The Most Breathtaking Penthouse In Atlanta

The Penthouse at the Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta emits an allure that’s like no other, with roughly 10,000 square feet as well as an asking price of $7.3 million, that dubs it the most expensive piece of real estate in the city.  In addition, the property is also the largest penthouse presently for sale and the second largest in Atlanta once off the market (as the largest in Atlanta is not currently for sale).  Istar, ( the real-estate and financial firm selling the property) are giving buyers the option to customize the inside, by selling it as an unfinished unit, so that buyers can design the interior to his or her liking.  Istar then can introduce the buyer to a local architecture company to complete the finishing touches.  The most recent recommended design features four bedrooms, a library, a fitness room, a music room, a catering kitchen, and a stylish spiral staircase that makes the journey from the lower floor to the upper floor all the more thrilling.

The penthouse takes up the top two floors (the 40th and 41st) of the building, offering residence 360-degree views of the Buckhead neighborhood.  Residents are even permitted to all of the hotels on-site amenities, not to mention room service that’s open 24/7, high security fingerprint scanners, personal drivers and shoppers, and private elevators & entrances.

For more information visit:  moresidencesatlanta.com

Meet Gianna Dispenza

Meet Gianna Dispenza; a young American artist currently residing in Beirut, creating some of the most unique and captivating works of our time.  Her art which tends to organically morph into an abstract creation of the utmost originality is like nothing else.  Having graduated the acclaimed San Francisco Art Institute, the philanthropic hearted Dispenza spends much of her time bringing art into the lives of underprivileged refugees.  We spoke exclusively with Gianna about art & life in the Paris of the Middle East.

What are you currently inspired by?
“I’ve always been interested in and inspired by people. Right now, my direction is turning toward a study of form, character, and a return to biomorphic, gestural bodies.”

Being a frequent traveler, how has your exposure to multiple cultures influenced your work?
“Different places have always influenced my work, but I recently experienced a bigger shift. I’ll have to backtrack a bit to answer this question, though. In college I began studying art history more thoroughly and it opened up a dialogue between my own paintings and sculptures and the work of other artists and movements through history. For example, I might have made a painting where the brushstrokes referenced Cézanne, and that reference invited a conversation on perspective. This happened both intentionally and unintentionally, but whatever the case, when someone looked at the piece, a connection was suggested between my work and history. It was subtle, but I took for granted how much the culture and history of Western art contextualized my work.

Now, I am living in Beirut, a place with a very different history and naturally a very different art history. So suddenly, the influences of artists or movements that my work had been in conversation with were abruptly removed from their context. I realized that people viewing my work now couldn’t relate because I was asking them to relate to the art history of a different part of the world. My work needed to adjust to a new place and culture.

For a number of reasons, I now feel the need to return to a more basic study of character and form. Not necessarily realism but relating to the figure. The pieces will naturally become more and more abstract, but there is a space on the border of abstraction and representation where I think my work has always been strongest. I recently had a very conceptual and abstract exhibition in Beirut, and in moving forward, I hope to produce something that is more representational and ultimately more human.”

Favorite medium?
“I’ve been experimenting with different media over the past five years, but a simple water-based clay will probably always win. As a final product, I usually prefer the clay to be cast in bronze.”

What is your creative process?
“Like with anything, there are times when we feel compelled to create and there are times when its a real struggle. But I’ve learned that persistence is my friend. I work everyday and if I reach the point where I really want to give up—I mean outright, hysterical, ‘I’m-no-artist’ kind of giving up— and then I keep pushing forward, that’s usually when the best work happens.”

Favorite Restaurant in Beirut?
“There are so many. Lebanon also has great Armenian and Syrian food (there are about 160,000 Armenians living in Lebanon right now). One of my favorites is a tiny Armenian bistro called Onno in Bourj Hammoud. Makan usually has great art on the walls and it holds some of my dearest memories. The food changes every week but is nonetheless excellent. Casablanca is also great. I’d recommend Gram for lunch, for the food and the people and the heart and soul that’s gone into its opening. Though, one of the best meals I have had in Lebanon yet was actually in Nahr Al-Bared, a Palestinian refugee camp in the North about 20k south of the Syrian border. It was all prepared from a garden in the camp and exceeded standards not only in flavor but also in generosity, which is pretty remarkable considering how little they have to begin with.”

