Ep.1 Creating Legends with Bill Bensley-Founder, Bensley

Sep 2, 2020

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David Kepron website: https://www.davidkepron.com

David Kepron Instagram: davidkepron

NXTLVL Experience Design Instagram: NXTLVL_experience_design

Twitter: @davidkepron

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582b/

INFO ON BILL BENSLEY:

Bensley website: https://www.bensley.com/studio/bill-bensley

Shinta Mani Wild:

Bill’s passion points are sustainability, conservation, wildlife protection and education. His Shinta Mani Wild tented camp in Cambodia is a living case study of his recently launched white paper “Sensible Sustainable Solutions.”

Another upcoming project which hits all his passion points. Each of Bill’s designs tells a story and he is also doing a new project in Antigua. Upcoming properties in Asia scheduled to open this year are the Intercon in Khai Yao, Thailand, using upcycled train carriages from the 1930’s and the Capella Hanoi in Hanoi, Vietnam.

https://www.bensley.com/media/sensible-sustainable-solutions/

Capella Hanoi

Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Number of Keys: 49
Proposed Opening: Late 2020 (exact month TBA)
Design Story:

Many decades ago, before the war and all that preceded it, this was a small boutique hotel - “une petite auberge”, for those passing through Hanoi to see the Opera. With the charming opera building only steps away, it was perfect. One guest (who brought with him a new courtesan at every visit) was so enamoured with the building, he decided to buy it. With the help of his favorite operetta and lady of the night, Anna Held, it turned into a Maison Close of the highest caliber.

The investor turned panderer was not a skilled gambler, and on a night of bad luck he lost his beloved house of ill-repute to an army man. During the war it became a depot, crates of dynamite shuffling in and out while dust gathered on velvet chaise longues and crystal chandeliers. After the war, the general sold his property to a wealthy Vietnamese man - a lover of Opera.

This gentleman began a vast renovation, returning the building to its former glory as a five star -miniscule- hotel of great taste and a little madness. This little palace, Le Petit Fairmont, tells the story of the actors, opera singers, composers, stage and costume designers, and spectators who have passed through Hanoi over the last 150 years. Each suite trumpets the wonderful stories of the mischievous high society which passed through its doors. The story is told with over a thousand pieces of original memorabilia, costumes, theatre programs, photographs, set, opera spectacles, and original portraiture art by the incredible Kate Spencer. All of this fanfare on display in what was Asia’s most gay, in the traditional sense, place to frolic, to carouse, and then, just before sunrise, to put one’s head down.

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Eco-Warrior Bill Bensley Re-affirms Strong Commitment to Daily Wildlife Alliance Patrols at Shinta Mani Wild Despite Temporary Closure

In line with its total commitment to the protection of the forest and wildlife in the South Cardamom National park, Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild continues to fund the team of 8 Wildlife Alliance Rangers and the ranger station at the camp to support them in their important mission, despite the luxury tented camp being temporarily closed to guests.

Eco-warrior Bill Bensley and his business partner Sokoun Chanpreda, purchased the 350 hectare or 800acre piece of land at a logging auction – ironically to STOP the property being logged to build a mine, in order to protect the forest and its inhabitants. Shinta Mani Wild is a living and educational case study of the things he is deeply passionate about, conservation, sustainability, wildlife protection and unique design.

Wildlife Alliance was founded in 1996 by the amazing Suwanna Gauntlett who has dedicated her life to wildlife protection around the world. The partnership between Shinta Mani Wild and Wildlife Alliance is paramount to the camp’s ethos.

Sangjay Choegyal, the camp’s former General Manager joined the rangers as a volunteer and in a recent 4 day patrol deep inside the National Park, they confiscated 8 chainsaws, 2 mini tractors, dismantled 16 logging camps, found remains of numerous poached animals and confiscated nearly 20 cubic meters of luxury timber that was on it’s way to the black market.

