Monthly Archives: June 2011

At auction Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewels

Christie’s said “feel obliged to show the world this unique collection”

The jewels of Elizabeth Taylor will be auctioned by the House of Christie’s this coming December in New York, launching series of auctions that will continue until the middle of March including the paintings and other art objects, clothes, gadgets, cars and 11 furs. Previously, all these will go touring Moscow, London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva, Paris and Hong Kong. On March 2 will be auctioned also the Mansion on the outskirts of Los Angeles with the first bid price at 85 million dollars.

Announcing the plan of auctioning the chairman of Christie’s Mark Porter said it “considers as an obligation to show the world the unique jewelry collection of Elizabeth Taylor because it is “sample of high aisthetics and high quality taste” which has always been the big star, who died last March at age 79 years. Mr. Porter also announced that “Taylor Collection” will be exhibited for one week at Rockefeller Center in New York .

There was no valuation of the collection but it is estimated that only jewelry – among which there are two diamonds of the biggest in the world – can “go” up to 600 million dollars. The paintings, particularly modern artists might yield about 250 million dollars. A percentage up to 10% of the earnings will go to the Taylor Foundation for AIDS.

The jewelry and clothes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis raised 35 million dollars when auctioned in 1993 by Sotheby’s (80-85 million dollars today) and Windsors’ nearly $ 25 million two years earlier.

Aston Martin extends brand prowess to international property developments

by First Logic

Renowned manufacturer of luxury British sports cars, Aston Martin, has extended its brand license agreement to include international property developments. Enthusiasts are attracted to the distinctive Aston Martin style that has become iconic to the world of automotive design – the key elements of which will now be applied to the new property concepts.

Power, beauty and soul are the 3 core elements that lie at the heart of the Aston Martin brand, and these same elements will be significant in placing Aston Martin branded developments at the height of the luxury property industry. “Aston Martin has an inherent beauty that stems from a basic requirement to be streamlined and aerodynamic. It is this design expertise, and an understanding of aesthetics combined with functionality, that will differentiate Aston Martin developments”, says Alvaro Hidalgo of First Logic.

Each Aston Martin property development will be unique, tailored to suit a selection of first class leisure destinations such as Marina, Beach, Ski, Golf and Polo resorts. Key principles will remain present throughout all developments, as will a striking selection of build materials. The classical strength and elegance of the Aston Martin brand will dictate the property framework, which will be united with contemporary innovations to complete truly unique developments. The worldwide portfolio of Aston Martin’s luxury properties will include villas, apartments, residences, hotels, sports clubs and accompanying exclusive leisure facilities.

Those investing in an Aston Martin property development will be proud to be part of a new brand concept that assures absolute quality, care and craftsmanship. And the longterm rewards of investments in a top luxury brand include the benefit of faster sales, reduced risk and additional security.

Dolce & Gabbana blurs Gender lines, sparks intrigue with Winter 2012 campaign

By Kayla Hutzler at Luxury Daily

Italian retailer Dolce & Gabbana is piquing consumer interest with its gender-ambiguous Winter 2012 campaign. The images contain women in tuxedo-inspired outfits and men in sequined, streamlined looks. The first four pictures of the campaign were released June 27 through Dolce & Gabbana’s Facebook page and also appear on the brand’s Web site.

“Dolce & Gabbana has always pushed the envelope, so this new XY campaign is nothing new for the brand,” said Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing, Stephens, PA. “The launch through Facebook with only four photos is designed to spark curiosity so that fans will take action to find out more and it is bound to do that,” she said. Dolce & Gabbana did not respond by press deadline.

Who’s wearing the pants?
Women's winter 2012 campaign shot The majority of the campaign photos are black and white, with a few sequined items emphasized in purple or teal. The women’s collection photos contain two drastic looks: the ultra-feminine and the masculine. In one picture, half of female models are in chiffon gowns spotted with stars, while half are donned in tuxedo-inspired blazers, pants and suspenders. A consumer glancing quickly could easily mistake the photo as comprising three girls and three boys.

The second photo is done in the same way, with three girls wearing tight, flowered and sequined dresses and standing in model-esque poses while the other three models don blazers and sit in typical masculine poses.

The masculine and feminine lines are not quite as emphasized in the men’s collection campaign, but the theme is still apparent. In the photos men are in streamlined, slim-fit jackets and pants with two of them made completely of sequins in purple or silver. The campaign features actress and director Isabeli Fontana and model Noah Mills.

There is also a backstage video of the women’s Winter 2012 runway show to complement the photos.

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Salon Privé 2011 – London

by Demotix

The 6th Salon Prive luxury super car show has taken place at Syon Park between the 22nd and 24th June 2011. Previously held at the Hurlingham Club for 5 consecutive years, it has grown into one of the most exclusive and prestigious social events in the UK.

With historic 15th century Syon House as a backdop the event feature over 120 super and classic cars as well as 20 classic motorcycles. “Quintessentially English” themed car sale by RM Auctions focuses on the finest British motor cars and motocycles.

100 years of the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot on the bonnet of Rolls-Royce cars added a new dimension to this year’s Salon Prive. The vintage 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost joined the centenary celebrations of the Flying Lady figurine by Charles Sykes.

