According to a veritable source (the stars apparently, mostly evangelised by my wide-eyed, annoyingly brainy copywriter Zana), my Libra moons means that I’m fiercely just and favour balance. If immense speed and slowing down could happen at the same time, I would compare it to driving my wheel of choice (second to cheese wheels) Bentley Bentayga in the Alps of Bavaria. You’re zooming ahead at 100 km/h in just 4 seconds while simultaneously transporting your mind out of the hustle and bustle of the city. The added tinge of serenity comes from the innate luxury of our immediate surroundings: Think camel leather, intricate woodwork and a hand-stitched steering wheel. As you climb onto the leather seat, a warm and comforting sensation wraps your entire being like an all-encompassing hug – much like toting a Bentley Collection leather jacket.
Sweater & Skirt – Louis Vuitton. Shoes – Zara.
Bentley Collection: Meindl Factory—Kirchanschöring, Bavaria, Gemany
Karin, Director of Brand & Lifestyle at
Bentley Motors
The mixing, blending, balancing, mélanging continues as we’re exposed to a Bentley Collection jacket being nursed into form at Meindl that very much resembles the sturdy and stoic vehicle… in an alternate form. The factory is nestled right in the seam of the German/Austrian border, a stone’s throw from Salzburg and a stride from snow-capped Alps. The brand itself is famed for hand-crafted Lederhosen and hiking boots i.e the Bavariand uniform. The 120-step process behind the production of the new “Iconic Classic” leather jacket enhances Meindl’s 300-year commitment to craftsmanship. Created from supremely soft lamb, the jackets are a reincarnation of the Bentley Motors visually, replicating the shape of a Bentayga dashboard and echoing elements of the steering wheel. They’re also a replica of the Bentley personality: polished, noble and adventurous.
We clock snow-capped peaks in the side mirror and graze virescent rolling tussocks towards a whiter horizon. Where to stay? Hotel Sacher. The establishment home to many an Emperor (Franz Joseph), Kings and Queen, the only royalty I’m anticipating tonight is a slice of the original Sachertorte. There’s an opulence that isn’t pretentious, the rooms are luxurious and cosy at once. After all as Bentley teaches us, balance is key.