Events

Porsche Celebrates 25 Years of Custom Cars

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 8th 2011 at 3:02PM

25 years ago Porsche became the world's first car manufacturer to create a special customization department at its factory. The program, called Porsche Exclusive, allows customers to get a car from the factory with just about any personal detail and refinement they want – provided that it's technically feasible and won't compromise the vehicle's quality. To celebrate the program's silver anniversary the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany is showcasing the Exclusive's special skills and craftsmanship with a 25 years of Porsche Exclusive show running through May 1st.

Visitors will be able to see some of company's most unique and rare special models, including the Porsche 911 Turbo S 3.6, which in 1997 was the first Porsche series production sports car to break the 186 mph (300 km/h) barrier. Also on display is one of only two Porsche 911 Speedsters in the world dating from 1995, as well as a gold-colored Porsche 959 that was extensively modified for a member of an Arab royal family and which features, among other things, gold plated tailpipes. A book is being published in conjunction with the exhibit as well.

Tags: custom cars, Germany, luxury cars, museum, museum exhibit, Porsche, Porsche 911, Porsche 959, Porsche Museum, porsche+cars, porsche+custom, porschecars, porschecustom

The Classicist: Thomas Pink Celebrates Englishmen in New York

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 7th 2011 at 9:01AM

LVMH-owned London shirtmaker and haberdasher Thomas Pink is celebrating a stylish forthcoming book called An Englishman In New York with an event and exhibit at its Madison Avenue flagship in New York on March 24. The volume of photographs by Jason Bell includes notables and notable dandies like Vogue's Hamish Bowles (above), Barneys' Simon Doonan and Sting, British to the core but also quintessential New Yorkers. Bell's photographs are currently on exhibit at at London's National Portrait Gallery, where the book has already been released; it's scheduled for publication here on April 1.

As an Englishman living in New York himself, Bell was inspired by the fact that there are 120,000 British men and women living in New York City – about the same amount as the entire population of Stamford, Connecticut. In addition to the above Bell photographed a diverse cross-section of British born figures, including taxi drivers, cops, construction workers, divers, helicopter pilots, chefs, burlesque dancers, drug dealers, UN ambassadors and dog walkers, all of whom tell stories about how they came to settle in New York.

"I went for a walk in Central Park with Sting, and for a cup of tea on Kate Winslet's roof terrace, sat on Zoë Heller's stoop and watched Stephen Daldry bicycle down 8th Avenue," Bell relates. "I was given a private tour of both the Metropolitan Museum and the Barneys' shop windows. I started with a blank canvas and was amazed by the number of Englishmen and women who have made such a large impact on the cultural life of the city. And amidst all the questions about why people had come here and what they had left behind, I learnt a little bit more about what it means to be English, what it means to be a New Yorker, and where the two intersect."

"We are extremely excited to be hosting an event to honour Jason and his brilliant work," says Jonathan Heilbron, President and CEO of Thomas Pink. "Thomas Pink itself is 'An Englishman in New York.' We opened our Madison Avenue Flagship store over 13 years ago and New York has come to be a second home and major market for our brand. Thomas Pink is English at heart but we are truly a New Yorker too." [cont'd]

Gallery: An Englishman in New York by Jason Bell

Tags: an+englishman+in+new+york+jason+bell, anenglishmaninnewyorkjasonbell, Barneys, Hamish Bowles, Kate Winslet, London, LVMH, mens style, New York, shirts, Simon Doonan, Sting, Thomas Pink, thomas+pink+2011, thomaspink2011, UK

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Video: Girls of the Geneva Motor Show

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 7th 2011 at 8:01AM

While we're enjoying the latest luxury and supercar news from our correspondent at the Geneva Motor Show, here's a video clip of some of the beautiful models who attracted the most stares. We're not talking about the machines themselves but rather the bevy of beauties hired to show them off to advantage. The Geneva show sees the debut of some of the world's hottest cars so the competition is fierce. While many spectators take the girls for granted, a sort of added attraction or sideshow to the main event, as The Classicist noted in this 2009 column car show girls are in fact carefully chosen "tools to present the [car brands'] corporate image in a very distinctive way." Our advice: don't read too much into it, just enjoy the show.

