Life and Style
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Whatever Anna Wants…
The 2011 Fashion Night Out is a mere 9 days away. How excited are you?Three years ago, we were introduced to our first dose of sheer fashion bliss; and judging from everyone reactions ever since, New York City still can’t get enough.This year, the expectations are high for the Big Apple, since we’ve been knocked off our No. 1 spot as the Global Fashion Capital of the World-London is reigning at the moment. Nevertheless, we are confident that we can still be awed and delighted by our city’s iconic and unabashedly extravagant luxury flagship stores. Bellow you will find a few of our favorites. For a complete schedule, visit www.fashionnightout.com.Tracy Reese
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The Audacious Mrs. V.
Diana Vreeland: Goddess of StyleDiana Vreeland was dazzling. She was a tremendous talent, with taste, along with an outstanding instinct. She was also the greatest fashion editor ever.As time passes, the memory often fades, and some today may be left wondering who was Diana Vreeland, and what made her the authoritative voice of fashion? Diana (who preferred to have her name pronounced “Dee-Ann”) had a long run career at Harper’s Bazaar magazine back in the 1930s. She started by writing a monthly column of audacious advice for living a more fashionable life entitled “Why Don’t You…?” (Each week, we feature a different quote from Mrs. Vreeland’s collection of “Why Don’t You”).Illustration by Kenneth Paul Block
Written during the Great Depression, the column was widely popular, as it provided a fashionable escape by offering advice such as “why don’t you wear black paillette slacks with a hand-pleated white handkerchief linen blouse, black lacquer Chanel bracelets on each wrist and a huge multicolored jeweled pin at the throat?”, to decorating advice “why don’t you have a private staircase from your bedroom to the library with a needlework carpet with notes of music worked on each step – the whole spelling your favorite tune?”, and my personal favorite “why don’t you realize the return of black, and black and white, in decoration? It is of tremendous importance. Use it whenever you can”. She boldly claimed that “They were all very tried and true ideas”.As an highly individual fashion editor, Diana brought consistency, knowledge, extravagance, imagination and perfection to Harper’s Bazaar. For those who who knew her, it seems that everything she did or say, somehow came from a cloud. After the second world war, she was the one who unassailable declared that the bikini was a bombastic element in fashion. And as time passes, that statement remained true.*While she was working at Bazaar, and later as editor-in-chief at Vogue, many of Diana’s ideas quickly influenced fashion trends. Whether it was the thong sandal, animal prints, wigs, artificial flower, black cashmere sweaters worn as a uniform, a snood instead of a hat, and black ballet slippers, Diana’s conceptual ideas became the fashion world’s reality.In that world, she became an inspiration for fashion heavy weights like Issey Miyake, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Bill Blass. In the 1960s she advised the First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in matters of style, and connected her to fashion designer, Oleg Cassini. In the 1980s, and leading up to her death in 1989, Mrs. Vreeland helped launched the careers of many fashion designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Manolo Blahnik, and Diane von Furstenberg.She was and will remain the grande dame of fashion, and one of the most inspirational one. At the time of her death, renowned photographer, Richard Avedon claimed that “She was the only genius fashion editor.” The distinguished English photographer Cecil Beaton once said “Among the women whose vocations involve them with the world of fashion, none is more strikingly individual than Mrs. Vreeland.” Even today, that statement still holds true.* In 1949, French mechanical engineer Louis Reard, designed the bikini and it was first presented at the fashion show in Paris that very same year. Upon seeing the bikini, Diana dubbed it as the “swoonsuit”, remarking that it “revealed everything about a girl except her mother’s maiden name.” -
The Weekender: Endless Summer
Capri, c’est fini!The last few days, I’ve been thinking allot about Capri, Italy. In this blog, I often talk about my hotel experiences. Either those I’ve been to, or those I’ve yet to explore.The J.K. Place Capri is perched on a cliff above the sea, and it boasts breathtaking, ringside views of the waves. As well as a sense of being on a yacht, with its pale-wood floors and jauntily striped textiles which you will find throughout the beautifully decorated 22-rooms hotel.The J.K. Place Capri is the sort of hotel that is definitely high on our family’s list. A few years back, one of my designer friend stayed at this hotel which is located off above the main ferry port of Marina Grande.
Now married with children, my friend is about to embark on another adventure to Capri, and he’s been recalling his memories of this town and the hotel, as they’re getting ready to take off in the middle of next week.
The main dining room is mainly all white (but exceptionally attractive with accents of fresh flowers and beautifully designed pillows), which makes it a heavenly welcome, especially during thosemorning breakfasts.
The penthouse suite is spectacularly designed with muted tones so as not to distract from the main attraction – the ocean view. How gloriously inviting is this view?
The hotel was stylishly decorated by Florentine decorator Michele Bonan. The design feels like the house of a refined and wealthy collector, and the accents throughout the place are a bit feminine, and at times, nautical.
