#obsessed: Top picks from Leica, Buccellati, Belmond, and more

This month, #legend is #obsessed with the latest from Leica, Buccellati, Belmond, Rimowa, Bottega Veneta, and Deji Art Museum

Picture perfect

Known for its iconic design and focus on the essential without compromise, Leica’s M-System has long been a favourite of the world’s best photographers. The latest camera to join the M11 family remains true to the M-System ethos by focusing on the elementary aspects of pictorial design such as composition, aperture, shutter speed and ISO while doing away with a digital display on the back. The Leica M11-D therefore proves to be a perfect combination of classic range-finder photography and state-of-the-art camera technology, allowing access to a full range of lenses and fixed focal lengths as well as wireless connectivity to iOS devices. 

Object lessons

Renowned high jewellers Buccellati joined last month’s Homo Faber cultural event on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice with two special projects. The first, dedicated
to the art de la table, featured a special centrepiece composed of a garland of artichokes, celebrating their rich symbolism and nature as a source of inspiration, while the second paid tribute to the craftsmanship of high jewellery with an interpretation of eternal love in the form of perfectly circular Eternelle rings and a bangle bracelet. Both projects showcased the history and expertise of the maison while reflecting the event theme of The Journey of Life. 

Art in motion

The first carriage to be designed by an artist on board the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, A Belmond Train, L’Observatoire is an invitation to reconnect with one’s inner child. World- renowned artist JR has drawn inspiration from astronomical observatories and Renaissance Europe’s cabinet of curiosity to replicate the spirit of his Parisian art studio with personal
objets d’art to be uncovered throughout the “studio on wheels”. Scheduled to join the rake in March 2025, L’Observatoire houses a bedroom with free-standing bathtub as well as an adjoining bathroom, lounge, library and tea room filled with stunning marquetry and hidden touchpoints. 

Origin story

Designed and made in Germany to “comfortably guide you in pursuit of the moment and new daily experiences”, Rimowa’s The Original Bag is a new unisex silhouette engineered from anodised aluminium with an effortless opening system for quick access to your essentials when you’re on the go. The brand’s first handbag was unveiled at an exclusive pop-up event at its Shenzhen boutique last month, where visitors could journey through the history of the Original collection from the 1920s, when a factory fire left only aluminium intact, to its new video with brand ambassador Jay Chou showing how the pop-up came to life. 

Making scents

Bottega Veneta’s first fragrance collection under the creative direction of Matthieu Blazy debuts this month, presenting five scents inspired by the fashion house’s origin city of Venice as well as its signature leather weave , the Intrecciato. Looking to Venice’s history as a hub of cross-cultural trade and encounters, Blazy designed each of the five fragrances as a meeting of ingredients from different countries and continents. He also created a unique refillable glass bottle and marble base that nod to the lagoon environment of Venice and the house’s artisanal heritage while paying tribute to the centuries-long tradition of Murano glassblowing. 

Future shock

Debuting next month at Deji Art Museum in Nanjing, Beeple: Tales from a Synthetic Future is the first-ever solo museum exhibition of internationally renowned contemporary digital artist Beeple (Mike Winkelmann). The comprehensive retrospective of Beeple’s creative career will feature some of his most iconic works, including his Everydays series (pictured) and Human One and S.2122 kinetic sculptures, as well as new pieces created specifically for the exhibition. The museum will also present a special section dedicated to discovering and nurturing emerging digital artists, alongside a series of panel discussions and public programmes. 

Also see: #obsessed: Top picks from Prada, Van Cleef & Arpels, Le Meurice, and more