Ulysse Nardin’s Newest Timepiece Which Honors The America’s Cup

The Ulysse Nardin Classico Schooner America timepiece, which not only honors 19th-century yachts with sailing’s most respectable regatta (the America’s Cup).  It also pays tribute and homage to the Swiss watchmaker’s maritime legacy in which shows their long lasting teamwork with Sweden’s Artemis Racing team in their venture to take home the gold in the competition’s 35th running in 2017.

This new Ulysse Nardin can either be cased in your choice of 18 karat white or rose gold, and on the dial portrays the magnificent gaff schooner America sailing through the seas for victory in the 1851 New York Yacht Club.  After the race had finished both the cup (awarded by the United Kingdom’s Royal Yacht Squadron) and the name of the race was then renamed in the honor of that triumphant racing vessel.  In the dial’s background you may notice England’s Isle of Wight, that is the circumnavigation in which  the original course was composed.  The nautical scene is also shown on the watch in enamel cloisonné that was depicted by their own artisans at Donzé Cadrans and created with 26 unique methods and steps not to mention 50 hours of professional craftsmanship.

There will only be 30 of these automatic timepieces (which includes a power reserve of 42-hours), each priced at $39,800.  For those curious about Artemis Racing, it competes in Toulon, France next.  Scheduled for the 9th through the 11th of September as part of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series, (a qualifier for next year’s main competition).

For more information on Ulysse Nardin visit:  UlysseNardin.com

Meet Violet Somers

Meet Violet Somers, the 18 year old designer who proves to be an innovator with her latest focus, wearable art.  From an early age Violet was completely taken with the many possibilities and outcomes that come with a career in visual art & fashion design.  Born and raised in the diverse city of Los Angeles, Violet not only single handedley started her own business, but also totally dominated the tennis shoe industry with the most creative not to mention humorous designs on the market.  We spoke exclusively with Violet about art & life in the City of Angels.

What inspired you to create your line of wearable art?
“At 14 I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and I was out of school for about a year. I would spend most days at the doctor or at home, and while my academic brain completely shut down, art started pouring out of me. My friend Caroline Bell (@cbellious) asked me if I could create a pair of custom painted tennis shoes for Coachella. She posted them on Instagram and they were a hit! Then Town and Country featured them in their magazine. I got really inspired and started creating designs unique to each customer. I created a web site and suddenly I had more business than I could manage.  It really helped me get through a very hard phase in my life and made me realize I could make a living as an artist. When I got healthy I applied and was accepted to Los Angeles County High School of the Arts (LACHSA).  If you believe our greatest challenges have hidden gifts (I do!), Lyme disease and those tennis shoes were pivotal in solidifying my path into visual art and now fashion design.”

Talk us through your creative process.
“I’m very visual, conceptual, and philosophical. I have so many varying interests so there are always a thousand different ideas going around in my head. Those ideas can really be prompted by anything: a book, a poem, a cool branch I saw on a hike, or wires hanging backstage at my friend’s play. When I get the initial input I start to piece things together and create metaphors in my head that end up adjoining pretty random things together, rooted by a common theme. Once I have that down I usually start by writing. I write every inch of my idea until it feels thought-out enough to start some preliminary sketches. I sketch a lot until I end up with a final sketch and then go about whatever artwork or design I’m creating.”

What items could you not live without?
“I have a lot of skincare and makeup routines. Good skin and nice lips are essential. My DCL B-Prox face wash for clear skin. Aquaphor keeps my lips soft. Nars Dolce Vita Lip Pencil is my go-to color. Cle de Peau Radiant Foundation for a sheer coverage. My journal – because I have WAY too many thoughts and always need a sketch book. For clothes – right now I’m in love with these vintage high-waisted Levi’s and a Frida Khalo t-shirt I thrifted in Florence.”

Describe a day in the life of Violet Somers.
“BUSY! I start my day with a cup of Bulletproof coffee, helps detox my brain and get me charged. Carpool to LACHSA with my best friends and Amy Winehouse on blast. Mornings at school start with academics. I’ve also added an online Italian class. After lunch I have a different art class everyday. Figure Drawing has a live, nude model (learning about anatomy and proportion in this class has really developed my skills for a future in fashion design). Fashion Design class involves croque sketches, draping, pattern making, and sewing. And I love my painting class just to let the creativity flow. After school I try to get to the gym or a hot yoga class. I have a nice organic family dinner, then procrastinate for 2-3 hours texting friends and managing social media. Then I hit the books, work on art assignments, and my favorite part of the night is creating a tornado of clothes as I plan an outfit for the next day. Then I try to turn off my brain and go to sleep.”

