Latest news with #RodeoDrive
South China Morning Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Louis Vuitton plans opulent, Frank Gehry-designed Rodeo Drive flagship in Beverly Hills
Louis Vuitton is gearing up to go over the top again in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. With plans for an ultra-opulent hotel on Rodeo Drive stymied by voters two years ago, the Paris fashion house's owners are back with a proposal for a theatrical flagship store designed by Frank Gehry that would anchor the north end of the famous retail corridor. Luxury goods stores on Rodeo Drive are growing larger as top-shelf retailers increasingly up the ante to dazzle shoppers, and the vision from Louis Vuitton owner LVMH is one of the biggest yet, with restaurants, rooftop gardens and exhibition space. Set to open in 2029 pending city approval, the store will be one continuous structure connected across an alley by two pedestrian bridges and a tunnel. The flagship store will be built on the site on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California (above) on which Louis Vuitton had proposed building a Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills hotel. City planners rejected that proposal. Photo: AFP Louis Vuitton's new store will be 45,000 sq ft (4,180 square metres) on the retail side fronting on Rodeo Drive and an additional 55,000 square feet on the hospitality-focused side of the building. 'The new location will take visitors into a full Louis Vuitton lifestyle experience showcasing its diverse universes of products and one-of-a-kind client experiences,' the company said.
Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Dining like the stars in Beverly Hills, from Hollywood actors to Real Housewives
Sauntering down Rodeo Drive during my trip to Beverly Hills, sunglasses in hand, I remind myself to act cool. It's far from these perfectly palm-lined streets that I was reared, and in my pre-visit anxiety I added to my wardrobe in the hopes of fitting in a little more with my surroundings. Certainly, it is the place to be rich and famous. It is known the world over for serious celebrity spotting, seriously high-fashion boutiques and even more seriously beautiful people. On a previous visit I'd never truly delved below the surface. In fact, I spent only about an hour marching up and down Rodeo Drive, repeatedly quoting Pretty Woman, before hopping into an Uber and heading to Venice Beach. As it turns out, there is far more to this stunning, albeit tiny, incorporated city nestled within Los Angeles County and it's more accessible to the typical traveller than you might think — meaning that I didn't really need to invest in new shoes. While a little on the pricey side, there's an experience for everyone within the area, particularly when it comes to eating and drinking. There's so much to do in the affluent and historic LA suburb that a mere stop-off simply will not do it justice. Some of its hotels you may be familiar with, such as the magnificent Beverly Wilshire, where Julia Roberts's character stayed in that film, and the Beverly Hilton, which hosts the Golden Globes every year. Of course, the Beverly Hills Hotel, with its signature pink and green colour scheme, is legendary. Whether you decide to stay there or simply visit to take it all in, it's not to be missed. Upon crossing its red-carpeted entrance, I feel transported back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. A favourite of the likes of Marilyn Monroe, the Rat Pack, Marlene Dietrich and Charlie Chaplin, it's just retro enough to still be cool with classic touches that keep it iconic. While the poolside Cabana Café and old-school diner-style Fountain Coffee Room are great for a quick bite, the Polo Lounge is really where you want to be. • 15 of the best hotels in Los Angeles for 2025 It's somehow both discreet and lavish at the same time, with its striped ceilings, dark wood furnishings and sumptuous booths. Open all day, it's best to book in advance as you might find yourself competing for a table with the likes of the Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria and the producer extraordinaire Judd Apatow, both of whom I spy during my visit. Be warned, though, while you might do some celebrity spotting here, it's not a place for paparazzi-style photos or autograph-hunting; all you can do is surreptitiously bask in their presence. My meal of choice, breakfast, highlights options aplenty — I recommend the lemon, blueberry-ricotta pancakes — but don't skip a frothy cappuccino, which comes emblazoned with the hotel's logo on the