SONY Xperia XZ3: my review

I agreed to test and review the XPERIA XZ3. I have been using Sony phones for years now and as you can imagine I get excited everytime a new model comes out. I have always been very satisfied with the allround performance of my Sony Xperia phones and I was sure the new XZ3 would not let me down. 
The Sony Xperia XZ3 is powered by a Snapdragon 845 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage while also boasting a microSD support of up to 512GB.
The first thing you notice when looking at the phone is how elegant and slimline the design of the XZ3 is. The XZ3's borderless, curved and seamless design has been carefully crafted to show you intuitively everything you love. The slim OLED screen really sits comfortably in your hand
I love the fact that the XZ3 is also very durable and water resistant thanks to the certified IP65/68.  This way I don't have to worry if I unintentionally spill some cappuccino on it or if I am caught out in some unexpected showers as the XZ3 withstand splashes and spills. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the other side protects the phone on the front and back.
The XZ3 is available in Black, White Silver, Forest Green and Bordeaux Red so you can pick the colour that better fits your style. Mine is in a very trendy and beautiful Forest Green that is not only fashionable but also make the phone really stands out.
The Xperia XZ3 features an intelligent 19MP Motion Eye Camera which basically translates into the phone knowing what you want to capture before you even know. Predictive Capture automatically detects any movements or smiles and start buffering images even before pressing the shutter button. The phone snaps up to 4 photos and then you can choose your favourite one among them or even keep them all if you wish. 
Of course taking great selfies for me is a huge priority and with the 13MP camera of the XZ3 I can do just that. The camera is great also in low light conditions allowing me to take brighter and cleares selfies.
Thanks to the 4K HDR Movie Recording the Sony Xperia XZ3 lets you capture reality all in extraordinary details, great clarity and above all true to life colour.
I am always on the go so for me it is a huge priority to be able to watch my favourite tv series as well as listening to my favourite playlists with great quality on my smartphone.
The Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 845 Mobile Platform handles all your apps, videos, games and more with ease.
The XZ3 lets you experience Sony’s BRAVIA TV technology in your hand thanks to the OLED display that pushes the high-contrast, colour and detail of High Dynamic Range (HDR). The contrast and lifelike colours of the OLED XPERIA really lets you enjoy films and TV series with great quality.
X-Reality for mobile up-converts TV programmes and films close to High Dynamic Range (HDR) when streaming or watching downloaded programmes and films.
The XZ3 features the loudest front-facing speakers, with high-quality audio from S-Force Front Surround and makes listening to your favourite tracks exceptional thanks to sound enhancing technologies like High-Resolution Audio and LDAC. Sound quality has also never been better. 
Enjoy more entertainment throughout the day, thanks to the Xperia XZ3’s long-lasting battery. Smart Stamina works ahead of time to keep you powered up for longer, while Qnovo Adaptive Charging and Battery Care give your battery a longer lifespan.
The Xperia XZ3 also estimates how long your battery will last based on how you normally use your smartphone, this way if it thinks you are going to run out of power it prompts you to activate STAMINA mode. STAMINA mode cuts energy consumption making sure your battery lasts all day.

The Sony Xperia XZ3 is all in all a great upgrade from the XZ2 thanks to a wonderful new OLED display, a more modern design and top specs. The phone itself is stunning especially in Forest Green and Bordeaux Red. The design is smart and slimline, the edges are softer, curvier and in general give the phone a luxurious vibe. The XZ3 is thinner than its predecessor making it a pleasure to hold. The camera is impressive and offers a fast and accurate autofocus allowing you to get high quality photos. I didn't really find any negative points on the XZ3 except for maybe the Sony included software which I generally don't use that much.
I am a fan of the Xperia XZ3 and really enjoyed the all testing process and using it.

YSL FREEDOM TOUR

The fashion genius Yves Saint Laurent was a defender of equal rights and dressed a whole new generation of women with his avant-garde creations. In the early 60's, her creation "The Smoking" became the symbol of female emancipation. By dressing women with men's clothes, he gave them the freedom to break free of norms and live their sensuality. After years of struggle for emancipation and success, freedom has finally become obvious for the modern woman. This year, YSL Beauty launched the LIBRE emblematic perfume for free, voluntary and independent women of this world.

As a tribute to the freedom and spirit of the new fragrance, the YSL Freedom Tour will run from 10.09.2019 to 28.09.2019. The Parisian beauty brand has created a luxury oasis on wheels in a 12-meter long bus. The unique atmosphere invites visitors to discover the universe of the brand YSL LIBRE.

