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

Christie Brinkley’s Hamptons Home Hits The Market

Reflecting her own beauty, Christie Brinkley’s Hamptons home is just as equally breathtaking as Christie Brinkley herself, and the renowned supermodel’s Hamptons home is now on the market for $29.5 million.  The “tower hill home” is situated on nearly 20 acres in Bridgehampton North, New York, with a simply stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and Connecticut shore.  The beautiful home includes four bedrooms and five bathrooms, but that’s not all the estate also features a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom guesthouse, a four car heated garage, a green house, a barn, and a marvelous 50-foot observation tower.

In addition, the estate includes many other desirable amenities like; a double height great room with arched french windows, hardwood floors, an exquisite antique chandelier or a country styled kitchen with blue cabinets and multicolored chandeliers.  Key features include an office, a gym, and a total of three fireplaces, which were all added to keep you pleased and always entertained.

The fairly-large backyard is embellished with lovely pink flowers and a screen of verdant trees, the backyard also features a patio, a Jacuzzi, and a pool.  On better days, owners can discover a sense of serenity and tranquility on the walking path that takes you though the magnificent wooded area right behind the estate.

For more information visit:  toptenrealestatedeals.com

For any inquiries regarding the estate visit:  elliman.com

Petrossian’s Secret Soufflé

There is a new dish in New York City, known as Petrossian’s “Secret Soufflé”.  Its name originated from the fact that it’s an off-menu item at Petrossian’s.  The dish is quite large compared to other soufflés, containing 30 grams of Royal Reserve Ossetra caviar, (Petrossian’s priciest assortment) quail eggs right in the middle, and then beautifully finished with a mosaic of gold leaf.  Once the epicurean delight is created it is then served to you covered by a glass cloche that contains the aroma of applewood smoke, which the dish marinates in since leaving the oven minutes earlier.

Later a rolling trolley approaches you with a bottle of Richard Hennessy, (a Cognac that retails for about $3,500 a glass) which includes an essence in its blend dating all the way back to around the time of Napoleon.  They take two ounces of the fine drink and flambé it in a saucepan as the liquid is still ablaze, they pour it over the soufflé right in front of your table. Which will be quite the show, not to mention far surpassing any epicurean food video you have posted so far.

Petrossian’s executive chef as well as the soufflé’s creator, Richard Farnabe even said it’s a dish that exists simply because it “can”.   Farnabe was very enthusiastic to be able to experiment with no limit to food cost, so he could used the most premium of ingredients in as much quantities as he desired.  The soufflé is a tribute to 1980s-style excess, and to the golden days of when the restaurant was in the most pristine of conditions.

After all the other expensive epicurean delights, like the golden opulence sundae ($1,000) or the golden phoenix cupcake ($1,010), a $2,500 soufflé doesn’t seem all that surprising, especially in New York City where luxurious delights like these aren’t that hard to come by.  Of course you could easily purchase Ossetra caviar, quail eggs, and two ounces of Richard Hennessy, in order to create your own “secret soufflé”, but then again, you would never know how amazing Petrossian’s “Secret Soufflé” is.

For more information visit:  petrossian.com

Louis Vuitton Opens Their Doors To The World Of Fragrance

Louis Vuitton has been making high quality leather accessories and travel bags for over a century, but now the luxury fashion brand is going to try opening a few doors into the fragrance industry.  So Maison is putting his heart and soul into accomplishing beyond flawless aromas for the upcoming collection, labeled Les Parfums Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton has even hired master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, who exclusively designed the seven following scents; Rose des Vents, Dans la Peau, Contre Moi, Turbulences, Mille Feux, Apogee, and Matiere Noire.  Belletrud used unique extraction techniques, so that the collection would feature only the purest of floral and leather.  The perfumes are already set to be issued in 100 to 200-ml sizes, and will be priced at $240 and $350 each, respectively.

For more information visit:  Louis Vuitton

Meet Noa Nowling

Photographer: Paul Schefz

Meet Swedish Born Los Angeles based Model Noa Nowling.  We caught up with Noa on all things lifestyle & modeling.

What do you think is the best part about being a model in the industry today?
“What I’ve experienced to be the best part of the industry today would definitely be meeting new and amazing people everyday. Everyday I have new coworkers and get to hear all types of different life stories that inspire me.”