foam. If you're on the hunt for a nightcap, it's just as wonderful in the evening, complete with a lively pianist, buzzy atmosphere and drinks to remember, including Star on Sunset spicy mango margarita that's worth a second round. I'm staying at L'Ermitage, almost hidden on Burton Way, which offers a sense of peace as soon as I enter the hotel and I'm glad to rest my head in this oasis throughout my stay. It's fitted in neutral stone shades, with the enormous suites as standard (prices start from €506 per night), providing guests with more than enough room and a feather-soft bed. Costa Covo Osteria, the property's Mediterranean-influenced restaurant, is another contender for best spicy margarita in Beverly Hills. Its breakfast menu, too, is well curated. Visiting twice during my stay, I find the breakfast burrito the ultimate winner, but the juice selection is also tasty; try the Little West Clover Juice (€10.65) for that healthy LA vibe. Of course, Rodeo Drive, the famous shopping street, is lined with the world's top designers, including Prada and Valentino, but there are many ways to eat your way up and down the road. It's a curious mix of high and low — the Gucci boutique has its own Michelin-starred restaurant, but you'll find the quintessential American chain restaurant the Cheesecake Factory across the road, and bang in the middle of it all is the Hideaway, a Mexican steak house. Lunch there includes the Baja Tablita platter with carnitas and lots of tasty accompaniments, oozy queso fundido dip, guac with housemade tortillas, and cocktails galore — the signature One Night in Tulum is unmissable, served in a ceramic donkey and made with smoky mezcal, passion fruit and citrus. Each booth has a 'push for tequila' button, if you're so inclined. A vibrant, pink-hued cantina-style restaurant, it's quite the hotspot, as is the recently opened Bacari. • The best US trips to take in 2022 Focused on small plates and cocktails with Mexican and Mediterranean influences, its location was previously occupied by Villa Blanca, the restaurant owned by Lisa Vanderpump, of Bravo TV's Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules fame. It's had a bit of a refurb and is now the ideal place to bring a gang to try as much of the menu as you can squeeze in — it's the exact sort of restaurant that I would love to have near me, with its fun atmosphere and great service. Pan-seared sea bass with charred shishito peppers and corn, pork belly with umami glaze, and pizza with Asian pear, brie and rocket prove to be particular favourites among my companions, so much so that one decides to return the next day to try the 'best cake', which is made with medjool dates and crispy bacon. The best of the bunch, though? The signature Bacarita cocktails (€15), which are made with tequila, watermelon, jalapeño, basil and lime. You might notice that I'm on a bit of a margarita hunt throughout my trip and, thankfully, Beverly Hills does not disappoint — the memory of those bubblegum pink-hued Bacaritas, with their spicy tajin-coated glasses, will live with me long after I return home. If, like me, you have a particular goal in mind when you visit or have limited time to spend but want to try as much as possible, then a food tour of Rodeo Drive with Brian Rodda, of LA Food Tours, is the way to go. Taking place over three and a half hours and priced at €158 per person, you'll visit notable landmarks along the whole street as well as tasting five dishes and two alcoholic beverages. Best of all, though, are Rodda's wonderful stories and insights — you laugh just as much as you eat, and you'll leave with a serious amount of Beverly Hills insider gossip. If luxury is something you seek, then this pocket-sized city is somewhere to add to your list — you could easily drop thousands of dollars if you're so inclined — but I've also found that it's a city for those who love food and it can be enjoyed at all price points. If I've learnt one thing, it's that the band Weezer was right because 'Beverly Hills, that's where I want to be'. Erewhon, Beverly DrivePossibly the bougiest grocery store you will ever encounter, Erewhon is another celeb favourite thanks to its range of health-adjacent foods, such as sea moss gel, giant ranch kale chips, 225g blocks of Kerrygold butter for $7 (€6.20), and an exceptional hot bar. However, it's the smoothie bar that really draws in a crowd. While concoctions like a Kefir Matcha Cloud or a neon blue Coconut Cloud blend feature, it's the TikTok-famous Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie that you might know it for. Priced