France. Paris Region or Deauville. Property. Investment opportunities with fiscal advantages. For official Company Documentation & colour brochures on current building programmes contact Jessica  at email:- kommunalinvestfr@aol.com 

The planks at Deauville beach………

FESTA DELLA SALUTE. Where Church of Madonna della Salute.
When 21 Nov.
In 1630-31, Venice was ‘miraculously’ delivered from the plague, which claimed almost 100,000 lives – one in three Venetians. The Republic commissioned a church from Baldassare Longhena, and his Madonna della Salute (literally, ‘good health’) was completed in 1687.
On this feast day, a pontoon bridge is strung across the Grand Canal from campo Santa Maria del Giglio to La Salute so that a procession led by the patriarch (archbishop) of Venice can make its way on foot from San Marco. Along the way, stalls sell cakes and candyfloss, and candles for pilgrims to light inside the church. Then everybody eats castradina – cabbage and mutton stew – which tastes nicer than it sounds.

Enthusiasts in Italy – the ancestral home of Latin – have launched “Hebdomada Aenigmatum”, which translates as “Weekly Puzzles” in English, a compendium of crosswords, word games, Sudoku and puzzles, all in the language of Caesar and Cicero.
The magazine, which despite its title is published monthly, has been a surprise hit, with more than 3,000 subscribers signing up since it was launched in the summer.
While the first edition was a relatively simple affair, the latest extends to 14 (XIV) pages.
The simple crossword includes clues about Hercules’ weapon of choice (I down: “clava”, or club) and the acronym “SPQR” (III down: Senatus PopulusQue Romani, or the Senate and People of Rome).
It even includes a comic strip featuring Incredibilis Snupius – or Snoopy to non-Latin speakers.
“So far we have focussed just on Italy but we’re now hoping to attract interest around the world,” Luca Desiata, the editor, told The Telegraph. “We’ve had a couple of hundred subscriptions from France and about 100 from the UK.”
The inspiration for the magazine came from Mr Desiata’s school days in the 1980s, when he used to make up puzzles and word games to learn Latin.
“I was very passionate about Latin and I thought I’d revive the idea. It’s a fun way of learning the language. Some of our subscribers are teachers who use the magazine as a tool to teach their students – we even have one from the Faroe Islands.
“But there are also doctors, lawyers and general Latin enthusiasts. And we’ve had interest from priests at the Vatican, where Latin is still the official language,” said Rome-based Mr Desiata, 43, whose day job is as an executive at the Italian energy company Enel.
Giving himself the Latin appellation Lucas Cupidus, he runs an organisation called My Latin Lover, which promotes the modern-day use of Latin, more than 1,500 years after the collapse of the Roman Empire.
The language of the legions is undergoing a modest revival, with Latin radio stations and contemporary best-sellers such as Harry Potter translated into Latin.
The puzzle and crossword magazine is available for download, free of charge, at Mr Cupidus’ website. Is our famous Classicist Mayor, Boris,a subscriber ?                                  Crossword Answers Across: I Cassi , VI Lupus, VII Atque, VIII Versu, IX Am Down: I Clava II Autem III SPQR IV Suus V Iseum. Thanks courtesy the Daily Telegraph 

Rome at Night. Painting by Mitro

Chiara Spagnoli the Media personality & artist. Thank you for the invite to  Bodega de la Haba presents an evening of Art, benefitting Tuesday’s Children, Thursday 20th November. The Yard,5th Avenue New York 

Patek Philippe.  The most complicated handmade watch, the Henry Graves Supercomplication, has been sold at auction for 20.6m Swiss francs (£13.4m)
A “complication” is a technical term referring to any feature on a watch which is in addition to simply telling the time – and Henry Graves Jr the New York Banker wanted more than anyone else.
The Supercomplication, made by Patek Philippe in 1932, has 24 of them including Westminster chimes, a perpetual calendar, sunrise and sunset times, and a celestial map of New York as seen from Graves’s apartment on Fifth Avenue. Patek Philippe took 7 years to craft this exceptional watch. In the 1920s & 1930s the watch makers were the star engineers of their day, before automobiles became so popular………….This watch was not surpassed until 1989 when Patek Philippe created a watch with 33 complications…….

Chateau for sale in France. Superb castle from the 16th/17th centuries charged with history. This residence will shock you by the quality of its elegance and renovation as well as its timeless decoration. All the comforts of the XXI century are located in the heart of a magnificent park of 3,3 hectares. The property is composed of a caretaker’s home, a workshop with an attic, an orangery with ancient tiles and 3 cellars, including one wine cellar.  550 square metres. 14 rooms. France Price 1,470.000. euros. 

Paris. Apartment to rent centre of  Paris. In historic Marais, Near the Hotel Sully & close to the newly re-opened Picasso Museum in the Hotel de Thorigny. Plenty of food shops, cafes & restaurants. Long Let apartment 100 square metres. 4200 euros per month, price includes a cleaner once a week. Contact Susie or Elizabeth ℅ kommunalinvestfr@aol.com

Paris Montmartre, 18th arrondissement. Less than 10 minutes by Metro to Gare du Nord.For high speed trains to London, or Brussels & Amsterdam. In  Montmartre , close to the famous Sacre Coeur, & plenty of local cafes with views over Paris . This 66m square metre, light & airy, apartment has 2 bedrooms,fully refitted open plan kitchen sitting room and bathroom. 4th floor with lift. For more Details & selling price  send  email to Susie or Elizabeth ℅ kommunalinvestfr@aol.com

Patek Philippe 175th Anniversary Grandmaster Chime. An extraordinaire men’s wristwatch  with a very complicated movement, for serious Collectors.Image courtesy Patek Philippe.

Cartier Tank MC,Two tone skeleton 9616 MC. Perfect balance of power & elegance Swiss manufacture’s expertise. Established in 1847 Cartier creates exceptional watches. Images & info Courtesy Cartier.

Patek Philippe will be launching the Calatrava  Haute Joiallerie watch, gold & diamonds, at the Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition . Watches from 1839 will be  shown. There will be exclusive watchmaking ateliers & demonstrations Expo from 27th May —7th June 2015 at the Saatchi Gallery Duke of York’s Square, Chelsea, London. Image courtesy Patek Philippe.

Paris Left Bank apartment for sale. Swanky 7eme arrondissement St Germain des Pres/Varenne. Duplex,  110 square metres Carrez. 18th century building, with period features. Classic old oak parquet. Views. New kitchen installed.  Contact Susie directly c/0 or Elizabeth at kommunalinvestfr@aol.com

Notre Dame des Victoires. Functional apartment in a historic part of Paris near the Paris Bourse & the river Seine. 52 sq metres, for 2 rooms. 615.000.euro contact Laurent ℅ Elizabeth at kommunalinvestfr@aol.com

rue du jour

Greek Island dream. Sivona. Simpson Exclusive travel have recently opened the White Orchid Hotel, for adults only. A light modern decor using  pale quarried stone & plenty of glass. Infinity pool. Sivona has a Beautiful harbour, and gorgeous views of the blue Mediterrean. Within easy reach of Corfu. Courtesy Simpson Exclusive Travel.

Deauville. Omnium Racing Club consortium has been launched this week by Arqana Racing Club. Here a shareholder is seen with recently acquired Filly Lawman.

Deauville October Yearling Sales. Very buoyant. Haras de la Perelle presented No.2 that was the highest selling horse for the 1st day, 20th October,  of the Arqana Deauville October sales 2014. The horse was acquired by the well known trainer Alain Royer du Pre for Italian clients. for 350.000 euros. Images courtesy Arqana Deauville.

Andy Warhol 1964 Flowers synthetic  polymer & silkscreen ink on canvas. An instantly recognisable image. Still resolutely stylised &  modern Presented at Frieze Masterpiece., Regents Park, London  15/19 Oct 2014. Vedovi Galerie, Brussels.

Zurich Art Galerie David Koetser presents a collection of Old Masters at Frieze Masterpiece, Regents Park London. Possibly one of the shows most delightful paintings is by Wolfgang Heimbach 1613-1678. A German painter who spent much time in 17th century Denmark. Court painter to Count Oldenburg.  Heimbach also worked in Italy for the Aristocratic families of Doria Pamphli. He also served as Court painter to King Frederik 111 of Denmark -Norway. This rare winter scene is charming & well lit by  light skies.

Willem Van de Velde The Younger. Leiden 1633-1707. London. Presented by Galerie Sanct Lucas from the Austrian capital, Vienna. The English Royal Yacht Mary, about to fire a salute. The River Festival at Amsterdam 1660. 126X178 cms       A stunning, rare, large & unpublished painting from  a Private Swiss Collection. Presented at Frieze Masters. Regents Park, London. 15-19 October 2014.

Lyonel Feininger 1871-1956 Ships and Red Sun. 1925 Oil on canvas. A Very prestigious provenance for a rare oil painting by this artist. Wienerroither Galerie Vienna.

Tattersalls announce records tumble as they hold Book 2 of their Autumn Yearling sales at New market. With 660 Lots over the three days of Auctions, realising over £42.500.000, a new record, plus 17%.  The  attractive colt Poets Voice being sold for  a new record at 525.000 guineas. Image courtesy Tattersalls.

Chelsea Embankment.  Thames views & across to Battersea Park,  from this stunning Chelsea Embankment flat. Two bedrooms. High ceilings.  Parquet flooring in the large sitting room , & marble flooring in the hall,kitchen & 2 bathrooms.. Super design Hacker kitchen with a Miele hob & oven. 5 minutes walk from the Kings Road. £3.250.000. Henry & James Belgravia. Or Elizabeth at kommunalinvestfr@aol.com

Ferrari F.60 America. To be produced in a limited edition of only 10 models. 0–60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The new Roadster which celebrates 60 years since Enzo Ferrari delivered his first Ferraris to America.  The last 4 Ferrari models that have been launched were in Limited Editions. Ferrari hopes thereby to maintain a vibrant Collectors Market, for these rare models, with high prices, rumoured to be around $2.500.000 each. Courtesy The Telegraph. Michael Harvey.

John Schlumberger design for Tiffany & Co. Paris. Cascades & plumes  of coloured jewels on 18 carat  gold,  cabochon emeralds, rubies, sapphires, for a fantastic “Oiseau de Paradis”, brooch. Sothebys  Auction New York. Autumn 2014. Courtesy Sothebys. Photo Bert Stern featured in Vogue in November 1963. Photo Courtesy STERN VOGUE CONDE NAST. Wings of Love. Congratulations & Happy Days . Katie & Alex on yr engagement.

