Pages - Page 628 of 2190 - LUXUO Thailand

Hublot and Berluti expand the “Classic Fusion Chronograph” collection with two timepieces

-

May 25, 2017

Hublot and Berluti expand the “Classic Fusion Chronograph” collection with two timepieces

The “Classic Fusion Chronograph Berluti” in King Gold
© Hublot

Hublot presented the “Classic Fusion Berluti” at Baselworld 2016, featuring a strap and a dial finished in genuine Venezia leather. The timepiece symbolised a veritable technical feat, combining Hublot’s watchmaking expertise with Berluti’s signature leather craftsmanship.

“Over the generations, Berluti has developed its exceptional expertise to perfect the patina of its leathers. Combining traditional craftsmanship with our technical expertise has enabled us to marry this natural material with the mechanical refinement of Hublot. With a coordinated style from wrist to toe, the modern gentleman is the epitome of elegance!” said Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO.

The “Classic Fusion Chronograph Berluti” All Blac model
© Hublot

One year later, the Swiss watch brand is extending the partnership to its “Classic Fusion Chronograph,” with a Berluti edition using the same exceptional material. Here, the technical procedure is even more complex since the watch dial features two subdials — one at three o’clock and one at nine o’clock.

The new Berluti-edition “Classic Fusion Chronograph” has a 45mm case available in two versions: Scritto King Gold and Scritto All Black (black ceramic). The dial and strap are finished in Berluti’s Venezia leather in black or brown.

Each model is a 250-piece limited edition and comes in a “Berluti Bespoke” presentation box including a Berluti wax kit.

“Christian Dior, couturier du rêve” retrospective in Paris celebrates 70 years of Dior

-

May 25, 2017

0

“Christian Dior, couturier du rêve” retrospective in Paris celebrates 70 years of Dior

The show is a chronological and themed exhibition that explores the world of the French fashion house and its founder. This retrospective, staged with the support of Dior, features more than 300 haute couture gowns, accessories and fashion creations dating from 1947 to the present day, as well as paintings, furniture, sculptures and objets d’art reflecting Christian Dior‘s earlier career running an art gallery and his passion for art. The show also features a multitude of documents, including illustrations, sketches, photos and letters.

Revolutionary designs

In February 1947, Christian Dior caused a sensation with his first ever “New Look” spring/summer collection, taking the female silhouette in a whole new direction. This more feminine shape, with a marked waist and accentuated busts, saw female curves celebrated and flattered by the couturier’s designs. Certain designs featured in the exhibition soon became key pieces of the womenswear wardrobe and iconic designs, such as the Bar suit and the circle skirt.

Before looking at Christian Dior’s creativity, inspirations and the history of the fashion house, the exhibition opens with an overview of the legendary couturier’s life, from his childhood in Granville, Normandy, to his early days in haute couture. Parallels with couture are also explored since Granville and its gardens, the designer’s passion for art and theatre, and his travels were all constant sources of influence in his work.

From Christian Dior to Maria Grazia Chiuri

The show looks back over 70 years of exceptional couture, from the young designer’s earliest creations to the latest designs from current Dior creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, who took the helm of the fashion house in 2016.

Six galleries look at Christian Dior’s heritage through the work of the creative directors that succeeded the designer after his death in 1957, with work by Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri.

The exhibition also showcases the fashion house’s techniques and craftsmanship and charts the evolution of Dior style from 1947 to the present day. The show even spills out into the museum’s nave, where a selection of sumptuous eveningwear creations turns the space into a glamorous ballroom.

Most of the works on show are from the Dior Héritage collection, with additional loans from museums including the Musée Arts Décoratifs and Palais Galliera in Paris, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent.

“Christian Dior, couturier du rêve” [Christian Dior, Dream Couturier] runs July 5, 2017, to January 7, 2018, at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, France.

Rolls Royce “Dawn Mayfair edition” one-off model unveiled in London

-

May 25, 2017

0

Rolls Royce “Dawn Mayfair edition” one-off model unveiled in London

The Dawn Mayfair edition is as unique as it gets because it’s a one-off model commissioned by a UK dealer group, H.R. Owen, to celebrate 85 years of expertly creating uniquely desirable and exclusive cars. This very special car features a number of bespoke touches, which among other things include the world’s first Dawn copper dashboard and embroidered tread plates that read: “Special Commission — Mayfair Edition One of One.” The car was designed by the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London team, who drew their inspiration from the world of high-end horology. It was built at Rolls Royce’s Goodwood headquarters, and it’s now been made available to view at H.R. Owen’s Berkeley Square dealership in London.