at $20 for a 20z cup (about €17.50 and 566g on this side of the Atlantic), its dusty pink hue has been Instagrammed the world over and includes ingredients such as organic coconut cream, vanilla collagen and the aforementioned moss. Sounds like a bit of a crock, right? Having tasted it, I can tell you that Bieber truly knows how to make a smoothie and I'd happily pay for it again — it really is that good. While you might have to work your way around a crowd in the store, it's well worth a stop, even if you're just marvelling at the array of items. The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, Santa Monica BoulevardFounded in 1967, this famous store is one for the dairy lovers among us. With more than 600 cheeses available to buy, even just the scent on entry is enticing. You'll also find great wine, sauces, snacks and more lining its shelves, as well as a great range of handmade pasta — it's owned by Domenico's Foods, which makes those golden-hued pastas, as well as importing products and selling its goods to chefs and restaurants across the west coast. The café menu is popular with locals and visitors alike, and you'll find the store flooded with pick-up orders around lunchtime. The sandwiches are particularly beloved, especially the La Zucca, which includes crispy courgette, pesto, lemon ricotta and artichoke tapenade. If you've some time to spare, pop in and ask Eric to let you try some of his favourites — a cheesemonger with incredible knowledge, he won't steer you wrong.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Top things to do in Dubai from May 2–5: From exploring Arab cinema to 'Star Wars' cosplay
The weekend vibe is in full swing, and Dubai is buzzing with all the right energy, as always. So, whether you're in the mood for tacos, moonlit dips, or catching a soulful Sudanese performance on opening night at Cinema Akil, here are our top picks to make your plans anything but ordinary. Hop aboard the Mangalore Express From May 1–15, Kovalam Restaurant is transforming into the Mangalore Express — a coastal culinary journey packed with spice and soul. From Kundapura curries to Kudla beverages, it's a delicious ode to the Konkan coast. So, sip on some kokum-infused concoctions, dig into jackfruit cutlets, and don't forget to save room for the iconic 'Gadbad' dessert (yes, it's as fun as it sounds). Find out more on: @ Cinco de Mayo Grab your sombreros, Dubai, because Rodeo Drive is throwing its biggest Cinco de Mayo bash yet on May 5, and it's ten years in the making! Expect taco trolleys, glow face painting, and Dh19 taco + beverage combos (yes, really). With live Mexican beats, zingy beverages, and a menu that covers it all, this fiesta is bringing all the flavour and flair. Find out more on: @rodeodrivedubai 'Doughnut' miss this London's cult-fave bakery Bread Ahead has officially touched down in City Centre Mirdif, and your sweet tooth is about to thank you. Famed for its ooey-gooey Pistachio and Vanilla doughnuts, this third UAE outpost also dishes out artisanal pastries, sourdough pizzas, and smooth specialty coffee — basically, carb heaven. Go for the doughnuts, stay for everything else. For more info, visit A Turkish twist Wind down your weekend the Turkish way at Chillingir Pazar Rakısı — a Sunday night affair of meze, and mellow throwback vibes. Tuck into classic bites like haydari, ezme, and marinated seafood alongside nostalgic '80s–'90s Turkish tunes, warm lighting, and that unmistakable Mediterranean charm. For bookings, call: +971 4 220 4758 or visit Lights, camera, culture Volume 4 of Arab Cinema Week is rolling in on May 2 — and if you love soulful stories, indie vibes and a generous dose of popcorn, this one's for you. Hosted at Cinema Akil, the fest is a deep dive into Arab storytelling at its finest. So, grab your cinephile crew, and let the reels roll. For more details, visit: @cinemaakil or Calling all superfans Get ready for a weekend of capes, comics, and cosmic vibes! COMICAVE is going all out on May 3–4 with a pop culture extravaganza at Dubai Outlet Mall. Think free comic book giveaways, Star Wars cosplay galore, gaming tournaments, and a chance to meet international comic artists — all under one dome. The event is free to enter, from 12pm-9pm. More info on: @comicave Take the plunge Rooftop pool, skyline views and Riviera vibes? Yes, please. Moonlit Dips at St. Trop is your new weekend evening escape. For Dh300 (with Dh200 back in food and drink credit), you can float under the stars, sip something cool, and soak in Burj Khalifa views from the 18th floor of the Waldorf Astoria