The All-New BMW 7 Series – Craftsmanship
The fruit of skilled and meticulous fingers, rather than the rapid-fire work of a machine. “In my eyes, this is the definition of luxury.
After all, a good suit takes time to make.” James has played a major role in expanding the appeal of Savile Row – a magnet for bespoke suit aficionados since the 18th century – beyond its traditional client base of silver-haired club members and stock market speculators.
Teaming up with business partner Sean Dixon, he blew away several layers of dust from this legendary but intimidatingly exclusive mecca of gentlemen’s tailoring. His new establishment brought models and young artists into the fold.
“When we arrived here in 1992, we really didn’t fit the profile of the street’s clientele, but that only spurred us on.
We wanted our friends to get excited about tailored suits, as well,” he says. Indeed, an excellent-fitting suit often speaks in more charming tones than the man who owns it. “It really can transform a person. We are always seeing customers who have never owned a genuinely nice-fitting suit.”
With its lilac floor, mirrored fitting room with Hollywood-style light effects, and long shelves laden with rolls of exquisite cloth, the shop must strike these customers as something out of a neo-baroque changing room designed for a modern-day monarch.
But rather than a stony-faced tailor of a certain age opening the door with tape measures draped around his neck, a youthful member of the staff greets you with champagne served in a crystal glass. Making every guest feel welcome is one of the main pillars of the Richard James empire. James, a man who never stands still, floats down the stairs in a light-gray suit – tall, slim, what a U.K. visitor’s guide might call “very British.”
He has been showered with fashion awards, yet his first shop was no larger than a bathroom. But it was bright and inviting, a striking departure from the rather cold and elitist Savile Row. Today, the likes of Patsy Kensit and Elton John come for a chat and advice from the experts. Looking down from the wall behind him, smiling out contentedly from the covers of international glossy magazines, is a gallery of the world’s handsomest men, decked out in Richard James threads: Hugh Grant, Benicio Del Toro, Bryan Ferry…
“My style is modern,” says James, “but never loud.” James, who studied graphic design and wanted to become a fashion photographer, has two stores. This – the smaller of the pair, hidden away on a side street off Savile Row – specializes in bespoke creations. The other outlet, around the corner, sells mainly Richard James collections – shorts, jeans, socks, ties and, of course, suits.
Technology
In the all-new 7 Series, BMW engineers set a new benchmark for luxury sedans. The interplay of its state-of-the-art engine and innovative technology delivers a whole new driving experience. With the longest wheelbase in its class, the 750Li goes to new lengths in comfort. No other car delivers the 7 Series harmonious blend of exquisite luxury and sporty performance.
The 400-hp engine showcases BMW’s EfficientDynamics initiative, with the goals of lowering emissions and increasing driving enjoyment. Twin-turbocharging and High Precision Direct Injection give this 4.4-liter V-8 the output of a 12-cylinder engine with the fuel efficiency of an eight-cylinder.
The engine block is made of aluminum, which saves weight for better performance. Innovations in construction, materials and performance technologies give the all-new 7 Series handling that’s unmatched in its class. Intelligent lightweight construction techniques shape the design of major body areas, such as the aluminum roof, hood and doors.
BMW engineers have also developed an all-new suspension system in this lightweight metal; combined with standard Dynamic Damping Control, it delivers a firm yet comfortable ride under all road conditions. A new option, Integral Active Steering, combines Active Steering at the front axle with rear wheels that steer, for greater steering stability at higher speeds and improved maneuverability.
Even with its long wheelbase, Integral Active Steering decreases the 7 Series turning radius, for greater agility around sharp bends and turns. The all-new 7 Series includes many impressive standard features. The hard-drive-based Navigation system with a 10.2-inch high-res display not only shows a variety of maps, including 3-D, it stores 12 GB of your favorite music, as well.
The new electronic architecture allows innovative options that build on the already impressive standard features. Optional new BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection identifies pedestrians and their direction of movement, giving a warning if there is a danger of collision.
Optional side cameras positioned forward on the sides of the front fenders show, on the display, if it’s clear to exit alleys and parking garages. And active safety is enhanced by innovative driver assistance systems, such as optional Active Blind Spot Detection, which monitors the driver’s blind spot and adjacent lanes.
Source: BMW Magazine