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.”

New York Fashion Week Hair & Makeup Trends

Fashion week graced the streets of New York this September. As much as we love to look at the new clothing styles to check out for 2017, taking note of the hair and makeup trends from the show can give us an insight into what is going to be a hot look this season. There were a variety of different looks lining the runway, but these are the hair and makeup trends which left us all gasping and admiring.

Wet Look Hair

The wet, combed, slicked-back hairstyle look took centre stage from Altuzarra and was hugely popular. As well as sweeping the hair back, Hood By Air covered the whole hair in gel, giving a wet and greasy effect.

Bleach Blonde

Alexander Wang boldly went for the bleach blonde look. Not afraid to turn redheads into blondes, Wang opted for a blonde look to accompany the new season of clothes.

Hair Accessories

There were a variety of different accompanying hair pieces for up-and-down hairstyles. From ballerina bun nets with an artistic twist (Ryan Roche, above), to a bright and bold, 90s-style bandana by Baja East. Monique Lhuillier also showed us that a simple black bow can add a classy effect to even a scraggly ponytail.

If bandanas and bows are not your thing, hairstylist Frank Rizzieri tried the unique option of using a belt as a hair accessory in a low ponytail.

Glitter Lips

DKNY brought the defining glitter lips to the runway. Pat McGrath created what she calls a “crescendo of glitter” on the lips of models, contrasted with minimal eye makeup for maximum impact.

Red Lips

In contrast to DKNY, bold red lips were another feature to be seen by many. While some artists modelled this with minimal eye makeup, bold eyes and bold lips together were also on show. Matte, fluorescent or orange tinged, red lips are a thing to be seen in the upcoming season and will soon be grabbed off the shelves of department stores.

Sexy Sweaty

To go with the wet hair look, makeup artist Tom Pecheux went for a look of “sweating gold”. The look was created by going over the skin with a subtle highlighter, then adding a very light and gentle touch of glitter. He finished by smudging eye pencil around the eyes, giving the sexy sweaty look.

Francis Bacon Exhibit: From Picasso to Velázquez

The Guggenheim Museum located in Bilbao has set up an amazing exhibit, showcasing work by the world renown 20th century modern artist Francis Bacon.  Titled “Francis Bacon: From Picasso to Velázquez” the event is curated by Martin Harrison as the exhibit recalls Bacon’s artistic originality with 80 works that stretch across six decades, and as an added bonus the museum is bringing in some very exclusive, very rarely exhibited paintings.

The exhibition reexamines not only Bacon’s unique imagination that he cleverly conveyed to the canvas, but also what stirred up and bolstered his view of the art world.  Bacon’s earliest influence first began from Analytical and Synthetic Cubism, as well as Picasso’s biomorphic Cubism.  As the timeless significance of Picasso’s oeuvre in the 1920’s-1930’s later turned toward Velázquez, whose portrait of the Pope Innocent X developed into a career wide obsession for Bacon, as he created over 50 works based on that portrait.  The devotion to that painting along with other references, by Sergei Eisenstein’s film “Battleship Potemkin” to “Allusions to Paintings” by Chaïm Soutine.

Francis Bacon’s style of painting was mainly focused on the human physique or figure, drawing them disfigured on the canvas, after all his distorted view of reality is what made his work so interesting and full of creativity.  He wanted to enhance the expressiveness of his painting to an even higher degree through the practice of contorted details and mangled silhouettes.

Francis Bacon said this as for his introspectively exposed concept: “Of course, one does put in such things as ears and eyes.  But then one would like to put them in as irrationally as possible.  And the only reason for this irrationality is that, if it does come about, it brings the force of the image over very much more strongly than if one just sat down and illustrated the appearance.  I always hope to be able to make a great number of figures without a narrative.”

Bacon was the second living artist after Picasso to be given a contemplative at the Grand Palais, Paris in 1971, and was also the first western artist displayed in the former Soviet Union during 1988.  The Exhibition “From Picasso to Velázquez” will be open from September 30th, 2016 to January 8, 2017.

For more information visit:  TheGuggenheimMuseum

This New Airbus Is Not Just Another Pretty Face

This new corporate jet version of the Airbus ACJ350 XWB is the way to travel, with incredibly spacious cabin room (that contains up to 2,910 square feet) and all around flexibility will turn your flight into a very comfortable, very enjoyable experience.  This jet is also a newer version of the majorly popular A350 XMB airliner, in which began commercial service in early 2015.  But of coarse this latest version is not just a newer plane it is a sanctuary that grants passengers the option to simply take a breather, relax, and enjoy the ride.  Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent engines, this hot new corporate jet has a range of up to 12,400 miles, which would allow you to travel non-stop between any two locations on earth.  Usually accommodating 25 passengers, the cabin boasts wide panoramic windows, as it caters unbelievable views of the world as you fly through it, and don’t worry about noise as it is as low as possible thanks to the XWB (the XWB has the quietest cabin in its class).