Belgravia & Chelsea real estate specialists Henry & James , Estate Agents, proposes properties for sale or rent. We feature here a 2 bed 2 bath flat in elegant South Eaton Place, Belgravia, a few minutes walk from Hyde Park Corner. £1950 p/w. Contact Henry or James direct, or Elizabeth at kommunalinvestfr@aol.com

Paris Real Estate. Laurent Deleaval, Estate Agent, has for sale an elegant 200 square metre apartment for sale in Paris. Near the Place des Etats Unis, within walking distance of the Carre d’Or, Champs Elysees, & the Seine river, with the Eiffel Tour just across the Seine.The 6 room apt has a luxury home cinema installed.Contact Laurent direct or Elizabeth at kommunalinvestfr@aol.com

Paris. Susie Hollands, Estate Agent, has a wide selection of real estate either to sell or to rent in Paris. Here we have selected images for  sumptuous Mansion to rent. Sleeps 8, with 4 bedrooms, and large reception rooms. Central Paris in the classy 7th Arrondissement, near the river  Seine & the Orsay museum. Lots of popular restaurants within walking distance. For more info contact Susie direct or Elizabeth at kommunalinvestfr@aol.com

Cartier Panthere 100th anniversary 2014. To celebrate  the 100th anniversary of Cartier’s gorgeous timeless  Panthere themed jewellery,  Cartier Haute Joaillerie has just created  the most extensive collection to date. To celebrate we bring you past images of favourite Cartier Panthere pieces. Thanks Courtesy Cartier. Harpers Bazaar, Jewels du Jour

Sensational Belgravia apartment of over 9000 sq feet. Overlooking one of London’s most glamourous garden squares. Flat offering 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, 4 bathrooms. Large Patio.  

Audemars Piguet has released details of the latest flagship edition to the Royal Oak Offshore collection. The Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph. Mounted on black Titanium, sharp and crisp styling, several different sized dials, for a limited run of 50 pieces is planned. Launch in Hong Kong end September 2014.

Jaguar XE being launched tomorrow September 8th 2014, at a glitzy party in London.The XE will use supercharged 5.0-Litre V8 from the F Type 15Roadster. The most fuel efficient model from Jaguar,ever.Car should go on sale in 2015 at around £25.000 – £30.000.   This new Jaguar range will be offering a range of totally innovative features from dedicated APPS to mobile phone control. Light weight Aluminium chassis & steering wheel modernised. AutoExpress.co.uk/jaguar, it is announced,  are providing live feeds of the launch party at Earls Court & the Invitation only party. Where Emeli Sande, it is rumoured, will be singing “FeelXE”  @ the private Invitation only party. It should be fun

Jaguar XE In Car Tech fiche. Courtesy AutoExpress

Jaguar XE Word Cloud Sculpture at the London Design Museum, 7th September 2014.

Jaguar XE Word Cloud Sculpture unveiled today, 7th September 2014, at the London Design Museum. GTSPIRIT. QUIPCO

Chateau set in a 100 hectares park of  rolling green meadows & hills,  offering seclusion, & beautiful views.  Near  the town of Tours, which has good shops & restaurants, in the historic Chateau region of France. Within easy access to Paris. A fairytale Chateau  with classical pointed turrets, 7oo square metres modernised  with 12 bedrooms & 12 bathrooms, & substantial reception areas. 4.900.000. euros

Belgravia London pied-a-terre £1.100.000. Chesham street. Totally refurbished one bedroom flat leading on to a private patio. Quiet flat in a purpose built apartment block. Close to Hyde Park, Harrods, & Sloane Square Chelsea.

Vacheron & Constantin. An 18ct gold keyless wind open face pocket watch
Case No.274737, Movement No.421437, Circa 1935
Nickel finish Swiss lever movement, cut and compensated bi-metallic balance, two-tone silvered dial with applied gilt Roman numerals, black outer minute divisions with five minute markers, gilt pointed baton hands, subsidiary dial at 6 for running seconds, polished case with snap on back, case, dial and movement signed
47mm. BOHAMS WATCH  AUCTION 16TH September 2014. Info & photo courtesy Bonhams Auctions.

Collection : Les Ateliers d’Art
Gender : Unisex
Style : Elegant
New price : No official information was furnished by brand
On sale since : 2014
Case
Materials : Red gold
Thickness : 11.48
Diameter : 43
Water resistance : 30M
18-carat red gold case. Individual limited serial number engraved on the case-back. Water resistance: 3 bar (30 meters). Height 11.48 mm. Diameter: 43 mm.
Dial
Glass : Sapphire
Color : Blue
Blue Grand Feu paillonné-enameled dial. 18-carat red gold ring. Blued steel hands. Indications: Off-centered hours and minutes, large seconds subdial.
Movement
Movement : Self-winding
Caliber : Calibre Jaquet Droz 2663
Complications : Eccentric hours and minutes display
Jaquet Droz 2663, self-winding mechanical movement, double barrel, 22-carat white gold oscillating weight. Jewelling: 30 jewels. 68 hours power reserve. Frequency: 28,800 v.p.h.
Strap
Material : Alligator
Clasp : Buckle
Rolled-edge hand-made black alligator leather strap. 18-carat red gold ardillon.
Full description
18-carat red gold case. Individual limited serial number engraved on the case-back. Water resistance: 3 bar (30 meters). Height 11.48 mm. Diameter: 43 mm. Blue Grand Feu paillonné-enameled dial. 18-carat red gold ring. Blued steel hands. Indications: Off-centered hours and minutes, large seconds subdial. Rolled-edge hand-made black alligator leather strap. 18-carat red gold ardillon. Jaquet Droz 2663, self-winding mechanical movement, double barrel, 22-carat white gold oscillating weight. Jewelling: 30 jewels. 68 hours power reserve. Frequency: 28,800 v.p.h.

Collection : Mille Miglia
Gender : Men
Style : Luxury sport
New price : 4 260 €
Price 05/30/2014
Recorded list price in France
On sale since : 2014
Case
Materials : Steel
Thickness : 12.30
Diameter : 42
Water resistance : 50M
Steel case. Glareproofed sapphire crystal. Crown and pushers in steel. Open back with special Mille Miglia logo around the rim. Total diameter 42.00 mm. Thickness 12.31 mm. Water-resistant to 50 metres.
Dial
Glass : Sapphire
Color : Beige
Matt beige dial with red, green and black transfers. Metallised black baton-type hour and minute hands. Red central sweep-seconds hand. Hour, minute and seconds counters at 6, 9 and 3 o’clock. Date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Movement
Movement : Self-winding
Caliber : N/C
Complications : Chronograph, Date display
Self-winding chronograph movement. 37 jewels. Approx. 42 hours power reserve. Frequency: 28,800 vph. Total diameter: 28.60 mm. Chronometer-certified (COSC).
Strap
Material : Calfskin leather
Clasp : Buckle
Brown Barenia calfskin strap. Pin buckle in steel.

PRIVATE SELLING EXHIBITION
Christie’s Jewellery Private Sales: 2014 Russian Tour
SUMMER & FALL 2014 MONACO | MOSCOW | DUBAI | LONDON
This year, Christie’s Jewellery Private Sales and ZENIT Banking Group are pleased to announce their collaboration in providing our Russian clients a truly unique experience in exclusive locations worldwide.
From 17 – 24 August, Christie’s will hold a private selling event at the exquisite Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, offering a stunning selection of jewels, watches and works of art to our dedicated clients, while hosting exclusive cocktail parties in Courchevel and Monaco in the summer, followed by Moscow London and Dubai in the fall.
Through ZENIT Bank, one of the premier Russian leaders in private banking excellence, we are joining our resources and efforts to make your experience even more enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events. Info & Photo of stunning emerald drop earrings.Courtesy Christies 

LARC. Latin American Racing Channel sponsored races at Deauville La Touques race course August 10th 2014. LARC follows horse racing in certain selected countries and streams them live. LARC has direct links to racing websites in Argentina,Brazil,Chile,France (via the PMU betting org), Peru, UK, USA,Uruguay. In USA there is live transmission in the USA of the races at the Laurel Park, Pimlico, Calder, & Gulfstream Park race courses. Jerome Lenfant, News Director of Equidia, an organisation that promotes the P[MU & betting in France,  is reported as mentioning that this link with LARC should increase the following of horse racing & betting as the traditional generation falls away. The PMU, the French betting organisation would dearly like to see turn over increase. LARC offers a membership service  for interested followers of intl horse racing.Image courtesy LARC.

Euro Charline Winning the G1 Beverly D
The extraordinary rags to riches tale began when the filly by MYBOYCHARLIE out of the COMMON GROUNDS mare EUROLINK ARTEMIS was knocked down to Old Buckenham Stud for 800 guineas at the 2012 Tattersalls February Sale where she was consigned by Brookside Stud. She was subsequently resubmitted at Book 3 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale where she was knocked down to Scuderia Blueberry for 13,000 guineas.
A wide margin winner of her first two starts for trainer Marco Botti and owners Scuderia Blueberry, EURO CHARLINE was then sold to Barry Irwin’s Team Valor for whom she finished fifth in the 1000 Guineas, third in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes and won the Listed Valiant Stakes, before landing her first win at the highest level at Arlington. Courtesy Tattersalls Press Release.

Deauville Arqana Yearling auctions 2014. Last night no 11 sold for 1.200.000. euros, sold by Monceaux Ecuries. Bought by Tony Nerses for Saleh al Hamazai & Imad al Sagar.The yearling comes from top German horse breeding stock..Image courtesy APRH. Last nite 65 Yearlings sold, 82% of those presented, up % on the same nite last yr.AVERAGE PRICE 249.800.Euros. 8 lots went for 500.000. euros or more. 29 at 200.000 or more.Demonstrating a strong buyers market. Anne & Etienne Drion, Coulances Consignment presented a strong card of Yearlings. Lot 39 sold by La Reboursiere for 850.000 euro, issue of “Sea the Stars”. Lot 81 was bought by Anthony Stroud for 1.000.000 euro, sold by Haras La Reboursiere et de Montaigu. Lot 81 now belongs to Mayfair Speculators, South African investors with Marcus Jooste. Thru Peter Doyle Marcus Jooste also bought Lot 36 for 700.000.euro.Belonging to the Lagardere/Aga Khan team presented by Ecuries Monceaux. Ecuries Monceaux sold 9 Yearlings for 4.520.000 euro,with Lot 30,out of Invincible Spirit & Tonnara,  sold for 850.000 euro, to Coolmore.  Coolmore team were the top buyers last nite, investing in 4 Yearlings for 1.755.000 euro.  Mandore Intl.Agency bought 8 Yearlings for 1.715.000. euros. No.11 Image courtesy APRH. &  Image from the Yearling sales room courtesy Maybelline Tilkens.

Ecuries Monceaux

Ferrari smashes its way into the record books again. US$38.1 million,for this splendid red Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta built in 1962, one of only 36 built. The 250 GTO  was the last front engine coupe built by Ferrari for racing.                 A cult car of the swinging 1960’s…… Car auctioned at Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction. 14.08.2014. Images courtesy Bonhams.  Reports Christopher Loyd, The New York Times.   