Rainy spells on Boodles Ladies Day did not stop enthusiasm around Best-Dressed Lady Award, though abundance of umbrellas made the choise of finalists even more difficult for the judges. The Boodles Prize went to the contestant in a deep pink hat and orange coat, who made it to Salon Prive all the way from Mexico. The winner received £7 500 diamond “Raindance” ring from Michael Wainright, CEO of Boodles.

Sponsored by Chubb Insurance, Boodles, Pommery Champagne, Audemars Piguet and Vertu, Salon Prive added Waldorf Astoria Hotel of Syon Park to the list of luxury brands that it closely works with this year.

bonus video : Salon Privé 2011 – London by theUltimateLuxuryCommunity

*Video:salon prive 2011 london

Greek Financier Pays Christie’s $29 Million for a Picasso

By KELLY CROW at THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

A Greek financier based in London paid Christie’s $29.1 million on Tuesday for a Pablo Picasso painting that was once caught up in a daring World War II-era rescue.

Dimitri Mavrommatis, a longtime collector of French porcelain who also keeps a home in Paris, outbid at least seven rivals for Picasso’s “Seated Woman, Blue Robe.” Christie’s only expected it to sell for up to $13 million.

Christie’sPablo Picasso’s 1939 “Seated Woman, Blue Robe” sold to a Greek financier for $29.1 million at Christie’s in London on Tuesday.

The painting’s history may have added to its allure: Picasso painted the angular, indigo-hued portrait of his girlfriend Dora Maar in late 1939 and sent it to his dealer Paul Rosenberg in Bordeaux. When the Nazis occupied parts of France a few months later, soldiers confiscated the Jewish dealer’s art and sent “Woman” to the German Embassy in Paris with plans to forward it on to Adolf Hitler’s art depot in Moravia.

At some point in all this shuffling, members of the French Resistance slipped in and rescued the painting. “Woman” was eventually returned to Mr. Rosenberg.

“Woman” also capped Christie’s $227.1 million evening sale of Impressionist and modern art — a total that easily surpassed the house’s $185.4 million minimum sale target.

video bonus : Got a spare £12 million? Buy this Picasso One of Picasso’s most celebrated paintings ‘Jeune Fille Endormie’ is up for sale. Gemma Haines from Reuters reports.

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$1.8 Million Vacheron Constantin Watch Sets Record At Christie’s

by HannahElliott at Forbes

Exhibit A: Last night at Christie’s a Grand Complication Vacheron Constantin pocket watch sold for $1.8 million – three times the initial estimate.

Watches are so hot right now. The 20-carat gold watch was made in 1918 for James Ward Packard, the same guy who made some of the most expensive and most beautiful cars in the world today. (You could buy a 1932 Packard Twelve Dual Cowl Phaeton at Pebble Beach this August for less than half the cost of the watch.)

Packard had a supremely refined style that extended well beyond his love of cars. He sketched his own directions for the watch, which included a blue-enamel JWP monogram on the back case with hour, minute and second displays beneath the rock crystal glass. The watch also had a bespoke combination of hour, minute, quarter and half-quarter repeatinggrande and petite sonnerie complications. Christie’s declined to name the buyer, though it did confirm that the watch came directly from the Packard family. The watch has been sitting in bank vault at an undisclosed location for the past 60 years.

The auction sets a record for a Vacheron Constantin timepiece sold in the United States, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect: Vacheron will open its first U.S. boutique this fall on Madison Avenue. Suffice to say, this preview bodes well.

Point of interest: A different Vacheron Constantin–the Tour de l’Ile made in 2005 to commemorate the company’s 250th anniversary–sold at auction for $1.5 million in Geneva. Christie’s says it’s the most complicated wristwatch ever made.

Photos courtesy of Christie’s.

bonus video : The Art of Collecting Watches – A Personal Journey – Vacheron Constantin

Beijing Now Has “More Than 4,000″ Private Clubs

by Jing Daily

Beijing Elite Concentrated Among “Big Four”: Changan Club, Capital Club, Americas Club, China Club

They may have originally made their way into China via Shanghai, but private clubs are now finding fertile soil in the nation’s capital, Beijing. Taking over this year from Shanghai as the preferred city of residence for Chinese millionaires, according to MSN China, Beijing now boasts “more than 4,000″ private clubs catering to the city’s well-heeled entrepreneurs, political elite, and celebrities. Amid the vast array of private clubs, which focus on everything from cars to art, MSN calls particular attention to Beijing’s so-called “Big Four” — the Chang’an Club, Capital Club, Americas Club and China Club — which charge membership fees of up to 2 million yuan (US$309,000), more than 30 times the city’s per capita GDP.