The Dawn copper theme is prevalent throughout the car, with an exterior colour of Berwick Bronze and copper also adorning the audio speakers and bullets on the Arctic White seats.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London is the flagship dealership of this most exclusive of British auto brands, and the dealership a real mainstay of the exclusive Mayfair area of London in the heart of Berkeley Square. H.R. Owen’s association with Rolls-Royce now dates as far back as 1932, although the dealership enjoyed its most successful year ever just last year in 2016.

Rolls Royce Brand Director, Claus Andersen, said of the unique special edition, “We are delighted to welcome this ultra-rare car to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London, appropriately on an anniversary year for the dealership. Our clients value exclusivity very highly indeed, and in this 1 of 1 Dawn Mayfair Edition, we have one of the most exclusive models ever built by Rolls-Royce. The success of the Berkeley Square showroom has put us in a position to be able to offer such a stunning car, and we’re excited to find its very lucky owner.”

Of course, no price is being advertised for the Rolls Royce Dawn Mayfair Edition, but it’s obviously going to be considerably more than the “regular” car’s recommended starting price of £264,000 (around US$345,000). As ever with such things, it’s probably a case of if you have to ask the price, chances are you can’t afford it.

Fine art investment gallery, Singapore: Renting your art with Art Works

-

May 24, 2017

0

Fine art investment gallery, Singapore: Renting your art with Art Works

For those of you who have a few extra pennies around and are looking for an alternative investment asset class, art may might be the answer. However, the thing with art is that when it’s on your wall or in storage, it’s only appreciating in value, but cash flow is non-existent. Singapore’s Art Works has the solution.

Founded in 2011, the fine art investment gallery has a programme called “buy to lease”, similar to the concept of buying a home with the specific purpose of leasing it out. Investors purchase art with one of Art Works’ consultants and they rent it out to a corporate borrower. Your art will then see new homes in office board rooms and reception areas of law firms, banks and advertising agencies. While the art is with the lessee, the owner will stand to receive income of up to 7% per annum. Contracts range in length from two to four years and at the end, the owner can sign another contract to continue to lease the art out, or take possession of it.

Director of Art Works, Samuel Hardwick says that “Fine art doesn’t get affected as much as other investments by the global economy as it is tangible. In fact, much like gold, the demand for art can and often does increase during wider economic uncertainty”.

A consultant from Art Works will also assist you in picking out the best art for your investment. They will only select from artists who are considered mid-career, and whose works have increased in value over the past five years. Most of the artists they work with are based in China so they frequent Songzhuang art district in Beijing to ensure the latest works are purchased at the best prices.

The art scene in Asia is the fastest appreciating market in the world. According to Hardwick, “the Chinese Contemporary art market has grown from a relatively low percentage to make up 38% of entire global sales in 2016”. It’s easy to see this if you live in the region. From Hong Kong to Singapore, there are a number of large international art fairs, such as the annual Art Stage.

Art investment prices can vary greatly, but Hardwick advises that to be in the rental model, clients usually invest anywhere from USD 20,000 – USD 150,000. However, he says, “the sweet spot for this is around the USD 40,000 – USD 80,000 mark and we may build a portfolio (for our clients) of 5-10 works across different areas of the market to diversify”.

Whether you are an art aficionado or are purely looking for a solid annual return on an investment, art is now a realistic option. You’ll not only earn 7% per annum from leasing the art out with Art Works, but also see capital appreciation in the range of 10-20% per annum based on the history of their artists, according to Hardwick.

Art Works is in the process of opening up a brand new gallery in Singapore. Set to open in May, they will use the space to hold exclusive exhibitions, events and seminars. They also have big plans in Hong Kong and Jakarta, with more galleries set to open in both cities in 2018.

This article was first published in Palace 19.

Cannes Film Festival 2017: Hair trends on the red carpet from Kristen Stewart, Adriana Lima and more

-

May 24, 2017

0

Cannes Film Festival 2017: Hair trends on the red carpet from Kristen Stewart, Adriana Lima and more

This year’s Cannes Film Festival is past its midway mark. So far, dazzling dresses and glittering gems have made their way onto the sunny shores, but what about hairstyles? This year’s edition sees trends favouring a more minimalist approach, with barely touched locks to low maintenance hues. We take a look at three of these styles that have been rocking the red carpet.