Haras La Reboursiere et la Montaigu. Un parfum d’excellence for this reputed stud farm presenting young future race horses at the Arqana Yearling auctions, 16-18th August 2014. Yearlings featured lot 38  rey colt by High Chaparral out of Viva Maria. Lot 81 chestnut Filly by Galileo out of Dance Secretary.

Legacy Investments in France. Fiscal advantages. Infos direct from Chargée d’Affaires of the Constructor. Holiday property portfolios with guaranteed rents. One of Europe’s leading construction companies offers investment opportunities. Idyllic surroundings with splendid sea views. Request bona fide details & brochures  available thru Chargée d’Affaires Jessica.

Rolex exciting new watch. Deep Sea Rolex with D-Blue dial that changes from blue to black. Rolex launches the Deep Sea in commemoration of Film maker James Cameron’s phenomenal  deep sea Challenge Expedition. 35787 feet below the surface of the oceans, in the submersible. UK£8250 RRP. Earlier this year at Baselworld Rolex released new versions of the GMT Master- Deep Sea 4000 & Daytona Cosmograph. At Basel World Rolex launched an  update to its Cellini line of Dress watches.                                                                      QP Magazine

Photo Ecuries Monceau.   A successful Stud Farm set in the rolling hills of the  green Normandy, 2 hours from Paris and close to the English Channel. Perfect for breeding race horses.                                                   Arqana shareholder, His Highness the Prince Aga Khan, owner of a famous stud farm in Chantilly & in the great tradition of supporting horse breeding in France, has an investment in Arqana the Auction company, which will be auctioning future race horses at the popular Yearling Sales 16/18th August in Deauville.                                             Today we are featuring Ecuries Monceau  who consistently produce young horses that go on to be highly successful race horses.                                  We have selected 3 from this years crop presented by the Ecuries Monceau                                   :- INVINCIBLE  SPIRIT/PRUDENZA. Brother to the famous race horse Chiquita. KENDARGENT/ENJOLEUSE. sister  of Charm Spirit. and GALILEO/ ROYAL HIGHNESS. Sister of Freeport Lux. Arqana expect buyers & investors from around the World for their August 2014 Yearling sales for future race horses. Photos courtesy Ecuries Monceau.

Integral winning the Duke of Cambridge Stakes Royal Ascot June 2014. Trained by Michael Stoute. Images Sky Sports.

Leading Light ridden by Joseph O’Brien winning the Ascot Gold Cup. Royal Ascot 20 14, trained by Aidan O’Brien. Photo Charlie Crowhurst. Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse.

Elite Army wins the King George the V Stakes Royal Ascot. Ridden by jockey Kieren Fallon. Rex Features Images

Royal Ascot Gold Cup runners June 2014. Image Courtesy Zimbio.

Royal Ascot Gold Cup runners June 2014. Paul Gilham/ Getty Images.

IMPRESSIVE RACING IMAGE Courtesy photographer Paul Gilham. Getty Images

A AZZAM SUPERYACHT . Photo by Klaus Jordan. Chelsea Harbour hosts Superyacht Design Week 24-26th June 2014

St Pancras London  4th floor  3 rooms with high ceilings  , 103 square metre apartment for sale.  £1.500.000.

Gimignano, Tuscany Vineyard for sale. 40 hectares of land  with 16 hectares of vineyards. The Hamlet measures 1057 square metres with 15 carefully renovated apartments, in three buildings, with tiled floors & wood beams. Swimming pool. Sensational Views. Price quoted 5.181.000 euros.

Chelsea London 2 bedroom maisonette, offered for sale by London Estate Agents for £1.500.000. Ideal as a pied-à-terre easy to maintain.                  Compact & central accommodation in the capital.

Porto Cervo Harbour & the Costa Esmeralda. The blue Mediterranean & the rugged coastline of Sardinia, an exquisite holiday destination in Europe.

Cervo Hotel. Citalia run hotel. In the old village of Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, 40 minutes from Olbia airport.

Chateau for sale in France , 5.000.000 euros. Turreted Fairy tale chateau, surrounded by vineyards  in the famous Loire valley.

Martina Franca. Italy in the Summer – Martina Franca Exquisite Medieval hill top town in the Puglia region of Italy. Celebrated Opera Festival, Festival della Valle d’Itria 12-31 July 2014. A fairytale Palazzo Ducale dating from 1688 with its Baroque Facade. Interiors sumptuously  decorated by Domenico Canella 1771-1776.

Dolce & Gabbana shimmers  & shimmies down the catwalk & in their typically Italian lifestyle ad campaign for s/s 14.

French Film star, & icon Catherine Deneuve has put her 18th century, Normandy chateau, Chateau de Primard, up for sale, 1200 square metres, in a lovely park with hedges designed by the gardener  who worked on the Elysees Palace gardens. Home Cinema, Sauna suite, 4.000.000. euros

Catherine Deneuve’s 18th century Chateau de Primard, Normandy Chateau up for sale. 45 kms to the west of Paris. 4.000.000.euros Boasts a Home Cinema, a Sauna suite, & a fabulous enormous kitchen.

London celebrates Chelsea Flower Show, & a Buckingham Palace Garden Party, London is in full Summer swing. Decorated Facades of Chelsea’s stores drip with exotic flowers & plants.  Judith Blacklocks flower school is in a discreet mews in Knightsbridge. Flower arranging for dinner tables, weddings, etc. Regular workshops & courses.

Corinthian bronze Helmet 6th century B.C.. Courtesy Kallos, Davies Street Mayfair.London W.1.  As interest in collecting ancient Greek Antiquities increases, notably with the Russian collectors, a new Antiquities Gallery opens, May 15th, on London’s Davies Street, Mayfair.  The idea of German/Swiss Collector Baron Lorne Bornemisza-de Kaszon. 4 generations of collectors. His late father Heinrich’s  famous Old Masters Collection is housed at the Palacio de Villahermosa, in Madrid. KALLOS will only show rare ancient Greek antiquities, starting with around 20 prime pieces. Baron Lorne runs a Family business involving venture capital, & oil exploration. Christies auction house has brought its Antiquities dept back from Sth Ken.to Christies King St. & Rupert Wace Ancient Art moves to a 5 storey Grade 11 listed Georgian town house at 19 Crown Passage, SW1. KALLOS means BEAUTIFUL in Greek.

Chanel launches,for the 5th year running, its pop-up Saint Tropez Boutique in the luxurious fin de siecle Villa, La Mistralee. A light airy decor with colourful tissue paper panels hanging from the ceilings. An out door pool and Beauty Care products for a special outing.

Chanel’s pop-up boutique at Villa La Mistralee, Saint Tropez, here the outside pool.

Bulgari has donated euro 1.500.000. to renovate the Spanish Steps – Trinita dei Monti-  in Rome. To mark the jewellers Bulgari’s 130th anniversary.

Ravenna by Watts. is a 17th Century design by H.H.Mott. This pattern was also discovered in a beautiful cut velvet fabric in London’s Ham House. The Ravenna Powder Rose colour way was especially developed for the English National Opera “Powder her Nose”.  Watts is pre eminent as a wall paper supplier to glamourous Heritage great Houses and Stately Parliament rooms. Famous for the prestigious and unique hand blocked wall papers, in wonderful understated colours of exquisite intensity & depth, Watts continue to produce in the UK.

Rarissime Ferrari 375-Plus  sports racing car to be auctioned by Bonhams, during the Goodwood Festival of Speed 27 June 2014. The Scuderia only entrusted this model to its top stars. Including, here Argentinian Racing legend Jose Gonzalez, seen winning @ Silverstone in 1954. Ace drivers included Umberto Magioli.. The 375-Plus was an outright winner at Le Mans, Silverstone, & the astonishing 5 day Carrera PanAmericana road race thru Mexico. Photo Gonzalez winning Silverstone 1954. Photo courtesy c. SPITZLEY collection.

1954 Ferrari 375 Plus Sports Racing Spider. Chassis number 0384 AM. To be auctioned by Bonhams 27th June 2014. During Goodwood Speed Festival. Image c. Bonhams.

4.9- Liter V12 engine developing 330 brake horsepower, & clothed in spectacular lightweight Pinin Farina designed all alloy open bodywork. Ferrari 375-Plus sports racing car to be auctioned @ Bonhams Collector Motor Cars, during Goodwood Festival of Speed. 27th June 2014. Philip Kantor,Specialist, Head of Motor cars for Mainland Europe, Bonhams. Image c. Bonhams.

Images of Formula One today. Bahrain Grand Prix 6th April 2014. Getty Images.

Images of Formula One today. Sergio Perez at the Bahrain Grand Prix 6th April 2014. Getty Images.

Images of Formula One today. Bahrain Grand Prix. 6th April 2014.  Hamilton beats Rosberg. Getty Images.

Formula One today. Bahrain Grand Prix 6th April 2014. Ferrari nowhere, with Alonso in 9th place. Getty Images.

Ferrari 375-Plus Sports racing car to be auctioned @ Bonhams Collector Motor Cars,auction, during Goodwood Speed Festival, June 27th 2014. Image c. Bonhams.

Bought by a Collector, not Russian & Seen in public for the first time in 112 years a sensational rediscovered Faberge egg.  This particular Faberge egg was given by Alexander the 111 Autocrat & Emperor of all the Russias to Empress Marie Feodorovna for Easter 1887. In gold, bejewelled, and hiding a surprise inside, a Vacherin & Constantin gold watch. Faberge started creating the Easter eggs for Tsar Alexander the 111. It is both a sacred & an intimate object. Only 50 of these lavish works of art were ever made, each one unique. After the Revolution the Bolsheviks seized these precious objects & sold them to the West. Eight  of them,however, are missing, of which only 3 of them are believed to have survived the Russian Revolution. This 3rd Faberge Easter egg was last exhibited in St. Petersburg in March 1902.This lost Faberge Easter egg was bought by an American scrap metal merchant, who lives in a small town in the MidWest, who had planned to melt it down to recuperate the gold………Faberge expert WartSki Director Kieran McCarthy’s visit to the scrap metal merchant confirmed that dreams can come true……. .The new owner has generously agreed that Court Jewellers Wartskis, 14, Grafton Street, off Bond Street,will be showing the egg to the public from 14-17th April 2014. Wartski are the leading Faberge experts.

Moira the jewellers on London’s Bond Street. A gorgeous selection of beautiful vintage pieces, carefully selected. Would suggest that this is the place to head for looking for that special gift.

Moira the jewellers on London’s Bond Street. Simon Cohen selects beautiful pieces of vintage jewellery.  

Cartier. Odyssee de Cartier inspired by the treasures of China. Ruby & diamond pendant earrings. White gold, 2 ruby drops, 21.47 carats, emerald eyes, 2 natural pearls, onyx, & brilliant cut diamonds.

