From owning classic timepieces and attractive footwear to buying an island and a chateau on the coast, luxury aspirations of corporate honchos and film stars are also about experiencing life
Folger aspires to own a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing as it is “a legend in its own right”
Image: Roland - Mexy Xavier
Roland Folger, Managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India
I have an extreme fondness for products tailored to suit my personality and those that can offer me a distinct look. I relish buying handmade shoes, tailored suits and customised watches. IWC is one of my favourites when it comes to design, but there are many other lesser-known Swiss watch brands that intrigue me.
The ultimate luxury that I wish to own is the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. It was the world’s first supercar, an unparalleled combination of form and function that stuns the world to this day. A car like that graces the best automotive collections in the world. If I am not mistaken, there are only a handful of models in the world and despite the progressive evolution of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG (including the recently launched hypercar–Project One), the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing still tops my list of aspirational things to own. I believe it is a legend in its own right. After all, it has a cockpit, two doors and two wings!
Sunny Leone, Actor
Over the years, I have come to realise that luxury to me is all about service the second I step out of my home. Hotels, yachts, and travelling with ease, the way I would like to, whether that is private or first-class commercial.
I believe more in enjoying my experiences than a particular tangible item. You can’t put a price tag on good service. India specialises in some of the best services in the world. However, because I’m self-made, I still have some reservations in spending the way I want. But if I really want something, I could go out and get it. I’m irrevocably in love with my cars, watches from Rolex and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes.
Growing up, I wanted to be a millionaire by the age of 25, have nice cars and the ability to do anything I wanted at any second. I’ve achieved those goals and so, today, I’m more interested in experiencing life.
I would want to own an island in the Caribbean with a huge mansion and all the luxuries I can think of, with a huge yacht parked outside to take day trips in the water. Add a private plane as well on the island to take me to Miami to experience the city and night life.
Huma Qureshi, Actor
My obsession is shoes. I can’t resist buying a pair of shoes, especially when I’m travelling. It would be safe to say that I’ve bought a pair from wherever I have travelled to and I’m proud of my collection. The one car I’ve always wanted is the Rolls-Royce Phantom. I’ve dreamt of owning it ever since I can remember.
(This story appears in the 13 October, 2017 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)