Visit The BAR For The Open Studios of Gianna Dispenza

The Beirut Art Residency (BAR) is having an open-call.  Anyone who deeply enjoys amazing works of art made by truly creative minds will undoubtedly love this event. The brilliant American artist Gianna Dispenza as well as fellow artist Darryl Westley will be showcasing their work at this incredible event as the new artists-in-residence.  In addition, many other artists will be present during the various BAR events to display their artwork and ability, that put into words is “completely extraordinary”.

BAR is an artist-run interdisciplinary, nonprofit space that embraces residence from every single artistic background.  The BAR artist-in-residence program is the begining for rising artists on their way to build up their career and for already established artists to discover more methods, skills, and knowledge about their profession.  The art residency pursues foster cross-cultural connections amidst participants and the local artistic community within Beirut.  The BAR does this through open panel discussions, orginized screening, workshops, and performances with professional artists from all around the world (including the Middle East).

Hidden away in the side streets of central Beirut’s Gemmayze district stands a unique building with exhilerating views that overlooks the shipping port.  This beautiful area along with Mar Mikhael, is in the middle of Beirut’s bohemian quarter.  The several art spaces around the gemmayze district holds a large amount importance and authority in Beirut’s prospering arts and culture sphere.

The Beirut Art Residence will be showcasing the open studios of Gianna Dispenza & Darryl Westley this Thursday, October 27th from 7-10PM at Pasteur st. Gemmayze facing Coral Gas Station in Beirut.

For more information on the BAR and their upcoming events visit:  BeirutArtResidency.com

The Incredible Two-Deck Zen Superyacht

Thanks to a combined collaboration by Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyard and Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design, the 262-foot Zen superyacht concept was born as a two-deck party vessel.  Parting company with the highly popular multi-deck motif, the yacht stretches over two decks; the first one embraces guests with plush lounge chairs, crescent-shaped couches, and divans.  While the other deck boasts a 26 foot long swimming pool, which on clear days glistens under the unending blue skies, and with the always close by Jacuzzi on deck, life on the water becomes all the more incredible.

The yacht has been brilliantly adorned with silk carpets, dark wood, and soft chenille fabrics to follow a modern style that brings a cheerful, welcoming feeling forward.  Offering a variety of amenities, Zen includes an on board gym, cinema, and a formal dining room.  In addition, the full-beam owner’s suite features a bedroom, an office, a lounge, his & her bathrooms, his & her dressing rooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows.  Zen can accommodate up to 12 guests, and can cruise the seas at speeds of up to 18 knots.

For more information visit:  Sinot.com & Feadship.nl

This Extraordinary Phuket Villa Is Phenomenal

This amazing waterfront villa in Phuket located deep within the lush jungles of Thailand, proves to be beyond extraordinary, as it brims with stunning architecture and geometric artistry.  Positioned on the edge of Crystal Lake, the 8,500 square-foot villa features a total of four bedrooms, an open kitchen, six spa-styled baths, a gym, a wine cellar, and a saltwater infinity pool that was constructed with hand-cast Thai tiles in black stone (which overlooks the beautiful lake as well as the nearby Loch Palm Golf Course). The villa takes advantage of 150 tons of steel to build the four trusses, the unique ‘H-shaped’ design of the property proposes a variety of sumptuous patios & terraces, including floor to ceiling burnished windows, horizontal embellishments, teak paneling, Shiva back granite, and kiln-fired cement shakes.  This geometrical masterpiece is currently on the market for roughly $1.7 million.

For more information visit:  Ilre.com

What’s it Like To Fly In Etihad Airways First Class?

Etihad Airways defies prevailing at the level of first-class cabins, which is more than a mere seat. They provide plenty of habitat for the discerning traveler with soft furniture, leather, and unique design. At Etihad, special classes come with special treatment and the long hours turn short.

First Class Suite is a corner of an exclusive and private space, it embodies the perspective of a new welfare. Every part of the trip was designed to reflect the lifestyle of a privileged and comfortable journey.

Space:
The first-class suites on the 787 Dreamliner provide you with the largest possible area, seats facing forward and backward. The curved corridor also provides personal space for you.

Seat to bed:
Enter your suite and relax in your special leather seat, which turns into a fully flat bed 6 feet, 8 inches tall. Each suite is equipped with first-class wardrobe closet and private drinks (Prada on board the 787 Dreamliner).

Special Suite:
Enjoy the privacy you deserve, behind closed doors and the advantages of luxury. You are also able to invite a traveler as a companion for dining, which will be attended by a special chef on board.
 