Tags: auto show, auto show girls, car brands, car show girls, events, Geneva, Geneva Auto Show, Geneva Motor Show, geneva+motor+show+2011+girls, genevamotorshow2011girls, luxury cars, models, motor show, supercar

Big Deals and Big Win at the Armory

by Bobbie Leigh (RSS feed) — Mar 5th 2011 at 7:01PM

Think of the Armory Show on Piers 92 and 94 in New York as the momentary center of the art fair universe with satellite shows orbiting around it. The show was a lot of work - some 274 galleries from 31 countries competing for attention.

Tags: Alexander Gorlizki, armory, armory show, art fair, art fairs, new york art fair, New York Art Fair 2011, The Armory Show

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Rodarte's Black Swan Costumes Go On Display

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Mar 5th 2011 at 3:01PM

California's famous fashion designing sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy of the couture line Rodarte may not have gotten the film credit for the costumes in "Black Swan" but the talented designers are getting their own moment in the sun as the tutus go on display as part of their first West Coast solo exhibition "Rodarte: States of Matter," at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. The movie's intricate tutus are displayed as art and are filled with resin sculptures that show the form of the pieces but don't distract in the way that full mannequins might. Hung from wires, the tutus slowly spin for an effect that is both ethereal and eerie. The tutus and other elaborate Rodarte dresses are surrounded by fluorescent light tubes in red, black and white which gives the exhibit a bold contrast. There are six tutus that Academy-Award winner for Best Actress Natalie Portman wore in "Black Swan" on display along with a variety of dramatic black and white Rodarte couture creations. The AP reports that the Mulleavys did extensive research on ballet costumes which also ended up informing their runway collections during the seasons that they were working on the movie.

Tags: mulleavy sisters, rodarte

New York's Best: "Vienna 1900"

by Bobbie Leigh (RSS feed) — Mar 5th 2011 at 8:01AM

Before you climb the museum stairs to see "Vienna 1900: Style and Identity" head for the Neue Museum's Cafe Sabarsky, a dead ringer for an old-world Viennese cafe. With its Josef Hoffmann and Adolf Loos inspired decor, this cafe is a best bet for great coffee and strudels as well as catching the vibe of the exhibition's, turn-of-the-century Vienna. The museum's 1914 building, an Upper East Side landmark, is steps away from Central Park at 1048 Fifth Avenue at 86th Street. (The museum's name means "new gallery.")

Tags: Gustav Klimt, JosefHoffmann, Kolomon Moser, museum event, museum exhibition, neue galerie, new york city art, new york city events, Oscar Kokoschka, Secessionist art, vienna

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The Best of the PULSE Art Fair

by Bobbie Leigh (RSS feed) — Mar 4th 2011 at 9:01PM

The PULSE New York fair has it all --- sculpture, photography, mixed-media, painting. The layout this year with 63 booths is much more manageable territory at the Metropolitan Pavilion than at the other fairs dominating Manhattan this week. In fact, PULSE is the one fair not to miss. It is friendly, not at all imposing, a nice mix of hedge-fund deep pockets and young people, some even changing babies on cardboard arty currogated stools. Most important though is that the works are fresh and new. There's lots to buy at a wide range of prices and people on opening day were not hesitating to add to their collections.

Tags: art fair, art fairs, emerging artists, mixed-media artists, NewPhotography, nyartfairs, young collectors

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Gets Pulses Racing at Daytona 500

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 3rd 2011 at 6:01PM

Our favorite blueblooded British stunner, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (above) turned heads and set pulses racing at the Daytona 500 recently where she put in an appearance as a Grand Marshall alongside her Transformers 3 colleagues Josh Duhamel and Michael Bay. The modified NASCAR stock cars of drivers Jimmie Johnson, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. – featured as characters in the film – made their first public appearance at the event as well leading the 43-car field during the pace laps of the kick-off event to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. In 2009 the movie's director Michael Bay piloted the official pace car at a NASCAR Sprint Cup race to promote the DVD release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and credits his vision to include NASCAR stock cars in the new Transformers film to the experience.