DIFC. Launching May 2, every Fri–Sun from sunset till 10pm. For bookings, call: 04 515 9999 Get started on your fitness resolutions Escape the heat and feel the burn (in a good way) with Barre Effect's BE Summer Ready package: 20 classes in 30 days for Dh1,400. Expect 50-minute workouts blending ballet, Pilates, and yoga, paired with upbeat playlists and sculpting props (think wearable weights, resistance bands and YBells). Ideal for all fitness levels, classes are low-impact, high-results. Bonus: luxe amenities like Dyson tools and RAW coffee make post-sweat refresh a breeze. It's fitness that looks—and feels—fabulous. Dh130 (one class); Dh1,400 (20 classes) –available until July 31. To book, go to Savour spring at Armani/Ristorante Welcome the season in style at Armani/Ristorante, the Michelin-starred gem inside Dubai's Burj Khalifa. This spring, executive chef Giovanni Papi unveils a vibrant new à la carte menu, spotlighting fresh flavours and elegant Italian flair. Think Wagyu-filled ravioli, sea urchin linguine, citrus-infused desserts, and luxurious mains like wild sea bass and foie gras-topped tenderloin. It's a symphony of spring on every plate — served in one of the city's most iconic settings. Celebrate with PizzaExpress PizzaExpress is celebrating 60 years of pizza perfection with a feast of flavour-packed offers across the UAE. Dine in with the '60 for 60' deal—unlimited pizza and Dough Balls for 60 minutes at just Dh60—or savour the new Icons Set Menu, featuring reimagined fan-favourites like the burrata-topped Queen Margherita, La Reine, Beef Lasagne, and indulgent desserts like Golden Caramel Dough Balls. Prefer to party at home? Enjoy delivery-exclusive combos like the Birthday Meal for One or Pizza Pair, each just Dh60. With website-only discounts and surprise treats on qualifying orders, it's a celebration that delivers—literally. Sonny Fodera live On 3 May 2025, internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Sonny Fodera will headline Bohemia Presents at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, bringing his signature deep house and tech beats to Dubai's premier beach party venue. Known for chart-topping tracks like "Somedays," "Asking," and "You and I," Sonny will be joined by SARAHREY and Fabrice for an electrifying night of music set against the backdrop of the Dubai Marina skyline. The event kicks off at 5pm at Bohemia Beach Club, with tickets priced at Dh250 for gents (includes 3 drinks), Dh150 for ladies (includes 2 drinks), and VIP packages starting at Dh3000. Expect high-energy sets, stunning seaside views, and a top-tier party atmosphere.
Los Angeles Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Are salmon sperm facials really good for your skin?
Just when it seemed that the skincare industry had exhausted itself with absurd products and cyborgian procedures, Kim Kardashian brought a new one into the cultural consciousness. In the summer of 2024, Kim Kardashian announced on 'The Kardashians' that she had salmon sperm injected into her face, spurring reactions of glee and intrigue that echoed from Rodeo Drive to TikTok. Salmon sperm facials — which are sometimes called salmon DNA facials for civility's sake — have become the latest addition to med spa menus across Los Angeles. Formula Fig in Culver City and West Hollywood recently added what is called 'the longevity treatment,' which is its take on the popular facial, for $550. Done by Dorfman, a Beverly Hills-based med spa that boasts a celebrity client list, offers the procedure for $750. Kanodia Med Spa, also Beverly Hills-based, offers the facials starting at $1,000. The procedure is performed through microneedling, which forms channels in the skin before the product is applied topically to the face. Using salmon DNA as an injectable is not yet FDA-approved, so doctors and med spas apply it in conjunction with microneedling and laser treatments. (The substance itself carries an orange-ish tint.) The procedure promises youthful, smooth skin and has been rapidly gaining popularity, thanks partly to endorsements on social media and by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Charli XCX. The idea to use salmon sperm for regeneration is older than you might think. The study of salmon DNA for wound healing was originally pioneered in Italy in the 1980s, said Dr. Zakia Rahman, a clinical professor at Stanford's School of Dermatology. In the last few years, there has been a resurgence of scientific interest in the substance as a beauty treatment in Korea. In fact, many doctors source salmon DNA from there. Dr. Donald Yoo, a facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, uses a substance called Rejuran, which is procured from one ocean-side factory in a beachfront town in Gangneung, Korea. In October of last year, he visited the factory during the salmon spawning season to witness the extraction process, which kills the salmon as the DNA is removed. 