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Exhibition in London, UK – Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion makes its way to the Victoria and Albert Museum

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May 23, 2017

Exhibition in London, UK – Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion makes its way to the Victoria and Albert Museum

Cristobal Balenciaga at work, Paris 1968. © AFP

A new retrospective centering on the pinnacle of Cristóbal Balenciaga‘s remarkable haute couture career, opens May 27 at the UK’s leading museum of Art and Design— the Victoria and Albert Museum. Featuring examples of Balenciaga’s distinct dress shapes through the years, the exhibition is a real treat for fashion and dress-making enthusiasts alike. Titled ‘Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion’, the show unveils 100 garments and 20 hats, many of which are going on display for the first time.

Sketches, patterns, photographs, fabric samples and catwalk footage revealing Balenciaga’s uncompromising creativity cast visitors back in time to the 1950s and 1960s, when the master of couture was at the height of his creative career. A number of Balenciaga‘s timeless shapes, including the tunic, the sack, ‘baby doll’ and shift dress were born during this golden age of couture.

Show highlights include ensembles made by Balenciaga for Hollywood actress Ava Gardner, dresses and hats belonging to socialite and 1960s fashion icon Gloria Guinness, and pieces worn by one of the world’s wealthiest women, Mona von Bismarck, who commissioned everything from ballgowns to gardening shorts from the couturier.

For the first time the V&A has used x-ray technology to take a “forensic look” at the hidden details behind Cristóbal Balenciaga’s tailoring.

These x-rays, made with x-ray artist Nick Veasey, show structures invisible to the naked eye, including dress weights strategically placed to determine the exact hang of the skirt in one of Balenciaga‘s most minimal designs, and boning in dress bodices, dispelling the myth that he did not use such structures.

Baby Doll cocktail dress in crêpe de chine, lace and satin, Cristobal Balenciaga, 1958. © AFP

For chief curator Cassie Davies-Strodder, the work that is on display by those who trained with Balenciaga, and more recent garments by Molly Goddard, Demna Gvasalia and J.W. Anderson—who in the curator’s opinion clearly reflect the “legacy of his vision today.”

The V&A is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of dress in the world, and regularly hosts cocktail parties, book launches and gallery events, which never fail to attract a smattering of London’s glitterati.

Meanwhile, across the Channel in Paris, “L’Oeuvre au Noir” exhibition explores Balenciaga’s penchant for black and his Spanish childhood— is currently running at the Musée Bourdelle until July 16.

Tickets are priced at £12 (concessions available). V&A Members go free. Advance booking online is advised.

For more information, do visit VAM.

Father’s Day 2017 gift idea: Montblanc’s Legend, a new cologne for men

Smart Style

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May 23, 2017

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Father’s Day 2017 gift idea: Montblanc’s Legend, a new cologne for men

Back with a bang is Montblanc with a legendary new fragrance for men—the Legend. A scent for the confident, virile and ambitious man, Montblanc pours its vision of timelessness and elitism into this fragrance. Fashioned by perfumer Olivier Pescheux, this scent is the epitome of subtle masculinity.

The Legend’s muse is British model Simon Clark, portraying the essence of a charismatic man. Photographed by Peter Lindbergh in black and white, the campaign effortlessly pulls off what wearers of the fragrance embody—strength in simplicity.

Opening with a whiff of lavender, the scent diffuses into a fresh pinch of Bergamot from Calabria and Litsea Cubeba. A lively burst is created from these notes before settling into an intense harmony of Evernyl and Pomarose. The former is reminiscent of oakmoss, displaying its warm woody scent before the injection of fruity rose and apple from the latter. “I wanted it to be the true heart of the formula,” explains Olivier, “so I was very generous with it.” For a contemporary twist, Geranium is added to the mix, lifting the scent higher. The base notes feature the pliable Coumarin, before adding a touch of irresistible Sandalwood to complete the scent.

Not skimping on presentation, The Legend is dressed in Montblanc’s signature black and white colours. The bottle encapsulates the timeless masculinity in the brand’s design, bearing the iconic Montblanc hallmark. Slightly curved, the sleek black bottle is crafted from black glass and topped with a shiny metal stopper. Three rings around the cap and the emblematic star in the middle are homage to the brand’s signature symbols. The box’s design mirrors that of the bottle, bearing the design of curved metal thread, and the iconic star in the middle.

The Montblanc Legend is available at all Sephora and departmental stores. The 30ml is priced at $65, the 50ml at $90 and the 100ml at $120.

For more information, do visit Montblanc.