Being a frequent traveler, what have been your favorite destinations and why?
“This summer I attended a fashion design program at Polimoda in Florence, Italy for 5 weeks. I was surrounded by beautiful art, architecture, and fashion from the greatest masters of all time. The inspiration was overwhelming! I couldn’t sketch my ideas quickly enough. I saw my entire future collection – with all the details for each piece. The whole city is full of passion, life, food, family… just glorious. Being of Italian descent, I really had a sense of belonging in Italy. I have so much work to do to execute all the creative inspiration that came my way. Florence stole my heart.”

What was the most difficult aspect of setting up your own business and so far what has been the most rewarding?
“The most difficult aspect was definitely keeping up with the orders. Because so many people wanted my shoes and I was just one person running every aspect of the business (the web site, the finances, the design, the painting, etc.) it took a long time for me to actually produce and deliver a pair, which consequently made their desirability higher and increased demand. I really could have used some employees or local artists to help me paint – haha! As well as that, I get very perfectionistic and passionate about my work, so I really took my time with each pair. Like I said, the tennis shoe business was really a starting point for me to lead into my path to study fashion design.”

Have you always aspired to have a career in the Fashion Industry?
“Absolutely. Though I have several interests, fashion has been consistent from the time I was 5 years old and my nanny taught me how to hand sew dresses for my dolls. My grandmother is Suzanne Somers and when I was little, my sister and I would go through all of her incredible dresses, shoes, and accessories – essentially tearing up her closet to assemble outfits and put on a fashion show. It was the beginning of learning how to style and my grandma always said I had an incredible eye (I mean, she’s my grandma, but it built my confidence!). At LACHSA I began to design my own garments, and it’s amazing that I have the opportunity to do that at my age. I’m impatient and eager to learn more. I can’t wait for my technique to catch up to my imagination!”

What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not working?
“When I’m not working I love to cook. I used to practice traditional French pastry when I was 9. Now I’m gluten intolerant and kind of a health nut. Regardless, I love cooking for myself and others. Poetry is a passion of mine. I like to express what I’m experiencing in metaphors because it feels like an intricate code. I also love to dance, especially with friends, though even alone in my room it always makes me happy. I used to be a competitive dancer, so I like to dip back into the technique at times and practice my old ballet routines for fun.”

What do you believe sets Los Angeles apart, being your locality of choice?
“I was born and raised here, but I’ve done enough traveling to understand why LA is such a desirable location. What really attracts me to LA is the freedom, the space, and the energy. It’s an incredibly diverse city. You have a bohemian utopia in Venice, 20 minutes and you’re at upscale Canon Drive in Beverly Hills, another 20 minutes and you’re in urban, artsy Los Feliz!

I’m always surprised by what I can find in this city: the art exhibits and installations (flower petal drop!), the restaurants (love Blossom for Vietnamese food in DTLA), the secret trails with incredible views, or the local musicians at a club. I really get the chance to explore because my friends live all around the city. I used to go to private schools on the Westside, but now I’m at LACHSA downtown. I’m so happy to have both experiences because it affords me the opportunity to know such a broad spectrum of people in LA. There really are so many undiscovered artists here in every genre waiting to emerge. The energy is palpable.”

Where to next?
“Next… New York for Fashion Week! My sister (@cameliasomers) and I are being sponsored by Kyboe watches to attend the very first accessories show at Fashion Week. New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world and I’m considering Parson’s School of Design for Fashion after I graduate next year. Either that or I will head by back to Polimoda in Florence for their 4-year program. I’m beyond inspired by the authenticity of the Italian designers.  Ferruccio Ferragamo is the President of the school and the teachers push away all boundaries to really explore your passion and push to your potential. Plus, there are those charming red rooftops and gelato on the Arno!”

Where can we follow you?
“Follow me on Instagram (@violetsomers) and on my web site (VioletSomers.com).  Thanks so much for the chat!”

The Brilliant Japanese Shoemaker Yohei Fukuda

Yohei Fukuda is one of the best Japanese bespoke shoemakers or even possibly one of the best bespoke shoemakers in the world.  Creating some of the highest quality shoes on the market, he brings a classic style that makes men, myself included, lust after the opportunity to own even just one of his ultra-high quality creations.  Fukuda was deeply inspired by high quality English bespoke shoe-making and was later persuaded by a friend of his to accompany him to the Tresham Institute in Northamptom, (a comparatively technical accustomed shoe-making school).  Thereafter he began working for George Cleverley’s and Edward Green’s former bespoke departments for some time, until he went back to Japan in 2007 to make his own mark on the industry.  After which he established himself as one of the best master bespoke shoemakers.