Tags: actress, British supermodels, celebrity, celebrity cars, Daytona 500, directors, Josh Duhamel, lingerie model, Michael Bay, motor racing, movies, NASCAR, race cars, racecar, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, supermodel, Transformers, Victorias Secret

Maria Callas Costumes Go On Display In New York

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Mar 2nd 2011 at 11:02PM

Maria Callas is a bit lost to the current generation but the late opera singer was once one of the world's most glamorous women and she had the closet to prove it. Stage costumes, dresses and jewelry belonging to the passionate diva are on display at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York.

The exhibit titled "A Woman, A Voice, A Myth" features memorabilia and photos gathered by Bruno Tosi, President of Associazione Culturale Maria Callas. The exhibition has toured the world and this event has been organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of Greece-New York , with major support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Hellenic Parliament Foundation.

Callas, who died in 1977, was born in New York City but received her musical education in Greece and was first famous for her opera singing in Italy where her musical gifts earned her the nickname La Divina. Callas is also famous for her equally dramatic personal life. After a successful career the beautiful diva fell for Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis while she was still married to her husband. She left him for Onassis and the pair were together nine years until Onassis left her for Jacqueline Kennedy.

The exhibit run through March 30 in New York.

Tags: aristotle onassis, exhibition, exhibits, maria callas, opera

One-Of-A-Kind Remy Martin Louis XIII Decanter for Sale at $70,000

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 2nd 2011 at 7:01PM

On March 12 in Singapore the renowned House of Rémy Martin will offer a unique decanter of its famed Louis XIII cognac (above) from the 1930s for sale at about $70,000. The precious elixir will be on offer at the Master of Spirits event organized by DFS, one of the world's leading travel retailers, in partnership with Changi Airport. The Baccarat crystal decanter contains Louis XIII Grande Champagne Très Vieille Age Inconnu cognac dating back to the mid-19th Century, a crown jewel of the House of Rémy Martin.

The decanter, certified by the Rémy Martin's cellar master Pierrette Trichet, was created from a series of carafes that were served as part of a royal banquet in 1938 at the château de Versailles in the presence of His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. It comes presented in a unique seamless full-grain leather and rare wood box set. In addition, Rémy Martin will offer for sale two of the last remaining carafes of Louis XIII Rare Cask and one magnum decanter of Louis XIII Black Pearl at the prestigious event.

Tags: Asia, Baccarat, brandy, cognac, decanter, France, Louis XIII, Louis XIII Black Pearl, Louis XIII cognac, Queen Elizabeth, rare spirits, Rémy Martin, Remy Martin Black Pearl, Remy Martin Louis XIII, royalty, Singapore, spirits, Versailles

The Stafford London's Royal Wedding Viewing Party

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 2nd 2011 at 3:02PM

Don't have an invitation to the Royal Wedding this April, but still want to celebrate along with Prince William and Kate? The five-star Stafford London by Kempinski hotel is staging a Royal Wedding viewing party on April 29 which might be the next best thing. Located just steps from Buckingham Palace, and rumored to be frequented by the Royal Family themselves, the luxe hotel will be celebrating the momentous occasion with a party in its outdoor courtyard complete with a viewing screen broadcasting the momentous event, accompanied by classic British cocktails and cuisine. Tickets for the Royal Wedding viewing party are £85 per person and include all food and beverage. Reservations are required – to purchase a ticket call the hotel directly at +44 20 7493 0111 or email rsvp.london@.kempinski.com.

Gallery: The Stafford London by Kempinski

Tags: British Royalty, Buckingham Palace, Kate Middleton, London, luxury hotels, party, Prince William, Prince William and Kate, royal family, Royal Wedding, royalty, Stafford Hotel, Stafford London by Kempinski, UK, William and Kate

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Classic Cars, Fine Wine & Cool Design: The Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 2nd 2011 at 8:01AM

Dashing designer Duncan Quinn, known for his roguish take on Savile Row style, is hosting the ultimate gentleman's getaway on Saturday, March 26 for those who appreciate classic cars, fine wine and gourmet meals as much as razor-sharp threads. The Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally features a fleet of wicked wheels from Manhattan's Classic Car Club – including a 1968 Porsche 911, an AC Cobra, Austin Mini (think The Italian Job), Jaguar E-Type roadster, and Ferrari Dino (above) – leaving the city for an overnight jaunt to a 2,500 acre spread in upstate New York via scenic byways and state parks in one hell of a stylish convoy.