There are splashes of bright and pastels colors throughout the hotel, to enliven the eclectic sprinkling of antique furniture. All the public places have dark-wood floors which give J.K. Place
Capri a true sense of being a resort hotel.
Recent pieces in sixties-retro style, wing chairs, statues and framed atelier drawings decorate the downstairs lounge, and library. All these elements contribute to a feeling of a home away from home.Although a bit out of the way (which I think is part of its charm), you will have to take the funicular or a car to reach Capri town, but the hotel is well worth the effort, and I look forward to discover it one day. But for now, I will have to live vicariously through my friend Bernard and his wife Sophie.225 Via Provinciale Marina GrandeMarina Grande, CapriItaly 80073Tel: 39 081 838 4001* Don’t forget to participate in our End of Summer Giveaways, listed here on High End Weekly™.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. -
The Weekender: Relax, Unwind and Pamper
Spa Pampering Treatments at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City
What a week it’s been! With the US avoiding defaulting on their debt by a hairsbreadth, and just a few moment ago Standard & Poor’s downgraded the US long-term sovereign credit rating to AA+ from its top rank of AAA, I say it’s high time for some Spa Therapy.
Tomorrow morning, I’ll be booking mine ASAP, and yes, the spa of choice will be the Mandarin Oriental Hotel New York. Without a doubt, it is THE TOP Spa Destination, and here’s the reasons why:
It boasts six multi-functional treatment rooms with private showers
Thai Yoga Suite with deep soaking tub and water features
VIP Spa Suite with fireplace and private steam & shower
Separate men’s and women’s heat experiences – vitality pool, amethyst crystal steam room
Separate men’s and women’s relaxation loungesOriental Tea LoungeSpa cuisineSpa boutique to extend your experience at homeExclusive Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa ProductsOf course going to the spa won’t solve this world’s woes, but it will certainly rejuvenate your spirit and help your body and mind prepare for the next round of life’s unexpected travails.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel New York
80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street
New York, New York 10023
T: 212.805.8800
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The Weekender: Get Away in Style
Brown logo textured leather duffel bag
Chanel Black Diamond Stitch Duffel Tote Bag
Bawling Bag
LongchampPersonalized Le Pliage Expandable Duffel
Tod’s for Ferrari duffel Bagwww.store.ferrari.com
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. -
Classic Cars
Speed Thrills
From a classic to the latest luxury automobile, loud noises, such as the revving of an engine, are likely to have an arousing effect on an individuals physiology. This summer, we will go all out to begin our conversations about cars – classic cars that is.
James Bond’s Aston Martin
We are very fond of them (especially the English types) because for the most part, these old luxury vehicles were completely streamlined, fashionable – from the city to the country side. What makes a great car a great car? Each one of us may come up with a different answer, but one thing for sure, a great car contains this fait accompli, instead of the “xerox copy models” that most of us have to contend with. Some may go further and say that when it comes to classic cars, what they truly admire about them are the curves, the arousing sounds, or the car’s originality. And that would be true. At the end of the day, we will always go for originality, especially when it comes to luxury items. And despite the global downturn, wealthy car lovers have not been deterred from ordering even the latest luxury models.
1961 Ferrari Convertible
1966 MGB, and a 1962 MGA
Aston Martin circa 1950s
Aston Martin DB5
Maserati A6G 1955NOTE: 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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The Weekender: Royal Mansour Marrakech
Splendor in MarrakechEver since its official opening in June 2010, The Royal Mansour has been and is once again High End Weekly’s Hotel Of The Year! The age of excess is undergoing a serious rebirth in North Africa. The only other hotels (if I may even call it a hotel) that could possibly rival the Royal Mansour are in Dubai. This museum/palace wonderland was entirely hand built.The only one of its kind. Morocco’s best of the best were called for this project which took about two years to come to life. The finest architects, carpenters, masons, cabinetmakers and artisans took pride on building a manor that the king could share with his guests atop the remains of a municipal swimming pool inside the Medina wall. Up until now, no one actually knows the actual cost of the build, never mind the furnishings. But who’s counting? Because when it came to the cost, His Highness Mohammed VI, king of Morocco demands for the built of the hotel was quite simple. Money is to be no object. One of his many objectives was to abolish the gypsy feel that one usual associates Morocco with, and to build a hotel like none the world had ever seen before. A magical city in and of itself, with lily ponds and red-clay walls. This is the place where instead of rooms and suites, what you’ll get are riads (traditional Moroccan open-courtyard residences), individual courtyards, your personal butler, and yes, what you probably dreamed of but didn’t have the audacity to think you’ll ever find – champagne shoe polish.
Royal Mansour(from $2,365 – $43,015)Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti40 000 Marrakech – Morocco212 (0)529 80 80 80212 (0)529 80 80 91info@royalmansour.ma
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Shop Like A Parisian
Parisians take their shopping very seriously. After all, it is the birthplace of haute couture and hard core fashionistas take this business to the highest possible level. Whether they’re window shopping from les grand magasins, or quietly ushered inside the more intimate boutiques for their “first look”, Parisian men and women shop at ease in a city that offers just about anything from the unique to the sublime.