YSL FREEDOM TRUCK

The Parisian beauty brand has created a luxurious oasis on wheels with a unique atmosphere in a 12 meters long bus. The fully black YSL FREEDOM TOUR bus with the golden YSL logo has been

completely refurbished and now offers beauty enthusiasts a journey of discovery in

the universe of the brand YSL LIBRE. Each space has been designed to live the experience of the brand and the LIBRE emblematic perfume in all its facets, in an unusual place. The entrance area, called the Heritage Room, is decorated with black and white images from a bygone era, and pays tribute togreat stylist and founder Yves Saint Laurent and his fantastic creations. The Freedom Lounge isequipped with a comfortable seating area that invites you to linger. The photo of the ambassador of the brand Dua Lipa, recalls the immensity of the desert and the scent of freedom. In the last space, you can discover the new fragrance and a photo wall to share the YSL experience with your friends on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.

TOUR DATES

September 10, Lucerne - Bahnhofplatz Torbogen, (9h - 18h30)

September 13, Zurich - Bahnhofshalle Zürich HB (9am - 6pm)

September 20th , Bern - Waisenhausplatz (9am - 6pm)

September 25th , Crissier - Migros Shopping Center (8h - 14h)

September 25th , Lausanne - Place Saint-François (3 pm - 6.30 pm)

September 26th, Lausanne - Esplanade du Flon (9am to 6pm)

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Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2019

The elegant Terrasse restaurant in Zurich hosted last night the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2019 ceremony. Monika Walser (de Sede) has won the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman's Award 2019. This award recognizes entrepreneurial and social qualities of an exceptional woman for the 16th time. As for Olga Dubey (AgroSustain), she is the lucky winner of the 2019 New Generation Award, a prize awarded for the first time in Switzerland, which pays tribute to young, entrepreneurial, innovative and socially responsible women aged 25 to 35.
The award ceremony took place in the posh Terrasse restaurant in Zurich, thanks to the support of the Bindella family. The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2019 has taken on a belle epoque atmosphere in this historical setting with large windows giving on the quays of the Limmat. A friendly and festive atmosphere quickly gathered the guests, who came to pay tribute to the finalists and winners. Hosted by Sven Epiney, this event brought together a number of decision-makers and entrepreneurs from across Switzerland. Member of the jury were obviously present, including Patrizia Laeri, economic journalist and SRF presenter as well as Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, editor-in-chief of the magazine STYLE / Bolero, to name a few.
Also present were Carole Bildé, Veuve Clicquot's international marketing and communication director, and the last three Swiss winners of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award: Babette Keller-Liechti (Keller Trading / 2009), Bea Petri (Schminkbar / 2012) and Barbara Lax (Little Green House / 2017).

 The three finalists: 

Anja Graf, Monika Walser and Antoinette Hunziker-Ebneter

The Jury

Carole Bildé and Monika Walser

Carole Bildé and Olga Dubey

Photo copyright:Debora Eliyo-Zeyrek diamondphoto.ch

LEVI'S Bodywear Capsule Collection AW19

In recent years, influences from streetwear and athleisure have reached the mainstream, resulting in more comfort and authenticity.

This season, Levi's® introduces a Bodywear Capsule Collection that includes leggings, briefs, bodysuits and bralettes proving that you don't have to choice between comfort and personal style. The six-piece collection is casual, timeless and radiates self-confidence - because when bodywear fits well, everything else fits.

The collection will be available from September 19th at Levi's® stores and on Levi.com

Images courtesy of LEVI'S

H&M Conscious Exclusive Collection AW19

The H&M Conscious Exclusive collection is back with 10th anniversary collection and the message is clear: get ready to dress differently. Steeped in the glamor of mysterious balls and glitzy evenings of yesteryear, the collection combines strong pieces and versatile basics - all in more durable materials. They include recycled brass, recycled zinc and TENCELTM X REFIBRATM, an exclusive lyocell fiber made from cotton waste.

The Conscious Exclusive A W19 collection will be available on hm.com from September 26th.

Romantic dresses take center stage in this second edition of the Conscious Exclusive 2019 collection: the jacquard evening gown adorned with blue china roses and the pink tulle maxi dress are among the highlights, not to mention the harlequin minidresses sequins - all made with recycled polyester blends. The sumptuous polyester velvet suit and its sporty belt is as versatile as the light knits in TENCELTM lyocell fiber blends and wool. 