Etihad Airways Travel Experience:
 Comfort:
Hit “not disturb button” and enjoy the luxury of a sound sleep. Etihad Airways Cabin Crew is always on alert if you needed anything.

• Mattresses, quilts, blankets and pillows made from natural materials.
• Stylish clothes to sleep in.
• Spray oil for pillow and wrist to help keep you well rested.
• Bedtime drinks.

Travel kit package:
Inspired travel bag kits primarily from the rich heritage of the people of the UAE, in terms of design primarily, focuses on embroidery known as “Sadu”, whose origins go back to centuries pattern.

Guests enjoy luxury fragrances of the famous brand from New York, “le labo” which offers refreshing Bergamut senses, and as an added bonus it also includes hand cream, lip balm, facial moisturizer, and a refreshing towel. In addition, the dental care items, socks, a light emitting cover, earphones, spray pillows and mint oil are given to help guests relax and enjoy the flight.

Meet The Art Of Bugatti Exhibition

The Petersen Automotive Museum located in Los Angeles, will be showcasing the Art of Bugatti exhibit on the 23rd of October, as they introduce their greatest creations from their most stylish designs to their highest performance vehicles.  In addition, the French automobile manufacturer will not only be presenting classic to high performance cars, but also some of the Bugatti’s family’s most extraordinary furniture and pieces of art.

Showing an automotive lineup like never before, Bugatti has placed 20 exceptional cars from throughout their many years in business.  The first car in the exhibition is their 1925 Type 35C Grand Prix, which is the same 129 hp model that won the Grand Prix World Championship in the following year.  The lineup will also feature two examples of what many have acknowledged to be among the most rare and breathtaking cars in existence, the 1939 Type 57C Atalante.  For a more modern coupe, the 1994 EB110 Super Sport Le Mans that qualified in 17th place for the cars namesake race (which did not finish), will also be displayed in the exhibition.  And to symbolize Bugatti’s leading-edge inventiveness is the 1,500 hp Chiron, with a world-wide reputation as the fastest and most powerful production today.

Ettore Bugatti’s brother Rembrandt, complemented the mechanized marvels with his seldom-seen artwork.  Contemplative of Rembrandt’s genius, the pieces in the exhibit include a cast bronze sculpture of Ettore’s wife Barbara (1906) and another piece constructed from cast bronze & wood titled Seated Panther (1907).  Plus patriarch Carlo Bugatti, who was a famous furniture maker, has his work displayed with three lavish/throne-like ordinations that go as far back as 1898.  Opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm everyday, Art of Bugatti is planned to be on display for around a year, admission is priced at $15 for adults.

For more information visit:  Petersen.org

Meet Clare Cirillo

Meet Clare Cirillo; the young model & fashion blogger who is taking the NYC Fashion Blogging community by storm with her one of a kind blog “WhenInManhattan.com“.  Born and Raised in Westchester County, Clare recently graduated Fordham University with a Bachelors in communications.  Now residing in the West Village, Clare is always on the-go as she focuses her attention towards the fashion industry.  Her deep passion for fashion has influenced Clare greatly, whether she is styling simply stunning outfits or bringing inspiration & excitement with her amazing style tips.  We spoke exclusively with the always fashionable Clare about her incredible blog & all things modeling.

What are you currently inspired by?
“I’m currently inspired by street style—which I think is the reason I started my blog! Living in Manhattan I have always been inspired walking down the streets and seeing the different ways people wear clothing. I think the most important thing I have learned is that you don’t have to have a lot of money to look fashionable and express yourself. One of the things I try to advocate on my blog, is that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on clothes! I usually have one expensive item (usually shoes or a handbag) and then go lighter on the clothing. SO many people on the streets of Manhattan walk around on a budget and still manage to look good, so its definitely obtainable to dress on a budget. That being said, street style is definitely one of my biggest inspirations. I am starting a new category on my blog next month about my favorite street style looks!”

How did your blog wheninmanhattan.com come to be?
“I started my blog about a year ago when I was still in college. I have always loved fashion and social media, and decided that starting my own blog would go hand in hand with my career as a fashion model. I not only love to be behind the camera, but I have always loved the fashion and styling that goes into creating the perfect image. My career is modeling—but eventually I want to be more than just a model. I knew that starting a blog and creating my own voice in the industry would eventually help with that aspect.”

What do you believe sets your style apart from other personal style bloggers?
“I think my career and education definitely sets me apart from other fashion bloggers! Career aspect—I am trying to do more behind the scenes pictures at photo-shoots and jobs to give people an inside scoop of what really goes on behind the scenes at a photo-shoot! Before modeling I always wondered what happened behind the scenes, so this year I will definitely be sharing more information on that. As far as my education—college has taught me so much information that I am going to eventually tie into my blog. I love writing, so I am definitely going to try to to do more of that in the upcoming months.”

