I was invited to the opening of The Timeless Capsule, an outdoor art gallery outside ION Orchard, in celebration of Martell Cordon Bleu's 100th birthday.

The Timeless Capsule is running a twin exhibition from 3 to 22 August 2012. It showcases 100 years of Martell Cordon Bleu's existence and an interactive gallery of photographs by nine Singaporean photographers nominated for the prestigious ICON de Martell Cordon Bleu award.

The Ultimate Jewel

Produced in collaboration with Martell Cordon Bleu and House of Boucheron

* Images reproduced with permission from Martell Cordon Bleu & Phish Communications

 

In commemoration of its 100th anniversary, Martell Cordon Bleu has partnered with the House of Boucheron to create a unique cognac bottle made of fine crystal. Named The Ultimate Jewel, exquisite attention was paid to every detail for the bottle. The elegant bottle bears Martell's house motifs embellished with rare raw material such as a diamond eye for Martell's swallow that had been shaped out of gold, the infinity sign that had been woven into the figure 100, a white gold seal and a white gold lid crowned with lapis-lazuli gemstone. Nestled within a specially designed box with an ivory veal leather interior, the collector's item is on world tour before being auctioned in China at year end as a highlight for the centenary celebration.

Martell Cordon Bleu

 

It was such a warm and humid evening that my companion and I opted for Martell Cordon Bleu on the rocks. The flavour of the cognac was mellow, well-rounded and elegantly spicy with a touch of fruity sweetness. Definitely a Must-Try if you haven't sipped any yet (age-permitting).

9 Singaporean Photographers - Nominees for ICON de Martell Cordon Bleu 2012

From top left: Albert Lim, Edwin Koo, Ernest Goh, Jeremy San,

Roy Zhang, Sam Kang Li, Tristan Cai, Wesley Loh & Yian Huang

* Images reproduced with permission from Martell Cordon Bleu & Phish Communications

 

Organized by Martell Cordon Bleu, the annual photography award recognizes Singapore's most outstanding photographer. The winner will be selected by a jury and the results will be announced on 22 August 2012 in The Timeless Capsule. The winning photographer will receive a cash prize of S$30,000, the ICON de Martell Cordon Bleu trophy, trip to Cognac, France and an opportunity to publish a book of his works. The two runners-up will each receive a Discernment Award and cash prize of S$8,000.

In celebration of its centenary, a special Eternal Discovery prize will be awarded to the photographer who received the most public votes. The photographer with the most public votes will receive S$1,000 and an exclusive Centenary Limited Edition bottle of Martell Cordon Bleu. Members of the public can cast their votes at the exhibition or online at www.icon-martellcordonbleu.com.

Martell Cordon Bleu Anniversary Gift Set

* Image reproduced with permission from Martell Cordon Bleu & Phish Communications

 

There is also a charitable element to the celebrations, Martell Cordon Bleu's Centenary Charity Drive aims to raise at least S$128,800 for Community Chest. 100 Martell Cordon Bleu Anniversary Gift Sets comprising a Limited Edition Centenary Botle, Standard Edition Centenary Bottle autographed by cellar master - Benoit Fil, Limited Edition photo print and photography book by ICON de Martell Cordon Bleu 2011's Winner - Sean Lee, will be given as a token of appreciation for donations of at least S$1,288. All proceeds will be given to the Community Chest.

The Timeless Capsule - 3 to 22 August 2012 

Gallery located outside ION Orchard,

2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801

 

*PS: Thank you, Martell Cordon Bleu and Phish Communications for the hospitality.