Christies Magnificent Jewels Auction. Rockefeller Plaza, New York, 16th April 2014. Christies Magnificent Jewels sale leads the Spring wave of jewellery auctions. With sumptuous  jewels by Rene Boivin. Cartier. Graff. Tiffany & Co.Van Cleef & Arpels. Harry Winston. A clutch of the 20th century’s outstanding creators of Haute Joiallerie.

Cartier Art Deco shimmering diamond bracelet. Estimate. $300.000.-$500.000. Christies Magnificent Jewels Auction, Rockefeller Plaza, New York. 16th April 2014.

Egerton Gardens, S.W.3. Prime location for this compact 675 square foot, top floor, apartment. Direct lift access with beautiful views over the square’s gardens. Two bedrooms. Ideal as a pied-à-terre situated in Knightsbridge, central residential London, near Harrods. P.O.A.

Foal 2014. TAX BENEFITS. GOOD PRIZE MONEY & PREMIUMS.    EXCELLENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT.                                  FOR SALE  a famous  Stud Farm, in France.Superb modern amenities. Within easy reach of Paris.     Actually owned & run by one of France’s foremost Race Horse breeders & trainers, with a string of Grade 1 previous Winners. France is particularly welcoming to horse breeders. With Tax Benefits.  Good Prize Money & Premiums.. Bloodstock investment & Race Horse Breeding can be a successful enterprise.                                Arqana, in France & Tattersalls, in the UK, are amongst the most successful bloodstock  auctioneers in Europe, with significant % increases in unit prices & turnover currently being registered. The European bloodstock industry is recognised as producing excellent runners that win  Prestigious races. The Irish  are dynamic key players in the bloodstock & race horse Industry, investing in French bred bloodstock. It has been announced that Coolmore in Ireland has been chosen as a partner in a £2 billion National Equine Centre in China. The Arabs are famous for their love of horses & their interest  & exceptional investment in bloodstock & racecourses in Dubai & Qatar are generating great enthusiasm in the industry.                                            We are seeing a return to bloodstock  by the Libyans who are re-establishing their race horse industry. The Indians are investing again. Turkey is  investing in European bloodstock.Ukraine had returned to Equestrianism.Interest at the French & UK auctions come from Kazakstan,Russia,Japan, Latin America, & South Africa. Horse racing is a big industry in Australia & America, this wonderful Leisure industry is expected to increase in turnover substantially. This famous Franch Stud Farm offers a good investment opportunity.            Details & POA..    C&S “Login”                    Images courtesy, TheTelegraph.Sporting Life.HKJC. Alan Crowhurst. Getty Images.

Foal

Melbourne Cup winner 2010.  Gerald Mosse on Americain. Winning at Flemington. Ist French jockey & French Trainer to win the mythique £4.000.000. Emirates Melbourne Cup 2010. Americain, French race horse trainer Alain Royer Dupre has trained horses for HRH Prince Aga Khan, at Chantilly, since 1984. International broadcasting from European races to Australia has encouraged the Australian horse breeding industry players to look more to Europe for heavier investment in the European blood stock & horse racing industry.  This new Syndicate is to be  under the care of M.Alain Royer du Pre. Under the banner of  the Arqana  Racing Club, with the co-operation of the French Bloodstock Agent, Laurent Benoit, of the Broadhurst Agency, whose idea this is, & who will be responsible for buying the selected race horses, for the new Syndicate. “Aussies in France” . His Highness the Prince Aga Khan is himself a lead investor in many aspects of horse breeding & horse racing in France, including being a substantial investor in the dynamic Arqana  (responsible for the successful Deauville horse sales) & the Arqana Racing Club Team. This new Syndicate it is thought will give a tremdous boost to the European bloodstock market. The passion for horse breeding & racing of the Prince Aga Khan is surely a dynamic factor in this Venture. Getty Images. Courtesy. The Telegraph.

Flat for sale Chelsea Embankment. Chic & well presented 1 bedroom garden floor flat. A landmark red brick building. A prestigious Chelsea location, on the Embankment of the river Thames. Overlooking the  delightful garden patio.  Low service charges in this well managed block of apartments. Just across the river Thames from Battersea Park,  & the site of the future American Embassy.

House for sale. Knightsbridge. Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Belgravia & Kings road within easy walking distance. A charming house in a very sought after street in Knightsbridge that has been completely reconstructed & redesigned, inside. FREEHOLD.  2 double reception rooms, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms,kitchen, 1528 sq feet.                        Hyde Park close by

Tattersalls. 145.000. guineas for Sovereign Debt (IRE) Son of Dark Angel, Last years Group 1 Lockhinge Stakes runner up. Sovereign Debt topped a buoyant Tattersallls February sale 2014, for future champion racehorses, that saw rises across the board. Sovereign Debt bought by Trainer Dandy Nicholls, who paid the highest price ever paid for a Colt to Gelding @ the Tattersalls Newmarket February sales. The well attended sales with a cross section of buyers due to a significant choice of offers from the World’s leading Breeders & Trainers. Next Tattersalls, Newmarket  Horse sales April 15-17 2014. Courtesy Tattersalls.

Deauville February 2014. Mixed Horse sales  organised by Arqana. +59%. Excellent start to the year with an increase of 50% in turnover. An average price of 10.129 euros per horse. With 87% of horses  that were offered,  sold.

Arqana image

Ritz hotel London, close to London’s Green Park, Buckingham Palace, & Bond Street luxury shopping.. RITZ ST.VALENTINE PACKAGE.     The Ritz offers you the opportunity to “Put on the Ritz’. Dine & dance at the Ritz, mirrored ballroom showed above.. The Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly London,proposes a Ritz Valentine package for £1035 for 2 people. Arriving on 14th or 15th February, one nite’s accommodation, a complementary bottle of Ritz pink champagne, a romantic dinner dance in the ballroom, & a scrumptious English breakfast the next morning.

Ritz Hotel London, ballroom,view with statues.

Ritz Hotel London, exterior floodlit

Henri MATISSE Fille au Bolero violet painted in 1937. sold for £9.154.600. at Sothebys London Impressionist auction 5th February 2014

Henri Matisse Fille en Blanc et Bouquet, painted in 1919. Sold for £3.500.000. Sothebys London Impressionist Auction 5th February 2014.

Degas. 1873 Exquisite Deux Etudes pour Danseuses, sold for £1.426.500. Sothebys Impressionist AuctionLondon 5th February 2014.

Manet. Very evocative Femme au Tub, painted in 1878. Sold for £1.420.500. Sothebys Impressionist Auction London 5th February 2014.

Eugene Delacroix. Splendid movement in the Cavalier Arabe Galopant, painted circa 1850. Sold for £386.000. Sothebys Impressionist London 5th February 2014.

GIACOMETTI, sculpture in bronze Homme Traversant one Place.Circa 1950.1951. 1 of 6 cast. Sold for an amazing £8.482.500. Sothebys Impressionist Auction 5th February 2014.

Talented Italian pop artist, from Milan, Chiara Spagnoli has been invited to participate at the International Art Fair at Oxfoed Town Hall. 7-9February 2014. Chiara who has a Masters in Film Script writing is currently working in New York.

American artist Dale Chihuly,  glorious modern glass sculpture.  The famous Chihuly Glass works are based in Seattle, drawing on the historic techniques of the Murano glassworks in Venice. Fantastic,  colourful exotic glass chandeliers Exhibition. From 8th February 2014. At the Halcyon Gallery in Bond Street, London. Getty Images.

Dale Chihuly’s phenomenal 27X12X12 Rotunda chandelier from his 2001 Chandelier series, hangs prominently in the main entrance hall of London’s Victoria & Albert museum. In 2005 the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew put on a show of fantastic exotic glass flowers in the gardens.

London Auction house, Christies. Impressionist & Modern Art evening sale realised £176.986.000.. Juan Gris “Nature Morte a la Nappe a Carreaux” was sold for World record, £34.802.500.  43 paintings were sold for over a $1 million dollars. 4th February 2014. Juan Gris 1887-1927, born in Madrid. Studied mechanical drawing at the Madrid school, Escuela de Artes y Manufacturas. In 1906 Juan Gris moved to Paris, being part of the Cubism movement,  & first exhibiting at the 1912 Salon des Independents.

PARIS centre 8th Arrondissement. APT FOR SALE 120 square metres.. Eurostar & Thalys station easy access., with High Speed train links to Europe. Also,  5 minutes walk to Gare St Lazare trains to Normandie & Deauville & Belle Epoque  Trouville, on the seaside & Opale coast, 2 hrs train journey.  Property/Real Estate investment opportunity. Central location 8th arrondissement,  Quartier de l’Europe. Not far from the Eurostar station, & close to the new Cite Judiciaire being constructed.  Faubourg St Honore, Opera Garnier, finance centre La Bourse, & Parc Monceau, all within walking distance. Classic 19th century Haussmann 120 square metres apartment, total renovation required. Very quiet overlooking 2 tree filled courtyards. High ceilings & original features, parquet  “point d’Hongrie” wood flooring throughout, and 2 colour tommettes flooring in kitchen. Several Metro lines & bus routes close by. Schools within walking distance. Info contact  email;  affortit@immobilierdesign.fr

Paris Haute Couture spring/summer 2014. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Butterfly girl.  Gaultier is one of the most popular Designers in Paris, charming & witty. Madame Carla Bruni Sarkozy attended his show. courtesy margaret evelen.

Chanel  Paris Haute Couture Spring Summer 2014. Shimmering sequins & perspex paillettes highlight  a palette of pastel tints, with lots of white. Modern street wear made ultra cool with the glamourous Chanel Trainers. Images Isidore Montag. courtesy Daily Telegraph.

Giselle. Royal Opera House,  Covent Garden, London.  Natalia Osipova, Russian Ballerina magical in the lead role, alongside Carlos Acosta.. Sir Peter Wrights production, with John Macfarlane’s designs, live performance  will be streamed  to 1300 cinemas around the World on monday January 27th 2014. Adolphe Adams 19th century ballet. Photo Alastair Muir. Courtesy Royal Opera House. The Times

Paris Couture S/S 2014 Giambattista Valli . Versace. Schiaparelli. Images courtesy Medina/Getty Images. AFP/AP

SRT VIPER 2015 GRAND TOURING. Stryker green. Detroit Motor Show 2014. From a selection of top American cars presented at Detroit 2014. SRTVIPER GRAND TOURING 8.4 litre V10 produces 640 bhp allowing for 0-60 mph in less than 4.0 sec & claimed top speed of 205 mph.2 Mode Bulstein(regt ™)  Damp Tronic select suspension. The new GT model benefits from five-mode stability control system, electrically adjustable suspension and upgraded interior trim.

