The Weekender
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The Art of Serenity
Menla Mountain RetreatNature Strikes the Perfect BalanceImagine being in a place where your mobile service is deemed “unavailable” for the most time, and there is unlimited access to the rest of the world via the media, or internet. And guess what? It is all A-ok with you. Many such places exist around the world. How marvelous that this type of place exists just a few hours away from Manhattan, and that the experience left me with memories that are ones of the sweetest kind. Menla Mountain Retreat & Conference Center sits on 320 acres in the very heart of the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York. It is a serene place where you can relax, enjoy your privacy, get in touch with nature and reflect on the importance of a peaceful and meaningful life. The facilities surrounding this retreat are also a place where one can hold their conferences, enjoy a variety of workshops that are convened by Tibet House USA. Menla is a seriously beautiful place that is well known for its Wellness Spa which incorporates Tibetan, Aryuvedic and Western healing arts.This quiet and engaging place offers a variety of activities that make up the perfect recipe for an unforgettable weekend of R&R. During my visit, approximately three weeks ago, I indulged in the services of their superb, and beautifully designed spa by famed interior designer and architect, Clodagh. The retreat, which is owned by Robert and Nena Thurman, provides several incredible hiking tours to the impressive Giant Ledge-Panther-Fox Hollow Trail. They have a Yoga Studio, various wellness activities and let us not forget some of the most delicious, vegetarian food in the east side. The facility and surroundings are immensely serene, and it was truly magnificent to witness nature striking the perfect chord, as I enjoyed a weekend getaway that is sure to command many returns and lots of happy memories.Hiking
The Wellness Center
Robert Thurman, Clodagh, and Nena Thurman
The Conference Center at MenlaHealthy & Fine Cuisine
Menla’s Chef
Thank you Andrew Joseph for inviting me to one of the most beautiful places on earth
Interior Designer, Clodagh chatting with the press and the Menla chefShopping
Mahasukha Spa
Getting ready for my spa appointments
Exquisite details of an ancient Tibetan silk textileLodgings
The Grounds
Images by High End Weekly™
All rights reserved - Art, Design, Galleries, Kips Bay, Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, Life and Style, Parties, The Weekender
Out On The Town: This Month’s Hottest Events
Clockwise: David Patrick Columbia and Vyna St. Phard (Doyle New York), Felicia Zwebner, Bryant Keller, Jennifer Duneier (Irene Mamiye Gallery), Thom Filicia (Mandarin Hotel), Solstiss Lace showroom, Nicky Haslam and Vyna St. Phard (Baroncelli), Irene Mamiyeand Stephen Dweck (Irene Mamiye Gallery).Kips Bay President’s DinnerOne week ago at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the annual Kips Bay President’s Dinner raised over $500,000 for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. It was a great evening that gathered New York’s influencers and design elite including Dennis Basso, Somers and Jonathan Farkas, Tony Ingrao, Randy Kemper, Vicente Wolf, Thom Filica, Bunny Williams, Margaret Russell, Mario Buatta, Richard and Marcia Mishaan, Jim Lebenthal, and James Huniford, among many others. The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club choir also treated guests to two performances throughout the evening, the first was ’96,000’ from the Broadway hit In The Heights, the second was ‘The Prayer’, originally performed by Andrea Bocelli.
James Druckman, Tony Ingrao, Margaret Russell, Randy Kemper, Richard Mishaan, Jennifer Steinbrenner, Bunny Williams, Jamie Drake, Daniel Quintero
Tony Ingrao, Margaret Russell, Randy Kemper
Richard Mishaan, Margaret Russell
Thom Filicia
Bunny Williams
Richard Mishaan, Marcia Mishaan
Mario Buatta, Patricia Sovern
Susan Henshaw Jones, James Lebanthal
Jennifer Steinbrenner, Daniel Quitero
Michael Bruno, Lizzy Fraser, Mario Buatta
Kips Bay Boys & GirlsPhoto courtesy Patrick McMullanIrene Mamiye Soho Gallery OpeningNew York-based artist Irene Mamiye opens a gallery space at 89 Spring Street in Soho to showcase her fine art photography, furniture from the Chroma Collection, design and video. Mamiye is best known for incorporating various digital imaging techniques into her fine art photography. Inspired by light, color and movement, her work explores the intricate relationship between her complex personal history, the camera’s unique relation to reality, and the visionary possibilities of digital imaging. Mamiye’s work has been exhibited in prestigious national venues, including: Phillips De Pury & Company, Sotheby’s, Art Basel/Miami, HW Gallery in Naples, Hamburg Kennedy NY and East Hampton, 212 Gallery in Aspen, and Cheryl Hazan Gallery NY.