Yohei Fukuda is located in the neighborhood of Shibuya in central Tokyo, on the second floor of a high rise building lies his showroom and two more floors above that lie his workshop.  Together with his two apprentices, he creates 60 beautifully constructed pairs a year.  Fakuda’s time in England really inspired his brand, as he adapted style ques from the early 1900’s and given them a modern edge, whilst keeping the old British style and class the same.

Yohei Fakuda classifies his work into four different levels: ordering, as where each pair of shoes are created using the same basics, but with unique modifications of models and lasts.  The levels are as follow:

– Master Styling (Made to Order).  Select model, leather, last (classic round toe or chiseled), and specific details like the waist (bevelled or fiddle waist), heel (square, tapered, Yohei Fukuda heel which is an asymmetric variant), and more.  The price for the Classic Collection models start from €2,300 (280 000 yen), and for Heritage models the price begins around €2,450 (300,000 yen).  Lasted shoe trees are included.

– Master Fitting (semi-bespoke/Made to Measure).  The price is the same as for the Master Styling above with additional price of around €50 (6,000 yen) for each modification that needs to be done.  The total price of the order will be set after you tried on the test shoes and the modifications needed are identified.  Lasted shoe trees are included (the same ones as Master Styling used for the basic lasts).  No fitting is required.

– Master Scratch (limited bespoke).  The standard models are still used and prices are based on the same as the Master styling, but the last is fully adapted to your individual needs.  You could even say that it is bespoke in the area of fitting, MTO regarding choice of model.  Here the test shoes are created and a minimal of one fitting is required. Additions of €500 (60 000 yen) for the creation of lasts, €250 for lasted shoe trees (3,000 yen), which makes for a total price of €3,000 (370,000 yen) for the Classic series, and €3,150 (390,000 yen) for the Heritage model.

– Bespoke (full bespoke). A very special and personal last is made, where you can choose any design of the model, leather, details, etc.  A minimal of one fitting is required.  Base price of €2,450 (300,000 yen), €500 (60,000 yen) for last manufacturing , €325 (40,000 yen) for pattern making, €250 (30,000 yen) for the shoe trees, making the total price start somewhere around     €3,500 (430,000 yen).

You have two options when it comes to obtaining a pair of Yohei Fukuda shoes:  One of the options is by going straight to their shop in Tokyo and purchasing a pair in person, another ways is by visiting one of Mr. Fukuda’s few trunk shows , which only take place at The Armoury in Hong Kong.  Although, because such a vast amount of people are interested in his shoes there is still the possibility that Mr. Fukuda will visit parts of Europe as well as the US, but for now we can only hope that that day is soon.

When selecting details like how you wish the sole to be painted or if/how the brass nail should be put under the heel, etc.  The process is extremely thorough and takes a little over an hour.  In fact, a full bespoke order can take nearly 150 hours if you include the all of the measuring, last making, manufacturing of sample shoes, potential last modification and then final production.  As for the delivery, Fukuda tries to keep it at six months for Master Fitting and Master Styling, or 12 months for Bespoke and Master Scratch.  Unfortunatly with Fukuda’s shoes popularity on the constant rise, delivery time may be even longer than originally anticipated.

When the shoes are finished they are then placed in a fabric dressed box along with two nice shoe bags and cloth, additional shoe laces, and as an added bonus a jar of Saphir Medaille d’Or shoe cream and a tin of wax polish.  The lasted shoe trees are hinged and made of obeche wood, which for the record is extremely light weight.  Mr. Fukuda’s shoes are also very well polished from the get-go, with spit shine made on both the toe and heel.   The sheer amount of quality and workmanship exhibited by Mr. Fakuda, is simply exceptional.

Images Courtesy of: YoheiFukuda

Louis Vuitton Opens Their Doors To The World Of Fragrance

Louis Vuitton has been making high quality leather accessories and travel bags for over a century, but now the luxury fashion brand is going to try opening a few doors into the fragrance industry.  So Maison is putting his heart and soul into accomplishing beyond flawless aromas for the upcoming collection, labeled Les Parfums Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton has even hired master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, who exclusively designed the seven following scents; Rose des Vents, Dans la Peau, Contre Moi, Turbulences, Mille Feux, Apogee, and Matiere Noire.  Belletrud used unique extraction techniques, so that the collection would feature only the purest of floral and leather.  The perfumes are already set to be issued in 100 to 200-ml sizes, and will be priced at $240 and $350 each, respectively.

For more information visit:  Louis Vuitton

Dunhill’s Fall/Winter 2016 Campaign

Dunhill’s Fall/Winter 2016 campaign is here!  This years campaign is inspired by the always lovely British Countryside and fronted by the ambiguous Guy Robinson.  Set on the Wortham Park estate, (an 18th century country mansion in Hertfordshire) the campaign is shot by John Balsom and styled by Dan May.  Guy Robinson makes for the perfect gentleman and face of Dunhill as he drives a vintage car, walks around the almost endless estate’s grounds, and plays pool.  Covered in this seasons inspired leather blouson and military overcoat, Dunhill has not only completed but also improved the look with luxuriantly plush cashmere embroidery layers underneath, as each piece is flawlessly finished with exemplary British tailoring.