Who are some of your favorite designers at the moment?
“Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, and Johnson Hartig.”

What Fall trends have you been looking forward to?
“Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I love layering long shirts, sweaters, and jackets together. Mixing different textures together is also something I love to do and you’ll be seeing a lot on the blog in the upcoming months!”

Tell us about your career as a model. How did you get started?
“I got started really randomly! I was in college and my now manager saw a picture of me and thought I had potential. I remember flying down to Miami for my first photo-shoot not knowing what to expect. From there I continued to better my career as a model and grow in the fashion industry!”

Take us through a typical day in the life of Clare Cirillo.
“Recently my days have been craziness. Thankfully I’m a huge morning person. I try to wake up really early and work out first thing (usually around 7 a.m.) I usually get a smoothie from my favorite juice bar right after my work out. Then I come home, shower, and get ready for my day. If I’m not at work, I’m usually shooting for my blog, going on castings, meeting with my agency, or grabbing lunch with my friends or family. If I’m not too busy I usually go down to Soho and shop for my blog, or just go to get inspiration from stores. Then I usually get dinner with a friend, or pick something up and eat with my roommates. Living in the city and having no time, it’s hard for me to grocery shop and cook, so I usually am picking up Sweetgreen, Dig In, or something healthy for dinner.”

What is your favorite thing about living in New York City?
“What’s not to love?”

What’s one of the most interesting shoots that you’ve done?
“I love going to cool places to shoot. My least favorite shoots are in the studio, no matter how built up the hair, makeup, and styling can be, it’s always more interesting when we shoot on location outdoors. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to cool places to shoot, one of my favorites being in Big Sur. I love the outdoors, so being in one of the most beautiful places in the world shooting was definitely surreal.”

If you could travel anywhere right now where would it be?
“Everywhere in Europe.”

What are some of your favorite things to do when not working?
“Go hangout with my family in Westchester, NY!”

What is something most people don’t know about you?
“I’m a huge homebody! I love being home with my family. I’m thankful enough to have all my family really close to the city, so I see them a lot. And whenever I get the chance I go home to Westchester to escape the city.”

What are some of your favorite outfits that you’ve posted so far?
“I love sharing what types of outfits I wear to go meet clients in. My “model off duty” outfits are really minimalistic, simple, and usually form fitting. They are a good indication of my everyday look and style. So all of those types of outfits are my favorites because they really are what I wear when I’m out and about, and aren’t anything too over the top.”

What are some of your greatest passions outside of Fashion & Modeling?
“I love to run… I hope in the upcoming years to complete a marathon! Running has always been a passion of mine, it keeps me sane! Everyday I try to run with my beat headphones on, it’s my escape from my insane life. I also love photography. I’m not very good, but love capturing special candid moments. I don’t think it’d ever become a career of mine, but anyone that knows me, knows I take pictures constantly.”

Where to next?
“Stay tuned…”

Where can we follow you?
“My Instagram is @clarecirillo where you can find everyday updates of my life, and my fashion blog is www.wheninmanhattan.com!”

St. Barth’s Most Extravagant Villa For Rent

For this holiday season, it’s a great time to just take it easy and relax by heading to St. Barth for some quality time in the sun.  With milky white beaches and red roofed residences, the sunny Caribbean get-away will allow guests to completely forget about that restless winter climate they left at home.  St. Barth Properties, which is a 30-year-old property rental business that offers a variety of luxurious homes, are now renting out the beachfront ‘Camp David villa’ just when the holiday season is around the corner.

Situated on St. Jean Beach, the beautiful villa stretches across two acres of lovely tropical gardens.  The two-story main residence includes a living room, kitchen, as well as a spectacular master suite with his and her bathrooms and a deck that overlooks the backyard pool.  Supplementary one and two bedroom pavilions are outfitted with four-poster beds, furnished terraces, and lavish couches.  Outdoor amenities feature a tennis court, two swimming pools, pavilions & gazebos, and an air-conditioned gym with a steam room & bathroom.  Able to accommodate up to 24 guests, the Camp David villa is available for $402,500 per week during the Christmas and the New Year’s seasons.  Note: a two-week minimum stay at the villa is mandatory.

For more information visit:  St.Barth.com

This New Feadship Is A True Joy

The 230-foot Motor Yacht Joy, built by Feadship is much more than meets the eye, with what may seem like a somewhat ordinary design from further away is not all that ordinary upon a closer examination.  As Bannenberg & Rowell (the London-based studio assigned with the exterior designing of Joy) created an array of amazingly elegant decks as well as al fresco areas that augment the exterior space to even greater extents.  The superyacht Joy has greatly lowered bulwarks moderately coated with glass to forge a genuine open-concept Feadship vessel.

For those who enjoy a good game of basketball, the expanded foredeck features a basketball court so that guests can play a game while their friends or family watch the whole thing beneath a shaded lounge.  At the back-end, the traversal door transitions into a canopy to screen the considerably large swimming platform.  Joy also features a disco boasting colorful lighting, plush seating, and a wall-size television.  In addition, the vessel is equipped with a faithful tender bay and a gym that launches onto a deck.  Joy is extremely spacious accommodating up to 12 guests and 17 crew.

For more information visit:  Feadship.nl

Beverly Hills Most Luxurious Wine Bar

Making it’s debut on September 26th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, the Vinoteca wine bar and espresso café has been called the hottest new wine bar in all of Beverly Hills.  The area neighbors their property’s Culina restaurant which was designed to be a 24/7 hotspot.  The bar was made to follow a modern day-to-night approach, whilst Vinoteca revolutionizes from a fine wine and cocktail directed lounge in the latter part of the day to a serene and relaxing espresso bar at the break of dawn.

Opening every day at 6:30 am, Vinoteca serves freshly squeezed juices, acai bowls, espresso, and delectable Italian pastries.  Feel like savoring a cappuccino at the bar’s “power patio” go for it, as the power patio was conceived as a casual meeting spot for all guests.  And what makes this spot the ideal seating arrangement, is that the patio provides guests with outlets, USB plugins, and on the house Wi-Fi connectivity.

As previously stated, Vinoteca transforms into a fine wine & cocktail bar in the evening, at this time wine director Luca Bruno (formerly of French Laundry) has hand-picked a selection of classic fine wines from Italy along with its California lineage.  Paired with the wine selection is a carte du jour of auspicious small plates created by chef Denis Dello Stritto, whom conjures classic Italian street cuisine.  Notable dishes include the Western Sicilian specialty l’arancino (Sicilian salmon enveloped in a squid-ink bread-crumb crust) as well as Neapolitan-style montanara pizzas, that have been fried and finished with lobster, burrata, eggplant, or sweet ricotta.  In addition, the bar serves delicious Italian-inspired aperitivo cocktails like the absinthe-based Il Carosello and Aperol Spritz.

For more information visit CulinaRestaurant.com

Meet Elizabeth Wheeland

Photographer: Tyler Shields

Meet Elizabeth Wheeland; the lovely, witty, and all around incredibly talented Chicago based model & actress.  As one of the most highly desired up and coming models of today, Elizabeth is becoming an increasingly popular face in shoots by some of the most spectacular photographers of the decade.   

In addition to modeling, the Chicago native has an unyielding passion for acting.   Having immersed herself in many of the cultural activity’s the city has on offer; from performing in small independent theaters to taking the time to enjoy art museums and fantastic performances like Second City.  Usually sporting an edgy rocker style with minimal makeup (allowing her one of a kind wavy locks to take center stage), Elizabeth draws inspiration from classic style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. We caught up with Elizabeth to talk acting, modeling, fashion, and life in the Windy City.

What are you currently inspired by?
“I’m inspired by classic fashion styles.  I love the look of Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. They have this effortlessly beautiful and simple style. They also were more than pretty faces; they had acting or music careers as well.  I think a personality with a passion for life seals the deal.”

Tell us about your career as a model. How did you get started?
“I was doing some community theatre and wanted to find another outlet to express myself artistically. I realized that modeling is similar to acting because both create a mood or feeling to experience.  I had friends doing photography in Chicago and decided to get in front of the camera.  My look seems to be unusual so from there things took off for me.”

Take us through a typical day in the life of Elizabeth Wheeland.
“I cannot really start any day without coffee (with extra cream). How it goes from there depends on whether I’m working or not.  If I have a photoshoot, I get an early start because my hair can be difficult to work with some days.  I’m usually asked to do my own hair because it’s my signature style.  Each photoshoot is unique because each artist has his or her own vision and it is fun to see what emerges from our collaboration.  We laugh a lot on set and the modeling business has given great friends who I first met as photographers.

On a day off, I like to bake and cook.  I’m gluten-free and enjoy finding new recipes.  I also spend time researching fashion to find inspiration.  I love to shop, so some days, I’ll drag my friends along with me.  In the evening, I often attend a play or comedy show.  I am a big fan of live performances and there is so much culture to enjoy in Chicago.”

Photographer: Frankie Marin

If you could travel anywhere right now where would it be?
“London! I love British fashion and music, so I know I’d vibe well there. Also, rainy weather is my favorite weather.  I’m a city girl so at the top of my travel bucket list are all urban destinations like Paris, Milan and Tokyo.  New York and LA are fabulous cities.”

What peaked your interest in acting?
“I’m a naturally loud and vivacious person. When I was younger, I would write my own skits and make home videos.  Later I got into community theatre and found it was a natural fit for me.  It is a fun challenge to get into the mind of another person and bring that character to life.  I also love the camaraderie that develops among the actors and directors.  Rehearsals take hard work and discipline.  The cast becomes your family.  When the show’s run is over, everyone tends to get sad because that unique experience has come to an end.  The only cure is the next audition!”

What’s one of the most interesting shoots that you’ve done?
“This is a tough question.  I have collaborated with so many talented photographers and had so much fun.  My most interesting shoot to date has been with Tyler Shields in LA. He loves to make a scene, on camera and off.  Once I was drenched in water for some photos, and then we decided to get to lunch.  I nonchalantly walked into the restaurant with my hair soaking wet and makeup dripping down my face.  After lunch, we just went back to finish the photoshoot.  His pictures have a shocking quality but in person he is actually very laidback.  He’s a creative genius.  My shoot with him had an Old Hollywood feel, which I love.”

What is your favorite thing to do when not working?
“Often I go to improv shows and plays. I love live concerts and jazz clubs.  I’m a regular at Second City and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre as well.  I think it’s important for actors to be in the audience sometimes as well as on stage. At home, I like to relax and listen to chill music.  I play the piano and sing sometimes.”

Photographer: Brian Willette

Who are some of your favorite artists (music wise) at the moment?
“My taste in music is eclectic. I listen to a lot of Arctic Monkeys and Last Shadow Puppets. I love Amy Winehouse and David Bowie.  I listen to ZZ Top, the Zombies, the Style Council and the Clientele.  I also love old jazz singers like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald.  Lately I’ve loved listening to Serge Gainsbourg.”

What are your travel essentials?
“I always travel with Kind energy bars for a quick meal on the go.  My makeup needs are pretty minimal, just mascara, foundation and lip gloss really.  I use Burt’s Bees facewash and always have a good anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner for my crazy hair.  I need a lint roller because I wear black clothing so often.  I travel with three phone chargers because I lose them everywhere I go.  Some other things I bring along are aspirin, sunglasses and a selection of jewelry.”

What are four things most people don’t know about you?
“I have a deep voice. It tends to surprise people when they first hear me speak.

I have a big sense of humor.  I’m a goofball.  I love to make people laugh and if they make me laugh, that’s even better.

My hair is naturally coarse and thick.  I get a lot of questions about how I style my hair.  I really don’t have any tips.  I just wash my hair every other day and blow it dry.  I use coconut oil once a week and sleep on it.  My hair tangles easily.  Brushing it is hard work!

My heritage is a mixture of many nationalities.  I am French, Italian, Polish, German, Danish, Irish, Scottish, British, Russian and Canadian.”

Photographer: Frankie Marin

Who are some of your favorite designers at the moment?
“Definitely Yves St. Laurent and Alexander Wang. I’m drawn to simple lines and muted colors. I love an edgy, rocker, biker style.  My favorite look is Alexander Wang ankle boots with a leather jacket, ripped jeans and a band t-shirt.  I love to poke around in vintage stores for that unique find.”

Favorite restaurant in Chicago?
“Rick Bayless Frontera Grill is so good. The menu changes every week so the food is always fresh and in season. Of course, Chicago has antastic pizza.  Since I am gluten free, my favorite pizza joint is Lou Malnati’s.  A great place for breakfast is Eggsperience Café.”

What are some of your favorite films and why?
“I am big fan of the Star Wars saga. I love superhero movies, like Amazing Spiderman and the Dark Knight. I even go to Comic Con each year.

I love Lost in Translation.  It’s slow-moving but cinematic and visually appealing.  I also love Blood Simple, the first feature film of Joel and Ethan Coen, because I enjoy psychological thrillers.

Chicago’s Music Box Theatre is a great place to catch indie films like the Wolfpack.  I’ve seen many offbeat movies there.”

Photographer: Brian Willette

Where to next?
“I’m busy with acting classes and auditions in the Windy City.  I have more great apparel and accessory brands I’ll be representing.  I definitely will keep traveling and hopefully I can make a trip to London in 2017!”

Where can we follow you?
“Follow me @elizabethwheeland on Instagram.  My twitter is @elizawheeland.  My snapchat is elizawheeland.  I’m on YouTube at Elizabeth Wheeland.”