How has your style changed over the years?
“I began studying art in high school with almost no direction. To give you a sense, I tried to use water to thin my oil paints. I knew nothing but I was so eager just to make something. After some time studying in Florence with bronze and stone and marble figures at every stop, and maybe a hundred hours sitting beneath Perseus, I wanted to understand anatomy. I attended a university that enforced a kind of military approach to aesthetics and realism. This was all fine in the beginning, but after a while I started thinking about character and how realism sometimes leaves that out. So I got loose with my work and impulsive, and my teachers were getting hot-headed because I didn’t start the portrait with the cheekbones like they said I should or because the clay wasn’t quite as smooth as a boiled egg. Eventually I realized it was time to get out of there and into a place where I could experiment. I transferred to a more conceptually-driven institute where I was suddenly the classicist and so I started sprinting to catch up with everyone. I worked hard and produced a body of big sculptures in concrete and plaster. After that, Beirut happened, and for the first year I was quite unwell and wasn’t able to make much, but by the second year I was experimenting and exhibiting plenty. Now, after all that, I just want to take a few steps back and revisit reality. I think repeating this process in Beirut, the process of patiently pushing and deconstructing form, may take more time, but the work will be more whole and more genuine than it ever would have been had I stayed where I was.”

Talk me through a day in the life of Gianna Dispenza.
“I’m traveling now, but my days in Beirut have been pretty full. Around 7:15 I walk through Hamra to Ahmed’s car. Ahmed is my dear friend, my taxi driver, and something of an Arabic teacher for me. He takes me up to the mountains to a campus where I teach a kindergarten class for refugees, ages 4-5. After classes, I might go to a school on the outskirts of the Palestinian refugee camps in the southern suburbs where I meet two other teachers and we hold an English support program. Or, depending on the day, I’ll head back to Beirut and start sculpting. I usually need about an hour to decompress at home after work then I’ll sculpt or paint though the evening. If it’s a figurative collection, friends or neighbors or strangers will come model for 2-4 hours after work. At sunset I run or walk along the corniche (a long path along the shore), or go to our friends house by the sea. We meet on his roof or balcony and swim or talk and they all play music (I may or may not have thrown down a few notes on the flute). Anyway, it’s calm and it’s beautiful. Sometimes more friends come model at night; they stumble in around 11 and recline into a snoring pose on my studio floor. The past six months have been pretty demanding, and so I’m looking forward to a summer with a bit more of the snoring for myself.”

What are you working on right now?
“I’ve been on the road but I did fill a suitcase with clay, which, my travels have taught me the hard way, bears a striking resemblance to C-4. I’ve been doing sketches and figure studies as I go along. Once I get back to Beirut I’ll most likely work on a simple series of ceramic busts. I see myself returning to the figure more and more right now, emphasizing form and unity.”

What artists influence you most?
“The beautiful thing about studying art history is that artists tend to layer and build on each other over time. That layering is what excites me. But there is an abundance of artists whose work has influenced my own, and I could go down that road but it might test even the avid reader’s attention span. To name a few: Van Gogh, Bacon, Calder, Dubuffet, Hesse, Gorky, Abakanowicz, Rodin, De Kooning, De Keersmaeker.”

What are four things most people do not know about you?
“One thing I’ve struggled even to define for myself and in my work is a feeling of existing in liminal spaces. Coming from a background of extreme opposites has made me feel like a bunch of very different people are all paying tug-of-war with one brain. This might be why I connect in the way that I do with the people in the camps, because their liminal existence humbles my own. The work I am doing with refugees is also probably something most people don’t know about me. It’s been one of the best experiences I’ve had—getting to know all of these people and their stories and characters. In doing this work, I found out that teaching is awesome and hugely gratifying. And lastly, I don’t ever want only to be an artist. I’ll always need to keep my mind challenged and my heart engaged with something outside of myself and I feel lucky to be in a place where all of those things are happening.”