Irene Mamiye
Irene Mamiye Gallery in Soho
Irene Mamiye and Stephen Dweck
Felicia Zwebner and Charles Mamiye
Bryant Keller and Suzanne Eason
Alberto Villalobos and Mercedes Desio
Dana and Jennifer Duneier
Felicia Zwebner, Bryant Keller, Jennifer Duneier
Randall Tarasuk and Charles Pavarini III
Jack Lynch and Steven Stolman
Michael Gabriel and Eric Hilton
Elyse Mamiye
Nina Reeves and Beth Mitchell
Alyson Mamiye, Lisa Mitchell and Nicole Cohen
Photos courtesy Norbert Schramm -
Paris in the Springtime
Capucine Café de la Paix, 1950The Art of Georges Dambier
One of the great things about photography, I think, is the fact that it places you in the “right here, right now” setting, no matter how long ago that setting was. It’s all about the scenes we are familiar with, places that we love to revisit. In this case, the place is Paris, and the photography is from Georges Dambier (1925-2011). During its cultural elevation – right at the end of the second world war, Dambier, then 20 years old, captured the city of lights, and all of its vibrant nightlife, glamorous celebrities, and the typical elegant Parisiens. After exploring all of his muses, and inspirations, with a penchant for graphic design and aesthetics, and his liking for refined mise-en-scene, he was lead towards the inevitable – fashion photography.
Karen Blanguernon Montmartre, Magazine Elle, 1959
Sophie Litvak bus stop, Magazine Elle, 1952
Sophie Litvak and little dog, Magazine Elle, 1952
Gunilla Parking
Marie Helene Arnaud the red fish, Magazine Elle, 1957
Simone d’Aillencourt MG Girl, 1957
Sophie Litvak Avenue Messine, Magazine Elle, 1953
Sophie Litvak sac à main
Catherine Hotel Palace Biarritz
Pin up Deauville
Catherine Surfboard Biarritz
Fille Colonne Morris Magazine Jardin des modes
Bettina Miro
Suzy Parker Tour Eiffel
Marie Helene Arnaud Cap d’Antibes Mirror
Suzy Parker with red tulips
Dorian Leigh Cheminée, Magazine Nouveau Fémina, 1954
Suzy Parker Casablanca Airport, Magazine Elle, 1953Images credited to Peter Fetterman Gallery -
Take Me To The South Of France
Provence, FranceHow do I began putting down in words how much this region means to me? Ideally situated between the Mediterranean sea, and the South of France, Provence is where I have some amazing close and supportive friends, clients who have incredibly sentimental views of their homes and lifestyles, it is where architecture speaks and tugs at my heart, lavender fields that I long to see all year round. I love the region’s fine cuisine, street fairs, daily marchées, but what makes it extra special is the warmth and excellent vibration of the people of Provence. They are among some of the warmest and kindest folks that I’ve had the privilege of meeting. Of course, there’s so much more behind these statements, but I’ll let these stunning pictures tell a story of their own. Bon weekend to you all!
Photo via Les Tours Dhorloge
Photo via Backroads.com
Photo via Flickr (Tame 1954)
Photo via decordeprovence.blogpost.com
Photo via Weheartit.com
Photo via Flickr (Julia Fredenburg)
Unless otherwise noted, all of the above photos are via Pinterest
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Vyna St Phard in front of La Place et l’hotel d’AlbertasProvence 2000Photo High End Weekly™ - Aspen, France, Hotels, London, Luxury Hotels, Monaco, Morocco, New York, Paris, Tangier, The Weekender, United Kingdom
Legendary Luxury Hotels to Fall in Love With
The Suite LifeVisit our Top 7 choices of the most glamorous places to stay this holiday season.