The cabin is constructed out of carbon fiber and has been pre-prepped with hundreds of attachment points to help cabin outfitters put in custom interior designs, which would advance the speed of delivery when the plane is available for purchase.  With all the newest safety gear & protection including an on board airport navigation system, fly-by-wire controls, and a runway-overrun protection system, will guarantee maximum safety and overall protection.  Expanded use of high-tech materials throughout the jet helps conserve on weight and lowers maintenance.  The new corporate jet version of the Airbus ACJ350 XWB is still yet to be priced, but a related airliner lists for $308 million.  Note: cost for designing the interior is separate.

For more information visit:  A350XWB.com

Bentley’s Swiftest Four Door

With incredible power and efficiency, the luxurious Bentley Flying Spur W12 S has been named the marque’s swiftest four-door so far.  Bearing a 6-liter, twin turbo W-12 engine that has been heightened to 626 hp and supplied with 605 lbs of torque allows this Bentley to not just go fast, it makes the car soar.  The upgraded power train has helped this Bentley go from not to 60 mph in no less than 4.2 seconds before finally topping out at 202 mph.

The Bentley Flying Spur W12 S has an enhanced, more impressive responsive suspension system, revised damper & stability control, an all-wheel-drive differential (that includes a rear-biased torque ratio of 40:60), and the alternative of carbon-ceramic brakes, which are components assimilated to increase control and traction yet still keeping the passengers comfortable.

Exterior features include a glossy black treatment for much of the componentry (two examples are the radiator matrix and window surrounds), as well as hand chosen elements from the marque’s Beluga trim pack, which also include the rear diffusor and door mirrors.  The notable rear hatches are the focus of attention by gloss-black 21-inched, 7-bespoke alloy wheels (or an alternative 21-inched, 5-bespoke version) completes the exterior of the car brilliantly.

The exterior of the Flying Spur is only matched by it’s interior with omnipresent black for the dashboard & paneling (optional in a carbon-fiber finish) and the diamond quilted leather upholstery (in your choice of 17 colors).  Available in standard feature are three-spoke Sport Plus steering wheel, knotted gearshift paddles, and tread-plates & headrests with “W12 S” composed on both.

Although the front of the car is all ways exciting, the backseat area is equally entertaining with a touchscreen infotainment system secured in the rear middle console.  In addition, the touchscreen device implements climate control and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity on request.  Those who are looking forward for the Flying Spur W12 S shall look no longer, because release for the model begins at the end of this year.

For more information visit:  BentleyMotors.com

Meet Ruba Zarour

Meet Ruba Zarour; the young Lebanese actress, who not only mastered the skills and abilities to act, but also achieved the know how to write and direct. Ruba has experienced each position and what the position entailed, which allowed the young actress to gain a better feel for exactly how the industry worked.  Ruba’s interest in the world of theater began in her mid-teens when she started appearing in multiple plays and commercials.  After graduating high school, Ruba went to “Notre Dame University” to obtain a Bachelor Degree in Mass Communication Arts, learning invaluable skills such as directing, cinematography, and script writing.  But, her love for performing arts did not stop there, after two years of working behind the scenes at MTV Lebanon, Ruba began to focus her energy on her acting career.

Ruba moved to Los Angeles at the age of 22, in order to follow her love of acting, where she registered herself in acting groups and studied under top acting coaches, like Larry Moss and Howard Fine.  Later in 2015, Ruba received a role in the featured film Cash Flow #2, a couple months later she was picked to be the lead in the film “Listen”, by the famed Lebanese Director Philipe Arictingi.  We spoke exclusively with Ruba about her bustling life as a rising star in the city of Los Angeles.

What are you currently inspired by?

“My professional inspiration has no separation from my personal inspiration.  I am fascinated by the psychology of the human mind; how the brain can create neural pathways through neuroplasticity, and the fact that I can incorporate it in my art.  It blows me away how many roles people play in life, and I believe that approaching a character in a scene is as just the same way as approaching life – you have to delve into the experiences, background, and influences of the human being.”

What do you think is the best part about working in the industry today?

“The fact that anyone has the capability to create content and share it on a wide array of platforms makes today’s industry very exciting, and especially for actors. Acting, like producing and directing, is creating. There is no need for an actor to sit and wait for roles, they must create the roles.”

Who are some of your favorite actors & directors?

