Life and Style
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Vogue Puts on the Ritz
Vogue’s Fashion Night Out with the ‘The Burlesque Beadles’Vogue Fashion Night Out was an alluring spectacle that came with a circus and burlesque theme, show girls, blindfolded acrobatics, chameleon’s and snakes – not to mention an exciting crowds and the shopping! Our UK contributor David Stocker, was there to capture the unforgettable evening inside the Burlington Arcade – an epitome of luxury from its discreet location set back from the packed thoroughfares of the capital, where visitors can enjoy impeccable service and unparalleled specialist knowledge, and uncover rare examples of some of the world’s finest accessories.Pictured: David Linley, English furniture maker and chairman of the auction house Christie’s UK and Theo Fennell, exclusive jeweler to the stars, with a Burlington BeadleDuring VFNO, Popcorn and candyfloss, from fairground-style carnivalesque machines was served by performers dressed in costumes by Prangsta and two chocolate fountains, perched upon glowing tables and served with an assortment of fruit and sweets, were positioned at opposite ends of the Arcade. The fashionable crowds gathered together to celebrate this joyous occasion, among them were: Hugo Taylor, Natalie Joel and Frances Boulle from Made in Chelsea, Corrie Neilson and her models, Theo Fennell, Sophie Anderton, Olly Murray (Nickelodeon presenter), and Vince Kidd.
Full swagger, and ready to party
Burlington Arcade Style
The Last Tuesdays
The Last Tuesdays Performers
Blindfolded Acrobat
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Francis Boulle (Made in Chelsea)+Vogue+Fashion+Night+Out+at+the+Burlington+Arcade+in+collaboration+with+The+Last+Tuesday+Society.+Images+by+Thomas+Chatt.jpg?w=960)
Hugo Taylor and Natalie Joel (Made in Chelsea) outside Theo Fennell at the Burlington Arcade
Olly Murray wearing Susannah Lovis jewels
Samantha Bond with her daughter celebrating Vogue Fashion Night Out at the Burlington Arcade in collaboration
with The Last Tuesday Society
Snaky Situation – At The Burlington Archade
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Theo Fennell and Mark Lord (Head Beadle) – Vogue Fashion Night Out at the Burlington Arcade
Vogue Fashion Night Out, UK
Burlington ArcadeImages Courtesy Thomas ChattAll rights reserved - America's Next Top Model, Celebrities, HEW Hotels, Interior Design, Interviews, Life and Style, New York Post, Nigel Barker
Nigel Barker’s West Village Apartment
Former host of America’s Top Model, and famed fashion photographer Nigel Barker, sat down with The New York Post last Thursday to talk about life after the show, his beloved family, and his eclectic collection of art, artifacts, photos and family mementos. High End Weekly™ was fortunate enough to obtain permission to republish the interview, and naturally, we’re excited to share it with you on this glorious Monday morning in New York City.
New York Post: On his treasure-filled home:Nigel Barker: “It’s colorful, and it’s real. It has a heartbeat. Everything means something.”
Wife Crissy, who describes their apartment as a “souk” adds: “It’s like those little outdoor market places in Morocco, with knickknacks and collections.”NYP: On a treasured portrait of his mother:NB: “This…is my mama. Crissy said whenever she’s in the kitchen she feels like my mom’s staring at her.” The painting used to hang in the bedroom. “But she got put in the hall, which is far more appropriate,” says Crissy.
NYP: On being axed by Tyra Banks:NB: “I know it was tough on [Tyra] as well. It’s never easy to fire someone, least of all, of course, a friend. At the same time, this is business, and things change. She’s a good girl, a strong woman, and she’s done a lot with her life. I take my hat off to her, to be honest with you.”
NYP: On his relationships with former fellow judges André Leon Talley,Twiggy, Miss J and Mr. Jay, and Paulina Porizkova:NB: “We became good friends. André came to one of my[documentary] screenings the other day in shorts and a T-shirt. That’s the real André.”
