-
Party like it’s 2016!
Official Armory Party Invitation The 2016 Armory Party
The Museum of Modern Art will host The Armory Party, a benefit event with live music and DJs celebrating the opening of The Armory Show and Armory Arts Week, on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. The Armory Show is New York’s leading international fair for modern and contemporary art, showcasing the most important artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries. The evening reception, along with the daytime Early Access Preview at Piers 92 and 94, benefits exhibition programming for MoMA.
The 2016 Armory Party runs from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, and features access to MoMA’s Marcel Broodthaers: A Retrospective exhibition. A VIP Hour will also be held from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. and includes access to Jackson Pollock: A Collection Survey, 1934–1954, as well as The Armory Party at 9:00 p.m. For tickets go to The Armory Show 2016.
Holy Ghost! (aka Alex Frankel and Nicholas Millhiser). Musicians, DJs, and go-to producers known for mesmerizing funk and neo-disco. 
The Armory Party at MoMA, 2015. Photo by Scott Rudd. Photo credit: MoMA Musicians, DJs, and go-to producers known for mesmerizing funk and neo-disco, Holy Ghost! (aka the NYC-based duo of Alex Frankel and Nicholas Millhiser) have released two critically acclaimed albums, 2011’s self-titled début and 2013’s Dynamics, on DFA Records. A remix album, 2015’s self-released Work For Hire also generated wide praise.
All photos courtesy MoMA.
-
Friday’s Art Muse: Alfonso Rocchi
Fanciulla con elleboro/Alfonso Rocchi My work is involves the idealization of the female figure with touches of irony and desecration.My technique is very long and laborious. There are many overlapping layers of oil paint, alternating with as many periods of drying. This allows me to work on more than 20 paintings at once. Alfonso Rocchi
Fanciulla con cardo/Alfonso Rocchi 
Profilo di nobildonna/Alfonso Rocchi I devote high attention to detail. I personally build each frame, so as to match each painting more suitably. The most rewarding experience for me, once each work is finished, is my total appreciation of it. Alfonso Rocchi
Nobildonna con Coca-Cola/Alfonso Rocchi 
Fanciulla con cappello e cardo/Alfonso Rocchi 
Fanciulla con cardo/Alfonso Rocchi All photos via Artmine: Agora Gallery.
-
Editor’s Top Picks from The 2016 Winter Antiques Show
In our opinion, The Winter Antiques Show is the one fair that you need to attend this season. The fair stands as an indication of the Antiques Season. The much-anticipated show consequently runs from Friday, January 22 – 31, 2016 at The Park Avenue Armory.
The grand opening night takes place on Thursday, January 21st, and the Young Collectors Night is on the following week, Thursday, January 28th. This year, High End Weekly™ been asked to choose a few of our favorite pieces for the show before it opens to the public. And of course, we were delighted with this fine prospect.
Nature at its best. A naturally beautiful painting from Sloan at Gerald Peters Gallery. 
A great big Blue Map from James Joyce. Truly a welcoming sight to all the wanderlusts out there. 
A Pair of Playful Bronze Greyhounds at Hirschl & Adler. How magnificent. 
The Wide Open Sky: Pittsburgh Environs from John Kane at Galerie St. Etienne. 
Ode to the nostalgic feelings that Americana Art brings into our lives: American House Trade Sign from Olde Hope Antiques. 
Have A Seat: Clean lines and sturdy elegance from the Carnegie Armchair at Historical Design. 
For the well-dressed woman: Giuliano Persian Cuff from Historical Design. 
When you need to impress your guests – and yourself: Sterling Vase from Historical Design. 
A Japanese Marbelized Clay Stoneware Vase from one of the Go-To Asian Art Dealer in Manhattan, Joan B. Mirviss. 
This art deco eye candy is just the ticket when you need to step out in style – night or day. Cartier Bracelet from Macklowe. 
Whimsical Pair of Rams from Barbara Israel. 
The Chiesa Lamp is perfect because it can easily fit in a traditional and modern home. Paul Donzella Gallery. 
Klein Atomic Bomb Sky from Peter Fetterman. A romantic, yet gloomy scenery of the Big Apple. The perfect moody mood for a cold winter night? 
A mischievous, almost abstract Bronze Bird from Lost City Arts. So much fun! 
An outstanding Shodo Sasaki Sculpture from Kadego Japanese Art. 
When furniture becomes art: Metamorphosis Sculpture from Paul Donzella. 
