Vintage Industrial’s New Gravity Defying Cant Table

The Cant can defy gravity; this new gravity defying table from Vintage Industrial pushes design boundaries to never before seen heights, as well as becoming the foundation for future design innovations.  With the Cant table’s overzealous and modern design, it is a first in a series of design wisdom defying pieces that Vintage Industrial plans on producing in the coming days.

Vintage Industrial has always been passionate about the furniture they have built ever since the company first started out from a garage in 2009.  In what initially began as a hobby, doing what they love with a design and materials that can last centuries, the current Vintage Industrial continues to stand by that same passion in order to create high-quality pieces of avant-garde furniture for their customers that will last them through generations to come.

“We wanted to do something different, to really push the boundaries of conventional design and wisdom,” said Greg Hankerson, co-founder of Vintage Industrial. “The Cant table looks like it wants to tip; like it can’t stay upright, but with its cantilever design it can and will. We love it.”

This gravity defying table is a variation from Vintage Industrial’s aesthetic, bringing forth a visionary concept to the company’s current production line.  The Cant table features a Cantilever design, with a heavy plate steel base, 96 x 40 stainless steel table top, and is available in polished or non-polished finish.  The Cant table’s base model is priced at $13,950.

For more information visit:  Retro.net

Visit the Vintage Industrial Facebook page here

The Epitome of Speed and Elegance: 2018 Aston Martin Vantage

For the past several decades, the Aston Martin Vantage has become one of the nameplate’s most iconic and refined models ever produced by the British Marque.  And this statement is not any less accurate when referring to the all new 2018 model. When first conceptualized in 1951 on a high-output engine option for the DB2, the Vantage promptly established itself as its own unique model.

The new Vantage sports car displays a bold yet timeless vibe with an athletic, predatory stance, which is evident from the minimal front and rear overhangs.  The car’s robust flanks and generous haunches convey an unalloyed adroitness and vivacity that is inherent within the sports car.  Furthermore, the new head and tail lights add a new signature concept to the Vantage, giving it a conspicuous road presence and a strong individual personality within its growing model range.

The sports car’s cockpit introduces sharp, focused lines that reflect a more dynamic and vigorous nature to the vehicle’s outer appearance.  When stepping into the Vantage, a high waist interior theme and lower driving position welcomes you; this offers the driver and its passenger a more engaging driving experience with improved headroom when compared with the Vantage’s predecessors.  The interior also includes extensive storage space behind the seats along with ample double-tier storage areas.

Under the hood of the new Vantage is Aston Martin’s potent new alloy, 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.  It was placed as far back in the chassis as possible to find the perfect 50:50 weight distribution.  The high performance and high efficiency V8 engine has a dry weight of 1530kg, in which provides the car with an overwhelming power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios.

This new Vantage deploys it’s massive power and torque to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.  Achieving 0 to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds and offering a top speed of 195mph, the new Vantage utilizes a series of integrated electronic systems to deliver maximum control to the driver, much to his/her enjoyment.  These said electronic systems include Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Torque Vectoring.

The chassis of the car is an enhance version of the DB11’s bonded aluminum structured chassis, whereas 70 percent of the Vantage’s structure components are newly added.  The design integrates balance, strength, sharpness, weight efficiency, and handling flexibility into the new Vantage as its the top priority.

Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “New Vantage has the most powerful and provocative design language ever seen in a Vantage. A hunter, light in weight and is therefore light in it’s visual language. It is based on a single line under tension, inspired by the DB10 and the extreme track-only Aston Martin Vulcan, blending the two unique design languages together into a form that is sculpted, dynamic, pure and elemental”.

The Vantage features an amplitude of first-rate standard equipment such as keyless start/stop, tyre pressure monitoring system, parking distance display, park assist and front and rear parking sensors.  The car also includes an In-Car Entertainment system, of which is controlled and viewed via a centrally mounted 8 LCD screen, that consists of the Aston Martin Audio System, iPod, iPhone and USB playback, Bluetooth audio & phone streaming, and an integrated satellite navigation system.

The new Vantage features an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff), which links itself to the car’s electronic stability control system in order to comprehend its performability, and then responds accordingly to transfer the engine’s power towards the relevant wheel.  This in turn boosts straight-line stability and its cornering performance to give the driver a heightened level of confidence to fully explore and bring out the car’s true capabilities to it’s maximum potential.

