The Black Book for September 2015

Courtesy Tateossian

Courtesy Christian Dior Parfums

James Lipman / Rolls-Royce

D’Oro

Straight from Via Appia Antica – one of Rome's oldest and most historic streets – D'Oro books are now available in the UAE for the first time. The brand claims to be the last publishing house in the world that produces each of its tomes by hand, utilising historic bookmaking techniques. The skills of more than 50 people are required for the completion of each piece, including the making of the covers – which are first cast in bronze and then covered in gold – and the handpainting of pages with oil polychromes. UAE customers can purchase a pre-curated, limited-edition book entitled The Golden Horses, which is one of the brand's original designs, features pure gold and is hand bound with pure silk and leather, from Le Vault in Abu Dhabi. Those who are interested in something more personalised can choose to create an entirely original piece – which includes everything from the tome's cover to the actual subject matter. The Golden Horses book starts from Dh65,000, while bespoke pieces start from Dh240,000.

Tateossian

London-based men's jeweller Tateossian is the go-to brand for distinctive, handmade accessories. Part of its latest collection, the Paper Clip Micro Pavé cufflinks set features 158 pavé white diamonds per cuff, weighing a total of 0.49 carats. The set is adorned in sterling silver, accompanied by whaleback clasps and priced at Dh3,577. Also new this season are a pair of intricate mechanical rose gold cufflinks (pictured) and the Green Beetle rose gold cufflinks. Tateossian has also unveiled the Anniversary Limited Edition collection as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, which includes the Amazonia bracelets, featuring leather – in varying weaves and thicknesses – with printed patterns, a sterling silver clasp and a Paraiba blue topaz stone. Also available are the XXV Anniversary Dumbbell gunmetal cufflinks, in various shades of optic fibreglass.

Dior Sauvage

It is 10 years since the House of Dior launched its last fragrance for men, Dior Homme, but in a major milestone, the brand has unveiled the all-new Dior Sauvage. Although they sound similar, the brand is adamant that the scent is not related to Eau Sauvage, which was the first men's fragrance launched by the house in 1966. Yet, much like its predecessor, Dior Sauvage has top notes of citrus, spicy heart notes of pink pepper and woody base notes of vetiver. There are, however, a few changes, including the addition of lavender and patchouli. The packaging is also noticeably different. The rounded glass bottle has an ombre effect giving way to an inky-black top. Johnny Depp is the face of the new fragrance, in what is his first ever fragrance campaign. Dior Sauvage is priced at Dh335 for 60ml and Dh470 for 100ml.

Rolls-Royce

If ultra-bespoke luxury is your bag, look to Rolls-Royce's recently unveiled Phantom Limelight Collection. The edition – consisting of just 25 vehicles – made its first ever appearance in Abu Dhabi, ahead of its official global launch at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show. It offers interior feature options for both men and women, ranging from compartments with jewellery holders, dedicated spaces for credit cards, business cards and spectacles, and a concealed area that holds either three fragrance bottles or wristwatches. Two compartment trims are available: the Light contrast scheme features seashell with navy blue contrast leather and seashell tone-on-tone stitching, while the Dark contrast scheme offers navy blue with seashell contrast leather and navy tone-on-tone stitching. While the exterior is painted in Gala blue, at a push, this, too, could be customised. Also included is space for your Rolls-Royce picnic set, a 1920s-style hamper made specifically for Phantom motor cars (although sold separately), which features fold-out Indian rosewood tables, handblown and cut stemware, and cutlery designed by David Mellor.