Porsche 911 Targa. 1960’s Cult car Originally launched in 1965 – maintains its signature silver bar on the roof. US$102.595. start price. Targa 4  350 Horsepower. 3.4 Liter flat-6 cylinder engine. Choice 7 speed manual, or Porsche’s highly acclaimed PDK  dual-clutch transmission. Images courtesy Scott Olson/Getty Images Detroit Motor Show 2014.

Porsche 911 Targa. Images Porsche. Detroit Motor Show 2014 feature

Porsche 911 Targa. Images Porsche. Detroit Motor Show 2014 Feature.

Porsche 911 Targa. Image Nick Kurczewski, Detroit Motor Show 2014 feature.

NAIAS, January 2014.   Detroit Motor Show.  2014.                                   Falcon F7 Michigan made exclusive luxury, carbon body, sports car. 427 Cubic inch LS-7 engine, with Lingenfelter high performance components. The North American Intl Auto Show is the Premier event for luxury car sales in the USA. Falcon F7 ticket price   $US 229.000.

Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, Just under  $400.000.  LP700–4.   It is reported,  recently, Damac Maison a  Dubai building Constructor  offered a complementary  gift of a Lamborghini roadster when a luxury Penthouse apartment  in Dubai, was bought.   Last year an Audi was offered, when a Penthouse apartment was bought, it is rumoured.                                                             Lamborghinis are so so popular in Dubai that the Police force  drive Lamborghinis.  A model Lamborghini in gold was auctioned with   a contribution %  given to  Charity Organisations.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray  Z06 premieres at the Detroit Motor Show 2014,  one year on from the launch of the base model C7 Corvette Stingray. Stealth excitement for this 625 horsepower V-8 engine, 8 speed Automatic star from General Motors. Aluminium frame, removable roof panel.

Missoni knits for Fall/Winter 2014/2015 shown at Milan Mens Fashion Week this week end.         Photo Antonio Calanni/AP

China’s shimmering, ephemeral, city. Annual Harbin Ice & Snow Festival.  This year’s extraordinary ice sculpture,carved from huge blocks of  the Songhua river, lit by millions of LED fairy lights, the centrepiece  inspired by Iceland’s famous, romantic Gothic Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik. 150 feet high. 2014 Tourist trips taking in the Chinese New Year are available. Photo Wang Kai/ Rex Features.                          The Dutch town of Zwolle hosts the largest ice festival in Europe. Canary Wharf puts on an ice sculpting weekend in London.10/12 January 2014.

Cue Card won the Ryanair Steeplechase at Cheltenham Festival in March 2013, the expected excitement for race goers at the Boxing Day Kempton Park was not disappointed. Cue Card was narrowly beaten in an exciting finish in the King George 1V Chase, by Silviniaco Conti.        Paul Nicholls winning trainer now has his  sights on the Cheltenham Gold Cup, 2014. Images Alan Crowhurst Getty Images. Hugh Routledge /REX with thanks. Horse racing is Britain’s 2nd most popular spectator sport, with over 6 million racegoers each year. Generating £3.7 billion.£325.million tax revenues..With Bookmakers generating gross wins in excess of £1bn profit. British Horse Racing Confederation.                    The World’s horse racing industry hopes that horse racing will develop in mainland China. For the interest of many investors. With deserted race courses as at Dongxihu  District, north of Yangtze River. The Orient Lucky City, a vast entertainment & commercial complex, that had its grand opening in 2003, is also home to the Wuhan Jockey Club’s 5300 feet track, despite the racetrack opening rarely. Although backed by Hong Kong business man Jacky Wu. Plans are afoot as Mainland China Authorities are reportedly considering  the re-introduction of horse racing with legal betting. It is also reported that China has chosen Ireland as a partner to help establish a £2bn National Equine Centre. 

SKI Avoriaz with views over Switzerland.               Avoriaz a popular French ski resort with views over towards Switzerland. Good skiing, excellent hotel accommodation, & plenty of restaurants.  www.CrownandStone.com  offers  Real Estate investment opportunities in partnership with one of Europe’s foremost construction companies in Avoriaz.

Bruxelles Hotel Amigo is situated round the corner from the Grande Place.  Definitely a hotel that can be recommended.

Courchevel “Le Jardin Alpin”, 5 star Luxury Hotel, the L’Apogee Courchevel  opened its doors 13th Dec.2013. With beautiful views over the snow covered peaks, from 900 euros a night for a double room. Operated by the Oetker Group, who also operate President Sarkozy’s favourite breakfast joint in Paris, ;Le Bristol. Oetker also operate the legendary Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, Hollywood stars’s  favourite place during the Cannes Film Festival. Courchevel 1850 & 2000 has become popular with the Russian visitors.  Hotel L’Apogee Courchevel  In the heart of the glorious 3 Vallees skiing domaine, the World’s largest skiing area of 600 kms, 200 ski lifts,   in the French Alps. 2 hours drive from Geneva. 8 hours from Paris by hi speed train & coach.

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden . We know Christmas is here when the Nutcracker is on.     The opulent Peter Wright production of the Nutcracker Suite ballet is always popular. In Tristram Kenton’s photo here with Lauren Cuthbertson & Cory Stearns. Until January 16th 2014. This production is currently sold out for this season. Photos courtesy Royal Opera House.

Dolce & Gabbana colourful & festive table decor in their  Sloane Street store.Shimmering gold brocade & lace evening dress from the Spring 2014 collection. Dolce & Gabbana Brocade evening handbag & sandals. Bouquet of exquisite Pink roses for Darling Marc. A perfect day Cheri.

Edward Hopper;s bleak New Jersey street scape was sold  for 40.5 $ million, at Christies 5th December 2013. Part of the collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. for over 60 years, & acquired directly from Hopper’s Agent. Below the Norman Rockwell “Saying Grace” was sold for 46.$.US. at Sothebys, 4th Dec. 2013. 10 of Rockwells paintings, mostly from the collection of Kenneth Stuart, former Art Editor of the Saturday Evening Post, that used to feature the Rockwell images on their cover, synonymous with an epic period of American history.                                   The Modern American art auctions are standing up well, as they pull in buyers from all over the World, with strong demand from the Emerging Markets, as the Art Market draws in Buyers from a wide geographical spread. The rich are getting richer & look to place their spare funds. 

Arqana France Deauville. Prince Aga Khan ‘s stud offered Darysina which sold for 800.000. euro at the December 2013 Breeding Stock Sales. Bought by Mc Keever. It has been reported that the mare will be sent to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Watershipdown Stud, for a possible 2014 cover.    A large contingent of Foreign buyers came to the Deauville future race horse sales, including Qataris, Australian, American, Japanese and Chilean buyers. The turnover for the Breed stock sales topped 26.000.000 euros, up by 32%. 81% of the horses sold at an average of 38.532.euros, up by 18%. It was possible to acquire future race horse from 4000 & 5000 euros.                           Image courtesy Arqana

The Ford Mustang will be 50 next April 2014.  And Ford has announced that a totally revamped, super sexy version of America’s emblematic sports car will finally be made with right hand drive as of 2015.With a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, fuel efficient 300bhp. There will also be a 420bhp 5-litre V8 version. European  performance & fuel efficiency requirements will be met for this new car. With coupe & convertible versions. The Ford Mustang will continue to be made at its Flat Rock Michigan plant. Bullitt, the 1968 film that became a cult memory with a car chase that blew us away at the time, with tough guy super star Steve McQueen.

Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Notting Hill, prime London property locations. The Sunday Times has reported that film star Salma Hayek & her French billionaire husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, are searching to rent a family home in London. Pinault recently changed his co name from PPR to Kering. Kering owns several fashion Brands, including Gucci & Saint Laurent. The Pinault Family’s Investment Fund, Groupe Artemis, also owns Auction house Christies, Chateau Latour.

Foreign buyers have been out in force at the Tattersalls December Mare Sales. The Qatari lead the pack, however Turkey(Ibrahim Iraci), India & the Ukraine have been investing heavily. Turkey made 11 acquisitions during the wk. India recently lifted a 19 yr import ban.Ukraine returned to Equestrianism in 2008. Even Libya is investing large amounts so as to encourage a horse breeding and horse racing industry that they are establishing. The average price was up this season by as much as 39%. Excellent news for the English & Irish Breeders. Brood Mare, Dancing Rain, winner of the Oaks,  in foal to Champion race horse Frankel,  sold for 4 million guineas, bought by Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum. Brood Mare  Immortal Verse, a Deauville winner,  sold for 4.7 million guineas, to Coolmore, the Irish stud, establishing a record. Tattersalls. 

New York photographer, Richard Silver has captured a stunning series of “Vertical Churches”. Here in Cracow, Poland, breathtaking      St Mary’s Basilica. Consecrated in 1320, after being rebuilt on old ruins. Towers took on their iconic form  in the 15th century. Famous 15th century carved wood altar piece by the German sculptor   Veit Stoss.

Jennifer Aniston & a clutch of celebrities photographed wearing Faraone Mennella hoop earrings. Designed in their chic New York studio this duo from Capri are designing uber cool jewellery for the Jet Set. Launched by their association with Sex & the City, American cult TV show, & a 5 years association with American Couture designer Caroline Herrera. Latest opening Harrods November 2013.

London watchmaker Hoptroff teamed up with Symmetricom for the 1st ever atomic powered pocket watch. Staggering 28 dials, for the most accurate movement ever. Presented at the 2013 QP Watch salon in London.

Patek Philippe 5130. Superb World Time watch. Looks contemporary however, virtually identical to the “Heures Universelles” model of the 1940’s. A unique platinum version from the era fetched £2.500.000. at auction in 2002. Todays 5130 from £30.520.

Avoriaz French ski resort. Les Bains du Val d’Illies. Open air swimming pool for the sporting tourists.        Popular ski resort with plenty of investment opportunities. Geneva Airport to Avoriaz by road approx 80/120 minutes, regular services. Hi speed TGV Trains from Paris Gare de Lyon to Thonon les Bains station, 5 hours train journey. Coach or Taxi from Thonon up to Avoriaz.

Alberta Lake Louise Canada.

Stephen Webster English jewellery designer, attracts the entertainment industry’s most alluring stars. This is a ring from Stephen Webster’s “Murder she Wrote” 2011 collection. Married to a Russian lady, the stores in Moscou, Kiev & St Petersbourg are tremendously successful. A glamourous new store is about to open in February 2014 in Baku, Azerbaijan.  Stephen Webster’s success is due to his quite unique talent for using the most unusual stones & mixes for his jewellery, from the Worlds most distant mines. The search for rare stones is continuous as the exclusive look of Stephen Webster’s jewellery depends on the wonderful & unique colours of the  stones themselves. Africa,Columbia,Zambia,Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania,Pakistan,Burma, South Africa,Mozambique,Congo………………A Magical Mystery Tour…………………

Saint Moritz exciting White Turf horse race. 9/16/23 FEBRUARY 2014. Also featured Sheik Zayed Bin Sultan Al  Nahyan Listed Cup.Saint Moritz Badrutts Hotel a special appeal. City of Berne under winter snow & the jolly,sturdy red train climbing the white snow clad  mountains, between the green pines. A fairy tale image…….