NYP: On his new gig, host of Oxygen’s new model reality competition project The Face:NB: “It’s a whole new take on the genre. Some people have been comparing it to The Voice in that there will be teams. I’m very excited. It’s going to be a great show.”
Nigel Barker, former judge on America’s Next Top ModelPhotos courtesy NYP/Michael EdwardsCheck out the entire interview with Nigel Barker and exclusive photos of his home and family today at http://www.nypost.com/pagesixmag.Interview conducted by Page Six Magazine writer Alison Prato. -
At Home With Fashion
In honor of Fashion Night Out, and Fashion Week in New York City, I thought I’d do a quick post on the folks behind some of the most amazing fashion we’ve come to love so well. When we think about who’s dressing the First Lady, Michelle Obama, Tracy Reese and Jason Wu’s names immediately come to mind. These fashion designers do their jobs with so much panache that their fames have extended through the far corners of the globe.
Diane von Furstenberg’s home in the High Line district of Manhattan is irresistibly chic, and it reflects her love for travel. Then there’s Marc Jacobs’ President, Robert Duffy’s townhouse in Greenwich Village which looms large in its design – just like the man himself.
Tracy Reese in her upstate New York Home
Diane von Furstenberg
Marc Jacobs’ President Robert Duffy’s Greenwich Village’s Living Room
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The Weekender: The Return Of The King
CHRISTIAN LACROIX’ NEW ADDRESS
“It’s LACROIX, darling, LACROIX.” Remember Jennifer Saunders’ character Edina, and her constant refrain in Absolutely Fabulous? She was known for her wild streak as well as her desperate attempts to stay young and hip by donning the most hilarious, ostentatious clothing. And guess what?
We all loved her for that even more since his fashion was fit for her personality. I’ve long admired Christian Lacroix‘ spirit, if not necessarily his fashion, so this week, I was thrilled to receive in my mailbox an email from Robb Report about the flamboyant fashion designer and the re-opening of his left bank Parisian boutique. The interior design was hip, without being over the top, and for me that was a huge plus. In addition, I liked the gold wallpaper that was used throughout this quaint little space which once was an old printing shop. According to their creative director Sacha Walckhoff, gold is definitely in for the home this fall.
When Amanda Millin asked about incorporating gold in the home, and still making it look modern , Sacha responded “For furniture, avoid gold and grand style, and go for the ’50s and ’60s designer pieces like the ones of Jean Prouvé or Charlotte Perriand in order to add a modern touch. Then go back to gold for the little decorative objects like “One Minute Sculpture” by Marcel Wanders. It is always nice to mix gold with a fabric that looks simple. Natural beige linen, for example, or a rough cream cotton. Try our gold Voyage wallpaper (an ancient map of the south of France) with our Feria natural beige linen fabric. The Voyage wallpaper is very light and can be used anywhere.”Photos by Francis Amiand, via Robb Report
NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. - At The Auction with Vyna, Auction Houses, Brooke Astor, Decorative Arts, Fine Arts, Life and Style, Sotheby's
The Stately Home of Brooke Astor
“Brooke Astor’s enthusiasm for every detail pertaining to the furnishing and decorating of her rooms is charmingly effective. No one can equal her gaiety of spirit, her joyous laughter, and her keen wit.”Albert Hadley, famed decorator who designed rooms for both Holly Hill and the Astors’ Park Avenue apartmentBrooke Astor’s property revealed a woman who was well travelled and had a keen eye for English and French pieces from both the 18th and early-19th centuries, as well as Chinese lacquer furniture primarily dating to the Qing dynasty. The beloved philanthropist and legendary figure in New York society also had a penchant for both Old Master drawings – including works byRiches: Holly Hill, Staircase, The main staircase at Holly Hill, showing a selection of dog pictures. Courtesy Sotheby’s
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Canaletto and Nicolas Lancret – and Chinese export reverse-painted glass pieces. I must have looked at the Sotheby’s catalogue at least half a dozen times before I was able to choose a few items which I thought would be quite fitting for a “modern” interior.