Luxury property in Los Angeles, California: 924 Bel Air Road is the most expensive home listed in the US

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May 23, 2017

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Luxury property in Los Angeles, California: 924 Bel Air Road is the most expensive home listed in the US

To call 924 Bel Air Road a house seems inaccurate. Even describing it a mansion is somehow amiss. The colossal spec-home, which is currently on the market for USD 250 million floats on the hillside above Elizabeth Taylor’s former residence like an oversized yacht. The property is all blues and whites and greens with pools and terraces and a water feature that runs along the parameter. In the evening, it glows like a hilltop citadel.

Built by luxury developer Bruce Makowsky, who made his fortune in handbags and leather goods, it is the most expensive home ever listed in the United States and it joins a wave of American spec-homes being built to satisfy the whims of the super-rich. Last year, properties priced upwards of USD 100 million were listed in California, Florida, New York and Nevada. Recently, Nile Niami, an LA-based film producer-turned-developer announced he is building a mansion he plans to sell for USD 500 million.

As the spec-home trend gains momentum, developers continue to raise the stakes. 924 Bel Air Road come with 150 pieces of original artwork, around USD 30 million worth of classic cars, a dozen high-performance motorcycles and a deactivated helicopter.

“The house comes with a lot of great toys”, Mr. Makowsky grants as we begin our tour on the ground floor, passing a car gallery, a four-lane bowling alley, custom-made glass ping-pong and pool tables and a wall-mounted candy dispenser. Showpieces certainly abound. Also on this floor is a champagne pinball machine, a chrome-plated machine gun sculpture and diamond encrusted Fender guitar.

“There are five bars in the property”, Mr. Makowsky tells me as we round the corner and ascend to the next level, but I quickly lose count. There are wine and champagne cellars, televisions at every turn, including a giant outdoor hydraulic screen that rises up behind the infinity pool. If that’s not enough to entertain, there’s a 40-seat Dolby home theatre with surround sound that shakes my plush leather armchair.

Makowsky loves leather, marble, and polished steel. Occasionally he also likes wood, evidenced in a giant teak accent wall on the second floor. He also likes vintage cars, airplane parts, antique meat cutters, helicopters and boats. When it comes to furniture, he tends toward Italian design, though he also has a soft spot for Hermès and German hardware for the bathrooms.

What doesn’t he like? Imperfections. These are scarcely found across 38,000 sq. ft. of carefully curated living space. And if they appear, they don’t last long. When the wind sweeps tree pollen in through the retractable glass walls, Mr. Makowsky snatches up the tiny brown pods from the buffed marble floor before I can tread on them. When we pass the third floor lounge area, he notes a minute smudge on the blue Potrana Frau chairs like an eagle might spy the tail of a mouse in a mountain valley. To keep up appearances, the house comes with seven full time staff. They follow our tour, offering water, popcorn and candy, and I imagine, sweep up in the wake of our footsteps.

Those who toss around the phrase “attention to detail” casually haven’t met Mr. Makowsky. He supervised every last detail of the property down to the door handles and tapped into his wide-reaching network of luxury tastemakers to get the crème de la crème. After extensive negotiating he paid USD 250,000 for a large purple crystal he had his sights on, and had it carved into a sink for the powder room. When he saw a sculpture of a Leica camera he was keen on, he commissioned artist Yibai Liao to create another one and placed the oversized model, made from polished stainless steel at the bottom of the free-floating staircase.

Nothing is accidental here, and nothing is lacking, except perhaps a sense of organic comfort – the home isn’t exactly cozy. But then, that isn’t really the point. The property is meant to offer up every imaginable detail for its future magnate owners to have a good time. And according to Mr. Makowsky, they’ll be willing to pay for it.

“Until now, the ultra-luxury market was void of homes that even came close to matching the level of mega-yachts and private jets that billionaires spend millions of dollars on every year”, he says. “There are hundreds of new billionaires created each year and they are increasingly setting their sights on this coveted enclave of California for everything the state has to offer”.

Special Features

The home includes a massage studio and wellness spa, a Technogym fitness centre, 85-foot glass tile infinity swimming pool, 40-seat 4K Dolby Atmos Theater, a four-lane bowling alley, an auto gallery with cars valued at more than USD 30 million, seven full time staff, over 100 curated art installations, an outdoor hydraulic pop-up theater, two fully-stocked champagne/wine cellars, two commercial elevators and 270-degree views of Los Angeles.

Buyer Information:

Size: 38,0000 sq. ft.
Outdoors: 17,000 sq. ft.
Levels: 4
Bedrooms: 12
Bathrooms: 21
Kitchens: 3
Bars: 5 Price:
USD 250,000,000

This article was first published in Palace 19.

Azimut Grande 35 Metri: New flagship 35-metre superyacht from the ‘Grande’ collection

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May 22, 2017

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Azimut Grande 35 Metri: New flagship 35-metre superyacht from the ‘Grande’ collection

With a sleek, streamlined body and sophisticated interior design, the Azimut Grande 35 Metri superyacht is making waves in the yachting scene. The Grande 35 Metri is the new flagship fleet in Azimut Yacht’s luxurious Grande lineup. Stefano Righini designed the exterior of the ship, while world-renowned architect Achille Salvagni crafted its lush interiors.