Signature Suite at Hôtel Metropole
The Bentley suite at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City
Bentley theme suite, St Regis, NY
The newly renovated Hotel Jerome, in Aspen Colorado has never looked better
The lure and excitement of being in Tangier rises to the top at the Laurence of Morroco Hotel
One of the few places where great fashion ideas took shape: The Coco Chanel Suite at The Ritz, Paris
The Elton John Suite at The Ritz Hotel, ParisNOTE: 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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Classic American Style at its Best
Joseph Abboud’s Classic TuxedoThe British have Savile Row, and Italians are well known for their fashion savor fair, and everything sartorial. And in America, we have some of the most trail blazing fashion designers. Joseph Abboud has long been recognized as having his own brand of classic style, and is by large a “style guardian”. In 1981, he began working along side the American Style Icon Ralph Lauren, and thus started his namesake label in 1986.Written by Mark Scott
Joseph Abboud Super 120s Wool Tuxedo
photo via suitored.com
Joseph Abboud has furnished everyone from athletes, musicians and businessmen to everyday Men of Style (such as myself). His unique style is classic but still very relevant to American Fashion. In February 2013, I will look forward, once more, to the spin he puts on American Style during Fashion Week in New York!
photo via Joseph Abboud
photo via Joseph Abboud
photo via Joseph Abboud
photo via Joseph Abboud
Jospeh Abboud’s Runway Show/2013photo via The Fine Young Gentleman
photo via Joseph Abboud
Cufflinks by Joseph Abboudphoto via modnique.com
Joseph Abboud’s Home Collectionvia Joseph Abboud
Joseph Abboud’s runway show/2012photo via Fresher than Chris
Joseph Abboud, Spring 2013photo via The Fine Young Gentleman
Fashion designer, Joseph AbboudNOTE: 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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Bedecked and Bejeweled
Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels SaleIf you didn’t make it to the Magnificent Jewels Exhibition today at Sotheby’s York Avenue Galleries, I strongly suggest you do so by December 4. The famed auction house had one of their spectacular sale last September, during the auction of “Property from the Estate of Brooke Astor”, which culminated in an impressive selection of Mrs. Astor’s famed jewels. And now they’re having another important jewelry sale on December 5th, as they’ll be offering an impressive array of jewelry owned by leading women of New York: Estée Lauder, Evelyn H. Lauder, and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman.The auctions of Magnificent Jewels will include important white and colored diamonds from additional private collections, as well as an assortment of period and signed jewels. The all day sale will be divided into three sessions. It will start with Mrs. Charles Wrightman’s Jewelry collection, afterwards, the Evelyn and Estée Lauder’s sale which will lead into the various jewelry collections sale. During the press preview, I was informed by one of their specialist that that very same day, they will hold a Timepiece, and an Antique sale as well. In case you’re unable to make it to this extraordinary auction of antique jewelry, it is a comfort knowing that Sotheby’s has a permanent department of Contemporary Diamonds sold at retail prices. It is by appointment only.Estée Lauder, Evelyn H. Lauder Collections
Botton right: 18 karat white gold, diamond and ruby ‘Love’ bracelet, France
Top left: Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Diamond Pendant-Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels, New York 1978, from the collection of Estée Lauder.Set with a heart-shaped Fancy Intense Yellow diamond weighing 47.14 carats, formelry in the collection of hte Duchess of Windsor (pictured top right)
Evelyn H. Lauder at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Annual Hot Pink Party, 2011
Top right: 18 karat gold, platinum, coral, diamond and emerald brooch, David WebbBottom right: 18 karat gold, platinum, diamond colored stone and enamel bangle-bracelet, also by David Webb
Left: 18 karat gold, ruby, emerald and diamond evening bag, David Webb.18 karat two-color gold and sapphire evening bag, Bulgari (centered)From the Collection of Evelyn Lauder, sold to benefit the Breast Cancer Research FoundationMrs. Charles Wrightsman
Left: Diamond Ribbon Bow Brooch, circa 1840, formerly in the Collection of HRH Princess Marina,Duchess of Kent
Top Left: Mrs Wrighsman’s Platinum, 18 karat White Gold, Coral Onyx and Diamond Wilting Hibiscus necklace, designed by Suzanne Belperron, 1932-1940. Pair of platinum, carved coral,onyx and diamond ear clips, verdura, 1986
Speaking of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, Hamish Bowles, International Editor At Large of Vogue wrote“She continues to exert a powerful mystique, aura of elegance and absolute sense of connoisseurship over the younger generation.”Various Jewelry Collections
Platinum and diamond double clip-brooch, circa 1930Approximately 10.25 carats
Pair of 18 karat white gold and diamond ear clips, with interchangeable pendantsHigh End Weekly™ ImagesAll rights reserved -
Drama At The Table
Photo credit Chronicle/Eric LuseHow To Decorate Your Tables – BeautifullyMy gift to you today is a series of dramatic table settings that I’ve collected from the Internet over the years. No doubt you appreciate the pleasure and the importance of preparing a meal, and setting an elegant table as you get together with your friends and families. So today, as you welcome them in your homes and ultimately your tables, why not do so with a bit of flair, and a lot of drama?
