer retention due to providing customer financing options.
Some of the various business advantages of providing customer financing options include:
Higher Approval Rates and Checkout Completion Rates
Increased Average Purchase Amounts
Increased Trust and Credibility with Customers
Improved Speed of Decision Making at the Point of Sale
Customers who feel supported instead of pressured to make a purchase are more likely to come back again after purchasing because they had a positive experience while shopping with your company.
Popular Financing Solutions Gaining Consumer Trust
Financing platforms have been developed due to increasing consumer interest in flexible payment options and many companies that provide these services have gained a place in the market through brand recognition. The general public has become very familiar with buy-now-pay-later services like Affirm which is commonly used in both retail and online settings to help consumers break their purchases into monthly payments.
Another example of a well-established financing provider is CareCredit which provides consumers with credit-based financing solutions for their medical/dental expenses. Newer platforms such as Cherry have also entered the market, offering additional payment-plan options alongside more traditional financing models. However even though these financing solutions can help certain consumers, they do not work well for everyone.
Because of disparities between provider models, consumers and retailers are looking for better alternatives to traditional sources of financing that will allow them to attain their long-term financial objectives.
Financing as a Tool for Financial Wellness
A significant development in terms of financing is that consumers are now paying much more attention to borrowing responsibly. More consumers now understand how much debt can affect their financial future, thus they want to find better options for managing their money
Flexible repayment plans can assist consumers with their financial wellbeing when they are:
Expressly stated and easily understood
Constructed on reasonable timeframes for repayment
Devised to prevent incurring unnecessary fees and surprises
Financing can help consumers keep their emergency savings intact, stay on top of monthly cash flow, and provide them with a means of preparing for larger expenses that may come up unexpectedly, if done correctly.
What Consumers Should Look for in a Financing Option
Consumers who have to finance something need to evaluate the different options available to them because not all financing plans are created equal. When evaluating a financing option, here are some important factors to consider:
Approval requirements and eligibility criteria for the loan
Interest rate or promotion terms
Length of the payment period and flexibility of payments
Transparency regarding fees and penalties
By comparing different options (i.e., using a traditional credit card, using a lender such as Affirm, or using a structured solution such as Cherry Payment Plans), consumers can choose which option will work best for their financial situation.
The Future of Customer Financing
As technology continues to develop and change, new ways of providing customers with more options while utilizing finance solutions will now include creating customers with more personalized and coherent customer experiences through their use of things like matching payment methods via digital apps, instant approval of transactions, and the ability to not only check out quickly, but also easily at any time.
Businesses are now able through digital transformation to provide even more satisfaction to customers using finance options by allowing customers more flexibility in choosing a way to pay for goods and services.
Final Thoughts
The past few years have seen a change in the way people view customer financing; it has shifted from being used primarily as a last resort for large ticket items to becoming an integral part of how consumers handle daily expenses and balancing their desire for things with their essential needs and their ability to afford them.
There are many different types of financing available today, from established companies like CareCredit and Affirm to new companies such as Cherry. Consumers and businesses alike now have more than enough tools to develop long-lasting, stress-free payment solutions for consumers.
Flexible financing will continue to evolve, but one thing will remain the same; when consumers have access to better payment options, both consumers and businesses benefit from enhanced transaction processes while developing trust, accessibility, and long-term value.
•FDA requires warning about rare but severe itching after stopping long-term use of oral allergy medicines cetirizine or levocetirizine (Zyrtec, Xyzal, and other trade names)
Reebok Basketball is proud to announce the launch of two new colorways of the Engine A Basketball Shoes: Engine A – Energy Red and Engine A – Black. Available for sale starting May 15 10AM EST.
To stay up to date on Reebok Basketball, follow @ReebokBasketball on Instagram.
New York Times Games
It’s no secret that the New York Times Games has many famous fans, from professional basketball players creating their own gameplay tournaments to actors creating their own Crosswords.
Now, for the first time, New York Times Games is joining forces with some of its most dedicated celebrity puzzlers, including actor Chris Perfetti, actress Lola Tung and her puzzle pal, Jazz singer Laufey, and reality television friends Luann de Lesepps and SonjaMorgan, to launch a multi-game leaderboard.
Providing an even easier way to connect over the delight of puzzling, the brand-new leaderboard allows solvers to showcase daily triumphs and fuel friendly rivalries across Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, and The Mini Crossword.
From May 8 to May 11, solvers are invited to add Chris, Lola, Laufey, Luann, and Sonja to their leaderboard to share in the joy of solving and see how they stack up. And don’t be surprised if you see more celebrities joining leaderboards soon. Solvers can share favorite celebrities who they would love to see in their leaderboards with gamesmarketing@nytimes.com.
Celebrity puzzlers will be added to leaderboards on a first come, first serve basis. Keep an eye out for each celebrity puzzler’s Instagram on May 8th for direct links.
Solvers can add friends, family, and fellow puzzlers to their leaderboard by downloading the New York Times Games app from the App Store on both iOS and Android devices.
The wellness industry has witnessed a surge in GLP-1-based products, driven by mounting research into how this naturally occurring hormone influences appetite, blood sugar regulation, and weight management. Unlike pharmaceutical interventions, GLP-1 supplement drinks aim to support the body’s existing metabolic pathways through targeted nutrition—a distinction that matters for those seeking sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
Understanding how these supplements work requires looking beyond marketing claims to examine the underlying biology of glucagon-like peptide-1 and its role in human metabolism.
