A round up of 7 must-know collaborations between yacht manufacturers and luxury brands, including Wally, Riva, Weyves and Princess Yachts
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7 Must Know Luxury Brand Yacht Collaborations
Gucci CEO, Patrizio DiMarco, with Ferretti Group chairman and CEO, Norberto Ferretti
The purchase of a luxury yacht extends far beyond a transaction, instead, the decision to acquire such an item remains as much as a lifestyle choice as it is a testament to wealth. It is therefore not surprising that luxury brands, and more recently luxury carmakers, have explored this high-luxury territory and started to collaborate with manufacturers.
With obvious benefits for both parties ranging from online buzz and press coverage, this is also an opportunity to provide core luxury consumers with an outstanding materialisation of their brand’s definition of style and savoir-faire.
As Elie Saab explains, yacht collaborations allow a transcendence of the conventional limits of the partnering industry: “Designing a yacht and conceiving its art of living constitute a perfect opportunity to expand my brand’s universe by creating the experience of ultimate luxury”.
We investigated some of the most prominent collaborations between luxury brands and the yachting industry. For a complete listing of luxury yacht manufacturers we invite you to explore the Luxury Society directory.
Weyves & Thierry Mugler, Elie Saab
In collaboration with Agent de Luxe, the first agency to represent fashion designers, Weyves Yacht makers created the Weyves Couture Concept, aimed at mixing two worlds: Haute Couture & Yachting. The project originally engaged couture house Thierry Mugler to collaboratively design the Gentry Eagle 112, the world’s fastest yacht, with Weyves interior designer Eva Cadio.
The second collaboration in the on-going series took place alongside Elie Saab, which conceptualised design aspects of the interior installation and external lines for the luxury yacht. Of the partnership, Donald Potard of Agent de Luxe remarked: “A design project of this nature enables the couturier to express the universe of Elie Saab in the form of interior design and the art of living. To collaborate and build this project at Oceanco shipyard in Holland is a guarantee of excellence.”
Website: Weyves Couture
LS Company Page: Weyves Yachts
LC Company Page: Agent de Luxe
Intermarine & BMW
Brazilian Intermarine and BMW Design Group USA have collaborated to produce an ultra luxurious yacht, merging the best of design from the automotive and naval engineering industries. Set to be launched in July 2011, the Intermarine 55 measures 17.4m and incorporates a salon, galley, three cabins and two bathrooms, fit for six people.
Design borrows from the automotive industry: specifically the lines that model the hull and the air intakes in stainless steel. The bow reminds of a rear-wing from a racing car, whilst large upper windows offer a generous view of the sea.
LS Company Page: BMW
Wally & Hermès
WHY Wally-Hermès Yachts was a dedicated business created by luxury goods manufacturer Hermès and Monaco based yacht maker Wally ‘dedicated to a new lifestyle of living on the sea’. The design concept is best described by Luca Bassani Antivari, CEO of Wally, when he explains the project as the compromise between the privacy of an island and the mobility of a yacht: “WHY has it all: space, stability, movement and independence. This revolutionary concept of the moving island [has been] developed with the latest and most advanced sustainable technologies, recycling thermal energy, as well as any organic and inorganic waste.”
The yacht is powered using a diesel electric engine, a 900sqm surface of the photovolatic panels provide the solar electricity, which covers part of what is needed to subsist the boat. And as per all Hermès architecture projects, RDAI collaborated with the two manufacturers on the interiors and furnishings for the mobile island.
Despite grand ambitions for the collaborative project, Hermès announced in 2010 that they would be withdrawing from WHY, explaining in a statement that the brand felt somewhat out of its depth: “We are currently in the phase of carrying out the project, which is technically complex and which requires on-the-spot decisions. It seemed a good idea to us to have only one decision-maker and we naturally decided to hand the reins over to Wally.”
Website: W-H-Y
LS Company Page: Wally
LS Company Page: Hermès
Riva & Gucci
In collaboration with Officina Italiana Design, the design company responsible for Riva’s original Aquariva in 2000, Riva Yachts and Gucci collaborated to produce the ‘Aquariva by Gucci’, as part of Gucci’s 90th anniversary celebrations. All boats are made to order, in a customised design by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini.
A focus on Italian craftsmanship culminated in a 2-speed, 380-horsepower speedboat with fiberglass hull and a 20-coat glossy customizable paint, with a mahogany wooden interior, Guccissima pattern for seats and sundeck, and the familiar Gucci green-red-green adornment. Frida Giannini also designed a Riva by Gucci Collection, comprised of duffel bags, summer footwear and other nautical themed accessories, in white leather with green-red-green appliqué, identical to the boat.
Website: Aquariva by Gucci
LS Company Page: Gucci
LS Company Page: Riva Yachts
Fearless & Porsche Design
In collaboration with Miami based yachtmaker,Fearless Yachts, Porsche Design were commissioned to style a range of luxury yachts, the first of which was the Fearless 28. The yacht is powered by 550 horsepower V10 taken from the Dodge Viper, equipped for marine use, and has seating for five passengers in complete luxury.
The construction of the Fearless 28 revolves around the seamless carbon-fibre reinforced fiberglass deep-V hull, finished in stunning silver, whilst the design of the upper deck echoes that of the legendary Porsche sports cars including the 911 and also the Porsche Carrera GT. The Fearless 28 was the first collaboration between the two brands, but plans were also made to launch 44, 68, 125 and 150-foot versions.
LS Company Page: Fearless Yachts
LS Company Page: Porsche Design
LVMH & Princess Yachts
After acquiring the UK’s Princess Yachts in 2008, LVMH entered the Superyacht sector with the launch of the M class vessels. Launched as recently as January 2011, the 32m M Class long range cruiser boasts a huge saloon and a choice of four or five cabins: including a master suite with a split level bathroom, two or three double bedrooms and a twin room.
For the yacht’s debut the company brought in some of its other brands, including De Beers and Moët & Chandon to demonstrate the glamour of the new range, alongside lavish interior design schemes from fashion houses Fendi and Armani Casa. Next the company plans to launch a 40-metre version in 2012, which will be supplied with a matching set of Louis Vuitton luggage.
LS Company Page: Princess Yachts
LS Company Page: LVMH
Veuve Clicquot & Riva
Understanding that champagne is key to a luxury lifestyle on the water, Riva Yachts teamed up with heritage manufacturer Veuve Clicquot to launch La Grande Dame by Riva Collection, incorporating three bespoke products in mahogany, chrome and leather.
The Cruise Collection includes four bottles of La Grande Dame ’98, two magnums of La Grande Dame ’88, six Riedel champagne flutes, six water tumblers, plates, table mats and cutlery, which retails for over $80,000. The smaller Cruiser Bag contains one bottle of La Grande Dame ’98 and two champagne flutes, limited to 300 pieces.
LS Company Page: Veuve Clicquot
LS Company Page: Riva Yachts
Creative Strategist, Digital
Sophie Doran is currently Senior Creative Strategist, Digital at Karla Otto. Prior to this role, she was the Paris-based editor-in-chief of Luxury Society. Prior to joining Luxury Society, Sophie completed her MBA in Melbourne, Australia, with a focus on luxury brand dynamics and leadership, whilst simultaneously working in management roles for several luxury retailers.
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7 Must Know Luxury Brand Yacht Collaborations
A round up of 7 must-know collaborations between yacht manufacturers and luxury brands, including Wally, Riva, Weyves and Princess Yachts
Gucci CEO, Patrizio DiMarco, with Ferretti Group chairman and CEO, Norberto Ferretti
The purchase of a luxury yacht extends far beyond a transaction, instead, the decision to acquire such an item remains as much as a lifestyle choice as it is a testament to wealth. It is therefore not surprising that luxury brands, and more recently luxury carmakers, have explored this high-luxury territory and started to collaborate with manufacturers.
With obvious benefits for both parties ranging from online buzz and press coverage, this is also an opportunity to provide core luxury consumers with an outstanding materialisation of their brand’s definition of style and savoir-faire.
As Elie Saab explains, yacht collaborations allow a transcendence of the conventional limits of the partnering industry: “Designing a yacht and conceiving its art of living constitute a perfect opportunity to expand my brand’s universe by creating the experience of ultimate luxury”.
We investigated some of the most prominent collaborations between luxury brands and the yachting industry. For a complete listing of luxury yacht manufacturers we invite you to explore the Luxury Society directory.
Weyves & Thierry Mugler, Elie Saab
In collaboration with Agent de Luxe, the first agency to represent fashion designers, Weyves Yacht makers created the Weyves Couture Concept, aimed at mixing two worlds: Haute Couture & Yachting. The project originally engaged couture house Thierry Mugler to collaboratively design the Gentry Eagle 112, the world’s fastest yacht, with Weyves interior designer Eva Cadio.
The second collaboration in the on-going series took place alongside Elie Saab, which conceptualised design aspects of the interior installation and external lines for the luxury yacht. Of the partnership, Donald Potard of Agent de Luxe remarked: “A design project of this nature enables the couturier to express the universe of Elie Saab in the form of interior design and the art of living. To collaborate and build this project at Oceanco shipyard in Holland is a guarantee of excellence.”
Website: Weyves Couture
LS Company Page: Weyves Yachts
LC Company Page: Agent de Luxe
Intermarine & BMW
Brazilian Intermarine and BMW Design Group USA have collaborated to produce an ultra luxurious yacht, merging the best of design from the automotive and naval engineering industries. Set to be launched in July 2011, the Intermarine 55 measures 17.4m and incorporates a salon, galley, three cabins and two bathrooms, fit for six people.