Bensley and his team have worked tirelessly to support the Wildlife Alliance Rangers at Shinta Mani Wild and continue to raise funds to support their critical work at the front line. Last year Bensley created a range of trendy one-off bejewelled upcycled denim jackets which sell at USD500 each with all proceeds going to Wildlife Alliance. These pair nicely with the ‘trashion’ bracelets refashioned out of confiscated snares. He is currently working with an Australian designed jewellery designer and gemmologist who has an exquisite bespoke collection of jewellery inspired by the forest and nature at Shinta Mani Wild which will be launched soon. Bill is currently preparing for his first ever exhibition of his own artwork which will be sold with proceeds going to Wildlife Alliance to fund the rangers’ patrols.

A statistics board at the camp shows the number of various items confiscated and animals saved and is updated daily. To date it includes 1,819 snares removed, 10 fires put out, 80 chainsaws, 1,632 pieces of illegal timber and 4 guns confiscated, 298 illegal fences dismantled, 76 turtles and 7 civet cats rescued as well as several other species.

“Some of Cambodia’s, and the world’s most endangered species still call the Cardamom mountains home, including 54 animals on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. As the forest cover disappears, so does the wildlife. It will take major conservancy of the evergreen forest for these fabulous residents to thrive again, but that is the goal at Shinta Mani Wild,” said Bill. We cannot, must not and will not give up on this important work to protect the forest and wildlife,” he continued.

Media Contact

Lee Sutton

Dynamic PR & Events

Tel: +65 8323 1240

Email: lee.sutton@dynamicpr.com.sg

Web: www.dynamicpr.co

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INTRODUCING EXQUISITE ‘NATURE’S TREASURY’ COLLECTION

BY AUSTRALIAN BESPOKE JEWELLER KATE MCCOY

TO RAISE MONEY FOR WILDLIFE ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Addendum Information to Release on Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Wild’s New Boutique

Collections/Unique Pieces:

Bamboo Collection:

Earrings: USD 26,375 - protects 100% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (843 acres) for 63 days

Pendant: USD 17,375 - protects 100% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (843 acres) for 40 days

Ring: USD 4,875 - protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 49 days

– limited edition of 5

Diamond, Tourmaline, Demantoid Garnet

18 karat white gold, 18 karat yellow gold

Bamboo collection:

was created as a homage to the sustainable nature of bamboo, a fast growing, robust material that can be used in furniture, building and crafts in place of the virgin forests that are illegally logged in the areas surrounding Shinta Mani Wild. The earrings and pendant are set in a bold and elegant geometric formation, reminiscent of an art deco style. The refined and deliberate lines work beautifully with the natural selection of colours. I was struck by all the varied shades of green in the Cambodian wilderness. Tourmaline gems evoke the fresh, energizing and revitalizing nature of the jungle. To elicit the warm sun glinting through the trees I chose a radiant cut Demantoid Garnet for its high refractive indices, a nice burst to contrast the linear baguette shapes. The 18 karat yellow gold setting of the baguettes mimic the sections you see in the way bamboo naturally grows. The diamonds add a glistening effect as in light catching the morning dew, cutting a peak to the straight form of the design. With a distinctive 18 karat yellow gold chain at 42cm, the pendant sits front and center on the décolletage.

Jewel of the Jungle:

One of a kind Cocktail ring: USD 30,625 - Protects 100% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (843 acres) for 70 days

–Natural Green Zircon, Diamond, Demantoid Garnet, 18 karat white gold, 18 karat yellow gold

Design available in other colours: Sapphire, Ruby, Tanzanite, Mandarine Garnet, Rubelite or Tourmaline on request. POA

Jewel of the Jungle

This exceptional and sizable green radiant cut ring features a large unrivaled natural green gemstone that is the oldest gemstone dated on the planet at 4.4 billion years old. Zircon is a gemstone found in Australia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Cambodia. Kate McCoy has aptly named this ring the Jewel of the Jungle for its incredible rare green tones. The famous Tiffany’s Gemologist and gem buyer George Kunz was an avid fan of Zircon and proposed to change its name to “Starlite” to counter the market perception created by the much later manmade diamond simulant - cubic zirconia. Natural Zircon is the only gemstone that has a refraction and sparkle that comes second to diamond. Natural Green Zircons with no heat treatment and with as much brilliance and blue green tones as this one are extremely rare, notably so in such sizeable specimens as secured in this classically set ring. Sided by two bright eye clean baguette diamonds and two radiant cut demantoid garnets, this is a ring that will invoke many conversations. The rich jungle green of this center stone is unrivaled by any other gem. It is a truly mesmerizing Jewel to mark the legacy of the Shinta Mani Wild Jungle.