"H&M's Conscious Exclusive collections have all revolutionized fashion, 

so we're excited to introduce our tenth collection that proves

 innovation has no limits: 

this season we've introduced recycled brass, 

recycled zinc and lyocell TENCELTM X REFIBRATM, 

a lyocell fiber partially made with cotton waste. 

We are also delighted with the many innovations that have emerged 

from our sustainable range since we have integrated it 

into the group's other collections. 

It is essential that H&M continues to push the boundaries 

of sustainable fashion, 

to show the world that glamor and sustainability are compatible, "

says Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H & M.

Images courtesy of H&M

ISSEY MIYAKE new L'Eau d'Issey Rose & Rose and Wood & Wood

L’Eau d’Issey fragrance universe is expanding with a brand new L’Eau d’Issey for her and L’Eau d’Issey for him. An alliance conveying a new intensity. She extols flowers. He favours wood. Sensitivity and power. Pink and brown. The two new fragrances really deliver double the pleasure: L’Eau d’Issey Rose&Rose and L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme Wood&Wood. 

Intriguing, powerful, poetic, nature never ceases to amaze. Generous and multifaceted, she lends her splendour to the two L’Eau d’Issey with a new-found intensity. An ode to natural ingredients. For her, the rose, uncontested queen of flowers. For him, wood, nature’s original signature. 

The idea of being “moved by nature” is intertwined in these two new stories and stays true to the spirit of L’Eau d’Issey. Nature, in all her wonderful diversity, adorns and colours the two iconic perfumes.

Through the lens of duality, the symbolism of the number two is revealed: complementarity, parallel, couple, binary. Two perfumers: Dora Baghriche and Marie Salamagne. Two fragrances. Twice as many ingredients for an amplified intensity. On the feminine side, two roses: Bulgarian and centifolia. On the masculine side, two woody notes: cedarwood and sandalwood.

L’Eau d’Issey goes pink with a delicately-tinted bottle and a Tyrian pink box. Silky to the touch, the cap echoes the velvety smoothness of a rose petal. Freshness, tenderness, but also natural simplicity. In the intense version, L’Eau d’Issey emphasises both varieties of roses: the precious centifolia with its mythical hundred leaves and the surprisingly addictive yet delicate Bulgarian rose. 

L’Eau d’Issey for men takes us to a splendid stroll through the forest. Strength, power, assured masculinity, the intense version goes all out on woody notes. Primarily cedarwood, with its imposing presence, but also the smooth and creamy delicacy of a subtle sandalwood scent

The light-brown-tinted bottle lies in a forest mist. With its wood finish striped with vibrant veins, the cap underlines the direct connection to the composition. 

Images courtesy of ISSEY MIYAKE

LIU JO opened its latest store in Zürich at Rennweg 26

Last week LIU JO celebrated the opening of the brand's latest store at Rennweg 26 in Zurich.

Located in one of the most exclusive shopping street in Zurich, the store will offer LIU JO ladies ready-to-wear, accessories and shoes.

On September 12th, 2019  a VIP cocktail was held at the boutique and guests were able to discover the latest collections as well as celebrating the brand. The renowned DJ Tanja La Croix provided a cool atmosphere for the guests.

Images courtesy of LIU JO

KURZ reveals its new watches presented by SEVEN, the star of soul

Since 2018, SEVEN is ambassador of KURZ watches. Passionate about watches, the talented musician and composer presents in this brochure the most beautiful pieces of the year.

KURZ accompanied SEVEN during the recording of seven tracks that have a very special meaning for the singer, and orchestrated seven stories with the marks corresponding to the song. The most beautiful watches of 2019 were staged with SEVEN at Powerplay, the legendary music studio in Zurich (Maur). This unique recording studio has seen great names such as Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Europe and Lady Gaga.

TAG HEUER: the Porsche 99X Electric enters its maiden Formula E season

With the international premiere of the Porsche 99X Electric, Porsche has reached another milestone on the way to the works entry in the 2019/2020 season of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. The digital community was actively involved in the unveiling of the car as part of the live video game "Formula E Unlocked" on twitch.tv/Porsche. 

The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team will race its first season in the 2019/2020 ABB FIA Formula E Championship with a total of 12 partners. TAG Heuer, the Swiss manufacturer of luxury watches, is the Title and Timing Partner of the Porsche Formula E Team, which will compete in Season 6 of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship under the name ‘TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team’.