Faberge Russian jeweller to the Czars. Faberge jewelled  flower study. Sold for £350.500 at Sothebys this week. Faberge jewelled bunch of cherries study was sold by MacDougalls for £226.200. Faberge gold elephant mounted on purpurine mini egg pendant sold  by Sothebys for £20.000. Faberge silver elephant bell push sold by Macdougalls for £22.000 hammer. London’s Russian  Auction week was a jolly affair with lots of Russians bidding cheerfully as they   enjoyed hidden swigs of Vodka. Faberge was founded in St. Petersbourg Imperial Russia  by Gustave Faberge in 1842.

faberge

Dolce & Gabbana designed the festive Claridges Hotel Christmas tree for 2013.

Anna Paola Cibin. Venetian artist who paints and embroiders on to silk velvet. Venice Biennale exhibitor.

Belgravia, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, exclusive Estate Agencies can find you  well located properties to fill every requirement. For some Acquisitions  selected  “Off Market” property visits are arranged. 

Russian art auctions at McDougalls St James London, 27 November 2013. Shown view of the Kremlin by Pavel Sokolov-Skkalya circa 1925. Below Bathers on the Lido, 1909, by Leon Bakst renowned costume designer for the Ballets Russes, in the Paris of the 1920’s.

Tuscan Villa & Chianti Vineyards. For Sale, it is reported, for 50 million euros. Tuscan villa dating from the 14th century, & its 160 acre Chianti  vineyards, & olive groves, Villa di Vignamaggio. Home of the family of Lisa Gherardini. Historically the birth place of of the young woman who was the presumed model  for Leonardo da Vinci’s La Mona Lisa, painting commissioned after Lisa married the silk merchant, Francesco del Giocondo. Vignamaggio has accomodation to rent. Contact us for legendary properties to buy, off Market.

Turin 12th November 2013. Lawyer Giovanni Agnelli Grugliasco (Turin) at the  1st 10.ooo Maserati luxury Sedans off the production line . Factory opened January 30th 2013 in the Turin plant alongside the historic Modena plant for the 2 new Luxury Maserati Sedans. The Baby Quattro Porte & the Ghibli. Producing around 140 vehicles a day. Copyright ANSA & Image below CarandDriver.

Vintage 1950’s Jaeger LeCoultre Galaxy Mystery Automatic mens wristwatch to be auctioned by Waddingtons, Canada, Lot 84, Tues 3rd December 2013,@7pm. 17 jewel, automatic wind movement, 36 small diamonds,14K white gold case. Est:$1500-2000. 

Speake Marin Mk2, with its highly visible face, has been preselected for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve, ahead of the November 15 2013 prize giving ceremony. Top 19 watches in its class, under 7500 Swiss Francs. CHFr. Future exhibition will be at Vienna Time 15-19 November 2013.

Basel World 2013 star, the new, sleek, Chrono Driver, from Meccaniche Veloci.  The exclusive Meccaniche Veloci watches will now be available from the prestigious Harrods Fine Watch room, December 2013. Chrono Driver, a watch inspired by the precision watches worn by Formula One racing drivers. Image below of the Ferrari F430-GT Cup Car of the Scuderia 27 – Baldini Mode Racing Team.  QP Magazine. 

Mask of an Egyptian Mummy. Cartonnage Polychromy, 1st Century B.C. 45 cms high. Starting bid CHF 22.000. Auction 8 Lot 51. Cahn. Jean David Cahn .Ancient Art Auction @ Riehen nr. Basle 9th November 2013

Bulgari has chosen Madame Carla Bruni Sarkozy for a scintillating ad campaign photographed in Rome, the Eternal City. Here the parure is the famous “Serpenti: necklace & watch in brilliant diamonds, with discreet diamond ear studs. c.Bulgari. Daily Mail.

Jaeger Lecoultre  legendary Hybris Mechanicha 55. with 26 complications. Hybris Tourbillon has 10 complications. Hybris Mechanica Triptyque has 19 complications. Like gold dust so few are made of the Hybris Mechanica 55, one of the most complicated watches ever made. Only 2/3 are made each year, only 30 sets will be made. A trilogy sold together with a huge safe that weighs 1200 kgs.

Christmas gift idea. Typically American  style & colours  of the period. “Pin Up Girls”, giant  Calendars from the 1940’s & 1960″s for sale by Waddingtons Auction House, Canada. Nov11-14 2013. Lot 24. & Lot 25.  The two erotic images we have selected, that are also to be auctioned, are by Hagime Sorayama the Japanese artist born in 1947. 49ins X 37inches. Estimate each @$US200.  c.Waddingtons.

Elizabeth Taylor wearing the famous Bulgari 1962 emerald and diamond necklace. Auctioned for over US$.6.500.000  by Christies New York in December 2011, & now part of the Bulgari Heritage collection. 8 Show stopping pieces, by Bulgari, once owned by Elizabeth Taylor, are currently on show, in the “The Art of Bulgari La Dolce Vita & Beyond” at the de Youngs Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco. Also shown Elizabeth Taylor, wearing the impressive sapphire sautoir.  The Burmese “Sugarloaf” cabochon sapphire sautoir was created in 1969, & given to Elizabeth Taylor to mark her 40th birthday in 1972. Sold at the Christies New York auction for US$.5.900.000.It has been reported that Bulgari invested over US$ 20.000.000. to acquire the historic Elizabeth Taylor  jewels, at the Christies 2011 Auction, & copyright to using the period photos of Elizabeth Taylor wearing the jewels was key to the deal. Images courtesy.copyright. Getty images. AP. & Antonio Barella Studio Orizzoni. Bulgari.

Tattersalls Autumn Training Auction for race horses, Newmarket, 28-31 October 2013. Two wildcards have been selected for the sales, Henry de Bromhead trained “No Cash Flow”, No. 1066A. & the Paul Hickey trained “Mckinley”, No. 1066B. Image courtesy of Tattersalls,copyright. “Foreteller” one of 10 Group 1 winners from the sale since 2010

Rene Boivin, fish pendant that hides a secret perfume compartment. From the collection of Paris Socialite, & Perfumier, Madame Helene Rochas. Gold fish, circa 1971,  with peridot,moonstone & gold. Magnificent Jewels Auction Christies Geneva 12th November 2013. Image courtesy Christies. 

Galle Musikschransk/Music Cabinet.  Emile Galle, Nancy, eastern France, circa 1903. Nutwood,mahogany & exotic wood inlays. A magical landscape at night, with narcissus, flowers & butterflies……very collectable 10-15.000. euro estimate. Photo Quittenbaum. Quittenbaum Auktion Munich, Germany,5th November 2013. Art Nouveau / Art Deco Auction 

Art Toronto Fair. 25-28th October 2013 Autumn Birds 195.5X160 cms by Ron Kingswood.  Photo courtesy Johnathan Cooper Gallery, Park Walk Gallery, London.

Antiquorum are preparing a future watch auction to take place in New York December 11th 2013. This splendid watch, a Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 sold  recently to a private collector, September 18th 2013, by Antiquorum for US$ 255.750. Image Antiquorum.

Arqana. 4 Days of Autumn Yearling race horse sales in Deauville, excellent results. 82%, 543, of the Yearlings sold,with a 10% increase of the average price attaining over 15 million  euros turnover, for the 4 days. Image Arqana.

Tattersalls. Outstanding Dual Group 1 winner, “Immortal Verse”, in foal to “DANSILI”, to sell at Tattersalls December 2013 sale. Immortal Verse trained by Robert Collet in Chantilly won at both Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Ascot, & the Prix Le Marois at Deauville. Daughter of “Pivotal”, carrying 1st foal on behalf of owners  Merriebelle Stables. She will be consigned from  Lillingstons County Limerick, Ireland, based Mount Coote Stud. A dynamic International world for  horse breeding  & Horse racing. Tattersalls Lot number 1830 Tuesday 3rd December 2013.Tattersalls image.

Tattersalls, Newmarket. Seal of Approval beats Belle de Crecy at Ascot. As the Tattersalls Autumn 2013 Yearling sales look good as the 3rd book posts a 38% increase over last year, with a 27% average increase per horse.  Belle de Crecy is due to be sold at Tattersalls December Mare Sale. Whilst promising  Royal Diamond heads for the Horses in Training sale. Tattersalls Image.

Christies  Geneva, Magnificent Jewels Auction November 12th 2013, Jewels from the great collections of Señor Simon Itturi Patino, the Bolivian Tin King, & Parisian Socialite, Madame Helene Rochas, of French Perfume fame. We feature in this posting 2 exceptional flawless diamond and emerald necklaces, the emerald & diamond necklace below by Cartier estimated at Swiss Francs 6.6 – 9.4 millions, and the witty  gold & diamond Tiger  designed by Rene Boivin. Images Christies.

Van Cleef and Arpels  “Poetry of Time” ™ watches featured at the  Swiss Watches&Wonders exhibition, Hong-Kong 25-28 September 2013. Here we have selected Van Cleef & Arpels ladies watches that are scattered with diamonds & romantic themes, from the “Poetry of Time”.  tm. collection.  The photo is of the  Lady Arpels Ballerina Enchantee watch. Van Cleef & Arpels has recently refurbished their store at 31 rue du Rhone,Geneva, & whilst distribution remains very exclusive, Van Cleef & Arpels plan to open shortly in Zurich, with another store which is in beautiful  Lucerne.                                    Van Cleef & Arpels is part of the Cie Financiere  Richemont S.A. Who have opened up 8 stores in mainland China since 2004. Asia has become Richemont’s biggest market with jewellery representing 50% of sales operating income, & watches making up most of the rest.           Richemont plans to concentrate on the jewellery/watch Brands of Cartier, & Lange Sohne, as well as Van Cleef & Arpels. It is reported that Richemont plan to sell off the Lancel handbag brand. It is proposed that a Van Cleef & Arpels watchmaking manufacturing pole will be installed  on the future Richemont campus, at Meyrin. Further Images featured include Pont des Amoureux, & Poetical Wish.

Thomas Struth German photographer who has had many exhibitions World wide.  Born in 1954. San Zaccaria Venice. Chromogenic print face mounted to plexiglas. 1995. no 8/10. Auction Post-War & Contemporary Art, Christies, King Street, London 18th October 2013.                                    This art work sold for £580.000. hammer at the Auction last night, 18/10/13.                                           Mr Blake Byrne L.A. Art Collector reminisced about Marian’s Gallery on New York’s 57th Street.

