**Psychedelic Art Car Unveiled at Art Basel Miami Beach**
Laurence Gartel, known as the Father of Digital Art, is revealing his latest creation—a $200,000 RENNtech Mercedes-Benz Super Car wrapped in a vibrant digital collage. Gartel, who previously taught Andy Warhol to use the Amiga Computer in the 1980s, has showcased his work at prestigious venues like the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian. His Art Cars, including a notable Tesla Roadster from 2010, have gained widespread attention. The new design balances realism and digital fantasy on the sleek Mercedes-Benz canvas.
**Hermès Launches Poetic Home Scents**
Hermès has introduced a new line of home fragrances with evocative names such as “Footprints in the Snow,” “Wet Weather,” “Open Window,” “Open Field,” and “On Horseback.” Created by Cèline Ellena, these scents aim to evoke specific moods and experiences. Prices range from $106 for scented paper horses to $436 for the largest candle, blending luxury with poetic charm.
**Breakthrough in Supersonic Air Travel**
Lockheed Martin is developing a commercial aircraft that could cut the flight time between New York and LA to just 2.5 hours. The N+2 jet, which would seat 80 passengers, is designed to avoid the sonic booms associated with speeds over 760 MPH. Competing with Lockheed, Airbus and Aerion are working on supersonic jets that could reduce flight times between major cities even further.
**Insights from the 14th Annual International New York Times Luxury Conference**
At this year’s conference in Miami, François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering, discussed the intersection of fashion, art, and luxury. He emphasized the importance of genuine innovation in fashion and warned against using art to merely enhance luxury’s perceived value. Pinault highlighted that while both fields influence each other, they should remain distinct in their own right.
**Virgin Group to Enter the Cruise Industry**
Virgin Group is set to launch its own cruise line, aiming to revolutionize the industry with a fresh approach. While the launch date is still uncertain, Virgin Cruises will face stiff competition from established players like Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean. Tom McAlpin, formerly with Disney Cruises, will lead Virgin’s new venture.
Stay tuned for more updates and exciting news in the world of luxury!