Amaranthine Orchids: One of a kind earrings and men’s pocket or tie pin.

Earrings: USD 28,680 -Protects 100% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (843 acres) for 66 days

Tie Pin/Pendant: USD 8750 - Protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 81 days

Amaranth Garnet, Diamonds -18 karat rose gold, 18 karat white gold

Design available in other colours: Sapphire, Ruby, Tanzanite, Mandarine Garnet, Rubelite or Tourmaline on request. POA

Amaranthine Orchid

Amaranthine means everlasting. These stunning earrings were inspired by my first walk from Head Quarters to my luxurious accommodation at Shinta Mani Wild. Instantly immersed in the wilderness, thick jungle vines teaming with life all around, the crunching pathway under my feet, the sound of birds and the nearby stream. No sooner was I stopped in my tracks. There she was, a fine, elegant, luminous sight to behold, radiating from the green, gracefully extending in front of me the most delightful purple orchid.

What a breathtaking flower, what a delight. In this moment I knew I must make her an immortal jewel. After searching through hundreds of gem stocks of the world’s most reputable gem dealers, at last I came across a very special and rare garnet from Mozambique, called Amaranth Garnet. No other gemstone could match the intensity and luminosity of my encounter that day. With gem rough from this source and of this quality being issued finite, these Amaranthine Orchid earrings are truly one of a kind. Designer cut kite shapes combined with trilliant cuts and marquise cuts, bring the memory of her striking beauty to an everlasting sparkle. Created with utmost precision by hand, the petals of the earrings are exquisitely pave set with fine white diamonds in 18 karat white gold while the stems and center stones are set in a 18 karat rose gold bringing femininity to the edginess of the cuts. The tie pin or Pocket pin orchid is a more masculine paired back and simple version of the more extravagant earrings, designed to be worn as a couples set for a special event.

Prang pendant: Limited edition of 5.

Pendant: USD 18,575 - Protects 100% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (843 acres) for 35 days

Black Diamond, White Diamond. 18 karat yellow gold.

Prang Pendant

This striking talisman spire like pendant design was inspired by Prang Architecture of The Khmer Empire. Set in 18 karat yellow gold are black and white diamonds in baguette, princess and round brilliant cuts. The pendant’s elongated spire like form is an elegant length with the geometric forms giving it a modern edge. This extraordinary piece hangs from a diamond cut black spinel beaded necklace. A unisex design we can see it styled elegantly for a glamourous evening or to give a rockstar edge to black jeans and a shirt on the daily.

Bensley Stripes Ring set: Limited edition of 5 sets of 5 rings.

Black Diamond, White Diamond - 18 karat yellow gold.

Bensely Stacking ring baguette stripes (top) USD 2125 Protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 21 days

Bensley Stacking ring black diamond (2ndfrom top) USD 1700 Protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 15 days

Bensley Stacking ring princess (3rdfrom top) USD 2450 Protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 26 days

Bensley Stacing ring white diamond (2ndform bottom) USD 2125 Protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 21 days

Bensley Stacing ring square stripes (bottom) USD 2125 Protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 21 days

Bensley Stripes Ring set

We love Bill Bensley’s black and white stripe signature in his designs. We designed these black and white diamond and 18 karat yellow gold very fine rings as a homage to the Bensely Collection interiors. A fun and classic stacking set to be bought all together or separately. Pair them with your current rings or start your very own collection. We love them for their fine setting and simplicity.

Amaranthine Temple flowers: One of a kind ring an earring set – available in other colours on request.