Where to next?
“I’ll be in Beirut for at least another year, hopefully. After that I really do not know.”

Where can we follow you?
Website:  giannadispenza.com
Tumblr:  giannadispenza.tumblr.com
Instagram:  @giannadispenza

Photographer: Ashley Jordan Gordon

The Amazing Azimut 100 Leonardo

The Azimut 100 Leonardo is a thing of beauty that gives you a more spacious as well as a more laid-back vibe, witch maximizes space in the most ingenious way with its flybridge.  This yacht differs from most in this perspective as it not only maximizes the space for the utmost comfort, but also gives a unique touch to the cutting edge design of the Azimut 100 Leonardo.

The yacht features a big main deck that expands across a good 30 meters, a terrace that overlooks the sea and adds to the sheer scale of the vessel, and the brilliantly spacious design allows for all guests to experience the refined areas aboard to their hearts content.  The flybridge offers guests an amazing area for entertainment, which includes sofas, a dining area, and a whirlpool spa, but don’t worry if these two entertainment areas aren’t enough.  Because the Leonardo has a third area just for leisure.

Accommodating up to 12 guests, with a master suite located directly in the middle of the yacht with impressively wide rectangular windows on both sides for a stunning vista of an ever changing location.  Additional features include a vanity area, wardrobes, and a bathroom fully equipped with a double washstand made of brown colored glass and a sizable whirlpool shower.  Unlike how the exterior of the yacht looks, the inside combines teak flooring with shades of ivory and cream that makes the interior look somewhat futuristic.

Mr. Choppy Tan, CEO of Azimut Yachts Singapore said “it has been extremely gratifying to witness the extent to which the Singapore market has embraced us.”  He then goes on saying, “we look forward to introducing Singapore to the range of yachts from our broad catalogue and also plan to expand into other key Southeast Asian markets.  We’ve built a strong local network within a year and look forward to many more successful years ahead.”  The new dealer in Singapore is also apart of Azimut’s newly revised Asian distribution partnership strategy.  Providing beautiful yachts that offer luxury and comfort in the best of ways.

For more information visit:  www.azimutyachts.com

Rolls Royce Showcases Bespoke “Dawn Til Dusk” Cars in Porto Cervo

Porto Chervo has been showcasing the best automakers from around the world, such as Rolls Royce to add beauty to its already lovely atmosphere.  The one of a kind seaside resort located in Northern Sardinia offers guests and sight-seers alike an incredible coastline as well as a charm that will undoubtedly captivate and enchant you as you stroll around the heavenly resort. Though this has already been covered on a previous article, now Rolls Royce has once again returned to Sardinia as palette inspiration for ‘Dusk Until Dawn’ (a bespoke series of two of its most beloved cars, a Wraith coupe and a Dawn drophead).

‘Dusk Until Dawn’ was just announced at Rolls Royce’s new Summer Studio in Sardinia, both vehicles incorporate Porto Cervo’s own unique style at its most radiant moments: hence the words Dawn and Dusk.  Just like the name proposes, the bespoke dawn above is the embodiment of the marina’s aquamarine waves as the light shines from above.  The car features an ethereal emerald green exterior and a seashell & green leather cabin that extends all the way to the tourneau cover, which shields the roof and trunk compartment.  The car has the Porto Cervo insignia right on the dashboard fascia that’s bedecked with actual emeralds and mother of pearl in white gold, and if that doesn’t make this car luxurious then I’m not sure what would.

As for the Bespoke Wraith, it has a shimmering two-toned silver finish on its exterior that mirrors the setting sun perfectly, making way for its ethereal twilight infused interior.  That’s what i’d call dusk if ever a car resembled it more.  Now let me introduce you to the inside of the Dusk with seats completely covered in corrupt plum colored ostrich leather, with wooden veneers and marquetry in the shadows of black, gray and brown.

“Patrons of our marque delight in inhabiting some of the world’s most beautiful enclaves,” said Isobel Dando, General Manager, Future Retail, Rolls Royce Motor Cars.“The stunning Bespoke Wraith and emerald embellished Dawn, inspired by the sights and colors of Porto Cervo, have been commissioned in the spirit that so many of our customers delight in.”  To the Rolls Royce cars that perfectly embodies both night and day or should I say both Dawn and Dusk, thank you Rolls Royce for making these two fan-favorites into the must haves of 2016.

