Latest news with #TheHouseofWonders
The Star
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Audemars Piguet marks milestone 150th anniversary with touring show
RAYE (left) and Ronson collaborated with Audemars Piguet for its 150th anniversary. Swiss haute horlogerie manufacture Audemars Piguet is commemorating its 150th anniversary with a series of events and new releases. The celebrations kick off at the maison's headquarters in Le Brassus, Switzerland, alongside the revealing of this year's new releases. Among other events include 'The House of Wonders' exhibition that is touring the world – including Shanghai and London – and a dedicated track created in collaboration with artistes Mark Ronson and RAYE. Immersive pop-up exhibition in Shanghai Audemars Piguet brought a slice of its home in the Vallée de Joux to Shanghai with a pop-up exhibition, 'The House of Wonders'. Designed as a gateway to Le Brassus, the brand's birthplace, the immersive experience takes watch enthusiasts and newcomers alike on a journey into the heart of the brand's universe. Retracing the company's history from its founding in 1875 to the present day, the exhibition highlights the craftsmanship, heritage and people who have shaped Audemars Piguet and the wider watchmaking industry for 150 years. The side entrance of The House of Wonders exhibition in Shanghai. To commemorate this milestone anniversary, the brand also hosted an exclusive preview event for clients, media members, and friends of the brand at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. DJ, record producer and songwriter Ronson took to the stage to deliver an electrifying performance, with noteworthy appearances by musicians Davia Tao, Willer Pan, Jane Zhang, Lexie Liu and actors Chen Jin and Xingxu Chen as well as South Korean singer CL, Thai actor Tawan and French model Iris Mittenaere. Shanghai, a key gateway to the Asian market, serves as a strategic hub for Audemars Piguet's continued presence in the region. An evening of celebration in London Audemars Piguet continues to expand its dynamic music programme while crafting experiences that go beyond watchmaking, by partnering with talents who share common values. AP celebrated in unique style by creating a dedicated track in collaboration with Ronson, a long-term Friend of the Brand, and new AP family member RAYE. Lexie Liu performing at the AP party in Shanghai. The launch of the new track was held at 180 Studios, London's iconic cultural centre during an exclusive evening which gathered artistes, clients and friends of the brand for a celebration full of passion and emotion. The entrance was transformed to replicate the manufacture's home in Le Brassus, creating an enchanting journey through the region's natural landscape. With Benji B's musical curation setting the mood, the interactive décor revealed historical archives, lively portraits of the AP family, as well as its watchmakers' safe-guarded secrets. The evening continued with an informal dinner in a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere inspired by the distinctive vibe of recording studios, capturing the essence of the 'APxMusic' programme. The evening also featured the reveal of the dedicated song Suzanne, performed by British singer RAYE, setting the stage for an unforgettable night on the dance floor with a DJ set by Ronson.
Observer
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Narration of history through visual medium
Muscat: The 29th Muscat International Book Fair has hosted several talks, including a session on Tuesday evening that drew documentary enthusiasts. The session, hosted by radio broadcaster Talal al Shatti, featured interviews with Bettany Hues, a broadcaster and documentary presenter who created "Treasures of Oman" as part of the "Treasures of the World" series and Friedrich Kluetsch, a documentary filmmaker behind "The House of Wonders," which explores migration in former times. As they shared their experiences producing and presenting their chosen stories, they emphasised the importance of teamwork and the use of technology. Kluetsch explained how technological effects helped create impact, but real visuals were crucial for evoking emotions. Bettany emphasised the importance of light in filmmaking, saying, "We chased the light during the golden hours of early morning and evening. Drone technology has been a blessing for us filmmakers, especially in Oman's breathtaking landscapes." She further explained, "Along with light, sound is incredibly important. Making a film with the right intention is fundamental. Your film's success hinges on this." In her documentary, there is a scene where the team is on an Omani dhow off the coast of Musandam and the captain reads from the book of Ahmed bin Majid. Narration of history through visual medium "These texts are the living records of real people. Ahmed bin Majid was known as the Lion of the Sea," she shared during the dialogue session. Regarding preserving cultural memory, Kluetsch praised Oman's efforts in balancing history and modernity. "History isn't far removed from us. People, problems and opportunities remain the same, even with modern technology like mobile phones," he observed. When asked about future projects, Kluetsch expressed interest in exploring the Bronze Age, when Oman was known as Magan, the land of copper. Bettany mentioned ongoing work on "Greater Cities" and expressed a desire to feature Muscat. Kluetsch advised creating serial pieces and focusing on long-form storytelling, particularly for social media. He noted that young filmmakers excel in shorter formats but struggle with longer narratives. For Bettany, a memorable moment was tasting fresh camel milk and hearing a local family's appreciation for camels. Kluetsch found the House of Wonders and its legacy particularly captivating. Narration of history through visual medium When asked what Oman had taught them, Kluetsch reflected on the importance of patience and trust in God and people, while Bettany praised the hospitality and respect shown by Omani people towards guests. Both emphasised the importance of women's roles in history, with Bettany highlighting the positive impact of documentary filmmaking in learning and promoting positivity. Kluetsch stressed the need for flexibility in documentary production and the importance of central characters in storytelling. After the session, Bettany shared her positive experience at the Muscat International Book Fair, expressing admiration for the diverse exhibits and brilliant people he had met. Kluetsch, a returning attendee, praised the fair's global reach and its ability to connect people from all continents. Both Bettany and Kluetsch expressed hopes of translating their books into Arabic for wider publication. PHOTOS BY KHALFAN AL RUZAIQY