Jose Romussi Chilean artist, working in Berlin showed an interesting series of collage embroidered onto photos images. Strarta pre frieze Fair. Saatchi gallery, Duke of Yorks Square, Chelsea London.

Zac Freemna’s  “Steve”, Photo montage,, mixed media assemblage, Woolff Galerie, sold  (£17.500)on the first day at Strarta pre Frieze fair at the Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s Square, Chelsea, London

Etro Windows London Bond Street presenting their Limited Edition collection of colourful “Shoppers”, launched 17th October 2013.

Etro Store, Bond Street, London. Exciting collection of Limited Edition colourful, decorated shopping bags. Street Art goes upmarket.

Mao au Balcon, by Yan Pei-Ming.1960.Post War & Contemporary Art Auction. Christies King Street, London. 18th October 2013.

Tourbillon, Perpetual Calendar . A Limited Edition of 15 Timepieces.  German Watchmaker based a Glashutte,  A.Lange & Sohne. Black crocodile strap. Image below shows a closeup of the exceptionally fine & detailed  work of the solid white gold face with engraved & “Tremblage” techniques & the various dials.  25 Handpainted blue numeral. A.Lange & Sohne will be showing at the QP Fair. Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery Duke of York Sq Chelsea London

A.Lange & Sohne. Mondphase  elegant & understated men’s wrist watch made by this exclusive German watchmaker, whose factory is in Glashutte. A.Lange & Sohne will be showing at the QP Watch Fair at Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery Duke of York’s Square, Chelsea in London. 7-9 November 2013. 

Glashutte small town in former Eastern Germany famous for watchmaking. Re-emergence of German watchmaking industry centred around Glashutte. Due to the energy of the late Gunther Blumen, instrumental in the transformation of the industry.Very linked to the rebirth of  A.Lange & Sohne who are showing at the QP Watch Fair at the Saatchi Saatchi Gallery in Duke of Yorks Square, 7-9 November 2013. 

“ART OF THE AUTOMOBILE ” 21ST November 2013. RM Auctions in association with Sothebys, Manhattan, New York, will include this exceptional & unique bright orange lacquer Lincoln. This  1955 Lincoln Indianapolis Concept was designed  &  built on a V8 Ford chassis by the iconic  Carrozzeria Boano Torino, Italy. Dream car Creator of Italy, Felice Mario Boano  worked in Post War Italy as a car designer. Originally the car was presented as a one off at the 1955 Turin Motor Show, the place to show case new cars in the 1950’s. Subsequently car sent to Henry Ford 11, &  the legend goes that he offered this glamourous car to the Hollywood Film Star, Errol Flynn. After a many mishaps a new owner gave the  wreck of the Indianapolis to Jim Cox @ Sussex Motors  & Coachworks to restore.  Million $ pricing expected for this unique Classic car. Tom Burkart, Topspeed. & SportsCarMarket.

Versace Statement white dress with a bouncy full skirt, a trend for next Summer 2014.Versace catwalk photo for Spring  Summer 2014. The investment news is that shortlisted candidates are bidding separately for a stake in Versace of as much as a reported 20%. Include Blackstone Group, Permira Advisors Holdings UK, Italian Private Equity Fund Clessidra, Italian Fund FSI, & Qatar Holding FSI, & French Buyout firm Ardian, no longer part of AXA.

Red is Red. Cara Delevingne models Versace. As rumours swirl   in Milan around fresh investment in the Brand. Versace is run by Gianni Versace’s  sister Donatella , brother Santo  & niece Allegra, since Gianni’s assassination in Miami.  The story is that Investcorp the Bahraini private equity giant is slugging it out with other investors trying to get a piece of the pie. However, those close to the Versace Family say that the Family want to retain control. The Milan based business is currently valued at 1bn euro, & is still controlled by the Family, Donatella has 20%, Santos holds 30%, & niece Allegra holds 50%, a delicate balance. (image Vittorio Zunino Celotto)

To celebrate 126 years in Place Vendome Boucheron launches new Haute Joaillerie collection, Hotel de Lumiere. Inspired by pieces from the Boucheron archives., re-interpreted in a modern style. This stunning piece named Radiance after Louis X1V. The Sun King. Louis X1V actually commissioned the design of the Place Vendome in Paris. Radiance, the sparkle of these pieces is enhanced by a variety of princess,baguette & round cuts,that are arranged to move with the body,when worn. A vernissage 14th October 2013 opens at the Place Vendome Boucheron Boutique with a selection of Hiroshi Sugimoto’s black & white seascapes.

New Emilio Pucci boutique opens on Avenue Montaigne, Paris. Laudomia Pucci, Emilio Pucci daughter runs an impressive Pucci family empire. From 8US$ in 2000, to over 100 million euros for last year. 50 Boutiques around the World, with 10 more planned before end 2014, including Shanghai, Pekin, Kiev, & Bakou in Ouzbekistan. Pucci creative director, Peter Dundas,  has worked with architect Joseph Dirand on this new Palazzo Concept for the Pucci boutiques, inspired by the Family’s Florentine Palazzo. Stunning Murano chandelier from the Pucci Family’s  Florentine Palazzo, in the window,  stuns passers-by.

Interior of the sumptuous Palazzo Pucci that has just opened on Avenue Montaigne in Paris. New concept by Pucci Artistic Director & Architect Joseph Dirand. A Florentine Palazzo inspired decor, with this stunning Murano Chandelier, and tables in veined Breccia dei Medicis marble, & two tone marble  terrazzo flooring. Pucci now has 50 boutiques around the World. 10 new stores are planned by end 2014 in Shanghai, Pekin, Kiev, & Bakou in Ouzbekistan. From 8US$ in 2000, Pucci had a turnover of 100 million euros last year.

Picasso Tete de Femme. Features his lover Marie Theres Walter, circa 1935. Lot 16 Sothebys New York,  Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Auction. Painting could fetch as much as £18/19 million.

Alexandre Reza. Phenomenal colombian emerald and baguette diamond pendant earrings. Extraordinary jewellery exhibition 1/14th November 2013. Sothebys New York

Sothebys Hong Kong Auction 7th October 2013 Lot 1607 . Dramatic Paloma Picasso brooch for Tiffanys. Peridot. Pink Sapphire & diamonds.

Noir sur Noir. Outstanding visuals for the Louis  Vuitton S/S14 Finale during Paris Fashion Week. As Marc Jacobs, Vuitton’s Creative Director for the past 16 years, announces he is to leave to set up his own fashion Brand. Photo Reuters.

Louis Vuitton . Black to Black.                                  All black show for S/S 14 for Marc Jacobs who  has confirmed that he is leaving Louis Vuitton to set up his own fashion Brand. In 16 years Jacobs has taken a luggage company & transformed it into a must have fashion brand.

92eme Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, famous Longchamp horse racing festival. Champion race horse Cirrus des Aigles ridden by jockey Christophe Soumillon, & trained by Madame Corine Barande-Barbe,winning for the 3rd time the Qatar Prix Dollar.                                                   Great supporter of race horse breeding and racing  in Chantilly the Aga Khan had 2 wins today with Valerian, & Ebiyza.                                                   The Maison Lafitte Centre was successful with Pollyanna who had a good win. Image APRH.

Hats for Longchamp race course in Paris for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc horse racing festival, famous for the racing & the joyfully extravagant fashion. 

Marco Zanini’s last collection for Rochas, before he moves to Schiaparelli was magical. Feminine floaty  palest silvery & gold metallics. Fashion156, Images Style.com

Alber Elbaz collection for Lanvin Spring Summer  2014 presented in Paris was  “stop the traffic” breath taking and ground breaking. Couture meets sophisticated rock star, as the mix of lurex & metallic fabrics,taffetas & mousselines, lit up the runway, in vibrant colourful  harmonies. Images Getty.

Chanel Spring Summer 2014. Karl Lagerfeld has outclassed himself with an outstandingly new take on Chanel. Tuttifrutti knits and lace, and exaggerated green & black eye make up. Image Yannis Vlamos. Indigitalimages.com

Audemars Piguet launches their advertising campaign aimed at their ladies clientele.Belgian top model, Anouck Lepore is the selected face for the campaign. Here we have selected the handwound “Tourbillon” wristwatch. 18 carat pink gold case,white mother of pearl dial, white strap. 84 brilliant cut diamonds, 1.4 carats. Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the board of Directors, is the only woman heading a major watch manufacturer.

Thrilling Finish as Oracle Team USA defeated Team New Zealand in the Americas Cup 2013, winning 8 straight races, in grandiose  San Francisco Bay. Photo Ezra Shaw. Getty Images.

Allen Jones image of Kate Moss. Kate in Red. Auctioned for £121.875. at Christies King Street,London SW1

Paolo Sorrentino’s film La Grande Bellazza has opened in London. Impressive critical acclaim after having been presented at the Cannes Film Festival 2013. Echoes the great period in the 1960’s of Italian film makers, Fellini & Antonioni. Sumptuous views of Rome and a bitter sweet story that captivates you. With Toni Servillo & Galatea Ranzi.

Kate Moss from the Gert Elfering coll.Auction 25th Sept Christies King St.London

Joe Black’s version of Mao, tiny plastic gun toting soldiers march across the canvas for this trompe l’oeil Mao. Post War & Contemporary  Auction Christies Sth Ken. 24th September 2013

Vogue Italia’s Fashion Nite Out,  Via Montenapoleone Milan, with Versace images. Vogue Italia Chief Editor, Franca Sozzani, said Vogue Italia would showcase “Vogue Talents” at Palazzo Morando, via Sant’ Andrea, Milan

Fendi, under Karl Lagerfeld, soft degrade chiffon for S/S 14. Milan Fashion Week. Fendi celebrated the opening of the new Fendi Flagship store on Via Montenapoleone, Milan 

Antonio Marras S/S 2014 Milan Fashion Week

Hilton Worldwide will be opening the Hilton Istanbul Bomonte hotel in February 2014. In Sisli district, next to the former Bomonte glass factory, with sensational views of the Bosphorus from the 34th floor bar, and impressive lighting effects installed by the Czech crystal glass company, Preciosa. Hilton Worldwide recently announced further Hotel projects for Turkey, bringing Hilton to being the first Hotel operator with over 10.000 rooms operational or in development in Turkey.

One and Only Hotel The Palm Dubai, set amid palms, gardens and sparkling fountains

One and Only Hotel, The Palm, Dubai.Splendid lighting effects & chandeliers in Czech crystal glass by Preciosa Lighting.