Take us through a typical day in the life of Noa Nowling.
“A typical day for me always starts with a healthy breakfast whether it be an omelette or a protein smoothie. After that, if I don’t have an early casting I will go to Corepower Sculpt class which is a heated room workout class using weights which really kickstarts my day. Usually I have a few castings a day so I hop in my car and drive to wherever that casting takes me for the day. In the evenings I like to unwind with my boyfriend and see whatever jobs I have upcoming for the next week.”

Photographer: Paul Schefz

What are three things most people don’t know about you?
“I’m quite an open person but these three things most people tend to not know about me. The most strange is that I have quite a long tongue and Guinness Book of World Records contacted me for next years issue! Another thing most people don’t know is that I’m an equestrian and have been showjumping since I was 11 years old. The third would be that I was born in Sweden and all of my relatives and extended family live out there.”

Which five words would your friends use to describe you?
“Five words my friends would use to describe me would be adventurous, caring, family oriented, responsible, and fun loving.”

Photographer: Alex Jackson

Is there anywhere your dying to travel to?
“I’m definitely dying to go to New York and model since I have never been.”

How would you describe your personal style?
“My personal style usually consists of  street wear. I love a cool pair of ripped jeans and a simple t-shirt with accessories and heels.”

Photographer: Alex Jackson

Do you have any favorite clothing brands?
“My favorite clothing brands would be Paige and Hudson jeans as well as Zara.”

Where to next?
“What comes next is pursuing modeling and seeing where it takes me!”

Where can we follow you?
“You can follow my Instagram at NoaAthena“

Dreamliner Boeing 787 BBJ: Traveling Through The Sky The Right-Way

Although for many years, Boeing has made its airliners available for sale to individuals under their Boeing Business Jet program commonly known as BBJ, their 787-8 Dreamliner is one of the newest and most intriguing offers to the private jumbo jet market.  Potential owners and guests will be immersed in over 2,400 square feet of luxury accommodation.  The 787-8 Dreamliner is much more like a flying palace than a typical business jet, boasting the ability to carry as many as 39 guests in a class far beyond first and a range of nearly 10,000 miles or 17 hours of flight time.

Kestrel Aviation Management, along with their partners at Pierrejean Design Studios and Greenpoint Technologies, had to fully design as well as engineer the interior of the jet.  Total design, fabrication, and installation time exceeded two and a half years, as this project represented the very first Dreamliner to be built as a Boeing Business Jet.  Though, the innovative 787 BBJ did not come cheap, with a price of $224.6 million for the base Boeing 787-8, and an additional cost estimated at $100 million for interior modifications.

The end result of this teams hard work is a business jet offering five designer bathrooms, a massive master suite divided into several separate sections to reduce noise to as little as 48 decimbels while the owner can take a well deserved nap in the suites king sized bed, in addition the master suite also features a walk in closet with radiant heated marble floors and his & hers marble sinks plus a massive shower.

The design team also took advantage of many other areas such as the foyer, by using recessed lighting the hallway walls are designed to appear as vertical flowing waves.  Beyond the flowing hallway walls sits a truly substantial main lounge, featuring two daybeds which face a 55 inch flat-screen display.  In addition this Dreamliner features a dinning/meeting area, several VIP lavatory’s, a guest area with 18 seats, and a separate designated crew area.

For more information visit:  www.kestrelaviation.com

Wine Palace Monte-Carlo Caters During The 2016 Monaco Yacht Show

The Wine Palace Monte-Carlo (which serves only the finest of wines, champagnes, and heart & soul)  will be at your beckon call as they serve you heavenly palatable drinks for four days as you attend the exclusive 2016 Monaco Yacht Show.  It will be Wine Palace Monte-Carlo’s second year in a row, of catering to one of Monaco’s most beloved events of the year.  Starting on the 28th of September through the 1st of October, the Wine Palace Monte-Carlo will introduce a vast array of private events that is sure to intrigue the most sophisticated guests with a variety of rare vintages from around the world.

The merchant is going to bring more than 2,300 esoteric gifts from varying sizes and shapes to the grand yacht show, including bottles of Petrus that date back all the way to 1959.  Guests are even granted access on the wine retailer’s terrace, where they can enjoy their palatable drinks as well as an astounding view of the Rock of Monaco.  The best part is all the wines, champagnes, and of course hearts & souls are available for purchase either online or shipped straight to your yacht or even back home.

For more information visit:  Wine Palace Monte-Carlo