The Park Avenue duplex apartment of Brooke Astor in the Rosario Candela designed building is on 73rd street. It is one of New York City’s most famous residences, and housed the iconic library that is one of the most photographed rooms in the history of American interior designEDITOR’S TOP PICKS
Portrait of Brooke Astor by Sir Cecil Beaton, signed Beaton lower right, watercolor over pencil on paper
In The Mix: Louis XV style ormolu-mounted Chinese blue-glazed porcelain clock, 19th Century, The Dialsigned Balthazar A Paris
Mid 20th Century Art: James Montgomery Flagg, I Like It This Way, signed James Montgomery Flagg lower right
A pair of Louis XV/XVI transitional style carved beechwoodBergères en gondole, 20th CenturyFor a completely different look, I would have these chairs upholstered in a Shagreen – pebbled surface cowhide (see below)
Image Courtesy Kick Shaw Productions
A George III style mahogany etagereOne is not enough. Etageres should come in twos, so I would have Rosini & Sons, my furniture maker,duplicate this snazzy piece of furniture.
A pair of Chinese Cizhou-type baluster vases, mounted as lamps from the Qing Dynasty,from the 19/20th Century
A pair of Chinese carved celadon-glazed brushpots from the Kangxi period (1662-1722)The muted celadon is spot on for a modern look.
1 of 2 polychrome-painted and carved figures of sheep, Dan Falt, northeast harbor,Maine 20th CenturyThere’s no rule that says you cannot bring these painted sheep into your indoor space. I personally like a whimsical element in my decor, because it invigorates an interior and makes it that much more interesting
The Dog Show by Vicente Viudes, signed Vicente Viudes lower right (signed again and inscribed Madrid)Mrs. Astor surrounded herself with objects she loved, and her gardens reflected her life and passions. Although the dogs were the center piece for this painting, the outdoors reference was a singular reminder. BTW: A multitude of her beloved dogs will form a significant selection in the September auction.
A view of the famed library at Mrs. Astor’s duplex Manhattan apartment
Mughal-style “chrysanthemum” gem-inlaid jade hand mirror from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)Every room should have a mirror, even if it is just a small one
Bon Voyage: A sixteen-piece T.Anthony red canvas luggage set comprised of thirteen suitcases and three handbags. Together with two similar handbags, All initialed B.R.A.
A modern, neoclassical style cream and green painted low tableOne of the very few pieces from the sale which is estimated below $2,000. Sometimes you just have to mix the highs with the lows. And this lovely piece fits the bill
Three gold photo frames, Cartier, New York and another maker, Mid-20th Century
The September auction will include property from the Holly Hill, Westchester mansion. The estate was designed in 1927 by architect Paul William DelanoAccording to Sotheby’s “The sale will comprise fine and decorative art from Mrs. Astor’s Park Avenue apartment in New York City and her Westchester County estate, Holly Hill, as well as a selection of jewelry from her personal collection. The approximately 900 items in the sale will be on exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 17 September.”