Image courtesy of TAG HEUER

Dr. Hauschka Spruce Warming Bath Essence a gentle warmer for cold days

The Dr. Hauschka Spruce Warming Bath Essence is back! Associated with hot bath water, pine essential oil warms the body deeply for an intense and lasting effect, and promotes blood circulation in a natural way. The resinous fragrance of pine soothes and clears the airways. Enriched with jojoba oil, the bath essence makes the skin soft.

Pour several oil caps of the Spruce Wariming Caprice Bath Essence into the water jet and spread with slight movements of the hand. For footbaths or partial baths, use a smaller amount.

The scent of pine essential oil is a real benefit in case of dry air and it releases the airways. Simply pour a few drops of the Spruce Warming Bath Essence into a small bowl mixed with water so that a pleasant scent diffuses in your home.

Cold feet or tired feet after a hard day? The Spruce Warming Bath Essence can also be used for a pleasant foot bath.

The Spruce Warming Bath Essencecan be used in addition to other bathing rituals, such as the Dr. Hauschka Soothing Mask, for moments of well-being privileged during the cold winter days.

The "Pay Later" function is now available at H&M in Switzerland

H&M now offers fashion fans in Switzerland a whole new way to pay for their purchases. It is a unique payment solution implemented by H & M and developed in collaboration with Klarna, one of the world's leading payment providers.

H&M wants to offer its customers a truly modern shopping experience, both flexible and convenient, no matter where and how they choose to buy. In collaboration with Klarna, H&M introduced a new, unique payment solution in Switzerland, enabling customers to pay in a simple and flexible way across all channels. With the "Pay Later" feature, fashion fans who are H&M Members have the opportunity to shop and pay later on the bill. This service is offered online but also when shopping in store with the H & M app.

 "Shopping at H & M has to be practical, relevant and inspiring, and we are pleased to offer fashion fans in Switzerland a whole new way to pay for their favorite items." Thanks to our partnership with Klarna, we have developed a payment solution at H&M one of a kind that offers our fans a truly modern shopping experience, no matter where they are and how they choose to shop, "says proudly Minna Carlberg, Country Manager H & M Switzerland.

"The foundation of Klarna's partnership with H & M is a commitment to constantly develop smarter, simpler and more attractive shopping experiences." At Klarna, we are delighted to launch in Switzerland our leading "Pay Later" offering, which allows consumers to live a unique, in-store and online shopping experience, "says Robert Bueninck, General Manager at Klarna.

H&M and Klarna plan to launch this new payment solution out of a total of 8 markets in 2019, and other markets will follow in 2020. As part of this partnership, H & M and Klarna will continue to develop payment solutions to increase even more flexibility and convenience and easier shopping at H&M, both in physical stores and on the Internet.

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE: Mixology in Art

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is made after a secret recipe from 1761 and is based on the perfect balance of a unique combination of ten handpicked exotic botanicals from around the world. The distillery in Laverstoke was honored with the BREEAM Award for its particularly gentle and unique distillation process of steam infusion. This process preserves the botanicals' natural aromas, giving it the fresh, tangy flavor of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE. Combined with tonic and rounded off with ice and lime, the Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic tastes best.

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE through its caimpagn "Stir Creativity" wants to inspire creativity by working with local artists around the world. Swiss artist Caroline Weber took inspiration from ingredients and the manufacturing process for its artwork. Her art is based on mixed media technology. In the process, digital and analogue work mixes on canva. And even with the "ingredients" used, the imagination has no limits. Whether acrylics, sprays, chalk, oxidized iron or even plants - the artist lets her creativity run wild in every way. In this collaboration she uses some of the typical ingredients of Bombay Sapphire Gin to make her artwork.

Ingredients and production

For the production of the Bombay Sapphire ten vegetable ingredients are used, so-called "Botanicals": lemon, almond, sweet wood, juniper berries, iris, Angelicao, coriander, cinnamon cassia, cubeb pepper and grains of paradise.

Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic

50 ml Bombay Sapphire Gin

100 ml Tonic Water

Limes

Eis cubes

Fill a balloon glass 3/4 with ice cubes. Add Bombay Sapphire Gin and squeeze a lime slice into the glass. Fill up with Tonic Water and a garnish with another lime-slice. Enjoy!

Images courtesy of Bombay Sapphire