How to celebrate Singapore's independence with a bit of indulgence

For those with a penchant for passion and provenance will find much to delight with the launch of the new 488 Spider Ferrari and the limited edition 50-year-old Glenfiddich, launched as a tribute to mark the 50th anniversary celebrations of Singapore's independence. If excess is your barometer for success, sample the most expensive manicure in the world at US$ 25,000.

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Launch 488 Spider Ferrari

Can there be anything sexier than a red Ferrari? Yes. The 488 Spider Ferrari. But don't salivate just yet; the world premiere of the 488 Spider will be at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.

The company has just announced the launch of the 488 Spider, its most powerful ever mid-rear-engined V8 car to feature the patented retractable hard top to add to the long list of technological innovations and cutting-edge design. Just like all previous spider versions of Ferrari's models, this car aims squarely at those seeking open-air motoring pleasure in a high-performance sports car with an unmistakable Ferrari engine sound.

Anniversary

Celebrations never seem adequate unless toasted by a special tipple. Glenfiddich had the same idea when they released the Singapore Anniversary Edition 50 Year Old to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence. The 50 Year Old, limited-edition bottling (of which only five are available), packs delicate and exquisite flavours; the product of over half a century of unparalleled passion and whisky-making diligence. The nose is uplifting, vibrant and complex, while the taste is initially sweet with zesty orange marmalade and vanilla toffee, which then wafts through a series of layers, aromatic herbs, floral and soft fruits, silky oak tannin and hints of gentle smoke.

The finish is exceptionally long with a touch of dry oak and the merest trace of peat. Each bottle has been individually hand-blown by an expert glass studio, and adorned with Scottish silver crafted by Thomas Fattorini, a sixth generation silversmith. Decorations include the subtle integration of the Scottish Thistle and the Singaporean Vanda Miss Joaquim. The Glenfiddich Singapore Anniversary Edition 50 Year Old will be sold privately, and is available for ?30,000. Each bottle is accompanied by a one of a kind art piece by five locally-based artists-Andy Yang, Eugene Tan, Chan Wai Lim, Sean Dunston and Flabslab.

Penmanship

For those who believe in the might of the pen, may just start believing in its beauty credentials too with Pilot's new dynamic duo-the Sterling Silver Panda and Komodo Dragon.

These latest fountain pens by Pilot feature stylish integrated nibs, offering the perfect fusion of contemporary design and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. While the Panda symbolises gentle strength, the Komodo Dragon stands for stealth and agility; both these majestic animals have been delicately etched onto the fountain pen and brought to life in vivid detail on the pens' polished silver sterling bodies. The pens' caps are also etched with the adorable Panda sitting in front of a mountain range and the stoic Komodo Dragon strolling in front of a tree.

Indulgence

What makes an indulgence an extravagance? A US$25,000 manicure. This luxurious diamond manicure, created by Images Luxury Nail Lounge; a salon in California. The "Haute Couture Manicure" can cost between $500 and $25,000. Each manicure uses up to 20 diamonds and the process includes a mineral bath, a massage and the polish. The nail polish used costs about $100,000 and the gold diamond flakes are all 24 carat. The immersive experience allows each a private room, where she is treated like royalty. Those who purchase the lavish manicure also receive a complimentary facial, threading and eye lash extensions. Now that's vanity fare.

Agenda

For all those sporting the Imelda Marcos fascination with shoes will now have a new venue to indulge their temptation. The iconic US department store Saks Fifth Avenue plans to open its first freestanding shoe store in Greenwich, Connecticut in the fall of 2016. The yet-to-be-named store will apparently be modelled on the lines of the shoe department at their Manhattan flagship store.