With the assimilation of the engine, transmission, E-Diff, Dynamic Torque Vectoring, Dynamic Stability Control, Adaptive Damping and the electric power steering systems, the new Vantage has each mode better improve every area of the car to become one.  This allows the vehicle to gain agility and enhanced responsiveness, thereby achieving a sharper, more vocal, and exciting nature for the Vantage.  The Vantage generates a significant level of downforce thanks to its new side gills, which has been integrated into the body surface and drains air pressure out from the front wheel arches, and the distinct askew rear deck lid.

Just as you would expect from Aston Martin, the new Vantage demonstrates a high degree of craftsmanship from their flawless paintwork and lavish Alcantara & leather upholstery to the high quality tactile natural materials that were used for levels of finish.  The customizability on the new vantage is quite extensive as it generously provides an array of options to choose from.  These include forged alloy wheels in a variety of finishes, Sports Plus Collection (comprising Sports Plus seats and Sports steering wheel), carbon fibre interior and exterior detailing with a Premium Audio System.

Aston Martin President & Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Palmer said: “It speaks volumes for the outgoing Vantage that it is the single most successful model in Aston Martin’s history. Creating a worthy successor has been a challenge to relish and a huge source of motivation. I’m enormously excited by what we’ve created: a new Vantage that’s more explicit in looks and intent, wrapping heart-pounding performance and dazzling dynamics into an everyday usable package. A true sports car with a sharper look and a keener dynamic edge, the new Vantage is the Aston Martin pure driving machine enthusiasts have been waiting for.”

With deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2018, the new Vantage is currently on sale for a recommended retail price of £120,900 in the UK, €154,000 in Germany and $149,995 in the USA.

For more information visit:  Global.AstonMartin.com/en-gb/models/new-vantage

Photography by: Drew Gibson

“Involution” By Martín Loyato: Upcoming Album Release

Through the co-operation among a collection of skilled musicians from different backgrounds, a masterpiece titled “Involution” was created. More than 30 musicians from all over the world, including Argentina, Australia, Germany, Greece, Korea, Lebanon, Spain and the USA, have combined their talents to produce this “electro-acoustic experimental album” containing 9 breathtaking tracks.

The 18^th of December is the awaited day when “Involution” by the professional Argentinian trumpet player “Martín Loyato”, a multi-instrumental player, who added to his treasure a new album that will be released digitally worldwide. Through this diversity in culture and self-expression, Loyato is trying to establish a new sort of recording that embraces all different types of music, thus uniting their imperfections together to come up with a magnificent blend. The album was recorded and mixed at Audio Addicts Studio in Beirut, Lebanon. Under the label of Syncretism Records, which is an independent music label interested in releasing creative-contemporary free world music from experimental jazz to classical, founded by Loyato in 2009.

Loyato is pioneering this new type of music that is stripped of all dominant discourses shaped by intersection of gender, race and class praising the mere “interconnectedness” among people, thus combining music the same way people blend with each other and connecting their emotions that fluctuate between happiness and pain. The inspiration behind the music is the “spiritual meaning of involution” that aims for progression of the untouchable spirits. For him”This philosophy represents the inner evolution of the mind, heart and soul, the inward path of a spiritual aspirant toward self-realization that might be the ascent back to God or beyond the creation.”

Surprisingly enough, Dr. Loyato has worked on many other skillful projects and some of them even took place at the Lebanese American University – the institution he teaches at – that partially supported this recording in addition to other contributors such as Audio Addicts Studio, Patrizia Jewelry Sculptor, SaxOn… Loyato tries his best to encourage talented students by giving them a chance to let their music reach out to people’s ears inside and outside the university bubble. Many Lebanese American University students participated in this album as the choir and by instrumental playing.

I personally perceived the music as similar to the sea where at some points it’s raging and at other points it’s calm. A mixture of different musical instruments: Qanoon, Oud, Saxophones, violins and electronics… This unique taste of mixing East and West accompanied by changing levels of vocals, creates the sense of complication “involution” hence communicating a meaningful and pleasurable experience while listening to the recordings. Moreover, It’s quite interesting how Dr. Loyato includes some Arabic lyrics in the album without creating dissonance, but, on the opposite harmoniously the melody pampers the ears. Eagerly, he’s trying to spread his art in the Arab region too by adding an Arabic touch to this album.

For more information about Martín Loyato visit:  MartinLoyato.com

For additional details about the album check out the below video.

NYC Prewar Apartment Relisted for 34.5 Million Dollars

A prewar Fifth Avenue apartment located in New York City, that once belonged to former U.S. Ambassador Bruce Gelb, was just recently put back on the market with a lowered offering price.  In what was originally listed for $65 million and later lessened to $38 million during the summer, has now been relisted by real estate agency Stribling & Associates for the current asking price of $34.5 million.