Barely styled tresses

First up, we have the natural, barely-styled tresses. American actress and model Emily Ratajowski showed off her exotic features with a simple middle-parting down her brown locks. British model Lily Donaldson did the same, having no qualms about showing the world her root growth by sporting a do with half-blond highlights.

Blond Bombshell

Shocking single colours are emerging as a key hair trend at Cannes this year. American screen star and Chanel muse Kristen Stewart joined British actress Michelle Williams to rock dramatic platinum crops. The latter went for a near buzz-cut, appearing all smiles with her ice blond do and one-of-a-kind Chanel dress.

Lighter than light shades are definitely having a moment. As her peroxide quiff and undercut hairstyle proved, Ice Queen Tilda Swinton continues to champion unconventional and androgynous styles.

Shiny Slick Backs

A classic style that will see nary a strand out of place is the ever-popular slicked back do that proved to be a firm Cannes favourite. The understated style was the perfect match to showcase both bold and understated beauty looks. Young Japanese actress Hana Sugisaki showed up for the screening of the film “Blade of the Immortal” with a super-shiny slick hair affair. The actress channelled elegance and simplicity in her beauty look, making her every inch an oriental princess in a scarlet traditional Japanese kimono.

Another stunning Asian actress was India’s hottest screen diva Deepika Padukone, who worked the smooth and simple trend. Sweeping up her long hair into a gravity-defying bun, the actress let her stunning DeGrisgono diamond jewelry and emerald eye makeup steal the show. Victoria’s Secret angel Adriana Lima did not lose out in the hair department. Pulling her hair back into a quiff, the actress showed off her sparkling Chopard jewellery.

Fashion exhibitions in France: The Museum of Lace and Fashion, Calais presents Hubert de Givenchy retrospective

Culture

-

May 24, 2017

0

Fashion exhibitions in France: The Museum of Lace and Fashion, Calais presents Hubert de Givenchy retrospective

From June 15 to December 31, 2017, The Museum of Lace and Fashion in Calais, France, is holding an exhibition dedicated to the work of Hubert de Givenchy, the legendary fashion designer and founder of the Givenchy fashion house. Seventy outfits symbolizing his inspirations, his expertise and his significant encounters recap almost six decades of fashion design. Now 90, the designer has dressed some of the most amazing women in the last 50 years, from Audrey Hepburn to to Daisy Fellows.

The show will see 70 outfits from private wardrobes, the Givenchy archives and the collection of several European museums go on public display for over six months. Under the artistic direction and curation of Hubert de Givenchy himself, the exhibition will retrace the couturier’s entire career, from his first collection in 1952 to his sumptuous wedding gowns and his key encounters.

From luxury fabrics to exceptional creations

The show, which presents couture creations in sober white, gray and black display cases backed by mirrors, opens with a section dedicated to haute couture fabric samples. Essential tools in the creation of bespoke garments, the different fabrics and textiles with which Hubert de Givenchy worked hold a key place in the exhibition. In fact, exceptional textiles are something of a running theme, with the show also highlighting the work of artisans the couturier worked with for decades, such as embroiderers Lesage and Vermont, and fabric manufacturers Abraham and Beuclère.

Standout pieces include a blue and white striped organza sheath dress worn by the Duchess of Windsor, a famous “Bettina” cotton blouse dating from 1952, a spectacular ball gown in Chantilly lace and satin, an evening ensemble in lame brocade and embroidered with gold and silver braids, metallic leaves and beads, and a cocktail dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Blake Edwards’ movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

Influencing Audrey Hepburn’s style

Certain encounters proved particularly influential on the work of Hubert de Givenchy. From Jacqueline Kennedy and the Duchess of Windsor to the Countess de Borchgrave, the designer dressed some of society’s most stylish figures. Meeting his muse, Audrey Hepburn, proved particularly decisive, both for his career and for the actress’ style, which was built through their friendship. A whole section of the exhibition will explore this relationship, featuring several gowns worn by Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “How to Steal a Million,” as well as clips from her movies.

In addition, the exhibition highlights the designer’s artistic inspirations and explores Givenchy fragrances, while also showcasing exceptional eveningwear creations and imposing wedding gowns made from lace and tulle.

Hubert de Givenchy – The Museum of Lace and Fashion, Calais, France will be opened from June 15 to December 31, 2017.