An antique, yet “modern” old print from American painter and printmaker Louis Lozowick. 
Springtime in Winter: Who wouldn’t want to possess this Ribbon Back Garden Bench from Robert Young? 
An interesting Swedish flatweave from Peter Pap. The geometric lines provide that certain flair for an entryway, or hallway. 
Frank Horvat, Givenchy Hat from Peter Fetterman. A-must have for every fashion lover. The Winter Antiques Show marks its 62nd year in 2016 as the most prestigious art, antiques and design fair in America, featuring the “best of the best” from antiquities through modern times. Held at the historic Park Avenue Armory in New York City, the show provides curators, established collectors, dealers, design professionals and first-time buyers with opportunities to view and purchase exceptional objects showcased by more than 70 exhibitors.
The Winter Antiques Show is an annual benefit for the East Side House Settlement (celebrating its 125th anniversary this year), a community resource in the South Bronx. East Side House’s programs focus on education and technology as gateways out of poverty and as the keys to economic opportunity. All revenue from the show’s general admissions and the net proceeds from the preview parties go to East Side House and contribute substantially to its private philanthropic budget.
In honor the 125th anniversary of the East Side House Settlement, High End Weekly™ is having a giveaway. We are offering one very fortunate reader and a guest, tickets to the Young Collectors Night. Tweet Us, Facebook, and/or Instagram Us your comments for a chance to attend The Winter Antique Show on its 62nd year anniversary.
-
Tête-à-Tête with The Creator of Luxury Online Antique Marketplace RubyLUX
Tom Johnson Founder of RubyLUX.com RubyLUX.com was officially launched in October 2015 by antique collector, and entrepreneur Tom Johnson. The savvy ‘techie” brings a wealth of experience in the area of online luxury marketplace. Mr. Johnson’s career in technology spans over 33 years, starting with a position at IBM in their high-end computer graphics division in Kingston, New York. The impetus for establishing a website catering to the antiques and collectibles world grew out of Tom’s love of 1950s California Pottery, many pieces of which were acquired via the internet. Combining his passion for antiques and collectibles with his high-tech background, Mr. Johnson created Ruby Lane in 1998 and named the site in honor of his mother Ruby.
High End Weekly™: You created RubyLane in 1998, so what made you decide to launch RubyLUX now? What are the differences between the two companies?
Tom Johnson: It was always my dream to launch a higher-end version of RubyLane with exclusive luxury products and a high-quality established brick and mortar base. And so based on the success of the first site I believed I was on the right track. RubyLUX.com launched in October 2015 with 150 dealers and an average price point of approximately $2,500.
At Rubylane we host over 2,500 shops, feature 500,000 items and receive 2 million visitors per month with about $125,000 a day in sales. The average price point is roughly $200.
Furthermore, RubyLUX was born in response to the many dealers requests I received to offer them an alternative to the main player in this game, 1stdibs. They’ve been frustrated with the change of direction that site has taken in the last 2-3 years including a fee structure that keeps mounting, a commission structure that has been added and is arbitrary, a dealer roster that keeps expanding with dealers whose merchandise doesn’t live up to the site’s original vision.
RubyLUX doesn’t charge commission, does not get in between the dealer and the buyer. We focus on quality not quantity.” Tom Johnson
High End Weekly™: I see. What would you say is the main difference between RubyLUX, and the online antique marketplace giant you just spoke about, 1stDibs?
A Pair of Showstopping Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels from Yafa Jewelry on www.RubyLux.com Tom Johnson: One key difference is that RubyLUX doesn’t charge commission, does not get in between the dealer and the buyer and lets them do what they do best. We focus on quality not quantity – we’re very strict about the quality of the dealers we sign on, we offer a more curated range of product, which means the best of the best rather than a little bit of everything. I’m particularly proud of the quality and caliber of international dealers we have been able to attract to this brand new venture.
High End Weekly™: As regards to the antique dealers, are you reaching out to them, or are they coming to you?
Tom Johnson: It’s a combination of the two. We have a great sales team that knows the antique and design industry intimately and enjoys great relationships with the best dealers in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Word of mouth has also led many dealers to RubyLUX, especially those who are looking for a viable alternative to the other sites.
High End Weekly™: How does RubyLUX create luxury experiences for their clients each time they shop the collection online?