For me, the one shop which I often found myself admiring (and yes, sometimes gawking at their goods!) is Colette. There is no other shop in Paris like it. Since its opening in 1997, the store has thrived as an arbiter of Parisian cool, eclectic high-end fashion, designer collaboration, and it is also home to some of the silliest, unexpected books and knickknacks. The owners of Colette, Sarah Lerfet, and her mother, Colette Roussaux have impeccable taste and a keen sense of humor.
213 RUE SAINT-HONORÉ 75001 PARIS
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The Weekender: Chelsea Flower Show 2011
The exuberant and foxy, Dame Helen Mirren launched a flower named in her honor during the Chelsea Flower Show Preview.Few things in life can be compare to this great event. And this year, once again, it did not disappoint. I was expecting to see more constructed boxwood garden designs like we saw a couple of years back, but having a rehash on the things past is never a good thing. Or so I’m told. The big trend was vegetable gardens, as the flower industry is still suffering from the storm of the recession. Though we’re told that things are coming up roses with some of the garden houses in England.
Wished I caught the writer of this poem, inscribed on the Cancer Research garden wall. Very touching.
Loved the hairnet decorated with those dainty little black satin bows!Queen Elizabeth II was presented with her namesake orchid by a Taiwanese team of gardeners. The orchid was the only one of its kind.It must be nice being Queen.
Most of the gardens, this year, lacked that certain modern edge of days gone by, so it was a delight to see this construction of metal veins in the British Heart Foundation garden. A sublime contrast with nature!
Few men, of a certain age, carry it off as well as Sir Paul Smith.
More modern delight – au naturel!Seeing these equisetum in the Homebase Garden made me realized how gardens do not have to be over the top in order to look sensational.
The RBG Melbourne PavilionBringing nature in is always a good idea, don’t you think?
Vegetable gardens were a big hit this year at the Chelsea Flower Show. England is blessed for having such perfect rainy days. When things blossom, they blossom very well, indeed.
The soon to be married Prince Albert of Monaco visited the Monaco Garden.How glorious is Monaco? “It’s a bore!”. Of course, this is only so if you’re Gaston Lachalle (those who’ve seen the movie know exactly what I mean).
Wearing a Black Swan inspired flower tutu this ballerina enchants all her encounters in the M&G investments garden. Although her moves were bewitching, I must say, the outfit was a bit unflattering.
Never mind Taisia Melnyk, nor the William and Catherine English Musk hybrid roses, let’s talk about that splendid hat. How divine! It brought to mind the one worn by Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady – The Ascot Scene.
The Flemings GardenIs there anything more romantic than waterlilies?Not to mention serenely dramatic?
I remembered as if it was yesterday when it was announced that Natasha Richardson died after a skiing accident in Canada.What a sad day that was!Vanessa Redgraves pictured here holds a new rose from rose specialists Harkness in loving memory of her daughter.All photos are from the Telegraphwww.telegraph.co.uk
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.You May Also Like
Jeff Koons Plate Launch and Signing at Bernardaud
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The Girl from Ipanema
“Tall and tan and young and lovely, The girl from Ipanema goes walking, And when she passes each one she passes goes “a-a-ah!”Brazilian fashion designer Sonjja Baram will launch her Spring 2011 this coming Tuesday at the Chelsea Arts Tower, and I’m beyond excited. Summer is but a few weeks away, and it’s time to get bikini ready!Sonjja’s collection is shaping up to be a sensational look inspired by the romantic gardens of the French impressionist painter Pierre-August Renoir. With Memorial Day right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to pick your favorite beachwear style at her Fashion Show on Tuesday, May 24th. Held at the Glass House in the Chelsea Art Tower, the event starts at 7:00 PM with a cocktail reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres and Summer drinks. RSVP at: rsvp@blablablanyc.comWhat will you see at the show?Expect to see vibrant oranges, greens, lilacs and rich browns, as well as prints inspired by Renoir’s paintings. Sonjja’s line was specially designed to fit all shapes and sizes. It has thirty looks that involve tops, bottoms, one-piece swimsuits, skirt, covers, short and long dresses. All are sold separately for easy sizing and include a unique adjustable design to fit your body comfortably.Although designed in New York, Sonjja Baram’s collection is manufactured in Brazil with a variety of handcrafted accents including colorful stones and delicate metallic bands (not heat conductive). Every stone accent piece can be customized to one’s individual style with different gems such as crystals and diamonds. This sophisticated line represents exceptional value and high quality without costing a fortune. All styles are sewn in spandex, which resists sagging and is easy to dry, so swimwear looks and fits like new, longer.
Sonjja Baram designed the right beachwear for your style – just in time for beach season! Get ready to be beautiful, attractive and fun while enjoying what the Summer season brings to life: energy, sunny days and outdoor fun.