Simple and personal touches at the table equal lasting memoriesPhoto via Brunch at SAKS
Centerpieces are key to any table settings. It’s important for the eye to wonder and fantasy, especially when the conversation around the table gets a bit dull
Black and white is the new black. Seeing these bold stripes at an outdoor table setting is “a good thing”. It makes a lasting impression, even if the flowers were absent from the table
Bountiful: Preston Bailey’s over the top, yet elegant table setting
Breaking bread: The folks at Le Pain Quotidien always manage to create a dramatic table, even with they bare-polished furniture
Elegant: Greek keys, monograms and zig zags… Who could ask for anything more?Photo via Reasons to Breathe
Lost in the woods: This setting is by far one of the most interesting ones. It provides a means to escape, and be wrapped up – In The MomentPhoto credit Chronicle/Eric Luse
I would of liked to see a bit more color here, especially since all the flowers are white. However, the peacock provides plenty of that – even though it is neutralMonique Lhuilier’s Table Setting
Shine on: Nothing says drama, and romance than candlesticks
Okay, we get it! Audrey equals drama!Photo credit Timothy Kilk, via Elle Decor
Outdoor festivities are always a great ideas. Even in the winterAll other images via PinterestNOTE: 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
The Wondrous World of Parisian Florist Olivier Giugni
- Celebrities, Daniel Day-Lewis, Life and Style, Lincoln, Movies, Steven Spielberg, The Weekender, Time Magazine
Is Daniel Day-Lewis The World’s Greatest Actor?
Academy award actor, Daniel Day-LewisThere’s been more than 15K books written about Abraham Lincoln. Yet to the general public, Lincoln remains an enigma, the man himself dubbed his persona as “strange”. I wouldn’t pretend to be an expert on Lincoln, but I will say that I know a lot about Daniel Day-Lewis (over the years, I’ve accumulated countless of scrap books about the actor’s personal life, and career). Daniel has been an inspiration, and I’ve admired his acting skills since I was 18 years old. Although I do not have a razor sharp memory of each and every single moments of his earlier films, I found his performances in My Left Foot, The Last of The Mohicans, There Will Be Blood – unforgettable. Even his less known films left a tremendous impact on my view of him. When I look back at his one-liner, tornado force introduction in Gandhi, I knew even then that he was destined for greatness.And so decades, Daniel Day-Lewis has been called to the world’s stage to show, once again, his immense power as this generation greatest actor (I’m all in agreement with Time Magazine). It makes sense that he went out of his way to pursue the lead role in a film that delves into the portrayal of a president that was revered, and will so far be remembered as the greatest president of all time.
Left: The official movie poster of Lincoln. Right: DDL on the cover of Time Magazine
A Room with A View (Daniel Day-Lewis shaking hands with Helena Bonham Carter)
Daniel Day-Lewis
The Age of Innocence: Michelle Pfeiffer, and Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood
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
- Art Exhibition, Events, Fine Arts, Friedman and Vallois, Life and Style, Rachid Khimoune, The Weekender, Tribal Art
Let’s Meet at Vallois!
Rachid Khimoune next to his Strange Fruit InstallationOut & AboutFriedman & Vallois hosted a successful art opening this past Thursday evening at their posh gallery location on East 64th Street. For the very first time in New York, an exclusive showing of French artist Rachid Khimoune‘s avant garde pieces were on display. The exhibition opened on November 8th and will run until December 21. Look for my brief interview with the artist tomorrow morning. And for additional images of the party, visit our Facebook page.
Rachid Khimoune, Robert Vallois
Margaret Le Coze (Le Bernadin) Rachid Khimoune, Eve Ruggieri
Barry Friedman, Patricia Pastor
Eve Ruggieri
Eve Ruggieri (center) and her friends
Thanhyen Nguyen
Patrick de Bourgues, Rachid Khimoune, Alexandra de Grece, Nicolas Mirayantz
Laurence Fayard
Alex Barlow, Karim Khimoune
Elodie Giancristoforo
Kahina Khimoune and friendPhoto credit Benjamin Didier