Tom Johnson: Since I am personally funding the site I can be more dealer-centric which means I can be aware of and respond to their needs personally. RubyLUX provides tools for clients and dealers to interact in a simple, easy to use and streamlined fashion. It’s really about back to the basics where people interact by phone, email, Skype. With any Internet site it’s the subtlety that works, having a balance between great design, just enough information and ease of use.
High End Weekly™: With a background in technology that spanned over 33 years, starting with a position at IBM in Kingston, NY., as well as your experience in the online marketplace since 1998, what are your thoughts about its future?Tom Johnson: I see 2016 as a year of growth attracting a larger base of respected dealers and an embrace of the design community so that they know we are the top resource for them and their clients’ needs. Also specialized online marketplaces like RubyLUX will become even more integrated with brick and mortar operations to create seamless experiences between online and the real world.
High End Weekly™: As an avid collector of California pottery, what advice do you have for millennials who are new to collecting? How should they approach the process?
Tom Johnson: Start by collecting based on your actual needs and what really inspires you. I’m a big fan of actually using what you collect. Invest in quality pieces that could last your lifetime, rather than throwaway pieces from those large brand name stores.
Rare Seguso Lamps on www.RubyLUX.com High End Weekly™: What fascinates you about the antique business, and what is your idea of true luxury?
Tom Johnson: The antique business allows one to evoke great memories from the past and pass them down to next generations for them to create new memories. As for luxury, it can mean so many things. For me, it’s being able to travel and live in three cities, surrounded by friends, family and my exceptional staff. True luxury is being happy with where you are in life, and being surrounded by beautiful objects of great design. There’s a reason why they still exist because great design stands the test of time.
High End Weekly™: What are your favorite galleries, and museums?
Tom Johnson: Besides some NYC favorites like MoMA and The Met, and SF’s Legion of Honor, I love the smaller Artis Baker Museum in Naples, Florida that gets some really interesting exhibits coming through. The Louvre is certainly a favorite and inspires the past and present like RubyLUX does. The Hakone Open Air Museum outside Tokyo is just a lovely outdoor experience, and ever since I first visited Barcelona I thought it was like one big museum, especially the Casa Batllo and the Picasso Museum.
-
The Suite Life: Editor’s Top Picks of The Year – Part III of III
THE KNICKERBOCKER
The Caruso Suite at The Knickerbocker Hotel, Times Squares: As dramatic and glamorous as the maestro himself, this suite boasts unrivaled views of Times Square from its spectacular top-floor perch. Its bedroom, expansive living room, and spacious bathroom are grand stages themselves, with an option to convert the suite to include a second, en-suite bedroom, expanding the size to 1,200 square feet. Design firm Gabellini Sheppard emerged as top talents in view of their recent work at the $250 million renovation of The Knickerbocker Hotel. The dynamic duo designed a number of luxurious suites, rightly titled after Caruso, Cohan, Martini and Parrish, all legends, and major figures in New York’s cultural scenes. The history of The Knickerbocker Hotel reads like a glittering history of New York itself. Originally opened in 1906 by financier John Jacob Astor IV, it quickly became home to art and music royalty including American painter and illustrator Maxfield Parrish and world-famous tenor Enrico Caruso.
“We looked to classic materials like oak, steel, and leather to give each of these suites its own unique personality and each as big as the people that inspired them …. At the same time, we chose finishes, colors, and lighting that very much convey a contemporary sense of what New York luxury means today.” Michael Gabellini, partner at Gabellini Sheppard
The Martini Suite at The Knickerbocker Hotel, Times Squares: Legend has it that the original martini was invented in 1912 by a Knickerbocker bartender, Martini di Arma di Taggia, for tycoon John D. Rockefeller, a frequent guest. With rich textures and tones, its namesake suite carries the same air of cosmopolitan glamour. WHY WE PICKED IT
All seven hotels were picked for their unique designs. Each one represents what a luxury hotel ought to be: elegant, charming, comfortable, able to exude a sense of contentment, and sooth the occasional, if not constant fastidious guest. The Surrey Hotel, The Mark, The St. Regis in the Upper East Side, The Morgans, The Knickerbocker and The Soho Grand, these hotels have an abundance of charm that embodies “home away from home”. A chic one, that is.
GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL
Gramercy Suite at The Gramercy Park Hotel 
Park View Premier Suite at The Gramercy Park Hotel 
Park View Luxury Suite at The Gramercy Park Hotel 
The Penthouse Suite at The Gramercy Park Hotel MORGANS HOTEL NEW YORK
The Loft at The Morgans New York 
At The Morgans New York: Black and white signature tiles in one of the bathroom suite designed by the grande dame of luxury boutique hotels, the late Andrée Putman THE ST. REGIS NEW YORK
The irresistable Dior Suite at The St. Regis 
What a welcome! Black and White Floors at The St. Regis 5th Avenue Suite Entrance 
The St. Regis New York Bentley Suite Dining Room THE MARK HOTEL
Mark Hotel Five Bedroom Terrace Suite 
The Kitchen of The Mark’s Three Bedroom Suite designed by Jacques Grange 
Partial Views of The Bathroom, and Hallway of The Mark’s Three Bedroom Suite designed by Jacques Grange SOHO GRAND HOTEL
Loft South at The Soho Grand Hotel 
An artful urban terrace garden at The Loft North Suite of The Soho Grand THE SURREY HOTEL
The Surrey Ultra Deluxe Suite 
A very monochromatic theme at The Penthouse Suite of The Surrey Hotel 
The Presidential Suite of The Surrey Hotel New York -
Editor’s Top Picks of The Year: Part II of III
ARTFUL OBJECTS FOR THE HOME
The LED Effect: This giant light sculpture is from Niamh Barry, and is sold at Todd Merrill Studio. The impressive light fixture is unique, handmade and powered by dimmable LEDs. The artist uses CAD/ floor plans and images of the interior to take into consideration every aspect of the room in which the piece will be exhibited.
Niamh Barry at Todd Merrill Studio. 
This fabulous and intricate iron daybed from interior designer Sandra Espinet has a strong and global appeal which suggest a taste for adventure and abundant flair. 
Cynthia Murphy has a keen eye for beauty. The New York-based designer creates her luxury pillows by selecting rich, intricate, 18th and 19th century embroideries and brocades from France, England and Italy. Her special interest in Art Deco and Arts & Crafts design expanded the scope of her entire glamorous online collection. 
Every home should have these Chocolate Quartz and Gold Lumino Coasters from Global Home. Edged in 24K gold and silver, they serve as a perfect way to upgrade the level of entertaining your guests! 
The Tabla End Table from Farrago Design is inspired by Tabla – an Indian percussion drum, it is individually handcrafted with wood and on-laid with bone chips to create a tone-on-tone pattern. The “purest” approach and details transform it to a true work of art. 
High End Weekly™ discovered these beautiful chairs at Collective Design last year, and later on this year at The Salon fair at The Park Avenue Armory. The decorative chairs are from the Wexler Gallery, and they were designed by Sharon Sides. The Flor Chair, Edition 10 of 12, 2015 is made of Bronze, and brass. -
Editor’s Top Picks of The Year: Part I of III
FOR THE HOME
Highly curated items for the kitchen, pantry, table, as well as kitchen design services from the San Francisco-based store MARCH. 
The Axor 240 2-Jet Showerhead and Axor 1-Jet Handshower by Front were inspired by the hidden aesthetics of technology, turning the typical hardware, such as pipes, joints, valves and funnels, into charming design objects. Axor’s designs with Front are currently part of the critically acclaimed Pathmakers: Women in Art, Craft and Design, Midcentury and Today exhibit, which just opened at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in Washington, D.C. “Pathmakers,” which explores and celebrates the contributions of women in design and art, comes to D.C. after a successful six-month run at the Museum of Arts and Design in NYC (MAD museum). THE WATCH HOUNDS
“_To mark its 85th birthday, we wished to offer a new vision of the Reverso, so that each individual can immediately recognise the collection that matches their own character and the model destined to become theirs.” Daniel Riedo, CEO Jaeger-LeCoultre.
REVERSO Tribute Duo, Front Dial from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Since 1931, the year the Reverso watch was created, its emotional impact has remained as powerful as ever. This undisputed style icon elicits the same wonderment decade after decade. The strength of its pure, almost discreet lines makes the Reverso timepiece the epitome of elegance. 
An Important Gold Split Seconds Stop Watch sold at Sotheby’s from Abraham Louis Breguet/Photo credit Sotheby’s THE ART LOVERS
The African-American Art Sale at Swann Galleries: RICHMOND BARTHÉ (1901 – 1989) Head of a Dancer. Cast bronze, with a brown patina, mounted on a white stone base. 