For more information visit:  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Bernard Khoury’s Extraordinary Beirut Penthouse

One of Lebanon’s most talented architects, Bernard Khoury, has just finished building yet another masterpiece an extraordinary rooftop penthouse located right in the middle of Beirut, (Lebanon’s most breathtaking city as well as its capital).  The beautiful city of Beirut was the ideal location for Bernard Khoury’s latest creation, partly because Beirut has been in the amidst of construction that is giving way to the greatest and most luxurious city on the Mediterranean Sea.  On the other hand it may be ideal for a totally different reason, the beautiful city of Beirut has many things to offer as you get to know this one of a kind peninsula and discover the true reason this city is dubbed “the Paris of the Middle East”.

Bernard Khoury’s newest masterpiece is not just another project, it’s his home that he designed solely with the thought of him and his family in mind.  The penthouse features magnificent windows that allows light to run wild throughout the three story home, which is also comprised of an entry level where a majority of the home functions lie, that includes a dining area, a kitchen, a mezzanine area for both his children, and a third autonomous room for guest that takes you out onto the rooftop terrace and swimming pool.

When Bernard Khoury usually designs a house he doesn’t concern himself with trivial things like interior decoration, but for this home he designed most of the furniture himself, one example is a beautiful long dining room table that is similar to the design of a farmhouse, but much more modern.  Khoury also designed a leather swing that oversees the incredible city below, plus a complicated étagères on each side of the reception area were expertly crafted by a local artisan.  It’s unfortunate that this penthouse is not for sale, but even though the beautiful home by Bernard Khoury is not presently on the market, it’s still a truly interesting, not to mention beautiful piece of real estate located in the always lovely Beirut, Lebanon.

For more information visit:  www.bernardkhoury.com

Meet Haley Permenter

Meet Los Angeles based Model & Actress Haley Permenter, we caught up with Haley to talk all things lifestyle & modeling.

What are you currently inspired by?
“I’m inspired by the amazing people in my life. I have a core group that has supported me my entire life, and their love & support inspires me every day.”

What is one of the most interesting shoots you’ve done?
“I once did a shoot where I was on a bicycle while walking a very large dog… It doesn’t sound interesting, but I’m sure it was very interesting to watch consider I fell off the bicycle at least 4 times.”

Do you get shy in front of the camera?
“Not that I can ever remember. I signed with my first agent when I was 8 years old, so I’ve always been comfortable in front of a camera!”

Where do you call home?
“Orange, Texas!”

What gets you out of bed in the morning?
“The fact that I love what I do. There are definitely mornings that I want to stay in bed all day, but I truly love my job and enjoy (almost) every single day of work!”

What do you think is the best part about being a model in the industry today?
“The fact that opportunity is everywhere! If you are driven you can achieve so much! Plus, people are so supportive and encouraging. It’s amazing.”

Talk me through a day in the life of Haley Permenter.
“I snooze my alarm and crawl out of bed, drink green tea , shower,  brush my teeth, lather myself in coconut oil, blow dry my hair, put BB cream on my face, and go to work! I usually try to squeeze in a run, Pilates class, or gym training session at least 4 times a week! Then I’ll probably sit in traffic on the way home. Once I’m actually home I’ll grab some dinner, shower, and pass out!”

What are four facts about you people may not know.
1. “I have my bachelors degree in Business Marketing.”
2. “I lived and volunteered at an orphanage in Honduras for a month and a half.”
3. “My boyfriend and I have a 1978 VW bus!”
4. “I have the worlds cutest dog.”

If you weren’t modeling what would you see yourself doing?
“Acting, for sure. It’s my other passion. As far as a “real world job” goes, probably social media marketing!”

All time favorite travel destination? 
“Oh that’s a hard one!! Greece, Italy, or Maldives!”

What are your favorite clothing brands? 
“I am horrible about brands, I’m not partial to any (don’t tell the brands I rep). I like cute clothes that fit well & aren’t expensive! That’s it! I’m from a small town in Texas, big brands don’t exist there.”