For more information visit:  Dunhills Fall/Winter Collection

Check out:  Dunhills Fall/Winter video

Berluti’s New Creative Director

The fashion industry is abuzz, when news got around that Berluti’s (a subsidiary brand of LVMH) Creative Director, Alessandro Sartori will be leaving to go back to Ermenegildo Zegna.  So LVMH is now on the prowl for a new creative director, and from what I hear, famed Colombian fashion designer, Haider Ackermann may be the one for the job.  It might not be as easy as a label looking for a new creative director, though; in the hopes that Ackermann could immensely boost the label’s pummeling profits.

LVMH is certainly in a pickle, judging by the latest occurrences like when LVMH sold Donna Karan.  And just last year, they sold Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Berluti has even been making a consistent decline in revenue.  Still, nothing has been confirmed, despite the fact that Berluti has already withered an estimated €100-150 million in data via fashion enterprise.

Bally Changes Things Up For Fall/Winter 2016 Campaign

Bally changes things up.  As the legendary fashion house introduces many experienced models like Guinevere van Seenus and young new models like 15-year old Ina Maribo Jensen.  Bally’s all about individuality and diversity, combined with classic up to the minute trends.  The legendary brand showcases a new look for this years Fall/Winter campaign to keep things new and fresh, yet still giving a time-honored sense of style that is always up to date.  Bally, bringing elegance and grace in only the best of ways.

What brings this campaign together is the eight chic models each from different generations, all directed by Design Director Pablo Coppola and shot by Jack Davidson.

For more information visit:  www.bally.com

Check out 2016 Bally Fall/Winter collection video:  YouTube.com/Bally-Fall/Winter

Dolce & Gabbana Release New Sneaker Collection

Dolce & Gabbana have just announced a new product, the #DGLOVES sneakers.  This new collection was the end result of drawing inspiration from nine metropolitan cities, giving Dolce & Gabbana fans new, cool, and slick foot-wear.  Keeping up with trends is a must, so when Dolce & Gabbana showed a hashtag in their new foot-wear collection “#DGLOVES” it was surprising to say the least.  Because that trendy symbol has just about outlived its trendiness, but its not unlike Dolce & Gabbana to take something not and turn it into something hot, as the brand sets fire to the fashion world.

The limited capsule collection will be showcasing a sporting design symbol for each of the nine metropolitan cities, as well as a devoted color hashtag.  One example of this, is the Hong Kong version that reveals the city’s skyline with its exemplary skyscrapers.  There is also a pair created specifically for global citizens, that features a globe patch and the hashtag #DGLOVESYOU instead for a more generic version.  The sneakers will be available for purchase online and it will launch in two months.  Dolce & Gabbana will your wonders never cease to amaze?

For more information visit:  dolcegabbana.com

Elie Top’s Intriguingly New Jewelry Collection Inspired by Astrological Clocks

Famed Parisian designer Elie Top just released his first collection last year, which combines classic artisan creations with 3-D technology.  This new jewelry collection was awe inspired by astrological clocks belonging to the 17th and 18th centuries, making for a most intriguing jewelry line by Elie Top.  Dubbed the Mécaniques Célestes collection, it contains 22 magnificent pieces that feature rotating disks that expose previously concealed components, like the central diamond studded globe in the gold/silver ring shown below ($13,145).  The collection is available at Dover Street Market, New York.

For more information visit:  elietop.com

For more information on Dover Street Market check out:  doverstreetmarket.com

Canali’s 2016 Fall/Winter Collection Revealed

Canali revealed their 2016 Fall/Winter collection during “Milan Fashion Week” showcasing some very smart and sharp designs.  The collection offers the finest made menswear for the most stylish gentleman.  Creative director Andrea Pompilio said “There is so much of the world that we don’t actually perceive and I wanted to explore this concept for the new season.  As in architecture, every detail, both inside and out, was carefully calculated to craft the perfect balance between practicality and style.” As for his take on the latest event for Canali, while at Milan Fashion Week.

The collection was made out of luxurious finishes like wool, gabardines, pony hair, cotton velvet, and cashmere, the collection also featured check trousers, cableknit sweaters, leather jackets, double-breasted suits, gloves, and slim yet striking scarves that were modeled as neckties during the show.

For more information visit:  www.canali.com

Also you can shop the Canali Fall Winter 2016 Collection at:  Shop MR PORTER