34th Americas Cup 2013.  Glorious San Francisco Bay. Americas Cup Oracle Team USA narrow gap on Team New Zealand, as the exciting final race approaches. The latest round of the World Famous regatta is reported like a thriller by Liam Phelan in the Sydney Morning Herald.   With stories of pharaonic budgets,  State of the Art technology & over engineered at massive cost.. Reportedly American software billionaire, Larry Ellison has bankrolled the US Team to the tune of US$100. million. Whereas the Australian Government, funding the New Zealand Team, are reported to have spent a whopping US$150 million. It is suggested that it is no longer a sport,  as the 72feet Catamarans, devised by the Americans, are dangerously fast & cumbersome.Cameras on the yachts enable viewers to follow the race in palpitating real time. Terrific. Liam Phelan article in Sydney Morning Herald, & organiser Bonnie Vale Sailing Club in Australia. Photo AFP

Gripoix ostrich father bib necklace. Drawn from the Fashion Jewellery collection of Barbara Berger currently on show at New York’s Museum of Art and Design. June 25 2013 – January 20 2014. Part of the Collection will close 22/09/13. Currently over 450 pieces on show with objects designed by  Miriam Haskell, K.J.Lane, Balenciaga, Marcel Boucher.

5 Star  120 room Eden Hotel in Roma is apparently set to become part of the Dorchester Collection, in a deal worth an estimated 105.million euros. The famous Hotel was a favourite  with King Alfonso X111 of Spain & legendary Italian Film maker  Federico Fellini. Dorchester Collection is owned by the Brunei Investment Agency, a Sovereign Fund reportedly  controlled by the Sultan of Brunei. The Eden hotel is currently owned by the  Starwood Capital Group & Lehman Brothers. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Group previously sold the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan to the Dorchester Group, 10 years ago.

Tom Ford gleaming & burnished Runway looks. Tom Ford presented his new S/S Womenswear collection in London last nite 16th Sept.  Leather, Lace, and paillettes. Glam rock  mini skirt disco looks, with sexy ankle boots, for S/S 2014. London Fashion Week. Photo Gareth Cattermole/ Getty Images

Tom Ford presented his new S/S 14 collection in London last nite,16th September.  Striking  cognac leather mini skirt outfit, with 80’s shoulders.London Fashion Week. Photo Gareth Cattermole/ Getty Images.

Tom Ford. Spring Summer 2014. Glam Punk Disco dress. Strong shoulders. Silvered Sixties inspired paillettes &  black cobwebs of lingerie lace. London Fashion Week. Photo Cordon Press. El Pais. Inagist.

J.W.Anderson. Ultra lite & modernistic fabrics & creations for S/S/14. London Fashion Week. Images Catwalking

Frick Collection New York. Gold & enamel pendant watch.Henry Arlaud 1631-1689. Enamelling by Pierre Huaud 11 1647-1698. Geneva c.1685.  Much of the Frick collection  a bequest from Winthrop Kellogg Edey. Exhibition Precision & Splendor,  Clocks & Watches @ The Frick Collection N.Y. until 2 February 2014.

Carine Roitfeld former Editor of French Vogue was  recently appointed Global Fashion Director of Harpers Bazaar. Her magazine  “CR”  first published in July 13 sold out within 2 weeks.      During New York Fashion Week & now during London Fashion Week  the Fashion world is a buzz  all wanting to view “Mademoiselle C”,  Fabien Constant’s film on producing her magazine “CR”. Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford et al appear in the film, as does Stephen Gan Fashion Media,publisher of “CR”.  As Global Fashion Director of Harpers Bazaar Carine Roitfeld will have a reach of 11 million people. Carine is looking to bring out a scent next, all with a view to developing her own personal “Brand”. Astute. Photo Patrick Swirc for The Telegraph.

Valentino has launched an exclusive pop-up shop 1st floor at Harrods, dedicated to its A/W 13 Rockstud Rouge collection

Cate Blanchett, drawn by the artist David Downton, fashion artist in residence. Discreetly, sitting in the Fumoir, at uber chic Claridges Hotel, drawing some of the beautiful, & interesting people who pass thru the Hotel. With New York Fashion week just over & Fashionistas crowding into London for Fashion Week, Claridges is hosting an exhibition of  David Downton’s drawings of glamourous Claridges visitors who epitomise “glamchic”. Exhibition Midnight @ Noon  from  14/18 Sept 2013,                    Claridges Hotel Brook St. Mayfair.London W1

Claridges Hotel London. BBC Radio1 Fearne Cotton 31 year old popular Disc Jockey  launches her new on line fashion collection for www.very.co.uk

Claridges Hotel London.  Fearne Cotton 31 year old, popular BBC Radio 1 D.J. launches her new on line fashion collection for www.very.co.uk                                             fashion detective.co.uk

Christian Lacroix. Inspired  colour, shocking pink,crimson,lime green & brilliance & elegance, superb silks for the Schiaparelli Couture A/W 13  tribute shown at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, in Paris.. Diego Della Valle who acquired Schiapelli in 2006 had the  idea to invite Christian Lacroix to design a Schiaparelli tribute  for A/W 13.                                Photo AlessandroGarofalo/ InDigitalteam/Gorunway

Bora Aksu, Turkish Designer’s  10th Anniversary show @  London Fashion Week for S/S/ 14. Images AFP/GETTY. Ben Stansall.

Ralph Lauren New York Fashion Week, Spring Summer 2014.               Stand out  Fluo lime green 1960’s inspired skirt & coat & matching patent handbag. Photo Isidore Montag. Daily Telegraph.

Tom Ford. Sunday Times Style Sept 8th 2013. A profile Sultan of Suave,by Claudia Croft. The clothes photographed are the epitome of LUXE. With Yves Saint Laurent gone, Christian Lacroix seemingly invisible, except for the  Schiaparelli tribute for A/W 13,  & John Galliano in the wilderness, Tom Ford is indefinable – glamourous chic guru. During London Fashion Week, the next show on Sept 16th is awaited with anticipation. A newly opened  flagship store, all silvered mirror and black marble,  has opened on “fashionista avenue”, London’s Sloane Street.

Tom Ford features on cover of the Sunday Times Style magazine, 8th Sept 2013. Sultan of Suave by Claudia Croft. With Yves Saint Laurent gone, Christian Lacroix barely visible, except for his  1 off Couture Schiaparelli A/W 13 Tribute at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris.  & John Galliano in the wilderness, Tom Ford stands out as glamour chic ‘s guru. A man passionate about Contemporary Art to judge by his showroom. Now,  A silvered mirror & black marble store has recently opened on Sloane Street, London. Daniel Craig wore Tom Ford suits as James Bond.                   The menswear suits start @ £2500

Mercedes  AMG new game.                Gregor Wildermann features an interview with Paul Rustchynsky, Game Director at Evolution  Studios, the label’s new “Drive Club” game. Exciting Challenges faced during development & the key roles played by 2 striking Mercedes AMG models. photo Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

Jaguar revealed the C-X17 SUV at the International Frankfurt motor show. 10-22 September 2013. Advanced lightweight, but strong, aluminium, for a monocoque concept.  Ultra efficient engines. Styling of the 4 seater overseen by  Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Design Director. Officially incorporated since December 2012, as Jaguar Landrover Ltd.                                             Chris Knapman, Daily Telegraph.

Jolly, shocking pink Vespa by Piaggi,styled by Contemporary artist Simon Periton. Simon Periton (born 1964)  was inspired by  a visit to Naples to decorate his Vespa, shocking pink, that he named Aardvark.  “The only way thru the traffic chaos in Naples was by scooter”……..Lot 735 To be auctioned at Christies Interiors Auction, Christies South Ken. Tuesday 10th September 2013. Estimate £2500-£3500

Mexico a Revolution in Art 1910-1940. Including dynamic paintings by Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, & Jose Clemente Orozco. Royal Academy until 29th September 2013.

La Rosa de Ortega on a hill in Havana, Cuba. Charming Old World villa restored as a hotel, with a swimming pool.

Cartier Style and History exhibition will be opening in Paris at the Grand Palais 4th December 2013. Cartier Collection & Cartier Tradition, in Geneva, for years, have been searching out and acquiring sensational Vintage Cartier pieces. Such as the famous tutti-frutti flamingo made especially for the Duchess of Windsor. Bought back, by Cartier,at auction through Sothebys for £1.700.000. From exotic to classic  – For many years Jaeger Lecoultre supplied the fine watch mechanisms for the Cartier watches, which are also sought after by Cartier Tradition. Cartier Tradition were able to acquire most of the Jaeger Lecoultre ledgers for 1919-1972, most of the period that Jaeger Lecoultre were supplying Cartier, these docs are invaluable for checking authenticity,& ,in some cases, provenance of the vintage Cartier watches.

The Light Princess new musical due to open at London’s National Theatre, October 2013.  Inspired by a Scottish fairy tale written by George McDonald in 1864. The Light Princess is a collaboration between cult songwriter Toni Amos, playwright Samuel Adamson, & director Marianne Elliot.

Lecce,beautiful, sun bathed, white stone city, in the Puglia region of southern Italy. Famous for its churches and ornately decorated palazzi. These Baroque buildings have led Lecce to be called “the Florence of the south”. Walk down the narrow, cobbled streets & you could imagine “Shakespeare come to Life”. Lecce has a long cultural history shared  with the ancient Greeks, The Messagii,  who founded the city & are said to have been ancient Cretans. Puglia is famous for its delicious, golden, sun drenched olive oil, its local pasta and stuffed vegetable dishes.  & its white stone typical Trulli………

Michael Douglas arriving at the C.I..D theatre, evening of friday 30 August for the opening of the 39th Festival of Cinema Americain. Steven Soderberg’s film Behind the Candleabra with Michael Douglas & Matt Damon was the opening screening. Amazing cameo performance from Rob Lowe, who plays  a coked out plastic surgeon.   American Film Festival ends Sept 8th 2013.                                    Michael Douglas looked well, joked about putting on weight, and was  applauded by a large glamourous crowd of well wishers.

Hotel Magnetburg in beautiful Spa town of Baden Baden, situated in the northern foothills of the Black Forest. Not far from Karlsruhe, and the French border. Baden Baden Yearling race horse sales 30th August 2013

Perspectives, by John Pawson for Swarovski, Gilbert McGarragher. Our Thanks for Image. Palladio’s stunning 16th century Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore. Wallpaper has done a feature on John Pawson focusing the large Swarovski crystal lens in the Basilica, “Perspectives” capturing the magnificent dome interior, during the opening of the 55th Venice Biennale.                                                  Swarovski is currently working to restore the statue of San Giorgio, that lies on top of the church.. This marks the inaugural donation of the newly created Swarovski Foundation.           Is this part of a Branding strategy for Swarovski as they plan to move into the luxury jewellery market ? 

Lot 309. 1959 Dodge Coronet Lancer. Hard top Coupe.Tail fins & cassata ice cream colours for this amazing “Rock Around the Clock & bobby sox” reminder.  No Reserve. Beaulieu Sale Collectors Motor Cars & Automobilia.                                                  Organised by Bonhams 7 September 2013.                     Image Photo Simon Clay.