Visit Haley’s Website at: www.haleypermenter.com

Also check out Haley’s Instagram at: www.instagram.com/haleypermenter

The Vicem 65 Flybridge

Just recently, the Vicem 65 Flybridge made its debut in the always lively Palm Beach, Florida.  The new Turkish-built yacht has caused the local population abuzz with it’s small yet attractive appearance, as Vicem Yachts created the 18.5-foot beam yacht so that guests would feel a sense of amenity and tranquility.

The yacht is so spacious that it offers owners an array of layout options to choose from, one example was when it debuted in March at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, in which it included an office area and a gallery on the main deck plus three cabins below.  The vessel even had space that could have been used for the crew area, but is now designed as a childrens cabin that connects to the owner’s stateroom.  The 65 Flybridge has a range of more than 1,000 nautical miles at 10 knots or 350 nautical miles at cruising speed of 22 knots, in addition the yacht is mostly made out of African and South American mahogany.  The Vicem 65 Flybridge is priced from $2.75 million.  ALL ABOARD!

For more information visit:  vicemyachts

The Ehang 184: A Drone That Flies You

Ehang has created the 184 AAV, a drone that is unlike any other.  The company has shown us many unique drone designs throughout the years, but this drone is entirely different or it may be more accurate to say the complete opposite of all of them.  The drone allows you to sit inside itself as it gives you a ride through the sky in comfort and the best part is you don’t even have to operate it because the drone will fly itself.  So just put your feet up and enjoy the ride.

Ehang CEO Huazhi Hu started the idea of a one-passenger electric drone a couple of years ago, which was just after two of his pilot friends were killed in plane crashes.  So Mr. Hu decided that people should have a form of short-to-medium distance personal air transport that would not require the passenger to have a pilot’s license, this took a lot of danger out of low-altitude flying.

The 184 was created so a person could easily get in, power up the drone, select their desired destination using a 12 inch touchscreen tablet, press “take off”, and then let the drone’s automated flight systems take over.  The drone’s automated flight system can handle tasks like communication with air traffic control and any additional aircraft’s in the area, obstacles in the drone’s path, and navigation, the Ehang 184 AAV will always take you on the fastest and safest route, all you need to do is enjoy the view til you reach your destination.

The 184 features carbon fiber or an epoxy composite body, an aerial aluminium alloy frame, and eight motors giving out 142 hp/106 kw to eight propellers.  The eight propellers are divided into groups of two, each pair being situated at the top and bottom of one of four arms.  Each arm can fold up when the drone lands on the ground, which makes the drone take up less space.  It will take four hours to charge the drone’s 14.4 kWh battery pack in trickle mode or only two hours in fast charge mode, with a full charge the drone can keep one passenger airborne for up to 23 minutes at sea level.  The drone weighs 44o lb, can carry up to 264 lb, has a top speed of 62 mph and can reach an altitude of 11,480 ft.

Unique features of the Ehang include trunk space to store things like a briefcase or backpack.  In addition, this drone also features full interior and exterior lighting, 4G internet connection, air conditioning, and gull-wing doors.  A “Failsafe System” will take over if ever any malfunctions occur, not to mention passengers can stop the drone and hover in place if need be.  The drone was named 184 because there’s “one passenger, eight propellers and four arms.”  Prices for the Ehang 184 AAV start at $200,000.

For more information visit:  Ehang.com

The Top Rooftop Restaurants Around The World

Today I’ll be introducing you to the Most Breathtaking Rooftop Restaurants around.  There are many great restaurants, but nothing can compete with the view of these lovely rooftop beauties.

Situated on the eighth floor of the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, lies the GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar serving extraordinary and beautifully presented Mediterranean cuisine, as well as a considerably vast array of Greek and international wines, but the vista is what really sets this venue apart from other fine-dining establishments.  The restaurant has an incredible view of the Acropolis and feels particularly special during nice warm summer evenings as the sun begins to set.  When night falls the ancient archaeological site is ablaze in burning golden light, the perfect place to bring a certain special someone.