Rare and important pair of Japanese export black and gilt lacquer covered jars circa 1680-1700
La Sortie Des Six Metegrave; Tres from Raoul Dufy, circa 1935
Sir Cecil Beaton, Lilac, signed Beaton (twice)
An English or Dutch chinoiserie painted and embossed leather eight-panel screen mid 18th centuryImages Courtesy Sotheby’sAll rights reserved -
The Weekender: Fêtes à Paris
Biennale des Antiquaires –Part 2 of 3
Gala Diners at the BiennaleSo many parties so little time. The Biennale des Antiquaires has never been short of celebrity and high society sightings. HEW have accumulated photos from this celebrated fair through the years, and they’re all for your enjoyment. Who knows? They may motivate you to attend the Gala on Wednesday, September 12th. Cheers!.JPG?w=960)
Left: Christian Deydier, Président Jacques Chirac and honored guests
Estelle Lefebure
Bernadette Chirac
Mrs. Mc Cormick-Blair, and Pierre Bergé
Princesse Ira de Furstemberg
Alberto Pinto (center)
Mr Forbes and Veronica Hearst
Mathilde Agostinelli, Philippe Starck, and Victoire de Castellane
Princesse Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, and Karl Lagerfeld
Farida Lhelfa, Karl Lagerfeld, Distinguished Guest, Pierre Passebon, and Jean de Gunzburg
Anna Mouglalis, and Peter Marino
Baron and Baronne Emmanuel Reille
Christian Louboutin, and Minica Bellucci
Danièle Steel
Jacques Garcia
Karl Lagerfeld, and Hélène Arnault
Monica Bellucci
Mr & Mrs Henry Kravis, Karl Lagerfeld
Valentino
Pierre Passebon, and Jacques GrangeCopyright images. All rights reserved -
The Weekender: European Vacations
Luxury Hotels = Location, Location, LocationToday, let us bask in the summer sun by traveling to some of Europe’s most luxurious hotels and resorts. Believe it or not, as an avid traveller (mostly business-related), a vacation doesn’t come around too often for me, so when I take a holiday, I try to make it worthwhile. Making great memories that last for a lifetime when you travel around the world is what it’s all about.
Classical Britain, UKThat’s why choosing to stay in the best hotels is the only choice to make. It’s no secret that the best hotels provide more amenities and better services. And let’s not forget the location factor. Location is one of the key elements to consider when choosing a hotel. Luxurious hotels means privacy and total relaxation.
Classical Britain provides high-end luxury holiday and business accommodation in Windsor and Eton.
Classical Britain also provides their guests with exclusive concierge services, thus giving them access to events, chauffeurs, the English Season, private boat charter and private jets.Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, UK
Country House Living at its Best: Lucknam Park Hotel
Horse riding over 500 acres of gardens and walking trails
Bespoke Traditionally Designed Guest Rooms, and Suites
Sumptuous Luxury: Down to the Pool HouseMonte-Carlo Beach, Monaco
Monte Carlo BeachAll the hotels included in this post have a 5 stars ratings. I particularly love this one not necessarily for the amneties which are superb, but because it evokes a spirit of the Roaring Twenties in the Riviera. I normally stay at the Parker Meridien when I am in Monaco, so I often visit this Mediterranean beach resort (I’m afraid it’s too rich for my blood) whenever I’m in the the area.
This haven has a total of 40 rooms and suites, and is situated on the Cote d’Azur betweenCap Martin and glamorous MonacoNOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. -
The Weekender: Bruce Webber and the 2012 Summer Olympic Games
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!The long-awaited 2012 Summer Olympics is finally upon us! And we’re very excited about that and with all the buzz surrounding it. Obviously, we cannot wait for the opening ceremony which will take place this evening. So I couldn’t imagine not having the Olympics as a center story for Friday’s post. The latest series of photographs that Bruce Weber took for Vanity Fair in order to mark the occasion are simply magnificent. I love great photography and he’s certainly a top tier professional – just like the athletes pictured here. Thinking back, I wanted to do a short post on Brigitte Lacombe’s Stunning Portraits of Arab Lady Athletes called the “Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport”.
This brilliant series of photographs will be first shown at Sotheby’s in London, then moved to the Qatar Museums Authority Gallery in Doha in early 2013. Both stories are just great, but at the end, Weber’s flawless photography won me over.