Situated on the tenth-floor with 51 feet of Central Park frontage, the 12 room prewar residence includes five bedrooms and five baths.  The apartment is positioned in the heart of Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile, so the distance between the Metropolitan and Guggenheim Museums to the main entrance is fairly close by.  Throughout the abode the decor continues unaltered, this includes the wood-paneled living room which has 11-foot-high ceilings and a fireplace with an original J.E.R. Carpenter carved-wood mantle.

Within the 12-person formal dining room, an adorned fireplace is adjacent to the expansive windows that offer stunning views of the park.  Additionally, there is an eat-in-kitchen right next to a butler’s pantry that features glass-fronted cabinets and double sinks.  The highlight of the residence is obviously the panoramic views of Central Park, which can be seen through most of the rooms.

In addition, the residence has it’s own private elevator, an office, a library, a windowed den along with adjoining bath (which both can be converted into additional bedrooms), a private laundry room and a multitude of walk-in closets are spread throughout.  The apartment features three south-facing bedrooms furnished with en suite baths, and located on the far end of the apartment is the spacious master suite, which includes two baths, a dressing room, and several walk-in closets.

Building amenities include a state-of-the art gym with a pilates reformer, bike room, half-basketball court, golf simulator, and endless pool.  Furthermore, it also permits pets on a case by case basis as well as offering two large storage rooms and a vault trade with the apartment.

Pamela D’Arc & Gioia Zwack of Stribling hold the listing.

Photo Credit: David Paler

For more information visit:  Stribling.com

Floating Venice: an Authentic Venetian Experience Brought to the Middle East

Dubai, famous for it’s luxurious infrastructure from large miraculous parks and roads to the world’s highest buildings, added to it’s grandeur a unique vessel resort that represents a floating miniature version of Venice. In September of 2017, Kleindienst Group launched their “Floating Venice” project worth 680 million US dollars at Cityscape Global. The inspiration behind this so-called “boat” was generated by the success of “The Floating Seahorse” that was the first underwater experience and received a large number of visitors.

Floating Venice will start construction in 2018 and luckily will be finalized by 2020, serving the interests of people for over 100 years and will push the underwater experience to a higher level. 3,000 people can visit the resort daily, consisting of 4 decks, in which one is undersea. The decks consist of 414 cabins, 180 of which are underwater.

As guests arrive to the main Piazza San Marco by boat, seaplane or helicopter, the underwater lobby will greet them warmly and introduce them to the most exceptional journey they may ever experience. In order to reach their targeted cabins, guests will have to pass through canals by gondolas brought from Venice.

An integral element of life that is added to this resort, which makes it more desirable to visit, is it’s numerous water features. People do not perceive water as only an elixir for life, but also as a source of luxury. So instead of a typical visit to the sea or any resort, Floating Venice embraces our relationship with water, offering spas, cabins and restaurants located underwater that will pamper guests by its charming seascapes, giving them immense choices concerning activities. The world’s first floating spa and gym are constructed underwater in the Arsenale Piazza. In addition, nightlife and dinning can be enjoyed in any restaurant chosen from a collection of 12, in which 3 are underwater giving breath-taking panoramas. One could pleasurably also stare at the passing gondolas above.

Chairman, Josef Kleindienst sees this correlation between Kleindienst group’s vision and Dubai’s progression as interconnected, where both seek the pioneering position for innovation. Being optimistic and proud, Kleindienst has a strong level of optimism to “enhance the landscape of real estate and hospitality and deliver a new iconic experience.”

Floating Venice is a piece of art that combines different cultures, hosting many traditional festivals such as Carnivale di Venezia, Binnale di Venezia and Festa del Rendentore. In addition, there are several shops that embody the Venetian style which thus adds to the taste a concentrated Venetian portion.

Using technology, Dubai was able to create its own Venice. Not only Venice, but even Dubai is working on other replicas of famous wonders from around the world such as the Eiffel Tower and the Egyptian Pyramids, all under a project dubbed ‘Falcon City of Wonders’. This brings forth the curiosity of discovering Dubai’s future projects, and also raises the question whether Dubai will become a pure fake replica of other wonders with no natural home treasures?

For more information visit: www.TheFloatingVenice.com

Jim Belushi’s Brentwood Park Home Hits The Market At 38.5 Million

Los Angeles based actor and comedian, Jim Belushi, best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” has listed his Italian Style Villa located in prime Brentwood Park for a whopping $38.5 million USD with Hilton & Hyland.  According to Christies International Real Estate, Belushi and his wife have now decided to downsize since their children are now both college-aged.