Beijing’s Capital Club

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Milan Fashion Week: Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Burberry Prorsum SS 2012 Menswear Collection

Dolce & Gabbana

Versace

Burberry Prorsum

Branding the Baby

By SAMEER REDDY by THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

The temptation to see one’s child as an extension of oneself is natural—after all, parents start to assign ownership of various features a few hours after their baby is born: my nose, your eyes, grandpa’s chin. With the launch of several children’s lines from mega fashion brands like Fendi, Lanvin and Gucci, however, parental projection is going to a new level, with mini-me’s dressed to impress rather than for recess. Of course, quality children’s wear has been around for ages, but until recently, traditional brands like Bonpoint were the height of toddler fashion—and were worn only for special occasions.

Earlier this week, as fashion editors poured out of Lanvin’s resort collection presentation in Manhattan, the buzz wasn’t about the house’s beautiful cocktail dresses but instead the new children’s line, which designer Alber Elbaz saved for his finale. Following in the grand tradition of Jeanne Lanvin, who made children’s wear in the early 1900s, Mr. Elbaz was met with oohs and ahhs as he showed his miniature confections for little girls, some accompanied by dolls in matching outfits. Although there were a few early adopters, such as Armani and Stella McCartney’s wildly popular collections for the Gap, the fashion world’s enthusiasm for kids’ clothing has reached a frenzied pitch this year, with design houses adapting popular ready-to-wear looks, allowing moms and dads to match their tots.

F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

MINI ME | On mother: Burberry London Garbardine Trench Coat, $1,195, burberry.com; Black Kid Simple Pump, $595, christianlouboutin.com On child: Zucca Nylon Hat, $165, Fendi, New York, 212-759-4646; Burberry Childrens Double Breasted Trench Coat, $335, burberry.com; Ballerina Flat, $210, gucci.com

This spring, Gucci launched a line for babies and children 2 to 8 years old, following an ad campaign starring Jennifer Lopez and her offspring frolicking on the Malibu beachside. The collection—which includes a full line of clothing along with shoes, handbags, jewelry and sunglasses, ranging from $50 to $3,550—incorporates iconic Gucci totems. The horse bit hardware appears on leather ankle booties, and the double-G monogram appears on everything from raincoats to scarves. “The children’s clothes have all the hallmarks of Gucci but are designed to allow children to really express themselves,” said Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini. “I used luxurious materials but also took great care to make every piece child-friendly. There obviously needs to be an emphasis on comfort because children want to move and play as they wish.”

As more and more large fashion houses — including Fendi, Lanvin and Versace — create clothing lines especially for children, Malina Joseph explores the psychology (and absurdity) behind the trend.

From parents’ perspective, the most pressing concern might be that the product doesn’t sexualize their children, a challenge for houses known for a more revealing silhouette. Come December, Young Versace, Donatella Versace’s pint-size interpretation of the Italian brand’s decadent aesthetic, will hit stores. Similar to Ms. Giannini’s approach, the collection features house iconography, including the Medusa symbol and Greek-frieze motif, on pieces like a crystal-trimmed skirt and a one-shouldered minidress. For boys, there’s an embroidered T-shirt featuring a mohawked preschooler sketch. Although the clothes might strike some parents as a tad clubby for babes with 7 p.m. bedtimes, Ms. Versace insisted it’s all in good fun. “We’re known for our rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic, which can be edgy but doesn’t necessarily need to be sexy or inappropriate. Our designs for children will be influenced by music and popular culture,” she said. Young Versace will debut this month with a presentation in the baroque splendor of Florence’s Palazzo Corsini, during the Pitti Immagine Bimbo trade fair. Gian Giacomo Ferraris, the brand’s CEO, anticipates that it will comprise 10% of the company’s global sales in five years.

Big fashion houses are taking the presentation of their children’s collections almost as seriously as they do the bottom line. In addition to Lanvin unveiling its line together with its adult resort looks, Fendi organized a full-fledged runway show for its U.S. debut, which caters to ages 3 months to 12 years old, and ranges in price from $140 to $500. The spectacle featured 39 miniature models who paraded a catwalk inside the company’s Fifth Avenue flagship, wearing logo-printed capes, tiered peasant skirts and skinny pants, all chaperoned by Kelly Rutherford of “Gossip Girl.”

While the prospect of playgrounds populated by armies of children toting “It” bags may seem silly (or the end of civilized society as we know it) to some parents, and even more absurd to adults (childless or not) who can’t even afford the grownup versions, in the end it’s all meant to be good clean fashion fun. As Ms. Giannini observes, a successful kid’s collection hinges on “a touch of irony. I certainly don’t want the kids to look like mini versions of their parents. I reinterpret Gucci’s signature glamour into a playful spirit.” Stella McCartney’s kids’ line executes this idea exceedingly well, with pieces like a denim dress and a camel coat that are inspired by her own runway designs—but with much more reasonable prices, running from $20 to $150.

Still, most parents won’t make high-end items—say, a $425 duchess satin tunic dress and $1,375 leather trimmed twill trench coat from Burberry, or a three-piece boys tuxedo from Gucci—the foundation of their child’s wardrobe (unless that child happens to be Suri Cruise). These special clothes will be given as gifts, mixed in with Gap Kids and, before long, marked with the inevitable food and drool stains. More importantly, toddler fashion plates won’t have to worry about being stuck with an out-of-date trend. Before their pricey togs fall from favor, they’re almost sure to be outgrown.