“Some of my favorite actors are Vincent Cassel, Marion Cotillard, Edward Norton, Eva Green, Mathew Mcconaughey, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Eddie Redmayne…”

“Favorite Directors: Tarantino, Fellini, Godard, Luc Besson, Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Wes Anderson, Tim Burton, Hayao Miyazaki, Steven Spielberg…”

Is there any place your dying to travel to?

“I am naturally a very curious person; anything that I am unfamiliar with would be my next destination.  I do believe that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.  So yea, I am dying to travel the world.”

You write, direct, and act.  What do you enjoy most and why?

“Having the opportunity to spearhead the entire process through these three different roles makes me appreciate what it takes to create a successful production. What I enjoy the most though is working on a character in all its complexities and bringing it to life.”

Talk us through a day in the life of Ruba Zarour.

“As I am not the type to be on a strict time schedule, I usually give each upcoming week a main goal, and work on things as the week progresses with fluidity. However, I do add to the mix Sports, Reading, Yoga and a great deal of laughter.”

“I prefer my days be different from each other; I prioritize the things that interest me, and try to make the most of even the smallest opportunities.”

What do you believe sets Beirut apart, being your hometown?

“Beirut is a city with immense unrealized potential. To me, it’s a symbol of resilience, of individuality, and of tolerance. You can see the scars and glow of the effects of Beirut’s deep history in its identity and culture; a modern and vibrant city with strong ties to its own tradition. I find that this makes people in Beirut very passionate, and I can draw energy and identify with that every time I return.”

What has been your most challenging role?

“Haven’t played it yet.”

How would you describe your ideal role?

“I have always been interested in playing roles that are the furthest from my personality. Playing a psychopath or someone with multi-personality disorder is one, and definitely a highly skilled badass secret agent (with a lot of backflips and gun shooting) I also manage to enroll in as many acting classes as I can, because that’s where I am continuously challenged to explore different emotions and work on interesting characters.”

What is something most people do not know about you?

“Ahh, I have little people who manage my internal thoughts – Just like a piece of theater.  Our brain is a story-telling machine, and the “self” is a story.”

“Something else people don’t know about me is that I remember them through their hands.  I relate personalities with hand gestures and movements.  I’ve stolen various hand gestures that I’ve found interesting from people around me, and have made them my own…  I could write a full article on this if I don’t stop here.”

Where to next?

“Truth is I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way! “

Where can we follow you?

Facebook: Ruba Zarour

Instagram: rubazarour

Snapchat: Rubazarour

Photographer: Carlos Aoun

The Hottest Home Delivered Vegan Meals

Incredibly talented chef Nina Curtis and her culinary team at The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu located in Malibu, California, have created a new delivery service that drops off organic vegan meals straight to your door step.  The meals are delivered in a large refrigerated tote bag with The Ranch Daily logo on it.  Inside the bag you will discover a variety of individually packed vegan meals with easy to heat up instructions and an abundance of healthy snacks to go perfectly with the chef-made dishes.  The delivered meals are made with plant based ingredients, and are free of meat/poultry, dairy, soy, gluten, and GMO.

The organic vegan meals are delivered after dark to the patrons home, so that they can start their day happy and fully energized with heavenly, nutritious dishes.  Available in big Southern Californian cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego makes this food service majorly popular.  As the easy to prepare dishes includes, but are not limited to coconut mango yogurt parfaits, spinach & cheese quiche, grilled portobello mushrooms with cauliflower mash and Swiss chard, oyster mushroom lettuce cups, and black bean & rice burrito bowls.  Then there are the snacks which include, zucchini chips, kiwi chews, and granola spotted with cashews & dates that lends some very needed energy throughout your day.

Patrons have the choice between a two and three meal plan for three, five, or 20-day accretions.  There is even a favorable auto-renew choice that lets customers easily personalize their packed meal if they are away from home or if they wish for less meals in a certain week.  Meal plans start at $79 per day, creating a healthier more active lifestyle for the mind and the body.

For more information visit:  TheRanchDaily.com

Davidoff’s New And Incredibly Fierce Cigar

To keep cigars from undulating off the tabaquero’s table and for a simpler packaging process, Cuba invented box-pressed cigars.  And these types of cigars changed not only in shape but in flavor as well, just like how a glass affects the flavor of a fine bottle of cognac, the shape of a four-sided cigar alters the taste and then intensely amplifies it’s flavor.  A perfect example of this is the new Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed cigar, which has been reasonably priced from $15 to $18.  In correlation to the other Nicaraguan puro forms in this series; the dark oily Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro casing and its layers from Condega, Ometepe, and Estelí conveys even greater amounts of zest & flavor, since both the 5 by 48 robusto and the 6 by 52 toro substantiate.  While your relaxing by the beach or sitting at home close to the fireplace, a nice fierce cigar can make all the difference.

For more information visit:  Davidoff.com

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.