The 35 metre superyacht is the biggest boat in Azimut’s high-end Grande collection. Drawing on Azimut’s superior carbon fibre technology, the ship manages to attain less vibration and reduced noise, at the same time increasing comfort levels and living space on the ship. On the Grande 35 Metri maximum beam length is 7.5 metres, its wide body able to accommodate all features of a superyacht, including a side garage and a 3.25 metre jet ski. Powered by two engines that able to generate up to 2,400hp each, this baby has an approximate cruising speed of 21 knots and a top speed of 25.5 knots.

The interiors are dressed in hues of creams and whites, blending with the wood and steel finish to give off a comforting ambience. The yacht holds up to 10 guests in its five luxurious cabins, along with six crew members. Of course, the highlight is the master suite, which features an extendable carbon fibre full-length window that opens to a panoramic view. Folding out from the window is the balcony, its floor extending from under the cabin to transform into an intimate private lounge area with a magnificent view to boot.

A spiral staircase connects all decks, allowing for easy access to all parts of the ship. Specially constructed are the onyx steps, which boast two different finishings—white lacquer and mother of pearl—on their inner and outer sides. Sitting at both the stern and bow of the ship are spacious beach clubs. The bow deck is fitted with a hydro massage tub and sofas for lounging, perfect for some family relaxation time.

The Azimuth Grande 35 Metri is part of Azimut’s consistent efforts to produce the best vessels for their customers. With the continuos evolution of their nautical technology and design, Azimuth proves their efficiency in the yachting industry.

For more information, do visit Azimut.

Castles in Italy: Own a medieval property in the Italian countryside for free

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May 22, 2017

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Castles in Italy: Own a medieval property in the Italian countryside for free

*Basilicata Via Appia Matera Montescaglioso Grancia San Maria Del Vetrano*

Italy’s State Property Agency has announced that it is giving away over 100 disused buildings – including medieval castles, ancient farmhouses, and defunct monasteries – for free.

Sounds too good to be true? There is one condition: prospective owners will be required to repurpose and restore their newly-acquired properties into thriving, tourist attractions – namely hotels, restaurants, and spas. The project is part of the Italian government’s efforts to promote tourism in eight of the country’s lesser-known districts. Located along the country’s coastline down to Sicily, the sites not only boast a rich history but also abundant scenic views of the countryside and the coastline.

To apply, head here and submit a proposal detailing your restoration plans. Special preference is given to applicants under the age of 40. Successful applicants will be granted ownership of the property for nine years, with an option to extend for another nine years after the initial period has lapsed.

Application is open until 26 June, but fret not if you don’t manage to get your hands on an Italian castle. The government plans to add another 200 buildings to the list over the next two years.

Images courtesy of L’Agenzia del Demanio

Car museum in Ausburg, Germany: Mazda Classic – Automobil Museum Frey features classic vintage wheels

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May 22, 2017

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Car museum in Ausburg, Germany: Mazda Classic – Automobil Museum Frey features classic vintage wheels

For the first time ever, car manufacturer Mazda has opened a museum outside of its home country, Japan. The museum, dubbed Mazda Classic – Automobil Museum Frey, is a joint project between Mazda Germany and the Frey family, owners of a German Mazda dealership, Auto Frey. Located in the university town of Ausburg, Germany, the museum houses vintage Mazdas from the company’s vast collection.

The museum is housed in a refurbished, converted train depot dating from 1897 in Angsburg, Bavaria. Officially opening this week, the centerpiece exhibit will be 45 classic Mazdas including a 1967 Cosmo Sport, a 1969 Luce R130, a 1966 Familia 1000 coupé, a 1976 Mazda 616 and a mid-engined AZ-1 sportscar from 1992.

Each of the vehicles on display comes from the Frey’s personal collection and many were restored personally by family members. Collecting Mazdas became a huge household passion and led to Patriarch Walter and his sons Markus and Joachim travelling the world in search of new rare finds. In fact, the collection currently runs to 120 vehicles, meaning that the display will be constantly refreshed and rotated so that regular visitors will always see something new.

“Uniquely impressive, the first Mazda museum outside Japan represents a dream come true for the Frey family to share with the public its one-of-a-kind collection of vintage Mazdas from around the world,” said Mazda Motor Corporation Executive Vice President Akira Marumoto.

“Everyone at Mazda headquarters is very proud that the Freys are a part of our organization and have created something so extraordinary,” Marumoto said.

The Mazda Classic – Automobile Museum Frey is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm.