A New Turkish Luxury Hotel Opens On The Aegean

The Il Riccio Beach House & Restaurant is a simply breathtaking seaside hotel and restaurant in Bodrum, Turkey, that just opened their doors in June.  The hotel was inspired and influenced by the beautiful cerulean waters of the Aegean Sea, which doubles as a wonderful view from the luxurious seaside hotel.  The white color within the hotel is accentuated with blue wooden tables, hand painted majolica tiles, and well rounded interior design aspects that perfectly embody the essence of the Aegean Sea.

Il Riccio Beach House offers 10 rooms and suites, featuring handmade Italian ceramic floors, far-reaching patios, and twice a day housekeeping service.  In addition the hotel offers incredible outdoor terraces that are nearly embracing the coastline that is Il Riccio’s fine dining establishment, which presents a Michelin-starred menu of Italian and seafood dishes.  The restaurant also features three excitingly up beat bars offering you high-spirits, plus all the snacks and drinks you desire.  If you enjoy relaxing, the hotel also includes a sauna, a gym, and two Turkish baths.

For more information visit:  ilricciobodrum.com

Meet Asia Borowczyk

Meet London based Asia Borowczyk, with an impeccable style and an international following, the young fashionista proves to be an innovator as she shares her travels around the globe.  We caught up with the always stylish Asia on all things fashion and lifestyle. 

What is the inspiration for your unique style?
“I get my inspiration mostly from all the beautiful content I find online, starting from my Instagram feed, Business of Fashion articles, Tony Tom street style pictures all the way to my absolute favourite site www.thecoveteur.com”

Talk me through a day in your life.
“Summertime finally lets me catch up on all the books, articles, movies, and videos I have been meticulously saving during exam season. When I am not lounging poolside at home completely engrossed in a book you can find me having a double espresso and keeping up to date with all the latest gossip with my best friend. (cliche, I know, but who does not love a little chit chat?)”

What interests you most?
“Fashion, how it influences our personality, and the way we appear to others. Apart from that, I follow religiously all of the political and economic events currently happening in the world. Movements in stock markets have been grabbing my attention more and more lately.”

What are your favorite clothing brands?
“I adore everything that Nicolas Ghesquière does for Louis Vuitton, but obviously the price tag is out of this world. I am a huge fan of french brands like Maje, Vanessa Bruno and Sandro, but to tell you the truth 70% of my closet is made up of Zara, which I mix with more high-end accessories for a polished look.”

Would you like to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
“Yes, ideally as a buyer or stylist, but I am open to any position within the field. My plans career-wise involve grabbing my dream internship at LVMH, but I need to finish my degree first before I jet off to Paris!”

Being a frequent traveler, what have been your favorite destinations and why?
“Again, the city of lights – Paris. Though, I could mention my other favourite, New York. Both of these cities have a unique fashion scene and are dotted with the most amazing hang-out places, from restaurants with the most amazing flavours to bars at Hotel Costes or Balthazar where you can enjoy the best people-watching game out there.”

Favorite Restaurants in London?
“Sushi must be Nobu on Park Lane, Yautcha for my comfort food, which is the Thai style chicken and Good Life Eatery for the life-saving hangover breakfast and a nutritious smoothie.”

Where to next?
“I just came back from beautiful Croatia and next on the map is an absolute gem on Polish seaside map – Sopot, with an all-white beach bar playing the best deep house music and serving the coldest Moet Imperial Ice. Life is good!”

Where can we follow you?
“Instagram:  @asiulena
Snapchat:  @asiulena”

Tom Ford Put His Incredible Wild West Ranch On The Market

Tom Ford has just recently put his New Mexico ranch on the market known as Cerro Pelon, making it the perfect estate for someone that likes the wild west.  Cerro Pelon has horses roaming about the fields, wildflowers blooming in the ever so lovely climate, and a sole windmill watching over a blurry purple mountain setting.  The tranquil ranch sounds like it comes straight out of a movie, which it has on multiple occasions.  Out of the many films that Cerro Pelon has been seen in, the most famous includes Silverado, 3:10 to Yuma, and Cowboys & Aliens.  The reason the movies were filmed in this particular area was because the onsite set was populated by Wild West styled buildings, which made it the ideal locale for western films.

The ranch boasts a total of 20,662 acres and features an eight stall horse barn, indoor and outdoor riding zones, and an additional living area for staff/ranch hands.  The main house was designed by the famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, who is a minimalist that devised a glass walled shrine hanging over a reflecting pool.  In addition, he added an airstrip and hangar to use the large scale area of the property to the fullest Cerro Pelon had to offer.  The ranch is located only a good thirty-minutes away from Santa Fe and despite Cerro Pelon’s location the ranch is surprisingly ultra modern.

“If you spend time on our ranch or in the American West or anywhere in nature, all of a sudden, all the things you worry about all the time fade away,” Tom Ford once said. “That’s why one of the greatest problems with where we are culturally at this time is that we’ve all lost touch with the earth and that which is really important in the world.”  Take these wise words to heart, as spending quality time with friends or loved ones out in the glory of nature will give you happiness beyond anything else and precious time that is worth it’s weight in gold.

Pricing information concerning the ranch will be available upon request:  kevinbobolskygroup.com

Mesa1: The Newest And Most Exclusive Restaurant In Mexico

What just might be the most exclusive restaurant in the world, has officially opened as of August 24th.  With a name just as unique as the restaurant itself Mesa1 is located at the new W Punta de Mita in Punta de Mita, Mexico, which has not only left their patrons eager to return to their one of a kind atmosphere but also brought an exclusiveness that is incomparable to any other fine dining establishment today.

The culinary escape is situated on an islet in the middle of a small lake, which makes arriving there just as hard as getting a reservation.  In order to reach Mesa1 you would have to stroll across an array of stepping stones that fades under the water as soon as you make it to the other side.  You are then seated around a 16 seat outdoor table that was expertly carved from the massive truck of an indigenous Parota tree.  As you enjoy the heavenly setting, a team of private chefs will show you a seven-course culinary masterpiece tasting menu of your choosing that is unique to each individual and is created right in front of your table without duplication of any dishes what so ever amidst your group.  In fact the restaurant only seats one party a day which gives you a perfectly peaceful meal, with no distractions in sight.  Does that not sound simply blissful?

Accompanying Mesa1, W Punta de Mita gives their 119 guest villas and away spa something truly special with three other unique areas for the most delicious cultivated meals such as, Venazu for Mexican culinary specialties, Cheviceria for light seafood gourmet, and Spice Market, which includes a pan Asian inspired menu by master chef Jean Georges Vongerichten.  But don’t let all these fine dining options mislead you, because showing up in a shirt and tie is not required, the dress code here is simply casual.

The restaurant (Mesa1) still has yet to be photographed, so the rendering above is the only available image.

Vicious Storms Devastate France’s Wine Productivity Output

The ministry of agriculture announced last week, that vicious storms had hit France in April, causing wine output to drop down to almost 10 percent this year compared to 2015’s productivity.  So wine enthusiasts should take into account that 2016 will be scarce vintage.

This unfortunate turn of weather conditions throughout spring and into the summer will bring the total production down to 42.9 million hectoliters, in comparison to 47.8 million last year.  Based on the ministry’s statistical service Agreste, there’s been a seven percent drop on a five year basis.

Agreste said that it was “the spring freeze that hit certain wine growing areas, recurring winds made worse by drought around the Mediterranean and damage stemming from frost.”  The most devastating damage was against the champagne region, which hit various places after a few rounds of spring freeze and wild hailstorms that brought down the productivity by nearly one third.  Setting harvesting back a week behind schedule revolving around a 10 yearly average.

Based on these savage weather occurrences, France has had to manage a surge of rot and mildew, which has not helped their wine output.  It looks like France will be behind Italy this year in wine productivity, so Italy might once again take the title of the world’s biggest wine producer, just like they did last year.

Art Exhibition At Met Breuer Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible

The newly finished branch of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art has put up a collection of unfinished works of art by some of the most famous artists in history on display.  We will be seeing a whole lot more from the nations oldest not to mention largest art museum, step right in and be instantly taken by the almost infinite amount of fine pieces of art that Met Breuer has to offer.

You may be wondering why does New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (one of the world’s most amazing museums) need a second location?  Well the Met’s Director and CEO, Thomas Campbell said that “The Met has actually been collecting modern and contemporary art since its inception,” and “We want more space, we want to be more exploratory, we want to do more.”

So the Met started searching for the ideal spot to expand their marvelous collection, and as a result Met Breuer came to be.  Located a mere stones through away from the Met, Campbell said “really, it was a great gift”.  Many may know the new museum well as the former spot of the Whitney Museum, which was just recently relocated to a new spot in downtown Manhattan.  The location and structure are equally as famous designed by master architect Marcel Breuer, that opened in the year 1966.  Marcel Breuer became famous for his unique box-like building designs, in which was an architectural style known as Brutalist.

The Met’s Chairman of Contemporary and Modern Art, Shen Wagstaff took the iconic building, stripped it down and then recreated it the way Breuer originally had it designed.  She made it so that art can talk to you without any disturbances whats so ever, which gives you the most out of the exhibit as humanly possible.  Kelly Baum and Andrea Bayer are co-curating the exhibit that showcases unintentionally unfinished pieces of art.  This exhibit features over 200 works all the way from the Renaissance to the present day, including artists such as Cezanne, Warhol, and Da Vinci.

There’s one work that’s a portrait of James Hunter Black, a Vietnam War Draftee, by Alice Neel.  Alice Neel got as far as finishing his face, neck, and one of his hands.  The rest of the portrait was sketched in.  The man was later called to duty, and even though the portrait was not entirely finished, Alice Neel still signed it as well as exhibited it (during her lifetime), and even called this incomplete painting finished.

What’s really unique about this museum isn’t its shape or the names of artists displayed there, what’s really unique is the unfinished pieces that makeup the exhibition, because sometimes things that are incomplete can still be in motion.  The Exhibition will be opened through September 4th.

For more information visit:  “Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible”

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 Montblanc For BMW’s Limited-Edition 7 Series

With ingenuity and creativity, the “Montblanc for BMW” centennial fountain pen is more like the car it celebrates than you might first expect.  This 7 series was designed to honor the German car manufacturers 100th anniversary, as it was based off of Montblanc’s Meisterstück 149 piston fountain pen.  The commemorative fountain pen symbolizes the strong partnership between BMW’s Head of Design, Karim Habib and Montblanc’s Creative Director, Zaim Kamal.

Only to add to the cars already undeniable beauty, the fountain pen features a skeletonized rhodium plated grid design, which perfectly reflects the patterned Merino-leather interior of the  7 Series, and is beautifully resin-finished to match the cars blue exterior.  The pen also features BMW’s “7” motif on its 18-karat gold rhodium-plated nib, as Montblanc’s snow covered mountain logo is created by quartz and black onyx at the top of the pen.  Not to mention that it has the same color and patterning as the sharp “stylo” is the associating full-grain calfskin carrying pouch.  This unique Montblanc pen will be included as a gift with each limited edition BMW 7 series.  If you love BMW and Montblanc than this limited edition BMW is just the ride for you, and besides who doesn’t love a free pen.

For more information visit:  montblanc.com

GoPro Goes All Out

The American technology company GoPro has just announced the release date for one of its most anxiously awaited products, the 360-degree virtual reality capture Omni.  The six GoPro camera rig was first declared in early 2016, and now GoPro has finally revealed more specifics about its productivity and retail price.  The camera rig was designed to carry six GoPro HD Hero 4 Black cameras, that were made for capturing all around 360-degree footage.  Specifically for virtual reality (VR) or on-screen playback, in fact the company has already began shipping pre-ordered units as of August 17th.

The Omni is priced at $5,000 for the full package, which includes six Hero 4 Black cameras, the cube-shaped metal housing, and all the hardware/software that is essential to film and stitch the 360-degree footage.  A prorated version is also available for as little as $1500.  Though, it does not include cameras like the full package.

For more information visit:  gopro.com