'During the tour, they showed us the streams where the salmon were captured, the factory where they process the salmon DNA, and actually had us handle some of the live salmon prior to processing,' he says. Dr. Yoo argues that the uncanniness of salmon sperm is what has made the procedure so popular. His office in Beverly Hills offers the treatment for a starting price of $850. 'There's a little bit of that shock factor involved,' says Dr. Yoo. 'The reason that it's growing is the fact that science has given it a good, strong basis.' What basis is that? It begins with polynucleotides, which are fragments of DNA derived from salmon sperm. They were previously used in wound healing after clinical studies showed that they accelerated the tissue repair process. Salmon DNA, as it turns out, shares striking similarities with human DNA, causing it to stimulate collagen production, according to a 2022 peer-reviewed study in the journal Marine Drugs. 'It decreases inflammation,' says Dr. Yoo. 'It promotes cell proliferation and blood vessel proliferation.' When applied to the face, it can result in a soft, radiant, even-toned complexion. For years, scientists in Europe and South Korea have performed clinical studies of salmon DNA on skin to investigate its effect on collagen reproduction. One study conducted on wound healing in mice showed that administering polynucleotides expedited healing and collagen density. However, despite the growing interest in this treatment, Dr. Rahman is not convinced of its efficacy. 'You have to be careful before jumping on a trend to see if it's scientifically valid,' said Dr. Rahman. After reviewing the scientific research, she explains that because of how the nucleotides function on the cell level, they can potentially be harmful to patients with rosacea and can actually cause some inflammation within the cells. She notes that, when it comes to absorption, polynucleotides are also relatively large, as opposed to more commonly used skin treatment ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C. 'The reason why retinoids and vitamin C work so well is that they're very small and they can penetrate the skin,' says Dr. Rahman. 'So this, if you were just to apply it topically, probably wouldn't get absorbed.' From a scientific perspective, it's not clear that salmon DNA has the potential benefits that are advertised, she said, adding that established methods still yield the best results. 'If you're using a topical retinoid or topical vitamin C, they're much less expensive,' she says. 'A lot of the laser treatments that we do, which are FDA-cleared for things like collagen stimulation and resurfacing of the skin, are actually much more cost-effective.' She also has sustainability concerns. After all, salmon sperm is finite. 'Do we really want to kill more salmon for their gonads?' she asks. Nevertheless, the trend has become widespread in Europe and South Korea, and in the last year, it has developed a loyal fan base in the U.S. On Instagram, the hashtag #salmonspermfacial has over 5,000 posts featuring before-and-after photos. On TikTok, viral testimonials about salmon DNA facials rack up hundreds of thousands of likes. Jorian Palos discovered salmon DNA facials after searching for a way to lessen her eye bags and discoloration. She tried the treatment at a med spa chain called Skin Station in Orange County. She said the process was slightly disquieting. 'It was painful, just because it's salmon semen essentially going under your eye.' Though she was happy with her results, the recovery was also intense. 'My face was bruised under my eyes for about a week,' she said. 'It turned purple, and then it turned yellow.' Shirel Swissa did not have as an intense recovery. She routinely microneedles and vouches for the treatment. 'Right now, my skin is the smoothest and clearest it's been in forever,' she says. 'There's no texture. It also helps with my active acne.' As for the sperm element, Swissa is unbothered: 'It smells a tiny bit fishy. It's not overpowering, but it's tolerable.' Dr. Yoo says it's good to be skeptical of the latest health trend, but predicts that, based on the results he's seen, salmon sperm facials will stick around. 'It's an exploding field,' he said. No pun intended.