Frank Horvat, Givenchy Hat , 1958, Winter Antiques Show 2016 (Peter Fetterman Gallery) -
Top Coffee Table Books That Feel Right At Home
Carolyne Roehm at Home in the Garden From the Runway to the Garden: Top Coffee Table Books That Feel Right At Home
Carolyne Roehm‘s book, At Home in the Garden chronicles the designer’s love and care for her beloved New England garden. Each images are visually stimulating, and they evoke a feeling of the “eternal summer” that I secretly wish for – long after September. The book launched back in October 27 of this year, and I’ve been fascinated by it ever since.
Are you looking for inspirational garden ideas for 2016, or would you like to acquire a coffee table book that you can curl up to next to your fireplace during the long winter, and be whisked away? Than this book is the one.
Carolyne Roehm at Home in the Garden is dedicated to her 59 acre garden at Weatherstone, Sharon, CT, and features both the designer’s photography her art work, and of course some of her classic interiors.
Carolyne Roehm in her magical garden at Weatherstone, Sharon, CT. 
Fall of Grace: A serene and poetic scene from Carolyne Roehm’s latest book: At Home in the Garden
Gaetano Savini, the Man Who Was BRIONI
In the age when Savile Row was synonymous with men’s style, an innovative Italian, Gaetano Savini, put his country on the map, forever reinventing menswear. From the first men’s fashion show at Florence’s Palazzo Pitti in 1952 to his craftsmanship influences still evident in today’s styles, Savini was truly a creator on the cutting edge.
Gaetano Savini, the Man Who Was BRIONI takes the reader inside the Italian fashion designer’s legacy as the visionary and designer extraordinaire behind the Brioni luxury brand. The book highlights examples of Savini’s innovative cuts, bold colors, and the psychedelic patterns that led the Peacock Revolution of the 1960s. It also includes sketches and newspaper articles illustrating how the man became the legend.
No Italian tailor is better at creating that ‘second glance’ style for men than Brioni.
San Francisco Examiner, 1972
Gaetano Savini, the Man Who Was BRIONI is published by Assouline, and is also available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Barnes and Nobles, and Amara.
-
10 Reasons to visit Zazen Bear Soho
Zazen Bear Soho is located at 497 Broome Street, New York City Zazen Bear offers guests a 360° experience that creates a path from Zen to shopping by providing a sense of sanctuary and harmony that allows exploring, through scent, texture and visuals. Did you already spot the eight reasons to visit this place? Okay, here’s the other two. The lower level of the store is entirely dedicated to yoga and meditation for consumers and passerby’s in search of a moment of meditation.
My discovery of Zazen Bear came with an invitation to their yoga class, conducted by Guru Garro, an experienced, and highly skilled yoga instructor who pays keen attention to details and precise demonstration of techniques. As someone who never experienced yoga before, I found her to be extremely personable, and kind (especially when I didn’t do half of the things I was instructed to do). Truly, I left Zazen Bear feeling refreshed, motivated, and ready to take on the world. The lifestyle store is very different from similar ones in New York City. Not only does it have a peaceful vibe, once you arrive, you’ll immediately notice a carefully crafted collection of products that range from jewelry to home furnishing. The store offers a unique retail experience. Inspired by the idea that everything and everybody is connected, each item is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of harmony, relaxation and tranquility when touched, worn or used to decorate the home.
Every now and then, I think about my visit, and the entire experience at Zazen Bear, and look forward to being back.
Zazen Bear Soho 
Zazen Bear Soho 
Our favorites: Beatutiful, and Peaceful Candles at Zazen Bear Soho 
Put a ring on it: Zazen Bear Soho 
Zazen Bear Soho 
Zazen Bear Soho 
Zazen Bear Soho 
Beatutiful, and Peaceful Candles at Zazen Bear Soho 
Zazen Bear Soho 
The dynamic trio at Zazen Bear Soho 
Zazen Bear Soho 
Shopping at Zazen Bear Soho -
The Jet Set Life: Q&A with Nina Flohr
Nina Flohr, VistaJet’s Creative Director High End Weekly™ recently caught up with VistaJet creative director Nina Flohr to talk about the company’s newly released book, The Art Of Flying, published by Assouline. The uber chic, and cosmopolitan creative director also spoke to us about the importance of customer service, the changing expectations of their clients, technology, and of course, art and design. VistaJet is a global company, with offices in London, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Beijing. They currently flies Hong Kong-based clients on a nearly daily basis.
High End Weekly™: Tell us about your latest book, The Art of Flying.