The 14,000 square foot residence is the result of an expert collaboration between Architect Oscar Shamamian and designer Michael Smith.  Set down a private cobblestone drive on 1.3 acre double lot is the six bedroom and 11 bathroom home, that includes a motor court, guesthouse, and multiple pool houses which surround a 60 foot long pool deck with intimate sitting and alfresco dinning areas.

A collection of high-end finishes were collected from homes all around the globe, including reclaimed travertine from Turkey, fireplace mantels, roof tiles from Venezuela, Italian terra cotta tile floors, custom ironwork, and Moroccan glazed bathroom tiles.  Additionally, the public areas include American hardwood floors and Venetian plaster walls throughout.

One particular highlight of the home is the modern welcoming kitchen designed with an expansive archway as it’s frame.  Located off of the main living area is a hidden passageway which leads to an office and subterranean area with a billiards room, cinema, wine cellar, and spa. The plush master suite features an oversized bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, private stairway to the jacuzzi and cold plunge grotto, as well as expansive views of the home’s surrounding garden & green expanses, to complement the Italian splendor.

Images courtesy of: Hilton & Hyland

Former Malibu Estate of Johnny Carson Lists for 81.5 Million

Sidney Kimmel’s Malibu home which was formerly the residence of “The Tonight Show” Host, Johnny Carson, has been listed for sale with Hilton & Hyland at an asking price of $81.5 million USD. Situated down a private drive with mature trees, an ample four acre property located on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific, is an over 7,000 square foot modern masterpiece designed by famed Malibu architect Ed Niles.

Hallmark features of the residence include a double triangle-shaped living room with 30-foot high ceilings and floor to ceiling glass which frames the home’s dramatic ocean views. Abundant natural light floods the residence’s indoor botanical garden that is devoted to trees.  Unique highlights of this home also include an Asian-inspired lounge, state of the art kitchen, a wine cellar, and formal interior and exterior dinning areas.  Located upstairs is a full floor master suite with advantageous terraces with commanding views; as well as his and hers onyx bathrooms, walk-in closets, and personal offices.

Rich landscaping allows for a truly inspiring experience in the garden with walking paths, a koi pond, waterfalls, a saltwater pool, and direct access to the beach below.  There is a sunken professional tennis court on the property, which was a gift to Johnny Carson from his long time employer, NBC.  Located beside the tennis court is a viewing pavilion offering two lavish bedrooms, a gym, a media room, and walls that open to welcome that fresh Malibu air.  Additionally there is an elevator, guesthouse, property manager’s office, staff facilities, and a security office.

Images courtesy of: Hilton & Hyland

Angra dos Reis: 32 Acre Private Island Complete with Helipads

An unrivaled 32 acre Brazilian private island has been listed for sale this autumn with Christie’s International Real Estate.  Set within the prestigious area of Angra dos Reis (just 30 minutes from Rio via helicopter), which is considered by many as one of the most stunning areas of Rio de Janeiro, this private island is complete with unwavering scenery, lush vegetation, and is complemented by the shimmering Atlantic Ocean.

Angra dos Reis, Portuguese for “Creek of the Kings” is an archipelago of 388 islands which offer 2,000 beaches spread across seven bays.  Cultural highlights include multiple 16th century churches, as well as native fishing communities of sardine fishermen.  Before the area was officially settled by Portugal, Angra dos Reis, was a hub for pirates who would hide in the area’s many coves.

“Angra dos Reis is what The Hamptons are to New York City, a nearby seaside oasis yet far from the urban bustle. Only Angra is more secluded and private,” says Rick Moeser, Executive Director of Christie’s International Real Estate. “This estate has served its family’s legacy and memories, well. It is now time for a new owner to build their own legacy in this most special of locales.”

The property is aimed to provide the very finest in a retreat setting for family and friends with it’s 10,000 square foot main home, plus an additional five bedrooms spread across three bungalows, which include their very own balconies for taking in the stunning island vistas.

“This private island is the perfect sanctuary within quick proximity to wonderful dining, boutique shopping and adventure travel,” says Frederico Judice Araujo. “The home offers a perfect balance between privacy in the natural world and resort vibrancy.”

Throughout the luxurious compound an open indoor-outdoor design is present, with multiple balconies, decks, and terraces that highlight panoramic views and enable “al fresco living”.  Within the confines of the island are amenities which include a cinema, state of the art kitchen, cellar, spa, conservatory room, two docks, helicopter landing pads for day or night, three buildings for staff accommodation, and multiple backup generators to ensure a luxurious experience.