Fast Company
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fast Company
Why Cadillac can only make two of its new $340,000 EVs per day
'I've had more caviar since starting work on the Celestiq than I have during the entirety of my career at General Motors,' Erin Crossley, Cadillac's design director for color and trim, says before tucking into a ramekin at Gucci Osteria on Rodeo Drive. The uptick in caviar consumption is a leading indicator that Cadillac is going upscale. As design director for the Cadillac Celestiq, the American luxury brand's new, bespoke electric vehicle, Crossley sits with customers from all over the world and mines more than 350,000 permutations to deliver their perfect personalization. The low-slung EV with a 303 mile range starts at $340,000, pushing the American automaker into the realm of German, Italian and English luxury sports cars. But the price can tick much, much higher, with options from leather floors to eucalyptus fiber mats. 'We know that these clients have the means to do anything,' she says. 'It's like building a house: How detailed do you want to get?' Return to glory days Cadillac owned the luxury market for most of the twentieth century before ceding share to more exciting foreign rivals. GM hopes the arrival of the Celestiq heralds the brand's comeback and represents a return to its glory days. With its exaggerated proportions and brash demeanor, the Celestiq's design evokes the American style and optimism of Cadillac's midcentury heyday, according to Michael Simcoe, VP of Global Design. Simcoe, the handlebar-mustachioed designer who is set to retire this year, considers the Celestiq his swan song. 'For Cadillac to come back as a brand, it needed to do what Cadillac had always done, and that's create vehicles that exaggerated proportion and were very American in their style,' he tells Fast Company. 'It's a very optimistic, very strident view of the world, which was very big in the '50s through '60s and '70s in America.' In particular, the Celestiq drew inspiration from the 1957 Eldorado Brougham, a limited-edition sedan filled with luxury features; it was Cadillac's last hand-built car for nearly 70 years. With its low stance, large wheels and wheelbase longer than the full-size Cadillac Escalade SUV's, the Celestiq defies category, Simcoe says. 'At this level of luxury, everything is much bigger,' he says. 'Think about the other premium brands around, and they're traditionally executed as a three box sedan with a big trunk. But the Celestiq has a low, fastback profile that makes it stand out on the road.' Built by hand GM builds two Celestiqs a day on average, a far cry from the automaker's higher volume vehicles churned out on a production line. The car is built by hand in Warren, Michigan, at GM's Tech Center —a midcentury marvel itself commissioned by legendary designer and automotive executive Harley Earl and created by renowned architect Eero Saarinen. But the car also uses 3D-printed parts made from aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. And like the Brougham, which introduced air suspension to the market, the Celestiq showcases a couple of other firsts: a smart glass roof featuring four quadrants for passengers to control opacity, as well as electronic shutters that obscure screen content while driving and can be controlled remotely via a QR code on the phone. 'It's very rare in an engineer's career where you get to go completely off script and make up a bespoke car,' says Tony Roma, executive chief engineer. 'The idea was, when you're making a statement to hang your whole brand on, you don't want somebody to walk up and find that piece of plastic and go, 'Oh, really, like, this is the best you could do,' right? For the interior, it became an obsession of the team that all of the little metal parts were either printed or made from finely detailed casting.' Who wants to buy a $340,000 Cadillac? Cadillac has declined to reveal the number of Celestiqs it plans to build, but it will need to find a viable customer base ready to spend somewhere in the mid-six figures for a Detroit-made car. The value proposition lies in the customization process, which usually takes place in a screening room at Cadillac House in New York or at a mobile popup like the Pendry West Hollywood, where Crossley and her team walked me through a process so extensive I forgot I wasn't a paying customer. 'When we design a vehicle with a customer, we won't share that same specification with anyone else, so you'll know that there's no one else who has a car with exactly the same specification as yours,' Simcoe says. 'Do you need to do that? No, but it's important to the people who are buying this car to go through the process and own it.' To herald its return to luxury, Cadillac's new playbook has the brand meeting customers where they are, feverishly expanding its presence in the luxury market over the past three years. In 2022, the carmaker signed a multi-year deal to become the automotive sponsor of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships. The following year, the brand returned to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France after a decades-long hiatus. On Saturday, it unveiled a logo for its inaugural Formula 1 team ahead of its plans to join the grid in 2026. Ultimately, GM hopes that some of this glamour trickles down into its more quotidian EV lineup, as it aspires to make Cadillac the best-selling luxury EV brand in the U.S. this year. Yo, VIP, let's kick it I took the Celestiq for a test drive in Los Angeles. As the morning rush faded away on the 101, Vanilla Ice came on the 38-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system, and I was transported into the rapper's ode to the open road. Luxury, I realized, is what you don't notice. No noise, no bumps, no traffic—although, to be fair, the Celestiq's extravagant proportions drew a share of the rubberneckers. Instead, I felt as though I was gliding through air as I ascended the Angeles Crest Highway—a career-first out of the thousands of cars I've tested. The wide open space between my vantage point and the car's front pillar—a mark of distinction in the premium segment—captures cloudless blue skies on a 76-degree day. A sedan that's longer than an Escalade and takes four months minimum to build isn't exactly practical, but at this moment, this drive is in a class of its own.
