Welcome to the latest issue of AM Magazine, which sees an unforgettable centenary year for Aston Martin draw to a close. Our cover story focuses on the work of the Q by Aston Martin bespoke design service and the colours and textures that inspire owners to personalise Aston Martins in striking and unique fashion.

Dr Ulrich Bez - Chief Executive OfficerDr Ulrich Bez - Chief Executive Officer

We also travel to Morocco to discover the roots of blues music, which inspired the likes of The Rolling Stones’ Brian Jones and the rock and roll explosion of the 1960s. Tony Conigliaro introduces us to his scientific approach to mixing cocktails. And if you’re planning a holiday or short break, we have an insider’s guide to the hotels that offer the ultimate luxurious getaways.
Our concluding series of Centenary Essays, placing the history of Aston Martin in a wider social context, includes the stylish interaction of cars and couture.
Heading to the stunning surroundings of Palm Springs in California, we also get behind the wheel of the new Vanquish Volante, recently launched around the world, which combines the thrill of open-top driving with the luxury of our flagship GT.
AM Magazine is now also available as an iPad app to download with additional features and video content, so you can enjoy it wherever you happen to be.
I hope you enjoy the magazine.

Modern art makes a bigger splash with Aston Martin

Tracing the roots of blues music in Morocco

PAUL TRYNKA TRAVELS TO THE SOURCE OF BLUES MUSIC, AN INSPIRATION FOR THE LIKES OF THE ROLLING STONES AND THE WHO, IN THE ATMOSPHERIC MOUNTAINS OF MOROCCO

CONTENTS

AM WORLD

All the latest news from the Aston Martin family.
To Commemorate Aston Martin’s Centenary, a twin-seated racer—taking its lead from the iconic DBR1—has been specially built. Meet the stunning CC100...

—CULTURE—
DISTANT DRUMS

Paul Trynka travels to the source of blues music, an inspiration for the likes of the Rolling Stones and The Who...
Beijing-based architect Ole Scheeren explains the inspiration behind his philosophy and where he sees the future of design

—INTERVIEW—
IN THE MIX

Tony Conigliaro is among a stylish clutch of mixologists shaking up the London cocktail bar scene with World-Class creations
Fiona Sims travels to the Esprito Santo region in Brazil in search of the world's finest coffee and to track down the exotic bird at the heart of its production

—RACING—
INTO THE HOME STRAIGHT

Aston Martin Racing is set for a thrilling finale to the FIA World Endurance Championship...

—DESIGN—
MODERN CLASSICS

David Linley introduces a selection of leading creative figures, who reveal how classic design and invention, allied in many cases to modern technologies, have influenced their work and thinking
Four wheels beats two as Kevin Hackett tackles one of the famous Tour de France climbs in the Pyrenees in the comfort and style of the new Rapide S

—THE DRIVE—
OPEN TOP, OPEN ROAD

Jonathan Bell takes the new Vanquish Volante to explore the stunning scenery and eclectic lifestyle around Palm Springs, California
In the first of a three-part history of Aston Martin, Richard Meaden looks back over an eventful first few decades for the company

—CENTENARY—
90s TO PRESENT

Richard Meaden completes his history of Aston Martin with a look back over the past 25 years, including Ford ownership and the exciting new era under Dr Ulrich Bez
Just as James Bond is forever associated with Aston Martin, cars have been an integral part of cinema since its earliest days, as David Gritten reveals

—CENTENARY—
FASHION

Stylish cars have always attracted beautifully dressed owners, writes Francesca Fearon, who charts the evolution of haute couture over the past century
David Brown, whose “DB” moniker still adorns Aston Martin’s flagship Grand Tourer today, was a charismatic individual with a love of machines and a hunger for life.

—CENTENARY—
DRIVING FORCE

Dr Ulrich Bez has overseen Aston Martin’s evolution into a modern, forward-thinking sports car manufacturer...
Having started life in hill climbs, the Aston Martin name is synonymous with motor racing and a sporting approach and attitude, which still thrives today among its customers and partners

—ROYALTY—
ROYAL APPROVAL

Aston Martin has always enjoyed a close relationship with the British Royal Family, among others
Argentinian polo player Eduaro Novilla Astrada enjoys a glamorous lifestyle that belies his down-to-earth nature

—TRAVEL—
HIDDEN GEMS

There are places around the world in which one can be surrounded by nature and yet still indulge in the finer things of life.
The Vantage has always epitomised Aston Martin’s racing heritage and continues to do so with the launch of the new V12 Vantage S

—PORTFOLIO—
THE POWER OF FOUR

Aston Martin Head of Exterior Design Miles Nurnberger explains how the Rapide S combines the presence of a four-door with the performance of a sports car
In the 21st century, is it better to travel or to arrive?

—THE BIG QUESTION—
LONG AND SHORT OF IT

What length of dress os appropriate for the festive party season?