Images courtesy of: Judice & Araujo

The 500 Acre Galaxie Farm Listed for 6.75 Million

Galaxie Farm, a 504 acre equestrian estate located in the American Gilded Age city of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, has been listed for sale with Christie’s International Real Estate for 6.75 Million USD.  The property set in the heart of Pennsylvania’s bucolic horse country, offers discerning buyers acres of green pasture, an old world colonial style farmhouse built in 2002, a two acre pond, a 15 stall paddock, three car garage, and guest home plus caretakers cottage.

Interiors of the elegant farm house can only be described as a modern classic reminiscent of a bygone era with it’s cherry hardwood floors, 10-foot high ceilings, handcrafted cabinetry, and custom millwork throughout. The exterior of the residence is surrounded by stone walls and lush gardens.

When stepping into the main home you are immediately greeted by a soaring entrance hall with dual staircases, which flow graciously into the spacious living and dinning rooms, as well as the family area that offers double height ceilings and a stone fireplace with a soaring mantle piece.  Paying homage to the remainder of the main floor is an oversized master suite, modern kitchen, three season porch with fireplace, and a quintessential cozy library. Located on the upper floor is an office, playroom, and an additional four bedrooms.  While the lower floor offers abundant storage, a wine cellar with tasting room, media room, bar, and a second laundry room.

Speaking on the Galaxie Farm listing, Christie’s International Real Estate’s Executive Director, Kathleen Coumou added “The setting is simply breathtaking. A patchwork of rolling green pastures are framed by regal stands of mature hardwood trees and bulges of the nearby Allegheny Mountains. The home defines understated elegance and the equestrian facilities are expansive and lovely. The surrounding area is an undiscovered mecca for all manners of outdoor activities.”

Galaxie Farm is located just 25 minutes from the commercial and private Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, within a radius that is less than 50 miles from Pittsburgh, and three hours from the US Capital of Washington DC.  Nearby amenities also include the highly acclaimed Laurel Valley Golf Course, designed by the late Arnold Palmer,who was widely regarded as the world’s greatest professional golfer.

Additionally, the combination of both Hidden Valley and Seven Springs provide the ski enthusiast with a noteworthy terrain to explore.  Traveling further towards Washington DC, the nature enthusiast will find the Rolling Rock Hunt Club which offers hiking, spelunking, biking, and Class I-IV whitewater rafting.  And, although Pittsburgh has been widely regarded as a tough steel town in the past, an up and coming business and artistic scene is bringing new life and cultural amenities to the western Pennsylvania city.

Images courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

New Orlean’s Most Expensive Home Listed For 10 Million Dollars

Located within New Orlean’s prestigious French Quarter is a rare historic three story mansion boasting over 12,000 square feet of opulent living space. The estate, which was just listed for sale at 10.3M USD this month with Eleanor Farnsworth of Gardner Realtors, makes 620 Ursulines Avenue, New Orlean’s most expensive listing.  The estate was built in 1819 by French-born architects Claude Gurlie and Joseph Guillot, who were hired by Arnaud Magnon, a prominent shipbuilder in his day.  Some standout amenities include 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and 3 powder rooms, multiple elegant drawing rooms, a gourmet kitchen, billiards room, two wine cellars, and a dinning room featuring a circa 1960’s handprinted mural.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own the most spectacular property in the French Quarter. It boasts one of the largest private courtyards in the Vieux Carré, parking for 15 cars, and breathtaking views of the city from the Widow’s Walk.” – Said listing agent, Eleanor Farnsworth

After the death of Mr. Magnon, the estate was updated throughout the mid-19th century by acclaimed New Orleans architect James Gallier Sr. who redesigned many first floor rooms to reflect the Greek revival style.  Gallier, who was born, Gallagher, in Ravensdale, County Louth, Ireland in 1798, was well regarded for his role in the designing of the Godmanchester Chinese Bridge and the redevelopment of the early Grosvenor Estate in Mayfair.  After becoming bankrupt in 1832, Mr. Gallagher emigrated to the United States and adopted the name Gallier upon his arrival to New Orleans in 1834.

Additional luxurious amenities throughout the home include ornate plaster and marble finishings with custom millwork, French floors which open to the surrounding garden, attached two story guest house with sauna, walled courtyard with pool, two master suites, two car garages with additional gated parking for 15 cars.

For more information on the estate, please visit: Luxury Portfolio