Nina Flohr: The Art of Flying is a creative collaboration between VistaJet and Assouline Publishing. It has been a passion project of ours as the book explores aviation’s fascinating past from the mid-twentieth century to the present. This vibrant cultural history takes readers on a tour of air travel’s technological developments as well as the constant interplay between art, architecture and air travel that has always made flying a reflection of its time and a symbol of the cutting edge. The book features many of the inspirations from which we created the VistaJet brand.
© Mike Kelley HEW: How do your customers experience VistaJet’s general culture each time they fly?
Nina Flohr: Our customers expect a very high level of quality, service, and attention to detail as part of their daily personal or business routine. It is our belief that this same standard of excellence should apply to air travel. VistaJet owns a branded fleet of over 55 aircraft and offers an unprecedented consistency in service, whether clients are flying for business or pleasure. VistaJet’s worldwide service area covers all major routes, we are proud to provide special training so that our VistaJet employees understand the importance of our customers’ local cultural requirements.
© courtesy Lufthansa Archive 
© courtesy Bombardier Business Aircraft HEW: How has VistaJet focused on the lifestyle experience they offer to their passengers, and been able to communicate that side of the brand to them over the years?
Nina Flohr: VistaJet’s focus on comfort and style is apparent from the moment our passengers step on board. Our aircraft immediately differentiate themselves from competitors with their distinct silver with single red stripe livery, while our crew are dressed in custom cabin uniforms featuring Moncler coats. Additionally, like many of our passengers, we have a passion for design and art. As a result, we have embarked on a series of artistic initiatives to promote younger contemporary artists like RETNA and Ian Davenport to create bespoke designs for the tails of a few select aircraft, as well as, Jean Philippe Dehomme to illustrate our 10th anniversary story book. This strong design aesthetic continues into the interiors of the planes as they are outfitted with rich woods and buttery leathers that would not be out of place in our clients’ homes. To further enhance the comfort of our passengers we have partnered with a range of beloved brands from around the globe such as Nobu for a custom in-flight menu selection and bookshop Heywood Hill on curated in-flight libraries. Furthermore, we have developed the Ultimate Sky Sleep program to enhance customers’ onboard sleeping experience. It includes custom fitted mattresses, hypoallergenic feather duvets and pillows, high thread-count linens, cashmere blankets, eye masks and socks, brushed cotton pyjamas, cozy slippers, alongside an amazing new raw organic skin care regime by The Body Deli.
The Art of Flying Cover The VistaJet culture is to understand and anticipate our customers’ needs. We are not European or Asian. We are truly global in how we think and operate. As a result, our customers are not stepping into our culture, but instead we are allowing them to feel at home when they fly with us. Nina Flohr
HEW What are the biggest challenges you face today when it comes to improving your customer experience?
Nina Flohr: As a company, we always want to be at the forefront of in-flight cabin service so there is constant work to be done to keep the on board experience relevant for our customers. One of our primary focuses is continuing our expansion into new global markets , this means further adapting the cabin experience to reflect the cultural differences of our various service areas. For instance, when our aircraft fly to Asia, they are equipped with the necessary dinner ware for Asian style meals and offer a selection of Asian snacks along with traditional favourites.
© courtesy Lufthansa Archive HEW: As you build a luxury brand, what insights do you have about the future of the luxury sector given customers’ changing expectations?
Nina Flohr: The future of the luxury sector will see companies offering increasingly personalized services to their clients. For VistaJet, we customize the in-flight experience to match a client’s needs be that in-flight catering from their favourite restaurant, providing specialized entertainment and menus for children, we know how important pets can be to their families, they are also welcome on board and we take special care to ensure the aircraft is equipped for their needs as well. The definition of luxury is increasingly becoming tied to having the comforts of home and feeling at home, wherever you may be.
Alain Girard/Blue Storm Média © VistaJet HEW: Lets talk about technology. What role does technology play in improving the VistaJet experience?
© courtesy Bombardier Business Aircraft/VistaJet Nina Flohr: Technology plays a central role in the VistaJet experience for passengers who are traveling for business. While Wifi is standard in all our aircraft, we’ve recently made a commitment to secure even faster, more consistent wifi capabilities for our aircraft, which should become available in 2016. For in-flight entertainment, we’ve introduced iPads equipped with new release movies, TV shows, games, music and magazines as well as a custom content magazine called Voyager containing exclusive articles and interviews created quarterly for VistaJet travellers. On a technical rather than experiential note, our entirely customized operations software called Global View churns out statistics on a daily basis to aid with logistics and fleet optimization in order to ensure that passengers can go anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.
