[Press Release]

Inspired by the brilliant inventions of Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin in the 19th century, the Tambour Mystérieuse embodies peerless watchmaking genius: with the finesse of a conjurer, this Louis Vuitton montre à complication somehow completely conceals its own mechanism. The hands hover on an astounding system of transparent sapphire discs; no trace of the watchworks is detectable by the eye. Prowess beyond compare, causing time to float as if by some other-worldly bewitchment.

This is a first in the luggage master’s history: a timepiece entirely created, developed, and assembled in the Louis Vuitton watch-making workshops in Switzerland. Perpetuating the prestigious institution of traditional craftsmanship, every element of the calibre “LV115” is rigorously handmade, a technical masterpiece of 115 components. The unprecedented power reserve, too, stands as testament to pure watchcraft virtuosity: 8 days – 8 hours. A tip of the hat to this lucky number, this timeless talisman. Three models have materialized: the first, a resolutely technical creation of clean, minimal lines; the second is classic, sophisticated, accented in brown or gray; the third, a supremely feminine model radiating an aura of jewelled artistry. Though such a triptych may cast the semblance of a silhouette, only the owner of the Tambour Mystérieuse holds the key to the true identity of the timepiece. For, to ensure each Tambour is unique in the world, Louis Vuitton provides a thousand and one ways to claim it as one’s very own.

From a vast spectrum of possibilities, each personality summons its own reflection; yellow, white, or red gold or platinum…diamonds, rubies, or sapphires…brilliant or baguette cut… Reminiscent of a conductor nightly bringing forth a new symphonic spectacle with his baton, the owner of the Tambour Mystérieuse weaves a myriad of choices into an original composition, in which sameness and conformity shall never hold a place. And for the ultimate chic, the watch’s oscillating rotor can be inlaid with one’s own initials, golden marquetry on an unseen sapphire heart. It is far from a mere accessory; the Tambour Mystérieuse is the very breath of a lifestyle.

Lastly, as homage to such extraordinary watchcraft, Louis Vuitton has conjured a case that itself is pure originality: a genuine trunk, prepared exclusively for the Tambour Mystérieuse in the historic Louis Vuitton workshops in Asnières. All the traditional practices are honoured in its making, every standard that has meant the longstanding success of the brand. This tiny treasure chest can also be personalized, from the choice of leathers to the lining’s colour; even the legendary LV lock, with a wave of the wand, can have a number matching that of other luggage pieces brought to life by their Monogram maker.

It is a passion for excellence that has drawn such acclaim for Louis Vuitton in the very exclusive world of fine watch-making. Only an elite few – chronometer connoisseurs and luxury timepiece aficionados – will capture the magic, the exceptional savoir-faire of the Tambour Mystérieuse.

From : Louis Vuitton

Designer : Jordan Guelde

From : Koenigsegg

Patrick’s own words :

Due to the growing number of private hand research facilities, the erratic spread of innovation in nanotechnologic increases, before ethic guidelines can be set up by governments. I use a critical and critical picture to point out a topic-related vision of our world in 40 years. The study’s fundamentals in technology and science are based on literature and ongoing science forecasts by well known scientists, to not drift off into science fiction but to create a reliable vision.

Because one can still argue about assets and drawbacks, this topics needs to be displayed as transparent as possible, in order to encourage designers to look into the subject and deal with it in a responsible way.

The nDoo’s powerful (autonomous) capacity to act represents not only the subject of nanotechnology, but also every new and extreme kind of innovation. The contrast within this concept is the nDoo’s medical ability to heal. On the basis of this gap, the concept aims to show the explosiveness and ethical-moral arguments of the subject.

The nDoo is a medical, autonomous communication device which serves as an interface between humans and nanobots in their bloodstream, constantly monitoring all body functions and keeping up a steady exchange with an up to date database of all diseases and therapies. The nDoo forwards commands to the nanobots or writes his own code. Humans can access information about their state of health and the nanobots’ activities via a three-dimensional hologram. The visualization happens in nDoo’s floating position. While in passive mode, the nDoo can be carried like a hand-held computer.

Nanobots act as a self-organized swarm, swimming through the body’s bloodstream – powered by a nano-engine – able to localize, reprogram, destroy or mark cells, viruses etc. The nDoo serves as an extension to the immune system, detecting possible viruses at an early stage and preventing diseases. Even the emotional situation and human senses can be analyzed and influenced autonomously. Humans are accompanied by nDoos from the cradle to the grave. Energy is transfered by an electromagnetic field.

Designer : Patrick Decker

Wilcox words :

When the pedal is pressed the lid opens, releasing a ball that travels down a spiral set of xylophone steps around the bin. each time the ball hits a step, a note is played. the xylophone steps are cut in increasing lengths so that the note gets lower as the ball travels to the bottom.

Designer : Dominic Wilcox via DesignBoom

Designer : De Witt