There guests will be treated to cocktails followed by an impressive meal from celebrated chef Neil Ferguson accompanied an amazing selection of vintage wines, retiring afterwards to rustic suites. Following breakfast on Sunday also by Ferguson there will be a spot of skeet shooting before another scenic drive back to town. "Tweeds are an option, but style is a must," Quinn tells us. There are only 14 spots on the list, and several have already been filled; the price is $2,000 for singles and $3,000 per couple including the cars and everything except gas and speeding tickets. Call the designer's New York store at 212 226-7030 to reserve.

Gallery: Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally March 2011

Tags: AC Cobra, chef, Classic Car Club, classic cars, cool+classic+cars, coolclassiccars, Duncan Quinn, events, Ferrari, Jaguar E-Type, luxury cars, mens style, neil+ferguson+chef, neilfergusonchef, New York, Porsche, rally, Savile Row, skeet shooting, sporting, vintage+car, vintagecar

South America's First Luxury Fair Coming to Brazil in November

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 1st 2011 at 7:01PM

Sao Paulo in Brazil will host the very first luxury fair in South America from November 23 – 25, an indication of the growing economic clout of the country and the BRIC nations in general. Modeled on the millionaires' fairs popular in places like Moscow, Expo Luxo will feature the latest high-end products including luxury cars, yachts, private jets, helicopters, jewelery, watches, fashion, electronics and technology, home decor, cosmetics, real estate, spirits, gourmet goods and artwork, along with providers of "premium and luxury" services such as architecture, interior design, landscaping, concierge services, private chefs and more. Over 100 international exhibitors are expected along with an audience of about 35,000.

Tags: Brazil, BRIC, economics, events, Expo Luxo, helicopters, luxury fair, millionaire fair, millionaires, South America, wealth

MINT Polo in the Park Returns to London in June

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 1st 2011 at 2:01PM

On June 3–5 MINT Polo in the Park, a three day celebration of international polo, will return to the grounds of London's famed Hurlingham Club on the banks of the river Thames. Model and polo player Jodie Kidd (above) helped found the event, which also includes posh entertainments such as a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Garden, a Harrods food court, several bars and a luxury shopping area, all with direct views of the polo field. Six teams each representing global cities will play in a new 'Round Robin' format over the three days, culminating with the Final and the presentation of the MINT Trophy on Sunday the 5th. The new "high-octane" format aims to "introduce the adrenaline fueled sport of polo to a new city audience, also making the sport faster and more exciting for TV and event spectators."

Tags: equestrian, Harrods, Hurlingham Club, Jodie Kidd, London, MINT Polo in the Park, polo, sports, UK

Aspen Fashion Week 2011 to Begin March 13th

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 1st 2011 at 10:01AM

Aspen, CO, the epicenter of winter luxury, has announced plans for the the 3rd annual Aspen Fashion Week (AFW) taking place from March 13th to 16th in various locations around the
top-drawer town. The destination fashion event, designed to showcase and market winter
resort, ski and technical outerwear in the country's most stylish mountain playground, will feature daily après ski fashion shows, in-store presentations, on-mountain events and late night fashionable soirées. Participating brands include Authier, Rossignol, Dannenmann-Pure, NUMBER: Lab, Obermeyer and Burton.

Heidiskis will serve as the ofﬁcial ski partner, while FEED will serve as the ofﬁcial charitable partner, featuring their AFW FEED bag exclusively on-site. Proceeds from the FEED bag will beneﬁt the foundation, and Founder Lauren Bush (recently engaged to Ralph Lauren's dashing son David) will be on hand to host events in conjunction with The Feed Foundation. In addition, William Grant & Sons will serve as the ofﬁcial spirits partner. "Aspen Fashion Week has an intensely exciting schedule this year and an amazing follow up to last yearʼs event," says founder Lisa Johnson. " Weʼre looking forward to an exciting future with the event becoming stronger each year."

Gallery: Aspen Fashion Week