On the 65th floor of New York’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza, lies the recently reopened Rainbow Room after their five-year closure, they have once again became the city’s most celebrated brunch spot.  Every Sunday they offer an expansive buffet, laden with oysters, heavenly chicken-and-truffle pies, freshly prepared sushi, and countless other international cuisines.  If you take a look out the window you’ll see a breathtaking view of New York, as musicians harmoniously play to soothe you so that you leave re-energized and refreshed.

For more information visit:  rainbowroom.com

London has had many new rooftop restaurants throughout the years with spectacular views, but nothing compares to Galvin at Windows.  Located on the 28th floor of the Hilton on Park Lane, the Galvin is a true rooftop masterpiece.  The place offers impeccable French cuisine and an amazing view that stretches from the green expanse of Hyde Park to St Paul’s, even the magnificent skyscrapers of the City that stretch until tomorrow.

On the Palazzo Manfredi hotel, Ristorante Aroma gives you one of the best views there is of the famed Roman Colosseum, as well as many other historical sites in the city.  The restaurant is encased in glass throughout winter, but is open to fresh air the rest of the year.

On the tip top of the Centre Pompidou, futuristic restaurant Georges draws a large crowd as the restaurant gives its customers fine-dining and a great view of the city.  It’s rather festive at night, when the DJs play, and was named by Paris expert Natasha Edwards as one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Paris.

Not really the rooftop, but still beautifully positioned 400ft (122 metres) high atop the Eiffel Tower, Le Jules Verne is perhaps the most extraordinary restaurant in Paris.  Alain Ducasse oversees the menu, offering his take on the latest cuisine.

On the 38th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, intimate Sushi Sora serves delicious sushi for just eight diners at a time.  Take in the unbelievable view of the Tokyo Tower, there aren’t many  recognizable landmarks from the restaurants view, but seeing the city light up at night is nothing short of spectacular.

The tallest building in Shenzhen as well as the eighth tallest building in the world, the 100 story Kingkey 100 building’s top 28 floors are occupied by the city’s St.Regis hotel.  Situated on the 99th floor, its Venice-inspired restaurant Elba serving high-quality Italian cuisine and giving you a magnificent view of well pretty much everything in Shenzhen.

On the 14th floor of the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, Windows by Jamie Kennedy enjoys a marvelous view of Niagara Falls, as well as a spectacular menu.  One of Canada’s most celebrated chefs, Kennedy serves a menu that uses locally sourced produce and is inspired by the wnderful atmosphere around her.

For more information visit:  windowsbyjamiekennedy.com

On the 63rd floor of Bangkok’s State Tower, Sirocco is the signature restaurant of the Lebua hotel.  The rooftop restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and a jazz band will occasionally plays as dinner is served.

For more information visit:  lebua.com

In Toronto’s CN Tower, 360 Restaurant stands 1,151ft (351 metres) above the city, which is usually high enough to sit above the clouds.  This rooftop restaurant or The Restaurant in the Clouds is so incredible, I mean how many times do you get the chance to dine with the clouds?

For more information visit:  cntower.ca

BMW and Puma Create Futuristic Shoes

Combining sportswear brand Puma and auto manufacturer BMW into a futuristic shoe is amazing, and certainly one for the history book if I do say so myself.  Puma in partnership with BMW have created this unique and exceptionally attractive shoe, giving comfort and style just like the companies that created it.

Utilizing the concept of Project GINA (a BMW concept crafted from a man-made lightweight fabric rather than the time-honored steel/carbon fiber body) the futuristic shoe uses the same waterproof materials and will replace laces with the Puma’s disc system.  The shoe is just right for people who don’t have the time to tighten or loosen their laces, because all you need to know for these shoes is how to spin a disc, which functions with the shoes elastic tendons that link to a fastener.  Simple, Stylish, and Comfortable is how I would describe the Puma X-Cat Disc.

“The approach was to look at every aspect of making a shoe and to try and reimagine it. Freeing yourself of what is here now can be an enjoyable and rewarding exercise. Typically, it also speeds up change,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design.  Unlike the Project GINA car, (which is still a concept in a museum) the Puma X-Cat Disc is real and is ready for purchase.

For more information visit: puma.com