Design borrows from the automotive industry: specifically the lines that model the hull and the air intakes in stainless steel. The bow reminds of a rear-wing from a racing car, whilst large upper windows offer a generous view of the sea.
LS Company Page: BMW
Wally & Hermès
WHY Wally-Hermès Yachts was a dedicated business created by luxury goods manufacturer Hermès and Monaco based yacht maker Wally ‘dedicated to a new lifestyle of living on the sea’. The design concept is best described by Luca Bassani Antivari, CEO of Wally, when he explains the project as the compromise between the privacy of an island and the mobility of a yacht: “WHY has it all: space, stability, movement and independence. This revolutionary concept of the moving island [has been] developed with the latest and most advanced sustainable technologies, recycling thermal energy, as well as any organic and inorganic waste.”
The yacht is powered using a diesel electric engine, a 900sqm surface of the photovolatic panels provide the solar electricity, which covers part of what is needed to subsist the boat. And as per all Hermès architecture projects, RDAI collaborated with the two manufacturers on the interiors and furnishings for the mobile island.
Despite grand ambitions for the collaborative project, Hermès announced in 2010 that they would be withdrawing from WHY, explaining in a statement that the brand felt somewhat out of its depth: “We are currently in the phase of carrying out the project, which is technically complex and which requires on-the-spot decisions. It seemed a good idea to us to have only one decision-maker and we naturally decided to hand the reins over to Wally.”
Website: W-H-Y
LS Company Page: Wally
LS Company Page: Hermès
Riva & Gucci
In collaboration with Officina Italiana Design, the design company responsible for Riva’s original Aquariva in 2000, Riva Yachts and Gucci collaborated to produce the ‘Aquariva by Gucci’, as part of Gucci’s 90th anniversary celebrations. All boats are made to order, in a customised design by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini.
A focus on Italian craftsmanship culminated in a 2-speed, 380-horsepower speedboat with fiberglass hull and a 20-coat glossy customizable paint, with a mahogany wooden interior, Guccissima pattern for seats and sundeck, and the familiar Gucci green-red-green adornment. Frida Giannini also designed a Riva by Gucci Collection, comprised of duffel bags, summer footwear and other nautical themed accessories, in white leather with green-red-green appliqué, identical to the boat.
Website: Aquariva by Gucci
LS Company Page: Gucci
LS Company Page: Riva Yachts
Fearless & Porsche Design
In collaboration with Miami based yachtmaker,Fearless Yachts, Porsche Design were commissioned to style a range of luxury yachts, the first of which was the Fearless 28. The yacht is powered by 550 horsepower V10 taken from the Dodge Viper, equipped for marine use, and has seating for five passengers in complete luxury.
The construction of the Fearless 28 revolves around the seamless carbon-fibre reinforced fiberglass deep-V hull, finished in stunning silver, whilst the design of the upper deck echoes that of the legendary Porsche sports cars including the 911 and also the Porsche Carrera GT. The Fearless 28 was the first collaboration between the two brands, but plans were also made to launch 44, 68, 125 and 150-foot versions.
LS Company Page: Fearless Yachts
LS Company Page: Porsche Design
LVMH & Princess Yachts
After acquiring the UK’s Princess Yachts in 2008, LVMH entered the Superyacht sector with the launch of the M class vessels. Launched as recently as January 2011, the 32m M Class long range cruiser boasts a huge saloon and a choice of four or five cabins: including a master suite with a split level bathroom, two or three double bedrooms and a twin room.
For the yacht’s debut the company brought in some of its other brands, including De Beers and Moët & Chandon to demonstrate the glamour of the new range, alongside lavish interior design schemes from fashion houses Fendi and Armani Casa. Next the company plans to launch a 40-metre version in 2012, which will be supplied with a matching set of Louis Vuitton luggage.
LS Company Page: Princess Yachts
LS Company Page: LVMH
Veuve Clicquot & Riva
Understanding that champagne is key to a luxury lifestyle on the water, Riva Yachts teamed up with heritage manufacturer Veuve Clicquot to launch La Grande Dame by Riva Collection, incorporating three bespoke products in mahogany, chrome and leather.
The Cruise Collection includes four bottles of La Grande Dame ’98, two magnums of La Grande Dame ’88, six Riedel champagne flutes, six water tumblers, plates, table mats and cutlery, which retails for over $80,000. The smaller Cruiser Bag contains one bottle of La Grande Dame ’98 and two champagne flutes, limited to 300 pieces.
LS Company Page: Veuve Clicquot
LS Company Page: Riva Yachts
Creative Strategist, Digital
Sophie Doran is currently Senior Creative Strategist, Digital at Karla Otto. Prior to this role, she was the Paris-based editor-in-chief of Luxury Society. Prior to joining Luxury Society, Sophie completed her MBA in Melbourne, Australia, with a focus on luxury brand dynamics and leadership, whilst simultaneously working in management roles for several luxury retailers.