Ring: USD 12,200 - Protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 116 days

Earrings: USD 16,050 - Protects 100% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (843 acres) for 33 days

Amaranth Garnet, Diamonds -18 karat rose gold, 18 karat white gold

Design available in other colours: Sapphire, Ruby, Tanzanite, Mandarine Garnet, Rubelite or Tourmaline on request. POA

Amaranthine temple flowers

This set of ring and earrings are inspired by the stone carved flower motifs seen in the temple walls at Angkor Wat. The petal halo of fine diamonds in marquise and princess shapes frame a stunning rare cushion shape amaranth garnet sourced from Mozambique.

Amarantine Geometry – limited edition of 5, Ring and Bracelet

Ring: USD 8,200 -Protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 78 days

Bracelet: USD 15,800 - Protects 100% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (843 acres) for 34 days

Amaranth Garnet, Diamonds - 18 karat rose gold

Design available in other colours: Sapphire, Ruby, Tanzanite, Mandarine Garnet, Rubelite or Tourmaline on request. POA

Amaranthine Geometry.

Repeating the same a geometric principle of the temple flower collection to form a beautiful pattern on the inside of this bangle and ring, this set is made from 18 karat rose gold, Amaranth garnet and diamonds. A simple yet luxurious jeweled design for everyday wear.

Emerald Vines – limited edition of 5, Ring and Bangle

Ring: USD 12,250 - Protects 100% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (843 acres) for 28 days

Cuff: USD 20,500 - Protects 100% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (843 acres) for 48 days

Emerald and Diamond - 18 karat yellow gold

Design available in other colours: Sapphire, Ruby, Tanzanite, Mandarine Garnet, Rubelite or Tourmaline on request. POA

Emerald vines

Set in 18 karat yellow gold are beautiful oval shape Zambian emeralds and rose cut diamonds. The inside of this luxurious yet simple bangle and ring is a stunning vine motif, a memento of Shinta Mani Wild experience. What I particularly love about the Emerald vines and Amaranthine collections is that the details that are on the inside of the jewellery are for the wearers experience only. Many memories of travels have had a profound effect on me as a designer and in this way I wanted these pieces to be something that guests can wear on the daily after their stay, and that each time they put them on, that inner experience of the jewellery design marks the impression and the memory of Shinta Mani Wild in their hearts.

Zest Collection – One of a kind Cocktail set

Ring: USD 2950 - Protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 23 days

Earrings: USD 3126 - Protects 25% of Shinta Mani Wild forest and its wildlife (210 acres) for 28 days

Lime Citrine - 18 karat yellow gold

Available in other colours upon request subject to gem availability.

Zest Collection

Zest collection is a fun cocktail set that was inspired by the cocktail bar at Shinta Mani Wild.

Vintage with its eclectic furniture, leather lounges and artifacts yet ultimately fun and loud with its colour and quirk.

If you have the pleasure of enjoying one or many of the amazing cocktails at Shinta Mani Wild. This collection will evoke for you the unqiue refreshing Cambodian Sombai liqueur, fresh fragrant kaffir lime and squeeze of zesty lemon.

This collection features lemon quartz designer cut gems, set in 18 karat yellow gold with fine antique filigree detailing in the metal work of the setting.

All pieces are customised to individual wrist and ring sizes.

Insured shipped by reputed international courier. Subject to taxes based on customer location.

Available Online September 1st 2020: www.naturestreasury.com.au

Image Link for Collection : https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GHEisRHgZC5ULwu4Hf6VDpY219hypDis

For further information and reservations at Bensley Collection-Shinta Mani Wild visit www.bensleycollection.com/shintamani-wild, call tel: +855 63 969 123 or email: wild@shintamani.com.

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For press information or to discuss feature ideas, interview opportunities and press trips contact:

Lee Sutton, Dynamic PR & Events

Tel: +65 8323 1240

Email: lee.sutton@dynamicpr.com.sg

Website: www.dynamicpr.co

The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production is by Kano Sound.

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