The Biological Role of GLP-1 in Metabolism
Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an incretin hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to nutrient intake. Its primary functions extend well beyond simple appetite suppression:
Glucose-dependent insulin secretion: GLP-1 stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin only when blood glucose levels are elevated, reducing hypoglycemia risk.
Gastric emptying modulation: The hormone slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach, prolonging nutrient absorption and extending satiety signals.
Central nervous system effects: GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus and brainstem influence reward pathways and hunger signaling.
Glucagon suppression: By inhibiting glucagon release from pancreatic alpha cells, GLP-1 prevents excessive hepatic glucose production.
GLP-1 receptor agonists can produce clinically significant weight loss in individuals with obesity, validating the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway. The challenge for supplement formulations lies in achieving meaningful effects without pharmaceutical intervention.
How Supplement Drinks Differ from Prescription Medications
While prescription GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide directly activate GLP-1 receptors through synthetic analogs, supplement drinks take a fundamentally different approach. These products typically contain ingredients designed to:
Stimulate endogenous GLP-1 production through specific nutrients and botanical compounds
Protect existing GLP-1 from rapid enzymatic degradation by DPP-4
Enhance receptor sensitivity to naturally circulating GLP-1
Support the intestinal environment where GLP-1-producing cells reside
The distinction matters for regulatory classification and consumer expectations. Supplements cannot replicate the pharmacological potency of prescription medications, but they may offer modest metabolic support when combined with dietary and lifestyle modifications.
The most effective weight management strategies integrate multiple approaches rather than relying on any single intervention—a principle that applies equally to pharmaceutical and nutritional options.
Addressing Sugar Cravings Through Hormonal Pathways
One of the most challenging aspects of dietary change involves managing cravings for high-sugar foods. The neurobiological basis for these cravings involves complex interactions between blood glucose fluctuations, insulin signaling, and dopaminergic reward circuits.
GLP-1’s influence on sugar cravings operates through several mechanisms:
Blood sugar stabilization: By improving glucose homeostasis, GLP-1 reduces the reactive hypoglycemia that often triggers carbohydrate cravings.
Reward pathway modulation: GLP-1 receptors in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens appear to dampen the rewarding properties of palatable foods.
Satiety hormone coordination: GLP-1 works synergistically with other satiety signals like leptin and peptide YY to reduce overall food-seeking behavior.
Consumers exploring this space have turned to dedicated GLP-1 supplement drinks for daily support. Ozzi, Supergut, and Pendulum Metabolics are among the formulations designed to target these hormonal and metabolic pathways.
Supplement formulations targeting these pathways often combine GLP-1 support with complementary ingredients.
Practical Integration into Daily Routines
The effectiveness of any supplement depends partly on consistent use within an appropriate context. For GLP-1 drinks, several practical considerations influence outcomes:
Timing relative to meals: Consuming these drinks 15-30 minutes before meals may maximize their impact on satiety and glucose response.
Hydration status: Adequate fluid intake supports the gastric distension and nutrient sensing that trigger endogenous GLP-1 release.
Macronutrient composition: Meals containing protein and healthy fats tend to stimulate more robust GLP-1 secretion than high-carbohydrate meals alone.
Physical activity: Exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and may amplify the metabolic benefits of GLP-1 pathway activation.
Product formats vary to accommodate different preferences and lifestyles. Single-serve packets offer portability for travel or office use, while larger containers provide better value for home consumption. Powder mixes allow dose customization and can be incorporated into smoothies or other beverages.
Evaluating Quality and Realistic Expectations
The supplement industry’s rapid growth has produced considerable variation in product quality and evidence standards. When evaluating GLP-1 drinks, several factors warrant attention:
Ingredient transparency: Reputable manufacturers disclose specific compounds and dosages rather than hiding behind proprietary blends.
Clinical substantiation: Look for ingredients with published research demonstrating effects on GLP-1 levels or related metabolic markers.
Third-party testing: Independent verification of purity and potency provides assurance beyond manufacturer claims.
Realistic positioning: Products marketed with exaggerated promises or pharmaceutical-level claims should raise skepticism.
It’s worth noting that individual responses to these supplements vary considerably based on baseline metabolic health, genetic factors, and concurrent dietary patterns. What produces noticeable effects for one person may have minimal impact for another—a reality that applies across most nutritional interventions.
The most prudent approach treats GLP-1 supplement drinks as one component of a comprehensive strategy rather than a standalone solution. When combined with whole-food nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management, they may contribute to improved metabolic outcomes for some individuals.
The Broader Context of Metabolic Health
While GLP-1-focused products represent an interesting development in nutritional science, they exist within a larger conversation about sustainable approaches to weight management and metabolic wellness. The hormonal systems governing appetite and energy balance evolved over millennia to navigate food scarcity—a context dramatically different from modern environments characterized by constant food availability and engineered hyperpalatability.
Effective interventions must account for this mismatch between our biology and environment. GLP-1 supplements may help by supporting satiety mechanisms that processed foods often bypass, but they cannot fully compensate for dietary patterns fundamentally misaligned with human physiology.
For those considering these products, the decision should rest on realistic expectations, quality assessment, and integration into evidence-based lifestyle practices. The science supporting GLP-1’s metabolic role is robust, but translating that science into effective over-the-counter formulations remains an evolving challenge—one that requires both continued research and informed consumer evaluation.