“Try to have some fun, try to breathe and take it in but also WIN! – Michelle Obama to the American Team.”Michelle Obama
Misty May and Kerri WalshBeach Volleyball
Chris KapplerEquestrian Sports
Serina WilliamsTennis
Justin and Troy DumaisDiving
Mary SandersRhythmic Gymnastics
Dain BlantonBeach VolleyballImages via Vanity Fair
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Classic Cars Fit for a Prince
Owning a piece of history has never been easier than it is right now. Over 38 vehicles out of more than 100 from the Royal family of Monaco are up for grabs during an auction from Heritage which takes place today, July 26. You may be wondering why are these irreplaceable rides are on the auction block ….High Retro: This Porsche 928 is considered the high-lights of the sale, with a reported estimate of $317,000
According to Prince Albert – a huge collector of classic cars – he’s simply ready to “add some new models to a collection which is so very dear to my heart”. What’s great about this sale is that while there are a number of classic cars among the lot, overall, the vehicles on offer are what they call ‘real world’ models which are affordable to the man on the street. The 1925 Citroën (pictured below) is estimated between $15,500 to $19,000. Heritage described the sale as a ‘unique opportunity to acquire a motor car from one of the most well known collections, from the most famous and prestigious Principalities’.
True Provenance: 1925 Citroën 5 HP torpédo Trèfle, Super-culasse from Prince Albert II of MonacoPhotos via Daily Mail UKDesigned initially as a replacement for the Porsche 911, the 928 S has a 4.7-litre V8 engine which Heritage Auctions described as a ‘very fine tourer’. Prince Albert II was quoted as saying: ‘The Princes of Monaco have always been passionate about motor cars. Prince Pierre initiated the Grand Prix in 1929, and competed in it, in a Torpedo. My father, Prince Rainier, took over the development of the race, which has today become one of the most prestigious events in the world.”NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
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Who is Raf Simons?
At the start of this month, a 44 year old Belgian fashion designer made a smashing debut at Paris’ Fashion Week Haute Couture for the Fall/Winter 2013. His name? Raf Simons. Sure, John Galliano was sorely missed by his followers because of his fierce creativity, but certainly not for his drunken, anti-Semitic tirade.Above: Grand Entrance: Princess Charlene of Monaco, Bernard Arnault, Delphine Arnault and Isabelle Huppert looked on as the first model made a striking entrance wearing a Dior classic dress with a dyed pattern that reminded me of darkness, and poetry.2012 seemed a light-year away from 1997, and the ghost of Galliano was nowhere in site during the fashion show which took place at a grand residence in a series of intimate rooms filled with white orchids in one room, deep purple delphiniums in another, along with a mixture of roses. So once the lights came on, the audience was captured by Raf Simons’ vision for Dior, and ultimately witnessed a rebirth of the fashion house’s lustrous history. Instead of his usual runway shows which often find the models parading up and down train stations, and parking lots, the fashion designer showed some finesse by taking the reigns with passion and a little bit of old school drama.DIOR’S NODTO THE 1940s
Raf Simons
Woking that old Dior magic: The detailed, and decorated embroidered top is so charming and romantic. The lean cigarette pants wasn’t bad either!Raf Simons does have his own menswear collection, but before taking this job as the director of Dior, he’s worked for Jil Sanders as their creative designer in 2005. He was given high praise for his variety of highly coveted pantsuits which were a staple for TV personality Ellen DeGeneres. The New York Times Fashion Writer Cathy Horyn had this to say about his Fall 2007 collection, “On Tuesday a little-known Belgian designer named Raf Simons had the full attention of the fashion world. Mr. Simons’s collection for Jil Sander, his third since becoming creative director 18 months ago, was perfect. It will make everything else, I bet, seem a little contrived, a little clunky, a little silly.” She also considered his talents to be up to par with the likes Azzedine Alaia and Karl Lagerfeld!
Gold Rush: Out of control exquisite pencil skirt and gold weaved top.
So Haute!Throughout the entire collection, Raf Simons managed to honor the original Dior designs by combining the delicate and complexed textures for a glamorous and smooth look.
Cape town: The audience was clearly mesmerized (not just by the beautiful flowers) and payed rapt attention to the perfection and great details of the garbs. I wondered what Anna Wintour,and her daughter Bee Shaffer thought of them all…
Magnificent finale!Raf Simons made the collection all his own – thread by thread.
La Vie En RoseThis was the entrance to the runway show earlier this month in Paris.A little over one million flowers were used. How extravagant. How delightful. How brilliant!Images courtesy of Benoit Tessier for Reuters via The Guardian
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