Cartier’s Famed NYC Mansion Is Born A New

Cartier has finally reopened their Robert W. Gibson designed Neo-Renaissance mansion, which dates all the way back to 1904.  After a two and a half year renovation the mansion has been born a new.  The extremely talented French-born architect Thierry Despont, who had designed Bill and Melinda Gates home as well as revitalizing the Statue of Liberty, was put in charge of refurbishing the grand mansion back to it’s illustrious long-forgotten form.

The five story, 44,000 square foot mansion (originally 20,000 square feet and spanned across only two stories) has a warm and intimate feel that you’re aware of the second you enter the Fifth Avenue or the 52nd Street entrance.  Another interesting addition to the mansion is a new lacquered panel portraying three gold leaf panthers sipping from a river, which attracts guests into the luxurious foyer.

A classic light oak grand staircase leads you upstairs with each room showcasing its own unique sense of style and ingenuity.  The climax of the second floor, or even possibly the whole mansion, is the Princess Grace of Monaco room: a fascinating and glamorous feminine spot housing Cartier’s finest engagement rings, faint yellow taffeta silk curtains, and beautiful paintings of the Princess Grace herself.  The second floor of the mansion also pays tribute to Gloria Swanson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Morton & Mae Plant.  When you get to the third floor you will be surrounded by one of a kind timepieces, which is just what the third floor’s all about.  The contemporary “Red Room” on the fourth floor is dedicated to accessories & perfume.  With the top floor featuring a terrace that gives you a birds eye view of Fifth Avenue and is also an ideal spot for entertaining.

Despont also revived many of the mansions original furnishings and tirelessly worked with craftsmen in France to construct bespoke pieces, which even include chandeliers that awaken Parisian styles from the 18th and 19th centuries. Despont said “The Cartier Mansion is an icon.  It’s a very modern store with state-of-the-art facilities, but it still has the feeling that the Mansion was always there and it’s magnificent.”

Hennessy’s Most Enthralling Bottle Of Cognac

Created in tribute to eight generations of Master Blenders, where the current Master Blender Yann Fillioux will turn over the mastery to his nephew Renaud Fillioux de Gironde.  This blend is a one time limited edition cognac “Hennessy 8” crafted by both masters, which symbolizes the transmission of a one of a kind cognac from one generation to the next.

The Hennessy eight is emblematic of multiple blends.  It is by far the prefection symbol generation of the eight exceptional eaux-de-vie in the assemblage.  Seven were hand selected by Yann Fillioux to narrate each generation of master blender, and the eighth was chosen by his nephew to create this unparalleled cognac.

This cognac is the epitome of simplicity and absolute perfection, that is the Fillioux Family dream.  The Hennessy 8 carafe and the chest that cradles it are equally exceptional, the work of artist Arik Levy.  The 250 carafes-each individually numbered and signed by the artists are crafted in hand blown baccarat crystal and sealed by hand.  Eight insert rings constitute an ode to the eight Master Blenders, and the 8 eaux-de-vie in the blend.

For more information visit:  www.lvmh.com

Sonos Sound System Harmonizes With Spotify

Now you don’t just control your playlist on Spotify, you dominate it.  Sonos Sound Systems will be harmonizing the app with Amazon’s voice controlled assistant “Echo” to favor a more exemplified sound system than ever before.  Set up to be released in Spotify’s October update, the super electrifying Sonos Sound System harmonization grants all beta program members the chance to fully experience their awesome new upgrade.  Their second integration that will utilize Amazon’s voice controlled assistant (Echo) into the brew is set for early 2017.

The collaborations are just a small insight to the brand’s growing news that will see it regulate intently with voice control as well as streaming tech.  Along with these up and coming plans closing to completion, which just may indicate Spotify is on the path to measure up to the other top streaming services.

For more information visit:  www.sonos.com

The King of Spain’s Maserati Sold At Auction

The original Maserati Quattroporte, which was announced in 1963 was the manufacturer’s first ever large sedan and one of their first versions powered by a V-8 engine.  Expertly designed and styled by Pietro Frua as well as based after a custom Maserati 5000 GT coupe that Frua designed for Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, Aga Khan IV.  Custom features from the 5000 GT includes a 45 rpm eight track record player constructed directly into the dashboard.

Before the first-generation Quattroporte model went out of production in 1969 Maserati created no more than 800 models.  The manufacturing process of the second-gen Quattroporte did not start until 1974, but in 1971 Frua created a one-off model on the frame of the Maserati Indy, (a four seat GT fastback).  The inside of the vehicle featured a lofty roof encircled by a large stretch of glass.  Later in 1974 a second version was built and sold to the Aga Khan.

The 1971 prototype was owned by King Juan Carlos of Spain at some point in time.  Until just recently, the car was included with the large collection of Maserati’s at the Riverside International Automotive Museum, in Riverside, California, that closed in June of this year.  In August the Quattroporte was on its way back to the block at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction with a presale estimate price of $175,000 to $200,000.

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”